Arizona’s famous Grand Canyon tends to steal the spotlight — and as someone who’s spent countless hours exploring the Southwest, I totally get why people make a beeline for this natural wonder. You’ll never hear me say the Grand Canyon isn’t worth your time, but focusing only on this landmark means missing out on what makes Arizona truly special.
From hidden desert oases and ancient Native American ruins to small towns where time seems to stand still, Arizona holds countless treasures waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re looking for quiet hiking trails, authentic Mexican food joints, or desert landscapes that feel like they’re from another planet, there’s so much more to explore beyond the usual tourist stops. Here’s my collection of the best places to visit in Arizona, including some spots you might not find in typical travel guides.
- Best tourist destination: Grand Canyon National Park
- Underrated hidden gem: Chiricahua National Monument
- Best for families: Bearizona Wildlife Park
- Best for couples: Sedona’s Red Rock State Park
- Best for solo travelers: Saguaro National Park
- Best for photographers: Antelope Canyon
Grand Canyon National Park
Located about four hours north of Phoenix lies the crown jewel of America’s national parks – the Grand Canyon. As one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, this massive canyon stretches 277 miles long and plunges over a mile deep into the Colorado River below. Unlike other popular parks that you can fully explore in a day or two, the Grand Canyon rewards those who take their time. From the busy South Rim with its historic lodges and viewing points to the remote North Rim where elk roam freely among pine forests, each area offers a completely different perspective. Because of its unique geology, the canyon walls reveal two billion years of Earth’s history in their colorful rock layers, and Native American tribes have called this sacred place home for thousands of years.
Sedona
Many travelers come to Sedona for its famous red rock formations, but this desert gem offers far more than just scenic views. The town sits at the heart of some of Arizona’s best hiking trails and spiritual vortexes – areas believed to radiate special energy from the earth. Whether you’re mountain biking through the desert landscape, browsing the many art galleries in town, or taking a Pink Jeep tour through the rocky terrain, Sedona delivers year-round adventure. The town’s location between Phoenix and the Grand Canyon makes it an ideal stop for road trippers, while its mild climate and clear night skies draw outdoor enthusiasts and stargazers throughout all seasons.
Antelope Canyon
Many photographers flock to Antelope Canyon for its swirling sandstone walls and light beams that pierce through the narrow passages, but this natural wonder offers more than just photo opportunities. Located on Navajo land near Page, Arizona, the canyon consists of two separate sections – Upper and Lower Antelope – each carved by centuries of flash flooding and erosion. While the Upper Canyon is easier to navigate and more popular with tourists, the Lower Canyon requires some climbing but rewards visitors with fewer crowds. You’ll need to book a guided tour to explore either section, as independent visits aren’t allowed, but the Navajo guides share fascinating stories about the canyon’s history and formation that make the experience even more meaningful.
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park
Many travelers venture to Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park for its iconic sandstone formations, but this sacred land offers much more than just rock views. Located on the Arizona-Utah border, this vast park showcases ancient geological wonders that have become symbols of the American Southwest. The park is home to towering buttes and mesas that rise dramatically from the desert floor – some reaching heights of 1,000 feet. Visitors can explore the 17-mile scenic drive through the park, join guided tours led by Navajo locals who share their cultural knowledge, or wake up early to witness the desert landscape bathed in golden morning light. While most people come for the famous “mittens” rock formations, the park also offers horseback riding, traditional Navajo food, and authentic cultural experiences year-round.
Saguaro National Park
If you’re searching for a uniquely Arizona experience, Saguaro National Park is where you’ll find it. This sprawling desert sanctuary, split into two districts on either side of Tucson, is home to the nation’s largest collection of saguaro cacti – those iconic symbols of the American Southwest that can grow up to 50 feet tall. The park’s 92,000 acres aren’t just about the towering cacti though – visitors can explore dozens of hiking trails that wind through desert valleys and climb into the nearby mountains, where temperatures drop and pine forests take over. It’s a place that shows off the surprising diversity of the Sonoran Desert, from its wildlife to its varying landscapes. Whether you’re taking a scenic drive or setting out on foot, you’ll get to experience what makes this corner of Arizona so special.
Havasu Falls
Ever seen a waterfall that seems to glow with an otherworldly blue-green hue? That’s exactly what you’ll find at Havasu Falls, tucked away in a remote corner of the Grand Canyon on Havasupai tribal lands. This 100-foot cascade, with its mineral-rich waters, creates pools perfect for swimming after the challenging 10-mile hike to reach them. You’ll need to plan ahead though – permits are required and often sell out a year in advance. The surrounding red rock walls and crystal-clear pools make this hidden oasis feel like a secret paradise, and camping nearby lets you experience the falls without the day-hiking crowds.
Phoenix
If you’re looking to experience the heart of Arizona’s Sonoran Desert, Phoenix is where you want to be. As the state’s sprawling capital city, Phoenix combines outdoor adventures with urban comfort – think hiking trails at Camelback Mountain in the morning, world-class museums like the Heard Museum in the afternoon, and dinner at one of the city’s many award-winning restaurants by night.
Scottsdale
Experience the best of both worlds in Scottsdale, where the Old West meets modern luxury. Start your day browsing the art galleries and boutique shops in Old Town, where you can pick up authentic Native American jewelry and Western wear. When the afternoon heat kicks in, cool off at one of the city’s upscale resorts, many of which offer world-class spas and golf courses set against the backdrop of the Sonoran Desert. For dinner, head to FnB Restaurant in downtown, where the farm-to-table menu showcases the finest local ingredients. If you’re visiting in spring, don’t miss the Scottsdale Arts Festival, one of the longest-running events of its kind in the Southwest.
Jerome
Once nicknamed the “Wickedest Town in the West,” Jerome is a former copper mining town that clings to the side of Cleopatra Hill like an old postcard frozen in time. This vertical village sits at 5,200 feet above sea level, with its historic buildings seemingly stacked on top of each other along steep, winding streets. The town earned its reputation during the mining boom of the early 1900s, when it was home to brothels, saloons, and gambling dens. Today, it’s a quirky artist community where visitors can explore old mining ruins, browse local galleries, and maybe even spot one of the ghosts that supposedly haunt its historic properties. It’s not your typical Arizona destination – there’s no red rock scenery or desert landscapes here – but that’s exactly what makes Jerome such an interesting stop.
Tombstone
If you’re fascinated by the Wild West, you need to visit Tombstone, Arizona. Located in Cochise County, this historic town lets you step back into the 1880s with its preserved buildings, authentic saloons, and the famous O.K. Corral where the legendary gunfight between the Earps and the Cowboys took place. Walking down Allen Street feels like being on the set of a classic Western movie, complete with stagecoach rides, period-costumed locals, and daily reenactments of frontier life.
Canyon de Chelly National Monument
Tucked away in northeastern Arizona lies Canyon de Chelly National Monument, a place where ancient history and modern Navajo life exist side by side. Much like other red rock canyons in the Southwest, Canyon de Chelly features towering sandstone walls and winding streams. But unlike its cousins, this monument remains home to Navajo families who still farm and raise livestock in the canyon floor, just as their ancestors did for generations. Look closely at the canyon walls, and you’ll spot centuries-old cliff dwellings built by the Ancient Puebloans, while traditional Navajo hogans dot the valley below. Because the entire monument sits within Navajo Nation lands, visitors can only explore the canyon interior with local guides, offering a genuine glimpse into both past and present Native American life.
Petrified Forest National Park
I first visited Petrified Forest National Park on a road trip through Arizona in 2019. Located in the painted desert region of northeastern Arizona, this park stands out for its collection of fossilized wood scattered across its colorful badlands. Ancient logs, turned to stone over 200 million years ago, dot the landscape in shades of red, brown, and purple. The park’s Blue Mesa trail winds through layers of gray-blue clay hills, while the Painted Desert Inn offers panoramic views of the striated rock formations below. Native American petroglyphs can be found throughout the park, telling stories of the peoples who lived here thousands of years ago, making it a fascinating blend of natural history and human heritage.
Flagstaff
Perched at 7,000 feet among the pines of Northern Arizona, Flagstaff brings together everything I love about the American Southwest. This college town serves as the gateway to the Grand Canyon, but it’s got way more going for it than just proximity to the big hole. The historic downtown, lined with Route 66-era buildings, buzzes with craft breweries and local restaurants, while the surrounding Coconino National Forest offers endless trails for hiking and mountain biking. In winter, you’ll find locals hitting the slopes at Arizona Snowbowl, and come summer, the same mountains become a playground for outdoor enthusiasts looking to escape the desert heat. It’s not your typical Arizona destination – instead of cacti and sun-baked rocks, you get cool mountain air and the world’s largest ponderosa pine forest.
Lake Powell
Many visitors flock to Lake Powell for its unique blend of desert and water landscapes, where red rock canyons meet crystal-clear waters along the Arizona-Utah border. The massive reservoir on the Colorado River serves as a playground for houseboating, water skiing, and kayaking adventures, while its 2,000 miles of shoreline create countless coves and beaches to explore. With the nearby Glen Canyon National Recreation Area offering hiking trails and viewpoints, Lake Powell has become a favorite spot for both water sports enthusiasts and nature photographers. You can rent a boat year-round, but the warm months from May to September draw the biggest crowds looking to cool off in the bright blue waters.
Horseshoe Bend
One of the most recognizable spots in the American Southwest, Horseshoe Bend shows off nature’s artistic side with its massive curved canyon. The Colorado River carved this U-shaped masterpiece into the red sandstone over millions of years, creating a scene that looks almost too perfect to be real. Getting to the viewpoint requires a short hike through the desert terrain, but once you reach the cliff’s edge, you’ll see why millions of visitors make the trek each year. Standing 1,000 feet above the river, you’ll want to keep a safe distance from the unfenced rim while taking in the famous view that’s graced countless Instagram feeds and travel magazines.
Kartchner Caverns State Park
Many visitors come to Kartchner Caverns State Park for its remarkable underground caves, but this natural wonder offers much more than just its limestone formations. The caves, discovered in 1974, house some of the most extensive living cave systems in Arizona, where mineral deposits continue to grow through an active drip-water process. While guided tours of the caverns are the main attraction, the park also features hiking trails through the Whetstone Mountains and a discovery center where you can learn about the region’s geology and wildlife. Whether you’re interested in exploring the underground passages or want to spot local desert wildlife, Kartchner Caverns provides year-round opportunities for both casual visitors and serious cave enthusiasts.
Lake Havasu City
Float along the crystal-clear waters of Lake Havasu, where the iconic London Bridge creates a unique backdrop for your Arizona adventure. This reconstructed piece of history, brought over stone by stone from England in 1971, serves as the centerpiece of Lake Havasu City’s waterfront attractions. Take your pick from countless water activities, from jet skiing and paddleboarding to relaxing boat tours along the Colorado River. When the sun sets, head to the English Village beneath the bridge, where you can enjoy waterfront dining and shopping, or stroll along the Bridgewater Channel to watch boats pass under the famous landmark.
Tucson
Located about two hours southeast of Phoenix lies the desert city of Tucson. Like many cities in Arizona, Tucson has its share of cacti, mountain views, and Mexican restaurants. But unlike the others, it maintains a genuine Old West feel mixed with a laid-back college town vibe. Just wander through the adobe buildings of the Barrio Viejo neighborhood or explore the University of Arizona campus, and you’ll see what makes this place special. Because of its location near the Mexican border, Tucson has become a melting pot of cultures, and you’ll find influences everywhere – from the local Sonoran hot dogs sold from street carts to the annual folk festivals that bring the community together.
Bisbee
Located in the Mule Mountains of southern Arizona, Bisbee is one of those special places that feels frozen in time. This former copper mining town-turned-artist haven sits at 5,538 feet elevation, where its Victorian architecture and steep, winding streets tell stories of the Old West. Walking through downtown feels like stepping onto a movie set – vintage storefronts house art galleries and coffee shops, while the town’s mining history comes alive in the Queen Mine Tours that take visitors deep underground. The locals here are as colorful as the painted ladies dotting the hillsides, and you’ll often find them swapping tales at the old-school saloons or browsing the eclectic antique shops. It’s not a place that draws massive crowds, but those who make the journey discover a quirky slice of Arizona that’s managed to reinvent itself while holding onto its authentic charm.
Little-Known Fact:
Tucked away in Arizona’s Mule Mountains, the former copper mining town of Bisbee has reinvented itself as an artsy community where visitors can explore preserved Victorian buildings and stay in historic hotels that once housed miners. What makes this place truly special is that it’s home to the deepest copper mine in North America, with tours that take you 1,500 feet underground to experience what life was like for early 20th century miners.
Apache Trail Scenic Drive
Ever driven a road that feels like you’re traveling back in time? That’s exactly what you’ll experience on the Apache Trail, a 40-mile historic route winding through Arizona’s Superstition Mountains. Originally built as a stagecoach route in the early 1900s, this partially unpaved path takes you past desert lakes, through towering canyon walls, and alongside ancient cliff dwellings. You can stop at Canyon Lake for a paddle boat ride, explore the old-west town of Tortilla Flat, or spot bighorn sheep on the rocky cliffs. The road itself is an adventure, with hairpin turns and dramatic drops that’ll make you grip your steering wheel a little tighter – but the views are worth every careful mile.
Bet You Didn’t Know:
The Apache Trail, originally built as a supply route for the Roosevelt Dam construction in the early 1900s, winds through 40 miles of rugged Sonoran Desert landscape and past three sparkling lakes in the Superstition Mountains. Today, this partially unpaved road is considered one of America’s most scenic drives, though its hairpin turns and steep cliffs aren’t for the faint of heart.
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
Ever seen a towering cactus that looks like a pipe organ reaching toward the sky? You’ll find these rare beauties at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, a desert sanctuary about 150 miles southwest of Phoenix. This is one of the few places in the U.S. where these majestic cacti grow naturally, creating a landscape that looks straight out of an old Western film. You can explore miles of hiking trails through the Sonoran Desert, spot desert bighorn sheep scaling rocky slopes, or join a ranger-led drive along scenic Ajo Mountain Drive. When night falls, the dark skies here offer some of the best stargazing in Arizona, with the Milky Way stretching across the horizon like a glittering river.
