Arizona

The majestic Grand Canyon

Jim Greer

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Riding high above the Arizona Snowbowl

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Red rocks and a purple sky in Sedona

Arizona Office of Tourism

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Taking in the view of the hoodoos at Chiricahua National Monument

Arizona Office of Tourism

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An epic starry night as seen through White Mesa Arch on Navajo lands

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Glorious spread at Tucson’s Charro Steak

Arizona Office of Tourism

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Relaxing on a white-sand beach, gazing at the blue waters of Lake Havasu State Park

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Route 66’s Hackberry General Store

Arizona Office of Tourism

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A peaceful morning on Bear Canyon Lake in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest

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Hiking through Sabino Canyon in the Sonoran Desert near Tucson

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Major Airports:

Sky Harbor/Phoenix (PHX)

Tucson (TUS)
Nickname:

The Grand Canyon State

Discover grand adventures in Arizona

Like its most famous natural landmark, the Grand Canyon, Arizona is also vast and ancient, a tapestry of stunning color and fascinating geology. The state is rich with rushing rivers, snow-capped mountains, stands of ponderosa pine, pristine lakes and sandy lakefront beaches. It’s a destination that offers an easy combination of outdoor adventure and urban sophistication. Hike the red rocks and alpine forests. Drive across the desert on Historic Route 66. Indulge in a spa day. Whether you’re looking for a lesson in Old West history, to perfect your golf game or to browse designer outlets and high-end boutiques, you’ll find unforgettable delights in Arizona.

Arizona Office of Tourism

Explore Arizona

Start an outdoor adventure in Arizona at Grand Canyon National Park, one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World. If you’re flying into Phoenix Sky Harbor airport (PHX), it’s about a three-and-a-half hours by car to the canyon’s South Rim, the park’s most visited area. Stop at one of the visitor centers here or at the Yavapai Geology Museum to learn about the area’s unique topography. Enlist the help of an experienced adventure company or outfitter for a tour of the canyon, as well as the state’s many natural beauties: from Jeep tours in Sedona to float trips on the Colorado River to horseback treks in Monument Valley.

Arizona History

Arizona’s history is defined by Native Americans, larger-than-life adventurers and Old West tales. Today, populations from 22 American Indian communities live in Arizona. Visitors can tour tribal lands, visit American Indian-operated museums and cultural centers, and purchase jewelry and artwork created by American Indians at a variety of shops and boutiques. Journey back to the Old West with a trip to one of the state’s ghost towns to learn about Arizona’s mining history. Or, explore the roadside attractions of old Route 66, the historic roadway known as the Mother Road. In Arizona, Route 66 winds through Petrified Forest National Park, Kaibab Plateau, Meteor Crater, Grand Canyon Caverns and more.

Urban Charms

Arizona’s big cities offer plenty of cosmopolitan attractions. Whether you’re a lover of wine and food, luxury spas, art galleries or boutiques, you’ll find it here. Stroll one of the state’s award-winning wineries. Book a table at one of the many fine-dining restaurants in Phoenix, the state’s largest city. Plan an unforgettable spa day in Sedona, a city well-known for its wellness offerings and new-age vibe. Or spend a day enjoying Western artwork at the Tucson Museum of Art. Golfers will love playing some rounds on one of the state’s 300 courses.

Arizona Office of Tourism

Fun Fact

Nighttime view of the White Pocket sandstone formation in Vermilion Cliffs National Monument

Arizona is home to 10 Dark Sky Parks as defined by the International Dark-Sky Association. These parks are specifically recognized for their "exceptional quality of starry nights.”

Photo: Arizona Office of Tourism

Mail delivered to the Havasupai Indians in the lower Grand Canyon

People actually live at the bottom of the Grand Canyon. The Havasupai Indians are so remote that their mail is delivered by horseback.

Photo: Arizona Office of Tourism

More hummingbird species can be found in Sierra Vista in southern Arizona than in any other state, earning its title as "the Hummingbird Capital of the United States."

Photo: Sierra Vista Convention & Visitors Bureau

Must see places

Albert Castellanos

Grand Canyon National Park

The Grand Canyon, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, belongs on everyone’s must-see list.

Sipping wine on a patio at Page Springs Cellars in Cornville, Arizona

Arizona Wine Country

What pairs well with a warm, sunny afternoon and a breathtaking view of Arizona’s rugged scenery? A glass of locally made wine, of course. In Arizona’s high deserts, three major grape-growing regions have taken root and are gaining popularity. Visit wineries and vineyards in Sonoita, Willcox and the Verde Valley to get a taste of what makes Arizona wine special.

Arizona Office of Tourism

Red Rock State Park

Star parties and full moon hikes are popular events in this park near Sedona that is named for its famous red sandstone canyon.

Arizona Office of Tourism

Kartchner Caverns State Park

Hidden among limestone hills at the base of the Whetstone Mountains, the Kartchner Caverns were discovered in 1974 by two explorers. Today, visitors can choose from several guided tours to see the colorful and diverse formations of this below-ground marvel that was voted “Best Arizona Attraction” in the USA Today Readers Choice Awards. Above ground, several hiking trails allow visitors to wander the landscape surrounding the caves, spotting wildlife and unique Arizona flora.

Arizona Office of Tourism

Explore Navajo Interactive Museum

Located on Navajo lands, this Tuba City museum offers profound insights into the Navajo Indian story through exhibits on the tribe’s land, language, creation stories, history and traditions. A Navajo guide escorts visitors through the museum and helps interpret the displays and artifacts, which include a traditional Navajo Hogan (home).

Harvesting fruit at Tucson's Mission Garden Project

Flying Leap Vineyards, Inc.

Tucson’s Dining Scene

Get the flavor of Tucson, declared a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, when you eat your way through the city’s diverse restaurants, farmers markets and street food scene. Explore Mexican and American Indian culture through the city's various cuisines.

Arizona Office of Tourism

Saguaro National Park

You’ve seen the iconic saguaro cactus before in photos and movies, but in this preserve, you can marvel at its scale in context.

Arizona Office of Tourism

Lake Powell

This placid, deep-blue lake with 3,200 kilometers of shoreline is the perfect setting for a resort vacation or houseboat excursion.

Arizona Office of Tourism

Route 66

Take a trip down the Mother Road through historic towns such as Hackberry, Kingman, Oatman, Flagstaff and Seligman, where you’ll encounter old trading posts and villages as well as some of the state’s most dramatic natural landscapes.

An RV in Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, Arizona

Twin Peaks Campground

Located in the heart of Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, an International Biosphere Reserve in southern Arizona, this coveted campground comes complete with expansive views of the desert, mountains and the multi-armed organ pipe cacti for which the park is named. Spend your days hiking, biking and learning about the namesake plant on ranger-led programs and your nights gazing up at the stars. Be sure to plan ahead as campsites book up quickly.