Arizona
Southwest

Arizona

Destination Overview

For scenic splendor and outdoor adventures in a desert setting, it’s difficult to think of a better choice than an Arizona honeymoon. Located in the southwestern US, Arizona attracts visitors for its sunny skies, rugged natural beauty, national parks, vibrant cities and unique arts and crafts.

Arizona has a large number of national and state parks, where visitors can explore its natural wonders. The Grand Canyon is the best known, but Saguaro National Park with its typical Sonoran desert landscapes and the Petrified Forest National Park which attracts fossil hunters also typify the landscapes of the southwest. Outdoor enthusiasts will find miles of hiking and biking trails, river rafting and camping adventures, and sunny days and spectacular scenery to enjoy games of golf and tennis.

When you get a hankering for the bright lights, head for the cities like Phoenix, Sedona, Flagstaff and Tucson. Each has its own unique character and history. You’ll enjoy discovering the influence of Arizona’s Spanish and Native American heritage in culture, art and food. About a third of the state is made up of Native American reservations. There are 27 federally recognized Native American tribes in Arizona, the largest being the Navaho nation.

The brilliant desert light and the spectacular scenery have attracted artists and mystics to Arizona. You’ll find art galleries and craft stores, with work inspired by Spanish, Southwest and Native American themes.

Arizona is a foodie destination as well, with southwest, BBQ and Mexican flavors predominating, as well as gourmet international cuisine and a growing organic food scene. Accommodations range from luxury ranches and spa resorts to private cottages and casitas, with stunning views and traditional southwest decor.

About Arizona

At a Glance

  • There is considerable variation in terrain and weather in different parts of the state. The northern, mountainous area is part of the Colorado Plateau with pine, fir and spruce forests. The southern part of the state has a desert climate and characteristic landscapes with saguaro cactus, tumbleweeds and abandoned mining towns.
  • The Grand Canyon is on everyone’s must-visit list, and your honeymoon is one of the best times we can think of for making this once-in-a-lifetime trip. The South Rim is more easily accessed and more developed with accommodations and other facilities, while the North Rim is less visited and only open during the summer months.
  • Flagstaff and Alpine have snowy winter weather, very different from the desert climate in the south. Here you’ll find ski resorts and mountain terrain.
  •  Explore archeological remains from thousands of years ago, including pueblos, rock paintings, and cliff dwellings.
  • Arizona is mostly desert, but it has some beautiful lakes as well. Lake Powell and Lake  Havasu along the Colorado River are beautiful and popular destinations for water sports and relaxation.
  • Arizona cities are practically legends in their own time, from large, sophisticated urban centers like Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tucson to smaller, artsy destinations like Sedona and quirky ones like Lake Havasu City where the original London Bridge was relocated.
  • For a feeling of the Old West, head to Prescott which has a well preserved Victorian Old Town, or the town of Tombstone which has been recreated with historical accuracy, including stagecoach rides and daily shootouts at the OK Corral.

Honeymoon Hints

  • Take an adventurous luxury river rafting tour. Spend your days hurtling down the Grand Canyon River amid majestic scenery and the evenings in camp, with gourmet meals by your driftwood campfire.
  • Get starry eyed in Arizona. There are 17 certified dark sky areas in the state where the absence of light pollution makes for brilliant night skies full of stars and the full sweep of the Milky Way. Get oriented to the night sky with a visit to the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff.
  • Arizona is made for road trips, with scenic drives and destinations full of natural beauty and wonders.
  • Craft beers and wineries are the newest food trend in Arizona. Discover the tastes of the land in beautiful surroundings.
  • Relax at a spa resort. Rent your own spa cabin or casita with access to wellness and healing treatments, hot springs, delicious healthy meals and amazing views.

Travel Tips

  • GETTING THERE: The largest airport in the state and the southwest US is Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). It’s about halfway between Tucson and Flagstaff, so it’s easy to make transfers to other destinations in the state. Ground transportation options on arrival include car rentals, taxis, and shuttle buses.
  • GETTING AROUND: You will need a car to get around and see everything. You’ll be covering long distances and it’s a good idea to make sure you have enough food, fuel and water with you in case of any emergencies.
  • WEATHER: There’s quite a range of variation in the climate, with the north being mountainous and cooler and the south having a more typical desert weather with mild winters and hot summers.
  • WHEN TO GO: In general, the summer is the more popular time to visit in the north, and winter is the better time to visit the desert areas in the south. This isn’t a hard-and-fast rule, and people who enjoy winter sports will head to the resorts in the mountains in the winter.
    Spring and fall are the most popular travel seasons in southern Arizona, and especially April for the magnolia blossoms and migratory bird watching. Keep in mind that in southern and desert areas, summer temperatures can reach dangerously high into three digits. The summer months are the most popular time to visit the Grand Canyon.
  • SUMMER TRAVEL: In the southern parts of Arizona, especially in the desert, summer temperatures can get dangerously high. Take some common-sense precautions to avoid problems: use sunscreen, stay hydrated, wear lightweight, loose clothing, don’t over-exert, and try and limit outdoor activity between the peak hours of 11 am to 3 pm.

Destinations to Explore

Additional honeymoon destinations in Arizona you may want to consider: