Central Arizona Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Central Arizona
Central Arizona
Taliesin West showing a house
Central Arizona
Central Arizona

Sprawling urban spaces spread out across deserts of breathtaking, dusk-red beauty in the geographical and cultural heart of Arizona. 

Experience an exhilarating combination of modern cities, old-world towns and untouched wilderness in sunny Central Arizona. Enjoy world-class museums and restaurants one day, then become a cowboy on a working ranch the next. Stylish resort spas tempt visitors to indulge in luxury, while biking and hiking trails promise grittier experiences of this exciting region.

Central Arizona is rich with Native American history the Heard Museum offers one of the most in-depth overviews of American Indian cultures in the western U.S. Explore the ancient, cliff-side dwellings of Montezuma Castle to learn about the Sinagua people who carved homes in the rocks.

Vast stretches of Central Arizona are taken up by its trendy, leisure-focused cities. Explore Phoenix, the home of family-friendly attractions such as the Arizona Science Center and Phoenix Zoo. Ramble through the huge South Mountain Park, one of the largest municipal parks in the U.S.

Chic Mesa is a popular shopping, golfing and leisure destination. Hop between the movie theaters, galleries and exhibition rooms of the Mesa Arts Center. Walk around downtown for hours of shopping, passing multiple public art installations.

Put on your cowboy boots and visit working ranches in the atmospheric western town of Wickenburg. Several ranches offer horseback rides, lasso lessons and hands-on cowboy experiences. Learn more about ranching history at the Desert Caballeros Western Museum.

Cycle through the red hills of North Central Arizona in the region outside Sedona. This wild area offers the outdoor escapes of Oak Creek Canyon, where you can follow breathtaking scenic drives or hike along a river.

The old western towns of Jerome and Prescott offer visitors a flavor of cowboy and mining life. Watch bucking broncos at the self-styled World’s Oldest Rodeo or simply stroll around beautifully preserved 19th-century streets.

Fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, one of the busiest air travel hubs in the state, then rent a car to explore this expansive region. The sun is almost always shining in Central Arizona, making it a warm and welcoming destination throughout the year.

Where to stay in Central Arizona

Downtown Phoenix which includes signage and night scenes

Downtown Phoenix

4/5(25 area reviews)

Known for its ample dining options and great live music, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Phoenix. You can visit top attractions like Chase Field and PHX Arena, and jump on the metro at 12th Street - Jefferson Station or 12th Street - Washington Station to see more of the city.

Downtown Phoenix
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Old Town

Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Scottsdale Waterfront to Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West – discover Old Town, a destination also famous for its shopping.

Old Town
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Camelback East

3/5(1 area review)

You might take some time to check out the abundant dining options in Camelback East. Spend some time visiting top spots like Biltmore Fashion Park, and catch the metro at 44th Street - Washington Station or 50th Street Station to see more of the area.

Camelback East
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East Mesa

4.5/5(2 area reviews)

While you're in East Mesa, take in top sights like Salt River Tubing and jump on the metro at Superstition Springs Transit Center to see more of the city.

East Mesa
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Central Scottsdale

4/5(1 area review)

If you're spending some time in Central Scottsdale, Scottsdale Ranch Park and Cactus Park are top sights worth seeing.

Central Scottsdale
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Deer Valley

3/5(1 area review)

Deer Valley is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Happy Valley Towne Centre and Bowlero Union Hills while you're in town.

Deer Valley
Talking Stick Resort

Talking Stick Resort

4 out of 5
9800 E. Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, AZ
The price is ₹10,939 per night from 24 Jul to 25 Jul
₹10,939
₹14,935 total
24 Jul - 25 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa resort in Scottsdale. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (3,549 reviews)
"Hotel was so nice, rooms were spacious and quiet. We loved the food options. The Pool was so nice and we loved having a DJ out there playing so many different variety of music. The Casino was also fun and full of energy, and to top it off the staff was fantastic in every department. Cant wait to ..."

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

Talking Stick Resort
Arizona Grand Resort & Spa

Arizona Grand Resort & Spa

4 out of 5
8000 S. Arizona Grand Parkway, Phoenix, AZ
The price is ₹9,414 per night from 5 Aug to 6 Aug
₹9,414
₹18,458 total
5 Aug - 6 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa resort in Phoenix. Enjoy 6 outdoor pools, a full-service spa and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,033 reviews)
"If going to just stay on property great for a family . Good staff that is around and attentive the valet guys are great . Front desk really good. The life guards and staff in water park very friendly ."

Reviewed on 22 Jul 2025

Arizona Grand Resort & Spa
Hilton Phoenix Resort at the Peak

Hilton Phoenix Resort at the Peak

4 out of 5
7677 N 16th St, Phoenix, AZ
The price is ₹10,295 per night from 4 Aug to 5 Aug
₹10,295
₹15,044 total
4 Aug - 5 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa resort in Phoenix. Enjoy free parking, 7 outdoor pools and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
7.6/10 Good! (3,151 reviews)
"We loved staying here! Beautiful property with great amenities and friendly and courteous staff."

Reviewed on 22 Jul 2025

Hilton Phoenix Resort at the Peak
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Scottsdale Camelback Resort

Scottsdale Camelback Resort

4 out of 5
6302 E Camelback Rd, Scottsdale, AZ
Stay at this 4-star spa condo in Scottsdale. Enjoy free parking, a full-service spa and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,167 reviews)
"Great stay thanks!"

Reviewed on 22 Jul 2025

Scottsdale Camelback Resort
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Scottsdale Old Town

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Scottsdale Old Town

2 out of 5
3275 N Drinkwater Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ
Stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Scottsdale. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (25 reviews)
"I enjoyed my stay. The hotel was clean and in good condition."

Reviewed on 20 Jul 2025

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Scottsdale Old Town
Metro Phoenix All Inclusive Living

Metro Phoenix All Inclusive Living

3.5 out of 5
Phoenix, AZ
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly aparthotel in Phoenix. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and private pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
6.6/10 (2,510 reviews)
"Too slow to respond to AC issue on a very hot day. Took 2 + hours to move me to a different unit. Unit had no waste bins and no hooks to hang towels."

Reviewed on 2 Jul 2025

Metro Phoenix All Inclusive Living
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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