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(14 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 Footprint Center, 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

1/5(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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Central Scottsdale

4.5/5(2 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Central Scottsdale, Scottsdale Ranch Park and Starfire Golf Club at Scottsdale Country Club are top sights worth seeing.

Central Scottsdale
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Deer Valley

4/5(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
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East Mesa

4/5(1 area review)

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
Revival Scottsdale Studios
Revival Scottsdale Studios
2.5 out of 5
13440 N Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, AZ
The price is AU$147 per night from 22 Apr to 23 Apr
AU$147
includes taxes & fees
22 Apr - 23 Apr
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Scottsdale. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,000 reviews)
"Outside was under construction but did not hinder accessibility."

Reviewed on 24 Mar. 2025

Revival Scottsdale Studios
Hilton Phoenix Tapatio Cliffs Resort
Hilton Phoenix Tapatio Cliffs Resort
4 out of 5
11111 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ
The price is AU$423 per night from 21 Apr to 22 Apr
AU$423
includes taxes & fees
21 Apr - 22 Apr
Book a 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 restaurant in our ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,706 reviews)
"The location is great with hiking right off the property. The bar in the adult pool wasn’t open at all when we were there and the food options are expensive. Room was clean."

Reviewed on 25 Mar. 2025

Hilton Phoenix Tapatio Cliffs Resort
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 AU$396 per night from 20 Apr to 21 Apr
AU$396
includes taxes & fees
20 Apr - 21 Apr
Book a 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 our ...
7.6/10 Good! (3,153 reviews)
Great experience
"Great place"

Reviewed on 19 Mar. 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.
Hotel Scottsdale
Hotel Scottsdale
2 out of 5
3275 N Drinkwater Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Scottsdale. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,068 reviews)
"Great location, easy access, in walking distance to several attractions, hospital and shopping. Great staff, helpful and friendly. Breakfast was what we expected because we read the reviews before staying. It's a good snack to tide you over till you can get somewhere else for a meal. It wasn't really ..."

Reviewed on 24 Mar. 2025

Hotel Scottsdale
Metro Phoenix All Inclusive Living
Metro Phoenix All Inclusive Living
3.5 out of 5
Phoenix
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly aparthotel in Phoenix. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and private pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
6.6/10 (2,407 reviews)
"I was happy with the cleanliness and the quiet sleep I got, I will be back"

Reviewed on 24 Mar. 2025

Metro Phoenix All Inclusive Living
Metro Tempe Apartments
Metro Tempe Apartments
4 out of 5
2301 E Southern Ave, Tempe, AZ
Stay at this 4-star spa aparthotel in Tempe. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the clean rooms and the overall value in ...
7/10 Good! (999 reviews)
Would stay again
"Check in process was easy, property overall was clean and in good repair. Would stay again."

Reviewed on 22 Mar. 2025

Metro Tempe Apartments
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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