Top 10 Cool and Historic Places to Visit in Arizona

Arizona is a land of natural beauty and there are plenty of places to visit in Arizona that will take your breath away. The sixth largest state in terms of area, after New Mexico and Nevada. Its capital and largest city is Phoenix.

In 2018, nearly 46 million people visited Arizona, contributing $26.8 billion to the state's economy and nearly 60% of all visitors to the state were from outside of Arizona. Out-of-state visitors stay an average of five nights and spend nearly $1,000 per person while in Arizona.

No matter what city you visit in Arizona, you're sure to have a great time. Looking for an amazing and affordable vacation destination? Here are 10 Places to visit in Arizona:

The Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is one of the most popular places to visit in Arizona, and it’s easy to see why. With its stunning views and rich history, the canyon offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to explore its many trails or simply take in its beauty, the Grand Canyon is sure to leave you amazed.

There are many ways to experience this natural wonder. The most popular is probably taking a tour down the Bright Angel or South Kaibab Trails, which descend thousands of feet into the canyon. For a truly unique perspective, visitors can also take a mule ride along the Bright Angel Trail or go for a whitewater rafting trip down the Colorado River.

Some of the best restaurants and hotels in Grand Canyon include El Tovar Hotel, Bright Angel Lodge, Yavapai Lodge, Kachina Lodge, Thunderbird Lodge, and Maswik Lodge.

places to visit in arizona

Sedona

Sedona is a city in Yavapai County, Arizona, United States. As of the 2010 census, the population of the city was 10,031. Sedona's main attraction is its array of red sandstone formations. The formations appear to glow in brilliant red when illuminated by the rising or setting sun. The red rocks form a popular backdrop for many activities, ranging from spiritual pursuits to the hundreds of hiking, mountain biking trails, shopping and spa treatments.

Sedona is also home to a number of great restaurants. offering everything from fine dining to quick bites, including Elote Cafe, Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill, and The L'Auberge Restaurant. There are also a number of great hotels in Sedona including the Enchantment Resort, Sedona Rouge Hotel and Spa, and the Amara Resort and Spa. And no matter what you're in the mood for, you're sure to find a great view – the city is surrounded by stunning red rock formations. So come to Sedona and enjoy all that this unique city has to offer, making it one of the cool places to visit in the US.

Tucson

The city's vibrant and unique history, culture, and cuisine have made it among the most popular places to visit in Arizona for travelers from all over the world. Founded in 1775 by Spanish settlers, Tucson is one of the historic places to visit in Arizona. The city was originally named "Tucson" by the O'odham people, who inhabited the area before the Spanish arrived. The name is derived from the O'odham word for "black," which refers to the volcanic hills near the city.

While in Tucson, you could visit the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, explore Tucson's Old Town, take a scenic drive through Saguaro National Park, visit the Pima Air & Space Museum and explore the Tucson Museum of Art. The best hotels and restaurants in Tucson, AZ include The Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa and Hacienda DelSol Guest Ranch Resort. Some of the most popular tourist attractions in Tucson are the Sabino Canyon, Saguaro National Park, Tucson Mountain Park, Catalina State Park and the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. Tucson has earned its rank as one of the most historic places to visit in Arizona.

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places to visit in arizona

Phoenix

Phoenix has come alive in recent years, thanks largely to a burgeoning arts scene. The area is home to several art museums, as well as a number of theaters and performing arts venues. If you're a fan of the outdoors, you'll definitely want to check out South Mountain Park, one of the largest municipal parks in the country. And of course, no visit to Phoenix would be complete without a trip to the desert to see the iconic cacti and stunning sunsets.

Whether you're looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life or simply enjoy some sunny weather, Phoenix is a great destination for a relaxing vacation. There are plenty of great hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals to choose from, including Sanctuary Camelback Mountain, A Gurney's Resort & Spa, The Canyon Suites at The Phoenician, A Luxury Collection Resort, Scottsdale, Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North and Airbnbs and VRBOs. No matter what your budget is, you'll be able to find a place that's perfect for your needs.

Flagstaff

This former logging town in northern Arizona has evolved into a lively college town, with a diverse range of things to see and do. From the Lowell Observatory – where scientists discovered Pluto in 1930 – to the nearby San Francisco Peaks, one of the state's highest mountain ranges, there's no shortage of natural beauty to explore. Throw in a burgeoning food and drink scene, plus a historic downtown filled with independent shops and galleries, and it's easy to see why Flagstaff is among the historic places to visit in Arizona.

While in Flagstaff, some of the best things to do include taking in the views at Lowell Observatory, going for a hike in the San Francisco Peaks, grabbing a bite at one of the many excellent restaurants, and browsing the shops downtown. Some of the best hotels and restaurants in Flagstaff include The Weatherford Hotel, The Lumberyard Brewing Company, and Beaver Street Brewery. If you don't have time to venture far from town, stop by Buffalo Park for an easy loop trail that will give you a sense of Flagstaff's natural surroundings.

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cool places to visit in the US

Petrified Forest National Park

There's plenty to see and do at Petrified Forest National Park. In addition to hiking and picnicking, you can go horseback riding, backpacking, or camping. You can also take a scenic drive through the park. Petrified wood is among the most popular places to visit in Arizona. You'll find petrified wood throughout the park, but the best place to see it is at the Blue Mesa. The Blue Mesa is a hill that's covered in blue-hued petrified wood.

When you're ready to explore beyond the park boundaries, head to one of the nearby towns for some additional fun. In Holbrook, you can visit the Historic Route 66 Museum or take a ride on the Navajo Reservation's only steam train. In Winslow, stop by the meteor crater or cool off with a swim in Cheyenne Lake. No matter what you do while you're in the area, you're sure to have a memorable time. Some of the best hotels and restaurants including the Historic Wigwam Motel and the El Rancho Hotel are also located nearby.

Kingman

Kingman is also home to the Hualapai Mountain Park and the Hualapai Mountain Preserve, which offer hiking, camping, and picnicking opportunities. For something truly unique, take a ride on the Kingman Army Airfield Historic Site and Aviation Museum's WWII-era bomber plane. If you're looking for a place to stay, try one of the town's many vintage motels. The El Trovatore is about 66 classic, and the Hualapai Lodge offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains . Kingman is definitely among the cool places to visit in the US.

In addition to the wide range of outdoor activities available, Kingman is also home to a number of museums and historical sites , making it one of the most historic places to visit in Arizona. The Kingman Army Airfield Historic Site and Aviation Museum offer a look at the town's past, and the Mohave Museum of History and Arts provides a more general overview of the area's history and culture. You might just find yourself falling in love with Arizona all over again.

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cool places to visit in the US

Montezuma Castle National Monument

One of the cool places to visit in the US is Montezuma Castle National Monument. This castle is a remnant of the ancient Pueblo people who once inhabited this area. The castle is made up of five stories and contains over 20 rooms. It is one of the best-preserved cliff dwellings in the country and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Montezuma Castle is one of the most popular places to visit in Arizona for its incredible architecture and beautiful views. If you're looking for some cool places to visit that are off the beaten path, Montezuma Castle National Monument is a great option. Some of the best hotels and restaurants include The Cliff Dweller's Inn, The Castle Cafe, and The Verde Valley Railroad. Montezuma Castle is surely one of the places to visit in Arizona.

Lake Powell

Lake Powell is a reservoir on the Colorado River, straddling the border between Utah and Arizona in the United States. It is a major vacation spot that around two million people visit every year. Lake Powell was created by the construction of the Glen Canyon Dam, which began in 1956 and was completed in 1966 making it among the historical places to visit in Arizona. The dam traps water from the Colorado River to form a reservoir that stretches 186 miles upriver from Glen Canyon Dam to Lee's Ferry.

The lake has since become a popular spot for fishing, boating, swimming, and other water-based activities. The lake is also home to several marinas and boat rental companies. Some of the best hotels and restaurants to visit in Lake Powell include the Lake Powell Resort, the Wahweap Marina, and the Bullfrog Marina. For those interested in exploring the area around Lake Powell, there are plenty of hiking and biking trails to choose from. There are also a number of historic places to visit nearby, such as the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, and Bryce Canyon National Park.

historic places to visit in Arizona

Vermilion Cliffs National Monument

Vermilion Cliffs National Monument is one of the cool places to visit in Arizona if you're looking for breathtaking scenery. The red sandstone cliffs and canyons are simply stunning, and there are plenty of hiking trails to explore. If you're looking for an unforgettable outdoor adventure, Vermilion Cliffs National Monument is definitely worth a visit.

The landmarks and monuments in Arizona are definitely worth checking out, and there are plenty of activities to keep you busy. If you're looking for an outdoor adventure, Vermilion Cliffs National Monument offers stunning scenery and hiking trails, it's an ideal place to explore the great outdoors. Some of the best restaurants and hotels in the area are The Cliff House Restaurant, The Bunkhouse Hotel, The Grand Canyon Lodge and Bright Angel Lodge.

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Conclusion

There are many cool places to visit in Arizona, whether you're looking for breathtaking scenery, historic landmarks, or outdoor adventures. From the Grand Canyon to Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, there's something for everyone in Arizona. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today!