Arizona is full of so many wonderful places and things to do that I have yet to experience. Only living out here for 2 years, I have not had a lot of time to get out and explore much of the state, but it is something that I plan on doing. Below are a list of places or things Arizona has to offer that I am interested in, starting out with the places I want to go the most.
#1 Sedona, Arizona
You may wonder why Sedona over other places in Arizona that offer natural beauty. It's not only the beautiful red rock formations that make Sedona a desirable attraction, but the vortexes, mysticism, arts and culture as well. This is the perfect place for a day trip from many popular places in Arizona such as Flagstaff and Phoenix. Spend the day escaping your busy life and getting in touch with other things the world has to offer by visiting Sedona.
#2 The Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon National Park is one of the iconic symbols of Arizona. When you think about the state, this is one of the first things that comes to your mind, and definitely is something you should see whether you live here or are just visiting. The Grand Canyon is a natural marvel created by the Colorado River over an immense time period. Carving through the rock, the river has exposed billions of years of history to us and beautiful stratigraphy. Also, now that the SkyWalk has been constructed within the past couple years, you have the option of feeling like you are floating over the huge drop. This is a must see in the state.
#3 Flagstaff, Arizona
Flagstaff is a different type of natural beauty in Arizona. While in most places you are admiring the desert sunset, and the rock mountains, here you are taking in snow-capped mountains and forests. During the summer, temperatures here usually do not exceed 80 degrees at the highest, and average around the 50's for during the winter. That makes this Flagstaff the perfect place to escape the heat of the summer, or a snow sports spot during the cooler months. It is also a much less populated city, so while it may not be as full of things to do like Phoenix or bigger cities, it is a great place to relax. If you have ever experienced a summer in the Valley, you can empathize why this is on my top ten list.
#4 Lake Havasu, Arizona
It has it's own show where police bust people left and right, it is the party central here in the desert; yes we are talking about Lake Havasu. While partying all day and night out on the water in extreme heat is not my number one favorite pastime, I cannot deny that this place has great appeal to a large crowd in Arizona. Either way, there are plenty of things to do here besides getting smashed, such as water-sports galore, and a great night life. Lake Havasu truly seems like a place that has something to offer every kind of crowd, which puts it on my top ten list.
#5 Tombstone, Arizona
When you think Arizona, you can't not think of the old wild west; and Tombstone is that place. Barely saved from becoming a ghost town, this small city is a hot place for tourists looking for a different type of experience. Many bring children here for fake gun fights and other cheesy things, but a lot of the adults come here to experience getting in touch with the dead. Yes, Tombstone is on the top list for haunted places in the United States. One of the favorite places for people to visit is the old Birdcage Theater. Even if you aren't prepared to be a ghost hunter just yet, Tombstone seems like a very cool place to visit.
#6 Superstition Mountain
This is another great place to experience mystery in Arizona. Superstition Mountain is considered to be the place that separates urban life from wilderness, making it the perfect place for hiking, trails, and other sorts of outdoor activities. Wilderness also means animals though, so be prepared to come into contact with creatures big and small. Even if you're not the type for adventure, head out for a day to hear stories of Indian lore and old gold mines. This is a great day trip from the greater Phoenix area.
#7 Taliesin West
Even if you don't know much about architecture, you can still see how Frank Llyod Wright's Taliesin West is an architectural marvel. Built in 1937 as Wright's winter home and school in the desert, Taliesin West is a great place to visit if you are living in or visiting the area of Phoenix or Scottsdale. This home is open to tours year round and is a great thing to see if you don't have much time in Arizona.
#8 Canyon Lake
While Lake Havasu would by my number one water spot in Arizona, Canyon Lake is definitely another destination that I am interested in going to. It also offers a few things that Lake Havasu doesn't, such as being closer to Phoenix, and probably being a better destination for family trips. There are plenty of recreation sites perfect for having a picnic, or to cook up freshly caught fish. A great place to drive out to for a quick dip in the summertime!
#9 Salt River Tubing
Salt River Tubing is located just east of Phoenix. This is a great place to go and party or relax if you can't make it to any of the other water spots in Arizona. Take a day from your schedule, grab a tube, and go float down the cool Salt River with a group of friends. This seems like such a fun or relaxing activity for just an afternoon or morning. Apparently the best time of year to go is in the early summer, when it is not too hot outside. Although the water is cool year round, the black tubes heat up fast, and the sun can make your head feel a little funny in too much heat. This seems like an activity where you want to get a little advice before you venture out, but an activity that will be fun no matter what.
#10 ASU's Gammage Theater
For people living or visiting the Tempe, AZ area, a really fun thing to do is go check out events happening at the Gammage theater at Arizona State University. This theater hosts top plays, musicals, and even more to fascinate the imagination. Such performances like Phantom of the Opera and Wicked have performed here. You don't have to be a student to get tickets, but just make sure you do early because these will sell out! This is also a great way to entertain your parents on a visit so that they feel you still have some sophistication left to you, and haven't fully devoted yourself to Mill Avenue yet.
