By 
Scenic desert drives, water sports, skiing, hiking, sightseeing, professional sports, and camping are just the tip of the iceberg of things to do in the great state of Arizona, which offers one of the most diverse landscapes in the United States. Choosing the top 10 tourist attractions for your Arizona vacation is very difficult, to say the least. When traveling through Arizona, purchasing a detailed map of the area you plan to visit is a must, because Arizona has numerous treasures hidden within the desert.
Below is a list of the top attractions that the state of Arizona has to offer. It is imperative that you be prepared when planning a road trip through this beautiful state. The demands of American life usually only give us so many annual vacations that you’ll fall short during your stay anyway. But if for some reason you have a couple of weeks to work, you won’t be short of things to do during your travels around Arizona.
1. Grand Canyon National Park – The Grand Canyon speaks for itself; this is the pride and joy of Arizona. The Grand Canyon is located in the northwestern part of the state. Carved by the Colorado River over millions of years. One of America’s natural wonders and first national parks, it’s a must see in your lifetime; it is also one of the Seven Wonders of the World. River rafting, hiking, and skywalking on the West Rim are great starting points…just to name a few. While you’re in the Grand Canyon area, be sure to visit the Reindeer Farm west of Flagstaff.
2. Hoover Dam: Much more than a large pile of concrete, the sheer size of the Hoover Dam is impressive. Built in the 1930s, the Hoover Dam is located in northwestern Arizona and shares a border with Nevada. Named for former President Herbert Hoover, the Hoover Dam was one of the largest projects of its time. During your visit to Hoover Dam, be sure to visit Lake Mead.
3. Sedona AZ- Located south of Flagstaff, in Red Rock country, is another of Arizona’s not-so-best-kept secrets. Sedona is home to some of the elite of Arizona and Hollywood; Sharon Stone and Al Pacino have houses in Sedona, as does John Travolta. Sedona also has some of the most beautiful sunsets and scenic drives in the country. Numerous hiking and biking trails dominate the colorful red rock sandstone landscape. Must-sees when traveling to Sedona include Solid Rock Church and Slide Rock Park. Slay an entire day sliding down natural rock formations. While in the Sedona area be sure to check out Jerome and Prescott as well.
4. Monument Valley Park: Located in the northeastern part of the state, Monument Valley is famous for the legendary battles between Roadrunner and Wiley Coyote (Warner Brothers cartoons) and the popular desert scene in the National Lampoon ‘Vacation’ movies. Dominated by colorful mesas and mesas, in some respects Monument Valley is the face of the Southwest. Monument Valley’s most popular landmarks are in the Navaho Tribal Park on the Utah border. While you’re in the area, be sure to visit the Utah side of Monument Valley.
5. Lake Havasu, AZ – The city of Lake Havasu is home to the London Bridge. Brought from England in the 1960s, London Bridge put Lake Havasu on the map. The Pueblo Inglés that surrounds the bridge is just one of the oddities you’ll find in this desert paradise. Water sports, lake tours, off-road driving, spring break and enjoying the sunsets, to name a few, are very popular in this desert oasis. While you’re in Lake Havasu City, be sure to visit Parker Dam, which is about 30 miles to the south.
6. Lake Powell Arizona- Lake Powell is a man-made reservoir located in northern Arizona, which shares a border with Utah. It became famous for its “bathtub” ring around the lake and its beautiful moonscape, canyons, and towering rock formations. Here you will find that camping and renting a houseboat are also favorites of tourists. Rent a houseboat and lose yourself under the stars at Lake Powell Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.
7. Havasupai Falls: Havasupai Falls, one of the most scenic travel spots in Arizona, period. Located deep within the Grand Canyon, there are four sets of falls: Mooney Falls, Havasu Falls, Navajo Falls, and Beaver Falls. The blue-green water caused by the high mineral content turns the falls and their natural pools into a tropical lagoon-style setting. Most of us will need to walk to get there, although helicopter rides are available.
8. Painted Desert – Located near the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, Painted Desert precedes its name. Its multicolored landscape is impressive. Seeing the Painted Desert at sunrise is a must. The Painted Desert sits between the Grand Canyon and the Petrified Forest, so be sure to visit all three during your travels. Meteor Crater is also a must see.
9. Tombstone, AZ – Nicknamed “The Town Too Tough To Die,” Tombstone is the most notorious of the Old West mining towns. Made famous by the fight at the OK Corral, along with some of its legendary residents, Wyatt Earp and Doc Holladay, the story of Tombstone has been told in numerous books and movies. While in Tombstone, do yourself a favor and visit Saguaro National Park.
10. Oatman, AZ- Another former mining town that rarely gets the recognition it deserves is Oatman, Arizona. Located south of Bullhead City, Arizona is this former mining town. Its current population is about 100. This quaint town is made up of nothing but novelty shops catering to tourists. But its main attraction is the donkeys that roam the streets and the popular shooting shows. Most shops sell carrots to feed the donkeys, who have no problem eating them straight from your hands. If you have kids and want to experience a taste of the old west, Oatman is a must visit.