Aizona Top 40 Things To Do

All in Easy Driving Distance to Hotel Tucson City Center InnSuites Conference Suite Resort

 

1. Grand Canyon

One of the seven natural wonders of the world is only a four hour drive from Phoenix and an hour and a half from Flagstaff. At more than 1.2 million acres and 277 river miles long, the Grand Canyon has so much to see and do that the options can seem as overwhelming as the view. Favorite things about the South Rim include a sampling of activities for everyone from hikers to campers to rafters and shutterbugs.

Hiking: With more than 200 miles of trails into, atop and near the Canyon, hikers and backpackers have lots to choose from. The most popular is the Bright Angel Trail, the most heavily used trail in Arizona.

On the Rim: Take a walk along the East Rim Trail to the Yavapai Observation Station. Crowds thin once you get beyond El Tovar Hopi House. Benches provide places to sit and soak up the view, and as the trail bends northward, you gain terrific views back to the buildings along the South Rim as well as the meandering Bright Angel Trail below. Check out the fossil trilobites and dinosaur footprints there too. For a taste of the inner canyon, hike down the Hermit Trail to Santa Maria Spring. Along with tremendous views, you’ll enjoy a sense of the wilderness.

Dining: You can’t beat the venerable El Tovar Restaurant, with its handsome dining room and marvelous menu. There’s a lot to choose from. Go midmorning or mid afternoon for a better chance at snagging one of the tables with a view. Details 1-928-638-2526

Where to Stay: Hotel Aspen Flagstaff/Grand Canyon InnSuites to the Grand Canyon.

Mule Trip: South Rim options include a seven-hour day trip to Plateau Point and back ($132) and an overnight trip to Phantom Ranch ($641 for two lodging, breakfast, lunch and dinner).

Rafting: As long as you don’t mind getting wet (and dirty), this is an exhilarating way to see the Grand Canyon. More than a dozen commercial concessionaires have permits to operate in the Canyon, with trips ranging from three to 18 days in an assortment of paddle rafts, motorized rafts and dories. Group size, trip time and amenities vary widely.

Photography: For a classic shot of a Grand Canyon sunrise or sunset, head to the Hopi or Mohave overlooks along the West Rim Drive on the South Rim. Remember to go early to find the right spot and set up. Visit IMAX Theater for an unforgettable picture of the Grand Canyon top to bottom.

Native American Ruins: At the Tusayan Museum and Ruins on the South Rim, you can contemplate the culture of the people who once lived in this area. The ruins are the most accessible of the thousands of ancient sites on, in or near the Canyon. Detailed museum exhibits, scale models and artifacts help you visualize the lives of these original Arizonans. A short trail takes you from the museum to the ruins, which you may visit with a ranger or on your own.

 

2. Sedona

Sedona and its red rocks are one of Arizona’s must see wonders. At the end of Oak Creek Canyon, another scenic destination, the town is known not only for rock formations such as Coffee Pot Rock, Cathedral Rock and Courthouse Butte, but also for its hiking and biking trails, art galleries and spiritual-energy vortexes.

Things to Do: On Arizona 179 between the Village of Oak Creek and Sedona, stop at the Chapel of the Holy Cross for an indescribable view of Sedona’s Red Rocks. Sedona is a mecca for hikers, climbers and cyclists, as well as shoppers. Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village is on Arizona 179 where it crosses Oak Creek.

Where to Eat: Rene at Tlaquepaque-an upscale restaurant in picturesque Tlaquepaque. It’s considered one of the city’s most romantic eateries. Cowboy Club Grille & Spirits-here’s the place where you can order rattlesnake or buffalo. Heartline Café-you can dine in the cozy main room or outside by an open fireplace on fresh, organic food.

Where to Stay:Hotel Aspen Flagstaff/Grand Canyon InnSuites, just 30 miles north.

 

3. Heard Museum

Since 1929, the vibrancy of era-spanning Native American art and hands-on exhibits has wowed Arizonans and out-of-state visitors. Visitors can be exposed to both traditional and contemporary Native American art forms.

Things to Do: The 21,000 square foot signature exhibit “Native People of the Southwest” featuring the finest works from the Heard’s permanent collection of about 39,000 pieces, is a must see. And make time for “Remembering Our Indian School Days: The Boarding School Experience” which revisits US History “in a very courageous and bold way”.

Where to Eat: The on-site Arcadia Farms Café serves Southwest influenced dishes such as posole and tamales, plus soups, salads, artisan-bread sandwiches and desserts.

Where to Stay: Hotel Tempe/Phoenix Airport InnSuites Boutique Collection at 16th St. and Northern.

If You Go: 2301 N. Central Ave. Phoenix. 602-252-8848 or www.heard.org. Other locations: Heard Museum North, El Pedregal Festival Marketplace, 34505 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale 480-488-9817; Heard Museum West, 16126 N. Civic Center Plaza, Surprise 623-344-2200.

 

4. Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum (Tucson)

Take desert creatures such as prairie dogs and Gila monsters and put them in a nearly natural outdoor setting. Add a dose of natural history and you have the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. The museum features hundreds of desert creature species and more than 1200 varieties of plants and is a great way to pass a few instructive and interesting hours.

Things to Do: The museum has two miles of paths covering 21 acres of desert, so bring comfortable shoes and plan to spend a couple of hours wandering through the interpretive displays of Sonoran Desert plants and creatures. Most of the museum is outside, so dress appropriately. Check out the Raptor Free Flight, which showcases birds of prey, such as the barn owl and prairie falcon.

Where to Eat: The museum features the Ironwood Terrace, a self-serve grill, and the Ocotillo Café, which offers a more upscale option. There also are a coffee bar and snack shop, and picnic area if you prefer to bring your own lunch.

Where to Stay: Hotel Tucson City Center or InnSuites Tucson Catalina Foothills Hotel and Suites.

If You Go: The museum is at 2021 N. Kinney Road, Tucson. 1-520-883-2702 or desertmuseum.org. From Phoenix, take I-10 east about 100 miles to Speedway Blvd (Exit 257) and head west. Turn right onto Kinney Road. The museum is about 205 miles ahead on the left.

 

5. Saguaro National Park (Tucson)

This park in Tucson comprises 91,000 acres set aside as a natural preserve for the giant saguaro cactus, whose blossoms are the Arizona state flower. The saguaro is native to the Sonoran Desert of southern Arizona and Sonora, Mexico. The Sonoran Desert is a cactus-friendly environment with two rainy seasons, which make this one of the most lush deserts in the world and bring biodiversity to the region.

Things to Do: The park is divided into two districts: the Tucson Mountain District, on the west side of Tucson, and the Rincon Mountain District, on the east side. The drive between the districts takes about an hour through metropolitan Tucson, Arizona’s second largest city. Inside the park are 150 miles of trails for hikers and equestrians. The Cactus Garden Trail, at the center of the park, travels a paved walkway through a collection of desert plants. The Desert Discovery Nature Trail follows a half mile along the gently sloping foot of the Tucson Mountains. In the Rincon Mountain District, the 8 mile Cactus Forest Loop Drive snakes through the heart of a saguaro forest and offers an up close look at a variety of Sonoran Desert life. The paved one way road begins at the visitor center. Development is kept to a minimum in the park. There are no food sales, so bring a lunch to enjoy at one of the picnic areas. Each has tables, grills and pit toilets. Visitors also can explore the nearby Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, which is a zoo and botanical garden, just south of the Tucson Mountain District.

Where to Eat: Saguaro Corners-this popular restaurant is near the entrance to the parks eastern district. 3750 S. Old Spanish Trail. 1-520-886-5424. Café Poca Cosa-this charming little downtown restaurant has upscale Mexico City cuisine (try the moles) and affordable prices. 110 E. Pennington St. 1-520-622-6400. El Charro-this restaurant, in the historic El Presidio neighborhood, near Hotel Tucson City Center is considered the oldest continuously operating restaurant in Arizona. 311 N. Court Avenue. 1-520-622-1922.

Where to Stay: Best Western InnSuites Hotel & Suites Tucson Catalina Foothills or InnSuites Tucson Oracle.

If You Go: To visit the Tucson Mountain District from Phoenix take I-10 east to Avra Valley Road (Exit 242) in Tucson. Go 5 miles west to Sandario Road and turn left. Drive 9 miles south to Kinney Road and turn left. The visitor center is 2 miles ahead on the left. To visit the Rincon Mountain district from Phoenix take I-10 east past Tucson to Houghton Road (Exit 275) Go 9.5 miles north to Old Spanish Trail and turn right. Drive 3 miles southeast to the park entrance on the left. The park is open 7am to sunset, daily. 1-520-733-5153 (Rincon Mountain District) 1-520-733-5158 (Tucson Mountain District) or www.nps.gov/sagu.

 

6. Lowell Observatory (Flagstaff)

Founded in 1894, Lowell Observatory is one of the oldest research institutions in the United States and a National Historic Landmark. There are two large telescopes, including the original 24-inch telescope, for public viewing nightly.

Things to Do: Public programs are offered every day and night, including the site of the telescope used to discover Pluto. Evening programs usually include telescope viewing, depending on the weather. A space theater features research from Lowell’s astronomers. Consider booking a private stargazing workshop.

Where to Eat: Cottage Place Restaurant-enjoy upscale dining in a 1909 bungalow. Pistachio-crusted pork chop and rack of lamb for two are on the menu. 126 W. Cottage Avenue. Flagstaff. 5-9:30pm Wednesday through Sunday. 1-928-774-8431 or www.cottageplace.com. Macy’s European Coffeehouse, Bakery & Vegetarian Restaurant-find brownies, pies and vegan fare at this casual downtown spot. 14 S. Beaver St. Flagstaff. 6am-10pm daily. 1-928-774-2243 or macyscoffee.net.

Where to Stay: Hotel Aspen Flagstaff/Grand Canyon InnSuites

If You Go: Lowell Observatory is at 1400 W. Mars Hill Road, Flagstaff about 130 miles north of Phoenix. Take I-17 north to Flagstaff, merge into Milton Road, turn left on Route 66 then turn right on Mars Hill Road. 1-928-774-3358 or www.Lowell.edu. Turn right on Route 66 for InnSuites Flagstaff Hotel and Suites and historic downtown.

 

7. Boyce Thompson Arboretum

Arizona’s largest and oldest botanical gardens features 323 acres of trails and gardens galore, including cactus, herbs, hummingbirds/butterflies, desert legumes and roses.

Things to Do: The Main Trail is about 1.5 miles and takes 90 minutes to hike, but one could spend a morning or afternoon exploring side trails. The High Trail is a half mile climb that levels off and parallels Queen Creek, giving a bird’s eye view of the riparian corridor and towering volcanic rock formations. Pack a picnic; the arboretum sports a serene picnic spot with tables and charcoal grills. Leashed dogs are welcome.

Where to Eat: Café Piedra Roja-inexpensive, innovative Mexican cuisine with mounds of guacamole. Locals recommend the grilled chicken and mango salad. 507 W. Main St. Superior. 1-520-689-0194 10am to 4pm Mondays through Saturdays. Buckboard City Café-ample breakfasts, Western and American fare. The “Southwesty”, a burger smothered with green chiles, is a lunch favorite. 1111 W. US 60 Superior 1-520-689-5800 6am to 2pm daily except Tuesdays. Los Hermanos Restaurant & Lounge-valley residents drive here just to take home the tortillas, made on site. Folks can drink beer and shoot pool, too. 835 W. US 60 Superior. 1-520-689-5465 or loshermanosrestaurant.com 5:30-9:30pm daily.

Where to Stay: Hotel Tempe/Phoenix Airport InnSuites Boutique Collection.

If You Go: From Phoenix/Tempe take US 60 east about 55 miles. The arboretum is near mile marker 223, a few miles west of Superior. 1-520-689-2811 or ag.arizona.edu/BTA.

 

8. Tombstone & Bisbee

Though they share a Southeastern Arizona location and a legacy (mining), Tombstone and Bisbee are on opposite ends of the spectrum. Tombstone’s rough-and-tumble past appeals to the outlaw in all of us. The shoot out at OK Corral put the town on the map and continues to draw visitors, who can watch daily re-enactments of the gunfight. Tombstone also claims the world’s largest rosebush, worth a look once you’ve spent enough time along Toughnut Street and Boot Hill. Bisbee, a quirky art town perched along cliffs, embraces its independent spirit and vertical nature (dozens of staircases are among the fastest, and most traveled, routes in town). Enjoy the galleries, and then descend into a copper mine to see how Bisbee came to be.

Things to Do in Tombstone: Just about everyone stops at the OK Corral (on Allen Street between Third and Fourth Streets) to stand next to the mannequins of gunfight participants. Wait and you’ll see someone draw and start shooting. Make sure you see the Bird Cage Theater Museum (Sixth and Allen Streets), which was a gambling hall, saloon and house of ill-repute rolled into one building. Several bullet holes remain and, according to local legend, so do the spirits of a few former patrons.

Where to Eat in Tombstone: The OK Café-this cozy place open for breakfast and lunch is far enough off the tourist path that it’s a great place to rub elbows with the locals. 220 E. Allen St. 1-520-457-3980 6am-2pm daily. Big Nose Kate’s Saloon-this reportedly haunted restaurant is a historic place to have a beer and a buffalo burger. 417 E. Allen St. 1-520-457-3107 11am-8pm daily.

Where to Stay:  InnSuites Tucson City Center

If You Go: From Tucson or Phoenix, take I-10 east past Tucson to Arizona 80 at Benson (Exit 303). Go south on Arizona 80 to Tombstone. The town is about 185 miles from Phoenix and 85 miles from Tucson. Tombstone Chamber of Commerce 1-888-457-3929 or www.tombstone.org.

Things to Do in Bisbee: Queen Mine Tour-ride into the depths of the mine, where you’ll be given a hat, slicker and lantern. A mine car takes you 1500 feet into the man-made tunnel, where it is always 47 degrees. 1-866-432-2071 or www.queenminetour.com. Bisbee Mining and Historical Museum-get a better feel for mining history at this museum in a historic building. Don’t miss the second floor “Digging In” exhibit, created in conjunction with the Smithsonian Institution. 1-520-432-7071 or bisbeemuseum.org.

Where to Eat in Bisbee: Prickly Pear Café-a solid selection of soups, salads and wraps makes this a popular choice with visitors as well as locals.105 Main Street. 1-520-432-7337 11am-8pm Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, 11am-9pm Saturday, 11am-4pm Sunday, 11am-2pm Tuesday. Café Roka-take a seat inside this brick building built in 1907 and enjoy a four-course gourmet meal by owner and chef Rod Kass. 35 Main St. 1-520-432-5153.

If You Go: From Phoenix, take I-10 east past Tucson to Arizona 80 at Benson (Exit 303). Go south on Arizona 80 through Tombstone to Bisbee. It’s about 215 miles from Phoenix and 115 miles from Tucson. Bisbee Chamber of Commerce 1-520-432-5421 or www.bisbeearizona.com.

 

9. Lake Powell

The second largest man made lake in America (after Lake Mead), and one of the most beautiful in the world, Lake Powell is a boater’s paradise. Bordered by sandstone canyons, the lake is part of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, which covers hundreds of miles in Arizona and Utah.

Things to Do: There’s boating, boating and boating. There’s also camping, hiking and mountain biking. There are two marinas, two of which rent watercraft. The boating can be low key-rent a kayak for a few hours-or upscale-rent a luxury houseboat. Lake Powell Resort offers several activity packages that include kayaking, water skiing, boating and cultural activities. 1-800-255-5561 or foreverhouseboats.com. When you tire of boating, take a photographic tour of the haunting Antelope Canyon, led by Navajo guides. www.antelopecanyon.com.

Where to Eat: The Rainbow Room-this glass walled restaurant offers a spectacular view along with such upscale fares as sweet potato pancakes and striped bass.100 Lakeshore Drive, Page. 1-928-645-1124. Canyon King Dinner Cruise-a 2 ½ hour cruise with a prime rib dinner on the lake.

Where to Stay: Hotel Aspen Flagstaff/Grand Canyon InnSuites.

If You Go: Lake Powell is about 280 miles northeast of Phoenix or 140 miles from Flagstaff, straddling the Arizona-Utah state line. Take I-17 north to I-40 east, in Flagstaff, then US 89 north to Page. Summer is the most popular time to visit.

 

10. Route 66(Flagstaff)

Route 66 has been described as the “world’s longest small town”. Millions of drivers who have followed the route since it was commissioned in 1926 have discovered the flavor of America as this two-lane road linked early highways, farm-to-market roads and city boulevards in states from Illinois in the Midwest to California and the Pacific Ocean. Visiting a few towns along Route 66, which generally follows present day I-40 across northern Arizona, is an easy, practical alternative to traveling the entire length of the “mother road” from Chicago to Los Angeles. Here are things to do in the towns along the route.

Things to Do: Holbrook was a small, sleepy village in 1927 when Route 66 came to town. After 1946, tourism and the local economy picked up again. Not far from Holbrook is Petrified Forest National Park, which includes the Painted Desert. Visitors can see colorful vistas, huge petrified logs, petroglyphs and an Anasazi ruin. 1-928-524-6228 or www.nps.gov/pefo. Visit historic downtown Flagstaff on Route 66 near Hotel Aspen Flagstaff/Grand Canyon InnSuites and the Grand Canyon. Near Seligman, about 60 miles west of Flagstaff, visit the Grand Canyon Caverns. Explore the natural limestone caverns 210 feet underground during a 45 minute tour. 1-928-422-3223 or www.gccaverns.com. In Kingman, take a walking tour of downtown. A guidebook of 27 places to see is available at the Powerhouse Visitor Center and Mohave Museum of History and Arts. Or hike or mountain bike on nearby trails, including the Camp Beale Loop Trail 1-866-427-7866 or www.kingmantourism.org.

Where to Eat: Joe & Aggie’s Café-a small family owned Mexican-American restaurant. 120 W. Hopi Dr. Holbrook. Snow Cap Drive In-a fun little burger joint with lots of charm. 301 E. Historic Route 66, Seligman. 1-928-422-3291. Mr. D’s Route 66 Diner-an old gas station converted into a soda shop. 105 E. Andy Devine Ave. Kingman. 1-928-718-0066.

Where to Stay: Hotel Aspen Flagstaff/Grand Canyon InnSuites 1006 E. Route 66.

If You Go: Holbrook is 190 miles from Phoenix. Take I-17 north to Flagstaff, then I-40 east to Holbrook. Stop at historic Navajo County Courthouse, 100 E. Arizona Ave., which houses a museum, visitor center, the Chamber of Commerce and Navajo County Historical Society. 1-928-524-6558 or www.ci.holbrook.az.us. Seligman is 220 miles from Phoenix. Take I-17 north to Flagstaff, then I-40 west to Seligman. Don’t miss Angel & Vilma Delgadillo’s Route 66 Gift Shop and Visitor’s Center, 217 E. Historic Route 66. 1-928-422-3352 or www.route66giftshop.com/seligman.html. Kingman is 188 miles from Phoenix. Take I-17 north to Carefree Highway (Arizona 74) and go west to US 60. go north on US 60 to Wickenburg, then north on US 93 to I-40. At I-40, go west to Kingman. The Powerhouse Visitor Center, 120 W. Route 66, houses the Route 66 Museum. 1-866-427-7866 or www.kingmantourism.org.

 

11. El Presidio Historic District

Walking through El Presidio, Tucson’s historic, geographic and psychic center, you’ll see vibrant reminders of a past that is still celebrated. Hotel Tucson City Center is located in this historic area.

 

12. Old West Meets Art Scene in Scottsdale

Downtown Scottsdale covers a lot of territory historically, from remnants of the Old West farming community founded in 1888 by Army chaplain Winfield Scott to the contemporary art interspersed with traditional pieces in galleries around Main Street and Marshall Way. Stay at Best Western InnSuites Hotel and Suites, Phoenix Biltmore, Scottsdale or Hotel Tempe/Phoenix Airport InnSuites Boutique Collection.

 

13. Lake Havasu Hums

Visit London Bridge. The real fun of Lake Havasu lies in the lake. From boating to scuba diving to wakeboarding, visitors to Lake Havasu have myriad choices when it comes to water-related activities.

 

14. Southern Arizona’s White Dove (Tucson)

Nine miles south of Tucson, the towers of San Xavier del Bac Mission rise unexpectedly from the sun-baked desert floor. Nestled in the Santa Cruz Valley, the mission is one of the state’s gems.

 

15. Old West Comes Alive in Wickenburg

Wickenburg is near the Hassayampa River, a rich riparian area that has sheltered the Yavapai Indians, lured there by its fertile planting ground. Gold wooed miners. Clear skies, uncluttered mountain views and the Sonoran Desert lure Valley visitors, who can escape urban life, journey into the state’s historic past and still make it home before sunset. Stay at Best Western InnSuites Hotel and Suites, Phoenix Biltmore, Scottsdale or Hotel Tempe/Phoenix Airport InnSuites Boutique Collection.

 

16. Montezuma Castle National Monument

Montezuma Castle is a five level Native American cliff dwelling in a limestone alcove above Beaver Creek near Camp Verde. The structure was home to Sinagua people more than 600 years ago. It’s one of three well known ruins in the Verde Valley, about 90 miles north of Phoenix and 30 miles south of Flagstaff on I-17: visit Montezuma Castle, Montezuma Well and Tuzigoot National Monument.

 

17. Sabino Canyon (Tucson)

Sabino Canyon is a desert oasis and spectacular canyon at the base of the Santa Catalina Mountains northeast of Tucson.

 

18. Globe-Miami Renaissance

The twin mining towns of Globe and Miami are destinations for travelers, not just a passage to the White Mountains. The communities lay claim to spectacular views in the foothills of the Pinal Mountains and provide a glimpse into the state’s rich mining history.

 

19. Desert Botanical Garden

This Arizona treasure hosts events from the annual Music in the Garden concert series to winter holiday evenings that feature thousands of candle lighted luminaries, located in Phoenix/Scottsdale.

 

20. Monument Valley Towers in Lore

We know it from the movies, yet Monument Valley feels like the most foreign of places with beautiful red rock structures. Stay at Hotel Aspen Flagstaff/Grand Canyon InnSuites.

 

21. Havasu Falls-A Watery Gem

Swim in the turquoise hued pools of Havasu Creek in the Grand Canyon.

 

22. Picacho Peak

Picacho Peak rises abruptly from the desert floor between Phoenix and Tucson and for centuries has served as a landmark for explorers.

 

23. Petrified Forest National Park

Visitors to the vast park will see the petrified remains of trees that grew here millions of years ago. Stay at Hotel Aspen Flagstaff/Grand Canyon InnSuites.

 

24. Apache Trail to 3 Lakes

The trail’s saguaro covered hills and deep canyons stretch for miles, broken by red-rock cliffs and hoodoos. The area remains a favorite among sightseers, boaters, hikers and anglers.

 

25. Chiricahua Mountains

In few places on Earth are the forces of geology on such extravagant display as in the Chiricahua Mountains, in the southeastern corner of Arizona. Stay at Tucson InnSuites.

 

26. Riordan Mansion-A Treasure in the Pines

Visitors will see a home filled with the Riordans’ belongings-from flypaper to luggage. Their furnishings include nearly pristine, now priceless, handcrafted chairs, tables and rockers by Gustav Strickley.

 

27. Canyon de Chelly Awes

There are several ways to view the historical canyon labyrinth. The canyon is one of those spectacular creations that have no bad side. Stay at Hotel Aspen Flagstaff/Grand Canyon InnSuites.

 

28. Underground Fantasy

Kartchner Caverns State Park is 2 ½ miles of nearly unrivaled wonders and magnificent near Tombstone and Tucson.

 

29. Tonto Bridge-A Natural High

Tonto Natural Bridge State Park features picnic areas, four steep trails into the gorge and paved paths at Lake Powell.

 

30. Mount Lemmon Lifts Desert-Baked Spirits (Tucson)

Mount Lemmon is a cool place-literally and figuratively.

 

31. Chino Valley Winery

Granite Creek Vineyards is a 20 acre organic winery in Chino Valley, a town known more for its mishmash of farms, retirement villas and sandstone pits than cabernet Sauvignon grapes.

 

32. Jerome Strikes it Rich with Art

Jerome, ghost town, draws visitors with its Old West history and sends them away with a healthy appreciation as home to artists, writers, merchants, hippies and restaurateurs. Near Verde Valley between Flagstaff and Phoenix.

 

33. A Relaxing Train

The Grand Canyon Railway and the Verde Canyon Railroad offer a step to the past and something different to see. Stay at Hotel Aspen Flagstaff/Grand Canyon InnSuites, just 22 minutes east of Williams.

 

34. 2 Mountain Hamlets

Head north to experience the neighboring mountain communities of Pine and Strawberry, just 15 miles north of Payson.

 

35. Sycamore’s Secret Splendor

Sycamore Canyon may be the best place in Arizona you never heard of. The second largest canyon in the state-20 miles long and, in places, seven miles wide-slices through Mogollon rim just a few miles northwest of Sedona.

 

36. Santa Cruz

Besides bird sanctuary, Santa Cruz County is also well known for destinations such as the arts colony at Tubac and the old mission at Tumacacori.

 

37. Arizona Strip

Arizona is full of remote, backcountry beauty. The Arizona strip is a 5 million acre swath of splendor north of the Grand Canyon between the Colorado River and the Utah state line near Las Vegas.

 

38. Casinos

Arizona and Las Vegas casinos both offer the chance to win. Arizona casinos are different from the Vegas brethren, scattered around the beautiful state of Arizona and more user friendly.

 

39. South Mountain

South Mountain Park, adjacent to Tempe, is one of the great recreational resources of the Phoenix Valley including a popular golf course for Hotel Tempe/Phoenix Airport InnSuites Boutique Collection visitors. With more than 50 miles of multiuse trails crisscrossing more than 16,000 acres of rugged desert beauty, the park is adored by hikers, bikers and horseback riders alike.

 

40. White Mountains

The White Mountains sprawl across eastern Arizona, a land of rugged peaks, tall pines and lovely lakes. Along with Flagstaff, the San Francisco Peaks are the highest mountain range in Arizona, with several peaks topping more than 11,000 feet.

 

These are InnSuites Hotels and Suites “Arizona Top 40”. Enjoy the wonderful and diverse state of Arizona!