PLACES TO VISIT IN ARIZONA
Arizona has many places you can visit, including the Grand Canyon and cultural tourist attractions in its desert landscape. Has something for everyone, whether you are looking to take an Arizona road trip or just stop by from Vegas.
You’ll be taken to the top cities, national parks and outdoor attractions. Then, we’ll end with special extras that will give you plenty of ideas for your next trip to Arizona.
Arizona’s Top Cities to Visit
Arizona isn’t just desert and canyons. Many cities in Arizona are worth visiting. These are some of Arizona’s best cities.
Phoenix
Arizona’s sunny capital is Phoenix. Phoenix, Arizona, is located in central Arizona. Desert landscapes and mountains surround it. The city’s unusual location is not surprising, as luxury hotels and skyscrapers have risen from the ground that was once dust and sand. Its oddity is part of Phoenix’s charm.
Phoenix is the ideal place to visit for big-city experiences. You will find more attractions and creativity in Phoenix than you can see in a week.
Phoenix also has the Desert Botanical Garden, Natural History Museum, Phoenix Bat Cave, Musical Instrument Museum, and Phoenix Bat Cave.
Lake Havasu City
On the other hand, Lake Havasu City is best for big-city vibes. This tiny city is next to Lake Havasu, fed by the Colorado River. It is a popular spot for watersports as well as relaxation. We were drawn to Lake Havasu by the Little London Village.
Lake Havasu is a great place for nature lovers and people looking to get away from it all. It has a slower pace and is located on a lakeside, which makes it a refreshing change from Arizona’s desert landscape. Many outdoor attractions and activities include Lake Havasu State Park and London Bridge. The London Bridge, an architectural marvel originally built in London in the 1970s, is located in London Village. It has a distinctive English feel.
Fishing, walking the green spaces and footpaths around the city, and swimming or boating on the lake are all options. It would help if you also visited the Lake Havasu Lighthouses, which span the shoreline.
Tucson
Tucson is Arizona’s 2nd-largest urban area. It is home to many cultural and recreational activities. We recommend Tucson for a unique Arizona adventure.
Tucson is located in Southern Arizona, just above the border with Mexico. The city is a magnet for Mexican immigrants because of its geographic location. A Spanish Catholic Mission is one of the most popular places to visit, San Xavier del Bac. This historic national landmark was established in 1692 and received over 200,000 visitors yearly. This church is a masterpiece of Spanish Colonial architecture.
Many immersion opportunities and new experiences are available, including the city’s cuisine and culture. Mexico is a must-try destination.
The University of Arizona is located in Tucson. Visitors can also enjoy a more friendly, pleasant atmosphere in Tucson’s city center, as it is a university town. You’ll also find attractions like Saguaro National Park or Arizona Sonora Desert Museum outside the city center. More on these attractions later. Tucson is an exciting, new city in Arizona. Look no further for a taste of Southern Arizona.
Flagstaff
Flagstaff, a small town in Northern Arizona, is known as the gateway to the San Francisco Peaks or the Grand Canyon. Flagstaff is centrally located near many of Arizona’s natural attractions.
Spend your time exploring the attractions nearby. You can also stay in Flagstaff and go to the historic downtown. There are many great restaurants and the Flagstaff Visitors Center. You’ll find plenty of street art to capture great photos, so bring your camera.
Flagstaff is surrounded both by desert and forest. Coconino National Forest surrounds Flagstaff and is the largest Ponderosa Pine Forest worldwide. Flagstaff, Arizona, is a great place to visit in Northern Arizona. It’s a city where you can take a day trip to the natural world. For inspiration on accommodation, check out our guide to Flagstaff.
Arizona’s Top National Parks
A trip to Arizona would not be complete without visiting national parks. Arizona’s national parks are known for their amazing attractions, including the Grand Canyon.
It is possible to explore the hiking trails or biking trails and book scenic helicopter flights. These are some of the most beautiful national parks in Arizona.
Saguaro National Park
We have already briefly mentioned Saguaro National Park. It is located just outside of Tucson. You can visit the park to see the stunning scenery and hike trails while you are in Southern Arizona.
Cacti are the most prominent feature of this park. You’ll find the largest saguaro and cacti anywhere in the US in this national park. Cacti can live up to 200 years old, and they grow slowly. You can explore the national park on more than 90,000 acres. It feels almost like a scene from an American West movie.
It doesn’t matter if you prefer a scenic drive or a hike; renting a car for Saguaro National Park will make it easy. The Valley View Overlook Trail takes around 20 minutes. Signal Hill Petroglyphs can be reached in about 30 minutes.
Petrified Forest National Park
The Petrified Forest National park sounds amazing. You’ll be surprised to expect a lush forest with beautiful and interesting trees. It is a barren area full of fossils and sliced tree trunks.
You can drive across the park in about an hour, stopping at any spot that catches your attention. Rainbow Forest Museum, Crystal Forest hike, and Blue Mesa hike are all worth a visit.
You may be wondering how this natural phenomenon happens. When trees are buried underground for many years without oxygen, petrification occurs. The decaying wood eventually becomes mineralized and then fossilized stone. This creates an exact copy of the original form in a different material.
Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona is great for a unique experience. This national park is a great choice for anyone interested in natural mysteries and wanting to have a memorable time in Arizona.
Grand Canyon National Park
The Grand Canyon. We have nothing to say. It is one of the most beautiful places in the US. This includes Arizona. The Grand Canyon is a top-of-the-list American bucket list item.