If you think the best things to do in Arizona begin and end with the Grand Canyon, I have good news: you’re missing out—on purpose. Because this state isn’t just about jaw-dropping natural wonders (although yes, there are plenty). It’s about stargazing in red rock deserts, skiing down volcanic peaks, sipping wine in unexpected places, and driving down one of the most iconic roads in the world.

In this Arizona travel guide, I’ll take you beyond the clichés and into the soul of one of the most surprising states in the USA. Whether you’re planning a road trip, a solo adventure, or a bucket list blowout, here are the best places to visit in Arizona—and a few hidden gems you probably haven’t heard of yet.

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1. Visit the Grand Canyon – Arizona’s Most Famous Attraction

You can’t talk about what to see in Arizona without mentioning this beast. The Grand Canyon isn’t just big—it’s absurd. 277 miles long, 18 miles wide, and over a mile deep, it’s a place that makes you feel gloriously small.

Most visitors head to the South Rim (understandably—it’s more accessible and has sweeping views), but if you prefer solitude over souvenir shops, the North Rim is quieter and just as majestic.

Top tips:

• Hike to Ooh Aah Point for sunrise views
• Take a helicopter ride for a once-in-a-lifetime perspective
• Kayak along the Colorado River (with a guide, unless you’re Bear Grylls)

2. Explore Antelope Canyon – Arizona’s Famous Slot Canyon

Looking for unique things to do in Arizona? Take an Antelope Canyon tour. This narrow sandstone slot canyon has been carved by flash floods and wind into wave-like corridors that glow with beams of light.

You’ll need a guided tour to enter (this is Navajo land), but it’s more than just a photo op. Local guides bring the place to life, sharing the stories and geology that make it far more meaningful than a filtered Instagram reel.

Pro tip: Book early—spaces fill up fast, especially for the midday light shows.

3. Drive a Section of Route 66 – The Iconic Arizona Road Trip

One of the most classic things to do in Arizona is drive its stretch of Route 66. It’s kitschy, nostalgic, and loaded with roadside gems like the Wigwam Motel, the Painted Desert, and the Petrified Forest.

If you’re crafting the ultimate Arizona road trip, this drive should be high on your list. Stop at quirky diners, pose with retro signs, and don’t be afraid to detour into the middle of nowhere—it’s half the fun.

Don’t miss:

• Meteor Crater
• Seligman (the town that inspired Cars)
• Standin’ on the Corner Park in Winslow (yes, that Winslow)

If it’s your first time driving in the US make sure you read my Guide on Driving In The USA.

4. Stargaze in Sedona – One of the Best Things to Do in Arizona at Night

Sedona isn’t just red rocks and energy vortexes (although those are fun too). It’s one of the best places to visit in Arizona for stargazing. As a certified Dark Sky Community, it offers some of the clearest, most jaw-dropping night skies in the US.

Come for the hiking, stay for the galaxies.

Top experiences:

• Take a stargazing tour with a telescope
• Hike Cathedral Rock for sunset
• Explore Bell Rock or Devil’s Bridge by day

5. Marvel at Monument Valley – A Sacred Arizona Wonder

Set on Navajo Nation land, Monument Valley is one of the most iconic—and sacred—places in the Southwest. Those towering sandstone buttes you’ve seen in Westerns? They’re real. And they’re even more majestic in person.

If you’re looking for the top Arizona attractions beyond the national parks, this is it.

Make it count:

• Visit at sunrise or sunset for the best light
• Book a tour with a Navajo guide to access restricted areas and learn the cultural context
• Bring a wide-angle lens—you’ll thank me later

6. Discover Hidden Gems in Arizona

Looking for off-the-beaten-path things to do in Arizona? Here are a few places you won’t find in most guidebooks:

Canyon de Chelly:

A stunning red-rock canyon with cliff dwellings and deep cultural significance.

Bisbee:

An old mining town turned artsy escape—think quirky shops, ghost stories, and murals.

Jerome:

A “ghost town” perched on a mountain, filled with artists, wineries, and just enough weird to keep things interesting.

7. Take a City Break in Phoenix

Yes, Phoenix gets hot (you’ve been warned), but it’s also one of the best cities in the Southwest for food, fun, and nearby escapes.

What to do in the city Phoenix:

• Shop in Scottsdale
• Wander the Desert Botanical Garden
• Take a day trip to the nearby Sonoran Desert or wine country
• Or just lounge poolside and enjoy some top-notch tacos

It’s a great city to start or end your Arizona itinerary, especially if you want a taste of the state’s urban side.

8. Go Skiing in Arizona (No, Really)

Still picturing nothing but desert? Surprise—Arizona has snow-capped mountains too.

Arizona Snowbowl, near Flagstaff, offers the longest ski season in the state and some epic trails through ancient volcanic terrain.

Other spots to try:

• Sunrise Park (family-friendly with great views)
• Mount Lemmon (yes, you can ski and sip cactus cocktails in one weekend)

9. When’s the Best Time to Visit Arizona?

• Spring (March–May): Ideal weather, wildflowers, and fewer crowds
• Summer (June–August): Hot as Hades in the desert, but great for mountain escapes
• Autumn (September–November): Warm days, crisp nights, fewer tourists
• Winter (December–February): Snow in the north, sunshine in the south

10. Getting Around Arizona: Travel Tips

• Rent a car. Public transport is limited outside cities.
• Drive times are long. This state is bigger than you think.
• Pack layers. Yes, even in the desert—it gets cold at night.
• Book popular attractions in advance. Especially Antelope Canyon and the Grand Canyon.

FAQs About Visiting Arizona

Is Arizona safe for solo female travellers?

Yes—with the usual common-sense precautions. I’ve road-tripped solo across Arizona and felt safe, especially in towns and national parks.

How long should I spend in Arizona?

At least 7–10 days to do it justice. You’ll want time for road tripping, hiking, and soaking it all in.

Do you need a permit for Antelope Canyon?

Yes—tours are mandatory and book up fast. Plan ahead.

What’s the best way to get from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon?

Drive (3.5–4 hours) or join a day tour if you’re short on time.

Can you visit Arizona in summer?

You can—but stick to higher elevations like Flagstaff or Sedona to avoid the worst of the heat.

Final Thoughts: Arizona Is Bigger, Wilder, and Cooler Than You Think

Whether you’re chasing the stars in Sedona, carving down the slopes of Snowbowl, or sipping a glass of local wine in Jerome, Arizona is one of the best places to visit in the USA—and it’s so much more than desert clichés.

So if you’re planning your next adventure, don’t overlook the Grand Canyon State. And if you want even more tips for unforgettable travel? You know where to find me.