Central Arizona

Travel Guide

Central Arizona
Central Arizona
Taliesin West featuring 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 which includes signage and night scenes

Downtown Phoenix

4/5(25 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 Footprint Center, and jump on the metro at 12th Street - Jefferson Station or 12th Street - Washington Station to see more of the city.

Downtown Phoenix
Default Image

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
Default Image

Camelback East

3/5(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
Default Image

Central Scottsdale

4/5(1 area review)

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
Default Image

Downtown Scottsdale

While visiting Downtown Scottsdale, you might make a stop by sights like Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West and Scottsdale Waterfront.

Downtown Scottsdale
Default Image

East Mesa

4.5/5(2 area reviews)

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
Revival Scottsdale Studios
Revival Scottsdale Studios
2.5 out of 5
13440 N Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, AZ
The price is €79 per night from 6 Apr to 7 Apr
€79
includes taxes & fees
6 Apr - 7 Apr
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Scottsdale. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,000 reviews)
"Great time in this hotel"

Reviewed on 9 Mar 2025

Revival Scottsdale Studios
 Scottsdale Parkview Resort
Scottsdale Parkview Resort
3.5 out of 5
7707 E McDowell Rd, Scottsdale, AZ
The price is €146 per night from 7 Apr to 8 Apr
€146
includes taxes & fees
7 Apr - 8 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Scottsdale. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant ...
8/10 Very Good! (4,721 reviews)
"Clean, quiet and with options"

Reviewed on 11 Mar 2025

Scottsdale Parkview Resort
The Scottsdale Plaza Resort & Villas
The Scottsdale Plaza Resort & Villas
4 out of 5
7200 N Scottsdale Rd, Paradise Valley, AZ
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €220 per night from 30 Mar to 31 Mar
€220
includes taxes & fees
30 Mar - 31 Mar
Stay at this 4-star spa resort in Paradise Valley. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 5 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,210 reviews)
"There was confusion about the Expedia VIP discount at restaurants. Took a bit to sort it out. Wasn’t told about it when we checked in. But after a couple of days we got a card and then it was straightforward"

Reviewed on 10 Mar 2025

The Scottsdale Plaza Resort & Villas
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.
Metro Phoenix All Inclusive Living
Metro Phoenix All Inclusive Living
3.5 out of 5
Phoenix
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly aparthotel in Phoenix. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and private pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
6.6/10 (2,355 reviews)
"excellent facility"

Reviewed on 5 Mar 2025

Metro Phoenix All Inclusive Living
Metro Tempe Apartments
Metro Tempe Apartments
4 out of 5
2301 E Southern Ave, Tempe, AZ
Stay at this 4-star spa aparthotel in Tempe. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the clean rooms and the overall value in ...
7/10 Good! (972 reviews)
Great place to stay
"We came up for the Renaissance Festival from Sierra Vista. We were all so tired from spending close to 5 hours there, we just wanted to rest. Not having to worry about a traditional hotel check in was nice and room was perfect for us."

Reviewed on 2 Mar 2025

Metro Tempe Apartments
Hotel Scottsdale
Hotel Scottsdale
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 free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,034 reviews)
"Great location"

Reviewed on 8 Mar 2025

Hotel Scottsdale
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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do