Do you have an extra long weekend coming up? If your plans so far include just sitting at home watching TV, well, I’m right there with you. However, if you want to introduce a tiny bit of adventure in your life, then consider packing your bags to visit some fantastic places around the state.
Not sure where to start? No need to worry! Here’s a look at seven wonderful places in Arizona where you will definitely want to spend an entire weekend exploring.
- Grand Canyon National Park
Adventure on Wheels/Facebook We’re starting this list with an obvious must-see location: the Grand Canyon. This national park is simply massive and you’ll find just as many things to do here! Go hiking, camping, visit the North Rim, ride a mule, swim in waterfall pools, check out historical sites, and so much more!
- Sedona
ilirjan rrumbullaku/Flickr Another area that often tops visitor lists? Sedona, the beautiful town that has become synonymous with stunning landscapes, outdoor activities, fantastic food, and unique retreats. The town is also surrounded by some lovely state parks, Oak Creek Canyon, and Sycamore Canyon.
- Verde Valley
Don Graham/Flickr Sedona is actually a part of the Verde Valley, but don’t let your tour of the area be restricted to the town. You’ll find several other towns of varying sizes dotting the landscape here, along with state parks, wineries, ancient ruins, historic sites, plenty of beautiful hiking trails, and more amazing restaurants than you could visit in one weekend.
- Tucson
JR P/Flickr Tucson doesn’t quite get enough love from other parts of the state and that’s a shame! Arizona’s oldest city holds a lot of cool hidden gems (like the Valley of the Moon and an airplane boneyard at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base), some amazing Mexican restaurants, and beautiful natural areas at Saguaro National Park and the Santa Catalina Mountains.
- Flagstaff
Coconino National Forest/Flickr Located in Arizona’s northern country, Flagstaff is one of our favorite places to visit year-round. The city is a popular escape in the summer, glows when the aspen leaves change in fall, and typically becomes a winter wonderland during the cold months. You can visit a variety of city, state, and national parks here, go skiing in the winter, and experience endless hiking opportunities.
- Mogollon Rim
Coconino National Forest/Flickr One of Arizona’s major escarpments, the Mogollon Rim is home to incredible summer fun and there are a number of incredible places hiding in the pines here. For example, you can visit Fossil Creek, Woods Canyon Lake, or hike to some fantastic hidden places. While you’re there, don’t forget to stop in one of the tiny towns and communities here, like Pine, Strawberry, and Kohls Ranch, just a few.
- White Mountains
Alan English CPA/Flickr For another picturesque mountain community that sees even fewer visitors year-round, check out the White Mountains. There are several towns in this area, including Pinetop, Greer, and Alpine, where you can rent a cabin for a weekend and check out small-town life. Go camping in the Blue Range Primitive Area for almost complete isolation or head up to the slopes and ski lifts at Sunrise Park Resort.
Which of these places would you like to spend an entire weekend visiting? Are there any other places you would add to this list that deserve an extra long visit?
Adventure on Wheels/Facebook
We’re starting this list with an obvious must-see location: the Grand Canyon. This national park is simply massive and you’ll find just as many things to do here! Go hiking, camping, visit the North Rim, ride a mule, swim in waterfall pools, check out historical sites, and so much more!
ilirjan rrumbullaku/Flickr
Another area that often tops visitor lists? Sedona, the beautiful town that has become synonymous with stunning landscapes, outdoor activities, fantastic food, and unique retreats. The town is also surrounded by some lovely state parks, Oak Creek Canyon, and Sycamore Canyon.
Don Graham/Flickr
Sedona is actually a part of the Verde Valley, but don’t let your tour of the area be restricted to the town. You’ll find several other towns of varying sizes dotting the landscape here, along with state parks, wineries, ancient ruins, historic sites, plenty of beautiful hiking trails, and more amazing restaurants than you could visit in one weekend.
JR P/Flickr
Tucson doesn’t quite get enough love from other parts of the state and that’s a shame! Arizona’s oldest city holds a lot of cool hidden gems (like the Valley of the Moon and an airplane boneyard at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base), some amazing Mexican restaurants, and beautiful natural areas at Saguaro National Park and the Santa Catalina Mountains.
Coconino National Forest/Flickr
Located in Arizona’s northern country, Flagstaff is one of our favorite places to visit year-round. The city is a popular escape in the summer, glows when the aspen leaves change in fall, and typically becomes a winter wonderland during the cold months. You can visit a variety of city, state, and national parks here, go skiing in the winter, and experience endless hiking opportunities.
One of Arizona’s major escarpments, the Mogollon Rim is home to incredible summer fun and there are a number of incredible places hiding in the pines here. For example, you can visit Fossil Creek, Woods Canyon Lake, or hike to some fantastic hidden places. While you’re there, don’t forget to stop in one of the tiny towns and communities here, like Pine, Strawberry, and Kohls Ranch, just a few.
Alan English CPA/Flickr
For another picturesque mountain community that sees even fewer visitors year-round, check out the White Mountains. There are several towns in this area, including Pinetop, Greer, and Alpine, where you can rent a cabin for a weekend and check out small-town life. Go camping in the Blue Range Primitive Area for almost complete isolation or head up to the slopes and ski lifts at Sunrise Park Resort.
If you’re a bit short on time, you might want to check out some fantastic little day trips you can take around the state. Read about some of our favorite suggestions in our previous article: The 13 Very Best Day Trips You Can Possibly Take In Arizona.
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