Best Places to Visit in Arizona, United States
Top Destinations in Arizona List
Use our realistic List of the Best Places to Visit in Arizona to plan your next adventure in the “Copper State”.
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Arizona is the 48th US state. It was the last contiguous state to join the union. The “Grand Canyon State” is among the largest and most populous states.
But, like in other Southwest states, large parts of the state do not have towns and settlements. Phoenix and Tucson are Arizona’s major cities.
As the nickname suggests, Grand Canyon is by far the most famous place in the state. It is also one of the most well known sights in the whole US.
Grand Canyon puts this state on every outdoor enthusiast’s bucket list.
But there is more to Arizona beyond Grand Canyon.
- The state is home to two other national parks and 18 national monuments.
- You can find 29 state parks and numerous historic sites and areas.
- There are a few sights on the Indigenous lands.
You have to account for different ownership structure and entrance requirements. Add an unforgiving climate to your list of challenges. As a result, research is a time well spent ahead of a visit to Arizona.
1. Grand Canyon National Park
Grand Canyon is a must-visit destination for any traveler to the US. It is not a surprise that it takes a top spot on the List of Best Places to Visit in Arizona. This iconic national park is a World Heritage Site. It is a living example of erosion at work for millions of years.
Grand Canyon will leave you speechless. Scenic views, hiking trails, and wildlife spotting make Grand Canyon an unforgettable destination.
Start your exploration with the South Rim. There are plenty options for dining and lodging. If time permits, go to the more remote North Rim. You can explore the canyon without the crowds there.
2. Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument
Sunset Crater Volcano is an extinct volcano in Central Arizona. The monument is minutes from Flagstaff. It is a gateway to Grand Canyon. The monument is nested inside Coconino National Forest.
The volcano created a surreal landscape. You can walk on lava beds and sand. There are several craters to explore. Drive on the Loop Road, hike short trails. and stop at the overlooks.
The monument reopened after the Tunnel Fire of 2022. Some services remain limited.
3. Petrified Forest National Park
Petrified Forest is the second national park on the List of Best Places to Visit in Arizona. The park is just off Interstate Highway I-40. It could not have been an easier stop if you are already in this part of the state.
The fossilized tree logs are the park’s major attraction. But curb your enthusiasm. Do not expect to walk in a forest of old trees. Most petrified trees are cut in parts. You can find them in different locations throughout the park.
Petrified Forest does not just have tree stumps. You should not miss the Painted Desert area. This park area has pink, orange, and yellow landscape. It is very close to the I-40. You can just stop at an overlook and admire its beauty.
4. Horseshoe Bend
Horseshoe Bend is a picturesque bend of the Colorado river. This overlook is a sight near Page, AZ.
You can reach the overlook via a moderate 0.6-mile (1-km) hiking trail. It starts at the parking lot along Highway 89. The city charges parking fees of $10 per vehicle. The hike has no shade. Bring plenty of water and sunscreen.
Horseshoe Bend is not worth a detour. But it is a nice stop if you are already visiting Page.
5. Antelope Canyon
Antelope Canyon is a tourist magnet. You probably saw Antelope Canyon’s patterns even if you have never heard of the place. Its captivating patterns are a default screensaver in my systems.
Antelope Canyon is on the Navajo tribe’s lands. You can only visit the canyon on a tour. Tours run at least once a day. The tours are more frequent during the shoulder seasons. It is best to plan your tour in advance.
High prices are the main downside of a visit to this park. The prices vary by season, time of the day, and provider. But they tend to be a lot higher than America the Beautiful annual pass. The cost quickly adds up if you travel with family members or a group of friends.
6. Wupatki National Monument
Wupatki protects ancient houses of the Pueblo people. Red rock structures on a plateau are the main attraction. They resemble cliff houses in Mesa Verde National Park. But these structure lack the cliff and cave appeal.
The monument protects a large area. But there are only a handful of short trails and overlooks.
It is hard for an average traveler to justify visiting Wupatki on its own. It is best to pair this monument with Sunset Crater Volcano and Grand Canyon. You can stop at Wupatki on your way to and from other sights in the region.
Takeaways: Best Places in Arizona
Arizona’s natural wonders provide plenty of ways to craft a perfect itinerary. From Grand Canyon to Petrified Forest, you have a lot of places to choose from.
There are lots of other worthy destinations, outside of the sights listed. You can look into Sedona, Saguaro, and Organ Pipe Cactus.
Here are a few tips to make the most from your trip to “The Grand Canyon State”.
- Airport hubs: Most travelers start their Arizona trip from Phoenix, AZ or Las Vegas, NV.
- Places to stay: the state is quite massive. Many of its sights are remote. Choose your lodging options carefully. Take day trips. This way you could maximize your return on lodging.
- Times to visit: plan for Arizona’s gruesome summers and chilly winters. Or you could visit during the shoulder seasons.
- Reservations: You do not need a reservation to visit National Parks and sites. Pack your Interagency annual pass and enjoy the trip. But you should get one to visit sights on the Native American lands.
Take a look at our Best Places to Visit in Arizona Video Guide. And visit our YouTube channel for the latest videos.
Frequently Asked Questions
You need at least one full day to explore the South Rim overlooks in Grand Canyon.
Add another day if you plan on hiking in the canyon.
A visit to the North Rim will add a third day to your plan.
Sunset Crater Volcano is no longer active. It is a cinder cone volcano. And cinder cones usually erupt just once.
Petrified Forest has fossilized tree logs. But the park has little resemblance with a typical forest.
The city of Page charges parking fees of $10 per vehicle.
No, several parks across the Southwest have beautiful and cheaper slot canyons.
You should visit Wupatki if you like history. It is also a nice stop on the way to Sunset Crater Volcano.
Safe realist travels!
