Arizona is a vacationland best enjoyed in for its seasons and climates.
Take time to enjoy an Arizona vacation, and stay at one of the luxury or budget hotels in most cities. During the summer its mountain destinations such as Flagstaff are popular escapes for those seeking a reprieve from the Phoenix heat that can stay above 100 degrees for several months. Phoenix and Scottsdale then become popular winter resorts hosting cold weather climate escapees during the months of January to April, especially.
From stark desert contrasts to lush, tropical oases at luxury hotels, visitors can pick and choose the type of vacation they prefer. Among its highlights, Arizona is known for its natural landscapes seen in The Grand Canyon, one of the top 10 national parks destinations in the U.S., Lake Havasu City and the London Bridge; Sedona, the spiritual place believed to offer a vortex into other dimensions; Scottsdale, popular for artists, sculptors, galleries and cuisine; and historical attractions such as Petrified Forest and Meteor Crater.
Desert Botanical Garden amid the red buttes of Papago Park, hosts one of the world’s finest collections with over 20,000 desert plants including thousands of species of cactus. There are walking trails and exhibits, plus butterfly pavilion, open from March to May. Home to 139 rare, threatened and endangered plant species from around the world, the Garden includes a cafe, garden shop and library. Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, AZ 85008. Call: (480) 941-1225.
The Grand Canyon is one of the 10 most popular U.S. national parks. It stretches several hundred miles and is over a mile deep, offering stunning vistas, great hikes, camping, mule rides, river rafting, helicopter tours and more! An ideal destination to enjoy the Grand Canyon vacation is Williams. One of the top rated hotels in Willams is the Best Wester Inn, where you’ll find unique Navajo Hono Clown statues.
Scottsdale Art District and Old Town – A mecca for art collectors, Scottsdale, Arizona is home to more than 100 galleries. The Scottsdale Gallery Association “ArtWalk” is a 30-year tradition emulated by other cities around the nation. Held Thursday evenings, the event includes exhibits, artist receptions and live music during special street fairs.
A surprising oasis that many travelers are hardly aware of is Yuma, Arizona. Travel writer Barbara Steinberg visited Yuma on a road trip and came back with a story to tell. This California author has discovered that the desert holds many surprises.
