This Southwestern State Has World-famous Landscapes, Luxury Spas, and Award-winning Food and Wine

It’s hard to separate Arizona from the mile-deep Grand Canyon that runs through it or the vast desert that covers much of the landscape, but ask anyone who lives in Arizona and they’ll tell you the state offers so much more.

“Although our national reputation is informed largely by our spectacular deserts, Arizona delivers an unexpected palate of natural areas that rival landscapes found across the world,” said Lisa Urias, the CEO and executive deputy director of the Arizona Office of Tourism, in an email interview with Travel + Leisure. For her, what makes the state so special “is how these diverse places combine, along with amazing weather, dining, shopping and recreation opportunities, to present a one-of-a-kind Arizona experience.”

The natural landscape is what first draws most people to Arizona. The state has three national parks that showcase it’s broad range of terrain — the layered red rock of the Grand Canyon, the giant saguaro cacti at Saguaro National Park, and the Rainbow Forest of colorful petrified wood at Petrified Forest National Park — along with one-off sites that people travel all over the world to see — Havasu Falls, Antelope Canyon, and The Wave in the Paria Canyon-Vermillion Wilderness. 

But again, there is more to Arizona than stunning landscapes. The state has over 100 wineries and almost the same number of craft breweries, some of the nation’s top spas (including Castle Hot Springs, which always tops T+L World’s Best Awards survey), and more than its fair share of James Beard-nominated chefs and restaurants.

To help us dive in and discover this warm-weather state, we chatted with Urias along with a local chef and shop owner who shared some of their favorite spots across the state. To keep things organized, we broke down our guide by city, focusing on metropolises like Phoenix, Tucson, and Scottsdale along with smaller communities like Sedona, Flagstaff, and Bisbee.

Phoenix

Things To Do

Desert Botanical Garden

The flora of the desert is the focus at this 140-acre botanical garden in Papago Park. It’s a great way to see the state’s famous saguaro cacti without leaving the city and Gertrude’s restaurant within the park is a local favorite. 

Phoenix Art Museum

The Phoenix Art Museum has a lovely collection of acclaimed international art, but there is one exhibit that stands out. Yayoi Kusama’s “Fireflies Infinity Mirror Room” is an exhibit you have to experience to understand — LED lights and mirrors in a dark room allow visitors to feel as though they are surrounded by fireflies. 

Phoenix Mountains Preserve

This preserve — which encompasses some of the largest city parks in the world — is located in the heart of Central Phoenix. Inside this city sanctuary you’ll find over 20 hiking trails. Set your sights on summiting Piestewa Peak or warm up on the more moderate Piestewa Nature Trail.

Best Hotels & Resorts

JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort + Spa

In addition to AAA, four-diamond rating, this modern hotel sits on the northside of Phoenix near the Cave Buttes Recreation Area and the Phoenix Mountain Preserve. There's also a spa, golf course, and five outdoor pools.

Royal Palms Resort and Spa

The Royal Palms was the only Phoenix hotel to make T+L’s 2023 World’s Best Awards. Readers loved its original Spanish Colonial Revival architecture and location near Camelback Mountain. 

The Global Ambassador

This brand-new property opened in 2023 under the direction and vision of 12-time James Beard Award nominee Sam Fox, country singer Dierks Bentley, basketball star Devin Booker, and former NFL player Larry Fitzgerald. The result is a 141-room property built around a plaza courtyard with five new restaurants. , which will sit at the convergence of Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Paradise Valley with Camelback Mountain as a backdrop.

Best Restaurants

Chilte

Renowned chef Angelo Sosa (who opened Tía Carmen and Kembara in Phoenix) can’t get enough of Chilte. "One of my favorites is Chilte in Phoenix, which is owned by a husband and wife who come from very humble beginnings. The food is so authentic to them, showcasing their incredible interpretation of Mexican food and they do a great job highlighting the region with local ingredients.”

Tarbell’s

The chic and upscale Tarbell’s is a favorite of Urias, who calls it one of his all-time favorite places. The eatery is run by chef Mark Tarbell and is known for “consistently delivering an outstanding seasonal menu paired with Arizona wine recommendations and top-notch service,” according to Urias.

Tía Carmen

As the restaurant name implies, Tía Carmen pays homage to chef Sosa’s Aunt Carmen. He has created a menu of dishes that “pay homage to the beauty of the Southwest’s stories, land, and farmers through the dining experience.”

Best Shopping

Frances

This modern boutique has a well curated selection of clothing, jewelry, home goods, and gifts — with a special focus on Arizona-inspired souvenirs. 

Made Art Boutique

The focus at this shop is supporting local artists by showcasing and selling their work. It has a great community vibe with a great selection of jewelry, cards, candles, ceramics, and gifts. The neighboring Eye Lounge art space and Greenwood Brewery make it easy to spend half exploring this corner of downtown Phoenix.

Practical Art

If you’re interested in sustainable art and gifts, head to Practical Art, which is all about using discarded items to create something fresh. In total, the retail and gallery space features the work of over 200 local artists. 

Nightlife

Rough Rider

With a central location on Roosevelt Row, this restaurant and bar goes out of its way to create a vibe for its customers. The surroundings are retro and the cocktails are Victorian-era inspired.

Urias notes, “Taking the speakeasy-feeling single elevator down to the below-ground space transports guests back in time to the style and fashion of the 19th Century.”

Century Grand

All three interviewees called out Century Grand as the spot in Phoenix to grab a drink. “Just looking over the drink menu is a whole experience in itself!" said Kristin Tovar, owner of the Tucson shop Why I Love Where I Live. 

Sosa agreed, noting that “Without question, my favorite cocktail bar is Century Grand – I truly believe what Jason Asher is doing over there is pushing the envelope of what Arizona’s food and beverage industry is capable of, while guiding us to become a more bar-forward state.”

UnderTow

Grabbing a drink at the subterranean UnderTow bar is an experience. The space is inspired by an old-world ship and the drinks are tiki-style, creating a fun, hip atmosphere that’s great for a night out. Tovar calls it an “Immersive cocktail experience,” noting that there’s a second location in Gilbert, Arizona.

Tucson

Things To Do 

Saguaro National Park

This national park sprawls northeast of Tucson, but it would be impossible to leave it off this list. The park is one of the few places where you can find the giant saguaro cacti, which is native to the desert, along with petroglyphs of the ancient Hohokam people.

Barrio Viejo

Walking through Tucson’s Barrio Viejo neighborhood is a must. It’s the largest barrio in the U.S. and recently received a National Historic Landmark designation. As you explore, don’t miss a visit to the restored Teatro Carmen theater, Tucson's first Spanish-language theater and the one-time home of the Black Elks Club.

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

This museum is more than you might expect. It contains a zoo, aquarium, botanical garden, art gallery, and a natural history museum. It even has two miles of walking paths traversing desert landscape. There’s truly something for everyone.

Hotels & Resorts

The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain

It’s always hard to top a Ritz-Carlton and in this case, the property is elevated even further by its natural surroundings — the Tortolita Mountains and the Wild Burro Canyon, which is a short five minute walk from the property. Tovar sums it up, explaining that the property “takes the natural beauty of the desert and elevates it with all the comfort and convenience one could ask for!”

Arizona Inn

The Arizona Inn doesn’t have the notoriety of a Ritz-Carlton, but it is Arizona famous for its charming ambiance that feels truly and authentically southwestern. Plus it’s been family owned and run since 1930. 

Urias calls it “a uniquely charming boutique Tucson hotel that really embraces the spirit of the Southwest. The family-owned and operated historic property offers guests the chance to unwind in beautiful casita-style accommodations, enjoy amazing views and dine at award-winning restaurants.”

Loews Ventana Canyon Resort

The Loews in Tucson has all sorts of accolades to its name, including a spot in T+L’s 2022 Reader’s Choice Awards. Its Lakeside Spa was recognized by Architectural Digest for its desert beauty and it has on-site golf, tennis, and pools. 

Best Restaurants

Cup Cafe

The Cup Cafe is a special place for Tucson locals. It’s tucked inside the circa-1919 Hotel Congress and plays into the history by serving house-made sweets from an old-school dessert carousel and serving up local-ingredient-heavy breakfast and lunch. 

Tovar says it “is a cozy spot to be nourished by food and history,” calling it out as one of her favorite spots in Tucson.

Tito & Pep

With a cute name and even cuter decor, this restaurant and bar bills itself as “Midtown’s neighborhood bistro.” They live up to the claim by serving a menu of Southwest mesquite-fired cuisine and a hefty cocktail list and have earned a nod from the James Beard Foundation along with rave local reviews.

Aqui Con El Nene

For authentic eats, head down to Aqui Con El Nene, which has long served up dishes from Ciudad Obregon, Sonora, where the owner is from. Along with what was named one of the world’s best hot dogs (yes, you read that right), Aqui Con El Nene has an award-winning taco (Taco Yaqui) and a Mexican-style baked potato stuffed with melty cheese, mushrooms, and carne asada (Papancha).

Best Shopping 

Pop Cycle

This downtown gift shop has been open since 2008, with a mission of promoting local art made from recycled and reused materials. The cute and eclectic storefront tells you everything you need: this shop is packed full of hats, cards, shirts, earrings, and bolo ties — all made from recycled or reused goods. 

In addition to being your go-to spot for upcycled gifts, Tovar says the items at Pop Cycle, “speak to a type of resiliency and resourcefulness that those living in the desert embody.”

Why I Love Where I Live

With unfailing positivity and curiosity, this little shop takes on a big mission: To encourage people to “love where you live and seek its good, regardless of where that is.” It’s a big mission for a little shop, whose goods are wonderfully and creatively Tucson-centric. You’ll find cactus everything — keychains, necklaces, mugs, shirts — and bright and colorful items that bring a little dose of happiness to the recipient.

Old Town Artisans

If you only have time to stop at one shop during your trip to Tucson, pack a punch by visiting Old Town Artisans, a collection of shops selling Southwest-centric local art, vintage clothing and jewelry, records, and handcrafted Native-made art and gifts.

Nightlife 

The Century Room

This beautiful jazz club brings in both local and national acts, which are enjoyed alongside a menu of small batch mezcals and craft cocktails. 

“The Century Room in Tucson offers a chance to enter into another world through rhythms and dazzling cocktails featuring mezcal and agave spirits that leave your palate with a smooth and satisfying taste of the desert,” said Tovar.

Sedona

Things To Do

Montezuma Castle National Monument

Okay, okay, so technically this national monument is 30 minutes south of Sedona in Camp Verde, Arizona, but it’s such a stunning example of Arizona’s long human history that we made an exception. The monument protects a 20-room “high-rise apartment” that is built into the cliffs and was used by the Sinagua people, a pre-Columbian culture. It is well worth the drive.

Soldier Pass to Brins Mesa Loop

It wouldn’t be a trip to Sedona without a hike on one of the many trails — almost all of which showcase the area’s beautiful red rock formations. The Soldier Pass to Brins Mesa Loop trail is a standout in that regard, leading hikers to a cave carved into a rock wall (Soldiers Cave) and a series of seven natural pools set in red sandstone (Seven Sacred Pools). 

Beyond the obvious visual appeal of this hiking trail, Sosa says the energy of Sedona is especially powerful when you’re traveling on two feet. He notes that “Sedona is really breathtaking and the native vortexes and energy will leave you awestruck.” Parking at the Soldier Pass trailhead is limited, so we recommend hopping on Sedona’s free shuttle. The loop can also be crowded and hot, so starting out early in the morning is advised.

Chapel of the Holy Cross

This is no ordinary church. The Chapel of the Holy Cross is built on top of a natural red rock formation in the Coconino National Forest. People come from all over the world to worship — or enjoy the views over the Sedona landscape. 

Best Hotels & Resorts 

Enchantment Resort

It’s all about returning to nature at Enchantment Resort, a secluded property that’s surrounded on all sides by wilderness. The goal here is to reconnect — with nature and with yourself. 

T+L readers love the property, ranking it among the best resorts in Arizona in 2023, and the sentiment is backed up by Sosa who says, “If you’ve never been to Enchantment Resort in Sedona, you really should visit. The rooms really pay homage to the region and native tribes, and the resort’s location, along with the beautiful starry night skies, are magical."

L’Auberge de Sedona

T+L readers just adore this property, ranking it No. 5 in the list of best Arizona hotels and resorts for 2023, and giving it a 91.02 rating out of 100. The five-star property is set along the banks of Oak Creek in the heart of Sedona and has one of the city’s best restaurants.

Mii amo

For an all-inclusive experience that includes spa treatments, there is no place like Mii amo. The upscale spa resort is set in the beautiful Boynton Canyon, offering guests bungalows under cottonwood trees — some with outdoor showers, private massage rooms, and beehive fireplaces.

Sosa calls a visit to Mii amo a “Arizona Bucket List item,” noting that it is a destination spa for those who want “to experience an outdoor massage surrounded by the red rock canyons, where you can actually feel the vortex and energy during the treatment."

Best Restaurants

Cress on Oak Creek

The food at Cress on Oak Creek is lovely — their fine-dining menu is full of seasonal New American and French-inspired cuisine — but the location is what makes this restaurant a must-visit. It’s set along Oak Creek, allowing those lucky enough to snag a table on the outdoor patio a dining experience accented by greenery, fresh air, and the sound of moving water. The eatery is part of L’Auberge de Sedona.

Elote Cafe

This award-winning spot serves up a mix of modern Mexican and Southwestern cuisine. You’ll find inspiration from Oaxaca, Veracruz, Puebla, and Arizona in the menu, which is famous for their namesake elote, fire-roasted corn served with spicy mayo, lime, and cotija cheese.

Best Shopping

Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village

If you want to shop, start your journey at Tlaquepaque, which is easily Sedona’s most distinctive shopping experience. It’s outdoors and designed after a traditional Mexican village, with stucco walls, cobble pathways, and decorative arches. The village is full of little gems — galleries, restaurants, and boutiques.

Exposures International Gallery of Fine Art

Sedona has a wonderful art scene, and one of the city’s best and largest is Exposures International Gallery of Fine Art, an art hub that showcases the work of almost 100 living artists. Inside you’ll find everything from jewelry to paintings and sculptures. 

Sedona Artist Market

If you’re interested in picking up a piece of local art, head to the Sedona Artist Market, a 8,000-square-foot gallery that showcases the work of over 150 local artists. You’ll find paintings, jewelry, pottery, and sculptures, along with souvenirs, gifts, and home decor. 

Scottsdale

Things To Do 

TPC Scottsdale

Golf is a major Scottsdale pastime, and for good reason. TPC Scottsdale, an award-winning course, hosts the largest-attended golf tournament in the world, the WM Phoenix Open. You too can play on TPC’s PGA Tour-quality greens 

Tom’s Thumb Trail

Hiking in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve is a must when you’re in Scottsdale and this four-mile-out-and-back trail is a fan favorite. The hike is short and steep, but at the top, you’ll be treated to views over the McDowell Mountains and Phoenix. Tom’s Thumb is one of the many trails that criss-cross the 30,500-acre preserve that is considered one of Scottsdale’s true gems. 

Taliesin West

This home-turned-landmark was once the winter home and studio of architect Frank Lloyd Wright. The home is open to public tours and is a wonderful example of a modern structure being at one with the desert landscape. 

Best Hotels & Resorts

Sanctuary Camelback Mountain, A Gurney’s Resort & Spa

This resort was the No. 3 pick for T+L readers in the 2023 World’s Best Awards. It’s the sort of property that has everything: a 12,000-square-foot spa, a fitness center, swimming pools, and tennis courts. The setting near Camelback Mountain is just stunning and the resort is set on 53 acres that include lush gardens and desert landscape.

Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale

This five-star property was another resort called out by T+L readers in the annual survey. The rooms have an authentic Southwest feel, with deep soaking tubs and private balconies with airy views. The entire property is nestled in the foothills of Scottsdale’s towering Pinnacle Peak, providing plenty of inspiration to get outside and explore.

Hotel Valley Ho

For a downtown Scottsdale stay, there’s no place like Hotel Valley Ho, which was built in 1956 and retained its mid-century-modern architecture. Some cool and contemporary updates make this retro spot colorful, happy, and full of photo inspo. (P.S. It too was recognized by T+L travelers in 2023.)

Best Restaurants

FnB Restaurant

This eatery in downtown Scottsdale has been a local go-to since it opened in 2009. It received an award from the James Beard Foundation in 2019 for best chef and two recognitions for its Arizona-only wine program. The menu is full of dishes featuring Arizona-grown food and the flavors practically jump off the plate.

The Mission

There are two Mission restaurants in Scottsdale, but we’re focusing on the Old Town location, which has a glowing Himalayan salt block wall. The warm glow and flickering candles set the stage for a cozy and romantic dining experience that features Latin cuisine accented by homemade tortillas and fresh salsa. 

Jenna Leurquin Patisserie

If you crave the offerings of a French patisserie, this spot in Scottsdale is the place to go. Jenna Leurquin Patisserie, aka JL Patisserie, was a semifinalist in the James Beard Foundation 2023 list for its outstanding baked goods — including macarons, quiche, croissant, cakes and pies. They also offer online and in-person baking classes. 

Best Shopping

Vintage by Misty

This locally owned consignment shop has become renowned by shoppers around the U.S. for its collection of designer vintage clothing and high-end (second-hand) jewelry and accessories. The curated shop specializes in vintage items from the '60s to the early '90s — but you never know what you’ll find inside the tiny shopfront.

Scottsdale Marketplace

Over 35 shops makeup this sprawling market, which has everything from antiques and home decor to gifts and garden accessories. It’s the sort of place where you find a statement piece for your living room or a one-of-a-kind gift for the person who has everything.

Art One Gallery

It doesn’t get more local than Art One Gallery. Since 1993, the shop has showcased the work of local high school and college students and independent Arizona artists. The work is colorful, eclectic, and completely unique.

Nightlife

Citizen Public House

Citizen Public House has a full food menu (that’s superb), but we’re focusing on their drinks and atmosphere, which they bill as “new fashioned fun.” There’s a daily social hour from 4 to 6 p.m. and a drink menu that includes pitchers of draft cocktails that you can bring home with you.

Handlebar J

This BBQ spot has an Old West vibe that extends into the night, when country musicians take the stage almost nightly. The saloon feel is perfect for the weekly line dancing and country two-step dance classes, or a night of BBQ ribs and beer with friends.

Flagstaff

Things To Do

Lowell Observatory

Flagstaff was the world's first International Dark Sky Community (a designation that rings true today!), so many people come to experience the dark, starry skies. The city’s Lowell Observatory is a must visit for space lovers — it is where Pluto was discovered in 1930.

Museum of Northern Arizona

The city of Flagstaff is one of the Arizona communities most people don’t expect. It is set at a high elevation (over 6,800 feet), is surrounded by mountains, and sees snow. The Museum of Northern Arizona recognizes the unique geography, geology, and people of the area through a series of Northern Arizona specific exhibits. It’s a great way to get the lay of the land and understand Arizona’s Northerners.

Walnut Canyon National Monument

One of the coolest sites in Flagstaff is Walnut Canyon, a curved canyon that protects Indigenous Sinagua cliff dwellings. These ancestral homes can be viewed in the monument, which sprawls just south of the city. For more about the area’s human history, visit the Wupatki National Monument to the north.

Best Hotels & Resorts

Americana Motor Hotel

Flagstaff straddles the historic Route 66, so there are a smattering of nostalgic hotels that are reviving that bygone era with new amenities and modern facilities. The Americana Motor Hotel is one such property. It has 89 colorful rooms with retro finishes (think in-room disco balls and geometric carpeting) and a menu of amenities that include “dive-in” movies in the heated pool and a walk-up diner. 

High Country Motor Lodge

For a more contemporary take on 1960s roadside culture, checkout the High Country Motor Lodge, which has modern decor with a vintage flair and Arizona’s first Nordic spa — a mix of warm sauna and cold plunge pools.

Village Camp Flagstaff

Outside of Flagstaff, en route to Grand Canyon National Park, is a new glamping and outdoor retreat with cabin rentals. The Village Camp property blends outdoor living with the luxuries of a hotel, along with amenities like a resort-style swimming pool, year-round hot tub, and activities like yoga classes and live music. 

Best Restaurants

Proper Meats + Provisions

Proper is the first local, whole-animal butcher shop in Arizona, and it’s making waves for its dedication to the art of butchery. It was even recognized by the James Beard Foundation in 2023 and is the local go-to for meat-heavy sandwiches, along with house made soups, local cheeses, and homemade bread.

Shift Kitchen & Bar

The James Beard Foundation also took notice of Shift in 2023. The bright, open-kitchen eatery serves everything family-style, with a great menu of small plates and craft cocktail list that includes the regulars along with inventive (and in some cases, non-alcoholic) options.

MartAnne’s

You can get lunch and dinner at MartAnne’s, but the restaurant is known for its breakfast — and its star dish: chilaquiles. The family-owned establishment and its Mexican breakfast fare has even been named the best breakfast in Flagstaff.

Best Shopping

Cedar Closet Thrift Shop

Thrift shoppers will adore Cedar Closet, a shop that is run by volunteers and is known for its fair pricing and high-quality second-hand items. Money made from the thrift shop goes to the The Assistance League of Flagstaff, which serves women, children, veterans, the elderly, and the homeless. 

Bright Side Bookshop

The Bright Side Bookshop is more than an independent bookshop packed with books. The shop was designed to be a gathering space for the community and the passionate booksellers share their favorite reads and host book signings, storytime, and local art. 

Winter Sun Trading Company

This family business dates back to 1976 when Arizona herbalist Phyllis Hogan opened up shop. Inside you’ll find art and handicrafts from local tribes and natural turquoise jewelry. The star of the shop is the apothecary, which offers tinctures made from organic, wild herbs native to the Southwest.

Bisbee

Things To Do 

Queen Mine Tour

Bisbee, a tiny town in southeast Arizona, is at its core, a historic copper mining town. As such, one of the must-dos is the Queen Mine Tour, which will transport you 1,500 feet into the earth on a mine railway. 

The Bisbee Seance Room

Most locals agree that Bisbee has its fair share of ghosts, while The Bisbee Seance Room has billed it “the most haunted town in America.” You’ll understand why after a night at the venue, which whisks you back in time with a magic show and storytelling in a cozy Victorian parlor.

Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum

It may be small, but the Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum is an affiliate of the Smithsonian and has won national awards for its exhibits. The focus? Bisbee’s copper mining history and the role it played in the industrialization of America. 

Best Hotels & Resorts 

The Shady Dell

With a name like “The Shady Dell,” you’d expect something cute, but this vintage trailer court is full of surprises. There are 15 standalone accommodations, including a 1947 Chris Craft Yacht, a tiki bus, and a 1957 Airfloat trailer. Each is outfitted with vintage, period-appropriate decor (think percolators in lieu of coffee makers). The star of the show is Dot’s Diner, whose diner fare draws people from all over the state. 

Copper Queen Hotel

The historic Copper Queen Hotel is Arizona’s longest continually operated hotel. It boasts over 100 years of history and at least three known ghosts, including Julia Lowell, a sex worker who used the hotel to conduct business. Beyond its lucrative hauntings, the Copper Queen Hotel has a stunning facade, swimming pool, restaurant, and saloon. 

Letson Loft Hotel

If you can nab one of the eight rooms at this tiny, boutique hotel consider yourself lucky. The property is an Arizona landmark, with a colorful entrance in downtown Bisbee. From this historic basecamp, you’ll be within an easy walk to the city’s best shops, galleries, restaurants, and bars. 

Best Restaurants

Thuy’s Noodle Shop

Arizonians love Thuy’s Noodle Shop, in fact, people have been known to travel from all over the state (and beyond) for a taste of Thuy’s authentic, from-scratch Vietnamese fare. The shop specializes in phở noodle soup

Café Roka

You’d be surprised by the amount of fine dining in tiny Bisbee. One of the top picks is Café Roka, which is set in an Art Deco-style building and serves fusion dishes like ricotta gnocchi and lobster stuffed ravioli. They also have a full-service bar that is typically bustling.

PussyCat Gelato

This gelato shop is so beloved it has expanded across the state, with locations in Scottsdale and Sedona. But the PussyCat journey began in Bisbee, with a menu of creatively flavored handmade gelato. The interiors are distinctly ‘70s throwback with cafe-style seating. 

Best Shopping 

Belleza Gallery

For over 25 years, Belleza Gallery has been featuring the works of local art. In fact, visitors can expect to find at least 20 artists’ work on display at any given time. If you find something you love that’s not packable, don’t worry, they ship worldwide.

RedBone Bisbee Vintage

As its name implies, RedBone has a selection of vintage items, including cowboy boots, leather jackets, and party dresses, but they also have new items from Bisbee artists, including retro jewelry and homegoods.

Black Sheep Imports

Want a unique gift or souvenir to take home with you? Stop by Black Sheep Imports, the best place in Bisbee for funny, strange, and sometimes inappropriate gifts and Bisbee-specific souvenirs. 

Nightlife 

St. Elmo Bar

As one of the oldest continuously run bars in the country, the St. Elmo is truly time tested, with roots that date back to 1902. It’s a true dive with live music and dancing on the weekends and its own resident ghost.

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit Arizona is in the spring and fall. The spring is when the desert begins to bloom, while fall is considered to be optimum hiking weather.

According to Sosa, "The most beautiful time of year to visit is when you can witness the desert bloom. Seeing all of the colorful flowers blooming in the middle of the arid climate is really just magnificent. I would highly recommend taking a drive throughout Arizona and getting lost as the sun is setting, it’s one of the most beautiful things you will ever see."

Arizona can also provide travelers with a sunny, warm weather escape in the winter. “Arizona’s weather is exceptional, an absolute delight that makes up for the heat in the summer months,” said Tovar. 

How to Get There

There are seven commercial airports in Arizona, including international airports in Phoenix, Tucson, and Yuma. Flying into Tucson International Airport (TUS) is your best bet if you want to visit Tucson or Bisbee, while Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) will likely be the best option if you want to visit Phoenix, Scottsdale, Sedona, or Flagstaff. Flagstaff also has its own, smaller airport.

“If it’s your first visit, you really can’t go wrong regardless of where you choose to explore! To get an authentic first-trip Arizona feel, I’d suggest landing at America’s Friendliest Airport – Sky Harbor in Phoenix,” said Urias.

The warm weather and clear roads of Arizona are also perfect for road tripping, so you might want to consider touring the national parks or driving across the state.

How to Get Around

Most Arizona visitors rent a car or drive their own. That is especially true if you want to travel to the state’s national parks and monuments or visit Arizona’s small towns, like Bisbee and Sedona.

You might be able to avoid a car if you’re flying into a larger city, like Phoenix or Tucson, and plan to stay in one place. Phoenix has the Valley Metro and Phoenix Transit and Tucson has the Sun Tran system. 

Similarly, in larger cities, you’ll find services like Uber and Lyft, which a town like Bisbee won’t have.