DanckTravel

Arizona is a beautiful state, with vast canyons and unbelievable landscapes. You can see the stars in dark sky communities such as Flagstaff, see thousands of cacti in the botanical gardens, or get lost in the vastness of the Grand Canyon. Below are our recommendations, so you can start planning your trip.

Phoenix

If you travel to Arizona, your journey will likely begin in Phoenix, as it has a large airport. Phoenix also has a lot to offer, from nature to cuisine. 

The Desert Botanical Garden is especially worth a visit. It spans over a mile and has many different types of cacti and desert plants. In fact, there are thousands of different kinds of cacti here. They also often partner with artists and feature beautiful installations..

KDancks in the Botantical Gardens

Scottsdale

Scottsdale is right next to Phoenix and is a prime destination for bachelorette parties. This is due to a lively nightlife, cute shops, spas, and hiking.

Sedona 

Sedona is famous for its red sandstone trails as well as its thriving artist scene. Devil’s Bridge is perhaps one of the most popular hikes in Sedona (and can get very crowded, due to the Instagram-worthiness of the photo). However, there are so many trails to explore in Sedona. 

Our recommendations? We loved Castle Rock, The Seven Sacred Pools, and the Birthing Cave (pictured below), If you’re also wondering how people afford to travel, Sedona is a great place to travel cheaply, since most of the trails are free!

Pro Tip: If you have never used the All Trails app, we highly recommend it! You can see what other people have hiked, the length of time it takes to hike, and what people think of the trail.

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Castle Rock

The Birthing Cave

Seven Sacred Pools

Sedona views

Flagstaff

Flagstaff is one of the few dark sky communities in the United States. The views are incredible on a clear night and very different from the East Coast, where I am from. 

Lowell Observatory

Lowell Observatory has been listed as Newsweek’s best science museum. If you are looking for a place to take advantage of the dark sky communities, this is the place to do this.

Pizzacletta

Pizzacletta is a restaurant specializing in Neapolitan wood-fire pizza. The name is a combination of pizza with the Italian word for bicycle– a homage to the owner’s trip across Italy. They have two locations: their main store and a pop-up at a local brewery. Their pizzas are great, and we highly recommend coming here!

Pizzacletta (yum!)

Page and the surrounding area

Lake Powell

Lake Powell is beautiful. You can go kayaking here and enjoy the views.  You can also kayak to part of Antelope Canyon. This is not the same Antelope Canyon as the tour offered by the Navajo Nation, but is still a cool experience.

Antelope Point Marina is the easiest place to kayak from. The distance is about 2.5 miles from the starting point. However, it’s absolutely worth it, especially with the views of Antelope Creek. 

Views from Antelope Creek

Antelope Canyon

There are two parts of Antelope Canyon, including the Lower Canyon and Upper Canyon. The Upper part is famous for its light beams, while the Lower Canyon is a longer hike. However, both will need to be booked in advance since you will need a guide from the Navajo Nation to enter.

Horseshoe Bend

Often referred to as the “East Rim of the Grand Canyon,” Horsehoe Bend is a beautiful area and a relatively easy hike. The trail spans about 1.5 miles and should take about 35 minutes.

Hoover Dam

The Hoover Dam is an engineering marvel that was constructed during the Great Depression. It is used to control the Colorado River. It is 60 stories high and its width is equal to two football fields.

Grand Canyon 

There are no words for how beautiful and large the Grand Canyon is. Even though I knew theoretically what to expect, the photos I had seen did not do it justice.

There are several trails to explore, and you should factor a good amount of time for that. The Rim Trail borders the rim, and the best if you want to enjoy the views without the stress of something more strenuous. 

You can also take one of the many trails into the canyon itself. You can also apply to a lottery that allows you to camp at the bottom. However, if you plan to do a trail into the canyon, be sure to choose the time of year carefully. The trails into the canyon can close in the winter months or be limited.

The Grand Canyon in the wintertime

Tuscon

Tuscon sits alongside destinations such as Thessaloniki, Greece and Parma, Italy in terms of food quality and culture. Like these over cities, Tuscon awarded a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, making it a great place to eat!

Saguaro National Park is also nearby and showcases the iconic Saguardo cacti.

Final Thoughts 

Arizona is a beautiful place to explore, with a vast variety of landscapes to experience. Any places we missed? Let us know if the comments.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the prettiest place in Arizona to visit? 

The Grand Canyon is considered one of the prettiest places to visit, not only in Arizona, but perhaps in the entire country. 

Where to go for vacation in Arizona? 

Where to go on vacation will depend on your interests. Scottsdale is very popular for bachelorette trips, while the state and national parks are popular for hiking.

Pro Tip: If you are going on a hiking trip, consider traveling with only a backpack. Hiking backpacks can be used as carry-on (not personal item) on many flights.

What is the best month to vacation in Arizona?

Arizona can get hot in the summer, so we recommend the wintertime,  especially if in Phoenix. If going to Flagstaff, spring and fall are great. If going to the Grand Canyon, we recommend spring through early fall so you can hike the trails.