I’ve been to Arizona multiple times in the spring and fall and stayed in several cities (Phoenix, Flagstaff, Tuscon, and Page). There are so many cool sights to see in Arizona, but here are my top five favorite things to do across the state:
1. Antelope Canyon (Page)
Why Visit:
A stunning canyon with wavy orange walls lit by beams of sunlight.
Highlights:
- Upper Canyon → famous for the sunlight beams that appear late morning (best from May – September).
- Lower Canyon → narrower passages with dramatic shapes and textures, less crowded than Upper Canyon.
- Pair with a visit to Horseshoe Bend, a scenic viewpoint just 10 minutes away.
How to Go:
You must book a guided tour (Upper or Lower Canyon) from the list of approved providers. We booked the Upper Canyon tour with Antelope Slot Canyon Tours, and the Lower Canyon tour with Dixie’s. Tours fill up fast, so book well in advance if visiting during peak season. We stayed in Page and drove to the canyon (~10 minutes).
2. Grand Canyon National Park (Flagstaff)
Why Visit:
Carved by the Colorado River, this vast canyon is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the seven natural wonders of the world.
Highlights:
- Walk along the Rim Trail for panoramic viewpoints.
- You can get an aerial view of the canyons by doing a helicopter tour. Unfortunately ours got canceled due to weather so we weren’t able to experience it 😢
How to Go:
There are three main areas visitors can go to, but the South Rim is the most popular and best for first time visitors. It’s open year round and has the best infrastructure. We stayed in Flagstaff and drove ~1.5 hours to get there. We used our National Park Pass, but you can also buy tickets at the entrance (cashless options only).
3. Petrified Forest National Park (Flagstaff)
Why Visit:
This unique park is filled with colorful petrified wood and striking desert landscapes.
Highlights:
- Blue Mesa Trail → a one-mile (1.6 km) loop through badland hills with petrified logs.
How to Go:
We stayed in Flagstaff and drove to the park (~2 hours). We used our National Park pass, but you can also buy tickets at the entrance (cashless options only).
4. Saguaro National Park (Tucson)
Why Visit:
The saguaro is a tree-like cactus and an icon of the American West. These majestic plants are found only in a small part of the U.S. and are protected by Saguaro National Park.
Highlights:
- Valley View Overlook Trail → an easy 0.8-mile (1.3 km) roundtrip hike with plenty of photo opportunities among the giant cacti.
- Pair with a visit to Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum (half zoo, half botanical garden), just 5 minutes away.
How to Go:
We stayed in Tucson and drove to the park (~30 minutes). We used our National Park pass, but you can also buy tickets at the entrance (cashless options only).
5. Musical Instrument Museum (Phoenix)
Why Visit:
The Musical Instrument Museum is the largest of its kind in the world, with over 15,000 instruments and artifacts from around the globe.
Highlights:
- Hear and see instruments from over 200 different countries being played through interactive displays.
- Check out the Mechanical Music Gallery which has a huge collection of pianos. My husband and I both play piano and it was so cool to see the variety of pianos being displayed.
How to Go:
We bought tickets at the museum, and there’s free parking onsite. It’s about a 30-minute drive from downtown Phoenix or the airport.
Planning a trip to Arizona? Check out my top five tips to help you make the most of your visit.