As a long-time AZ resident, there are a lot of things to do and see besides the GC and Sedona, so I won't list everything else here.
Sections
6
Tucson
Southern Arizona
Northern Arizona
Phoenix
Eastern Arizona
Western Arizona
Tucson
Tucson, home to University of Arizona, is a gem for art, the eclectic, good food, etc
This is the most scenic drive in all of Arizona. Sunset is purely magical.
Gates Pass Drive
San Xavier Mission is a must see in South Tucson along with the little mountain right next to it.
San Xavier Del Bac Mission
Beauty of Tucson is featured here at the Botanical Gardens!
Tucson Botanical Gardens
Your visit to Tucson is not complete without a trip here!
Old Tucson
Mt Lemmon is gorgeous all year round. Octoberfest is one of the best times to go!
Mt. Lemmon
OG fave from my undergrad days at University of Arizona
Grandma Tony's Pizza of Tucson
THE Premiere Tiki Lounge in Arizona. Drinks the size of a bucket!
Kon Tiki Tucson
Tucson has so many gems and this one is just one of them.
Kitt's Peak Observatory
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Discover Barrio Viejo: Tucson’s Historic Architectural and Cultural Heart
A taste of Provence but in Tucson! 💗
Life Under The Oaks Lavender Farm Oracle, AZ
I highly approve of this Tucson + Southern Arizona TikTok Account!
The forgotten history of Tucson, Arizona, that nobody talks about #didyouknow #learnontiktok
Favorite part of Tucson! Gorgeous area!
Sabino Canyon Recreation Center - Santa Cruz Valley National Heritage Area Hiking Trail Nature Mountains Vegetation
One of the best things about Tucson is the culinary scene. Exhibit A: Tucson Chocolate Factory
Tucson Chocolate Factory
For the Mexican candy lovers out there!
Dirty T Tamarindo Candy Shoppe
Southern Arizona
Gems in the Southern part of Arizona
Tubac, AZ really is a hidden gem. It is a cool creative enclave in Southern Arizona and you can't leave with a beautiful item! Highly recommended
Tubac - Artist Enclave
Bisbee is the Jerome of Southern Arizona.
Discover Bisbee - Discover How to Have Fun in Bisbee
Warning for curly haired folks - this cave is warm and humid but still has beautiful views tho!
Kartchner Caverns State Park
Some of the best homemade pies in Souther n Arizona! The apple pie and rhubarb, especially!
Apple Annie's Orchard
Southern Arizona is chock full of wineries. Tours, tastings, etc. Favorite part of Arizona (Tucson on down)
Wineries and Wine Tasting in Southern Arizona
Southern AZ Must See
Chiricahua National Monument | Visit Arizona
AZ is chockfull of mines!
Good Enough Silver Mine
Dragoon Mountains - the photos do not do this range justice! You really need to drive by and see them for yourself! I get a little teary eyed as this range reminds me of when I moved out from VA to go to UofA!
Exploring Arizona’s Dragoon Mountains
Just an hour outside of Tucson!
Tumacácori National Historical Park (U.S. National Park Service)
Supposedly haunted!
Park History | Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park
Northern Arizona
Jerome Grand Hotel is indeed haunted - don't ask me how I know! Gorgeous hotel on top of a hill. Enter if you dare!
Jerome Grand Hotel
Verde Valley Wine Trail is a must if you are already visiting vortexes in Sedona
The Verde Valley Wine Trail
I am not even a fan of fudge but everytime I go it is always the peanut butter flavor for me
Copper Country Fudge
This is THE train to take in Arizona - for stargazing, wine tastings, etc
Verde Canyon Railroad
Best pizza in Arizona, hands down!
Old County Inn Pizza
Lavender + Arizona is a combo that people normally don't think about but this is a must see!
Pine Creek Canyon Lavender Farm
If you are already in the vicinity, you might as well stop by! Pretty cool!
Meteor Crater
On your way up to or down from Northern Arizona, make sure to stop by here for famous pies!
Rock Springs Cafe
Desert Diamonds can be found here. Just be careful of scorpions though
Desert Diamond Hunting
Blackberry picking, etc, oh my!
Orchard & Garden
A lot of gems in Northern Arizona. With the lottery, it can be nearly impossible to explore this area. Go here instead!
Page Arizona Caves: The Hidden Shell Gas Station Sand Cave
Arizona has a chockfull of rockhounding sites!
Arizona Rockhounding Location Guide & Map
An old coworker's husband grew up in Jerome and worked at this restaurant. It is haunted but the food is worth it!
The Haunted Hamburger
Air ballooning is the perfect way to see Sedona area!
Arizona Hot Air Balloon Company | Northern Light Balloon
Observatory in Flagg!
Plan Your Visit - Lowell Observatory
One of the best places to hike! We never get tired of this place!
Sunset Crater Volcano: Arizona’s most recent volcanic eruption
If you are going to Flag, this should be on your list
Wupatki National Monument (U.S. National Park Service)
Phoenix
Some cool local places that are quite the gems! Included are things that are a couple of hours away, too
Right outside of Phoenix and a charming little outpost. Prickly Pear ice cream is highly recommended!
Tortilla Flat
The castle in the middle of Arizona now open to the public!
Tovrea Castle at Carraro Heights
Wijaya House is a woman AAPI owned business in Tempe. It is both a flower shoppe where you can also craft and learn floral design along with it being a bookstore!
Wijaya House
Located in Queen Creek, this is a really cool olive mill where you can tour and sample olive oil. The olive oils and balsamic vinegars are so good! Definitely check out the chocolate flavored olive oil!
Queen Creek Olive Mill
The Valley's only marshmallow cafe! Coffee, milkshakes, cookies, are also served here!
Toasted Mallow: Gourmet Smores + Marshmallows
This Arboretum is a little bit east of Phoenix and is gorgeous in the Fall for both foilage and traditional desert landscape
Boyce Thompson Arboretum
😆 OG cruise east of Phoenix. You can enjoy a scenic steamboat cruise and observing wildlife.
Sightseeing Steamboat Cruises in Tortilla Flat, Arizona
An OG fave for the best margaritas
Margaritas Fresh Cocina in Downtown Mesa
Yes, classic tchotchke shop with the difference of prickly pear fudge. I don't even like fudge but this is a definite winner! You can also order online! So so so good! This doesn't last long, either. Ask me how I know.
Mother Lode Mercantile - Prickly Pear Fudge🌵
Historic Gold Mine where you can pan for gold and tour a replica of a ghost town.
Goldfield Ghost Town
East of Phoenix gem
St. Anthony's Greek Orthodox Monastery
Great hiking right outside of Phoenix
Superstition Mountains | Lost Dutchman State Park & Tonto National Forest
A Chateau in Phoenix with lavender to boost! Lavender tours - check out the shoppe!
The Lavender Farm at Chateau de Vie
Hidden Gem Only Locals Know!
Best Hike Near Phoenix!! (Butcher Jones Trail Saguaro Lake, Arizona)
Candy company on the west side that offers tours! Check to see if City of Chandler has any tours from the East Valley
Cerreta Candy Co.
A must visit when in Phoenix. Great for any photo enthusiast!
Desert Botanical Garden
If you are already at the Superstition Mountains, you might as well stop here! An Elvis Chapel to boot!
Superstition Mountain Lost Dutchman Museum
OG candies and new ones alike! 💗 locally owned and operated.
Sweeties Candy of Arizona - largest candy store in AZ and family owned
Can't miss hiking in Tempe
Papago Park
Wild horses of Salt River are gorgeous to behold!
Wild Horses at Salt River
Eastern Arizona
Cannot leave out the Eastern part!
A bit biased but this is my favorite part of Arizona outside of Tucson and Southern. It is truly magical!
A Local's Guide to the Petrified Forest | Visit Arizona
Iconic stay in AZ!
Wigwam Motel
This is a really beautiful part of the state that does not get enough hype.
White Mountains and Eastern Arizona | Visit Arizona
