Top 6 Things to See and Do in Arizona

Wine tastings, outdoor adventures and relaxing spiritual journeys are just a small sample of what is available in the Grand Canyon State. Arizona is perfect for families, couples and solo travellers who want a taste of natural diverse landscapes coupled with sophisticated metropolitan centres. From Route 66 to Old Town Scottsdale, there are endless moments of discovery and scenery to explore.

The desert is calling, and we’ve put together some top things to see and do in Arizona to add to your itinerary as you plan your vacation. 

1. Adventure outdoors in the Grand Canyon
2. Go on a scenic drive on Route 66
3. Practice self care in the Phoenix Valley
4. Shop and sightsee in Old Town Scottsdale
5. Discover desert plant life in Phoenix’s Papago Park
6. Sip and swirl in Sedona

Vast and iconic, the Grand Canyon is a must-see landmark in Arizona. From the North and South Rim to the canyon floor there are so many picturesque vistas to take in. Guided hiking tours, Colorado River rafting tours and air tours are some of the options to take in the natural wonder. Summertime (June–August) is the busiest time to travel to the Grand Canyon, but for cooler weather and less crowds shoulder seasons (March–May and September–November) are also amazing to catch epic views.

For the traveller seeking an active adventure, there are many trailheads with steep switchbacks that take visitors into the canyon and offer rim-to-rim hikes and multi-day backpacking expeditions. For easier stays for the whole family, the Grand Canyon West offers shorter visits and a Skywalk that will take visitors out over the rim on a glass bridge that hovers over 1,200m above the canyon floor. Another option is to explore the canyon by rail on the Grand Canyon Railway, which offers trips from Williams to the South Rim year-round. 

Arizona's Route 66 is nearly 100 years old and dotted with small towns filled with things to do: quirky attractions, colourful history, inspired dining and some of the most beautiful landscapes in the Southwest. Stretching over 560km, this historic route is a great way to travel across Arizona and see the historic sites of the state.

Travel from the Petrified Forest National Park near the town of Holbrook to Oatman in the Northwest corner of Arizona and stop at 11 different epic sites along the way. Be sure to sign up for the Rock the Route: Rte 66 Check-In Challenge on your mobile phone to catch all the action and win some prizes from Visit Arizona.

From yoga and meditation to hot springs and hydrotherapy, there are so many opportunities to connect with yourself and nature in the Phoenix Valley. Home to many natural hot springs, this is the perfect place to start your wellness journey in Arizona. The El Dorado Hot Springs, just an hour west of Phoenix, is a rustic spring that has varying degrees of privacy and sizes of springs.

Two hours north of Phoenix is the Enchantment Resort in Sedona. The resort has several fitness and wellbeing facilities and experiences, including morning rituals, evening meditations, wellbeing presentations, fitness and movement studios, stargazing and spa services. There are also dozens of yoga studios in the Phoenix Valley and metropolitan areas, each with their own unique style and focus. There are also several unique scenic hiking locations, like Camelback Mountain, where you can immerse yourself in nature and experience ecotherapy — a practice that promotes healing and wellbeing. 

Old Town Scottsdale is the social and retail hub of Arizona. With unique landmarks, world-class museums, exciting nightlife and more, it’s one of the most vibrant urban downtown centres in Southwest America. There are many boutique high-end shopping centres and authentic souvenir shops where you can get handmade art pieces and traditional Navajo jewelry, pottery and rugs.

The Scottsdale Museum of the West features ongoing and special exhibitions from paintings to pottery that truly embody the spirit of the West. There are also many hidden gems to be discovered, including speakeasies, singing cowboy appearances and more. With nine walkable districts you’re sure to find something fun to do. 

Just minutes from downtown Phoenix, Papago Park hosts several fun attractions and recreational facilities to be explored. The world-class Phoenix Zoo features more than 3,000 animals across 125 acres of natural habitats and hosts kilometres of trails through lush gardens and desert landscapes. The park is also home to the Desert Botanical Garden, a stunning 55-acre area featuring thousands of species of cactus, trees and flowers from all around the world.

There are many hiking trails throughout the park that are easy treks for all ages and fitness levels. For golf enthusiasts, there’s the Papago Golf Course — a prime spot to enjoy not just the game but also the appeal of the Arizona landscape. The park also features The Arizona Heritage Center with exhibits spanning more than 100 years of central Arizona's history and introduces visitors to the life and work of Arizonans. Papago Park is a stop not to be missed on your Arizona adventure. 

This sponsored story was written by Flight Centre on behalf of Arizona Office of Tourism.