Arizona Travel Guide
Arizona is a paragon of the desert southwest. Known for its warm climate and awe-inspiring scenery, Arizona is a perfect vacation destination in the United States. Its largest city, Phoenix, is bursting with incredible restaurants, museums, and parks to explore. The Grand Canyon lives up to its reputation, but don’t sleep on the less-visited Saguaro National Park for a quintessential desert experience.
Beyond its National Parks, Arizona has an uncanny amount of brilliant landscapes to explore.
Surreal red rock formations and spiritual wellness await in Sedona, and Flagstaff offers an escape to the mountains. Be sure to add Antelope Canyon, Monument Valley, and Horseshoe Bend to your list as well. Foodies will also want to make a stop in Tucson where the local Sonoran cuisine earned a UNESCO City of Gastronomy designation.
Destinations
Arizona Basics
Nickname: The Grand Canyon State
Best Time to Visit
SUMMER
The summer heat in the desert can be intense and dangerous, so it’s not for the faint of heart. Northern areas, like the Grand Canyon, are cooler but also hit peak tourist season. Summer also brings monsoon season to Arizona.
AUTUMN
This is shoulder season in Arizona, which means fewer crowds in popular spots like the Grand Canyon and Phoenix. Temperatures are much more comfortable than in the summer, and some areas, like Flagstaff, even see fall colors.
WINTER
Arizona has some of the most pleasant winter weather in the country, so this is a good time to visit weather-wise, but it also means this is when visitors and snowbirds flock to the area. November through February is the peak tourist season for most of Arizona. High-elevation areas, like the Grand Canyon, are the opposite with cold weather and fewer crowds in the winter.
SPRING
This is a lovely time to visit Arizona. Temperatures are warm but haven’t yet reached the intensity of summer, and the winter crowds start to dissipate. You may even catch the cacti in bloom!
arizona road trip playlist
Arizona Travel Guides
