12 Best Places To Visit in Arizona That Prove the Desert Is Anything but Boring

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Arizona is one of the best states for experiencing nature, history, and outdoor sports. From red rock formations to giant canyons, the best places to visit in Arizona will leave you in awe.

As a long-time West Coaster, there were few places I looked forward to visiting more than Arizona. Its vast landscapes, Native American cultures, and stunning nature offer endless opportunities for adventurous experiences.

No matter what you want in a travel destination, this desert state will deliver. Below are the 12 best places to visit in Arizona.

Grand Canyon National Park

Most Scenic Hikes in the U.S. for Nature Lovers Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim Hike, Arizona — © Amineah / Adobe Stock

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Grand Canyon National Park is one of the world’s great natural wonders. It was dug out millions of years ago by the Colorado River and extends over a mile deep.

The national park was founded in 1919, and since then, millions of visitors flock to the edges of the canyon each year. It’s hard to put into words the impact the first gaze upon the mighty canyon can have.

You’ll see a dramatic landscape with sheer vertical red rock cliffs, gorgeous desert plants, and soaring wildlife sprawling in front of you. In addition to the nature and stunning viewpoints, the canyon region has plenty of Native American heritage to learn about.

Don’t miss catching a view from the Desert View Watchtower and the great Grandview Point. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can join hiking expeditions into the canyon to experience the grandeur from inside.

Oljato-Monument Valley

Oljato-Monument Valley is a mesmerizing destination in the United States that will leave you in awe. Towering rock formations stretch out over the valley, creating a natural sight that looks like it should be in a painting.

The valley is located in the Navajo Nation. When you visit, you can drive along the 17-mile loop or go on a tour with the Navajo Nation Parks & Recreation. The Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park has also a visitor center.

When you visit, you can buy souvenirs, including traditional Navajo artwork. Plenty of local artisans sell their art on the side of the road.

Sedona

Sedona is famous around the world for its red rock formations and almost surreal natural landscapes. It’s also the home of yoga studios, wellness centers, and just about any type of energy-seeking practice you can imagine.

More than anything, the city is a hub for creativity, art, and connection to the land. You’ll find all kinds of galleries and studios in the city. Check out landmarks like the Sedona Heritage Museum to learn more about its rich history or the famous Chapel of the Holy Cross for stunning views and architecture.

More than anything, no Sedona visit is complete without hiking or biking to the red rock monuments surrounding the city, including the renowned vortexes. Places such as Mammoth Rock, Devil’s Bridge, and Chimney Rock are not only beautiful places to visit but protected and revered landmarks worth learning about.

Flagstaff

Flagstaff is a city that, for many, is the gateway to the Grand Canyon. However, it offers endless experiences that are not to be missed.

In town, you can see historical architecture from the early days of the Wild West. You’ll find plenty of boutique shops, restaurants, and bars worth stopping in and enjoying.

One of the best places to check out is the Lowell Observatory. Here, you can catch clear night sky views and learn about the city’s contribution to the studies of the stars.

Jerome

Jerome is a former mining town catapulted to fame because of its quirky shops, ghost tours, and famous rock stars making fine wine in the hills. It is an easy day trip from Sedona or Flagstaff.

The town was a former mining town with all the wild reputation you’d expect in the Wild West. After the mining industry left, most of the town was abandoned until artists and other creative people came in and turned it into a hub for restaurants, museums, and art galleries.

When you visit, don’t miss the beautiful Raku Gallery for local art or sampling wine at the Caduceus Cellars and Merkin Vineyards Tasting Room. Also, don’t miss the Jerome State Historic Park to learn more about its wild history.

Meteor Crater Natural Landmark

Meteor Crater Natural Landmark is a short drive from Flagstaff and a must-visit for anyone interested in space. It is one of the world’s best-preserved impact sites where you can see the cataclysmic destruction of a meteor firsthand.

You can enjoy guided rim tours that take you along the edge of the crater. Or, carefully observe the giant landmark from above to catch stunning views of the wildlife that lives inside.

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Known as the Barringer Crater, this formation stretches over 4,000 feet across and 550 feet deep. It was formed over 50,000 years ago and still attracts astronomers to this day who come to study the landform.

Tucson

Tucson is a historical city with a rich Native American heritage and many exciting destinations. Start at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum to learn about the natural landscape and the plants and animals that call it home.

Afterward, head to the Tucson Museum of Art to see incredible artwork, including Pre-Colombian masterpieces. Then, visit the Arizona History Museum for old stage coaches and other historical relics from Arizona’s past.

Outside of the city are sprawling desert landscapes and beautiful mountains. If you love hiking, visit the scenic trails of Saguaro National Park, which has some of the largest cacti in North America.

Bisbee

Bisbee is another historic mining town tucked away in the rural mountains of Arizona. It was once home to mines that attracted thousands of people looking to build their riches.

Much of its Victorian architecture preserves its history. Today, you can visit museums like the Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum. Also, don’t miss artistic landmarks such as the Art Wall downtown.

If you visit during October, you can check out the popular Bisbee 1000 stair climb. During the event, racers brave over four miles of stairs in the city with colorful outfits and plenty of fun.

Montezuma Castle National Monument

Montezuma Castle National Monument has some of the best-preserved cliff dwellings in the country and is a short drive from Phoenix. First, visit the Verde Valley Archaeology Center and Museum to learn about the region’s long history.

Then, head to the Montezuma Castle National Monument to see the ancient dwellings. These villages were built and carved into the cliffs, providing shelter and shade for the Sinagua People almost a thousand years ago.

Other historical sites, including petroglyphs and cave dwellings, are nearby. Incredible hiking trails surround the sites, taking you into rugged Arizona landscapes with wildlife and colorful plant life.

Vermilion Cliffs National Monument

The Vermilion Cliffs National Monument is a unique natural landmark with vividly colored cliffs that seem almost unreal. Start off by getting a permit to visit the monument and take House Rock Valley Road to the many trailheads that snake into the national monument.

You’ll see amazing landmarks such as Cottonwood Cove, The Wave, and the popular The Big Mac, named, of course, because of its hamburger shape. Toward the Utah border, you can even see dinosaur tracks.

Make sure you pack plenty of water and food because the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument is far away from civilization.

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is a picture-perfect place to experience nature and some of the most photogenic landscapes in the country. The canyon cuts into the hills of northern Arizona and contains red rock formations, river canyons, slot canyons, and Lake Powell, a popular fishing and water sports destination.

Start your visit in Page and check out the impressive Glen Canyon Dam. Then, head to Antelope Canyon on an official Navajo tour. You’ll see striking rock formations, smooth sandstone walls, and sacred sites while taking in its incredible history and significance and learning more with the tour guide. Horseshoe Bend is close to Page as well and is one of the most instagrammable spots in America.

If you love hiking, there are endless trails to explore. You can also try kayaking or going on a fishing tour in nearby Wahweap.

Tombstone

Visiting Tombstone is like stepping into the Wild West. The town preserves its Victorian-era heritage in its architecture and fun reenactments as an attraction.

You can visit the original O.K. Corral and see the location of Wyatt Earp’s famous gunfight. Then, walk over to the Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park to learn about the town’s history.

The town is full of unique homes and antique stores with plenty of Wild West memorabilia. Take your time to walk around and re-live your childhood cowboy dreams.