Mention
Arizona and most Americans conjure up the Wild, Wild West of their
childhood fantasies.
Arizona, is
the place, in fact, where the famous gunfight at the OK Corral
took place, in Tombstone,
Arizona.
Here, also,
is where Indian chiefs Geronimo
and Chochise led a pitched battle against pale face invaders
of the Old West.
Today, Phoenix
& Tucson are top Arizona travel hubs, mixing urban amenities with Western
charm. Although most famous for its deserts and hot, dry weather
- winter enthusiasts abound in this Rocky Mountain state with Arizona
ski resorts open from late winter
to early spring.
Throughout
the rest of the state, other major attractions include a stop
at Sedona surrounded by spectacular scenery, the breathtaking natural wonder
of the Grand
Canyon, the Petrified
Forest, the Painted Desert, Hoover
Dam, and Fort Apache.
The old London
Bridge reconstructed at Lake
Havasu also competes with nearby Glendale as a favorite student spring break destination. Later in the year, the major fall attraction can be found in Phoenix at the annual family-friendly Arizona State Fair.
2023 Arizona travel special events and festivals
History comes alive at the Arizona
Renaissance Festival Feb - Apr.
Just up ahead, check out our 2023 Arizona travel calender featuring memorable events and major festivals happening throughout Arizona -- with dates, locations and official links for more information. Happy travels!
Arizona's major tourist attractions include the Hoover Dam (on the Arizona/Nevada border);
the Painted Desert and Petrifed Forest; and the utter majesty of the Grand Canyon.
A spectacular window view is typical
of many Sedona hotels & restaurants.
Of course,
nothing beats the Grand Canyon for sheer awesomeness, but next
in line is Monument
Valley on the Arizona/Utah border featuring a long association
with the Navajo tribe and John Wayne westerns.
Another Old
West icon - Tombstone, Arizona - offers a chance to relive the
famous shoot-out at the OK
Corral with daily historical reenactments scheduled like clockwork
every afternoon.
For nature
and animal lovers, don't miss the Arizona-Sonora
Desert Museum in Tucson featuring an up-close looks at the
state's unique giant saguaro cacti as well as close encounters
with lizards, snakes and coyotes, "please touch" areas,
and fossil digs.
Arizona is
also rich in a variety of cave
sites (1,000 in all), from the Lava Tubes in northern Arizona
to limestone caves in the south. Although billed as some of the
most scientifically important cave systems in the country, the
kids probably won't care. But they will love exploring them.
Go-Arizona - Good destination guide to the entire state including complete
info on over 100 cities and towns, national parks, with focus
on Phoenix,
the Grand Canyon, Tucson and Sedona, hotels and lodging, outdoor activities, free travel
literature, online maps
Visit
Arizona -
With an extensive hotel and accommodation guide, information on major attractions in cities and
regions, interactive map, virtual road trips, photo gallery, and related resources.
Arizona
Highways Magazine - The online version of the print publication including
cyber exclusives, feature stories, pictures, guides to Arizona flora and fauna,
photos and travel tips.