Though the Grand Canyon itself is certainly worth seeing, there’s so much more to explore in Arizona than meets the eye. Did you know you can actually ski in parts of the state? When considering a vacation home rental agency, you can tailor your experience to whatever indoor and outdoor activities you’re interested in, and Arizona will provide them. Not only can you be swept away by the beautiful landscape of the desert, but the Grand Canyon State offers much more than just warm, dry climates. Spectacular natural attractions like Antelope Canyon and Lake Powell await you, offering mesmerizing sandstone walls, ethereal light beams, and thrilling recreational activities.
In this blog, we will break down some Arizona travel tips and some of the underrated vacation spots in Arizona. Who knows? You might want to invest in your own rental property by the end.
Arizona Mountain Vacation Living
Whether it’s hiking, mountain biking, camping, rafting, or simply sightseeing, Arizona can provide you with the mountain living you’ve been told only exists in states like Montana and Colorado. Northern Arizona, with its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, offers attractions like the Lowell Observatory and Wupatki National Monument, providing unique experiences and historical significance.
From a mild Camelback Mountain hike just outside of Phoenix to tackling the 12,637’-footHumphrey’s Peak found in the Kachina Peaks Wilderness of the Coconino National Forest (located about 11 miles north of Flagstaff), Arizona is ripe with mountains available to hikers and explorers of all difficulty levels. According to All Trails, Humphreys Peak is the highest point in all of Arizona, and it has an abundance of trails and roads that allow you to explore the area.
If this draws you in, consider staying at our Verde property. Located minutes from downtown Flagstaff, this charming vacation rental home gives you the best of both worlds and combines quaint city life with the wonders of the Great Outdoors. Feel one with nature in this 100-year-old house, with its lava rock, old shingle roof, and wooden pillars. With the ability to accommodate up to eight guests, this location is perfect for a bachelor party, company retreat, or family outing.
Biodiverse Arizona Desert Vacation Landscapes
Contrary to popular belief, Arizona is full of a variety of different climates and landscapes. Just because you visit our warm, rugged state doesn’t mean you need to suffer over 100-degree temperatures to feel like you’re authentically enjoying Arizona. Oak Creek Canyon, home to Slide Rock State Park, offers a refreshing escape with its natural water slide and cool waters, making it an attractive spot for visitors looking to relax and enjoy outdoor activities.
Consider Sedona, for example. Though it’s located just 100 miles north of Phoenix, it remains, on average, 10 degrees cooler than the state’s capital during the day and up to 25 degrees cooler at night. Spring and fall are the best times to visit Sedona, as the mid-70s provide ideal hiking and exploring weather conditions. Cool nights allow for fire-pit-lit evenings with hot chocolate or hot toddies. It can still get hot in the summer, but if you don’t want to be scorching your entire vacation, Sedona is a prime place to introduce yourself to the state.
To become one with the Martian-like landscape of Sedona, consider staying at our Red Rock Loop location. Nestled against the red chimneys, verdant plantlife, and beautiful backdrop of the mountain, this oasis can house up to 14 people, and comes with a pool, patio, and back deck perfect for a sunset cocktail. Connect with the desert in both a physical and spiritual way in Sedona.
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
Nestled in the heart of Tucson, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is a must-visit for anyone seeking an Arizona off-the-beaten-path vacation. This unique attraction is a blend of zoo, botanical garden, and natural history museum, showcasing the rich biodiversity of the Sonoran Desert. Spread over 21 acres, the museum features a wide range of plants and animals, including iconic species such as the Gila monster, mountain lion, and desert tortoise.
Visitors can wander through the museum’s many trails and exhibits, each offering a fascinating glimpse into the adaptations of desert flora and fauna. Interactive displays and educational programs make it a perfect destination for families and nature enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re marveling at the vibrant desert blooms or observing the majestic creatures that call this arid landscape home, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum provides an immersive experience into the natural beauty and unique characteristics of the Sonoran Desert.
Desert Botanical Garden
For those seeking an Arizona desert vacation, the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix is a true oasis. Spanning 145 acres, this botanical garden is home to over 50,000 plants, showcasing the stunning diversity of desert flora from around the world. As you stroll through the garden’s numerous trails, you’ll encounter a breathtaking array of cacti, succulents, and wildflowers, each more captivating than the last.
The garden is not just a feast for the eyes; it’s also a haven for wildlife. Keep an eye out for hummingbirds, butterflies, and lizards as you explore. The Desert Botanical Garden offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, providing a tranquil setting for nature lovers and photographers to immerse themselves in the beauty of the desert. Whether you’re a seasoned botanist or simply looking to enjoy a peaceful day outdoors, this garden is a must-visit destination.
The Excitement of an Arizona City Vacation
As the fifth most populated city in America, Phoenix is the prime destination for all wonders of nightlife: Southwestern fusion cuisine, professional sports, concerts, festivals, and much more.
Just a short drive away, the historic mining town of Jerome offers a unique cultural experience with the Jerome State Historic Park, where visitors can explore the region's rich history, arts, and ghostly tales.
Choose from numerous hikes, picturesque drives, sightseeing tours, and activities located just minutes from the city. Then catch happy hour before a Phoenix Suns game at the Footprint Center. The metro area provides countless indoor and outdoor activities to feel the pulse of the state.
With our Camelhead location, you won’t have to choose between the city and the mountains. With close-up views of the “head” of Camelback Mountain, this resort vacation rental has spectacular views of the city as well. This Japanese-inspired home promotes feelings of zen and tranquility and provides a relaxing oasis to return to after a busy night on Phoenix’s streets.
There’s a pool to help you cool off from the daytime sun, and with the ability to house 16 guests, this property is fun for the whole family. To relax, leave the kids at home and enjoy your dream vacation in this luxurious paradise.
Taliesin West: Frank Lloyd Wright Home & Studio
Architecture enthusiasts will find a visit to Taliesin West in Scottsdale an unforgettable experience. This National Historic Landmark was the winter home and studio of the legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Taliesin West is a testament to Wright’s innovative and organic design style, seamlessly blending natural and built environments.
Guided tours of the property offer a deep dive into Wright’s life and work, showcasing his use of “desert concrete” blocks and other unique architectural elements. As you explore the property, you’ll gain insight into Wright’s philosophy of integrating architecture with the surrounding landscape. Taliesin West is not just a home; it’s a living, breathing example of Wright’s genius, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in the unique architecture of the American Southwest.
Musical Instrument Museum
Located in Phoenix, the Musical Instrument Museum is a treasure trove for music lovers. With over 7,000 instruments from around the world, this museum offers a fascinating journey through the history of music. The exhibits span from ancient civilizations to modern times, showcasing the diversity and evolution of musical instruments.
Interactive displays and live performances bring the exhibits to life, allowing visitors to experience the sounds and rhythms of different cultures. The museum’s extensive collection and engaging presentations make it a unique destination for an Arizona city vacation. Whether you’re a musician, a music enthusiast, or simply curious about the world’s musical heritage, the Musical Instrument Museum provides an enriching and entertaining experience.
A National Park Vacation Lover's Dream
Cross three incredible national parks off your to-do list with one visit to Arizona. The Grand Canyon speaks for itself as one of the country's most unique, breathtaking national parks, but it’s definitely not the only one Arizona has to offer.
Petrified Forest National Park is a spooky yet gorgeous park located in Northeast Arizona that provides incredible and colorful views of petrified trees as far as the eye can see. It’s also home to the Rainbow Forest Museum, which has paleontology exhibits and trail access points. This park is a refreshing alternative to the heat of the desert and has scenic drives, walks, and hikes, as well as museums to buff up on the history of the state.
The Saguaro National Park gives you a taste of the American Southwest with numerous cacti, plant life, and open sky to make you feel like a true desert dweller. The saguaro cactus is Arizona’s state symbol, so a pilgrimage to several of these cacti only seems right while doing a visit to the state justice. Located near Tucson, this park is the perfect baptism into the southwestern culture of the state and comes with incredible food, Mexican-inspired culture, and a unique perspective-shifter on the state as a whole.
If you’re shooting for an extended vacation, consider one of our Scottsdale locations as your base camp. Scottsdale provides a slightly different energy than Phoenix, and acts as a relaxing starting point for your Arizona vacation, with mountain and city attractions aplenty.
Grand Canyon
No visit to Arizona would be complete without experiencing the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon. Located in Grand Canyon National Park, this natural wonder is a steep-sided gorge carved by the Colorado River, stretching 277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide, and a mile deep. The Grand Canyon offers a plethora of activities for visitors, from hiking its many trails to taking scenic drives and enjoying breathtaking viewpoints.
Whether you’re standing on the South Rim, exploring the less-visited North Rim, or rafting down the Colorado River, the Grand Canyon provides an unparalleled opportunity to connect with nature. Its sheer size and beauty make it a must-see destination for anyone seeking an Arizona National Park vacation. The Grand Canyon is not just a sight to behold; it’s an experience that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.
Petrified Forest National Park
For those looking to explore Arizona’s unique geological wonders, Petrified Forest National Park is a must-visit. Located in eastern Arizona, this park is renowned for its stunning rock formations and vast deposits of petrified wood. The park’s diverse landscapes offer a variety of hiking trails, scenic drives, and viewpoints, each providing a different perspective on its natural beauty.
One of the park’s highlights is the Painted Desert, a colorful and scenic area that captivates hikers and photographers alike. Guided tours and exhibits provide insight into the park’s unique geology and natural history, making it an educational as well as a visually stunning destination. Whether you’re exploring the ancient petrified logs or taking in the vibrant hues of the Painted Desert, Petrified Forest National Park offers a unique and enriching Arizona mountain vacation experience.
Arizona: The Underrated Gem
Were you surprised at all Arizona has to offer? Though states like California and Colorado tend to get the spotlight, Arizona has everything you’re looking for in your first vacation out west. If you’ve been here before, you’re no stranger to how enchanting the perfect mix of outdoor and modern living options are statewide.
With a generous selection of mountain living features, nonstop city nightlife and attractions, three gorgeous national parks, and biodiverse landscapes for all your outdoor adventures, a vacation rental property in Arizona could be your best investment yet. Even if you’re not ready to commit to a vacation rental property full-time, dip your toes into the magic of the Grand Canyon State by paying us a visit at any of our luxury paradise homes.
Contact us at VacayAZ today to set up your first stay, or come back again and experience the wonders of Arizona in style.