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Arizona

Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2025

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Man trekking through Oak Creek Canyon on the West Fork trail in Arizona, between Flagstaff and Sedona surrounded by beautiful red rock and lush green forest

©Sam Spicer/Shutterstock

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Overview

Arizona's ancient beauty reminds you that human affairs are short-lived. Navigate the state's many showstoppers by car and you'll never forget the long, romantic miles under endless skies.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • USA, Arizona, Yavapai county. Sedona, View of Chapel of Holy Cross

    Chapel of the Holy Cross

    Sedona

    If you glance east when driving Sedona’s Red Rock Scenic Byway, a slender structure seemingly welded into the sandstone might catch your eye. Towering…

  • Red sandstone found in Sedona radiates in setting sun.

    Red Rock State Park

    Sedona

    Long before Sedona became a destination, only a handful of enterprising people had settled in this geological wonderland. The desert city sits at 4350ft…

  • A trail at the Palatki ruins in Sedona, Arizona

    Palatki Heritage Site

    Sedona

    When you wander beyond the urban edges of Sedona, the landscape reveals clues to the area’s evolution. Discover secret swimming holes, bridges shaped from…

  • The Crescent Moon Ranch Picnic Area at Red Rock Crossing is one of the most photographed scenes in the southwest, towering Cathedral Rock reflected in the waters of Oak Creek at Red Rock Crossing. The picnic area located at that same site is as popular as it is beautiful.

    Red Rock Crossing

    Sedona

    Sedona’s 200-plus trails offer dramatic views and doses of adventure or escape, whether you’re seeking out the elusive subway cave off Boynton Canyon…

  • View from Airport Mesa in Sedona at sunset in Arizona, USA

    Airport Mesa

    Sedona

    It’s no secret that Arizona’s boundless trails offer infinite variety, like traversing red-rock canyons, winding among ponderosa pine forests and skirting…

  • Travel to Saguaro National Park, Arizona, USA

    Saguaro National Park

    Tucson

    Saguaros (sah-wah-ros) are icons of the American Southwest, and an entire cactus army of these majestic, ribbed sentinels is protected in this desert…

  • JMJRPH The Kolb Studio, South Rim of the Grand Canyon, Grand Canyon Village, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona., USA

    Kolb Studio

    Grand Canyon National Park South Rim

    In 1905 Ellsworth and Emery Kolb built a small photography studio on the edge of the rim, which has since been expanded and now holds a bookstore and a…

  • Watchtower in Desert View, Grand Canyon South rim

    Desert View Watchtower

    Grand Canyon National Park South Rim

    The marvelously worn winding staircase of Mary Colter's 70ft stone tower, built in 1932, leads to one of the highest spots on the rim. From here, slats in…

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Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip

Best Things to Do

Here are the essential trails, rafting spots, attractions and more no visitor to Grand Central National Park should miss.

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Best Places to Visit

Arizona’s desert landscapes draw visitors from all over the world. Yet the Grand Canyon State offers far more than just stunning nature.

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Best Time to Visit

Pick the right time for your visit to Arizona with this seasonal guide to what's happening through the year.

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Transportation

Cars rule the road in the Grand Canyon State, but there are alternatives – here are the best ways to get around.

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Free Things to Do

Deciding what to see in Arizona can take some planning if you're traveling on a budget. Here are the top free things to do in the Grand Canyon State.

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Best Road Trips

From major national parks and historic roads to incredible culture and charming small towns, these are the 7 best road trips in Arizona.

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Arizona and beyond

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