Arizona's Best Experiences for 2026: The Reader-Favorite Places You Need to Visit
August 6, 2026
August 6, 2026
One of the best parts about living in Arizona is that there's always something new to discover. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway, looking for your next date night, or exploring your own backyard, our state is packed with incredible places that make every season feel like an adventure.
The latest Experience AZ Readers' Choice Awards gathered thousands of votes from locals, travelers, and outdoor enthusiasts to determine the very best experiences across Arizona. The result? A bucket list full of amazing destinations worth adding to your calendar.
Here are some of the top winners.
One of Arizona's most photographed landmarks, Horseshoe Bend offers breathtaking views of the Colorado River winding through towering sandstone cliffs.
Arizona's most famous natural wonder continues to impress with unforgettable viewpoints, hiking trails, and some of the most spectacular scenery in the world.
Known for its glowing red sandstone formations, Sedona is perfect for hiking, Jeep tours, scenic drives, and incredible sunsets.
One of the Southwest's largest art festivals featuring hundreds of artists, live music, local food vendors, and family-friendly entertainment.
Browse fine art while enjoying wine tastings, mountain views, and live music in the charming town of Carefree.
Held at Scottsdale Civic Center, this annual event showcases talented artists, interactive exhibits, gourmet food, and live performances.
Known for award-winning craft beer, elevated pub food, and a welcoming atmosphere in Goodyear.
A Valley favorite serving award-winning lagers, great food, and lively beer gardens throughout Phoenix's East Valley.
Arizona's iconic brewery famous for Kilt Lifter and decades of locally crafted beer.
A peaceful Sedona escape with cozy cottages, creekside views, homemade breakfasts, and beautiful gardens.
Boutique luxury surrounded by Sedona's famous red rocks, offering elegant accommodations and personalized hospitality.
A stylish Old Town Scottsdale boutique hotel featuring a rooftop pool, upscale dining, and walkable access to shopping and nightlife.
Championship desert golf featuring immaculate conditions and incredible mountain views.
Home of the WM Phoenix Open and one of Arizona's most iconic golf experiences.
Pristine desert courses with no surrounding development, creating one of the state's most scenic rounds of golf.
Arizona's premier food festival featuring top chefs, wineries, and culinary experiences from across the state.
A lively celebration of tacos, tequila, live music, and local flavor.
The perfect opportunity to experience Arizona's best restaurants through special prix-fixe menus.
Experience authentic cowboy life with horseback riding, hiking, and luxury ranch accommodations near Tucson.
Historic Western charm paired with golf, spa treatments, horseback riding, and breathtaking desert landscapes.
An immersive Old West experience filled with horseback riding, history, and rugged Arizona scenery.
Phoenix's most iconic hike, rewarding adventurous climbers with panoramic Valley views.
One of the Grand Canyon's most famous hikes, offering unforgettable views as you descend into the canyon.
Sedona's famous natural sandstone arch and one of Arizona's most Instagram-worthy hiking destinations.
Step back into Arizona's Wild West history with gunfight reenactments, historic saloons, and the legendary O.K. Corral.
Beyond its natural beauty, the Grand Canyon remains one of America's most treasured historic landmarks.
Explore Antelope Canyon with Navajo guides who share the area's incredible beauty and rich cultural history.
Off-road Jeep adventures through Sedona's iconic red rock landscape.
Ride a beautifully restored vintage train to one of the world's greatest natural wonders.
Luxury accommodations, championship golf, exceptional dining, and one of Arizona's favorite holiday destinations.
An iconic Phoenix resort known for timeless architecture, beautiful grounds, and upscale amenities.
A family-friendly luxury resort offering pools, golf, fine dining, and endless activities.
Luxury casitas nestled among massive granite boulders with world-class golf and spa experiences.
A romantic Paradise Valley retreat featuring historic charm and award-winning dining.
Mediterranean-inspired luxury at the base of Camelback Mountain with beautiful gardens and elegant accommodations.
Stunning Sedona views paired with elevated Latin-inspired cuisine from Chef Lisa Dahl.
A romantic Southwestern dining experience featuring wood-fired cuisine in Paradise Valley.
One of Downtown Phoenix's hottest restaurants known for creative dishes, handcrafted cocktails, and vibrant energy.
Walk among thousands of butterflies inside the country's largest butterfly conservatory.
Golf-inspired games, food, drinks, and entertainment for all skill levels.
Arizona's largest aquarium featuring immersive exhibits, marine life, and interactive experiences.
A unique rotating-stage venue where every seat offers an intimate concert experience.
One of Downtown Phoenix's favorite venues for live music, food, and nightlife.
A legendary blues venue showcasing both national touring acts and local musicians.
Hands-on exhibits designed to encourage creativity, learning, and imaginative play.
A family favorite combining education with unforgettable underwater adventures.
One of the nation's top zoos featuring thousands of animals and engaging conservation experiences.
A world-renowned museum celebrating music and instruments from nearly every country.
Explore the art, culture, and history of the American West through award-winning exhibits.
Arizona's largest art museum featuring global collections and rotating exhibitions.
Safari-style adventures with close-up encounters featuring giraffes, lions, and other incredible wildlife.
Arizona's largest zoo and aquarium offering a full day of family-friendly adventure.
Experience ocean-style surfing right in the Arizona desert.
One of Phoenix's most beautiful attractions showcasing the unique beauty of the Sonoran Desert.
Known for incredible hiking trails and stunning views of the Superstition Mountains.
One of the largest municipal parks in the country with miles of scenic hiking and biking trails.
The world's most exciting golf tournament known for its electric atmosphere and legendary 16th hole.
A must-see event for automobile enthusiasts featuring rare and collector vehicles.
One of the largest Arabian horse competitions in the world held right here in Scottsdale.
A longtime Arizona favorite offering luxury spa experiences in a beautiful desert setting.
A wellness retreat focused on mindfulness, relaxation, and personal renewal.
Luxury spa treatments paired with breathtaking mountain views and exceptional dining.
A Downtown Phoenix staple for watching the big game with great food and drinks.
A Valley favorite known for famous wings and game-day energy.
A welcoming neighborhood sports bar serving great food in a lively atmosphere.
Award-winning Arizona wines crafted in Jerome by rock legend Maynard James Keenan.
A beautiful Verde Valley winery offering scenic vineyard views and exceptional tastings.
A picturesque riverside winery perfect for wine tasting, tours, and relaxing afternoons.
A Scottsdale favorite offering gaming, luxury accommodations, rooftop views, award-winning restaurants, and a relaxing spa.
A full-service resort featuring expansive gaming, upscale dining, entertainment, and beautiful desert surroundings.
One of Glendale's newest entertainment destinations with modern gaming, nightlife, restaurants, and live performances.
One of the biggest reasons people fall in love with Arizona isn't just the sunshine. It's the incredible variety of experiences waiting just a short drive away.
Whether you're discovering a new restaurant, hiking an iconic trail, planning a staycation, or exploring a hidden gem you've never visited before, there's always something new to experience.
If you're new to Arizona, consider this your bucket list. And if you've lived here for years, maybe it's time to check off a few places you haven't visited yet.
Happy exploring!
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Don't miss your chance to win one of the most fun dining experiences Arizona has to offer.
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