Exciting Things To Do in Arizona
If you’re looking for a fantastic vacation destination, look no further than Arizona. This beautiful state is home to some of the most popular tourist attractions in the country, including the Grand Canyon. Here are 15 exciting things to do in Arizona, so pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable trip.
1. Grand Canyon National Park
No trip to Arizona would be complete without visiting the Grand Canyon. This unique natural wonder is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States, and it’s easy to see why.
The massive canyon is breathtaking and was carved over millions of years by the Colorado River. Visitors can hike down into the canyon, raft through its waters, or enjoy the view from one of the many lookout points.
Several historic landmarks, including the Grand Canyon Lodge and the Grand Canyon Railroad Depot, located within Grand Canyon National Park, make it one of the best places for adventure seekers and history buffs.
Every year, millions of people from all over the world experience the canyon. So whether you’re looking for a simple day trip or an extended vacation, visiting Grand Canyon National Park is an unforgettable experience.
2. Desert Botanical Garden
The Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, Arizona, is a must-see for anyone interested in the desert landscape. The Garden features a variety of desert plants, including cacti, succulents, and wildflowers.
Visitors can stroll through the gardens to get up close and personal with the plants and learn more about the desert ecosystem. The Desert Botanical Garden also features a butterfly pavilion where visitors can learn about the metamorphosis of these fascinating creatures.
In addition, the Desert Botanical Garden hosts various special events throughout the year, including concerts and educational programs. The Garden is open year-round, and there is always something new to see, making it an ideal destination for locals and tourists alike.
3. Canyon de Chelly National Monument
Canyon de Chelly National Monument is a stunning natural wonder in northeastern Arizona on the Navajo Nation. The canyon is home to a dazzling array of cliffs, canyons, mesas, and ruins, as well as an abundance of plant and animal life.
Spider Rock, a 750-foot sandstone spire, is the most recognizable formation in the canyon. Visitors can explore the canyon floor on foot, horseback, or Jeep with a Navajo guide. No solo hiking is allowed. The exception is the White House Ruin Trail which is open to unaccompanied hikers.
Canyon de Chelly will leave you with lasting memories regardless of how you explore it.
4. Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is one of the country’s most scenic and geologically diverse areas. The park has over 1.2 million acres of land and water to explore.
Lake Powell, created by Glen Canyon Dam, is located in the recreation area and is one of the largest man-made reservoirs in the United States. It is a popular destination for boaters, anglers, and watersports enthusiasts.
The recreation area also features hiking trails with spectacular views and opportunities for camping. Glen Canyon is also home to wildlife, including bighorn sheep, bobcats, mountain lions, mule deer, and bald eagles.
5. Visit Flagstaff
Set among the ponderosa pines of Northern Arizona, Flagstaff is a beautiful mountain town with a laid-back vibe.
Flagstaff is home to Northern Arizona University and offers various activities and attractions for students and locals. Thanks to its high elevation (6,900 feet), Flagstaff enjoys cooler temperatures than many other parts of Arizona.
6. Saguaro National Park
Saguaro National Park is one of the most iconic places in the American Southwest. The park is home to the biggest saguaro cacti in the country, and these massive plants are a sight to behold.
Saguaro National Park also features stunning desert landscapes, hiking trails, and opportunities to see wildlife such as turtles, bobcats, and javelina. Whether you’re looking for a place to hike or simply admire the natural beauty of the desert, Saguaro National Park is an excellent choice.
7. Petrified Forest National Park
There is no shortage of national parks in Arizona, but Petrified Forest National Park is one of the most unique among them. The park has a vibrant landscape of red, orange, and yellow rock formations.
In addition to the park’s signature attraction, petrified wood, you can also see amazing views of the Painted Desert. There are plenty of things to do in Petrified Forest National Park, from hiking and picnicking to wildlife watching.
8. Antelope Canyon
Antelope Canyon is a popular tourist destination in Arizona. Located near Page, AZ, Antelope Canyon is home to gorgeous twisting sandstone walls carved out by wind and water over millions of years.
There are two canyons, Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon, and both offer a similar experience. Most people are looking for the famous “beam of light” that shines through the canyon at noon (on clear days).
The only way to visitors can explore the canyon is with an authorized tour company. The slot canyons are especially popular with photographers from all over the world to capture the unique beauty of the landscape. So, whether you’re an experienced hiker or a first-time visitor, Antelope Canyon will surely leave you mesmerized.
9. London Bridge Lake Havasu
Lake Havasu City, Arizona, is home to one of the most famous bridges in the world, the London Bridge. The bridge was initially built in the 1830s and spanned the River Thames in London, England.
In 1968, the defunct bridge was bought by entrepreneur Robert P. McCulloch and transported to Lake Havasu, where it was rebuilt.
