If you are looking for a state that offers not only some of the most beautiful and diverse landscapes in the US, but also a variety of recreation and activities, look no further than Arizona. From natural wonders like the Grand Canyon and Antelope Canyon to cultural attractions like Tombstone and the Desert Botanical Garden, Arizona has something for everyone. Whether you want to explore the outdoors, learn about history, or enjoy the arts, you will find plenty of options in this diverse and beautiful state. In this guide, we will introduce you to some of the top things to do in Arizona and help you plan your next adventure.
Living in the Phoenix West Valley Area
Many people who live in Arizona choose Phoenix’s West Valley for its location and variety. The West Valley has an abundance of recreational opportunities, including parks, hiking trails, retail, and entertainment, along with easy freeway access along Loop 101 and Loop 303, connecting you to other central hubs, including downtown Phoenix and Scottsdale.
Activities
More than 600 species of exotic and endangered animals call the West Valley home. More specifically, they live at Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park in Litchfield Park. There, visitors can get an up-close look at white rhinoceroses, baboons, hyenas and more. For an extra dose of aww-inducing cuteness, be sure to check out the adorable animals at the zoo’s baby animal nursery.
Parks and Recreation
The West Valley is perfect for those who love outdoor activities, with many parks and recreational activities to choose from. To help you find the best ones for you, we have picked some of our favorites to share with you.
Pioneer Park
This park is a great destination if you have kids in tow.
There is a splash pad area which also houses the playground so families can enjoy the outdoors year round.
Pioneer Park also features a dog park, softball and baseball fields, and a fishing pond.
There is a splash pad area which also houses the playground so families can enjoy the outdoors year round.
Pioneer Park also features a dog park, softball and baseball fields, and a fishing pond.
Rio Vista Recreational Park
With baseball and softball diamonds, a playground area, splash pad, skate park, fishing ponds, an indoor recreation center and more, Rio Vista Park has something for everyone.
It is even the hub of the New River and Skunk Creek Trails where people can bike, skate, run, and walk for miles along the dry river and creek beds.
It is even the hub of the New River and Skunk Creek Trails where people can bike, skate, run, and walk for miles along the dry river and creek beds.
Alta Vista Dog Park
Speaking of dogs … Alta Vista Dog Park in Peoria is another great option.
This 10 acre park features separate spaces for large and smaller dogs, water fountains, and shaded areas for their human companions.
This 10 acre park features separate spaces for large and smaller dogs, water fountains, and shaded areas for their human companions.
Lakes
Located within 15 minutes of the Vistancia community is Lake Pleasant Regional Park featuring numerous fish species, boat docks, easy beach access, and two marinas, Scorpian Bay and Pleasant Harbor offering restaurants, kayak, and boat rentals.
Thrill seekers will also enjoy a ride down the world’s largest floating water slide. However, you like to enjoy your afternoon at the lake, having it so close-by is a huge reason to appreciate the unique Arizona lifestyle.
Need another excuse to visit Lake Pleasant? Annual events like the Lake Pleasant Paddlefest and Bill Luke Bass Days feature additional activities, rides, live music and more!
Hiking
With all of the West Valley’s modern amenities and proximity to downtown Phoenix, many people are shocked when they realize how many hiking opportunities there are.
Peoria Sunrise Mountain Preserve, Deem Hills Recreation Area and Thunderbird Conservation Park are just a few examples of the hundreds of miles of hiking within minutes of West Valley suburbs. Whether you are already an avid hiker or just getting started, with a little bit of research, you will be able to easily find a great trail system for your next hike!
Sports
Whether you enjoy playing sports or prefer acting as a spectator, Arizona living means that you will have plenty of opportunity for either. In addition to numerous recreational leagues of various types, the metro area is the home to the Phoenix Mercury, Arizona Coyotes, Arizona Cardinals, Phoenix Suns and the Arizona Diamondbacks. This is in addition to acting as the home for 15 other MLB teams during spring training.
West Valley sports fans have a particular advantage because of the Peoria Sports Complex (spring training home to the San Diego Padres and Seattle Mariners) as well as the Arizona Cardinals and Arizona Coyotes respective home turfs right in Glendale’s Westgate Entertainment District.
Shopping
If you are in need of some retail therapy, you have plenty of options to choose from! During the summer months, indoor malls are especially great. Add to your shopping bucket list Arrowhead Town Center, Scottsdale Fashion Square, Kierland, and Scottsdale Quarters to get an idea of the variety of malls in the area.
Arts and Culture
Concerts at Desert Diamond Arena
From Sugarland to Smashing Pumpkins, Sam Smith to Elton John, Gila River Arena is host to some of the best touring artists in the world.
Anchoring the Westgate Entertainment District, when the 18,200-capacity arena isn’t hosting a home game for the Coyotes, fans enjoy concerts from the thoroughly modern facility.
Multiple seating levels and luxury suites make it easy to enjoy your show your way – whether you prefer to be on the floor in the thick of the action or enjoying from a distance.
Anchoring the Westgate Entertainment District, when the 18,200-capacity arena isn’t hosting a home game for the Coyotes, fans enjoy concerts from the thoroughly modern facility.
Multiple seating levels and luxury suites make it easy to enjoy your show your way – whether you prefer to be on the floor in the thick of the action or enjoying from a distance.
Arizona Broadway Theatre
Located in the P83 entertainment area in Peoria, the Arizona Broadway Theatre hosts an impressive number of live productions, enjoyed by guest over dinner and cocktails.
In addition to the array of professional productions, the theatre’s youth academy offers young aspiring actors the opportunity to explore theatre through a number of age-specific classes.
In addition to the array of professional productions, the theatre’s youth academy offers young aspiring actors the opportunity to explore theatre through a number of age-specific classes.
West Valley Arts HQ
The West Valley Arts HQ, a 2,500 square foot gallery space with an adjacent outdoor courtyard, hosts a number of exhibits, performances, and special events for artists and their supporters.
Furthermore, when you support West Valley Arts HQ, you are helping the organization to bring art educations and resources to local public schools.
Furthermore, when you support West Valley Arts HQ, you are helping the organization to bring art educations and resources to local public schools.
West Valley Art Museum
Located in Peoria, the West Valley Art Museum boasts a permanent collection with more than 1,600 items. This is in addition to numerous temporary exhibits that are constantly updated at the venue.
Check out the “Arizona Artists” exhibit for a truly unique look into the variety of work produced by artists right here in the Grand Canyon state.
Check out the “Arizona Artists” exhibit for a truly unique look into the variety of work produced by artists right here in the Grand Canyon state.
Wine and Dining
Located right in the Vistancia Community, V’s Taproom offers a variety of comfort-food favorites and a beer selection worthy of the restaurant’s name, V’s Taproom has quickly become a local favorite. And with Arizona’s exceptional weather, the great patio at this gem of an eatery is the perfect spot to enjoy your dinner in the spring or fall.
City of Peoria
The City of Peoria located in Northwest Valley has become a top city to consider for those looking to relocate to Arizona. Recently WalletHub.com, a leading finance outlet, ranked Peoria, Arizona as the Ninth Least Stressed City in America. In addition, Yahoo Finance recently ranked Peoria, Arizona as the Number 7 Top Places to live in the US. These rankings are a result of Peoria having among one of the lowest crime rates in the country, a growing city economy, a 10% growth in population over the last five years and housing costs that are 14% lower than the national average.
With an above-average median income and solid employment numbers, the most amazing part about Peoria is the relative affordability of housing despite the booming economy. Peoria currently boasts over 190,000 residents who enjoy the vast variety of recreation, entertainment and housing options available.
Further, great accessibility to other parts of the Valley and numerous amenities within the suburb itself means that residents of Peoria have little trouble accessing anything that they could possibly desire. From recreational opportunities to cultural experiences, everything is either right at their fingertips or a short drive away.
Phoenix West Valley Area Schools
The West Valley has some terrific schools. And they only seem to be getting better with time. More specifically, Peoria Unified School District serves more than 36,000 students in 34 elementary schools & seven high schools and one non-traditional high school. In addition PUSD has a 93% high school graduation rate in addition to award-winning teachers, specialized choice programs and championship sports programs.
The Lake Pleasant and Vistancia Elementary Schools located in the Vistancia Community are both A schools.
Liberty High School boasts an outstanding 96 percent graduation rate and outperforms other schools in the district and the state on measures of math and reading proficiencies of its students.
Meanwhile Basis Peoria, a grades 5-12 charter school, was recently ranked #8 of all U.S. public high schools by US News and World Report. Peoria is also home to award winning charters schools such as Legacy Traditional and Great Hearts Archway Glendale.
Phoenix West Valley Among Safest Cities
The most recent thorough compilation of crime statistics shows that the West Valley is home to some of Arizona’s safest cities. Ranking near the top of the list, Peoria, Buckeye and Surprise are all exceptionally safe places, according to a recent report by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
And while Phoenix is a reasonably safe city overall given its large population, it is little wonder that so many families are choosing to make their homes in the relative safety of the West Valley’s suburbs.
Phoenix West Valley Economy and Jobs
While the economy in the West Valley has been performing well for some time, thanks in large part to manufacturers and other employers like Luke Air Force Base, the outlook continues to get even better. Key strategic investments in infrastructure, the relative affordability of the area, and the geographic location in relation to key cities in California and U.S. ports of entry have positioned the West Valley to become the relocation destination of choice for many companies who are sick of the high overhead in California.
The West Valley area is also home to companies such as REI, UPS, Amazon, a Walmart Distribution Center and The Cancer Treatment Centers of America, which employs more than 600 people. In nearby Northwest Phoenix, companies like USAA, Discover Card, Cigna, Honeywell and American Express all have large campuses just a short drive away. Additionally, the TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company) is under construction 15 minutes south of Vistancia along the Loop 303.
Furthermore, the strong workforce provided by the state’s university system means that companies have a growing pool of educated talent to recruit for far less than it would cost them to hire similar workers in neighboring states. This bodes well for Arizona workers across the economic spectrum, ensuring that the West Valley can build a diverse economy across key industries like healthcare, aerospace and more.
Living in Arizona: Places to Visit
Which places do you need to visit in Arizona? It's too hard to narrow down the list, even if we break it down by different categories. Instead, here is a snapshot of favorite destinations for people living in Arizona. Whether you are putting on your hiking shoes or looking to indulge yourself for a weekend, hopefully we have found something for everyone!
Lakes
As mentioned previously, Lake Pleasant is a particularly popular destination for locals, due in part to the huge number of recreational opportunities and the Lake’s close proximity to the Phoenix area. Whether you are looking to lounge on the beach, cast a line or enjoy some water sports, Lake Pleasant is just a quick drive north!
Hiking
Hiking might as well be a past time for people living in Arizona. The state is definitely prime real estate for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy adventure and being close to the natural beauty that is abundant. If you enjoy a good time filled with wanderlust, here are some of the most well-known places in Arizona to go hiking and camping.
Superstition Mountains
Just east of Mesa, the Superstition Mountains offer a huge array of hiking trails to fit any skill set.
Hikers in the area will enjoy views of some of the most unique geology in Arizona, including Weaver’s Needle and the Flat Iron.
In addition to the multiple hikes to fill your time, the richness of the area’s history and local legends help make the Superstition Mountains an enduring part of Arizona’s history.
Hikers in the area will enjoy views of some of the most unique geology in Arizona, including Weaver’s Needle and the Flat Iron.
In addition to the multiple hikes to fill your time, the richness of the area’s history and local legends help make the Superstition Mountains an enduring part of Arizona’s history.
Mt. Humphreys Peak
Eleven miles north of Flagstaff, Mt. Humphreys Peak is the highest spot in the whole state of Arizona.
While it is not exactly a convenient location for a quick afternoon for Phoenix-area residents, the elevation means that you should really stake out a larger part of a day to make the trip worth your while anyway.
That being said, the trail is very well maintained and typically not crowded. Once you hit the summit, the view from 12,633 feet will make all of your hard work worth the effort!
While it is not exactly a convenient location for a quick afternoon for Phoenix-area residents, the elevation means that you should really stake out a larger part of a day to make the trip worth your while anyway.
That being said, the trail is very well maintained and typically not crowded. Once you hit the summit, the view from 12,633 feet will make all of your hard work worth the effort!
Fossil Springs Trail
A wide and easy trail complimented by lush vegetation and beautiful springs of water makes a hike at Fossil Springs a great pick for the whole family.
However, because there is very little shade on this hike, you would be best served to save this trip to the trail near Camp Verde for a date in the early spring or late autumn when temperatures are friendlier. It is easy to get so caught up in the beauty of the trail that you could overestimate your endurance on a hot day!
However, because there is very little shade on this hike, you would be best served to save this trip to the trail near Camp Verde for a date in the early spring or late autumn when temperatures are friendlier. It is easy to get so caught up in the beauty of the trail that you could overestimate your endurance on a hot day!
Prescott National Forest
With around 1.25 million acres, Prescott National Forest has more hiking trails than most of us will ever tackle in our lifetimes.
This makes it an especially good choice for hiking enthusiasts who are interested in combining camping with their hiking excursion.
As a bonus, your route to and from the trailhead will mean you will be driving by some of the fine wineries we have also raved about elsewhere in this article!
This makes it an especially good choice for hiking enthusiasts who are interested in combining camping with their hiking excursion.
As a bonus, your route to and from the trailhead will mean you will be driving by some of the fine wineries we have also raved about elsewhere in this article!
Camping
Located above the town of Payson (about 2.5 hours by car from Phoenix), the Mogollon Rim is a popular camping destination for locals. Stretching across the Colorado Plateau, there are dozens of campsites available to accommodate numerous styles of camping. Whether you are a camper of the car, tent, or RV variety, there will be something for you. Check out the Mogollon Rim Ranger District’s website for specific information about each campground and whether or not you will need to plan on making reservations.
Wineries
Many people do not associate the Arizona desert with great wines. But the Grand Canyon state is actually home to 110 wineries, vineyards and cellars producing amazing wine of multiple varieties.
Whether you are a seasoned wine enthusiast or just interested in shaking things up and trying something new, visiting one of Arizona's wineries, vineyards or cellars is an exceptional way to spend an afternoon for residents living in Arizona.
Oak Creek Vineyards & Winery
Located in Cornville, just south of Sedona and a short hour and a half drive from Peoria, Oak Creek Vineyards & Winery has both a boutique and a tasting room. Their light menu and scenic views make for a perfect combination. Load up a picnic basket with some delicious snacks (and a bottle of your favorite varietal, of course) and find a shady spot on the winery’s grounds for a picnic.
Caduceus Cellars
Caduceus Cellars is located in Jerome and owned by Maynard James Keenan, the lead singer of the rock band Tool.
Want to hit up multiple vineyards on a single excursion? After designating your driver, head north to Cottonwood and hit up the multiple wineries dotting the road between there and Sedona.
Historic Cities in Arizona
While relatively young as a state, Arizona has an extensive history from its early Native American roots to the first Spanish and American settlers that occupied the territory before it became the 48th and last of the contiguous states to join the Union. Because of this rich history, Arizona is home to many cities and towns with historic charm.
Sedona
A town well known for its striking geography and new age arts scene, Sedona is a popular destination for folks looking to take advantage of its luxurious spas and abundant outdoor recreational opportunities.
In addition to things like stargazing and Jeep tours, the town is also home to many small art galleries and boutiques.
If you are looking to check out Sedona on a holiday weekend like Labor Day or Memorial Day, be sure to book your accommodations in advance! If you are able, try visiting during a non-holiday to avoid the crowds. And don’t leave without checking out the Chapel of the Holy Cross!
In addition to things like stargazing and Jeep tours, the town is also home to many small art galleries and boutiques.
If you are looking to check out Sedona on a holiday weekend like Labor Day or Memorial Day, be sure to book your accommodations in advance! If you are able, try visiting during a non-holiday to avoid the crowds. And don’t leave without checking out the Chapel of the Holy Cross!
Jerome
Located in central Arizona between Sedona and Prescott, Jerome is historically a mining town.
And while the population has decreased significantly since its heyday in the 1920s during peak copper-mining operations, the tiny town (current population around 400) has recreated itself as a top destination for tourists.
Between historic attractions and outdoor recreational opportunities, there is plenty to keep you occupied in this seemingly sleepy town.
And while the population has decreased significantly since its heyday in the 1920s during peak copper-mining operations, the tiny town (current population around 400) has recreated itself as a top destination for tourists.
Between historic attractions and outdoor recreational opportunities, there is plenty to keep you occupied in this seemingly sleepy town.
Tombstone
If you are a fan of the town’s namesake movie starring Sam Elliott and Val Kilmer, Tombstone should be one of the first historic towns in Arizona that you visit. (And if you are not a fan of the movie, honestly, who are you?)
Best known as the place where the famous gunfight at the O.K. Corral went down, the town has retained numerous historic buildings along its Main Street. In fact, you can watch reenactments of the gunfight at the corral where it all happened.
Take a tour of the Birdcage and grab some lunch at Big Nose Kate’s. Then take in all of the unique souvenirs sold at the multiple galleries and boutiques intermingled with the bars and restaurants on the primary drag.
Best known as the place where the famous gunfight at the O.K. Corral went down, the town has retained numerous historic buildings along its Main Street. In fact, you can watch reenactments of the gunfight at the corral where it all happened.
Take a tour of the Birdcage and grab some lunch at Big Nose Kate’s. Then take in all of the unique souvenirs sold at the multiple galleries and boutiques intermingled with the bars and restaurants on the primary drag.
Cave Creek
Just 27 miles north of Phoenix, Cave Creek is a convenient small-town getaway with just around 5,000 residents.
Frontier Town and the Cave Creek Museum are both great destinations for checking out historic buildings – the Cave Creek Museum’s Tubercular Cabin is even on the National Register of Historic Places. That cabin was used as a sanitarium in use during the 1920s.
Other historic buildings have been repurposed for multiple things ranging from restaurants to boutiques. If you have got an afternoon to kill, it is definitely worth checking out. Be sure to grab lunch at Indian Village!
Frontier Town and the Cave Creek Museum are both great destinations for checking out historic buildings – the Cave Creek Museum’s Tubercular Cabin is even on the National Register of Historic Places. That cabin was used as a sanitarium in use during the 1920s.
Other historic buildings have been repurposed for multiple things ranging from restaurants to boutiques. If you have got an afternoon to kill, it is definitely worth checking out. Be sure to grab lunch at Indian Village!
The Grand Canyon
What guide to living in Arizona would be complete without a tribute to the Grand Canyon? Over a mile deep in some areas and an impressive 277 miles long, there are multiple ways to enjoy the Canyon which warrant multiple trips.
The North Rim is typically only open from the middle of May through the middle of October, whereas the South Rim is open year round. Plan accordingly.
The next step is to decide which type of Grand Canyon experience you are up for.
Whether you choose a helicopter tour, a hike, skydiving, rafting or a casual view from select scenic spots (like the Skywalk), you are sure to be amazed at the striking depth of the Canyon as it has been worn down by the Colorado River for billions of years. It is little wonder that the Grand Canyon is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World.