Top 15 Best Places to Visit in Arizona

Arizona is a land full of stunning natural beauty, deep history, and a mix of cultures. It's home to the famous Grand Canyon and peaceful lakes and forests. But with so many amazing places to see, picking where to start your Arizona trip can be tough. Sedona, Tucson, and Monument Valley are popular spots, but Arizona has much more to explore. This guide will show you the top 15 must-see places in Arizona, each with its own special charm. Get ready to find the hidden spots, natural marvels, and historic sites that make Arizona a top destination.

Key Takeaways

Arizona is home to a diverse array of breathtaking landscapes, from the iconic Grand Canyon to serene lakes and forests.
This guide will showcase the top 15 best places to visit in Arizona, highlighting each destination's historical significance, natural wonders, and must-see attractions.
Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a history buff, or simply seeking a scenic escape, Arizona has something for everyone.
The article will provide detailed information on the top 15 destinations, including Sedona, Tucson, and Monument Valley, as well as lesser-known gems.
Readers will be equipped with the knowledge to plan the ultimate Arizona adventure and discover the state's hidden treasures.

15. Flagstaff

Flagstaff is a city in northern Arizona that welcomes visitors all year round¹. It's famous for being close to the Grand Canyon. This city has outdoor fun, historic sites, and cultural spots².

Flagstaff is near Arizona's beautiful natural sights². The Meteor Crater is a top spot for those interested in geology, being the best-preserved meteorite crater on Earth². The Lava Tube Cave offers an underground adventure, and the Grand Falls, or "Chocolate Waterfall," is amazing during peak flow seasons².

Flagstaff also has a lot of history and culture². The Museum of Northern Arizona has been around since 1928, sharing the area's natural and cultural stories through exhibits and programs². The Riordan Mansion and the Arizona Historical Society Pioneer Museum give a peek into the city's history with tours and stories of its growth².

Outdoor lovers will find plenty to do in Flagstaff³. The city has a 56-mile trail system for hiking and training³. For more excitement, try the Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course or ride the Arizona Gondola for views of the Grand Canyon³.

Flagstaff is also known for its food and drink scene³. It has over 15 coffee spots for those who love a good latte³. The Flagstaff Brewery Trail highlights the area's craft beer, with places like Historic Brewing Company and Mother Road adding to the city's flavor³.

Flagstaff offers a mix of outdoor fun, history, and culture¹. With its pleasant summers, beautiful nature, and many attractions, it's a top spot in Arizona¹.

14. Montezuma Castle National Monument

In central Arizona, the Montezuma Castle National Monument is a true treasure. It shows the architectural and cultural achievements of the Sinagua people⁴. This five-story, 20-room castle was built into a limestone cliff, 100 feet above the ground⁴. Built from 600 to 1450 AD, it was home to the Sinagua people for about 300 years before they left⁴.

Now, it's a top spot for those wanting to see Arizona's history and beauty⁵. Visitors learn about the Sinagua people's architecture and culture⁵. Even though you can't go inside the castle, the museum offers great views and exhibits⁴.

Historical Highlights

Montezuma Castle is just 94 miles north of Phoenix and 53 miles south of Flagstaff, making it easy to get to⁴.
It costs $10 for adults to get in, and kids under 15 get in free for 7 days⁴.
The monument is open from 8:00 am to 4:45 pm, closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day⁴.
You can't go inside the castle, but you can see the cavates at the cliff base. They show how the Sinagua lived⁴.
There are more places to see like Montezuma Well, Sedona, and Tuzigoot National Monument. They let you dive deeper into Arizona's history and nature⁴.

The Montezuma Castle National Monument is a key spot for those into Arizona landmarks and Arizona historical sites⁵. This amazing montezuma castle national monument offers a peek into the past. It shows the creativity and strength of the Sinagua people who lived there long ago⁵.

13. Tombstone

Tombstone, Arizona, is a historic town known for its link to the American Old West⁶. It started in the 1870s during Arizona's mining boom⁶. Now, it's a top spot for tourists, showing off the Wild West's tough past⁷. The Bird Cage Theatre, open from 1881 to 1889, shows Tombstone's lively and rough times, with over 200 bullet holes left⁶.

The Gunfight at the O.K. Corral in 1881 is a key event in Tombstone's history⁶. It was between the Earps, Doc Holliday, the Clantons, and McLaurys⁶. Now, you can see where it happened at the Courthouse State Park, which has lots of historical items⁶. The Wyatt Earp House and Gallery also lets you peek into the life of a famous Old West lawman⁶.

Tombstone is more than just history⁸. Its historic district is well-kept, letting visitors walk through time to see saloons and reenactments from the Old West⁷. The Tombstone Epitaph, a historic newspaper, still comes out today, adding to the town's deep history and tradition⁶.

If you love history, the Old West, or unique travel spots, Tombstone, Arizona, is a place you must see⁸. With its unique charm, engaging stories, and well-kept historical sites, Tombstone takes you deep into the American frontier's heart⁷.

12. Petrified Forest National Park

In the northeastern corner of Arizona, Petrified Forest National Park awaits. It's a place where ancient trees turned into stunning petrified wood over millions of years⁹. This park covers over 200,000 acres, making it a unique spot in Arizona.

At Petrified Forest National Park, you can hike through trails to see the petrified wood up close. The Crystal Forest and Painted Desert Rim Trail are great for this. They show off the beautiful logs and rocks⁹.

The park isn't just about petrified wood. It also has semi-arid grasslands, short-grass prairies, and the stunning Painted Desert. For those who love adventure, there are backcountry trails and camping spots to explore⁹.

Don't miss the Ice Cream Parlor at the Painted Desert Inn. It's a cash-only spot⁹. You can also check out the Blue Mesa Trail, Historic Blue Forest Trail, Jasper Forest Trail, and Long Logs & Agate House Trail for more sights