Soaking Up Sun & Sights in Arizona

Grand Canyon Visitor Center – this is the perfect starting point for your Grand Canyon journey from the southern areas of the park. You'll be well prepared after a stop here with maps, brochures, tours, and information on things to do inside the park.

Enjoy a Guided Tour – Grand Canyon National Park offers many programs to help you appreciate and explore the canyon. Choose from day hikes, backpacking trips, bike rentals, bus tours, mule trips, and rafting. Having a knowledgeable guide can enhance your understanding and enjoyment of this truly grand area.

Grand Canyon Skywalk – this clear glass-bottomed walkway extends 70 feet into the canyon, where you can gaze down at the 4,000 feet drop below. The walkway is located on the west side of the Grand Canyon on land owned by the Hualapai Indian Tribe.

Desert View Drive – this 26-mile drive starts in Grand Canyon Village. You’ll follow the canyon rim east to Desert View, taking in some of the most dramatic views of the Grand Canyon. There are many lookout points along the way.

Rim Trail – this mostly paved and challenging 13-mile hike is located on the south side of the Grand Canyon. With multiple shuttle stops on the parallel Hermit Road, you can get beautiful views after just a few minutes of walking.

South Saibab Trail to Skeleton Point – this hike is slightly more difficult than the Rim Trail with 2,040 feet of elevation gain. You’ll get a lovely view of the Colorado River but pack extra water since there’s no water or restrooms on this 6-mile out-and-back trail.

South Kaibab, Phantom Ranch, and Bright Angel Trail — this strenuous 19.2-mile hike isn’t recommended for a day hike unless you are an experienced hiker with the gear you need. Many hikers go down through South Kaibab Trail and up through Bright Angel, enjoying the panoramic canyon views along the way. If you’re planning to stay the night at the bottom of the canyon, make sure to make reservations well in advance.

Lowell Observatory – this is the observatory where the planet Pluto was discovered. Join the thousands of visitors yearly to check out the telescope, workshops, and exhibits.

Museum of Northern Arizona – learn the history of the land through Native Americans' past stories and future hopes, with artifacts from hundreds of years of history.

Downtown Flagstaff – no visit to Flagstaff is complete without visiting one of the many microbreweries, local eateries, and live music venues in this charming downtown district.

Snowbowl Road – the Arizona Snowbowl ski area has a beautiful chair lift ride in the summer and fall, and an even more exhilarating ski or snowboard trip in the winter.

Fatman's Loop Trail – this 2.5-mile loop offers views of historic lava flow and Flagstaff as you wind through ancient Junipers. This trail is suitable for kids, dogs, and mountain biking.

Elden Lookout Trail – this 6.3-mile hike is best for experienced hikers with over 2,300 feet of elevation gain. The workout is worth it when you get to the top and catch a glimpse of sparkling green aspens, cheerful wildflowers, and eastern Flagstaff.

Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village – this is one of the best places to get a feel for Sedona's arts and culture scene. With five restaurants on-site, you can shop, check out art galleries, and enjoy festivities all day long.

Chapel of the Holy Cross – this historical chapel is built into the red rock buttes of a cliff with floor-to-ceiling stained glass windows overlooking the Verde Valley.

Verde Valley – explore the wines of Arizona with wine tours from Sedona into the Verde Valley. There are tours that leave from Sedona every day, but if you’re looking for a more DIY tour, the heart of the Verde Valley is 25 miles from Sedona.

Red Rock State Park – this 286-acre preserve is great for exploring the red sandstone canyons just outside of Sedona. There are plenty of outdoor pursuits.

Mescal Mountain Trail – this 6-mile hike is located in Cochino National Forest. You’ll enjoy beautiful views of the mountains and landscape on this kid and dog-friendly trail. The hike is considered moderate for regular hikers and there is also a mountain biking path.

Desert Botanical Gardens – this 140-acre preserve is surrounded by beautiful scenery and desert flora and fauna. There are also indoor art exhibits, guided tours, and a butterfly garden.

Heard Museum – discover the ancient artifacts of the American Southwest. This museum, founded in 1929, has over 40,000 pieces in its collection.

Wrigley Mansion – located on a hill overlooking the city, this mansion showcases the Spanish Colonial style architecture of the early 1930s and is a wonderful place to dine and take in views of the city.

Camelback Mountain – towering over the city, this mountain (shaped like a camel’s hump) is hard to miss. If you’re up for some exercise, a challenging hike to the top offers wonderful views of Phoenix and Scottsdale. Otherwise, enjoy the views from the base.

City of Gastronomy – as a UNESCO certified city of food, Tucson is one of the best places to enjoy local ingredients, traditional recipes, and numerous food festivals and events with traditions that date back over 4000 years. The UNSECO distinction is given for the delicious restaurants, farmers markets, and festivals, and also for the traditional way food is produced.

Mission San Xavier del Bac – this mission was established in 1692 and has the oldest intact European structure in Arizona. The church was built in 1793 and is the perfect place to step back in time and learn about the Hispanic, Native, and Anglo influences of the region.

Mount Lemmon – just outside of Tucson, you’ll find the highest point in the Santa Catalina Mountains, with cooler temperatures, hiking, skiing, and rock-climbing activities.

O.K. Corral – watch the re-enactment of the famous Tombstone gunfight and then explore the central historic streets of downtown Tombstone.

Bird Cage Theatre – this preserved 1881 theater still includes its original poker table. Many say that ghosts still haunt the place. While there are no longer shows, you can learn about the site with a self-guided tour or evening ghost tour.

Tombstone Brewing Company – this is one of the most popular breweries in Arizona. Try original flavors and traditional brews.

Good Enough Silver Mine – discover the silver mine that started it all. Tours of the mine include entry to the 1878 mine and learning all about what silver mining was like.

Kartchner Caverns – the striking caves located at the eastern base of the Whetstone Mountains (20 minutes from Tombstone) feature some of the longest straw stalactites and columns, as well as other stunning geological formations. You can take a guided tour of this delicate and beautiful cave.