Arizona is home to some of the most recognizable and surreal landscapes in the American Southwest, as well as other interesting towns and cities.
Visitors are drawn to the Grand Canyon and other natural attractions, museums, and family-friendly activities.
Our Arizona bucket list is here to help you have the most memorable trip possible.
This list of gorgeous places in Arizona will have you daydreaming about desert sunsets in no time, whether you’re looking for a place to stay, a place to hike, or a location to see some of Arizona’s (literally) hidden treasures.
As a result, Arizona is a fantastic travel destination for groups of all sizes and ages, including families.
Let’s say you’re bored and want to do anything, whether it’s inside or out. Shopping, going to a Native American restaurant, playing golf, or watching your favorite sports team play are all viable options.
Listed below are some of the state’s most well-known attractions and activities that are sure to wow visitors.
Canyon de Chelly National Monument
Canyon de Chelly National Monument Arizona / Ron Cogswell / Flickr
Visiting a stunning Native American cultural site is guaranteed to spark creativity.
To be fair, however, there are a few things more exciting than that!
It is worth your time to learn more about Canyon de Chelly National Monument, which is situated within the Navajo Nation and has been continuously inhabited by Anasazi and Navajo peoples for almost 5,000 years.
It may be in ruins, but it’s still interesting to visit.
The stunning sight of these cliff dwellings located high above and carved into Canyon de Chelly’s sheer face can be seen by taking a guided tour or a free ranger-led hike.
Access to the majority of the complex has become difficult due to vandalism and looting, but the public can still enjoy a self-guided climb and some of the remains.
There’s no better time than now to stop in and learn about the history of our area.
It’s a must if you’re visiting Arizona!
Grand Canyon
Grand Canyon Arizona / Paul Fundenburg / Flickr
It’s impossible to imagine Arizona without the Grand Canyon.
This historic gorge is the most recognizable landmark in the entire state. It is also one of the seven natural wonders of the world. One of the most stunning parks in the entire world, in fact!
The Grand Canyon is an adventurer’s haven from either the South or North Rim.
Hikers of all experience levels can find an appropriate trail among the hundreds available, as they range in length and difficulty.
White-water rafting down the Colorado River is one of the best ways to get a feel for the canyon, but you may also marvel at the geological layers of time preserved in the canyon walls.
If you would rather not walk, mule rides are also available.
In sum, the Grand Canyon is an absolute must-see for any nature lover or budding geologist.
The experience of visiting this geological marvel in person is truly unforgettable.
You shouldn’t leave Arizona without stopping by this iconic landmark.
Party Jungle
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Looking for places to bring your kids? Luckily, there is a facility in Arizona that will cater to your every need.
The Party Jungle in Phoenix, Arizona, is the biggest indoor playground in the state.
The park features carnival rides, mini-golf, laser tag, an arcade, and a large jungle gym.
Party Jungle is an animal-themed theme park with one of the largest indoor playgrounds in the state, perfect for kids aged two to ten.
Upon entering, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure of where to start.
The playground has five carnival-style rides like swings and barrel twisters.
Traditional games like air hockey sit alongside cutting-edge titles in this arcade.
In addition, there is a miniature golf course with a wild-animal motif….
If you are hungry during or after a day of gaming, you can eat at the on-site restaurant.
You should take your children there if you’re in Arizona because they will have a blast.
Address: 12046 N 32nd St, Phoenix, AZ 85028, United States
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Arizona / LASZLO ILYES / Flickr
Is there a location you can go to get away from it all and relax?
Then you should stay at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess.
This Arizona resort has six pools, a white sand beach, and other high-end features. Desert vacations can be had here, so pack your bags.
The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is a year-round tropical oasis.
There are both standard accommodations and ocean-view suites available, and both are excellent.
Among the many available pursuits on the Princess, swimming is without a doubt the most well-liked.
There are a total of five different restaurants and bars available onboard each Princess Cruise.
The two curving water slides at Sonoran Splash, each measuring 200 feet in length, are likely to be a hit with the young ones.
Sunset Beach is the resort’s largest pool area, boasting nine thousand square feet of pristine white sand.
Is there a more ideal place to have a lunch than this? The hotel has much more to offer, so be sure to include it in your itinerary.
Address: 7575 E Princess Dr, Scottsdale, AZ 85255, United States
Sydney’s Sweet Shoppe
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In Tucson, you can’t miss Sydney’s Sweet Shoppe if you’re a candy lover (and, let’s be honest, who isn’t?). This small bakery takes great pride in producing some of the finest pies in Arizona every day.
Bear Canyon Center’s Sydney’s Sweet Shoppe is known for having the greatest pies in Arizona.
The menu features over a dozen different pies, some of which change with the seasons.
During the holidays, passersby will stop to take a whiff of your freshly baked pumpkin pie.
Sydney also offers sour cream cheesecake and Texas sheet cake as dessert options, but these aren’t specialties.
The store also sells individual pies in 3- and 5-inch sizes for those who don’t want to commit to a whole pie.
Problems making up your mind? Your sweet tooth will appreciate you bringing home a sampling.
Address: 8969 E Tanque Verde Rd Ste 209, Tucson, AZ 85749, United States
Turtle Beach Bar
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This resort has everything you might want from a tropical getaway: swaying palm trees, crystal clear waters, and breathtaking views of the lake.
The Turtle Beach Bar can be found at the Nautical Beachfront Resort, the only beachfront hotel in Lake Havasu.
You need look no further than this fantastic Arizona beach bar if that’s what you’re after.
A lakeside setting is more than just a perk, though.
You can also get here by boat if you choose. Please land your boat at the designated courtesy docks rather than on the beach or in the shoal area.
There is a tropical feel all around, not just at the beach.
From the delicious food to the welcoming ambience, Turtle Beach Bar is the perfect place to spend time with those you care about.
Can you tell me about your pets? To answer your question, yes, pets are welcome at the Turtle Beach Bar.
Don’t miss out on your chance to relax on a beautiful Arizona beach by not going there right away.
Camelback Mountain
Camelback Mountain Arizona / Andy Blackledge / Flickr
Ever wonder where the mountain got its head from?
Our prediction is that you’ll like the response!
Camelback Mountain, with its unusual profile and central location in Arizona, is a major draw for vacationers.
Many pre-colonial Native Americans called the peak of this mountain their home, thus students of history may find it interesting to visit the sites there.
However, geologists are the ones that get the greatest enjoyment out of this place.
The red sandstone beneath the granite eroded more rapidly, giving rise to the distinctive “camel’s” head shape.
How did the more ancient granite superimpose itself over the younger, more recent sandstone at this altitude?
Come by and see if you can figure it out on your own.
Lowell Observatory
Lowell Observatory Arizona / Scarlet Sappho / Flickr
Did you know that the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, where Pluto was found nearly a century ago, is still a popular attraction for people of all ages today?
Stargazing from an open-air deck and seeing through the same telescope used by the Apollo 11 crew during training are just two of the many accessible activities.
Flagstaff, Arizona’s Lowell Observatory is one of the best places for families to visit since it has so much to offer in terms of both fun and education.
From the moment you arrive until the moment you leave, you will have countless opportunities to learn new things.
Learn how various telescopes work by taking a look inside them.
There are a number of free activities for visitors to do while they take in the night sky.
There are six cutting-edge telescopes available for public use at the Giovale Open Deck Observatory, making it a great place for families to take a trip.
From dusk till dawn, weather permitting, the deck is open for stargazing.
Lowell Observatory will take you on a tour of the cosmos.
Address: 1400 W Mars Hill Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86001, United States
Havasu Falls
Havasu Falls Arizona / Sean Hagen / Flickr
Seeing as you’ve already made the decision to go throughout Arizona, why not see Havasupai Falls, one of the state’s most breathtaking landmarks?
Havasu Cavern, on Havasupai tribal land in the Grand Canyon, is restricted to visitors with proper National Park Service authorization.
Arizona is home to some truly magnificent places, and this one is still largely undiscovered.
Havasu Falls is the most well-known of these drops, and its turquoise cascade is so vibrant that it’s hard to believe the water tumbling over the edge isn’t see-through.
Unfortunately, getting there is not a simple task.
A permit is required since entering the reservation is a lengthy and difficult process.
The hike passes not just Havasu Falls, but also four more waterfalls.
If you could pinpoint the source of the water’s captivating color, what would it be?
As if we didn’t already love Havasu Falls enough, the water temperature stays a constant 70 degrees all year long.
Even in the dead of winter, you can go for a swim.
Yayoi Kusama Firefly Infinity Mirror Room
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How long would you stay in perilous space travel before giving up? A Japanese artist in his nineties came up with a brilliant and unique solution to make this possible for you. It is estimated that just about 100,000 people will see the opening of a spectacular show of her remarkable work in Ario.
Since Yayoi Kusama’s work is unlike anything you’ve ever seen, you should definitely check it out while it’s on display in Cleveland.
Yayoi Kusama’s exceptional work has been characterized by patterns and polka dots since the 1960s.
Yayoi Kusama, a Japanese artist, creates mind-bending mirror exhibitions that appear to continue on indefinitely with their endless patterns and bright hues.
Each Infinity Mirror room has its own unique ambience brought about by the careful blending of lighting and music.
Yayoi Kusama’s decades of creativity are celebrated in the exhibition Yayoi Kusama: Infinity Mirrors, which also serves as a portal to a fantastical world.
All in all, if you ever find yourself in Arizona, you must go see this masterpiece.
Address: 1625 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004, United States
Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village
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If you’ve never been to Sedona, you need to see Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village.
Tlaquepaque (which literally translates to “the greatest of everything”) is home to ivy-covered stucco walls, cobblestone walkways, and an architectural style that will take you back in time.
In excess of fifty unique stores provide everything from one-of-a-kind jewelry to the season’s hottest trends in clothing.
Tlaquepaque is home to some of the world’s most renowned visual artists.
The city holds a number of festivals throughout the year, from summer farmer’s markets to a wintertime illumination festival.
If you and your loved ones are looking for a location to get a quick coffee or take your time over lunch, you will not be disappointed here.
Whether you’re in the mood for a quick coffee or an extended lunch, you’ll find what you’re looking for here.
The White Rabbit
The White Rabbit Arizona / USFWS Mountain-Prairie / Flickr
Just follow the white rabbit as it leads you down a hidden staircase and through a hidden door in downtown Gilbert, and you’ll find yourself at a hidden pub.
It’s safe to say that 2018’s White Rabbit Bar was instrumental in ensuring the survival and growth of the cocktail culture in East Valley.
Embrace the sex and intrigue of the Prohibition era as you explore the underbelly of the city.
Adding intrigue to the bar only serves to increase tension.
The beverages at The White Rabbit are almost too gorgeous to consume.
Don your finest Gatsby threads and follow the white rabbit to Gilbert’s The White Rabbit, if you can find it.
Address: 207 N Gilbert Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85234, United States
Tucson’s Desert Botanical Garden
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The desert is depicted in media such as cartoons, movies, and television as endless stretches of sand dotted with cacti.
Maybe we’ll come to a palm tree oasis!
But in reality, it’s not like that at all.
On the flip side, deserts like Arizona’s are home to a wide variety of stunning flora. One such place is the Desert Botanical Garden.
With more than 4,000 plant varieties, this garden is a veritable floral paradise, showcasing all the beauty the desert can provide.
The garden is a great option if you’re still seeking for things to do in Arizona.
It’s going to be a fantastic trip that completely defies the stereotypes of what a desert is like.
Heritage Square in Phoenix
Heritage Square in Phoenix Arizona / David Taylor / Flickr
Block 14 of the original Phoenix townsite is now known as Heritage Square, and it houses a wonderful museum dedicated to the city’s past.
When you visit the museum, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time, thanks to the vintage furniture and decor seen throughout.
You’ll be walking in the footsteps of four different families who’ve previously called this mansion home as you explore its various rooms and eras.
Guests will have around 45 minutes to take it easy and take in all the intricate details on display during the tour.
Why not take a stroll around Heritage Square and see if there’s anything else you need to know before you leave?
There are a ton of great places to shop and eat in the area, such the famous Pizzeria Bianco. Your taste buds will reward you if you grab a slice.
Address: 115 N 6th St, Phoenix, AZ 85004, United States
Steak & Stone in Mesa
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While you’re having your gourmet steak prepared at Mesa’s Steak & Stone, you can watch planes take off and land at nearby Falcon Field.
Steak & Stone in Mesa, Arizona, overlooks Falcon Field and is perfect for a date or a family meal because of the ambiance and the vista (pun intended).
A large number of seats are available indoors, and each table has a splendid view of the runway.
If the weather is nice, patrons can also eat outside on the restaurant’s patio.
We’ll start with some warm, freshly baked bread and the creamiest, most indulgent whipped butter you’ve ever had.
The main dish consists of artisan meats grilled on a stone heated to 500 degrees. You’re the one who has to cook dinner tonight.
Don’t be too full to enjoy a sweet ending. Desserts range from hot brownies a-la-mode to peach cobbler to bread pudding.
Address: 2613 N Thunderbird Cir #2503, Mesa, AZ 85215, United States
Golfland Sunsplash
Golfland Sunsplash Arizona / ray_explores / Flickr
In addition to its various water attractions, Golfland also features a large variety of family-friendly entertainment, such as laser tag and go-karts. Bring out your inner child; the timing is right!
Golfland Sunsplash includes several different activities that are suitable for families, in addition to the over a dozen water coasters.
Several activities are available, making the experience enjoyable for people of all ages and interests.
A few examples are the kid-friendly splash pads, the wave pool, and the activity pool.
Some of the more laid-back features include a lazy river, wave and activity pools, and splash pads tailored specifically to children.
You can really get your heart racing at Golfland.
Address: 155 W Hampton Ave, Mesa, AZ 85210, United States
Spooky’s
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Gluten-free treats from Chandler, Arizona’s Spooky’s Swirls are so tasty they’re a touch unsettling.
The store’s selection of horror movie memorabilia will catch your eye before the dessert display.
On the premises is a museum devoted solely to items used in or associated with horror movies.
Spooky’s bakes custom cakes for any occasion, not only scary ones!
You may get a “Crystal Lake Cake” adorned with Jason Voorhees’ hockey mask from “Friday the 13th” and other horror-themed desserts at Spooky’s.
If you have a need for something sweet, stop by Spooky’s.
Address: 3029 N Alma School Rd #117, Chandler, AZ 85224, United States
Arizona Museum of Natural History
Arizona Museum of Natural History Arizona / Greg Goebel / Flickr
Mesa, Arizona is home to the Arizona Museum of Natural History, a fascinating attraction for people of all ages.
In spite of the museum’s several dozen displays, dinosaurs continue to be the top draw.
See these extinct animals up close and personal at Dinosaur Hall’s life-size models.
The next room of Dinosaur Mountain is an interactive journey through the three periods of dinosaur history.
Don’t think the adventure is over just yet; as soon as you step outside, more dinosaurs will appear.
The museum features displays on a wide variety of topics, including Arizona’s past, Native American cultures, and more.
Don’t let the good times end there; plan for this as well.
Address: 53 N Macdonald, Mesa, AZ 85201, United States
Box Canyon Trail
Box Canyon Trail Arizona / The Greater Southwestern Exploration Company / Flickr
The 0.8-mile long Box Canyon Trail is one of Arizona’s best short hikes.
suitable for hikers of varying ages and fitness levels due to its manageable level of difficulty.
The height rise is only about 150 feet, but the vistas are really breathtaking.
The only reason people trek the Box Canyon Trail is to go to the great waterfall bathing site.
You won’t have to rush to get to the swimming hole after the short hike.
The Box Canyon Trail is an excellent hike during the warmer months of the year.
It will quickly become one of your most beloved travel destinations.