Arizona Travel Ideas

Ah...Arizona. Not only is it home to the most breathtaking natural landmark in the United States, the Grand Canyon, it also has a variety of historical sights, spas and family attractions to keep you entertained. The deserts, mountains, canyons and overall beauty appeals to tourists and outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. From planning a honeymoon to deciding on a family vacation, Arizona offers many activities, like rock climbing and viewing wildlife, which create vacation memories that will last a lifetime.

Riordan Mansion State Historic Park

Located in the northern Arizona town of Flagstaff, this park's centerpiece is its sprawling, 40-room mansion. The mansion was built in 1904 for two brothers and their families. It still contains its original furniture and heirlooms. The park tells the history of the Riordan family and the family's contribution to the rise of this small logging town. Guided tours are available, but call ahead for reservations.

409 West Riordan Road
Flagstaff, Arizona 86001
(928) 779-4395
azstateparks.com/Parks/RIMA/index.html

Raft the Grand Canyon

If you're up for an adventure, white water rafting through the Grand Canyon will give you an unforgettable look at the iconic Arizona landmark. Experienced guides are available to safely take you on this journey. White water rafting trips with Wilderness River Adventures last between 3 and 16 days, depending on which trip you decide to take.

Wilderness River Adventures
P.O. Box 717
Page, Arizona 86040
(800) 992-8022
riveradventures.com

Aji Spa at Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa

This spa offers its clients Native American healing and relaxation treatments, which will soothe the body and the spirit. Their experts use natural remedies with ingredients from the surrounding land, such as red clay from the Gila River. Aji Spa boasts 17 rooms, a traditional roundhouse and a fitness center.

Aji Spa at Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa
5594 West Wild Horse Pass Boulevard
Chandler, Arizona 85226
(602) 225-0100
wildhorsepassresort.com/spa-wild-horse-pass.html

Out of Africa Wildlife Park

This open area wildlife preserve has lions, giraffes, leopards, wolves, hyenas and many more African animals. It's a wonderful chance to see wild animals in an open space. You can even feed tigers, pet giant snakes or hop in a jeep and take an African safari, which allows close contact with the animals.

Out of Africa Wildlife Park
3505 West Highway 260
Camp Verde, Arizona 86322
(928) 567-2840
outofafricapark.com

Golfland Sunsplash

This water park has 16 water slides and a 450,000-gallon wave pool. Sunsplash has intense slides, like the Sidewinder, which drops you five stories to the bottom. It's also kid friendly, with a children's area just right for the little ones. Open during the summer, Golfland Sunsplash is attached to an arcade and a miniature golf course, if you aren't inclined to get wet.

Golfland Sunsplash
155 W. Hampton Avenue
Mesa, Arizona 85210
(480) 834-8319
golfland.com/mesa/attractions.asp

Resources

Arizona Office of Tourism

Article Written By Kelsey Childress

Kelsey Childress runs a freelance creative business called Awen Creative that specializes in SEO Web content, social media marketing and blogging. She has been writing for online and in-print publications for over six years, and has a bachelor's degree in English literature and creative writing from Kansas State University.

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