Wonder and awe permeate Arizona.
Throughout the state, its varied landscapes, culture and historical spots add depth and breadth to any trip. Near the southern border, Tucson’s Mexican-American traditions are evident; while upscale Phoenix, the nation’s fifth largest city, perfectly combines luxury and nature. Northward, rugged wilderness beckons with soaring cliffs and red-rock formations.
In every region, Native American heritage influences culture. And with an abundance of upscale resorts, many with award-winning spas and golf courses, it’s evident why groups choose this Southwest mecca.
Popular Demand
Desert Botanical Garden
Showcasing the Sonoran landscape, the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix juxtaposes towering saguaros, beach-ball-shaped cacti, vibrant wildflowers and Palo Verde trees. The garden is located near downtown, and its five loop trails meander through diverse desert habitats that support wildlife. Docent-led tours highlight the garden’s living collection, while classes explore landscape design, art, wellness and more. Major events include Las Noches de las Luminarias, when 8,000 sparkling luminarias shine amidst musical performances during select November and December evenings. In February, the Devour Culinary Classic features food and wine tastings by local restauranteurs, as well as live music and the arts.
Verde Canyon Railroad
Chugging through the Verde Valley’s red-rock wilderness, the Verde Canyon Railroad starts its 40-mile round-trip journey in Clarkdale. Built in 1912, the track crosses trestle bridges, travels through a 734-foot tunnel and passes ancient Indian ruins. Spring through fall, Saturday Starlight Tours offers a sunset-to-starlight journey through a narrow chasm only accessible by rail. In summer, the Grape Train Escape offers wine tasting and complimentary charcuterie. Groups will be greeted with a glass of Champagne and charcuterie in their private coach with access to open-air viewing. Additional catering is available.
Sharlot Hall Museum
Showcasing Arizona’s heritage in Prescott, the Sharlot Hall Museum invites history buffs to explore its 11 buildings. In 1928, Sharlot Hall began preserving Arizona’s past, including the original Territorial Governor’s Mansion constructed from logs on its 1864 site. Recently designated an accredited arboretum, the gardens feature 89 species of trees and woody plants. Yavpé Ethnobotany Garden was developed collaboratively with the Yavapai-Prescott Indian Tribe, and the rose garden touts 180 historic varieties. Native trees, shrubs and perennial cultivars of pioneer families are still being added. Events include living history days, the Prescott Indian Art Market and Frontier Christmas.
Up and Coming
Astronomy Discovery Center at Lowell Observatory
Under Flagstaff’s dark skies, the solar system’s magnificence is displayed at the Lowell Observatory’s new Astronomy Discovery Center. Tours highlight the observatory’s contributions, including the discovery of Pluto and its role in the Apollo 11 mission. Lowell Universe Theater schedules cosmic presentations with stargazing offered year-round. The Giovale Open Deck Observatory features six advanced telescopes revealing rich star fields, colorful planets and expansive galaxies. “Strange New Worlds,” a live, outdoor presentation under dark skies, explores planets orbiting distant stars and the search for life across the cosmos, all from the comfort of reclining, heated seats.
Antelope, Rattlesnake and Owl Slot Canyons
Adventure lovers have long known about northern Arizona’s slot canyons located just east of Page. Perhaps the most famous is Antelope Canyon, where sunlight and swirling rock patterns deliver dramatic photos. Led by a Navajo guide, who shares information about the history, ecology and culture of the area, groups can tour Upper Antelope Canyon to discover an accessible sandy floor and wide passages creating a sandstone cathedral. Lesser known and newer guided tours at Rattlesnake and Owl canyons by Black Streak Canyon Tours aren’t as crowded. Rattlesnake Canyon’s narrow passageways and towering openings refract light for amazing perspectives. Wider Owl Canyon showcases red-rock cliffs and winding sandstone passageways.
Native Art Market
Silversmiths, potters, carvers and painters display their wares at the indoor Native Art Market in Old Town Scottsdale. The market supports more than 400 Native small businesses, which affords Native artisans a place to sell to the public. Indigenous musicians and dancers perform and explain the backstories of their dances while shoppers sip complimentary wine and Piñon coffee. Next door, The Frybread Lounge, the only Indigenous-owned restaurant in Old Town, serves healthy ancestral food sourced from Native food producers. A second outdoor art market opens November through March at The Arizona Center.
Overnight Sensations
Tubac Golf Resort & Spa
Named one of 2024’s “Top 25 Historic Hotels of America Most Historic Golf Courses,” Tubac Golf Resort & Spa was established on a Spanish Colonial-style ranch dating to 1789. Located on the Santa Cruz River in southern Arizona, the Santa Rita Mountains serve as backdrop. Three iconic golf courses lie between ponds and tall cottonwoods. The property boasts casitas, posadas and haciendas with private patios, a full-service spa and dining at the Stables Ranch Grille. The Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail, which follows the 1775-1776 Spanish colonizing expedition from Mexico to San Francisco, connects on-site, affording lovely views.
Enchantment Resort
Tucked into Sedona’s private Boynton Canyon and accessible only to guests, the Enchantment Resort delivers quiet luxury. Adobe casitas, each with a private deck or patio, hug red-rock canyon walls. Guests can simply unwind or choose activities such as guided hiking or mountain biking on trails that branch off from the property, as well as pickleball, fitness classes, poolside lounging, stargazing and fireside chats detailing the canyon’s history. The resort’s Mii amo Spa has been repeatedly lauded as one of the world’s top destination spas. Backcountry Jeep tours and side trips to the Grand Canyon and Flagstaff remain ever popular.
Memorable Meals
Théa
Opened in December 2023, The Global Ambassador hotel touts five internationally themed dining options spearheaded by Phoenix restauranter Sam Fox, who teamed up with local celebrities, including Dierks Bentley, Devin Booker and Larry Fitzgerald. Recognized by Condé Nast Traveler as one of the “Best New Hotel Restaurants in the World,” Théa transports diners to another continent. This hip, European-style bistro showcases views of Camelback Mountain — arguably some of the best in the city — especially from its expansive balcony. Théa’s elevated menu features one of the nation’s largest rosé collections, a robust cocktail program and shareable, Mediterranean-style cuisine.
El Charro
Said to have invented the chimichanga, El Charro in Tucson is the nation’s oldest Mexican restaurant in continuous operation by the same family. Established in 1922, it melds traditional Northern Mexico-style and innovative Tucson-Mexican cuisine using local ingredients. The carne seca involves marinating thin beef strips and air-drying them in a cage above the restaurant’s patio before the meat is roasted, shredded and grilled. From guacamole made tableside to signature enchiladas, it’s no surprise that El Charro has been a James Beard Award nominee. Lastly, dessert is a must, featuring family recipes such as tres leches cake and hazelnut-chocolate tamales.
