Arizona is a beautiful state located in the southwest of the United States. The Grand Canyon is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Arizona, thus referred to as the Grand Canyon State. Not only this but there are many more places in Arizona that are worth exploring.
The state is known for several natural wonders, historic sites, vintage-style towns, and some gorgeous small towns.
Arizona’s landscape is worth visiting for several adventurous activities. In Arizona, you will find many desserts, rocky mountains, and majestic caves.
Although the city of Phoenix and Sedona is considered the best destination to explore, you can also look for other tourist attractions in Arizona that are rich in ancient culture, historical cities, etc.
Let’s take a look at some of the top 10 places in Arizona with plenty to do.
Top 5 Unique Tourist Attractions In Arizona
1. Tombstone
Tombstone is an old town in Arizona having a wide range of places to explore, places for family, and budget as well as adventurous places to visit.
If you are obsessed with vintage American life then you should visit this place at least once in a lifetime. Here you will see every shop and restaurant which is completely dedicated to tourists.
While in Tombstone, you will witness several stage shows such as gunfights within the streets and even characters roaming around on a horse while acting like a cowboy.
The major highlight in this town is the 200 years old street “Allen Street”.
There is also a historical museum that houses some historical elements and antique objects.
Best Time To Visit: March to May
Visiting Hours: 24 Hours
Major Highlights:
- Gunfight at Ok Corral
- Allen Street
- Courthouse State Historic Park
- Rose Tree Museum
- Tombstone’s Historama
- Goodenough Mine
Location: Cochise County, Southeast Arizona
2. Grand Canyon
Being one of the biggest and most magnificent tourist attractions in Arizona and in America, the Grand Canyon is one of those places you can’t miss.
The natural wonder has many colorful cliffs and Rocky Mountains that sparkle during the afternoon and looks even more beautiful before dawn. You can either take a hike or enjoy the aerial view via a helicopter ride.
Most travelers who come here prefer to head to the South Rim which contains walkways where you enjoy breathtaking views.
The exact opposite of this is the North Rim which is very much different from this. However, the North Rim is usually closed during the winter due to heavy snowfall.
Best Time To Visit: March and May
Visiting Hours: 9:00 AM until dawn
Major Highlights:
- Geological Museum
- Hermit Road Drive
- Bright Angel Hiking Trail
- Desert View Watchtower
Things To Do:
- Rafting
- Mule Ride
- Helicopter Tour
- Spot Mountain Lions
Location: Northwest Arizona
3. Canyon De Chelly National Monument
Canyon De Chelly National Monument is a place where several Native American cliff dwellings reside. Most of the walls of these cliffs rise up to 1,000 feet.
The place is said to have been inhabited by humans for around 5,000 years. It is the only site where people have lived continuously for that long without any hindrance.
The monument is protected by the management of the National Park Service and the Navajo Nation. It covers an overall area of 84,000 acres housing canyons namely Canyon de Chelly and Canyon del Muerto.
If you’re looking for a unique place with a dark past, Canyon De Chelly is one of the best places to visit in Arizona.
Best Time To Visit:
- Spring – April, and May
- Summer – June to August
- Autumn – September, and October
Visiting Hours: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Things To Do:
- Scenic Drive from South Rim and North Rim
- HIking from the White House Overlook
- Camping at Cottonwood Campground
Location: Chinle, Arizona
4. Jerome
A former mining town in the state, Jerome is one of the top historic tourist attractions in Arizona. The former mining operation is believed to be haunted by several ghosts and remains one of Arizona’s main highlights.
Here you will see ancient ruins dating back to the late 19th century as well as other well-preserved or recently renovated buildings.
The good thing about Jerome is that it can be easily accessed from major Arizona cities like Phoenix, Sedona, and Prescott.
Some of the best sites to explore in Jerome include the sliding prison. The prison was originally built in 1928 on a clay slick. It began to slide and it now sits 2,500 feet below its original setting.
Best Time To Visit: June to August
Major Highlights:
- Chapel of the Holy Cross
- Tuzigoot National Monument
- Jerome State Historic Park
- Jerome Historical Society Mine Museum
- Sliding Jail
Location: Arizona
5. Tumacacori National Park
Tumacacori is a historical ruin that was established in 1691 by Father Kino. The oldest site was officially named San Cayetano de Tumacacori and later renamed San Jose de Tumacacori in 1751.
Today, there is so much to explore on this site especially if you are a history geek.
The most recommended sites to explore here are the Church at Mission San Jose de Tumacacori and the storeroom.
Other notable places to explore here are the Tumacacori Museum, and the Historic Trail “Juan Bautista de Anza”.
Visiting Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Major Highlights:
- Children Museum
- Christopher Columbus Dog Park
Location: Santa Cruz County