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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!

February 3 - February 5 -- Arizona Balloon Classic, Goodyear

February 4 - April 2, 2023 -- Arizona Renaissance Festival,
Gold Canyon, AZ (open weekends and Presidents Day)

February 16 - February 26, 2023 -- Arizona Beer Week, statewide

February 26 - February 26, 2023 -- Innings Music Festival, Tempe AZ

March 3 - March 4, 2023 -- M3F Music Festival, Phoenix AZ

October 21 - October 22, 2023 -- Phoenix Pride Festival, Phoenix

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.

also see ->   2023 Christmas in Arizona

Kid-friendly Arizona attractions

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.

also see -> Arizona Lakes & Beaches   |   Arizona Campgrounds

AZ Outlet Malls

More about Arizona travel around the Web:

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.