Arizona

Travel Guide

Arizona
South Mountain Park showing desert views and landscape views as well as a small group of people
Downtown Scottsdale featuring street scenes, a small town or village and cuddly or friendly animals
Papago Park showing caves
Papago Park which includes landscape views, hiking or walking and desert views

Arizona is the home of some of America’s most iconic natural landmarks, but its lively cities prove that there is more to the state than its canyons and valleys. 

Picture Arizona in your head and you will most likely imagine sights such as the Grand Canyon or the cinematic Monument Valley. These world-famous attractions are rightly celebrated for their eye-catching, dusk-red beauty. Yet Arizona offers more than these famous sights a trip here could include explorations of ancient cliff-side houses, unusual museums and laid-back, modern cities.

Explore the cliffs of Arizona to find the remains of 12th-century settlements carved out of the rock. Sinagua Indians inhabited these dramatic homes in places such as Montezuma Castle and Walnut Canyon, where you can still find remarkably well-preserved dwellings.

Of course, no trip to Arizona is complete without a trip to the Grand Canyon, 277 miles (446 kilometers) of gorges carved over millennia by the Colorado River. Head to the busy South Rim for easy access to the canyon and an informative visitor center or drive a longer route to the quieter North Rim.

Marvel at the natural beauty of Monument Valley, the iconic location of several westerns, and the man-made majesty of the Hoover Dam. Allow yourself to feel overwhelmed by the wave-shaped crevasses of Antelope Canyon.

Take your family to the museums and attractions in Arizona’s welcoming cities. Sunny Phoenix is one of the state’s cultural hubs, offering multiple theaters and performance venues. Make sure you visit the Phoenix Art Museum, the Musical Instrument Museum and the Heard Museum, which focuses on Native American communities in the Southwest.

Tucson has outdoor museums, cactus-covered desert landscapes and Old Tucson Studios, a theme park built around a western movie set. Visit Flagstaff for access to the mountains, Meteor Crater and the Lowell Observatory, where you can stargaze at night.

Fly to Phoenix or Tucson for the easiest route into Arizona. The best time of year to visit Arizona depends on your destination. The desert cities offer a warm escape from winter, while the Grand Canyon is at its busiest in summer. Come in spring or fall for quieter and milder days at Arizona’s stunning landmarks.

Where to stay in Arizona

Downtown Phoenix which includes signage and night scenes

Downtown Phoenix

3.5/5(2,458 area reviews)

A true urban neighborhood, Downtown Phoenix boasts major sports venues like Chase Field and Footprint Center, as well as cultural attractions such as the Arizona Science Center and Phoenix Art Museum. Easily accessible via Valley Metro Light Rail, enjoy walkable streets, friendly cafes, and local businesses.

Downtown Phoenix
Coffee Pot featuring a small town or village, views and a gorge or canyon

West Sedona

4.5/5(1,928 area reviews)

Bask in the glow of red sandstone formations while exploring numerous hiking and mountain biking trails. Discover the unique turquoise-arched McDonald's and the awe-inspiring Chapel of the Holy Cross, nestled within a red rock cliff.

West Sedona
Old Town

Old Town

Old Town is known for its popular shops, and you can see some sights in the area like Scottsdale Waterfront and Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West.

Old Town
#Trovember —Winter nightfalls in the Sonoran Desert; you can’t make this stuff up! Tucson sunsets are the best... #MyBackyard

Catalina Foothills

Nestled north of Tucson, this affluent community boasts upscale shopping at La Encantada and luxurious resorts along the resort corridor. Explore attractions like Sabino Canyon, DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun, and the scenic Santa Catalina Mountains.

Catalina Foothills
Sedona featuring landscape views and mountains

Uptown Sedona

4.5/5(633 area reviews)

The stunning river views and popular shops are just a few highlights of Uptown Sedona. Make a stop by Sedona Arts Center or Sedona Motion Picture Museum while you're exploring the area.

Uptown Sedona
Papago Park featuring desert views as well as a small group of people

Camelback East

4/5(1,116 area reviews)

Adjacent to Paradise Valley and Scottsdale, Camelback East Village boasts two main cores and sits between Piestewa Peak and Camelback Mountain. Explore the vibrant 24th Street and Camelback Road or 44th Street and Van Buren Street areas.

Camelback East
Yavapai Lodge
Yavapai Lodge
3 out of 5
11 Yavapai Lodge Road, PO Box 159, Grand Canyon, AZ
The price is $213 total per night from Jul 10 to Jul 11
$213 total
per night
Jul 10 - Jul 11
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Grand Canyon. Enjoy free parking, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (9,331 reviews)
"A very pleasant stay. Highly recommended."

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

Yavapai Lodge
Talking Stick Resort
Talking Stick Resort
4 out of 5
9800 E. Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, AZ
The price is $173 total per night from Jul 8 to Jul 9
$173 total
per night
Jul 8 - Jul 9
Stay at this 4-star spa resort in Scottsdale. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (3,454 reviews)
"Quite rooms"

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

Talking Stick Resort
Hilton Phoenix Resort at the Peak
Hilton Phoenix Resort at the Peak
4 out of 5
7677 N 16th St, Phoenix, AZ
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is $174 total per night from Jul 15 to Jul 16
$174 total
per night
Jul 15 - Jul 16
Book a stay at this spa resort in Phoenix. Enjoy free parking, 7 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
7.6/10 Good! (3,144 reviews)
"Property was very run down . Lots of renovation while on my stay . Just was not the type of stay i was looking forward too. Not a 4star resort ."

Reviewed on Jul 5, 2025

Hilton Phoenix Resort at the Peak
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Junipine Resort
Junipine Resort
3.5 out of 5
8351 N Highway 89A, Sedona, AZ
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Sedona. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and in-room massages. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,116 reviews)
"I had a wonderful stay at Junipine Resort! The highlight was definitely the beautiful view of the creek—peaceful, relaxing, and the perfect backdrop for a getaway. The natural surroundings made the whole experience feel like a true escape. The accommodations were clean and comfortable, and the atmosphere ..."

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

Junipine Resort
Sedona Pines Resort
Sedona Pines Resort
3.5 out of 5
6701 W State Route 89A, Sedona, AZ
Stay at this 3.5-star family-friendly condo in Sedona. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,649 reviews)
"It was very nice and convenient to everything"

Reviewed on Jul 5, 2025

Sedona Pines Resort
Scottsdale Camelback Resort
Scottsdale Camelback Resort
4 out of 5
6302 E Camelback Rd, Scottsdale, AZ
Stay at this 4-star spa condo in Scottsdale. Enjoy free parking, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,151 reviews)
"Beautiful property! Definitely will be returning."

Reviewed on Jul 4, 2025

Scottsdale Camelback Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Cities near Arizona