Are you planning on visiting Arizona and have no clue yet what the state is all about? Then you are in the right spot!
Knowing the best landmarks, the most stunning national parks, and a little bit about the culture and the climate before heading to a new destination is always a good idea.
I have created this ultimate Arizona guide as a great starting point for you to plan your trip. We’ll discuss everything you need to know about Arizona before you go!
Let’s get to it!
Table of Contents
Arizona Quick Facts
- Statehood: Arizona became the 48th state on February 14, 1912
- Nickname: The Grand Canyon State
- Capital: Phoenix
- Language: English, with a significant Spanish-speaking population
- Cuisine: Sonoran-style Mexican food, like chimichangas and carne asada
- Geography: Deserts, pine forests, and canyons
- National Parks & Monuments: 22, including Grand Canyon National Park
- Climate: Mostly arid desert climate, with cooler temperatures in the northern highlands
- Inhabitants: Approximately 7.2 million
- Governor: Katie Hobbs (Democrat).
Geographical Info
Arizona is located in the Southwestern region of the United States.
It’s bordered by Utah to the north, New Mexico to the east, and California to the west. Arizona also shares an international border with Mexico to the south. Arizona also shares borders with Nevada to the northwest.
Lastly, Arizona also shares a border with Colorado at the Four Corners. This is where Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah all meet.
Cities and Counties
Arizona has a few major cities. The most famous ones are Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, and Scottsdale.
The state is divided into 15 counties. Some of the most well-known ones are Maricopa, Pima, Yavapai, and Coconino counties.
- Maricopa County is home to Phoenix, the state’s largest city and capital
- Pima County includes Tucson. It is known for its beautiful desert landscape
- Yavapai County is home to the stunning red rocks of Sedona.
- Coconino County is where you’ll find the Grand Canyon, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
National Parks and Monuments
Arizona is home to a total of 22 national parks and monuments.
These parks are so special because they showcase the state’s stunningly diverse landscapes. They range from deep canyons and colorful deserts to ancient petrified forests and huge cacti.
The parks are also rich in history since there are many ancient Native American sites. You can visit cliff dwellings and petroglyphs.
Lastly, some of the iconic landmarks like the Grand Canyon and Monument Valley bring in visitors from around the world because they are so impressive.
Let’s discuss the most famous National Parks in a bit more detail:
Grand Canyon National Park
- Size: Approximately 1,218,375 acres
- Highlights: The Grand Canyon is known for its immense size, stunning views, and geological formations. The park offers hiking, rafting, and incredible viewpoints like the South Rim and the North Rim.
Saguaro National Park
- Size: Approximately 91,716 acres
- Highlights: Located in Tucson, this park is split into two districts (East and West). It is famous for its dense forests of iconic Saguaro cacti.
Petrified Forest National Park
- Size: Approximately 221,390 acres
- Highlights: Famous for its colorful petrified wood and ancient fossils. This park is also home to the Painted Desert, which showcases colorful badlands.
Must-Visit Places in Arizona
Arizona does not only attract visitors with its stunning National Parks. But there is also a lot more going on in the state that brings in people from all over the world.
Here are a few spots you must visit when going to Arizona:
Sedona
Sedona is famous for its stunning red rock formations.
It is an awesome spot for outdoor activities. Especially hiking is pretty big, with trails offering incredible views.
The town is also known for its spiritual vibe. They say that some of the sites have healing energy.
The scenic drives around Sedona, especially along Oak Creek Canyon, are breathtaking.
Monument Valley
Monument Valley is an iconic symbol of the American West.
It’s located on the Navajo Nation Reservation and it has a deep connection to Native American culture.
You can explore the area with guided tours, ideally one led by Navajo guides who share stories and history.
The valley’s dramatic scenery is especially stunning at sunrise and sunset.
Antelope Canyon
Antelope Canyon is a stunning slot canyon and is my favorite spot in Arizona.
It is famous for its wavy orange sandstone walls. They look especially mesmerizing as light beams shine through the narrow openings above.
You can find Antelope Canyon near Page. The canyon is divided into two sections, Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon,
Horseshoe Bend
Horseshoe Bend is a breathtaking curve in the Colorado River. It is one of the most photographed views in Arizona.
Just like Antelope Canyon, you can find Horseshoe Bend near Page. It’s only a short hike from the parking area to the overlook.
The viewpoint is perched on a cliff, so you can see stunning panoramas. It is especially lovely at sunrise or sunset.
The Climate in Arizona
Arizona has a diverse climate – because it has a lot of mountains in the North and deserts in the South of the state. To get a bit of an overview of the climate in Arizona, we’ll need to separate the state in two different topographical regions.
Southern Arizona (Phoenix and Tucson)
Summers: Extremely hot, temperatures often exceed 100°F (38°C). Phoenix can easily hit 110°F (43°C) or more during peak summer months.
Winters: Mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 60°F to 70°F (15°C to 21°C).
Rainfall: The region experiences a monsoon season from July to September. That means short but intense storms. Rainfall is low per year, usually between 8 to 12 inches.
Northern Arizona (Flagstaff, Grand Canyon)
Summers: Much cooler than the south, temperatures averaging between 70°F and 85°F (21°C to 29°C). Nights can be chilly.
Winters: Cold, with temperatures often dropping below freezing, especially at higher elevations like Flagstaff. Snow is common.
Rainfall: Northern Arizona gets more rain than the southern parts, with an average of 15 to 20 inches annually, including snow in the winter.
History & Culture in Arizona
Arizona has a rich and diverse culture. It reminds me a bit of New Mexico, blending Native American heritage, Mexican influences, and Western cowboy traditions.
Let’s have a quick look of what you can expect culture-wise when traveling to Arizona!
Native American Heritage
Arizona is home to 22 federally recognized Native American tribes. That includes the famous Navajo, Hopi, and Apache tribes.
Their culture is deeply rooted in the state’s history. You can still see that in lots of the traditions, art, and ceremonies. They have been passed down for generations, and many people still live according to these values.
You’ll find a lot of their history in ancient cliff dwellings, rock art, and festivals all over the state.
Mexican Influence
Since Arizona is so close to Mexico, there’s a strong Mexican influence in the state.
You can mostly find evidence of that in the food. From delicious tacos and enchiladas – there is a lot of Mexican food in Arizona.
Also, celebrations like the Día de los Muertos have made it to Arizona.
Western and Cowboy Traditions
Arizona is also known for its Wild West history as you have probably seen in a lot of movies.
Cowboys, ranching, and rodeos are big parts of the state’s identity.
If you want to experience this for yourself, you should visit old mining towns like Tombstone or catch a rodeo show. There you can see modern-day cowboys in action.
Art and Architecture
Arizona’s art scene is a mix of Native American crafts, Mexican art, and Western-themed art. It is very similar to what you can see in New Mexico as well.
Colorful pottery and jewelry as well as murals and adobe-style buildings are what make Arizona’s art scene unique.
Arizona’s landscapes also inspire many local artists – so expect a lot of art about nature.
Outdoor Lifestyle
Lastly, spending time outdoors is a big part of the lifestyle in Arizona.
They have all these stunning deserts, mountains, and canyons, so it is no surprise that hiking and other sports are a big deal here.
The state’s natural beauty is not just a backdrop but a key part of its identity.
Safety
Arizona is an amazing place to explore, but there are quite a few things you need to keep in mind safety-wise. Arizona has areas with higher crime rates, but most of the state is safe. Especially the well-traveled spots.
Areas in Phoenix (South Phoenix and Maryvale) are especially known for violent crime, so steer clear of these. The safest spots in Arizona are Scottsdale, Sedona, and Gilbert.
Regardless of any crime scenes, there are a few things to consider when traveling to Arizona:
Stay Hydrated – Arizona is hot, especially in the summer. Always carry water with you and take breaks in the shade
Sun Protection – The sun is strong here. Wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from sunburn and heatstroke.
Wildlife Awareness – Arizona is home to some incredible wildlife, but some can be dangerous, like snakes and scorpions. Be mindful of where you step and avoid touching animals. If you are stung or bitten by a scorpion or snake, head to the hospital immediately
Travel in Groups – If you’re hiking or exploring remote areas, it’s safer to go with others. If you’re solo, let someone know your plans. If you don’t have friends traveling with you, you can tell the visitor’s center of the National Park you are visiting.
Human Trafficking
Arizona sadly does have a reputation for human trafficking due to its proximity to the U.S.-Mexico border.
Travelers, especially women, should definitely be more cautious by staying in safe, well-known areas and being vigilant at major transportation hubs and gas stations.
It’s important to avoid isolated spots, trust your instincts, and report any suspicious activity.
Festivals & Celebrations
Arizona Renaissance Festival
- When: February to April (Weekends)
- Where: Gold Canyon, AZ
- What: Step back in time with jousting, feasting, and artisans
Tucson Gem & Mineral Show (Author’s Favorite)
- When: Early February
- Where: Tucson, AZ
- What: One of the largest gem shows in the world
Phoenix Film Festival
- When: March/April
- Where: Phoenix, AZ
- What: A great mix of indie films, documentaries, and more, with panels and events
Arizona International Film Festival
- When: April
- Where: Tucson, AZ
- What: Celebrating independent films from around the globe, this is Arizona’s longest-running film festival.
Scottsdale Culinary Festival
- When: April
- Where: Scottsdale, AZ
- What: A foodie’s paradise with tastings, live music, and events all centered around amazing food and drinks.
Is Arizona Worth Visiting?
Personally, I love Arizona and I think it is absolutely worth visiting. Of all the nature in the US, Arizona definitely has the most impressive one!
Most of the cities are filled with amazing restaurants, fancy resorts, and lots of interesting culture and history. The state is also pretty safe and has a super friendly and inviting vibe overall.
Make sure to research especially temperatures before planning your travel, since it can be quite extreme in Arizona.
Major tourist attractions can be quite busy, so I suggest enjoying all of the amazing outdoors in Arizona – not just the famous spots.
What I also love about Arizona is that even remote villages are upkept a bit better than in its poorer neighboring state of New Mexico.
Overall, it is a beautiful, vibrant, and friendly state that should absolutely be on your bucket list. And 90 % of the landscape is absolutely Instagram-worthy.
Conclusion: What You Need To Know Before Visiting Arizona
To wrap it up: Arizona is like a treasure chest full of jaw-dropping landscapes. But it is also filled with interesting Western culture, Instagrammable resorts and friendly locals.
Enjoy the views at the Grand Canyon, hang out in Phoenix or Tucson, or hike Horseshoe Bend or the Antelope Canyon.
Just remember, that desert sun is no joke—so pack that sunscreen and stay hydrated!
And don’t forget to try the local restaurants and check out some festivals while you’re at it. The Tucson Gem Show is my favorite among them!
I hope this was a great introductory guide to Arizona for you and helps plan the first steps of your trip.
About The Author
Sabrina is a 30 year old Air Force Wife and passionate travel blogger, currently based in New Mexico. She loves exploring the Southwest USA with her drone.
Sabrina’s mission is help travellers have an authentic, relaxed and instagrammable trip through the American Southwest.
