arizona tourism video

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Sweepstakes
• Arizona Travel Guide Overview: Arizona Travel Guide
• This Southwestern State Has World-famous Landscapes, Luxury Spas, and Award-winning Food and Wine

21 Beautiful Places to Visit in Arizona — From Stunning National Parks to an Underground Restaurant

• This Arizona City Has Some of the Best Sonoran Mexican Food in the U.S. — Here's Where to Eat
• The Largest Urban Preserve in the U.S. Is Hiding in Arizona
• Arizona’s Wine Scene Is Booming — Here’s Where to Go and What to Sip
• Destinations
• Arizona Travel Guide This Southwestern State Has World-famous Landscapes, Luxury Spas, and Award-winning Food and Wine 21 Beautiful Places to Visit in Arizona — From Stunning National Parks to an Underground Restaurant This Arizona City Has Some of the Best Sonoran Mexican Food in the U.S. — Here's Where to Eat The Largest Urban Preserve in the U.S. Is Hiding in Arizona Arizona’s Wine Scene Is Booming — Here’s Where to Go and What to Sip CLOSE Part of Arizona Travel Guide

From must-visit Grand Canyon National Park to lesser-known sights around the state, these are the best places to visit in Arizona.

Evie Carrick is a writer and editor who’s lived in five countries and visited well over 50. She now splits her time between Colorado and Paris, ensuring she doesn't have to live without skiing or L'As du Fallafel.

Massimo Pizzotti/Getty Images

Arizona’s landscapes are nothing short of stunning. Towering buttes meet hills covered with saguaro cacti, and red rock canyons hide towering waterfalls. The otherworldly landscape — that often feels better suited for Mars than our planet — is grounded by what has become Arizona’s other great draw: the proof of human history found in the sites and settlements of Ancestral Puebloans. These archaeological sites, which include cliff dwellings, sandstone homes, and petroglyphs, dot the state, offering a reminder of the people who came before.

With both a deep human history and a stunning natural landscape, there is plenty to explore in the state of Arizona , including several national parks and monuments and a couple of rock features that are so incredible, they deserve their own entries on this list. Here are 21 of the best places to visit in Arizona.

Havasu Falls

zysman/Getty Images

The spectacular blue-green water of Havasu Falls has captivated visitors for years. The falls, which sit on Havasupai lands near Grand Canyon National Park, are near the isolated Havasupai community of Supai Village. Accessing the village, the falls, and the spectacular — and carefully protected — scenery requires plenty of advance planning and a permit.

Grand Canyon National Park

ipanacea/Getty Images

It would be impossible to leave the Grand Canyon off this list — especially when it’s recognized as one of the Seven Natural Wonders alongside sites like the Great Barrier Reef and Mount Everest. The canyon, which is a must-see destination for many, is around a mile deep and an average of 10 miles wide, cutting through the state of Arizona for almost 300 miles.

Yayoi Kusama’s Fireflies Infinity Mirror Room

Courtesy of Phoenix Museum of Art

The Fireflies Infinity Mirror Room in the Phoenix Art Museum was envisioned by renowned Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama. Her work, which is titled “You Who Are Getting Obliterated in the Dancing Swarm of Fireflies,” is what it sounds like — a mixed-media installation that uses LED lights and mirrors to create the effect of being surrounded by fireflies in the dead of night. It’s magic.

Wupatki National Monument

JeffGoulden/Getty Images

Wupatki National Monument is a must for travelers who are fascinated with the ways ancient people survived and thrived in the hot Arizona desert. The monument sits within a beautiful landscape, but the remains of pueblos are what truly catch the eye. Three structures from the early 1100s still stand. The sandstone and limestone buildings pay homage to the thriving Pueblo communities that lived and traded there. 

Grand Canyon Caverns and Grotto

The Caverns Grotto offers one of the most unique dining experiences around: a meal served 210 feet below the Earth’s surface in a 345-million-year-old cave network. The menu is simple, but the scenery is out of this world. Underground diners get 360-degree views of the ancient cave, which stretches 60 miles from Peach Springs, Arizona to the Grand Canyon. 

Biosphere 2

Frogman1484/Getty Images

Billed as “The World's Largest Earth Science Experiment,” Biosphere 2 is a controlled environment that was created to understand Earth’s living systems and the impacts of climate change. The research facility, which is basically a 3.14-acre laboratory in Oracle, Arizona, holds several environments, including oceanic and desert landscapes.  

lmel9000/Getty Images

The Wave, technically called Coyote Buttes North , is just one feature within the expansive 112,500-acre Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness — yet it has drawn thousands of travelers over the years. The Wave resembles a wave made of sandstone and is so stunning and photogenic that it has long drawn travelers and photographers willing to go through the competitive permit process and make the strenuous 6.4-mile round-trip hike to get there.

Petrified Forest National Park

zrfphoto/Getty Images

There are just three national parks in Arizona, and while the Grand Canyon soaks up all the attention, the Petrified Forest National Park slips under the radar. The visually stunning park is best known for its Rainbow Forest, which showcases colorful petrified wood that is over 200 million years old. There are also petroglyphs and paleontology exhibits.

Horseshoe Bend

Like The Wave, Horseshoe Bend has become one of the most photographed sites in Arizona. It is a perfectly horseshoe-shaped bend in the Colorado River that sits within the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. The bend is located near the town of Page, Arizona close to the sprawling Lake Powell.

Canyon de Chelly National Monument

Eduardo Cabanas/Getty Images

Canyon de Chelly National Monument is vast and has been inhabited by several Native groups for millennia. Inside the stunning monument are 800-foot-tall spires, prehistoric rock art, towering sandstone cliffs, and a surprisingly lush desert canyon. The park sits on Navajo lands in the northeastern part of the state.

Antelope Canyon

Frank Bevill/Getty Images

The slot canyons found in this corner of the state are on land that belongs to the Navajo Nation and require a tour guide to access. The advance planning is well worth the experience of hiking through a narrow slot canyon and watching the light play on the red rock. There are two sites, the Upper Antelope Canyon and the Lower Antelope Canyon; the former claims to be the most photographed slot canyon in the world.

Meteor Crater National Landmark

Charles Davies/Getty Images

If you’ve ever wondered what it would look like if a meteor struck the Earth, make your way to the Meteor Crater National Landmark near Winslow, Arizona. The crater, which is about a mile wide and 550 feet deep, shows what happens when a 150-foot-wide meteor hits the Earth. Visitors can walk along the crater rim or view the devastation from the visitor center on the edge of the crater.

Saguaro National Park

Martha Brodeur/Getty Images

This national park, which is split by the city of Tucson, has the important job of protecting the cactus-filled Sonoran Desert landscape. But beyond providing a place for the nation's largest cacti to flourish, Saguaro National Park also has trails leading to petroglyphs and drives that provide a stunning view of the Arizona desert. 

Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park

Paola Giannoni/Getty Images

Imagine it: An expansive valley dotted with towering sandstone pinnacles that seem to shoot out of the Earth, reaching heights of up to 1,000 feet. This is Monument Valley , a park within the Navajo Nation that offers some of the most stunning desert views in the world. When you’re done taking in the sights, visit the artisans selling handcrafted jewelry and other Navajo goods. 

Montezuma Castle National Monument

Dreamframer/Getty Images

This monument in Camp Verde, Arizona protects a set of dwellings built into a rock wall by the Sinagua people between approximately 1100 and 1425. The dwelling , which is a 20-room wonder, is beautifully preserved and showcases how ancient people survived in the unforgiving desert.

Desert Botanical Garden

CampPhoto/Getty Images

The dry, desert landscape of Arizona supports a surprising number of plant and tree species, a fact that is celebrated at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix. And while local flora is the focus of the 55-acre botanical garden, they also have thousands of species of flowers, trees, and cacti from all around the world.

Chiricahua National Monument

Vince Barnes/Getty Images

Utah isn’t the only state with bizarre-looking hoodoos and precariously balanced rocks. The Chiricahua National Monument in southeastern Arizona has been nicknamed the "Wonderland of Rocks" for its surreal rock structures, and it also protects the long human history of the area. 

Coconino Lava River Cave

Within Coconino National Forest is a mile-long lava tube cave that was created almost 700,000 years ago by molten rock from a volcanic vent. The tube, which is the longest cave of its kind known to exist in Arizona, has icicles made of stone hanging off the ceiling and wave-like marks on the floor from the molten rock that once flowed from the cave.

Mystery Castle

Mystery Castle in Phoenix is more than a giant castle with 18 rooms and 13 fireplaces. It is an ode to the love between a father and daughter. The builder, Boyce Gully, built the castle for his daughter, Mary Lou, who went on to live in the space and offer tours of it until her death in 2010. The tours continue today and feature an impressive collection of Southwestern antiques perched in the castle’s many rooms and nooks.

Walnut Canyon National Monument

Walnut Canyon National Monument showcases one of the state’s geological wonders. The canyon, which dips 350 feet below the rim, is set southeast of downtown Flagstaff, Arizona. And while Walnut Canyon is a stunning site, the monument also protects the remains of ancient cliff dwellings, which were built into the rock. 

Chapel of the Holy Cross

Ivey Redding/Travel + Leisure

The Chapel of the Holy Cross is built among the vibrant red rock on the outskirts of Sedona, Arizona in the Coconino National Forest. The church draws pilgrims and tourists who come to worship in the space that was built on top of a natural rock formation and features stunning views over the desert landscape.

Arizona Travel Guide

Protect Your Trip »

Best places to visit in arizona.

Arizona is home to incredible landscapes, lively cities, spooky ghost towns, world-class spas and warm weather year-round, making the state ideal for a getaway any time of year. But to help you decide which Arizona destinations to spend your vacation in, U.S. News considered factors like the number of attractions, the availability of accommodations and the opinions of everyday travelers to pick the best places to visit in Arizona. Vote for your favorite spot below to help determine next year's list.

Grand Canyon National Park

Canyon de chelly national monument, monument valley, glen canyon national recreation area, vermilion cliffs national monument, coconino national forest, lake powell, wupatki national monument, petrified forest national park, montezuma castle national monument, lake havasu.

Undisputed as one of the best national parks in the U.S. , Grand Canyon National Park is Arizona's crowning achievement. Many travelers opt to visit the South Rim, which is home to Grand Canyon Village, scenic overlooks and several hiking trails, including popular routes like Bright Angel Trail and Rim Trail. For a less crowded alternative, try visiting the North Rim between mid-May and mid-October. And if you want a story for the ages, consider a mule ride to the bottom of the canyon or a whitewater rafting trip along the Colorado River.

In addition to breathtaking natural landscapes, Canyon de Chelly National Monument within the Navajo Nation is home to nearly 5,000 years of human history, making it one of the longest continuously inhabited destinations in North America. A thriving community of Navajo people still live and work here, surrounded by ancient Pueblo ruins, cliff dwellings and pictographs. While access to the interior of the canyon is limited to tours led by a Navajo guide (this includes excursions on foot, horseback and vehicle), auto-tours along the scenic North and South Rim Drives are self-guided.

Whether you're a fan of movies or jaw-dropping landscapes, chances are you'll love visiting Monument Valley. Many films have featured the red sandstone mesas and buttes found in Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, which occupies land in both Arizona and Utah. Take the 17-mile-long Valley Drive from the visitor center to see some of the Arizona side's most popular sights, including the East and West Mitten buttes, Elephant Butte and John Ford's Point. The latter is named after the famous film director and features a Navajo store where you can buy jewelry and crafts.

Spanning more than 1.25 million acres in Utah and Arizona, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area appeals to travelers who are looking to spend some quality time in nature. Spend the afternoon water skiing on Lake Powell, the second-largest human-made lake in the United States, or hike the short trail to Horseshoe Bend overlook, which offers a unique perspective of the Colorado River as it snakes through Glen Canyon in a horseshoe-shaped curve. While you're here, you can't miss a visit to nearby Antelope Canyon, a mesmerizing slot canyon within the Navajo Nation that can only be explored via guided tour.

Outdoor enthusiasts flock to this central Arizona town to enjoy its stunning scenery. Regularly described as one of the most beautiful places in America, Sedona dazzles with its famous red rocks and hiking trails (found in Red Rock State Park), as well as its vortexes. These unique rock formations are said to emit a healing energy from the earth, and it's an experience you have to feel for yourself to believe. The town is also home to numerous spas with Sedona-inspired specialty treatments, which are bound to leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.

Vermilion Cliffs National Monument's gorgeous rock formations draw hikers from around the world. Can't-miss landmarks here include The Wave in Coyote Buttes North and White Pocket in the Paria Canyon. Keep in mind, though, that both areas require permits for hiking and camping. These permits – which are given to a limited number of people per day (depending on the region and type of visit) by Arizona's Bureau of Land Management – ensure travelers can enjoy the monument without rubbing elbows with hordes of tourists.

This scenic town about 30 miles south of Sedona offers a wealth of attractions to suit every type of traveler. History buffs can spend their time browsing exhibits at Fort Verde State Historic Park and Verde Valley Archaeology Center and Museum, or exploring ancient cliff dwellings at Montezuma Castle National Monument. Meanwhile, daredevils can choose from a variety of thrilling activities, including zip lining, horseback riding and joining a safari tour at the Out of Africa Wildlife Park.

Head to Coconino National Forest if you want to be surrounded by nature on your next Arizona getaway. This expansive forest is one of America's most diverse, with nearly 2 million acres of mountain-, lake- and creek-covered land. Hike to the top of the San Francisco Peaks (home to Arizona's tallest mountain, Humphreys Peak) to enjoy phenomenal panoramas, visit Fossil Creek to see one of the state's best waterfalls , or zip down Slide Rock State Park's rock slide for a refreshing dip in a swimming hole. The area is home to all kinds of wildlife, too, so keep an eye out for critters as you explore.

Millions of people flock to this destination in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area every year to enjoy the ultimate lake vacation . Popular pursuits at Lake Powell – which features nearly 2,000 miles of winding shoreline– include boating, water skiing, tubing, paddleboarding and wakeboarding. The lake's abundance of game fish also draws anglers in droves. No visit would be complete without hiking around the towering red rock formations that line the lake's shores.

Sitting less than 30 miles southwest of Sedona and roughly 110 miles north of Phoenix, this sleepy cliff side community in central Arizona makes for an excellent daytrip destination. Once dubbed "The Wickedest Town in the West," Jerome embraces its history as a former mining town, boasting must-see tourist attractions like the Jerome Historical Society Mine Museum and Jerome State Historic Park, which is home to the striking Douglas Mansion. Other activities include sipping on delicious vino at one of Jerome's wineries and learning about the town's haunted history on a ghost tour.

Travel to this national monument in northern Arizona for a glimpse into the state's fascinating past. Once home to a thriving agricultural community, Wupatki was designated a national monument in 1924 as a way to preserve this outstanding archaeological site. Four walking trails are open to the public and lead to seven well-preserved pueblos, prehistoric villages that were occupied 900 years ago. Want to explore off-trail? Join one of the park's ranger-led hikes (offered October through April) for a deeper look into Wupatki National Monument's backcountry, which includes additional pueblo structures and petroglyphs.

If you want to spend your next vacation outdoors, head to Petrified Forest National Park. In this more than 200,000-acre park, you'll discover one of the world's largest concentrations of petrified wood, plus rocky cliffs and animal fossils. To make the most of your time here, plan on incorporating several activities into your visit. Popular in-park pursuits include hiking, horseback riding and biking. Don't forget to also leave time for checking out some of the park's historical exhibits, such as those found at the Rainbow Forest Museum and the Painted Desert Inn National Historic Landmark.

Nicknamed "The Town Too Tough to Die," this southeastern Arizona destination shows what life was like in the Wild West. On Allen Street, where many of the town's saloons, shops and restaurants are located, you can check out historical landmarks like The Bird Cage Theater and the O.K. Corral Historic Complex, as well as watch costumed actors reenact a famous 1881 gunfight. The town's original courthouse and an Old West graveyard are also still intact, providing you additional opportunities to learn more about Tombstone's earliest pioneers, lawmen and outlaws.

Often compared to a high-rise apartment building, Montezuma Castle National Monument features a five-story, 20-room design that's built into the cliffs of central Arizona's Verde Valley. Although the pueblo structures were named after an Aztec emperor, the dwellings were built and formerly inhabited by the Sinagua Indian Tribe. Visitors can learn more about Sinagua culture at the monument's museum, located within the Montezuma Castle Visitor Center, before they trek the area's trails to Montezuma Castle and Montezuma Well. Remember, the monument does not permit entry into the dwellings due to their fragile state.

Surrounded by multiple natural treasures, Flagstaff is more than just a stopover on a road trip to the Grand Canyon. To the north, you'll find the Arizona Snowbowl Ski Resort – which offers everything from ski slopes to hiking trails – nestled 9,500 feet high in the San Francisco Peaks. And to the east sit ancient dwellings at Walnut Canyon National Monument. You should also spend a day exploring the Historic Downtown and Railroad District. The area is located on what is known today as Route 66 and features 20th-century buildings that house numerous restaurants, art galleries and shops.

Once a thriving mining town, Bisbee attracts travelers who want to get a taste of the town's past. You'll feel like you've stepped back in time as you stroll up and down Bisbee's streets during a walking tour. You can also learn more about the southern Arizona town's mining days as you explore the Copper Queen Mine and peruse the exhibits at the Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum. If you enjoy learning about the paranormal, sign up for an evening ghost tour of some of Bisbee's historical – and reportedly haunted – buildings.

Prescott appeals to every type of traveler. Nature lovers can explore Prescott National Forest's 900-plus miles of trails on foot, by mountain bike or by horse before venturing to one of its lakes to go boating or fishing. For architecture buffs, there's Prescott's downtown district, which features all kinds of early American structures, including Victorian-era homes and former saloons. Meanwhile, culture hounds can check out several highly regarded museums, such as the Old West art-themed Phippen Museum and the Museum of Indigenous People.

Visit Lake Havasu to enjoy a variety of activities on and by water. The lake is one of Arizona's premier destinations for boating, water skiing, fishing and swimming. Plus, it features hidden coves accessible by kayak and the eye-catching London Bridge, which was relocated here from London in 1971. After spending some time on the lake, head ashore to Lake Havasu City, where you'll find shops, restaurants, campgrounds and hiking trails, among other amenities.

As the nation's fifth most-populated city, Arizona's capital is constantly buzzing with activity. Phoenix is lauded for its well-manicured golf courses, its world-class spas and its proximity to Camelback Mountain's hiking trails, but travelers can also visit unique attractions, such as the Musical Instrument Museum and the Desert Botanical Garden. What's more, Phoenix's diverse population gives it a dynamic restaurant scene for foodies to explore. Steakhouse fare and Mexican-inspired cuisine appear on many local restaurant menus, but to sample a bit of everything the area has to offer, sign up for a food tour of Phoenix and nearby Scottsdale.

You'll find plenty of ways to stay busy at Lake Mead. The Lake Mead National Recreation Area, which extends across the Arizona-Nevada border, is the first and largest of its kind in America. Its 700 miles of shoreline and 9 trillion gallons of water make it a massive hub for water sports like boating, fishing and water skiing. Plus, Lake Mead is considered one of the world's best freshwater lakes for scuba diving thanks to its range of depths. Can't-miss dive sites on the Arizona side of the lake include the Gypsum Reefs and Kingman Wash.

Vote to Add these Destinations to the Rankings

Saguaro Lake

Casa Grande Ruins National Monument

You May Be Interested In

Best Small Towns to Visit in the USA

Best Cheap Vacations in the U.S. for 2023

Best Family Vacations in the USA for 2024

Best Places to Visit in Colorado

Best Places to Visit in Texas

Best Places to Visit in Utah

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

Recommended

The 50 Best Hotels in the USA 2024

Christina Maggitas February 6, 2024

The 32 Most Famous Landmarks in the World

Gwen Pratesi|Timothy J. Forster February 1, 2024

9 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in Florida for 2024

Gwen Pratesi|Amanda Norcross January 5, 2024

24 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in the U.S. for 2024

Erin Evans January 4, 2024

26 Top Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resorts for 2024

Zach Watson December 28, 2023

Solo Vacations: The 36 Best Places to Travel Alone in 2024

Lyn Mettler|Erin Vasta December 22, 2023

26 Cheap Beach Vacations for Travelers on a Budget

Kyle McCarthy|Sharael Kolberg December 4, 2023

The 50 Most Beautiful White Sand Beaches in the World

Holly Johnson December 1, 2023

The 26 Best Zoos in the U.S.

Rachael Hood November 16, 2023

44 Cheap Tropical Vacations That Feel Expensive

Holly Johnson|Alissa Grisler November 10, 2023

Top 13 things to do in Arizona

Sep 11, 2023 • 8 min read

Float in a hot-air balloon over Sedona and find even more top things to do in the Grand Canyon State © Jonathan Ross / Getty Images

Arizona has its icons of the American West, but the Grand Canyon State has more layers than you might expect.

This place is not just desert – it has a trio of distinctive wine-producing regions and the first international dark sky community, and it's where Pluto was discovered. Where else can you ski just an hour away from stands of saguaro cacti? In Arizona, you’ll find everything from hidden hot springs and prehistoric cave dwellings to Frank Lloyd Wright’s organic architecture.

These are the 13 best things to do in Arizona.

1. Take a hot-air balloon ride in Sedona

Exploring Sedona ’s landscapes could take a lifetime. An electrifying way to see this desert city, set amid two million acres of the Coconino National Forest, framed by ancient red rocks and famed for its unspoiled beauty and mysterious vortexes, is on a hot-air balloon ride. Float above swathes of ponderosa pines and the crests of sandstone landmarks such as 5000ft Cathedral Rock, Sedona’s most photographed site. 

Planning tip: Balloon trips take off before dawn, so early risers can witness the desert stirring to life. Mornings are also prime time for photography. Trips run year-round. If you go in winter, you might even see the desert dusted in snow.

2. Look into galaxies far, far away at Lowell Observatory

Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff has a cool claim to fame. In 1930, its astronomers were the first to discover Pluto. In 2001, Flagstaff became the world’s first international dark sky city (one of five in Arizona).

At the observatory, get schooled on a universe of discoveries during guided tours such as Mars Hill, which takes visitors back to 1894 when Percival Lowell founded the observatory. Check out the Pluto Discovery Telescope and the 124-year-old, 24-inch Clark Refractor that Lowell first used to study Mars. Peer into space through six state-of-the-art telescopes on the Giovale Open Deck Observatory. 

Planning tip: You’ll have to wait until 2024 to visit the Kemper and Ethel Marley Foundation Astronomy Discovery Center. When complete, the 40,000ft structure will be another place to experience night-sky wonders.

3. Learn about the area's prehistoric people at Tuzigoot National Monument

Remnants from Arizona’s prehistoric people have been well preserved throughout the state. At Tuzigoot National Monument in historic Clarkdale, you can actually walk inside a 110-room pueblo. Built by the Sinagua people 1000 years ago, the pueblo sits on a small hill overlooking the Verde River. Inside the visitor center is a small museum with artifacts unearthed from the pueblo, such as textiles, ceramics and tools.

Planning tip: Your visitor pass for Tuzigoot can also be used at Montezuma Castle National Monument within seven days.

4. Taste the grapes along the Verde Valley Wine Trail

Wine production might seem out of place in Arizona, but the Jesuits planted grape vines here in the 17th century. The state has three distinct wine regions. Two located in the south, Sonoita and Willcox, have the coveted American Viticultural Area (AVA) designation. The Verde Valley in central Arizona’s mile-high desert is aiming to earn its own geographic pedigree. The region is ripe for discovery on the Verde Valley Wine Trail . 

More than 25 wineries and tasting rooms have cropped up in the historic cities of Jerome, Clarkdale, Cottonwood and Cornville. These communities are coaxing an impressive range of grapes out of the rocky limestone soil. Expect to taste wines made from chardonnay, riesling, Malbec and Tannat, a red wine grape from Europe’s Basque region.

5. Find quiet at the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park

There’s nothing overrated about 1.2-million-acre Grand Canyon National Park . If you’ve already visited the South Rim or are seeking more solitude and cooler temperatures, a trip to the North Rim is essential.

A network of trails offers panoramas of the mile-deep canyon’s vast and varied rock formations. There’s no village shuttle like at the South Rim, but that means plenty of scenic drives, such as Point Imperial, the park’s highest spot at 8803ft, which overlooks the Painted Desert.

Planning tip:  The North Rim is open only from May 15 to October 15. From mid-October to December 1 (or as soon as snow closes the highway), you can visit the North Rim during the day.

6. Hit the country's southernmost slopes at Ski Valley

Snow sports in the desert? The southernmost spot for skiing in the US is just 45 miles from Tucson . Set atop 9157ft Mt Lemmon, Ski Valley is both a winter playground and summer retreat from southern Arizona’s area’s triple-digit temperatures.

In 1881, Sara Plumber Lemmon made her inaugural ascent of her namesake peak on foot and by horse. Thankfully, you can ride the chairlift to the top to cruise 21 runs crisscrossing 200 skiable acres or hike the trails in summer. Watch for wildlife such as coatimundi and Mexican spotted owls.

7. Walk among cacti at Saguaro National Park

Although you can see saguaro cacti in much of the Sonoran Desert, it’s an almost alien-like experience to travel among the masses of armed giants in Saguaro National Park .

Take a mini road trip through the park (Cactus Forest Drive is paved, but Bajada Loop is not), passing stands of century-old saguaros, which can tip the scales at up to 8 tons. Hike the trails to get up close to these spiky sentinels. Look for limestone kilns on the Cactus Forest Trail and petroglyphs at Signal Hill, which were made by the Hohokam people in the 13th and 14th centuries. 

Planning tip: Visit from April to June to see the cacti heads and arms decked in frilly white blooms.

8. Admire the architecture of Taliesin West

In 1943, Frank Lloyd Wright said, “Taliesin West is a look over the rim of the world.” The father of modern American architecture was referring to his so-called desert laboratory, built in 1937 in Scottsdale .

A National Historic Landmark, Taliesin West was where Wright lived and worked in the winter. It was also a campus where he educated his protégés and pushed the boundaries of organic architecture. Tour the rooms and landscapes to see the unusual (a bathroom made from sheets of aluminum) and ancient (boulders with petroglyphs) elements throughout the property.

9. Understand tradition on the Navajo tribal lands 

Arizona’s fascinating indigenous heritage dates back 12 millennia. Learn about these ancient and modern people by touring the Navajo tribal lands . Antelope Canyon, located in the Lake Powell Tribal Park east of Page, is a sacred site to the Navajo people. The slot canyon’s sculptural walls lit up with shafts of sunlight are a major draw. Book an authorized Navajo guide to see the handiwork of millions of years of erosion while delving into the area’s cultural significance.

About 125 miles east of Antelope Canyon, Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park straddles the Arizona–Utah border. Another dramatic landscape created by wind and water, its monoliths have been immortalized in movies since the 1930s. Joining a local tour is required to explore much of Monument Valley, which is called se’Bii’Ndzisgaii in the Navajo language. Experiences often include driving the 17-mile route among imposing buttes such as East Mitten and West Mitten and learning about Navajo traditions.

10. Hike the Arizona Hot Spring Trail

Hot springs , slot canyons, a 20ft waterfall near the Colorado River, volcanic rocks and an arch-shaped like the Liberty Bell are why people hike the strenuous Arizona Hot Spring Trail , which connects to White Rock Canyon and Liberty Bell Arch trails. The trailhead is just 4 miles from the Hoover Dam. Depending on which route you take, the hike is 5 to 6 miles, with a 750ft elevation change.

Planning tip: The hot springs are closed from May 15 to September 30. 

11. Drive Route 66 

The Mother Road (a term coined by John Steinbeck in The Grapes of Wrath ) is legendary in Arizona, and for good reason. The original road from Kingman to Seligman is the longest uninterrupted stretch of historic Route 66 still in use . The highway travels through pastoral landscapes where eclectic towns give road-trippers a glimpse into the past. 

Route 66 is a dose of Americana at its best: colorful and quirky, with oddities like the 14ft Giganticus Headicus outside the Antares visitor center. Make a pit stop at the historic Hackberry General Store (now a roadside museum) in its namesake village, and in Seligman get a cherry-dipped ice cream at Delgadillo’s Snow Cap .

12. Drink craft beer on the Flagstaff Brewery Trail

Flagstaff might best be known as the gateway to the Grand Canyon or for the Arizona Snowbowl’s winter terrain, but this mountain city has also become a destination for craft beer. Explore the Flagstaff Brewery Trail  to taste what’s on tap at local spots, like Wanderlust, which elevates traditional brews to the next level: its Jasmine Terrace Rice Saison is made with puffed rice instead of wheat.

13. Be brave on the Grand Canyon Skywalk

Imagine seeing the base of the Grand Canyon beneath your feet while standing on a sheet of glass. Located in Grand Canyon West (not part of Grand Canyon National Park) on the Hualapai Indian Reservation, the glass-bottom Skywalk juts 70ft over the canyon’s west rim, curving in the shape of a horseshoe. The cantilevered bridge is just 10ft wide, but it can hold weight equivalent to 70 fully loaded 747s. 

Planning tip: Outside food or drink are not allowed. You can snap selfies at Eagle Point before you get on the Skywalk, but photography is not allowed on the bridge. Free lockers are available for stashing your stuff.

This article was first published August 2021 and updated September 2023

Explore related stories

Astrotourism

Apr 11, 2024 • 8 min read

If you’re looking to experience Sedona on a budget, here are 12 free things to do.

Mar 15, 2024 • 10 min read

Feb 19, 2024 • 7 min read

Sep 16, 2023 • 5 min read

Aug 10, 2022 • 6 min read

Jun 14, 2022 • 8 min read

Jan 14, 2022 • 7 min read

Nov 4, 2021 • 7 min read

Oct 8, 2021 • 8 min read

Sep 23, 2021 • 7 min read

USPS suggests the address below

Arizona map, time to upgrade your browser.

If you're reading this, you're surfing using Internet Explorer 6, an eight-year-old browser that cannot cope with the demands of the modern, secure internet. For the best web experience, we strongly recommend upgrading to Firefox , Opera , Safari , Google Chrome , or a more recent version of Internet Explorer .

• Phoenix Links
• Phoenix Introduction
• Nearby Destinations
• Statewide Links
• Arizona Destinations
• Visit Other States
• Visit Other Countries

A summary of what Phoenix has to offer.

Forests soften the contours of peaks framing Arizona's atmospheric northern city, Flagstaff, a destination at the heart of prime snow-sport and hiking country.

• Tour Companies
• Tourist Attractions
• Sightseeing Opportunities
• Recreational Activities
• Things To Do - Overview
• Attractions
• Scenic Drives
• Scenic Flights
• Sightseeing Tours
• Free Travel Planners
• Adventure Trips
• Balloon Flights
• Bird Watching
• Horseback Riding
• Houseboating
• Offroad - ATV
• Climbing / Canyoneering
• RV Parks Camping
• Scuba - Snorkel
• Skiing - Boarding
• Snowmobiling
• White Water Rafting
• X-Country Skiing
• Spas & Wellness

Searchable list of Phoenix tour companies, guides and outfitters, rental companies and more.

Full information on Phoenix Tourist Attractions, Scenic Drives and other easy vacation activities…

• Hiking-Canyoneering
• Whitewater Rafting

• Lodging - Hotels, Resorts, etc.
• RV Parks - Campgrounds
• Restaurants

Searchable listings of Phoenix hotels, motels, resorts, bed & breakfast, and more.

Searchable listings of Phoenix RV parks and campgrounds.

Experience the best that Phoenix has to offer. Rent a motor home or RV and explore.

Searchable listings of Phoenix restaurants, bars, diners, and more.

Use our easy Lodging Search to find exactly the type of accommodation you are looking for at the right price.

• Free Visitor Guides!
• Transportation
• Tourism Resources
• State Facts

Request Free Travel brochures for Phoenix.

Travel articles related to Phoenix…

Transportation companies, driving directions and more for Phoenix.

Phoenix weather report, historic temperatures and climate info,…

Searchable lists of Phoenix tourism offices and other helpful government agencies.

Explore destinations near Phoenix.

• Phoenix Photo Gallery
• Phoenix Video Gallery
• Arizona Photo Gallery Arizona Video Gallery

Below are the Free Visitor Guides for Phoenix Area. Click here to view all the guides avialable for Arizona.

Select All General Interest Guides

Glendale Phoenix Area - Central Arizona

Tempe Phoenix Area - Central Arizona

Arizona - The Grand Canyon State Arizona

Arizona - the grand canyon state.

Chandler Phoenix area - Central Arizona

Discover Gilbert Phoenix Area

Discover gilbert.

Discover Salt River Scottsdale Area

Discover salt river.

Superior Southeastern Arizona

Town of Clarkdale North-Central Arizona

Town of clarkdale.

Arizona State Parks State of Arizona

Arizona state parks, select all specialty guides.

Maverick Helicopters Nevada, Arizona, Hawaii, and California

Maverick helicopters.

To request a free visitor guide from Phoenix, Arizona Travel Video Gallery , please fill out the form below and click "Submit".

Your request has been processed, thank you!

We also have the following visitor guides in Arizona. Click on any additional guides you would like to receive. Your submissions were successful, thank you! ' )); tpsButtonClicked.closest( 'div.popup' ).hide( ); $('#before-Dest-State-Travel-Planners').hide();$('#after-Dest-State-Travel-Planners').show(); } ); ">Request these additional visitor guides selected below

Zion National Park - North Rim Grand Canyon Southern Utah

Zion national park - north rim grand canyon.

San Juan County Southeast Utah

San juan county.

Capitol Reef Country Central Utah

Capitol reef country.

Sierra Vista Southern Arizona

Sierra vista.

Tucson Southeast Arizona

Wickenburg Central Arizona

Bisbee Southern Arizona

Lake Havasu City Western Arizona

Lake havasu city.

Bryce Canyon Country Southern Utah

Bryce canyon country.

Benson Southeast

Utah - Life Elevated Statewide

Utah - life elevated.

Prescott: An Arizona Gem Central Arizona

Prescott: an arizona gem.

Explore Cochise County Southeast Arizona

Explore cochise county.

Cottonwood Central Arizona

Williams Northern Arizona

Douglas, Arizona Southern Arizona

Douglas, arizona, specialty guides.

We also have visitor guides available in states highlighted in blue below. Click on any state to see what's available.

• Connecticut
• Development
• Massachusetts
• Mississippi
• New Hampshire
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Washington D.C.
• West Virginia

Phoenix, Arizona Travel Video Gallery

Travel and tourism video.

• Free Visitor Guides
• Introduction
• Sightseeing Overview
• Recreation Overview
• Offroad - ATV - UTV
• Photo Gallery
• Video Gallery >

Search Phoenix Videos

• Advertising
• Privacy Policy
• Report a Problem
• Make A Suggestion

• Go Travel Sites
• Houseboating.org

Email Page Link

Below are the Free Visitor Guides for Phoenix. More Visitor Guides are available in Arizona. Click here to view them all! Select All

Switch to Mobile Browser Mode

We offer a compact version of Go-Arizona for mobile users, allowing you to access just the information you need on the road. Of course, you can still use the full version of Go-Arizona on your mobile device just as you can on your desktop.

Continue to Mobile Site Return to Main Site

Ultimate Arizona Guide

[feature_slider style=’old’ full_width=’no’ no_spaces=’no’ caption=’on’ nav=’bullets’ thumbs_event=’click’ arrows=’off’ animation_new=’fade’ animation_out=’bounceOut’ animation_in=’bounce’ autoplay=’yes’ animation=’crossfade’ easing=’easeInOutCubic’]Visit Arizona for some of the most spectacular scenery the United States has to offer. The Grand Canyon will take your breath away. Enjoy the Colorado River for white water rafting, fly fishing or water sports. Visit Scottsdale for ‘Cowboy Chic’ and any of the metro Phoenix cities for Cactus League baseball. Whatever your favorite vacation activity, Arizona has it from golf, to hiking and off road biking, to hot air balloon rides and more. Arizona Tourism is your guide to all the fun Arizona has in store for you. Don’t miss the beautiful Sonoran Desert, the largest stand of Ponderosa Pine forests in the world, mountain streams and the raging Colorado River along with alpine meadows, great skiing and the awesome red rock formations of Sedona.

When planning your Arizona vacation, make sure to carve out a few extra days to visit the Grand Canyon or Sedona . These are great vacation spots and make great day trips from the Phoenix metro area. Schedule your accommodations early as spring is a very popular time to visit Arizona. We negotiate directly with hotels in Arizona and provide great rates and availability.

The Phoenix metro area is home to over 6 million people and boasts all the major professional sports, great golf, NASCAR and some of the best resorts in the world and fantastic weather so you can get outside… Phoenix Vacation Guide

Scottsdale has been called ‘Cowboy Chic’. Enjoy the great resorts, restaurants, art galleries and annual events including the Phoenix Open, Barret Jackson Classic Car Auction and other only Arizona events… Scottsdale Vacation Guide

The Grand Canyon

Pink Jeep Tours

Enjoy the spectacular beauty of the Red Rock country in an open air ‘pink’ jeep. For over 50 years, Sedona Pink Jeep tours has been taking visitors into the beautiful red rock country in and around Sedona Arizona.

The company started as a way to entertain friends from out of town and has turned into one of the most popular tours in Arizona. Sedona Pink Jeep Tours offers off-road tours for every budget.

Sedona Pink Jeep Tours 800-873-3662 http://www.pinkjeeptours.com

• Attractions
• Apache Junction
• Fountain Hills
• Litchfield Park
• Cordes Station
• Grand Canyon
• Somerton Az
• Fort Huachuca – Sierra Vista
• Lake Havasu
• Best Western Apache Junction Inn
• Americas Best Value Inn
• Copper Queen Hotel
• San Jose Lodge Bisbee
• Rancho Manana Resort
• Best Western Inn Of Chandler
• Courtyard Phoenix Chandler
• Courtyard Phoenix Chandler Fashion Center
• Crowne Plaza Resort San Marcos Golf Resort
• Monte Vista Hotel
• Arizona Biltmore Resort
• Shell Vacations at Legacy Golf Resort Timeshares
• Springhill Suites Phoenix Downtown
• Scottsdale Princess
• Arizona Guide
• Arizona Tourism Featured Photographer
• Add My Hotel

Charging elephant kills an American woman on 'bucket list trip' in Zambia

An American woman who was on what she had called her "last big trip" was killed when a charging elephant flipped over the car she was traveling in at a national park in Zambia .

The “aggressive” creature buffeted the vehicle carrying six tourists and a guide, tour operator Wilderness said in a statement Tuesday. It said the 79-year-old victim died after Saturday's incident on a game drive at the Kafue National Park in western Zambia.

The company did not name the victim but Rona Wells, her daughter, identified her as Gail Mattson in a post on Facebook. She said her mother died in a “tragic accident while on her dream adventure.”

A video circulating on social media apparently showing the incident shows a large elephant running toward a car, which slows down as the animal approaches its left side. The elephant then flips the vehicle over and the passengers can be heard gasping as the car rolls over.

NBC News does not know the condition or identity of the person who filmed the video.

Photos shared online of the car, which is emblazoned with the logo of the tour operator, show it tipped onto its side after the incident, with a deep dent in two of its side doors.

Wilderness, which describes itself as a “leading conservation and hospitality company” operating in eight African countries, including Zambia, did not respond to NBC News when asked to confirm the authenticity of the video and the photos.

But the tour operator’s CEO, Keith Vincent, said in the statement that the company’s “guides are all extremely well trained and experienced.”

"Sadly in this instance the terrain and vegetation was such that the guide’s route became blocked and he could not move the vehicle out of harm’s way quickly enough,” he added.

Another woman was also injured in the incident and taken to a medical facility in South Africa, the Wilderness statement said, adding that four others were treated for minor injuries.

“It’s extremely rare to see an elephant that irate,” Marlon du Toit, a wildlife photographer and safari guide, told the “TODAY” show Thursday. “Across Africa, there are thousands and thousands of guests on safari on a daily basis with no negative consequences.”

The exact cause of Mattson’s death was unclear, but the company said her body would be repatriated to her family in the United States with the support of local Zambian authorities and the U.S. Embassy in the capital, Lusaka.

“This is a tragic event and we extend our deepest condolences to the family of the guest who died,” the statement added.

NBC News has reached out to Mattson's family for further comment.

Kafue National Park is Zambia’s largest and oldest national park, according to its website, and spans an area of more than 8,000 square miles. Vast regions of the park remain unexplored and the website says it is home to a variety of untamed wildlife.

A 'bucket list trip'

Mattson spent her winters in Sun City West, Arizona, playing bridge and cards, but during the rest of the year, she "travels all over the world," her friend Brenda Biggs told NBC News. Biggs and her husband, John Longabauth, became friends with Mattson when they moved to the area 6 ½ years ago.

Longabauth said Mattson spoke to the couple about her upcoming safari trip about two weeks ago, and called it "one of her bucket list trips." He said she was very excited for the adventure.

Before she left, she gave the couple concert tickets for a show that would happen while she was traveling, telling them to enjoy the concert and "I'll see you when I get back," Longabauth recalled of the conversation.

Biggs said Mattson, who was almost 80 years old, told her that the African safari was her "my last big trip." She said Mattson was "super excited because it was like the culmination of all the trips that she had gone on."

An avid traveler, Mattson took to trips to Europe and Asia, Longabauth recalled, noting that she might have been to South America, too.

Biggs called her friend "flamboyant," "friendly" and "fabulous" and said she loved bright colors. Mattson had taken over Biggs’ job as the event planner for their 200-member bridge club, she said.

"Gail was one of the more up people you'd ever want to meet," Longabauth said. "She was always up. She was always optimistic. She was always seeing the good side of everybody."

Yuliya Talmazan is a reporter for NBC News Digital, based in London.

Rebecca Cohen is a breaking news reporter for NBC News.

The free travel packet includes an Arizona Official State Travel Guide and a full-sized Arizona state map.

Please take a minute to subscribe and we will keep you posted on all the exciting news and events taking place in our area!

Arizona Travel Guides and Maps

Note: 'Mail me a Visitor Guide' isn’t available for the selected country but you can still download the virtual visitor guide.

International visitors may download digital brochures in the following languages: Español , Deutsche , Français , 日本語 , Chinese , UK/English , Korean . Travel packets may take 7-10 days to be delivered to US destinations. Allow 2-3 weeks delivery time for international shipments. Please note that VisitArizona.com respects your privacy and will not share or sell your information to any third parties. If you have questions on traveling within Arizona, please contact one of our friendly and knowledgeable travel counselors at (866) 275-5816. Click here to order bulk quantities of the guide or map.

• Link to site translated for China
• Link to site translated for Japan
• Link to site translated for France
• Link to site translated for Germany
• Link to site translated for Mexico
• Link to Arizona Office of Tourism's official Facebook page Facebook
• Link to Arizona Office of Tourism's official Instagram Instagram
• Link to Arizona Office of Tourism's official Twitter Twitter
• Link to Arizona Office of Tourism's official Pinterest Pinterest
• Link to Arizona Office of Tourism's official YouTube channel YouTube
• Link to Arizona Office of Tourism's official TikTok TikTok

Most Searched Stories

Request Your Copy

Official State Travel Guide

Top Annual Events

Sustainability

Appreciate AZ

Travel Inspiration

Plan Your Trip

Cities & regions.

From the abundance of Saguaro cactuses and unique wildlife in the Sonoran Desert to the high country and forests of the White Mountains to the breathtaking Grand Canyon, Arizona’s regions are full of experiences that don’t disappoint.

Brazil again extends visa exemptions for US, Canada and Australia, this time until 2025

Brazil’s government has extended exemptions to tourist visa requirements for citizens of the U.S., Australia and Canada until April 2025, extending a program aimed at boosting tourism that had been scheduled to end Wednesday

RIO DE JANEIRO -- Brazil’s government extended exemptions to tourist visa requirements for citizens of the U.S., Australia and Canada until April 2025, extending a program aimed at boosting tourism that had been scheduled to end Wednesday.

The decision, issued by Brazilian presidency and the Ministry of Foreign Relations late Tuesday, marks the third time Brazil has delayed the visa requirement since President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva took office in 2023.

His predecessor, Jair Bolsonaro, exempted the countries from visas as a means to boost tourism — although all three countries continued to demand visas from Brazilians.

That went against the South American country’s tradition of requiring visas from travelers based on the principle of reciprocity and equal treatment, and prompted Lula’s Foreign Ministry to say it would scrap the exemptions.

“Brazil does not grant unilateral exemption from visiting visas, without reciprocity, to other countries,” the ministry said at the time, while noting that the government stood ready to negotiate visa waiver agreements on a reciprocal basis. It did reach a deal with Japan to ease travel provisions.

The decision to maintain exemptions for the three countries is important for boosting tourism in Brazil, notably from the U.S., Brazil’s official tourism board Embratur said in a statement Tuesday.

Official data shows that nearly 670,000 Americans visited Brazil in 2023, making the U.S. the second largest country of origin after neighboring Argentina.

The government initially postponed the reinstatement of the visa requirement in October, then again in January. At the time, the government said it was still finalizing a new visa system and wanted to avoid implementing it close to the high season, mainly during the New Year’s celebrations and Carnival festivities in February, which attract tens of thousands of tourists.

Top Stories

Mom gives celestial name to baby born during total solar eclipse

• Apr 9, 12:21 PM

More than half of foreign-born people in US live in just 4 states and half are naturalized citizens

• Apr 9, 3:42 PM

Father sentenced for injecting mercury into his daughter's foot

• Apr 10, 11:05 AM

The trial of an Arizona border rancher charged with killing a migrant has reached the halfway point

• Apr 8, 4:26 PM

Striking sonar images show collapsed Baltimore bridge underwater

• Apr 10, 3:20 PM

ABC News Live

24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events