Arizona, a southwestern U.S. state, is best known for the Grand Canyon, the mile-deep chasm carved by the Colorado River. Flagstaff, a ponderosa pine–covered mountain town, is a major gateway to the Grand Canyon. Other natural sites include Saguaro National Park, protecting cactus-filled Sonoran Desert landscape. Tucson is University of Arizona territory and home to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. â Google
Best Overall:
March – May and September – November
Ideal temperatures for hiking, sightseeing, and exploring all regions.
Summer (June–August):
Hot in Phoenix and Tucson (100–115°F), but cooler in the mountains (Flagstaff, Sedona, Grand Canyon).
Winter (Dec–Feb):
Great for desert cities; snow in the north (Flagstaff, Grand Canyon), perfect for skiing or a snowy canyon view.
Main Airports:
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) – Hub for most travelers
Tucson International Airport (TUS)
Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG) – Small, good for Grand Canyon access
By Road:
Arizona is very road-trip friendly. Interstate access via I-10, I-17, I-40.
Amtrak & Bus:
Amtrak stops in Flagstaff, Tucson, and Phoenix suburbs. Greyhound and FlixBus operate routes statewide.
Grand Canyon National Park – Iconic, vast, and breathtaking. Hike, raft, or take in the views.
Sedona – Red rocks, vortexes, art, hiking, and stunning sunsets.
Monument Valley – Dramatic buttes and mesas in Navajo Nation lands.
Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend (Page) – Slot canyon photography heaven + epic Colorado River view.
Phoenix – Big city with museums, desert gardens, and golf.
Tucson – Blend of Sonoran culture, missions, cacti, and Old West vibes.
Saguaro National Park – Forest of towering cacti near Tucson.
Petrified Forest National Park – Fossilized trees, colorful badlands, and Route 66 nostalgia.
Lake Powell / Glen Canyon – Boating, kayaking, and red rock cliffs.
Meteor Crater & Lowell Observatory (near Flagstaff) – Space lovers' stops.
Hiking & Nature:
Bright Angel or South Kaibab Trails (Grand Canyon)
Cathedral Rock, Devil’s Bridge (Sedona)
Sabino Canyon and Mt. Lemmon (Tucson area)
Road Trips:
Arizona Loop: Phoenix → Sedona → Grand Canyon → Monument Valley → Page → Flagstaff → Phoenix
Historic Route 66: Seligman, Williams, Holbrook
Hot Air Ballooning:
Especially in Phoenix and Sedona for stunning sunrise views.
Cultural Tours:
Hopi and Navajo guided tours near Monument Valley and Canyon de Chelly
Mission San Xavier del Bac (Tucson)
Skiing:
In winter, head to Arizona Snowbowl (Flagstaff) or Sunrise Park Resort (White Mountains).
Luxury Resorts:
Enchantment Resort (Sedona)
The Phoenician (Scottsdale)
Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa (Tucson)
Amangiri (just across border in Utah but popular with AZ visitors)
Mid-Range Hotels:
L’Auberge de Sedona
Hotel Congress (Tucson, historic and fun)
Drury Inn & Suites (Flagstaff, reliable and centrally located)
Budget / Unique Stays:
Wigwam Motel (Route 66 kitsch, Holbrook)
Airbnbs in Sedona & Jerome – Great views and vibe
Campgrounds – Especially around Grand Canyon, Sedona, and Lake Powell
Arizona Eats:
Sonoran Hot Dogs – Bacon-wrapped, loaded street food
Green Chile Stew – Found in northern and native communities
Prickly Pear – Try it in lemonade, candy, or margaritas
Navajo Tacos – Served on frybread, often in northern Arizona
Chimichangas – Deep-fried burritos, especially in Tucson
Top Restaurants:
Barrio Café (Phoenix) – Mexican fusion
The Elote Café (Sedona) – Famous for upscale Southwestern flavors
Cafe Poca Cosa (Tucson) – Latin-American dishes with flair
Bianco Pizzeria (Phoenix) – James Beard–winning pizzas
Diablo Burger (Flagstaff) – Local beef, creative toppings
đĩ Southwest Vibe: A mix of Native American, Mexican, and Old West heritage.
đĒļ Native Influence: 22 federally recognized tribes, including Navajo, Hopi, Tohono O’odham — all contribute deeply to art, cuisine, and traditions.
đ¨ Art & Earth: Sedona and Tucson are artsy havens with spiritual leanings.
đ Nature-Centric Lifestyle: Hiking, stargazing, rock climbing, and photography are part of daily life.
âī¸ Sun & Space: Arizona averages over 300 sunny days a year, and its dark skies are prized by astronomers.