Arizona Official State Travel Guide

An Ode to the Diner

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 13:34:34 +0000

Known for their comfort food-focused menus and welcoming atmosphere, diners are an iconic part of the American road trip. In Arizona, many diners popped up during the golden era of Route 66, when car ownership was becoming more common and people were driving westward.

For a strong dose of nostalgia, head to Mr. D’z Route 66 Diner in Kingman. Just look for the vintage sign (featuring a jukebox, Studebaker and giant root beer) atop the blue-and-pink building with a small fleet of classic cars out front. Inside, vinyl record-shaped menus offer up classic fare from stacked breakfast platters to malts and banana-split sundaes.

...

Top Tours for Exploring Wine Country

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 13:32:56 +0000

Thanks to curated tours, imbibers can sip and sample safely as they visit a flight of wineries by bus, boat, Jeep or train.

In 2021, Central Arizona’s Verde Valley became an American Viticultural Area, giving Arizona its third distinctive wine country. If you’re staying in the Scottsdale area and would like to day-trip to this lush riparian region, the AZ Wine Wagon whisks guests to three Verde Valley area wineries, including Cove Mesa Vineyard, a premium winery focused on small-production wines. Travelers overnighting in Sedona, Cottonwood or Page Springs can opt for the AZ Wine Crawler. This hop-on-hop-off service whistle-stops between numerous wineries in verdant Page Springs, pastel-painted Old Town Cottonwood and historic Clarkdale. Outdoorsy oenophiles can splash out on Verde Adventures’ Water to Wine Tour, a kayaking trip on the Verde River to Alcantara Vineyards’ Tuscan villa-inspired tasting room. Or journey to the river and Alcantara in an off-road vehicle on A Day in the West’s Jeep Tour and Wine Tasting. For even more horsepower, ride the Verde Canyon Railroad’s Grape Train Escape, departing from Clarkdale once monthly from May to September. Passengers can sip local wines while chugging through the Verde Canyon as it turns golden at sunset.

...

Travel Tips & Resources

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 08:01:56 +0000

Make the most of your visit to Arizona with these helpful tools and tips. Go online to find even more trip planning resources at VisitArizona.com.

511 TRAVELER INFORMATION SERVICE

...

Sweet Escapes: Must-Try Bakeries & Pastry Shops

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 07:59:32 +0000

From delicate French pastries to warm, pillowy frybread, Arizona’s bakery scene is as diverse as its landscapes. Whether you’re craving traditional Balkan treats, Japanese cheesecake or Southwest-inspired confections, these sweet spots across the state are worth the visit.

Start your sweet-tooth journey in Clarkdale at Violette’s Bakery Cafe, where French elegance — try the flaky croissants and chocolate tarts — meets smalltown charm — think fluffy waffles and cinnamon-kissed churros.

...

Make It a Spa Day

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 07:54:49 +0000

UNFORGETTABLE RESORT AND SPA EXPERIENCES

MASSAGES & MORE

In Marana, The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Dove Mountain offers a holistic experience, combining natural remedies and ancient wellness practices. Wash away the tension with a warm basalt stones massage alongside your sweetheart in the Hohokam Hot Stone Ritual for Two. Nourish and hydrate your skin with the Hydration Polish or the Hydrating and Contouring Facial.

...

Four Passes. Endless Adventures.

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 07:54:20 +0000

Unlock the Grand Canyon State with a collection of free digital passports. Whether you’re chasing roadside nostalgia or family-friendly adventures, Visit Arizona’s Experience Passes let you explore your way — and reward you for doing it. Sign up at VisitArizona.com/experiences-passes to start checking in and collecting memories (and prizes) as you go.

ARIZONA PARKS PASSPORT: COUNT THE PARKS

...

66 Ways to Celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Route 66

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 07:53:19 +0000

Spanning 2,448 unforgettable miles from Chicago to Los Angeles, the legendary U.S. Route 66 is more than just a road — it’s a living, ever-evolving piece of American history. When it first opened in 1926, this continuously paved highway was a marvel of its time, forging a vital link between rural towns and major cities across eight states.

In the 1930s, Route 66 became a lifeline for families fleeing the economic hardship of the Dust Bowl, offering a path to hope and opportunity out west. Following World War II, Route 66 pulsed with promise once again, as returning soldiers traveled its lanes in search of a fresh start.

...

Explore the Eras

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 06:10:21 +0000

Stories dating back centuries still echo through Arizona’s sun-washed landscapes. Travel through the time periods and discover where you can experience remnants of the past.

ANCIENT AMERICAN INDIAN CIVILIZATIONS

...

Retro Vibes at Vintage Motor Hotels

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 06:09:26 +0000

When Route 66 opened in 1926, Arizona became a key stop for road-trippers, sparking a boom in motor hotels and other mom-and-pop businesses catering to travelers. Today, old meets new as innkeepers preserve these historical stays while giving them new life with updated decor and modern amenities.

At High Country Motor Lodge in Flagstaff, the desert’s rugged beauty meets contemporary comfort. Recharge at Arizona’s first Nordic spa after time in the sauna and plunge pool, then unwind in a stand-alone cottage or a sleek poolside room. Grab a cocktail from The General Store Bar & Lounge, play board games or chill by the fire. Also in Flagstaff, Americana Motor Hotel welcomes you with a complimentary drink, a cozy room, fresh seafood from Baja Mar and free bike rentals. Sway in a hammock, gather around fire pits or hop into the heated pool at this playful retreat. Electric vehicle charging is also included in your stay.

...

Arizona’s Legacy of Western Art

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 06:08:50 +0000

Arizona’s vast deserts, rugged mountains and endless skies have long inspired artists seeking to capture the untamed spirit of the American West. This storied landscape has given rise to generations of painters, illustrators and sculptors whose work celebrates cowboy culture, Indigenous traditions and the stark beauty of the frontier. Explore the legacy of early 20th-century visionaries and get inspired by contemporary innovators at galleries and museums throughout the state.

Start at The Hermosa Inn in Paradise Valley. Few names are more iconic in Arizona’s art history than Lon Megargee, and this adobe-style inn was handcrafted by Megargee in the 1930s as his residence and art studio. A real-life cowboy and Arizona’s first state artist, he is best known for his romantic depictions of ranch life and his vibrant murals, including “The Last Drop from His Stetson,” which graces the inside of high-end Stetson hats. See a collection of Megargee’s works at the Arizona Capitol Museum in Phoenix.

...

Arizona’s Art Walks

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 06:04:18 +0000

Arizona’s vibrant art scene comes to life each month with free art walks in its most creative districts. These events provide a perfect opportunity to explore local galleries, meet artists and enjoy live entertainment.

The longest-running arts walk in the country, Scottsdale ArtWalk takes place every Thursday evening, with specially themed walks throughout the year. Explore Old Town Scottsdale’s arts district to peruse the art at more than 20 galleries and museums.

...

Tribal Culture Trip Ideas

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 06:03:43 +0000

The American Indian communities in Arizona hold deep ties to the land, expressed through movement, craft, food and story. Observe and engage with these traditions with these quick trip ideas.

ATTEND A CULTURAL EVENT

...

Explore Ancestral Lands of Tribal Nations in Arizona

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 06:03:22 +0000

No state has more land set aside as designated American Indian land than Arizona. Twenty-two federally recognized tribes make their homes in diverse settings that range from saguaro-clad desert to the river-carved depths of the Grand Canyon. These stunning landscapes are home not only to these longstanding communities but also to important sites that preserve their history and culture. Delve deeper with Native-led tours and experiences that reveal glimpses into their past — and present — way of life.

In the northeastern corner of Arizona, the sprawling Navajo Nation is home to archaeological, geological, historical and spiritual wonders, starting with Canyon de Chelly National Monument, one of the longest continuously inhabited landscapes in the United States. It shelters hundreds of well-preserved uninhabited cliff dwellings and is still home to Navajo families who live and farm the rich bottomlands. Scenic drives trace the canyon rims providing stunning views, but a Navajo-led experience with Canyon de Chelly Tours provides visitors with a broader understanding of this mystical canyon.

...

Field Day: See Sports Stars in Action

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 06:02:44 +0000

Follow the sun for an all-star lineup of sporting experiences.

In Arizona, the sports scene caters to fans of all types, all year long. From the longtime legacy of the PGA Tour and sensational scores of the WNBA, to the fast-paced action of the NFL and the track-side thrill of NASCAR races, there’s never a dull moment in Arizona’s stands.

...

5 Ways to Hit the Trails

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 06:02:15 +0000

1 HIKING

Explore the Chuska Mountains within Navajo Nation land on the Arizona and New Mexico border with Hołdzilei Hiking Strong, a Diné-woman-led company offering day hikes ranging from 4 to 12 miles. For ADA-accessible trails, take in dramatic views of the Hermit Road section of the paved Greenway Trail in Grand Canyon National Park, explore the archaeological sites along the half-mile paved Homolovi II Trail at Homolovi State Park in Winslow, or enjoy trails circling three lagoons at Dead Horse Ranch State Park in Cottonwood.

...

A State Park for Every Season

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 06:01:36 +0000

Across Arizona, discover 34 distinct state parks rich with adventure, history, natural beauty and wildlife. Some state park sites offer wheelchair-accessible trails, cabins and fishing piers so the great outdoors can be enjoyed by all. Get tips on how to experience Arizona’s state parks and trails any time of year, from spring wildflower trails to summertime beaches. Find even more trip ideas at AZstateparks.com.

SPRING
At Lost Dutchman State Park near Apache Junction, take in views of the Superstition Mountains and desert wildflowers such as bright-yellow brittlebush, orange poppies and red chuparosa. You’ll also spot prickly pear and ocotillo, and possibly even wildlife such as roadrunners and Gila monsters (enjoy from a distance!). The campground has no size restrictions on RVs and offers electric hook-ups and water, as well as ADA-accessible camping cabins.

...

Experience the Grand Canyon

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 05:58:08 +0000

Vast, magnificent and inarguably beautiful, the Grand Canyon is easily Arizona’s most distinguishable landmark and is considered one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. At 277 miles long, as much as 18 miles wide and a full mile deep, the Grand Canyon is the second largest canyon in the world. Its colorful walls contain rock layers — the oldest of those layers being 1.8 billion years old — that reveal a timeline of Earth’s history.

Its dramatic beauty and staggering magnitude have astounded centuries of ancient civilizations, early explorers, scientists, artists and, today, nearly 5 million annual visitors.

...

Arizona’s West Coast

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 05:50:04 +0000

Cocopah Indian Tribe, Colorado River Indian Tribes, Fort Mojave Indian Tribe, Fort Yuma-Quechan Tribe, Fredonia, Grand Canyon West, Havasupai Tribe, Hualapai Tribe, Lake Havasu City, Kingman, Oatman, Peach Springs, Topock, Yuma

Be sure to pack your swimsuit when you visit the western edge of Arizona, where the Colorado River and glittering waters of lakes and reservoirs combine to create the perfect climate for fun in the sun. As you trace the Colorado River’s path from the Glen Canyon Dam to Mexico, you’ll fall in love with close-knit communities filled with museums and attractions, natural wonders and wildlife habitats — and, of course, countless places to enjoy boating, swimming and water sports of all types.

...

North Central Arizona

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 05:45:35 +0000

Camp Verde, Clarkdale, Cottonwood, Fort Apache, Globe, Jerome, Holbrook, Oak Creek, Payson, Prescott, San Carlos Apache Tribe, Sedona, Seligman, Tonto Apache Tribe, Yavapai-Apache Nation, Yavapai-Prescott Indian Tribe, White Mountain Apache Tribe

One of the most beautiful cities in the world is in North Central Arizona. But that’s just part of the region’s appeal. Beyond the red-rock resplendency of Sedona you’ll find historic sites in Prescott and Fort Apache, family-friendly activities like the Verde Canyon Railroad, and some of the state’s best restaurants and wineries.

...

Northern Arizona

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 05:39:58 +0000

Flagstaff, Ganado, Grand Canyon Village, Hopi Tribe, Kaibab Band of Paiute Indians, Monument Valley, Navajo Nation, Page, Pinetop-Lakeside, Pueblo of Zuni, San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe, Tuba City, Williams, Window Rock, Winslow

With its otherworldly geology, dramatically hued tribal lands and concentration of national parks and monuments, Northern Arizona is a playground for road-trippers and outdoor adventurers alike. Ski through powdery snow. Hike up, up, up to Arizona’s highest peak or down, down, down into the world’s grandest canyon. Time travel to prehistoric civilizations or peer into the vast universe in hopes of making a new astral discovery. Past, present, future — the possibilities are endless in this diverse region.

...

Tucson & Southern Arizona

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 05:25:38 +0000

Benson, Bisbee, Elgin, Pascua Yaqui Tribe, Sierra Vista, Tohono O’odham Nation, Tombstone, Tubac, Tucson, Willcox

This region offers everything from urban attractions to remote solitude — with a whole lot in between. From centuries-old stands of towering saguaro cactuses to rolling hillsides in lush wine country to authentic Old West towns that once bustled with prospectors and pioneers, this corner of Arizona is full of surprises. Set aside plenty of time to explore the character-rich college town of Tucson, where art galleries, historical museums, trendsetting eateries and urban adventures beckon.

...

Phoenix & Central Arizona

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 05:23:08 +0000

Ak-Chin Indian Community, Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, Gila River Indian Community, Gilbert, Glendale, Mesa, Phoenix, Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, Scottsdale, Superior, Tempe

...

State Map

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 04:18:33 +0000

Main Street of America

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 04:18:01 +0000

A symbol of freedom, adventure and the “American Dream,” U.S. Highway 66 — best known as Route 66 — runs through the heart of more than 100 cities and towns from Chicago to Los Angeles. Celebrate the 100th anniversary of this iconic route with a trip down memory lane.

...

Events

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 04:15:02 +0000

...

Visitor Centers

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 04:14:19 +0000

...

Finding Fulfillment

Sun, 24 Aug 2025 09:09:31 +0000

The thrill of seeing unfamiliar landscapes, the joy of accomplishment, the satisfaction of deepening personal connections — travel can be a transformative experience for people of all ages and life stages. Try these five ideas for cultivating mental, physical and social well-being on your next trip.

ACHIEVE A FITNESS GOAL

...

Stars in Our Eyes

Sun, 24 Aug 2025 09:05:15 +0000

With vast desert skies and minimal light pollution, Arizona is a paradise for astrophiles and those fascinated by mysteries of the universe. The state is home to more than a dozen International Dark Sky Places, making it a top destination for celestial exploration. Whether peering through powerful telescopes at an observatory or attending a star party on the rim of the Grand Canyon, the cosmos have never felt closer.

Flagstaff, the world’s first International Dark Sky City, is a great place to start. The new Astronomy Discovery Center at Lowell Observatory features interactive exhibits, historical tours, a rooftop planetarium, an open deck observatory with state-of-the-art telescopes and the Pluto Discovery Dome for infinite wonders.

...

Welcome

Sat, 23 Aug 2025 13:01:18 +0000

WELCOME TO ARIZONA

Welcome to a land carved by time and illuminated by sunshine. Where crimson canyons echo ancient stories and starry skies invite you to dream bigger and roam farther.

Here, every horizon offers something new: Stand at the edge of the Grand Canyon and feel the sweep of geologic time. Wander the cool forests of the Mogollon Rim, where elk roam beneath towering ponderosas. Trek through red rock trails in Sedona, float on still desert lakes or climb the rugged ridges of the Sky Islands in the southeast.

...