Arizona is a splendid summer holiday destination, especially since it is home to perennial sunshine, warm weather, spectacular landscapes, and an abundance of outdoor activities. Additionally, this welcoming state is packed with serene lakes, beautiful rivers, awe-inspiring canyons, and majestic rock formations. When you stay at one of numerous Arizona vacation rentals,you can look forward to enjoying plentiful opportunities for swimming, hiking, cycling, sightseeing, and water sports. Without further ado, here are the most notable places to take a summer vacation in Arizona.
1. Page
Page lies in north-central Arizona near the border with Utah. The city serves as a gateway to beautiful Lake Powell and the Glen Canyon National Recreational Area. At Wahweap Marina, rent power boats and jet skis for sightseeing and water sports. From the marina, join guided tours of Lake Powell, Antelope Canyon, Navajo Canyon, and Rainbow Bridge National Monument. McNabb Fishing Guide Service takes you to the best places on the lake to angle for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and stripers. Don’t miss a trip to the Navajo Village Heritage Center for a fascinating look at local Native American history and culture.
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2. Bullhead City
Bullhead City sits in a beautiful location just south of Lake Mojave on the east bank of the Colorado River in northwestern Arizona. Community Park and Rotary Park provide sandy swimming beaches and picnic facilities. River Star Rentals offers jet skis to help you have fun on the river. A few miles north at Katherine’s Landing Marina, rent power boats and fishing boats to explore Lake Mojave. Take the whole family to Scooter’s Family Fun Center, which features activities such as mini-golf, go-karts, and batting cages. In August, join thousands of participants as they float down a two and a half mile stretch of the Colorado River in the Bullhead City River Regatta.
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3. Williams
Located amidst lakes, canyons, and mountains in central Arizona, vacation rentals in Williams offer access to diverse recreational opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. The city is a gateway to the spectacular Grand Canyon via the Grand Canyon Railway, which leaves from Williams, runs through breathtaking landscapes, and deposits passengers at the scenic South Rim. Take the family to Bearizona Wildlife Park, where you drive your own vehicle or take a park bus and view black bears, wolves, mountain goats, bison, and other wildlife. Bearizona also has a petting zoo, High Country Raptors bird of prey demonstrations, and other programs featuring wild animals. Annual summer events in Williams include the Cowpunchers Rodeo in June, the World Series of Team Roping in July, and the Cool Country Cruise-In Classic Car Show in August.
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4. Sedona
Spectacular red sandstone rock formations, including iconic Cathedral Rock, surround the city of Sedona in central Arizona. Rent mountain bikes from Absolute Bikes, explore the rugged countryside, and view the awesome sights. Alternatively, follow experienced guides into the beautiful canyons and countryside with Arizona ATV Adventure Tours. A Day in the West offers thrilling excursions on horseback through Dead Horse Ranch State Park. For an unforgettable look at Sedona’s colorful landscapes, get a bird’s eye view with Red Rock Balloon Tours. Enjoy the annual Sedona Bike and Brew Festival, which takes place in August at the Sedona Golf Resort.
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5. Lake Havasu City
Lake Havasu City lies on the east side of Lake Havasu along the Colorado River at the western edge of Arizona. Its iconic attraction is London Bridge, which the city founder bought from the city of London, shipped to the United States, and reassembled as a causeway to an island in the river. Near the bridge is London Bridge Beach, which provides a sandy area for swimming, picnic tables, and playgrounds. Rent power boats, kayaks, canoes, or jet skis for sightseeing, fishing, and water sports from Desert Sun Watersports. Sunset Charter and Tour Company takes you to Copper Canyon, the Lake Havasu National Wildlife Refuge, and other locations along the river in comfortable watercraft with experienced guides.
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6. Yuma
The city of Yuma sits on the Colorado River in the southwestern corner of Arizona. Centennial Beach in West Wetlands Park on the north side of town provides a sandy stretch for swimming, sunbathing, sand castle building, and water play. At Jet Rent ATV Rentals, rent jet skis for fun on the river and ATVs to explore the vast nearby Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area. Rent a steed from Desert Horse Adventures for an exciting ride along the banks of the Colorado River. Naked Dates offers a tour of a date farm and a chance to sample fresh dates, date shakes, and delicious baked goods.
7. Phoenix
Dynamic Phoenix, the capital and largest city in the state, lies in a valley surrounded by low mountains in south-central Arizona. Stroll along the trails in the awesome Desert Botanical Gardens for a look at a diverse collection of cacti, agaves, and desert wildflowers. Climb to the lookout point at South Mountain Park, one of the world’s largest municipal parks, for a panoramic view of Phoenix and the valley. Take the kids to see the international wildlife at the acclaimed Phoenix Zoo. During the summer, Phoenix and nearby Tempe both host flamboyant Fourth of July festivals, and Phoenix also presents the yearly Real Wild and Woody Beer Festival.
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8. Tucson
Located on a plain in the Sonoran Desert in southeastern Arizona, the city of Tucson offers an abundance of family-friendly activities. To cool off from the summer heat, take an underground tour through the vast caverns at Colossal Cave Mountain Park. Rent bicycles from Tucson Bike Rentals, and explore the city on the Loop Bike Path, which connects over 100 miles of trails through parks and other scenic locales. Nearby Sabino Canyon Recreation Area offers spectacular landscapes and cascading waterfalls. Among numerous summer events, Tucson hosts a Mexican Food Festival in June, and the Southeast Arizona Birding Festival in August.
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9. Sierra Vista
Beautiful Sierra Vista lies alongside the Huachuca Mountains near the Mexican border in southeastern Arizona. The city is known as the Hummingbird Capital of the United States for its profusion of these petite and colorful birds. To see them in abundance along with other wildlife such as flycatchers, woodpeckers, and white-tailed deer, head for nearby Ramsey Canyon Preserve. Rent a bicycle from Sun ‘N’ Spokes, and take the Bisbee Loop to a historic copper mining town, or a shorter route to the Coronado National Memorial. Check out the annual Southwest Wings Birding and Nature Festival in August.
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10. Pinetop-Lakeside
The beautiful town of Pinetop-Lakeside is in the midst of cool woodlands in the White Mountains of eastern Arizona. Hiking trails take you from the White Mountain Nature Center to beautiful Woodland Lake Park. To explore the forested hills on horseback, go for a trail ride with Porter Mountain Stables. The whole family can enjoy go-karts, mini-golf, a laser maze, and arcade games at White Mountain Fun Park.
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