Arizona is a southwestern US state renowned for its dramatic desert landscapes, ancient Native American cultures, and iconic natural wonders. Home to the Grand Canyon, one of the world's most visited natural sites, Arizona offers visitors a stunning contrast of red rock formations in Sedona, towering saguaro cacti in the Sonoran Desert, forested mountains around Flagstaff, and the otherworldly mesas of Monument Valley.
Top attractions
The most popular and significant attractions in Arizona.
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1
Grand Canyon South Rim
One of the world's most awe-inspiring natural wonders, the Grand Canyon stretches 277 miles long and up to 18 miles wide, with depths exceeding a mile. The South Rim is open year-round and offers iconic viewpoints including Mather Point, Desert View, and Yavapai Point, plus access to the famous Bright Angel and South Kaibab trails.
Tip: Book accommodations months in advance · Mather Point is best for first-time visitors · Download offline maps before entering dead zones
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2
Sedona Red Rock Country
Sedona is surrounded by dramatic red sandstone formations including Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, and Courthouse Butte that glow orange and crimson at sunrise and sunset. The town is also known for its energy vortex sites believed to emit healing spiritual energy, along with a thriving arts community, jeep tours, and world-class spas.
Tip: Arrive at Cathedral Rock trailhead by 7am to secure parking · The vortex sites at Airport Mesa are easiest to access
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3
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park
Monument Valley's iconic red sandstone buttes — The Mittens and Merrick Butte — rise dramatically from the Colorado Plateau floor and have appeared in countless Western films. Located on Navajo Nation land straddling Arizona and Utah, the park offers scenic drives, Navajo-guided tours, and unforgettable sunrise views.
Tip: Stay at The View Hotel for unparalleled sunrise views from your room · Hire a Navajo guide for access to restricted areas
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4
Antelope Canyon
Antelope Canyon is a breathtaking slot canyon carved by water erosion in Navajo sandstone, creating sweeping, wave-like walls of orange and red. The famous light beams penetrating through narrow openings in the upper canyon make it one of the most photographed places on Earth. Both Upper Antelope Canyon (The Crack) and Lower Antelope Canyon (The Corkscrew) require guided Navajo tours.
Tip: Book tours weeks in advance especially in spring and fall · Upper Canyon has easier walking and better light beams
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5
Horseshoe Bend
Horseshoe Bend is a stunning horseshoe-shaped meander of the Colorado River located just outside Page, where the river makes an almost 270-degree curve around a massive sandstone butte 1,000 feet below the overlook rim. The dramatic canyon walls and deep blue-green water create one of Arizona's most iconic photographs.
Tip: The 1.5-mile round-trip hike has minimal shade — bring water · Sunset typically offers more dramatic lighting than sunrise
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6
Saguaro National Park
Saguaro National Park, split into East (Rincon Mountain) and West (Tucson Mountain) districts flanking Tucson, protects the largest concentration of the giant saguaro cactus — the symbol of the American Southwest. These majestic cacti can live 150-200 years and grow up to 40 feet tall, with arms beginning to appear only after 75 years.
Tip: The Cactus Forest Loop Drive (8 miles) is excellent for those who cannot hike long distances · Visit in late May to see saguaro blooms
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7
Petrified Forest National Park
One of the world's largest concentrations of petrified wood, this 221,000-acre park in northeastern Arizona contains brilliant logs of ancient trees turned to stone over 225 million years. The park also includes a section of the colorful Painted Desert and important Native American archaeological sites including Puerco Pueblo.
Tip: Picking up petrified wood is illegal and heavily fined · Stop at the Painted Desert Inn for history and views
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8
Canyon de Chelly National Monument
Canyon de Chelly (pronounced 'de Shay') is one of the longest continuously inhabited landscapes in North America, with Navajo people still farming and grazing livestock on the canyon floor today. The canyon contains over 2,500 archaeological sites including the spectacular White House Ruins, Spider Rock, and Antelope House cliff dwellings.
Tip: The White House Ruins Trail (2.5 miles) is the only trail you can do without a Navajo guide · Hire a Navajo guide for canyon floor tours
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9
Meteor Crater
The world's best-preserved meteorite impact crater, created approximately 50,000 years ago when an iron-nickel meteorite struck the Colorado Plateau at 26,000 mph. The crater is nearly a mile across and 550 feet deep, and is still privately owned by the Barringer family. The visitor center includes the Explore Space museum and interactive exhibits.
Tip: The 4-mile rim walk is not currently open; views are from the museum overlook
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10
Taliesin West
Frank Lloyd Wright's winter home, studio, and school in the Scottsdale desert is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built beginning in 1937, Taliesin West demonstrates Wright's philosophy of organic architecture — a harmony between human structures and the natural desert environment. The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation still operates an architecture school here.
Tip: Book tours in advance; evening candlelight tours are particularly atmospheric
Attractions by category
Explore by your interests.
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Practical information
What you need to know before you go.
- National Park Pass
- America the Beautiful Annual Pass ($80) covers entry to Grand Canyon, Saguaro, Petrified Forest, Chiricahua, Organ Pipe, and Montezuma Castle — excellent value for visiting multiple parks
- Best Driving Route
- Phoenix → Sedona (2h) → Jerome (30min) → Prescott (1h) → back to Phoenix, or Phoenix → Grand Canyon (4h) → Page (3h) → Monument Valley (45min) → return
- Cell Coverage
- Limited or no cell service on Navajo Nation lands, in the Grand Canyon, and in many remote areas. Download offline maps.
- Parking
- Parking fills quickly at popular sites like Chapel of the Holy Cross, Horseshoe Bend, and Cathedral Rock trailhead. Arrive before 8am or use shuttles.
Tips for visiting attractions
Make the most of your sightseeing time.
Purchase the America the Beautiful annual pass ($80) if visiting 2+ national parks/monuments — it pays for itself quickly
Book Antelope Canyon tours and popular Grand Canyon accommodations 3-6 months in advance
Many of Arizona's best experiences are outdoor/free — Papago Park, South Mountain, Tempe Town Lake
Heat is a serious concern May-September; plan outdoor activities before 10am
Respect Native American lands and photographing restrictions — ask before photographing people
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Arizona?
October through April for comfortable temperatures in Phoenix and the low desert. May and September-October for Sedona. Summer is fine for Flagstaff (7,000 ft elevation).
How many days do I need in Arizona?
7-10 days to see the major highlights. A minimum 3 days covers Phoenix, Sedona, and Grand Canyon.
Do I need a car in Arizona?
Yes, a rental car is essential for exploring Arizona. Public transit only connects major Phoenix metro area cities.
Is Arizona expensive to visit?
National park fees add up ($25-35 per vehicle), but many great experiences are free. Plan $150-200/day for mid-range travel including hotel.
Is Arizona safe for tourists?
Arizona is generally very safe for tourists. Main risks are heat exhaustion/dehydration in summer and flash floods in monsoon season (July-September).