1. Phoenix. Arizona’s largest city offers plenty for visitors to see and do. Baseball’s Cactus League descends on the area in February and March for spring training, bringing all the excitement of a new season. Pro football, basketball and baseball teams keep sports fans cheering the rest of the year. Phoenix’s desert vegetation and towering cacti can be studied at the Desert Botanical Garden, and shoppers will delight in the many southwestern art and jewelry galleries.
2. Scottsdale. No Arizona vacation would be complete without a visit to Scottsdale. Located adjacent to Phoenix, Scottsdale is home to more than a dozen luxury resorts, many of which have golf courses, tennis courts and elaborate swimming pool complexes. The city is also home to the annual Scottsdale Arts Festival and hosts a free art walk each Thursday evening.
3. Sedona. Sedona, located two hours north of Phoenix, is in the heart of Arizona’s red rock country. The scenic town is also a well-regarded arts center, with dozens of galleries and studios featuring everything from paintings to jewelry to textile art. Visitors can also relax by quiet Oak Creek, which runs through the center of town, or take a jeep tour of the dramatic, red sandstone formations that punctuate the area.
4. Flagstaff. Located in northern Arizona, Flagstaff is a good base for exploring the Grand Canyon region. However, the city offers much more. The former lumber and railroad powerhouse is home to the Lowell Observatory as well as the Arizona Snowball, a winter ski area, and is bisected by the legendary Route 66 highway.
5. Grand Canyon. Though not a city, Grand Canyon National Park is one of Arizona’s–and America’s–most popular attractions. The 277-mile canyon, carved out over billions of years by the Colorado River, offers abundant sightseeing, hiking and photographic opportunities. You can take a donkey ride down to the base of the canyon and even spend the night at the lodge near the river there.
Wherever you choose to visit on your Arizona vacation, you’re sure to be awed by the Copper State’s diverse natural beauty, friendly people and spicy southwestern charm.