There is little doubt as to why the Grand Canyon is a national treasure. It’s a majestic, awe inspiring desert jewel. While many who come to Arizona do so specifically to see this amazing view, there are also many exciting places to go see and things to do.
Desert Botanical Gardens – Aims at education, research, exhibition, and conservation of desert plants of the world, especially the Southwestern United States. Located in Phoenix it’s open 8am – 8pm daily.
Kartchner Caverns State Park – Boasting the world’s longest stalactite formation, Kartchner Caverns State Park lets you see Arizona’s tallest natural column formation below ground level, making this state park one of Arizona’s most popular outdoor activities. Located in Southern Arizona, Kartchner Caverns State Park is approximately 55 miles southeast of Tucson, near Benson.
Lake Havasu – Lake Havasu City sits on the shores of the Colorado River and is one of the Southwest’s premier locations for water sports. It is also home to one of Arizona‘s most popular attractions, the London Bridge. In late February, hot air balloons soar over the iconic formations of Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park during the Monument Valley Balloon Event, a three-day celebration of balloon flight and of the Navajo culture. In addition to morning launches and evening glows, the lineup includes storytelling, American Indian dancers, face painting, live music and more.
The Painted Desert – 93,500 acres of vast landscape features rocks in every hue – from deep lavenders and rich grays to reds, oranges and even pinks. A natural canvas millions of years in the making, no one event shaped the Painted Desert. Instead, the area – which is home to many memorable formations and features – serves as proof of the earth’s
volatility: volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, floods and sunlight all combined to create the Painted Desert. Deposits of clay and sandstone, stacked in elegant layers, play with the setting Arizona sun in an altering display of colorful radiance. Located just off I-40 around 25 miles east of Holbrook.
Scottsdale – I’d be remiss not to mention the world’s finest golf destination. It’s a bold claim, but we’ve got the numbers to back it up. Start with nearly 200 Scottsdale-area golf courses and 330 plus days of sunshine annually. And when you top it off with an enviable collection of golf lifestyle pursuits, Scottsdale’s virtues are as clear as the sky on a typical day.
For those who don’t care to golf your day away, but want some pampering – look no further than Scottsdale’s renowned spas and wellness practitioners. Here you’ll find innovative treatments inspired by Sonoran Desert botanicals and regional Native American traditions, as well as from cultures around the world. You’ll also find nutritional experts and a host of workout options that will help you meet your fitness goals.
Want to go on an outing? Scottsdale boasts over 100 galleries, one of the most concentrated collections in the nation. Scottsdale also is home to acclaimed museums, architectural wonders, the Scottsdale ArtWalk, world-class performance spaces and an award-winning public art program.
When the sun goes down, Scottsdale sizzles with late-night diversions, including more than 80 wine bars, lounges and dance clubs right in downtown. Want to take in a show? Check out the latest in world
music, dance and comedy at our performing arts centers. You’ll also find unexpected options like the legendary Scottsdale ArtWalk, starlit concerts at the Desert Botanical Garden and off-road tours using night-vision goggles.
No matter what you’re looking for on your next vacation, Arizona has it.
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