From epic canyons to Wild West towns, here’s where to go for your ultimate Arizona adventure.
Arizona is one of those places that just grabs you—with its red rock cliffs, otherworldly deserts, and stories carved into the land. Whether you’re hiking through mystical sandstone formations or eating fry bread on tribal land, every stop here has a vibe all its own.
In this guide, I’m taking you through 14 unforgettable places across Arizona, from world-famous icons to hidden gems. If you’re planning a road trip, craving nature, or chasing a bit of that old Western magic, there’s something here with your name on it.
1. Grand Canyon National Park – South Rim
Best for Iconic Landscapes
Let’s be honest—you can’t visit Arizona and skip the Grand Canyon. And if it’s your first time, the South Rim is where you want to be. This is the most accessible and iconic side of the canyon, about 3.5 hours north of Phoenix. And yes, it really is as massive and mind-blowing as everyone says—277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide, and over a mile deep.
There’s nothing like that first moment when you walk up to the edge at Mather Point and the canyon just swallows your view. Early morning and sunset are golden hours here—the light makes the layers of rock look like fire. You’ve got easy walking trails like Rim Trail and more intense treks like Bright Angel Trail, plus shuttle buses to help you get around.
If you’re staying the night, book early at El Tovar Hotel—an old-school gem perched right on the edge. And don’t skip the Desert View Drive—it’s 25 miles of pure scenic bliss with far fewer crowds.
2. Havasu Falls
Best for Waterfall Treks
Hidden in the heart of the Havasupai Reservation, Havasu Falls is the kind of place that makes you feel like you’ve discovered a secret oasis. Turquoise waterfalls tumbling over red cliffs into travertine pools—and yes, the water is really that blue.
But you have to earn it. It’s a 10-mile hike each way from Hualapai Hilltop to the falls, and you’ll need a permit from the Havasupai Tribe (which sells out quickly—plan months in advance). Camping overnight is required, and there’s no day hiking allowed.
Once you’re in, though, it’s pure magic. You can also explore nearby waterfalls like Mooney Falls and Beaver Falls, all tucked deep inside the Grand Canyon’s lesser-known branches. Just bring good shoes, water, and a true sense of respect—this land is sacred.
3. Flagstaff
Best for Alpine Escapes
Sitting at 7,000 feet elevation in northern Arizona, Flagstaff is a refreshing break from the desert heat. It’s surrounded by Ponderosa pine forests, mountain peaks, and lava flows, and it’s a true four-season town. You can ski at Arizona Snowbowl in winter, then hike the San Francisco Peaks in summer.
Flagstaff also has a young, funky energy thanks to Northern Arizona University. The historic downtown is filled with craft breweries (try Dark Sky Brewing) and cozy coffee shops. And if you’re a night owl, you’re in for a treat—Flagstaff was the world’s first International Dark Sky City, so stargazing is next level.
It’s also a great base for day trips—just an hour from the Grand Canyon and even closer to places like Walnut Canyon, Sunset Crater, and Wupatki National Monument.
4. Horseshoe Bend
Best for Scenic Snapshots
Just outside the town of Page in northern Arizona, Horseshoe Bend is a short hike with a huge payoff. This dramatic curve in the Colorado River looks like a giant horseshoe carved into the rock, with glowing red cliffs dropping 1,000 feet to the water below.
It’s only a 1.5-mile roundtrip hike from the parking area, but it gets hot fast—bring water and wear sun protection. The best views are around sunrise or sunset, when the colors get intense and the crowds thin out. It’s gotten popular (thanks, Instagram), but it’s still worth the stop, especially if you’re pairing it with nearby Antelope Canyon.
Fun fact: You’re standing right above Glen Canyon, part of the system that eventually becomes Lake Powell. It’s one of the most photogenic spots in the Southwest, no filter needed.
5. Prescott
Best for Historic Downtowns
Prescott brings together Wild West history and pine-scented air, sitting at 5,300 feet elevation in central Arizona. It was actually the original capital of the Arizona Territory, and you can still feel that old frontier energy when you walk around Whiskey Row—a historic strip of 19th-century saloons and shops.
But it’s not all about cowboy tales. Prescott has more than 450 miles of trails, including the beautiful Watson Lake Loop, where huge granite boulders rise from the water like sculptures. The surrounding Prescott National Forest is perfect for hiking, biking, and escaping the summer heat.
In the summer, the town comes alive with events like the World’s Oldest Rodeo and evening concerts in the Courthouse Square. It’s also one of those places where you can slow down and breathe—you’ll find antique stores, cozy diners, and friendly locals who’ll happily tell you about the best hidden trails.
6. Navajo Nation
Best for Cultural Journeys
Spanning over 27,000 square miles across Arizona, Utah, and New Mexico, the Navajo Nation is the largest Native American reservation in the U.S.—and one of Arizona’s most powerful, soul-stirring regions to explore.
Here, the landscapes are spiritual. You’ve got Monument Valley’s towering red buttes standing like silent sentinels on the horizon (those iconic scenes in old Westerns? Mostly filmed here). The light shifts all day long, painting the land in deep reds, purples, and golds. The best way to explore is through a guided tour with a Navajo guide, who can share sacred stories and access to hidden spots like Mystery Valley or Ear of the Wind Arch.
You’ll also find places like Canyon de Chelly, where ancient cliff dwellings hug the walls and traditional Navajo families still farm the valley floor. If you’re driving through, stop for fry bread tacos or mutton stew at a roadside stand. And always be respectful—this is living, sovereign land with traditions thousands of years deep.
7. Jerome
Best for Haunted Heritage
Clinging to the side of Cleopatra Hill in central Arizona, Jerome is a once-booming copper mining town turned quirky artist haven. It’s often called “America’s most vertical city,” with winding roads and historic buildings that seem to defy gravity.
Back in the early 1900s, Jerome was one of the richest towns in the West. Then the mines dried up, people left, and it became a near ghost town—until artists, musicians, and free spirits moved in. Now, it’s full of character—haunted hotels, underground bars, vintage shops, and galleries showcasing everything from sculpture to steampunk art.
Don’t miss the Jerome Grand Hotel—a former asylum that’s now rumored to be haunted—or sip local blends at Caduceus Cellars, owned by Tool’s lead singer, Maynard James Keenan. From here, you’ve got sweeping views of the Verde Valley, and Sedona is just down the road.
8. Williams
Best for Family Rail Trips
If you’ve ever dreamed of hopping aboard a classic steam train to the Grand Canyon, Williams is where that dream starts. This small town on Historic Route 66 has old-school Americana charm, with neon-lit diners, western shows, and a main street that feels like it time-warped from the 1950s.
Williams is the gateway to the Grand Canyon Railway, a beloved experience where you ride vintage cars pulled by old locomotives (and sometimes even meet a cowboy outlaw along the way). The ride takes you straight to the South Rim in about 2 hours and 15 minutes.
But Williams isn’t just about trains. You’ve also got Bearizona, a drive-thru wildlife park where you can see wolves, bears, and bison up close. And the nearby Kaibab National Forest offers some fantastic trails and picnic spots. It’s one of those towns where the pace slows down, and you can enjoy the little things—like a sarsaparilla float on a sunny afternoon.
9. Meteor Crater
Best for Science and Space Lovers
About 45 minutes east of Flagstaff, Meteor Crater is exactly what it sounds like—a giant hole blasted into the earth by a 150-foot-wide meteorite some 50,000 years ago. But standing on the edge of this massive, perfectly round impact site? It’s kind of surreal.
The crater is almost a mile across and over 550 feet deep, and the surrounding terrain looks like another planet. You can walk along designated parts of the rim and visit the Meteor Crater Visitor Center, which has space exhibits, an Apollo test capsule, and a chunk of the actual meteor that made the impact.
This isn’t a spot you spend all day at, but it’s a must-see detour if you’re driving along Interstate 40 between Winslow and Flagstaff. Especially if you’re traveling with kids (or grown-up science nerds), it’s an unforgettable stop.
10. Sedona
Best for Spiritual Retreats
There’s no place in Arizona quite like Sedona. Nestled among towering red rock formations, this desert town feels both wild and mystical. Whether you’re coming for the epic hiking, the energy vortexes, or the stunning drives, Sedona will get under your skin in the best way.
It’s just under 2 hours north of Phoenix, but it feels like a different world. You’ve got hikes like Cathedral Rock, Devil’s Bridge, and Bell Rock—all surrounded by fiery cliffs and pine forests. If you’re into energy work, there are vortex sites that many believe hold healing power (even if you’re skeptical, they’re beautiful places to reflect and recharge).
Sedona’s also known for its art scene, from the outdoor Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village to galleries showcasing local and Native artists. And don’t miss a drive down Red Rock Scenic Byway (SR 179) at sunset—it’s pure magic. Grab dinner on a patio with a view, and raise a glass to the red rocks glowing like embers.
11. Phoenix
Best for Desert City Life
Phoenix, Arizona’s capital and largest city, is all about contrasts. You’ve got sleek skyscrapers and desert trails, buzzy restaurants and quiet cactus gardens—all under nearly 300 days of sun a year. If you’re flying in, this is likely your starting point, and it’s well worth a few days.
For culture, check out the Heard Museum (phenomenal Native American art) or the Phoenix Art Museum. Want nature? Hike up Camelback Mountain or explore Papago Park, home to the Desert Botanical Garden and its striking displays of Sonoran flora. And if you love a good city view, the Dobbins Lookout on South Mountain gives you a full sweep of the Valley of the Sun.
The food scene’s seriously underrated—Sonoran hot dogs, spicy birria tacos, and world-class Mexican food in South Phoenix. At night, neighborhoods like Roosevelt Row buzz with craft beer, murals, and music. Phoenix might surprise you—it’s a city with grit, growth, and a lot of heart.
12. Tombstone
Best for Wild West History
You’ve probably heard the phrase, “This town ain’t big enough for the both of us.” That sentiment lives on in Tombstone, one of Arizona’s most famous frontier towns. Located in southeastern Arizona, about an hour and 15 minutes southeast of Tucson, this is where the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral went down in 1881.
Today, Tombstone is a living piece of Old West history. You can still walk down Allen Street, where costumed gunslingers reenact shootouts and stagecoaches roll by. It’s touristy, sure—but also genuinely fun. Boot Hill Graveyard, The Bird Cage Theatre, and the Tombstone Courthouse are all worth visiting if you want to soak up the stories of outlaws, lawmen, and gold-chasers.
And yes, they’ll tip their hats and say “howdy” here, and it’s not a gimmick. Tombstone embraces its past, and if you lean into the Western drama, you’ll have a blast.
13. Route 66: Kingman & Seligman
Best for Retro Road Trips
If you’ve got a soft spot for vintage diners, neon signs, and old gas pumps, the stretch of Route 66 between Kingman and Seligman is a dream. This is classic Americana, served up with fries and a root beer float.
Kingman is a great place to start. Stop by the Route 66 Museum, then hit up Mr. D’z Diner—a 1950s-style joint with chrome stools and thick milkshakes. From there, head east toward Seligman, where the entire town feels like a Pixar movie. (In fact, Radiator Springs in Cars was inspired by Seligman!)
In Seligman, Delgadillo’s Snow Cap Drive-In is a must—part restaurant, part roadside comedy act. Expect jokes, pranks, and burgers served with sass. This stretch of highway isn’t just a road; it’s a time capsule, and driving it is half the fun.
14. Tuba City
Best for Indigenous Discovery
Located on the western edge of the Navajo Nation, Tuba City doesn’t always make top lists, but that’s exactly why it’s special. It’s a gateway into Navajo and Hopi lands, rich in culture, stories, and landscapes that feel untouched.
One of the coolest things here? Actual dinosaur tracks, preserved in sandstone just outside of town. Local guides—many from Navajo families—can walk you through the site, pointing out prints and sharing stories passed down through generations.
Tuba City also has the Explore Navajo Interactive Museum, which gives great context on Navajo history, language, and way of life. And for a quick bite, try a Navajo taco (a fried bread base topped with chili, cheese, and lettuce) at a local diner or stand.
This is the kind of place where you slow down, look closer, and come away with a deeper appreciation of the land and people who’ve lived here for centuries.
Final Word
Arizona isn’t just one kind of trip—it’s a whole world of experiences. From the Grand Canyon’s thunderous silence to the clap of boots in Tombstone, this state invites you to explore its raw beauty, culture, and spirit. Pack your curiosity, your camera, and an open mind—Arizona will do the rest.