We’re sharing over 20 of the best places to visit in Arizona, including desert hikes, charming towns, national parks, and hidden gems we’ve loved over the years.
Out of all the incredible places we’ve traveled, Arizona is easily one of our absolute favorite states to explore. It’s especially nostalgic for Kathryn since she was born here and lived in the state for eight years! We’ve returned countless times since then, spending weeks and even months seeing every corner from our van.
And while most people immediately think of the Grand Canyon (which is obviously incredible!), there is SO much more to Arizona than that. You’ll find colorful rock formations, old mining towns, sky islands, incredible food, giant cactus forests, alpine lakes, and some of our favorite winter weather anywhere in the US.
In this guide, we’re sharing the best places to visit in Arizona. Each spot includes fun things to do, local food we love, and personal tips from our own adventures!
This isn’t an exhaustive list of every square inch of the state, but rather places we have personally visited and fallen in love with. As well as a few bucket-list spots we have meticulously researched and cannot wait to experience. We still have so much we want to see, like driving the entire Arizona section of Route 66. So we will keep adding to this guide as we explore more!
20+ Best Places to Visit in Arizona
Southern Arizona
1. Chiricahua National Monument
If you’re looking for an incredible hidden gem to add to your road trip itinerary, Chiricahua National Monument is easily one of the most underrated places to visit in Arizona!
Located in the far southeastern corner of the state, this park is famous for its massive rhyolite rock pinnacles, balance rocks, and stone columns. Which were formed by a huge volcanic eruption over 27 million years ago! The Chiricahua Apache called this area the “Land of Standing Up Rocks,” which feels very fitting once you see it for yourself.
We spent a full day exploring the park and loved hiking the Big Loop trail, an 8.7 mile hike that takes you through some of the park’s best scenery. The trail has a little bit of everything, with narrow rock corridors, giant stone pinnacles, forested sections, and sweeping desert views.
If you aren’t up for a long hike, you can drive the scenic road all the way to Massai Point for incredible views over the rock formations. And if you have extra time, the short hike up Sugarloaf Mountain is worth it for the fire lookout. Plus, the views from the top are unreal! Just keep in mind that most trails in Chiricahua National Monument are not dog friendly.
Outside of the national monument, the surrounding Chiricahua Mountains are gorgeous, too! Plus dog friendly! We hiked part of the Silver Peak Trail and loved it. We didn’t complete the entire trail, but even going a short distance had the most beautiful views in Southern Arizona.
If you want to see more of what the park looks like, we also made a video of our time exploring Chiricahua National Monument!
2. Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area
If you are a wildlife lover or avid birder, Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area is a must visit in Southern Arizona. Located in the Sulphur Springs Valley, this 1,500-acre sanctuary of wetlands and grasslands is world famous for the thousands of sandhill cranes that migrate here every winter! Even if you’re not super into birding, it’s pretty incredible to see thousands of these massive birds take off at sunrise and fly back around mid-day.
The best way to see the cranes is to walk the flat trails around the ponds and stop by the viewing decks. We’ve boondocked here in our van multiple times, and it’s a truly magical spot. It also makes for a great basecamp if you want to explore places like Bisbee, Tombstone, or Chiricahua National Monument.
3. Bisbee
If you’re looking for the absolute coolest, most unique towns to visit in Arizona, you absolutely have to add Bisbee to your list!
Located in the Mule Mountains near the Mexico border, this former mining town is full of colorful buildings and historic charm. In the late 1800s, Bisbee became one of the wealthiest mining towns in the world thanks to its massive copper deposits. And a lot of that history can still be seen throughout town today!
One spot that is neat to wander is Lowell, a tiny street lined with vintage cars and old storefronts that feels like it’s been frozen in time. The Lavender Pit overlook is another popular stop where you can see the huge open-pit copper mine.
If you want to explore the town by foot, you can tackle the Bisbee 1000. It’s not your typical hike, but it’s one of the most popular ways to see the town! The route takes you up nine historic staircases that snake through the town, with art installations, murals, and sculptures you can check out along the way.
Downtown has a bunch of fun local spots to check out too! Grab a coffee at Allen & Co Coffee Shop, explore the Bisbee Museum, and enjoy Vietnamese eats at Thuy’s Noodle Shop.
4. Tombstone
If you want to experience Arizona’s Wild West history, Tombstone is easily one of the top places to visit in Arizona! Famous for being “The Town Too Tough to Die,” this historic town blew up during the silver mining boom of the late 1800s and was home to legendary figures like Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday.
Today, Tombstone still leans heavily into its Old West roots. Here you’ll find wooden boardwalks, historic saloons, staged gunfights in the streets, and perfectly preserved old buildings in the historic district.
Some of the most popular things to do in Tombstone include watching the O.K. Corral gunfight show and grabbing a drink at Big Nose Kate’s Saloon. And if you’re feeling brave, tour the Bird Cage Theatre. This theater is said to be one of the most haunted buildings in Arizona! It features over 140 bullet holes still in the walls and original artifacts left behind when the town was abandoned.
5. Tumacácori National Historical Park
Tumacácori National Historical Park is one of the most historic places to visit in Southern Arizona. This park preserves the ruins of a Spanish mission that dates back to the late 1600s. Here you can explore the beautiful old architecture and learn how the Spanish colonial and Indigenous history shaped this region.
The main thing to do here is explore the Tumacácori Mission, which has beautiful adobe architecture and faded artwork. If you time your visit right, they also sometimes have tortilla demonstrations! The park also offers guided tours to some of the more remote mission sites in the area. Make sure to reserve this well in advance, as it does sell out.
And before leaving the area, stop by Santa Cruz Chili & Spice Co for spices, hot sauces, and all kinds of Southwestern goodies.
6. Madera Canyon
Madera Canyon, located in the Santa Rita Mountains south of Tucson, is one of Southern Arizona’s famous Sky Islands. These are isolated mountain ranges that tower over the expansive desert. Here you can find cooler temperatures, pine trees, and canyon scenery that’s completely different from the desert landscapes the state is usually known for.
One of the most popular hikes in the area is Josephine Saddle via the Super Trail and Old Baldy Trail. If you want even more of a challenge, you can continue all the way to Mount Wrightson, the tallest peak in the range. Even if you don’t tackle the full hike, just driving through the canyon is worth it.
7. Tucson
If you’re looking for a city in southern Arizona that somehow manages to feel outdoorsy, artsy, historic, and full of flavorful food all at the same time, Tucson is the best place to visit! Surrounded by five different mountain ranges with saguaros everywhere, Tucson is the second-largest city in the state. And it offers a fun mix of city things to do and easy desert adventures nearby.
One of our absolute favorite ways to spend an afternoon in Tucson is just wandering around downtown! The street murals here are so vibrant and beautiful, the local shops are incredibly cute, and the coffee is great! Presta Coffee Roasters and Exo Roast are both definitely worth a stop. And while you’re in town, grab a Sonoran hot dog from El Sinaloense Hot Dog Cart. These are bacon wrapped hot dogs loaded with beans, onions, tomatoes, and sauces. It’s a fantastic flavor combination!
For some local history, check out Mission San Xavier del Bac. It’s one of the most beautiful buildings in Arizona and dates back to the late 1700s. And for a quick view over the city, hike up A Mountain around sunset.
Since you’re surrounded by mountains, there’s no shortage of hiking nearby. But Sabino Canyon is probably our favorite spot! The Seven Falls hike is especially beautiful, with creek crossings, giant saguaros, and a series of waterfalls that cascade over smooth rock, tucked inside the canyon at the end! You can also drive up Mount Lemmon in the Santa Catalina Mountains. In less than an hour, you go from saguaro deserts to pine forests and cool mountain air. Plus even snow in the winter! It is such a great way to escape the heat.
And if you have extra time, the Pima Air & Space Museum is super impressive. It’s actually one of the largest air and space museums in the world! Colossal Cave Mountain Park is another incredibly fun place to explore. This is one of the largest dry cave systems in North America. It’s filled with huge rock formations, narrow passageways, and old outlaw legends which you can experience on one of their tours. Their ladder tour is especially fun and unique! Plus, you absolutely have to try their prickly pear ice cream afterward!
Watch us spend two days in Tucson including trying Sonoran hot dogs, driving up Mount Lemmon, exploring Sabino Canyon, and more!
8. Saguaro National Park
Saguaro National Park is one of the most well known places to visit in Arizona. This park protects more than 2 million saguaro cacti that can only be found in Southern Arizona and Sonora, Mexico! It is split into two districts on either side of Tucson, with Saguaro West having a higher concentration of saguaros and some of our favorite hikes, scenic drives, and sunset views in the area.
For one of the best hikes in Saguaro National Park, head up Wasson Peak. This is the highest point in the Tucson Mountain District at 4,688 feet. The views just keep getting better the higher you climb! For an easier option, we loved the Valley View Overlook Trail at sunset.
And if you want a scenic drive, don’t miss the Bajada Loop Drive! This is a gravel road with overlooks, trailheads, and some of the best cactus views in the park. You can also see ancient Hohokam petroglyphs at Signal Hill!
Check out our Saguaro National Park West guide to learn more about the park. As well as our specific guide to hiking Wasson Peak. You can also watch our full trip to Saguaro National Park!
9. Picacho Peak State Park
Picacho Peak is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Southern Arizona. It has been on our hiking bucket list for years! Rising 3,374 feet out of the Sonoran Desert between Tucson and Phoenix, the peak is part of the Picacho Mountains and looks dramatic no matter which direction you’re driving from. It’s impossible to miss, and if you love a thrilling, steep hike, it’s definitely one of the best places to visit in Arizona!
The Hunter Trail is the main route to the summit and is known for being one of the most intense hikes in Arizona. This trail climbs about 2,000 feet in just over 1.5 miles (one way) and includes multiple cable sections where you pull yourself up steep rock slabs near the top. But from the summit, you get panoramic views over the desert, surrounding mountain ranges, and endless saguaros below. Make sure to start early, as the hike is very exposed!
Central Arizona
10. Phoenix
Phoenix is the state capital and the largest city in Arizona. It’s such a fun city to explore because it’s completely surrounded by desert mountains, packed with incredible hiking trails, and has some really good food.
One of our favorite spots in the city is Papago Park. The red rock formations here are super pretty and it’s an easy place to explore without needing a huge hike. Hole-in-the-Rock is the most popular trail and gives you a great view over the city, especially around sunset.
For a bigger adventure, head to South Mountain Park and Preserve, which is actually one of the largest municipal parks in the country. We hiked the Marcos de Niza, Midlife Crisis, and Young Man Trails Loop and loved how rugged and remote parts of it felt, even though you’re still in the middle of Phoenix.
Spring is an especially fun time to visit Phoenix because of baseball season! You can catch a Diamondbacks game downtown or go to spring training games around the valley. We went to a Mariners spring training game and it ended up being one of our favorite things we did in the area!
For food, Little Miss BBQ is one of the best meals we’ve had in Arizona. Their brisket is ridiculously good and definitely worth waiting in line for.
11. Scottsdale
Scottsdale is easily one of our favorite Arizona cities! Between the streets filled with palm trees, the mountain views, and seriously good food, it’s easy to see why Scottsdale is one of the best places to visit in Arizona.
One of our favorite things to do here is wander around Old Town Scottsdale, which has a fun western vibe mixed with cute shops, restaurants, and coffee spots. And we always make time for Diego Pops. If you go, you have to order the Brussels sprout nachos and their street tacos. They are so delicious!
If you’re looking for a hike, Camelback Mountain is a must, but definitely prepare for a steep climb and some rock scrambling. Pinnacle Peak and Piestewa Peak are also fantastic alternatives!
If you want more ideas for how to spend a weekend here, check out our full Scottsdale guide.
12. Superstition Mountains
The Superstition Mountains are easily one of the most rugged and beautiful desert landscapes we’ve ever explored! Located about an hour east of Phoenix, this iconic mountain range is famous for its towering volcanic cliffs, giant saguaros, and old mining legends, including the famous Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine.
We backpacked the Weaver’s Needle Loop Trail and the scenery was absolutely unreal.
This route combines the Dutchman, Bluff Springs, Terrapin, and Peralta Canyon trails into about 12 miles total. With one night staying at a campsite near Fremont Saddle overlooking Weaver’s Needle. Desert backpacking definitely humbled us though! Between the heavy packs we carried, the relentless sun exposure, and a few confusing trail sections, it was a grind.
If you aren’t up for a backpacking trip, the Peralta Canyon Trail to Fremont Saddle is one of the best day hikes in Arizona. It gives you incredible views without having to tackle the entire loop.
If you want to see what backpacking in the Superstition Mountains is really like, watch our full YouTube video!
13. Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests
If you are looking to trade desert saguaros for endless ponderosa pine forests, the White Mountains in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests are an absolute dream. Sitting at a high elevation of around 8,000 feet, this area is home to lakes, rushing rivers, and sprawling meadows that we absolutely fell in love with.
One of our favorite experiences in the area was hiking the Thompson Trail. It meanders right along the West Fork of the Black River and is just so peaceful. We also saw dozens of elk on our drive into the area!
This region is actually famous for fishing, especially for Apache trout, Arizona’s state fish and one of only two trout species native to the state! While the fishing luck wasn’t exactly on our side, it was really cool learning about the conservation efforts that helped bring this native fish back from the endangered species list.
We also loved exploring the small mountain town of Greer. We stopped at Molly Butler Lodge for lunch. Their chili had just the right amount of spice and we’re still dreaming about that fruit of the forest pie. If you can, plan your visit for when they serve their famous prime rib!
See us explore these beautiful forests, hike the Thompson Trail, and grab lunch in Greer in this video!
Northern Arizona
14. Sedona
Located in the high desert of northern Arizona, Sedona is one of the most gorgeous places to visit in the state! With stunning red rock formations, incredible hiking trails, tons of energy vortexes, and such a cute, artsy downtown, it’s hard not to fall in love with this town.
You can see the area’s iconic scenery just by driving around. But if you are able to, we highly recommend hitting the trails! Soldier Pass Trail is packed with tons of features like the Devil’s Kitchen sinkhole, the Seven Sacred Pools, and a hidden cave at the end. Another must do is Devil’s Bridge, the largest natural sandstone arch in the Sedona area. You can even walk across it! But be warned, this hike is very popular and there can be a queue to walk on the bridge. We suggest hiking this one for sunrise!
Indian Gardens Cafe & Market is our favorite spot for breakfast and coffee. And if you’re wandering through the Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village, definitely stop at The Chai Spot for a creamy butter chai.
If you’re visiting Sedona, and wondering what to do, check out our 2 Days in Sedona Itinerary! Or, if you’re looking to get out on the trails, we’ve rounded up over 11+ Easy Hikes in Sedona.
15. Flagstaff
Sitting at 6,910 feet, Flagstaff is an absolute dream of a mountain town in Northern Arizona. Surrounded by pine forests and the San Francisco Peaks, it’s one of the best places to visit in Arizona if you want cooler temperatures, mountain scenery, and easy access to hiking.
One of our absolute favorite discoveries here is the Old Caves Crater Trail. This is such a unique hike that takes you up the side of an ancient volcanic cinder cone. At the top, you can actually climb around and explore the old caves that were formed in the volcanic rock.
If you are looking to learn a little history about the area, Walnut Canyon National Monument is nearby. Here you can hike down into a steep canyon to see cliff dwellings built into the canyon walls by the Sinagua people hundreds of years ago.
For the ultimate mountain challenge in Flagstaff, hike Humphreys Peak! Standing at 12,633 feet, it’s the highest point in the entire state of Arizona. This epic trek is still sitting at the very top of our hiking bucket list. We cannot wait to head back to Arizona to finally conquer it!
For coffee, we loved Single Speed Coffee Roasters. MartAnne’s Burrito Palace is a must for their legendary chilaquiles and monster green chile breakfast burrito!
16. Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument
Located just a short drive north of Flagstaff, Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument is one of the most otherworldly places to visit in Arizona. The landscape here is completely different from the rest of the state, with a moonscape terrain that stretches for miles!
The park protects the youngest of the 600 volcanoes that make up the San Francisco volcanic field. Formed during eruptions about 1,000 years ago, it left behind a 1,000-foot-tall cinder cone and a valley completely littered with black basalt and lava rock.
During our visit, we combined the Lava Flow Trail, Lenox Crater Trail, and the A’a Trail. And we were blown away by the scenery! Fun fact: astronauts actually trained here for the Apollo lunar landing missions in the 1960s because the terrain so closely resembled the moon!
While this monument is spectacular, pretty much all of the trails here are not dog friendly. However, the surrounding Coconino National Forest is an absolute paradise for van life, with great boondocking!
Check out our YouTube video where we explore the monument, camp on the lava fields, and road trip through Arizona!
17. Wupatki National Monument
Located just up the road on the very same scenic loop drive as Sunset Crater, Wupatki National Monument is an amazing place to see ancient history. The monument preserves the remains of seven distinct pueblo structures created by ancestral Puebloan groups between 900 and 1200.
Interestingly, this desert community actually boomed because of the eruption at Sunset Crater! The volcanic ash spread across the region, enriching the soil and transforming the area into a bustling agricultural hub.
During your visit, you can walk right up to Wupatki Pueblo. This is the largest freestanding pueblo in Northern Arizona, featuring over 100 rooms and an ancient ball court. Make sure to stop by the main structure to experience the natural blowhole, which can blast cool air up to 30 mph out of the earth!
You can also take the short drive over to Wukoki Pueblo too! It features a three-story tower built right on top of a massive sandstone rock. It looks just like a desert castle!
In this YouTube video, we drive our van onto the cinder fields, test out the natural blowhole at Wupatki, and explore the incredible Wukoki Pueblo on our road trip through Arizona!
18. Petrified Forest National Park
Petrified Forest National Park is such a fascinating place to explore! It’s packed with colorful badlands, ancient petrified wood that has crystallized into solid quartz over millions of years, and tons of scenic overlooks that make it incredibly easy to experience. Even if you only have a day to visit!
While there are tons of beautiful overlooks, we highly recommend experiencing a few hikes (this park is dog friendly, too!). The Blue Mesa Trail was our favorite hike in the park. It winds through beautiful, striped blue and purple badlands!
The Crystal Forest Trail is another great hike on a short, paved loop that takes you through a massive concentration of fossilized wood. Some of the logs glitter in the sunlight with quartz crystals and vibrant colors that make it hard to believe they were once living trees millions of years ago!
19. Havasupai
Backpacking into the Havasupai Reservation is one of the most unforgettable adventures in Arizona! Home to five stunning waterfalls with vibrant turquoise water flowing through towering red canyon walls, it’s an absolute oasis within the Grand Canyon.
However, there is a lot to know before you attempt this backpacking adventure. First, because this is tribal land, you absolutely must have a permit before you arrive (which are highly competitive!). These permits are for a 4 day/3 night stay and are very expensive.
Also, getting there is part of the journey! To get to the falls and campground, it’s a 10 mile hike down into the canyon. But once arriving, you’ll be rewarded with the sight of the hike’s famous Havasu Falls.
The adventure doesn’t stop there, though! You can continue further down the canyon to experience Mooney Falls, and eventually make your way to the terraced pools of Beaver Falls. For those with plenty of endurance, you can hike all the way to the Confluence, where the creek meets the Colorado River!
Want to tackle Havasupai? We’ve compiled everything you need to know to plan your trip, including the hike to Havasu Falls, Mooney and Beaver Falls, and the route to The Confluence. You can also watch our experience hiking to Havasu Falls on Youtube!
20. Grand Canyon National Park
Carved over millions of years by the Colorado River, the Grand Canyon is one of the most visited national parks in the entire country! Stretching 277 miles long, 18 miles wide, and over a mile deep, it’s one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. No matter how many photos or videos you have seen, nothing compares to standing on the rim for the very first time and seeing just how massive it really is.
Most visitors explore the South Rim, which is open year-round and has the best infrastructure, viewpoints, lodging, and hiking trails. This is the area we visited and it was incredible!
One of the absolute best things to do at the Grand Canyon South Rim is simply explore the viewpoints along the rim. Some of our favorite viewpoints include Mather Point, Yavapai Point, and Hopi Point. We’d highly recommend catching at least one sunrise and one sunset during your visit. The park is extra magical at these hours!
If you’re looking to get out on the trails, you can hike below the rim! Bright Angel and South Kaibab Trail are the most popular options. Even if you only hike a short distance down and back, it’s absolutely worth it.
If you have extra time, there are tons of other fun ways to experience the park. You can walk sections of the Rim Trail, a 13-mile paved and dirt path that runs entirely above the canyon rim. For something easier, drive Desert View Drive for more scenic overlooks or ride the free shuttle system along Hermit Road. You can even ride the historic Grand Canyon Railway into the park from Williams, Arizona!
If you are short on time, check out our 1-day South Rim itinerary to maximize your time. Or, if you have a few days to explore, our ultimate guide shares the absolute best things to do at the South Rim!
21. Page
Page may not be a huge town, but it’s packed with some of Arizona’s most iconic scenery. From slot canyons and red rock cliffs to the bright blue waters of Lake Powell, it’s an incredible stop on any Arizona road trip. Even with just one day here, you can experience some truly bucket list worthy spots.
One of the top things to do in Page is visit Antelope Canyon. You’ll need to book a guided tour in advance since the canyon is located on Navajo land. But it’s absolutely worth it. We chose to tour Antelope Canyon X for a less crowded experience and loved it! Another fun activity nearby is hiking the Beehive Trail. This is a short, but scenic hike with incredible sandstone formations and panoramic desert views.
Spend the afternoon kayaking or paddleboarding on Lake Powell, before ending the day, head to Horseshoe Bend for sunset!
If you have extra time, Page also makes a great base for exploring Marble Canyon. We highly recommend hiking the Cathedral Wash Trail. It’s a fun experience, with a bit of scrambling involved, but you end at the Colorado River, surrounded by large canyon walls.
If you’re looking to explore the magic of Page, check out our full Page, Arizona Itinerary for all our top recommendations on where to stay, eat, and play.
Planning Your Trip to Arizona
How to get to Arizona
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) is the largest airport in Arizona. This airport will be your best bet for most of the state. If your plans are focused primarily on Southern Arizona (like Tucson, Bisbee, or Chiricahua), flying into Tucson International Airport (TUS) is a time saving alternative!
Getting around Arizona
You definitely need a car to see Arizona. The state is huge, so make sure you have a reliable vehicle, as you’ll be spending plenty of time on the road! A standard rental car works perfectly for all the main highways and major park roads.
That said, there are quite a few amazing areas that involve dirt roads or rougher terrain, especially if you want to camp or explore beyond the main viewpoints. In those situations, having higher clearance is definitely helpful.
Arizona is also one of our favorite states for van life. If you are interested in exploring the desert or the mountains by van, check out our Stoked to Camp guide for the best rental companies.
Best time to visit Arizona
Arizona is a year-round destination, but because the elevation varies so drastically, you have to choose your region based on the season!
Spring (March to May): This is one of our favorite times to visit Arizona. Temperatures are much more manageable, and it’s an ideal season for hiking and camping. Places like Sedona, Saguaro National Park, Grand Canyon National Park, and Petrified Forest National Park are especially beautiful this time of year. Higher elevation areas like Flagstaff and the White Mountains can still have lingering snow into early spring.
Summer (June to August): Summer is the trickiest season in Arizona because much of the state gets EXTREMELY hot. Desert cities like Phoenix and Tucson regularly see temperatures above 100°F, which can make hiking dangerous during the middle of the day. Plus, some areas, like Havasupai, are at risk of flash floods. During summer, we’d recommend sticking to higher elevation areas like Flagstaff, Mount Lemmon, and the White Mountains.
Fall (September to November): Fall is another fantastic time to explore Arizona. Temperatures begin cooling off across the desert, and northern Arizona gets beautiful fall colors. We also love that fall gives you the chance to comfortably visit both higher elevation forests and lower elevation desert areas in the same trip without dealing with snow or extreme heat.
Winter (December to February): Winter is an amazing time to explore southern Arizona and the desert regions. Places like Saguaro National Park and Sedona often have sunny days and mild temperatures that are perfect for hiking. However, northern Arizona can get VERY cold and snowy. Flagstaff regularly sees significant snowfall, and the Grand Canyon National Park South Rim can be icy and windy.
Save this guide with our top places to visit in Arizona
About the author
This blog post was written by our writer Nicoll. Learn a bit about her below!
After six years of full-time travel, Nicoll is now a mountain-loving mama living in Colorado with her husband Jake, their sweet baby girl Teagan, and their pup Gunner. She loves hiking, riding her dirt bike, and finding joy in the little things.