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Vibrant Street Art, Ajo

Arizona’s Cities and Urban Scene

Cities

Arizona’s cities and towns offer a treasure trove of distinctive experiences worth discovering. Many visitors find it easiest to start their trip in one of Arizona's larger urban areas before branching out to nearby cities.

Phoenix

Arizona’s major city and the fifth most populated city in the United States, Phoenix is vast. It includes the posh resorts and green golf courses of Scottsdale, Tempe’s lively college-town vibes, arts-friendly Mesa and pro-sports hub Glendale, several American Indian tribal lands, and the suburban cities of Chandler and Gilbert.

Located in central Arizona within the Sonoran Desert, Phoenix (the Valley of the Sun) serves as the perfect hub for many a Grand Canyon State trip. The convenience of flights to and from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport also make it an attractive starting point.


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Camelback Mountain, overlooking Phoenix
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Hotel Congress in Tucson.

Tucson

Nicknamed the Old Pueblo, the city of Tucson in southern Arizona is renowned for its Spanish-style architecture, Mexican culture and a culinary scene that earned it the title of UNESCO’s first City of Gastronomy.

Tucson wows with its desert landscape—especially the iconic saguaro cactus—and the mountains visible from virtually anywhere in the city. Go hiking in the morning and then head downtown to shop, eat and play at the city’s many local boutiques, restaurants and nightclubs.

Experience Arizona’s past less than two hours south in the towns of artsy Bisbee and Tombstone, home of the O.K. Corral. On the way, stop by the communities of Sonoita-Elgin or Willcox for wine-tasting with horizon-spanning views of the area’s grasslands.

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Downtown Flagstaff.

Flagstaff

Grab your skis and hiking boots for a trip to this heavily forested mountain city with small-town charm. Flagstaff in northern Arizona is an outdoor playground with plenty of trails and parks—and for the craft beer enthusiasts, the Flagstaff Ale Trail provides a perfect alternative.

When you’re in these wooded lands, it’s great to be green. Ski through powdery snow; hike up, up, up to Arizona’s highest peak or down, down, down to the base of the Grand Canyon located a short drive away through Williams; ride on The Mother Road till you stand on a corner in Winslow, Arizona, and simply take it easy.

Drive two hours northwest to the Verde Valley and the towns of Sedona, Jerome and Cottonwood, where you can shred the red rocks on a mountain bike or leisurely sip your way through the area’s award-winning wineries and tasting rooms.

Or head east into the forests of the White Mountains and enjoy a variety of outdoor activities like fishing, hunting, hiking or boating. In the winter, rent a log cabin by the lake and watch the snowfall beside a crackling fireplace. (Yes! It snows in Arizona!)

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Litchfield Park

Discover how a humble cotton farm transformed into a charming little town where the scent of orange blossoms fills the air and hiking...

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Mesa

Go big in Mesa, Arizona's third-largest city, where fan-favorite sports, art attractions, and outdoor adventure attract visitors on a large...

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Oracle

Stargazing takes on two meanings in Oracle - seeing the brilliant nighttime sky emerge and remembering Hollywood stars who once relaxed on...

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Peoria

With abundant outdoor recreation and attractions, such as Lake Pleasant, it's easy to see why Peoria is a favorite of visitors and...

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Phoenix

Phoenix is the capital city of Arizona and is located in the central region of the state. People may know it for its year-round sun, desert...

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Queen Creek

Find family fun in this city southeast of Phoenix — from history and theater to local food and outdoor recreation.

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Scottsdale

Looking to upgrade your travel experience? Welcome to Scottsdale, Arizona's vacation destination for fine dining, upscale shopping and...

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Surprise

With a stellar combination of sunny weather, pro baseball, golf, and Sonoran nature, Surprise, Ariz., boasts the very best of the desert.

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Tempe

Home to Arizona State University, Tempe, just east of Phoenix, contains the vibe you would expect in a college town, and attractions that...

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Tolleson

While this West Valley locale is known primarily as an industrial and commerce hub, dig a little deeper and you'll discover a charming...

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Wickenburg

About an hour north of Phoenix, riding, roping and art come together in the high-desert community of Wickenburg.

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Cameron

Nestled along the Colorado River gorge, Cameron is more than just a place to stretch your legs: it's a cultural and geological stop.

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Cities & Regions

From the abundance of Saguaro cactuses and unique wildlife in the Sonoran Desert to the high country and forests of the White Mountains to the breathtaking Grand Canyon, Arizona’s regions are full of experiences that don’t disappoint.