Mesmerizing landscapes, spiritual vortexes, and painted deserts – the 48th state is nothing short of amazing and breathtaking. Full of treasures waiting to be discovered, Arizona offers a memorable travel experience to those drawn to the outdoor lifestyle. And the constantly sunny weather this state is blessed with means this majestic tourist destination can be enjoyed year-round.
Whether you’re looking to embark on a soul-soothing journey or plan on quenching your adventurous spirit, here’s the ultimate Arizona travel guide with insider tips to teach you everything you need to know.
The best time to visit Arizona
When planning your trip to Arizona, weather is one of those major factors that will largely influence your decision-making process. Hot Arizona temperatures are stifling in summer, especially when it comes to places such as Monument Valley and Grand Canyon. These hot tourist spots also tend to get crowded during the summer season.
It’s best that you plan your Arizona trip for spring or winter when the weather is fairly mild. After all, there’s a good reason why the peak tourist season in Arizona especially in the Tucson, Scottsdale, and Phoenix areas is from October to March and then all the way up to the early days of May. Keep in mind, though, that certain places at higher elevations (e.g. Sedona, Flagstaff, Grand Canyon) can be chilly during winter. Nights are generally cooler regardless of the time of the year you visit, so keep that in mind as well.
What you shouldn’t miss in Arizona
Another thing you can not forgo when planning your Arizona trip is the list of activities you want to enjoy. For those with adventurous spirit, you can choose from a plethora of amazing adventure options offered by this southwestern state. Love to explore? Head to the Petrified Forest National Park, hunt for gold in the Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine, or visit Verde Valley where you can explore ancient ruins and cliff dwellings.
If you’d rather enjoy some recreational activities, be sure to add Scottsdale to your Arizona travel bucket list. From amazing golf resorts reserved for sports lovers to best trails for hiking in Scottsdale, this city offers plenty of activities for outdoor lovers while also providing an amazingly wondrous landscape to enjoy. While you’re at it, take a trip to the Grand Canyon. It’s just three hours away from Scottsdale by car, and you can also hike rim-to-rim. Finally, make sure to visit Monument Valley – the eighth wonder of the world, as it’s referred to by locals.
Getting around Arizona
When it comes to traveling around Arizona, this is when an air-conditioned car can come in really handy. Regardless of where you’re planning on staying during your visit, a car is a must in Arizona. The distances between towns can be quite long, so you’ll be traveling a lot. And while public transportation may spring to mind as a good alternative, it’s scarce there. You definitely don’t want to rely on Uber in order to get from place to place all the time.
With major airports located in cities like Tucson and Phoenix, you can expect long rides if you’re traveling from LA or El Paso. You’ll definitely need your own car if you’re planning on exploring these cities. Just make sure to rent one after you get into town. That way, you’ll avoid paying 25-30 percent higher rental fees that are usually added by an airport rental agency.
Local travel tips for Arizona visitors
When heading to Arizona, it’s also good to listen to what locals have to say. For instance, let’s say that your Arizona trip is taking place in the summer. You may be wondering if you’ll be able to enjoy the outdoors despite the unbearable summer heat. A word of advice is to start your activities at dawn, and finish by the time the clock strikes 10.
The weather here can be quite unpredictable and dust storms or “haboobs” are common during the monsoon season. If you do get caught up in one while on the road, stop driving and get off the road. It’s also best that you put on glasses or goggles and cover your mouth and nose with a cloth. Last but not least, if you’re hiking, be wary of flash floods and thunderstorms which often occur in the Grand Canyon in July up until mid-September. If you’re rafting, sunscreen is a must-have.
Wrapping up
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or planning an adventurous journey, the Grand Canyon State has something for everyone. With this travel guide and our insider tips in mind, you can plan an exciting trip to Arizona and ensure a journey you’ll remember for a long time.