9 Of The Greatest Destinations Most Arizonans Overlook
By Monica Spencer|Published April 08, 2018
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Monica Spencer
Author
Monica is a Diné (Navajo) freelance writer and photographer based in the Southwest. Born in Gallup and raised in Phoenix, she is Tódich'ii'nii (Bitter Water People) and Tsi'naajinii (Black Streak Wood People). Monica is a staff writer for Only In Your State, photo editor for The Mesa Legend, and previously a staff writer for The Navajo Post. You can reach her at monica.d.spencer@gmail.com.
If you were to look at the average tourist guide for Arizona, chances are you’ll find recommendations for major attractions like the Grand Canyon and Sedona. If, however, you prefer visiting the little spots that make Arizona such a unique destination, then you might want to check out these nine often overlooked places. Whether it’s a look at the state’s history, a chance to wander through beautiful landscapes, or even exploring a side of the state you’ve never seen before, you’ll find some fascinating aspects of Arizona here.
You’ll need to hike a few miles to get to this hot spring near the Colorado River but the steaming spring is worth the effort! You’ll want to visit within the month or once the fall season arrives, however, since the temperatures are starting to rise around the state.
Love dinosaurs and geology? You will love visiting this unique little museum in Mesa where you can learn an extraordinary amount about Arizona’s natural history.
What do you get when you combine a zoo, museum, and botanical garden? This cool spot in Tucson where you can learn more about the desert environment and the wildlife that exists here!
This tiny town sits quiet and alone about a mile off Highway 93, but the quirky atmosphere is something you won’t find elsewhere. Visit for a small town experience, their historical "ghost town" attraction, murals, and some interesting yard art.
This canyon is truly a hidden gem; you can’t even see it from the road! You’ll need to drive a little way off the highway to access the canyon’s rim but it is definitely one pretty spot that you won’t want to miss.
If you want to visit a true ghost town, then we recommend checking out Fairbank. A short drive from Tombstone and Sierra Vista, Fairbank’s buildings and surrounding areas are slowly being restored to better preserve the history here for future generations.
This nature park is actually an exotic animal sanctuary that permanently houses rescued wildlife. During a tour here, you can learn about the stories behind each animal and how they have thrived in their new home.
If you’re planning a trip to Monument Valley, then you’ll want to plan a stop at the nearby Navajo National Monument. This park is hidden away, but you’ll have an incredible opportunity to see some of the best preserved ancient cliff dwellings in the state!
If you’ve ever wanted to visit a living ghost town or see a truly unique attraction on Route 66, be sure to visit Oatman. This former mining town is home to well-preserved buildings, Wild West attractions, and even wild burros wandering the dirt streets!
