Top Places to visit in Arizona – You don’t want to miss these!

Top 35 places to visit in Arizona…an epic list of favorites from a local.

Arizona is a massive state, about 114,000 square miles in fact. It spans 335 miles wide, by 390 miles long—and it’s the 6th largest state in the country by land mass. It’s really tough to explore all of Arizona on a single trip, that’s why I have broken this list of top places to visit in Arizona into three categories—Northern Arizona, Central Arizona and Southern Arizona.

For several decades now, Arizona has been one of the fastest growing states in population and tourism. It’s known as the Valentine State (as well as the Grand Canyon State) as it gained statehood on February 14th, 1912. It’s also know for its 5 C’s, cotton, cattle, cooper, citrus and climate—the last, arguably, the reason residents and visitors alike have been flocking to the state.

As a road trip travel blogger I absolutely love the wide open spaces of Arizona, it’s one of the best and most diverse states in the country to visit. I’ve had an opportunity to road trip nearly ever corner of the state and every major attraction. I have written a lot on Arizona and so I have included many links throughout this post to help provide you with helpful information.

Without further ado, here are the top places to visit in Arizona, beginning with the northern part of the state.

Top Places to Visit in Northern Arizona

1) Grand Canyon

Most people come to Arizona to see the Grand Canyon, and, for good reason. However, these are my favorite things to see beyond the Grand Canyon. Click the following link to find out about the best view at the Grand Canyon.

2) Canyon De Chelly

Canyon De Chelly is a place where wind, water and time have etched a landscape masterpiece. While Canyon De Chelly may be considered a stepchild of the Grand Canyon, its beauty is no less spectacular. Click the following link to read more about Canyon De Chelly.

3) Monument Valley

Nature is the most prolific artist mankind has ever known—this is no more evident than in Monument Valley, which borders Arizona to the north and Utah to the south. Click the following link if you want more information about visiting Monument Valley.

4) Painted Desert

There are several areas in Arizona to see the Painted Desert, which is a distinct landscape that looks like from another planet. One beautiful area is along a stretch of highway 89, just before, and just after, the Hwy 160 turnoff toward Tuba City.

5) Antelope Canyon

Antelope Canyon is a mecca for photographers, due in part to the light beams that shine down into the narrow canyon for just a short period each day, putting on a dramatic display for onlookers. Click the following for more information on visiting Antelope Canyon.

6) Lake Powell Recreation Area

Lake Powell is located in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and is at the mouth of the Grand Canyon. The lake is extremely scenic with tall canyons, red rock formations and sand dunes—it’s a wonderful place for house boating, water skiing, kayaking, fishing, hiking, camping, exploration and more.

7) Horseshoe Bend

Located near Page Lake Powell, Horseshoe Bend is one of the most popular roadside attractions in the state. Calling Horseshoe Bend a “roadside attraction” may not be completely accurate as it does require a bit of a hike to see the iconic southwestern sight, but it is located right off of scenic Highway 89. Click the following link to read about everything you need to know about visiting Horseshoe Bend.

8) Vermilion Cliffs

Along Hwy 89a from Marble Canyon toward the North Rim of the Grand Canyon is part of the Vermilion Cliffs…a tremendously scenic area. If you go, don’t miss stopping by Cliff Dewllers.

9) Hoover Dam

10) Grand Falls

Grand Falls, also known as Chocolate Falls, is a seasonal waterfall located about 40 miles northeast of Flagstaff. The massive cascade of waterfalls is over 180′, which is about 5 feet higher than the more famous Niagara Falls. Click the following link to read more on Grand Falls.

11) Havasu Falls

Not an easy place to get to, but Havasupi is one of the most remarkable places in Arizona. This area with several waterfalls is located within the Grand Canyon, but is not part of the national park. Click the following link to learn everything you need to about visiting Havasupai.

12) Four Corners

This is the only place in the United States where four states all touch. People love to use all four extremities to be in four states and two time zones at the same time.

13) Winslow

“Standin’ on a Corner in Winslow Arizona,” is a famous line from the Eagle’s song “Take it Easy.” That one song by a very famous band put this ho-poke town on the proverbial map.

15) Petrified Forest

The Petrified Forest is known for its fossils, especially huge fallen trees that lived in the Late Triassic period, over two hundred million years ago.

16) Lake Mead National Recreational Area (Willow Beach)

Located south of Hoover Damn off of Hwy 93, Willow Beach in the Lake Mead National Recreational area is a haven for sun worshipers and water enthusiasts.

This is just part 1 of 3 of the top places to visit in Arizona. To continue reading, click the following links for Central Arizona and Southern Arizona. You may also be interested in the following articles: