Arizona was the last of the contiguous or lower 48 states to be admitted into the Union, but it should be one of the first places you think of when planning your next trip or vacation. The Grand Canyon State is nicknamed for perhaps the most famous top travel destination in Arizona, but there are plenty of other places to go in this Southwestern state. Here are the top travel destinations in Arizona.
Sedona
The city of Sedona and its surrounding area places second behind only the Grand Canyon itself for the best place in Arizona to visit, according to US News. There are quite a few reasons for this.
- Natural Beauty: The color here is dramatic, where red rocks tower over jagged sandstone formations lit up by a nearly always blue sky. The artistic inspiration has drawn professionals and amateurs alike for decades. Professional filmmakers have also been practicing their craft here for years, too.
- New Age Healing: If you’re into alternative medicine, then you might want to check out the many New Age vortex points here said to balance spiritual powers. Even if that’s not quite your thing, you’ll find plenty of yoga retreats among the many conventional spas.
- Crafts: The local crafts scene is quite vibrant as artisans make a living coming up with creative items and gifts you can use for birthdays and holidays or just to take a part of Arizona home with you.
- Hiking: The area has more than 100 different trails waiting for you. Take a relaxing walk, or challenge yourself to something more vigorous. Guided Jeep tours are available for those that prefer the comfort of a wheeled vehicle.
- Wine: Arizona’s wine scene is quickly developing respect across the nation and around the world. Take a tour of a local winery and vineyard, or just pop open a bottle of local wine to help you relax and celebrate life.
More Than Just That One Canyon
Canyons are a unique geographic formation that you should see at least once in your life. Arizona canyons abound across the state, and they’re as unique and magnificent a view from the top looking down into one as they are if you hike or raft the bottom and look up.
Consider visiting any of these when you come to Arizona:
- Antelope Canyon: The deep curves of this canyon are gorgeous, and the scenery is quite rich.
- Bear Canyon: This canyon is great for rappelling, but there are also waterfalls you can swim in.
- Glen Canyon: Let your kids get their hands on rocks and wade in streams. A million acres of nature await your family.
- The Grand Canyon: Gawk at the view from the top, or take a donkey ride into the bottom. This is considered one of the world’s seven natural wonders.
- Marble Canyon: The bright-colored rock walls of this canyon make for memorable kayaking and boating along the Colorado River.
- Paria Canyon: This is a great second option if you can’t make Antelope Canyon and are heading in or out of Utah.
- Sabino Canyon: Visit this canyon for hiking among a variety of beautiful desert plants.
- Walnut Canyon: Enjoy this National Park for ancient cliff dwellings and hiking.
- Waterholes Canyon: This one requires a tour guide and online tickets for its few available spots. Once you get here, the deep bands of orange layers make for a selfie backdrop you won’t find anywhere but Arizona.
Many of these canyons require reservations far in advance, especially if they are on indigenous land. Plan ahead.
Also, keep the season in mind. Summer heat gets pretty bad in Arizona, and the crowds are thicker. Then again, if you actually get to the bottom of a canyon, you’ll probably be under shade more often than not given the walls to your sides.
Four Corners
This particular point of interest is laughed at by some but a whimsical interest of others. Four Corners is the point where the states of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah intersect. A monument marker is laid at the point where all four states touch corners. It’s the only place in the United States where four states all meet at one point, and it makes for a great family photo. You can also teach your kids a few things about geography.
Coconino National Forest
If you want lots of nature, then this is the place to be. Almost 2 million acres of nature await you. While Arizona parks often feature lots of arid terrain and desert, this forest is abundant with its life. It’s also quite diverse. You’ll find the land covered with creeks, lakes, and mountains. One of them is San Francisco Peak, the highest mountain in the state and a place with breathtaking panoramic views. You can also go down the rock slide at Slide Rock to wind up in the refreshing swimming hole.
Relive Route 66
Kingman is often known as the beating heart of what was once historic Route 66. That’s because this city has the longest remaining uninterrupted stretch of the famous road. Transportation fanatics often put this place on their bucket list for The Kingman Railroad Museum and the Arizona Route 66 Museum. There’s even a section of old wagon route leftover from the pioneering 19th century. Kingman is also a good base of operations for hiking and biking in the nearby Certbat foothills. As with many other parts of Arizona, Kingman is also home to many tasty wineries, distilleries, and breweries.
Enjoy the Time of Your Life
From urban amenities to quiet empty spaces, the state of Arizona can be a place where you relax and unwind alone, reconnect with someone you love, or entertain the entire family. From peace and serenity to outdoor adventure, this state has plenty of options in terms of places to go and things to do.
