If you live in Arizona or are planning a trip there, you’ll surely have lots of fun. The reason I’m saying this is because Arizona is blessed with numerous natural treasures. So, there are many options for you to visit and enjoy. If you don’t know, let me tell you that Arizona is a state in the American West, also known as the Grand Canyon state.
So, I decided to prepare a list of the most-visited tourist spots there. I’m sure this will help you plan your trip easily. Have a look:
1. Grand Canyon National Park
The Grand Canyon National Park in Northern Arizona is one of the best places to visit. This amazing park has a lot of viewpoints that give you views of the Canyon and Colorado rivers. This National Park was established in 1919.
It offers a variety of outdoor programs for kids. In North Rim, there are several campsites. The Grand Canyon Park also offers park ranger programs through which you can learn about the Grand Canyon’s nature, science, history, and culture. You can also take a virtual tour of the Grand Canyon.
2. Horseshoe Bend
Horseshoe Bend is also known as the east rim of the Grand Canyon and is located near the Colorado River. It was also featured as a landmark for the Glen Canyon National Recreational area. I highly recommend you visit there as it is an iconic spot for people fond of unique topography and landscapes. You can visit and explore Horseshoe Bend late morning to get the best view. Also, one of the advantages is that it is not difficult to hike there.
3. Petrified Forest National Park
Do you know Petrified Forest Park is among one of the best parks there? This Park also has the Rainbow Forest Museum in its south. It was established around sixty years ago.
This park is worth visiting because it contains deposits of more than 200-year-old fossils and very famous archaeological sites and structures. It has over 1000 historical sites and I’m sure you’ll enjoy hiking there.
4. Saguaro National Park
Located in Southern Arizona, Saguaro National Park has two sides on either side of Tucson. The Eastern side of the park is called the Rincon Mountain District, and the Western side is called the Tucson Mountain District. One thing that I like about it most is that it can be explored in less than a day. The Saguaro National Park is also one of the best places to visit for hiking. It does not offer car or RV camping, and there is no Wi-Fi available in either district.
5. Desert Botanical Garden
Located at 1201 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, Arizona, the United States of America, this botanical garden allows you to experience the deep tranquillity of desert plants in the red rocks.
It offers live music, complimentary drinks, and unforgettable strolls in the garden. You can visit Desert Botanical Garden with your family or friends, or even for a date night. There are also a lot of restaurants for dining near the garden.
6. Wupatki National Monument
The Wupatki National monument is a National monument located in North Central Arizona. The location of this monument is 25137 North Wupatki Lane, Flagstaff, AZ, the United States of America. So, if you are curious about culture and nature, I highly recommend you visit there.
The Wupatki Pueblo is located behind the Wupatki Visitor Center and offers stunning scenery. Do you know that Flagstaff is an international dark sky city and a historic downtown? This historic downtown has an amazing historic route with diverse shops.
If you visit Flagstaff, you can also explore Coconino National Forest, which has Beaver Creek Canyon. You can also visit Walnut Canyon National Monument in Flagstaff.
7. Glen Canyon Dam
This Dam on the Colorado River is in the North of Arizona near the town of Page. The location of Glen Canyon Dam is in the national recreation area of Glen Canyon. This dam forms one of the largest reservoirs made by man, Lake Powell, which is in the United States of America.
The Colorado River is the largest source of water in southwestern America. It is the second-highest concrete arch dam after Hoover Dam in America. Hoover Dam is a hydroelectric plant in Nevada, whereas the Glen Canyon Dam ensures water distribution from the Colorado River. The Hoover Dam is also considered a national historic landmark.
8. Montezuma Castle National Monument
The Montezuma Castle National Monument was established in 1906 to protect well-preserved dwellings in Arizona, which were built and used by pre-Columbian culture and other indigenous peoples of the southwestern United States.
Let me inform you that it has two sides, one is Montezuma Castle and the other is Montezuma Well. The visitor center in the former has details and information about both of these. Both places have hiking trails and picnic spots where you can spend quality time.
9. Canyon de Chelly National Monument
Located in Chinle, Northeastern Arizona, Canyon de Chelly National Monument was established in 1931 as a part of the National Park Service to preserve the ruins of indigenous tribes. Some features you will be able to witness once you visit Canyon de Chelly National Monument are spider rock spires and towering sandstone cliffs. You can also hike or do horseback riding in Canyon de Chelly.
10. Tonto National Forest
This forest is the largest of the six national forests in America. There is a wilderness area known as Salt River Canyon Wilderness within this National forest. You can travel and explore this wilderness using a raft or kayak. If you like to do adventurous activities, you can go white-water rafting in the Salt River and explore the various side creeks.
11. Jerome State Historic Park
This state park in Arizona, US, was established in 1957 and opened for visitors in 1965. Jerome is now known as a ghost town. It is still a place worth exploring while visiting Arizona as it has breathtaking scenery and a rich historical past. This state park is one of the best places in AZ as it offers a lot of events and organizes several new programs each month.
12. Havasu Canyon
I have to say that Havasu Canyon is one of the gorgeous places, located around 35 miles west of the Grand Canyon Village in southwest Arizona. All the visitors are required to get a permit before entering the Canyon.
Havasu Falls, located in the Grand Canyon, is a waterfall of Havasu Creek. The Havasu Falls is within Havasupai tribal lands, and so is the Havasu Canyon. Therefore, if you are visiting the Grand Canyon, you must also explore Havasu Falls, as it is extremely beautiful and peaceful.
The trek to Havasu Falls is a little difficult and takes approximately four to seven hours. Havasu Falls is also a great waterfall for swimming as it has refreshing water.
13. Mount Lemmon
They are the highest point in the Santa Catalina Mountains. These mountains are located in the Coronado National Forest, which is north of Tucson, Arizona. The Mount Lemmon scenic byway, also known as Catalina Highway scenic drive, is considered one of the most scenic routes in southeast Arizona as it offers amazing mountain views.
14. Goldfield Ghost Town
Goldfield Ghost Town was an old west mining camp founded in 1893. It includes the Gold King Mine Museum and gold mine tours. If you visit this ghost town, you can explore many shops and historic buildings.
15. Monument Valley
Monument Valley is a red sand desert region known for the sandstone buttes of Monument Navajo tribal park. This park in Monument Valley has been used to film several Western movies. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Arizona. Besides being featured in movies, Monument Valley also appears in various computer games. I strongly recommend exploring its scenic beauty at least once.
16. Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium, and Safari Park
Wildlife World Zoo is an aquarium and a zoo in Litchfield Park, Arizona which is a 30-minute distance from Phoenix. It is a family-friendly attraction and one of the exciting things to do in Arizona.
The zoo is 215 acres which includes Arizona’s exotic animals, specializing primarily in African and South American animals. It is home to 600+ animal species, like giraffes, cats, monkeys, zebras, and much more, with a splendid aquarium view on the way. I highly recommend you visit its safari park which allows for a guided tour in an open airbus to view animals like gazelles, antelopes, and ostriches, to name a few.
17. Heard Museum
Heard Museum is a world-renowned nonprofit Museum in Phoenix, Arizona. Known for American Indian Art and was founded in 1929. It displays 12 exhibition galleries and collections of Native American people with a sculpture garden, a contemporary art gallery, and a cafe. It consists of items like pottery, jewelry, textiles, weavings, and katsina dolls of Native American artists. I believe exploring this museum is a unique experience.
18. Arizona Science Center
Arizona Science Center is a prime Science and Education Museum in Downtown Phoenix, founded in 1984. It displays over 350 hands-on exhibits for kids with entertainment and learning on different scientific themes. If you have kids, this is definitely your destination.
The popular exhibits to highlight in the center are Flight Zone, which describes the Science of Flights; The Forces of Nature, which showcases natural calamities like hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, or volcanoes; and All About Me, a peculiar look at the inside workings of the human body.
Additionally, the center has a Dorrance Planetarium and a five-story screen IMAX Theater (Irene P. Flinn Theater). Also, the center hosts special events and exhibitions, making it worth a visit and one of the best things to do in Arizona.
19. Phoenix Art Museum
Phoenix Art Museum is a massive visual art museum in Phoenix, Arizona, and South-West USA, founded in 1959. The museum exhibits diversified and inspiring collections of esteemed international artworks from the remote past to the present.
Apart from international exhibits, the Phoenix Art Museum also showcases over 18,000 work collections of Asian, American, Latin American, European, Western American, contemporary and modern art, and fashion design. It hosts several live events, festivals, educational programs, and independent art films.
20. Antelope Canyon
Next, I recommend you visit the Antelope Canyon in Arizona. The upper Antelope Canyon is almost 200 meters in length and includes five scenic slot canyon sections. A tour of Antelope Canyon will take you approximately three hours.
However, it is not too difficult. The best time to visit Antelope Canyon is in March and October. You can explore the horseshoe bend and Antelope Canyon in one day. A sightseeing tour of Upper Antelope Canyon will surely be a great memory for you!
These are some of the best places to visit in Arizona as they offer plenty of activities that you can enjoy with friends or family. Some of them have hiking trails, camping sites, biking trails, and amazing views. Many art galleries in Arizona protect the rich art of the state
The Arizona Territory, with mostly desert landscapes, has a lot to offer, and if you visit these places, you will take back a lot of memories from here. One thing you should consider before planning a trip to Arizona is the weather conditions.
FAQ
What kind of weather should I expect in Arizona?
The weather in Arizona can vary, but it is generally hot and dry, especially in the summer months.
Can I find art galleries in Arizona?
Yes, Arizona has several art galleries that showcase the rich art culture of the state.
What is the best time to visit Arizona?
The best time to visit Arizona depends on your interests and the activities you plan to do. Generally, the cooler months from October to April are the most popular.
Is Arizona a family-friendly destination?
Yes, Arizona offers a variety of activities that are suitable for families, such as visiting national parks, hiking, and visiting museums.
Are there camping sites in Arizona?
Yes, there are many camping sites in Arizona, ranging from primitive to developed.
Are there bike trails in Arizona?
Yes, Arizona has several bike trails, both on and off-road, for all levels of riders.
Last Updated on by Pragya Chakrapani
