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The Grand Canyon State is perhaps the most spectacular region of the US, with a rich and fascinating landscape and history that offers a thriving and growing culture and economy.
Whether it’s the fast-expanding tourism industry drawing millions of Americans to the state or the dynamic sports betting industry offering a variety of betting offers and markets, Arizona is a thriving part of the modern US.
From its dramatic scenery to cities full of resorts, wineries and art galleries, Arizona offers everything for the tourist. Here are some of the must-visit locations in this southwest haven:
Grand Canyon National Park
With its famous unforgettable views and spectacular geological features, the Grand Canyon National Park is one of the most famous locations in the world and the sixth most popular national park in the US.
There’s plenty to explore when you visit this park: 1,218,000 acres to be precise! Many people start at the South Rim, to get their first look into the canyon, as this features Mather Point, a well-known lookout point, while some choose the North Rim, which is open from the middle of May to mid-October.
Hiking and photography are the main activities at the Grand Canyon, with sunrise and sunset being the most popular times for photographers. For hikers, there are multiple trails and overnight backpacking is also possible with a permit.
There are many ways to explore the canyon itself, ranging from mule and bicycle trails to raft trips and helicopter tours.
Petrified Forest National Park
Located along Interstate 40, this National Park is an ideal spot for road trip tourists. It encompasses over 200,000 acres of the Painted Desert and is mainly made up of short-grass prairie land and semi-arid grassland.
The forest offers a wide range of options for exploration, including bicycles and e-bikes, with hiking along the various trails of the park being one of the most popular options.
Among the trails you can explore are the Crystal Forest, which features petrified logs embedded with crystals, and the winding path of the Painted Desert Rim Trail, which offers stunning views.
If you’re feeling more adventurous, you can also obtain a permit for wilderness backpacking, and enjoy the stunning star-filled night skies and amazing sunrises.
Flagstaff
Snow-covered peaks, lush forests and volcanoes are not the first features that come to mind when you think of Arizona, yet you will find all of these around the city of Flagstaff, which offers an all-year-round tourist destination set in mountainous country and the Coconino National Forest.
Located only 75 miles from the Grand Canyon, it has plenty to offer, including the Walnut Canyon National Monument with its spectacular views and ancient cliff dwellings.
Flagstaff is around 6,900 feet above sea level, so temperatures in the summer are mild and ideal for biking and hiking, and when the weather takes a cold turn, there’s the Arizona Snowbowl for winter sports enthusiasts.
For stargazers, Flagstaff is one of the most fascinating places in the US. The International Dark-Sky Association awarded the city the designation of the first International Dark-Sky Place in the world, and the Lowell Observatory offers a fascinating tourist experience.
Phoenix
You will never be short of things to do in the city of Phoenix, the capital of Arizona. The area of Greater Phoenix is known as the Valley of the Sun, thanks to its over 300 days of sunshine each year.
The heat of the summer is not for everyone, but fortunately, the city offers a vibrant and exciting tourist destination all year round. Phoenix is particularly well known for its museums.
The Musical Instrument Museum is a must-see attraction for music fans, as it features over 8,000 musical instruments from around the world, and the Heard Museum, devoted to the advancement and promotion of Native American art is another essential tourist point.
You may also want to check out the fascinating Penske Racing Museum, the Arizona Science Center and the Children’s Museum of Phoenix.
When you’ve enjoyed what the city has to offer, you can also head to Camelback Mountain, around 12 miles north of Phoenix, which offers dramatic views of the city, or the popular Papago Park, which offers hiking, biking, golf, a desert botanical garden and a zoo.
Bisbee
In the southeastern corner of Arizona, no more than ten miles from the Mexican border, lies another intriguing tourist destination at the town of Bisbee. This town was once at the center of a booming culture based around a mining community that developed after mineral deposits were discovered in the 1870s.
Over the next hundred years, Bisbee thrived as one of the busiest mining locations in the US, and at one point, was known as the Queen of the Copper Camps. Since the 1970s, when the last mining operations closed, Bisbee has become known as a cultural hotspot that incorporates art and history.
The main attractions in Bisbee focus on its mining legacy.
The Bisbee Mining and Historical Museum provides a family-friendly and interactive journey into the copper-mining history of the town, and if you want something a little more immersive, you can go on a tour of the Queen Mine, as well as experience one of the town’s ghost tours or a theatrical séance show.
Art is also a key part of the town’s appeal. There are over a dozen art galleries, covering every form of art medium, from pottery to painting, and there is a monthly celebration of art and culture known as the Bisbee After 5 walk, which features live shows and special events.
Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Situated on the border with Nevada, this is one of the best vacation destinations in the state for water sports fans. The area includes two reservoirs, Lake Mohave and Lake Mead, which were formed when the Hoover Dam and Davis Dam were built.
Lake Mead is the biggest reservoir in the US and attracts thousands of water sports enthusiasts every year. There are over 290 miles of waterway to explore, and you can rent kayaks, paddleboards and canoes from the local marinas.
If you want a change from boating, you can try fishing, waterskiing, freshwater scuba diving and swimming.
There is also plenty to do on dry land. The area includes miles of trails to explore for hikers, horseback riders and bikers, although the recommended hiking season only runs from November to March, as the temperatures are too extreme during the other months of the year.
