Hit the Road: Arizona
By Best Western
Arizona, the Valley of the Sun, lives up to its name. The state sees about 300 sunny days every year. And with 300 sun filled days…the possibilities for adventure are endless.
With a Best Western Hotel and Resort to call home base, here are several must-sees in Arizona to add to your itinerary:
Go into Town
Visit where gunfights still occur, and saloons still pour drinks. Tombstone is not only a staple of Arizona history but of America’s wild west roots. Visitors will be transported back in time and get a glimpse of what life was like in the old west, and get to explore famous landmarks like Boothill Graveyard, the Birdcage Theatre to the O.K. Corral, the site of the infamous gunfight. Immerse yourself with the sights, sounds, and tastes of the “Town Too Tough to Die.”
There is no sight quite like the one you experience when you enter Sedona. The beautiful red rocks are the star of the region and come alive even more next to the colors of the Arizona Alder, Arizona Sycamore, and Ponderosa Pine trees, to name a few. Downtown Sedona is a must-see, and Best Western Plus Arroyo Roble Hotel & Creekside Villas are at the center of the action, with its many eateries, bars and breweries, and shopping. The area is home to many hiking and leisure activities, from hiking Cathedral Rock, splashing around Oak Creek, and taking in the scenery at viewpoints like Airport Mesa.
The heart of Arizona, Phoenix, is a growing city filled with plenty of surprises. For those looking to enjoy the sun, the city has nearly 200 golf courses just in the greater metro area, nearby hiking such as Camelback Mountain to South Mountain Park and Preserve, and Tempe Town Lake, where kayaking and paddleboarding are a must. Phoenix has a bustling food scene that has no shortage of delicious dishes and drinks. Try the tacos at Blanco Tacos & Tequila, sip on prickly pear margaritas at Chelsea’s Kitchen, or bite into a savory pizza from Pomo Pizzeria.
Get Outside
There is nothing grander than Arizona’s Grand Canyon National Park. The park located in Grand Canyon – one of the world’s seven natural wonders – encompasses nearly 300 miles. Its layers of colorful rock formations tell a geologic story that dates back millions of years. Filled with plenty of hiking excursions and viewpoints, including magical experiences like Havasupai Falls (which can only be obtained by a lottery ticket), the Grand Canyon National Park has an experience for all skill levels.
With over 2.9 million acres, Tonto National Forest is the seventh-largest national forest in the U.S. This national forest has diverse and beautiful landscapes, from Sonoran Desert Cacti, the incredible rush of the Salt River, to numerous lakes and mountains. Head to the Superstition Wilderness, where you can enjoy leisure hikes in Lost Dutchman State Park, take on the challenge of Weavers Needle or float along Canyon Lake.
Things to Do
- From Mesa, Scottsdale, to Gilbert, these bustling surrounding cities hold their own next to Phoenix. Visit their respective downtown areas for delicious food, quaint coffee shops, and endless activities. Downtown Mesa is small but packs a mighty punch with places like Cider Corps, the Mesa Arts Center, Jarrod’s Coffee & Tea Gallery, and many more. Or see how Downtown Gilbert fits with tasty options like Joe’s Real BBQ, and wine and bruschetta at Postinos East.
- Arizona is home to 22 distinct Native American tribes. Each tribe has its own history, customs, and dynamic – adding and enhancing the uniqueness of Arizona. You can’t visit this state without experiencing the many contributions and wonders of these tribes and their lands.
Hit the Road with Best Western and travel with ease as our hotels are putting guests’ safety first by implementing our We Care Clean program. Book your next stay direct at bestwestern.com to get our lowest rates guaranteed. We look forward to seeing you soon.
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