Bordered by California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, and Mexico, Arizona is a strategic stop on many road trips. But beyond its jaw-dropping scenery, Arizona offers a wide range of activities for every type of traveler—from adrenaline-pumping hikes to relaxing scenic drives and everything in between.

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Best Time to Visit Arizona

While Arizona is part of the sunny “Sun Belt,” don’t be fooled—it can get surprisingly cold. During my November visit, Phoenix dropped to -10°C (14°F) at night! Be sure to check the weather before your trip and pack accordingly.

• Best Time to Visit the Grand Canyon & Northern Arizona: April–May (mild temps, fewer crowds)
• Fewer Crowds: November–May
• Cheapest Time: Off-season (November–February)
• North Rim Closure: Closed during winter due to snow

Arizona Travel Tips

• Renting a Car is ideal to explore the state at your own pace.
• Don’t wear white shoes—they’ll get dusty or dirty quickly.
• Pack for unpredictable weather.
• Book accommodations and tours early, especially for top attractions.

Top 10 Things to Do in Arizona

1. Grand Canyon National Park

The ultimate Arizona bucket list stop. The Grand Canyon was carved by the Colorado River over 6 million years, forming one of the world’s most stunning natural wonders.

• Best Viewpoints:
  • Mather Point
  • Yaki Point
  • Bright Angel Point
  • Angels Window
• Entrance Fee: $30 per vehicle (FREE on select National Park Days)
• Bring: Running shoes, binoculars, layered clothing

Pro Tip: Visit the South Rim for the most accessible experience. North Rim is closed during winter months.

2. Antelope Canyon

A surreal slot canyon carved by flash floods, Antelope Canyon is a photographer’s dream.

• Must Book a Tour: Only accessible with a licensed Navajo guide
• Upper vs. Lower Canyon: Upper is more popular and easier to walk
• Fee: $40–$80 per person (1-hour tours)
• Nearby: Horseshoe Bend is just 11 minutes away!
• Bring: Non-slip shoes, sweater, water bottle (my fav)

3. Sedona & Red Rock State Park

Sedona’s red rock formations are not only visually stunning but also spiritual and healing to many. A favorite stop between Phoenix and the Grand Canyon.

• Top Hikes:
  • Cathedral Rock
  • Devil’s Bridge
  • Bell Rock
• Fee: $7 per person/day
• Bring: Durable hiking shoes, water bottle, sunscreen

Don’t Miss: Sedona’s art galleries and vortex sites for a deeper spiritual experience.

4. Monument Valley

If you truly want to feel like you’ve landed on another planet, you must visit Monument Valley, located in the Monument Valley Tribal Park. With its surreal landscapes and massive sandstone buttes, it’s no surprise this area has been featured in films like Forrest Gump, Mission Impossible II, and countless Westerns.

What to Know

Monument Valley is managed by the Navajo Nation, located right on the border between Arizona and Utah. The park is part of a Navajo Indian Reservation, so respectful travel is encouraged. A few top spots not to miss include:

• John Ford’s Point – A stunning overlook named after the famed Western film director.
• Forrest Gump Point – A famous roadside view where Forrest ended his cross-country run, with an epic backdrop of towering red mesas.

Where to Stay

There are many lodges, campsites, and hotels nearby with incredible sunrise and sunset views of the mesas.
This is the one I recommend (link).

Fee

$8 per person/day gives you full access to Monument Valley for the entire day.

Drive / How to Access

From the Grand Canyon South Rim, it’s about a 2.5–3 hour drive. Once there, you can self-drive along the 17-mile Tribal Park Loop, stopping for photos at scenic pullouts.
If you want to go deeper into the park beyond the main loop, you’ll need to book with an authorized Navajo guide.
Book a Monument Valley tour here (insert tour link here).

What to Bring

• Comfortable hiking or trail shoes with good grip
• A reusable water bottle to stay hydrated
• Hat, sunscreen, and a camera—because the photo ops are unreal!

5. Mooney Falls / Havasu Falls

If you’re craving a dramatic change of scenery and want to chase waterfalls in the desert, Mooney Falls is one of Arizona’s most breathtaking hidden gems. Located deep in the Havasupai Indian Reservation, this turquoise waterfall plunges 200 feet into a canyon oasis, making the challenging journey completely worth it.

What to Know:
This area is managed by the Havasupai Tribe, and access is strictly limited. To visit Mooney Falls, you must book a Havasupai camping permit, which includes access to Havasu Falls, Beaver Falls, and the village of Supai. Permits are limited, book months in advance on the official Havasupai Reservations site.

Adventure Level:
The hike to Mooney Falls is intense — not for the faint of heart. You’ll descend through tunnels, ladders, and chains to reach the base. It’s best suited for seasoned hikers or adventure travelers who don’t mind a challenge.

When to Go

• Best for fewer crowds: November – January (off-season, but can be chilly at night)
• Peak beauty: Spring and fall for warm temps and better hiking weather

Permit Fees

• $100–$125 per person/night, including environmental fees
• Permits are for 3 nights minimum and cover all waterfalls
• No day hikes allowed — overnight stay required

How to Access

• Start at Hualapai Hilltop Trailhead
• It’s an 8-mile hike (one-way) to Supai Village, plus 2 additional miles to the waterfalls
• No roads lead to the falls — hiking (or helicopter) is the only way in

6. Horseshoe Bend

Just like the Grand Canyon, Horseshoe Bend was sculpted over millions of years by the Colorado River and powerful weather conditions. The result? A jaw-dropping, stand-alone rock formation that curves into a perfect horseshoe shape. It’s one of those natural wonders that almost looks too surreal to be real—and yes, it’s just as epic in person.

What to Know: This spot gets very busy, especially around midday with people crowding the edge for the perfect photo. Arrive early for better lighting, fewer crowds, and a more peaceful experience. There’s a shortcut trail some people take for quicker access—just be cautious and respectful of the environment.

Fee: $10 per car (paid at the parking lot)

How to Access: After parking, you’ll walk about 15-20 minutes on a well-maintained trail to reach the overlook. It’s a relatively easy walk, but bring water—there’s little shade.

What to Bring: Comfy closed-toe shoes, refillable water bottle, camera or phone for epic photos.

7. Saguaro National Park

Welcome to Cactus Heaven! Home to the iconic Saguaro cactus, this park offers otherworldly desert vibes, especially at sunset. A great place in Arizona for photographers to take amazing shots, and for content creators to take cool Instagram pictures. It is more of an underrated spot compared to other places in Arizona but somewhere well worth the visit.

• Fee: $25 per car / $15 per person
• Location: Near Tucson
• Bring: Camera, sun protection, water

8. Historic Route 66 Drive

At first, I had no idea why Route 66 was so famous—I kept seeing signs everywhere and had to find out! Turns out, Route 66 was the very first highway in the US, stretching all the way from downtown Chicago to the Santa Monica Pier in California. Packed with rich history and a huge influence on American culture, it’s become an iconic road trip that lets you experience the evolution of the open road firsthand.

We made a memorable stop in Seligman, Arizona, a small town that perfectly captures the vintage spirit of Route 66 as it looked nearly 100 years ago. Here, you’ll find:

• Quirky kitsch shops
• Retro motels
• Old neon signs
• Classic cars
• Vintage police cars

Driving this stretch of Route 66 makes for an unforgettable road trip, especially when traveling from Arizona toward California.

9. Try In-N-Out Burger

If you’re a foodie like me and not from the US, you’ve got to try In-N-Out Burger while you’re in Arizona! We don’t have these in Canada, so I just had to!

• My order: Double-Double Burger, Animal Style Fries
• Availability: Found all over Arizona
• My Verdict: Burgers = worth it. Fries = meh. But hey, it’s part of the experience!

10. Dinner With a View: Different Pointe of View, Phoenix

Treat yourself to an unforgettable meal with panoramic views of the desert.

• Location: Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort, Phoenix
• Why Go: Gorgeous sunsets, elegant ambiance, incredible cuisine
• Perfect For: Date night, celebratory dinner, or just a memorable Arizona send-off

Final Thoughts: Why You Should Visit Arizona

From towering rock formations to red desert landscapes, peaceful cacti forests to stunning waterfalls—Arizona truly has it all. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, road tripper, or luxury traveler, this state offers something to leave you in awe.

Have You Been to Arizona?

Did I miss any must-see spots or hidden gems in Arizona? What are your favorite places or experiences in the state? I’d love to hear your thoughts and recommendations—please drop a comment below and share!

Until the next trip, adios!

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