Central Arizona Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Central Arizona
Central Arizona
Taliesin West showing a house
Central Arizona
Central Arizona

Sprawling urban spaces spread out across deserts of breathtaking, dusk-red beauty in the geographical and cultural heart of Arizona. 

Experience an exhilarating combination of modern cities, old-world towns and untouched wilderness in sunny Central Arizona. Enjoy world-class museums and restaurants one day, then become a cowboy on a working ranch the next. Stylish resort spas tempt visitors to indulge in luxury, while biking and hiking trails promise grittier experiences of this exciting region.

Central Arizona is rich with Native American history the Heard Museum offers one of the most in-depth overviews of American Indian cultures in the western U.S. Explore the ancient, cliff-side dwellings of Montezuma Castle to learn about the Sinagua people who carved homes in the rocks.

Vast stretches of Central Arizona are taken up by its trendy, leisure-focused cities. Explore Phoenix, the home of family-friendly attractions such as the Arizona Science Center and Phoenix Zoo. Ramble through the huge South Mountain Park, one of the largest municipal parks in the U.S.

Chic Mesa is a popular shopping, golfing and leisure destination. Hop between the movie theaters, galleries and exhibition rooms of the Mesa Arts Center. Walk around downtown for hours of shopping, passing multiple public art installations.

Put on your cowboy boots and visit working ranches in the atmospheric western town of Wickenburg. Several ranches offer horseback rides, lasso lessons and hands-on cowboy experiences. Learn more about ranching history at the Desert Caballeros Western Museum.

Cycle through the red hills of North Central Arizona in the region outside Sedona. This wild area offers the outdoor escapes of Oak Creek Canyon, where you can follow breathtaking scenic drives or hike along a river.

The old western towns of Jerome and Prescott offer visitors a flavor of cowboy and mining life. Watch bucking broncos at the self-styled World’s Oldest Rodeo or simply stroll around beautifully preserved 19th-century streets.

Fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, one of the busiest air travel hubs in the state, then rent a car to explore this expansive region. The sun is almost always shining in Central Arizona, making it a warm and welcoming destination throughout the year.

Where to stay in Central Arizona

Downtown Phoenix showing signage and night scenes

Downtown Phoenix

4/5(14 area reviews)

Known for its ample dining options and great live music, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Phoenix. You can visit top attractions like Chase Field and PHX Arena, and jump on the metro at 12th Street - Jefferson Station or 12th Street - Washington Station to see more of the city.

Downtown Phoenix
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Old Town

Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Scottsdale Waterfront to Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West – discover Old Town, a destination also famous for its shopping.

Old Town
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Camelback East

1/5(1 area review)

You might take some time to check out the abundant dining options in Camelback East. Spend some time visiting top spots like Biltmore Fashion Park, and catch the metro at 44th Street - Washington Station or 50th Street Station to see more of the area.

Camelback East
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East Mesa

4/5(1 area review)

While you're in East Mesa, take in top sights like Salt River Tubing and jump on the metro at Superstition Springs Transit Center to see more of the city.

East Mesa
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Central Scottsdale

4.5/5(2 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Central Scottsdale, Scottsdale Ranch Park and Starfire Golf Club at Scottsdale Country Club are top sights worth seeing.

Central Scottsdale
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Paradise Valley Village

While visiting Paradise Valley Village, you might make a stop by sights like Kierland Commons and Orange Tree Golf Course.

Paradise Valley Village
Talking Stick Resort

Talking Stick Resort

4 out of 5
9800 E. Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, AZ
Stay at this 4-star spa resort in Scottsdale. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (3,629 reviews)
"Had an amazing stay"

Reviewed on 4 Aug. 2025

Talking Stick Resort
FOUNDRE Phoenix

FOUNDRE Phoenix

4 out of 5
1100 N Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Phoenix. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,929 reviews)
"Very beautiful art loved the stay staff was very helpful"

Reviewed on 4 Aug. 2025

FOUNDRE Phoenix
Hilton Phoenix Tapatio Cliffs Resort

Hilton Phoenix Tapatio Cliffs Resort

4 out of 5
11111 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$236 per night from 13 Aug to 14 Aug
AU$236
13 Aug - 14 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this spa resort in Phoenix. Enjoy free parking, 7 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in our ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (2,012 reviews)
"Nice family stay."

Reviewed on 4 Aug. 2025

Hilton Phoenix Tapatio Cliffs Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Scottsdale Camelback Resort

Scottsdale Camelback Resort

4 out of 5
6302 E Camelback Rd, Scottsdale, AZ
Stay at this 4-star spa condo in Scottsdale. Enjoy free parking, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,171 reviews)
"Jetted tub in villas, monopole trail, putting green, excellent cable channels, friendly and knowledgeable staff, villas are well stocked with almost everything including washer, dryer and dishwasher. Friendly service makes a BIG difference to us, plus they were very helpful with our desires."

Reviewed on 25 Jul. 2025

Scottsdale Camelback Resort
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Scottsdale Old Town

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Scottsdale Old Town

2 out of 5
3275 N Drinkwater Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Scottsdale. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (33 reviews)
Great, except breakfast
"Front desk staff were excellent. Rooms were nice. Several little areas we could see trim was coming off etc but overall condition was nice. Breakfast was lacking (no coffee, waffles only on certain days because the batter wasn't "ordered right")"

Reviewed on 5 Aug. 2025

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Scottsdale Old Town
Sentral Old Town

Sentral Old Town

4 out of 5
4753 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, AZ
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Scottsdale. Enjoy a fitness center, parking (surcharge), and a pool table. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (454 reviews)
"I like how secure the property is. The location is the perfect walking distance to everything one likes to experience at old Scottsdale. It is a five minute walk to Fashion Square! The apartment is modern and the bed is very comfortable with high quality linens. We will definitely revisit."

Reviewed on 22 Jul. 2025

Sentral Old Town
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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