Most People Don't Know These 10 Hidden Gems In Arizona Even Exist
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Monica Spencer
Author
Have you already visited most of Arizona’s must-see locations? If you’re looking for a new spot that doesn’t regularly get much press, you will want to check out one of these offbeat attractions in Arizona. Let’s take a closer look at the best hidden gems in Arizona.
1. Alwun House, Phoenix
1204 E Roosevelt St, Phoenix, AZ 85006, USA
This Victorian-era bungalow home now lives as a lively member of the Phoenix art scene on Roosevelt Row. Alwun House serves as an art gallery, studio, and venue for local artists.
2. A scenic drive along Apache Trail
Arizona 88, AZ-88, Apache Junction, AZ, USA
Choose a sunny day with a 0% chance of rain and 100% self-confidence for this drive that all Arizonans should do at least once. Windy, and at times scary, this scenic drive offers beautiful views of the desert between Apache Junction and Tonto National Monument. If you have the time, you may want to make a day of it and do the circle route, which extends down to Globe, across to Florence, and then back to Apache Junction.
Take a virtual drive along this gorgeous road:
Take a virtual drive along this gorgeous road:
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3. DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun, Tucson
6300 N Swan Rd, Tucson, AZ 85718, USA
If you were an artist, do you think you would also design the frame that would contain your artwork? What about the gallery? That's what Ted DeGrazia did in the 1950s when he designed and built the Gallery in the Sun. Its unique atmosphere creates the perfect setting for his artwork and traveling collections from other artists.
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4. Nina Mason Pulliam Rio Salado Audubon Center, Phoenix
3131 S Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85040, USA
For a touch of the wild in central Phoenix, pay a visit to the Rio Salado Audubon Center, which is a nature center along the Salt River. It shows off the natural riparian habitat of the river and is home to local and migrating wildlife.
5. Signal Hill, Saguaro National Park
Saguaro National Park, Arizona, USA
Aside from some pretty desert views, you will also find some old and stunning petroglyphs along a short trail at the picnic area. The art is estimated to be at least 1,000 years old.
Signal Hill is located on the western side of Saguaro National Park, just off Golden Gate Road.
Get a close up look at the petroglyphs at Signal Hill:
Get a close up look at the petroglyphs at Signal Hill:
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6. Strawberry Schoolhouse Museum, Strawberry
9277 Fossil Creek Rd, Strawberry, AZ 85544, USA
The oldest schoolhouse in Arizona, the Strawberry Schoolhouse, was built in 1884 as a log cabin and served local children until its closure in 1916. Between then and it becoming a part of the Arizona Historical Society, the building was a home to many residents and faced a slow deterioration. In the 1980s the schoolhouse was restored and has been open to the public since.
The Strawberry Schoolhouse is located on Fossil Creek Road, west of Highway 87 in Strawberry.
7. Tumacácori National Historical Park
1891 I-19 Frontage Rd, Tumacacori-Carmen, AZ 85640, USA
The San Xavier del Bac Mission gets a lot of love and for good reason—it's well-preserved and an absolute beauty. However, another Spanish-era mission located in southern Arizona is Mission San Jose de Tumacácori near Tubac, which was founded in 1691 and the present church was built in 1757. The site never had a stable presence however; it was the site of the O'odham Uprising in 1751, its Jesuit priests were expelled by Spain in 1768, and was abandoned shortly after the Mexican-American War.
Take a closer look at this historical place:
Take a closer look at this historical place:
8. Valley of the Moon, Tucson
2544 E Allen Rd, Tucson, AZ 85716, USA
There's an extended, local history behind this place which you can read in further detail on their website, but essentially the Valley of the Moon comes down to this: it is a quirky, whimsical attraction dedicated to the imagination.
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9. Walnut Canyon National Monument
Walnut Canyon National Monument, Arizona, USA
I think most of us have seen the cliff dwellings at either Canyon de Chelly or Montezuma's Castle. Another place to check out similar unique homes is Walnut Canyon, where the dwellings were built along the canyon ledges. The walk to see the dwellings requires a lot of stair climbing so make sure to work out those leg and hip muscles in advance and bring an extra bottled water.
To get to Walnut Canyon from Flagstaff, drive east on I-40 then head south at Exit 204. Drive approximately three miles to the visitor center.
10. Wupatki National Monument
86004, Flagstaff, AZ 86004, USA
A collection of old ruins dating as early as the 11th century, some of the buildings at Wupatki National Monument still stand surprisingly strong and tall all these centuries later.
The National Park Service recommends driving north from Flagstaff along US-89 to the Sunset Crater entrance. From here, drive along Loop Road to the Wupatki Visitor Center.
What are some other hidden gems in Arizona you think don’t get the attention they deserve? Let us know in the comments. If you’re looking for more places like this, hit the road on this road trip to other hidden gems in Arizona.
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More to Explore
Wonderful Attractions in Arizona
What are the most unique festivals in Arizona?
The most unique festivals in Arizona include:
- Dillinger Days in Tucson. This festival celebrates the gangster culture of the 1920s and 1930s and people get dressed to the nines for it.
- Roasted Chile Festival in Tucson. Nothing says Arizona, and especially Tucson, like roasted chiles, and you find the best here.
- Vigilante Days in Tombstone. Tombstone is famous for Old West history and culture and it is celebrated in style at this festival.
- Street Eats in Scottsdale. This is one of the largest food truck gatherings in the nation and you’ll find so much amazing food here.
Discover more about the most unique festivals in Arizona.
What are the most unique hotels in Arizona?
The most unique hotels in Arizona include:
- El Tovar at the Grand Canyon. This historic lodge is the perfect place to stay when taking a trip to the gorgeous Grand Canyon.
- Page Boy Motel in Page. This quaint 1960s hotel is the best place from which to explore the tiny, charming town of Page.
- Jerome Grand Hotel in Jerome. This was once a hospital and is now a hotel that is said to be haunted, yet guests still love it here.
- The Globetrotter Motel in Holbrook. This kitschy motel is quite stylish and the staff is so friendly.
Learn more about the most unique hotels in Arizona.
What are some hidden gem attractions in Arizona?
Some hidden gem attractions in Arizona include:
- Coronado Trail Scenic Byway. This is a lovely drive in a part of Arizona most people don’t see. The forests here are gorgeous.
- Tonto National Monument. This area has a ton of wildlife and is strewn with ancient cliff dwellings.
- Walnut Canyon National Monument. While there are many areas with cliff dwellings, this one lets you get up close.
- Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness. This is a stunning canyon that only lets 50 people at a time in to preserve its beauty.
Learn more about these and other hidden gem attractions in Arizona.