Arizona Travel Guide: Historic Towns, Scenic Wonders & Weekend Adventures
Whether you have one free afternoon, a long weekend, or a week to explore, Arizona is full of places that surprise you. Wander through historic mining towns, stand beneath towering red rock cliffs, sip local wines, watch migrating birds, or discover scenic places that most travelers drive right past. This guide is here to help you spend less time researching and more time making memories you’ll still be talking about long after the trip is over.
Your Arizona Trip Style
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Places to See in Arizona
I’ve been exploring Arizona for more than 25 years, and one thing I’ve learned is that the best experiences aren’t always the most famous ones. Of course places like the Grand Canyon, Sedona, and Monument Valley deserve their spot on your list. They are famous for a reason.
Sedona, in particular, remains one of my favorite places in the state because of its incredible landscapes. But some of my favorite memories come from exploring the quieter places in between. I’m still discovering places in Arizona that make me stop and think, “I can’t believe this exists.” Those moments of curiosity and wonder are what keep me exploring, and they are the experiences I love sharing with fellow curious travelers.
How Many Days Do You Need?
- 3-4 days: Just the Highlights Phoenix + Scottsdale (Central Arizona)
- 4-5 days: Phoenix + Scottsdale + Sedona (Central & North Central Arizona)
- 4-5 days: Sedona + Verde Valley + Grand Canyon (North Central & Northern Arizona)
- 7–10 days: Full Northern Arizona loop + Page + Tucson
- 10-14 days: Central + Northern + Southern Arizona (Highlights of the State)
First Time Visitor (Bucket List Items)
Nature Lover
History Buff
Hidden Gem Explorer
Wine Lovers
Top 10 Places to Visit in Arizona
Arizona Travel By Region
Arizona FAQs
The southwest doesn’t have the same population density as the east coast. Outside of the metro areas, Arizona has vast open land.
Fun fact more than half of Arizona’s population lives in just one county – Maricopa County.
Yes, to see most of the state you’ll need a vehicle. You will be able to see the majority of touristy sites with a sedan. However, if you want to be a little more adventurous you may want to opt for a higher clearance vehicle.
No, this is a common misconception. The state has varied topography. Most people think of the low desert area when they think of Arizona. However, it is also home to the largest Ponderosa Pine forest, you will find creeks, rivers and lakes here too. Learn more about the World’s Wettest Desert.
This depends greatly on what part of the state you are visiting and what time of year. Learn more at Arizona Weather – When to Visit
This depends. The state of Arizona doesn’t participate in Daylight Savings time, so we never change our clocks.
- Book a Flight to Arizona: To Arizona the two main airports are Sky Harbor in Phoenix and Tucson International. There are also a couple smaller airports including Flagstaff Pulliam
- Rent a Car in Arizona: You can rent a car in Flagstaff or Phoenix and drive to Sedona. Alternatively, you can leave the driving to someone else and take a bus tour from Phoenix to Sedona.
- Where to Stay in Arizona: Choose from hotels, motels, resorts, Airbnb, VRBO, cabins, and camp sites in Arizona.
- Tours to Take in Arizona
Recent Posts
Our travels focus on nature and historical sites. We like to explore in our own backyard, the cities, small towns and national parks. Find out the best places to visit and Arizona and fun things to do in the Grand Canyon state.
Places to go in Arizona – Let’s Explore
- The Ultimate Guide to Arizona Ghost Towns
- Fun in the Snow: Where to Go Sledding in Arizona
- Fun Fall Activities in Arizona
- The Best Arizona Gardens & Arboretums
- 5 Pumpkin Patches in Arizona
- 7 Places to See Petroglyphs in Arizona
- Fall in Love with Arizona’s Scenic Roads
- 7 of the Best Campgrounds in Arizona
- The Best Preserved Arizona Native American Ruins & Cliff Dwellings to Visit
- 9 Arizona Waterfalls You Need to See
- Let’s Go Take a Hike – The Prettiest Hikes in Arizona
- Get Your Kicks on Arizona’s Historic Route 66.
- Arizona’s Most Spectacular Motorcycle Ride
- Road Trippin’ to Arizona’s National Parks & Monuments
- The Best Arizona Wineries and Vineyards
- Arizona Swimming Holes in One-Mile Hike or Less
- Let’s go to the Lake: A Guide to Arizona’s Lakes
Arizona Tours
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Adventurer At Heart
Hello, my name is Amber! I'm an Arizona-based traveler obsessed with nature and history.
