7 Most Beautiful Places to See in Arizona

Arizona deserves the top spot on anyone’s bucket list. Located deep in the heart of the American Southwest, the state is home to one of the most beautiful places to see in Arizona and the world, the majestic Grand Canyon.

That’s just one thing that draws travellers to this amazing state. There’s always something new to discover in Arizona, whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning!

Add these most beautiful places to see in Arizona to your travel plans. Don’t forget to stop by Arizona’s unique roadside attractions while you’re at it!

1. The Grand Canyon

Photo Credits: Unsplash | Sonaal Bangera

Standing on the rim of the Grand Canyon will take your breath away. Marvel at the canyon’s deep ravines and colorful cliff walls. If you time your trip in the late afternoon, you’ll witness the canyon walls glow in orange, yellow, red, and other awesome colours. You can also see the Colorado River in the distance, which is responsible for carving out the canyon.

Arizona trivia:

• You can see the Grand Canyon from outer space!

Travel tips:

• Most people view the Grand Canyon from the South Rim. For a fresh look, try seeing the canyon from the North Rim instead!
• You can ride a helicopter through and over the Grand Canyon.
• Try hiking down the canyon for a closer look at this natural wonder.

2. Hoover Dam

Photo Credits: Unsplash | Clay Banks

From natural wonders to man-made marvels, Arizona has it all! One of the most beautiful places to see in Arizona is one of the greatest engineering feats on earth. The Hoover Dam connects Arizona and Nevada. It is 1, 244 feet long and 726 feet high. It holds back Lake Mead, which is America’s largest artificial lakes.

Arizona trivia:

• The Hoover Dam was completed in 1935.

Travel tips:

• Walking or driving across Hoover Dam is free, but you do have to pay for parking.
• There’s a cafe on-site if you’re hungry for snacks.
• Don’t want to DIY your Hoover Dam visit? Join the Powerplant or a Hoover Dam tour!

3. Sedona

Photo Credits: Unsplash | Jerome Bishop

Surrounded by buttes and spectacular red rock mountains, Sedona is truly one of the most beautiful places to see in Arizona. The area is popular for day trips, so reserve a few hours to explore this awesome place.

Aside from stunning scenery, the 89A main street is also loaded with things to do. Drop by art galleries, tourist shops, and restaurants in town. You can also visit ancient Native American dwellings nearby.

If you’re interested in the paranormal, don’t miss downtown. You’ll find New Age shops, aura readings, crystal sellers, UFO tours, and more!

Arizona trivia:

• Locals consider Sedona as a spiritual place, and it is filled with energy vortexes.

Travel tips:

• If you’re up for a road trip, Sedona is just 1.5 hours north of Phoenix.
• Looking for some excitement? Join a Jeep tour, one of the most popular ways to explore Sedona!

4. Havasu Falls

Photo Credits: Unsplash | Jan Kronies

Witness a slice of paradise when you visit the Havasu Falls on the Havasupai Indian Reservation. The falls rush down to a bluish-green bathing pool below. During the days when the river falls heavy, you may notice that there seem to be two falls instead of one. Havasu Falls is forked, which results in this awesome visual effect.

Arizona trivia:

• Around 450 Havasupai Indians still live in the secluded canyon of Havasu Creek. 

Travel tips:

• If you want to hike Havasu Falls, you have to pay a fee, obtain a permit, and make reservations ahead of time.
• You can reach Havasu Falls by helicopter, horseback, or a long hike.

5. Petrified National Forest Park

Photo Credits: National Parks

Along the Painted Desert is the alien and colourful landscape of the Petrified National Forest. The sight of the ancient fossilized trees is phenomenal, but also a bit spooky! Aside from trees, the park is filled with fossilized reptiles, fish, and other plants that have been petrified, or turned to stone.

Learn about the geology and ecology of the Petrified National Forest at the Visitors Center. Afterwards, you can drive down the park access road to see the highlights.

Arizona trivia:

• Many of the petrified trees in the forest are conifers which grew more than 200 million years ago. 

Travel tip:

• The forest also has short trails where you can stop and take a closer look at the sights.

6. Canyon De Chelly National Monument

Photo Credits: National Park Foundation

Did you know that Arizona’s Native Americans used to live in cliff dwellings along steep canyons? Sounds unbelievable, but that’s exactly what you’ll see at the Canyon De Chelly National Monument! Some of its walls are as high as a thousand feet. The White House Ruins, with more than 100 cliff dwellings, was built in circa 1050. Native Americans occupied these dwellings as far back as AD 350 to AD 1300.

There are three ways to explore the Canyon De Chelly National Monument. You can drive along the South and North Rim Drives, then stop at the pullouts. You can also take a private tour of the ruin. During spring and fall, you can join free hikes led by rangers.

Arizona trivia:

• Mummies have been found in one of the cliff dwellings: the Mummy Cave at the Canyon Del Muerto.

Travel tip:

• Look for the ruins across the far walls using scopes in the lookouts.

7. Tombstones

Photo Credits: Tombstone Chamber of Commerce

For a different kind of beauty, take a step back into the wild, wild west by visiting Tombstone in Arizona! Established in 1881, this Old West town keeps its glory days alive through characters in period costumes, staged gunfights, and other attractions. Don’t forget to visit the Tombstone Courthouse state History Park, the courthouse-turned-museum that is now filed with relics of the town’s past.

Arizona trivia:

• Tombstone’s motto is “The Town Too Tough to Die.”

Travel tips:

Drop by Tombstone iconic sites, the Boothill Graveyard and O.K. Corral, for a full taste of the Old West.

Visit the most beautiful places to see in Arizona today!

Experience the majesty of Arizona when you visit this amazing state. Go on an unforgettable trip solo, or with family and friends!