Planning a family vacation can be difficult and exciting at the same time. Families never want to be disappointed by taking a vacation to a new place on a whim only to find there is nothing to do there. Arizona is definitely not that place. Numerous activities all over the state are fun and fancy-free. Here are 5 Fantastic Places to Visit in Arizona.
X-Diamond Ranch
“Gittey-Up Cowboys”. The X-Diamond Ranch near Greer, AZ, is in the White Mountains. Featuring horseback riding and fishing, this relatively unknown dude ranch offers both single day activities as well as overnight adventures. The Arizona highways magazine has profiled the ranch twice. There are cabin rentals and endless hours of fun. www.xdiamondranch.com
Oatman, AZ
At one time, Route 66 was “the” place to drive in Arizona. Since a main road was built in 1952, most people simply bypass the route as well as Oatman. The true to life western town will keep you ever entertained with burros begging at your windows, fake gun battles and cowboy bars. Just think, you can always say, “I got my kicks on route 66!” www.oatmangoldroad.com
Colorado River
Rafters, hikers and “toe-dippers” alike come to the Colorado River for a raging good time. If you are in for an adventure, the white water rafting will take you through the Grand Canyon and beyond. If not, there are more leisurely “toe-dipping” trips. The options abound, so whether you choose a one-day or 25-day water adventure, there will be something for you to enjoy. www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/
Window Rock
“Wow” is all you can say. Just over the New Mexico border is a literal rock bridge called “the center of the earth” by the Navajo Indian tribe still residing there. The town is a virtual gateway to all things Navajo including the Canyon de Chelly and Monument Valley. www.navajo.org
Pizzeria Bianco
Even on vacation, you have to eat, right? Why not choose the pizzeria the New York Times called “pizza nirvana. They do not offer take-out so you can expect to wait for a while for a table, but, if you have the patience, it is worth the little slice of heaven you get in return. www.pizzeriabianco.com
The perception of Arizona is often misled as all deserts, all the time. However, in reality, Arizona is full of lush greenery, rolling rivers and huge open skies.
A Bird’s Eye View
Ballooning is a vacation activity left forgotten by most. Viewing the beautiful Arizona landscape from an aerial point of view will not only present picture opportunities of a lifetime, but memories to least that long as well. Aerial exploration is not inexpensive though. You can expect to pay at least $170 per person for the flight. For more information visit www.visitsedona.com
Grand Canyon’s Skywalk
Maybe you have visited the Grand Canyon before, maybe you have not. Either way, the new Skywalk at the Grand Canyon is an adventure in and of itself. Costing over $30 million to complete, the Skywalk allows you to gaze at the bottom of the Grand Canyon from 4,000 feet above the floor. If you are afraid of heights, this may not be the spot for you! For more information visit www.grandcanyonskywalk.com
Quartz, quartz and more quartz
Rock hounds from all over the United States flock to this site not far from Blythe, AZ, just east of the Colorado River. Here amidst the bartering for the infamous rock, there are rock shows, a bluegrass festival and a chili cook-off. But, be sure to visit in the winter months because tourists here run from the summer heat. For more information visit www.ci.quartzsite.az.us
Kartchner Caverns
The “caver’s secret” was left undetected until 1974. The cavers that found it still managed to keep a lid on their discovery until 1988. When the government took hold of the caverns and turned it into a state park, the boom began. Visitors from all over now flock to this system of caves to have a look inside the Throne Room or Big Room. It is believed that there are still many miles of “rooms” left undiscovered. For more information visit www.kartchnercaverns.com
Lowell Observatory
Once famous for finding the planet Pluto in the 1930’s, the Lowell Observatory took a hard hit when Pluto was denounced to a mere chunk of ice. Nevertheless, you will not find a better spot to gaze at the stars than looking from this observatory into the vast Arizona sky. For more information visit www.lowell.edu
For more information on the best places to visit in Arizona, see www.zagat.com
Instead of shooting for the moon on you next vacation, take a little time to check out Arizona. The land is the most beautiful you will ever see and the heritage bleeds over every knoll. You will not be traveling astray when you travel to Arizona. Arizona is a wonderful state full of history and heritage. I have shown you only a small amount of the possible vacation spots to choose from. Take a walk on the desert side and visit Arizona.
