Arizona features stunning landscapes and offers a warm climate throughout the year. Moreover, the Grand Canyon State provides numerous places and activities to enjoy.
First, Best Places to Visit in Arizona ranks the Grand Canyon National Park as the number one destination in the state and one of America’s most famous sites. Many travelers explore the South Rim, home to the Grand Canyon Village. The picturesque site overlooks and consists of numerous hiking paths, including the renowned Bright Angel and Rim Trails. The North edge of the canyon is ideal to see between May and October. Activities available here include descending to the bottom of the cliffs and taking a raft ride on the Colorado River.
Next, a unit of the National Parks Service, the Canyon de Chelly National Monument, sits within the Navajo Nation. Home to an indigenous population known for its natural scenery, it remains one of North America's longest continuously inhabited and historically significant places. Visitors will see ancient pueblo ruins, pictographs, and cliff dwellings.
Travelers can explore the canyon's interior only if accompanied by native guides during official tours via foot, horseback, and vehicle. Visitors can also take self-guided auto journeys along the picturesque North and South Rim Drives.
A beautiful location to visit, Sedona attracts numerous outdoor enthusiasts to admire its breathtaking landscapes yearly. Mystical vortexes, rock formations, and Red Rock State Park hiking trails are among the popular attractions. Some believe that the distinctive geological features emanate healing energy from the earth. Additionally, the town hosts various spas offering specialty treatments.
Situated 30 miles south of Sedona, Camp Verde caters to diverse interests. The exhibits at Fort Verde State Historic Park and Verde Valley Archaeology Center and Museum cater to history enthusiasts. The Montezuma Castle National Monument is the site of ancient cliff dwellings. Exciting things to do near the town include safari tours at the Out of Africa Wildlife Park, zip-lining, and horseback riding.
Coconino National Forest is a nature-centric escape on nearly two million acres of diverse landscapes, including mountains, lakes, and creeks. The San Francisco Peaks offer breathtaking vistas and include Humphreys Peak, the tallest mountain in the state. Other prominent attractions include Fossil Creek, which showcases one of the state's finest waterfalls, and Slide Rock State Park's refreshing swimming hole.
Lake Mead spans the Arizona-Nevada border and provides access to various off-land recreational endeavors. It is a popular spot for boating, fishing, and jet skiing, as it features an extensive 700 miles of shoreline and 9 trillion gallons of water. Lake Mead's varying depths contribute to its allure as one of the world's premier freshwater lakes for scuba diving. Notable sites include the Gypsum Reefs and Kingman Wash.
Finally, Phoenix offers golf courses, top-tier spas, and proximity to the scenic hiking trails in Camelback Mountain. Visitors can explore venues such as the Musical Instrument Museum and the Desert Botanical Garden in the fifth most populated city in the nation. The diverse population contributes to a vibrant restaurant scene. Food enthusiasts looking to savor various offerings can take a food tour of Phoenix and nearby Scottsdale.
