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.
