Arizona is a truly wonderful destination if you are looking for a warmer climate and beautiful scenery. Some of the best places to visit in Arizona can even be in little towns off the beaten path, where the landscape stretches further than the eye can see. From mountain biking through Sedona to taking a photo hike along the Colorado River, your travel list can stretch for days.
This being said, my number one favorite thing to experience in Arizona are the National Parks. Everyone knows about the Grand Canyon and deciding which rim to explore but there are so many other area attractions and tours that are absolutely stunning. Check out Saguaro National Park, home to the USA’s largest cacti.
Take the tram at Sabino Canyon in the Coronado National Forest to see spectacular views of the mountains and valleys. Visit the Walnut Canyon National Monument by Flagstaff and natural rock formations that are millions of years old, once populated by the Sinagua Indians. Take a trip worth while to Red Rock State Park that is almost 300 acres hosting a nature preserve and environmental education center with beautiful scenery.
Maybe one of the most Instagrammed spots though would be in Antelope Canyon. This location includes two different, scenic slot canyon sections for visitors on guided tours, referred to as Upper Antelope Canyon, and Lower Antelope Canyon.
Even though you are in the largest desert in the United States, there are actually an array of water-sports you can enjoy. Lake Havasu State Park has a popular swimming area with a beautiful, white sand beach. Locally, you can also rent boats, jet skis and even water jetpacks to sail up to 28 feet in the air above the lake. While visiting the area, take a relaxing pontoon boat ride around the lake and soak up the warm sun of the Arizona desert.
There are also many incredible dams in the area, probably the most famous being the historic Hoover Dam located on the boarder of Arizona and Nevada. There are others that make for a nice drive as well if you want to minimize crowds like the Glen Canyon Dam, Theodore Roosevelt Dam and the Bartlett Dam.
For those history buffs, Tombstone is a town in southeastern Arizona, known for its Wild West past. Founded in 1877, this town became one of the last boomtowns in the American frontier. Ghost towns are also fun to visit for the day. No, it doesn’t necessarily mean paranormal activity is going on but these locations are mainly abandoned towns Some sites are unpopulated but still have standing buildings and others may have full-time residents, though usually a lot less than at their historical peak. Many ones you may want to visit though have interesting museums or historical sites to explore.
My go-to resort in Arizona is The Ritz-Carlton Dove Mountain. Surrounded by the canyons of the Tortolita Mountains near Tucson, this resort celebrates the spirit of adventure combined with the feeling of true relaxation. Their secluded setting makes for a quiet retreat where resort guests have an array of experiences at hand: 27 championship holes at the Golf Club of Dove Mountain; holistic, gemstone-inspired therapies at the spa; 26 miles of hiking trails; and a sprawling swimming complex. This place literally has it all.
After all of this exploration, the spa will probably be calling your name. From traditional deep tissue massage treatments to unique offerings like Qi Grounding which regulates the spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical harmony of the body using traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture, the options are endless. One of my trusted favorites is the all-inclusive wellness resort and spa, Canyon Ranch, Tucson. Your personalized stay at this spa can include scenic hikes and canyon bike trails. Try out their exhilarating fitness classes, working with specialists to create a personal wellness plan, or try their luxuriating in spa treatments like the Blissful Floating massage.
If it is culture you are looking for, this state has a great mix of Native American and Spanish influences to learn more about. From the creative cuisine to unique spiritual landmarks, there is so much to explore. Check out The Arizona State Museum which is the oldest and largest anthropological research museum in the U.S. Southwest or the Hopi Cultural Center where you can learn about their farming traditions. Agriculture is the cornerstone of traditional Hopi life along with respect for people.
Located in “The Valley of the Sun”, one Phoenix address that will make you feel like you have been transported back to Spain is at the 119-room Royal Palms Resort and Spa, where Spanish-style casitas, fragrant orange groves, towering cactus, and colorfully tiled fountains encompass this former 1930’s estate at the base of Camelback Mountain. Alfresco treatments at the Alvadora Spa incorporate Spanish ingredients and offer traditions as well.
Arizona is also very well known for their golf courses. With over 300 different courses to choose from, these links have options for every skill level. From PGA courses for the experts to local courses for those just starting out, the 333 days a year of sunshine is perfect to hone those skills and help you be the best golfer you can aspire to be. From smartly designed courses to high-end pro shops and clubhouses, you’ll find the exact golf getway you need.
One of my favorite locations is the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess with access to 2 championship golf courses at TPC Scottsdale. Located in the expansive Sonoran Desert and surrounded by the towering McDowell Mountains, TPC Scottsdale boasts two championship courses for players to enjoy – the world famous Stadium Course and the stunning Champions Course. As Arizona’s only PGA TOUR property, you can experience the standards of quality and service normally reserved for the TOUR professionals.
Overall, Arizona has phenomenal experiences for everyone. Whether you are looking for the best places to visit in Arizona for couples or your family; during the winter or the summer, your vacation will be one to remember. From a city trip to a resort vacation, tourist and local alike can enjoy all that Arizona has to offer.
Scottsdale appeals to me as one of the best resort locations in the Phoenix area and in all of Arizona for that matter.
Love Scottsdale! Such a wonderful area