Arizona has captured the minds of people around the United States. In particular, the sprawling desert complete with sand, cacti, and scorpions has captured public imagination. That being said, the state provides a wide variety of attractions.
In this article, we will cover 8 of the best places for your next exciting visit to Arizona. All of these attractions are selected to be fun, memorable, and reasonably priced (or free). Check them out on your next Arizona adventure!
London Bridge
We will start with an attraction that is entirely contrary to the typical imagery regarding Arizona – The London Bridge at Lake Havasu. The bridge was built in the 1830’s and formerly spanned the River Thames in London, England. It was dismantled in 1967 and relocated to Arizona.
Montezuma Castle
Next up, we have a gorgeous national monument. Serving as a naturalistic art piece, Montezuma Castle is absolutely jaw-dropping. The castle was built by the Sinagua Indians around the 14th century. It is a 5-story structure with 20 rooms built into a recess in a white limestone cliff about 70 feet above the ground. It is located 5 miles from Camp Verde, AZ.
Monument Valley
Monument Valley is an excellent place to have an adventure if you want to explore a vast sandy landscape. When the sun hits the rocks, the resulting shadows create picturesque scenery. You will also enjoy gazing at the towers — some of which are up to 1000 feet high! Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park is located on the Arizona – Utah border. The park is a frequent filming location for Western movies.
Saguaro National Park
This iconic Arizona park is named after the Saguaro cactus. With over 150 miles of trails, this is the perfect place to visit for those excited to explore the desert wilderness. It is split into two parts located on either side of Tucson. Cactus Forest Drive is a loop road with striking view of the desert landscape.
The Town of Sedona
If you want to experience the culture of the local Native Americans, The Town of Sedona, with its mild climate, is an excellent stop. The sacred area is surrounded by 1.8 million acres of national forest and consists of a variety of New Age shops, spas and art galleries. You can take a quick hike and get an expansive view of the landscape.
Tumacacori National Historical Park
If you are fascinated by Spanish culture, you need to check out Tumacacori National Historical Park. Unlike many old buildings, each of the 3 mission communities has not been rebuilt. You get to explore historical ruins that were abandoned after 19th century Apache raids. The park is located in the upper Santa Cruz River Valley in southern Arizona. Sounds like an adventure!
White House Ruins at Canyon De Chelly National Monument
The White House Ruins is located at Canyon De Chelly National Monument and is truly one of the most awe-inspiring places in Arizona. The park is located in northeastern Arizona, on Navajo tribal lands. The White House Ruins and Mummy Cave are remains of ancient Pueblo villages. We highly recommend taking a guided tour through the areas
Sonoran Desert
Though this list provides a wide variety of attractions, we decided to end by including a place representing idyllic desert Arizona. This place is the Sonoran desert, a landscape that stretches out over 10,000 miles. Be warned though — the countryside is known as the hottest in the entire United States. Rainfall is also frequent, which results in varied vegetation. If you want an authentic Arizona adventure, look no further than this exciting landscape.
Conclusion
Arizona is an underrated place to visit. This list barely scratches the surface of all the locations within this great state. Whether you want to adventure alone, bring along the family, or as a romantic getaway, Arizona provides many opportunities. Let us know if we can help you plan your trip!
