15 things you need to know when visiting Arizona for the first time

Venturing into Arizona for the first time comes with its unique set of challenges and experiences. This article offers authoritative advice from seasoned experts to help newcomers acclimate to the distinct environment. From dealing with the intense sun to understanding local customs, these essential tips are a must-read for any Arizona first-timer to educate you on the things to know when visiting Arizona.

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  • Beware Arizona’s Deceptively Strong Sun
  • Check for Scorpions in Rentals
  • Stay Hydrated in Arizona’s Dry Air
  • Plan Around Arizona’s Stunning Sunsets
  • Download Offline Maps for Arizona Trips
  • Prepare for Arizona’s Dry Climate
  • Pack Layers for Arizona’s Temperature Swings
  • Avoid Static Shocks in Arizona
  • Protect Against Arizona’s Brutal Sun
  • Respect Photography Rules at Cultural Sites
  • Always Wear Sunscreen in Arizona
  • Plan Outdoor Activities Around the Sun
  • Understand Arizona’s Variable Tax Rates
  • Prepare for Arizona’s Dry Air
  • Respect and Prepare for Arizona’s Desert

Beware Arizona’s Deceptively Strong Sun

The light in Arizona is a bit of a trickster. I wish someone had told me how deceptively strong the sun is–you don’t feel hot, but your skin is roasting. My first trip was in April, and I went for a walk in Sedona wearing a linen blouse and no hat, thinking I would just get a bit of color. I ended up with a lobster-red chest and a weird tan stripe down my arm from my camera strap.

So now I pack a wide-brimmed hat, zinc sunscreen with at least SPF 30, and a long-sleeved shirt, even in spring. I mean, it’s quite funny in hindsight–how you can literally be sunburned without breaking a sweat. Arizona light is like an oven on low–it sneaks up on you slowly and then bakes you through.

Barbara Robinson, Marketing Manager, Weather Solve

Check for Scorpions in Rentals

When I first visited Arizona last year, I had no idea that scorpions were such a common part of daily life. I assumed they stayed out in the desert or along rocky trails, not inside homes or vacation rentals. That idea was quickly dispelled when I saw one crawling across the bathroom floor late at night in a rental just outside Phoenix. It caught me completely off guard.

If I had known in advance, I would have checked the room upon arrival, kept my suitcase zipped, and shaken out my shoes in the morning. I would have taken simple steps that would have made me feel much more at ease. That information would have helped me avoid the anxiety that came with not knowing how dangerous it might be or if there were more hiding nearby. I barely slept that night.

Now I make it a habit to ask locals about it, especially if I’m staying somewhere unfamiliar. It doesn’t take much effort, but it makes the trip a lot more comfortable. Arizona is beautiful, but that first trip would have gone a whole lot smoother if someone had warned me about what might be waiting on the tile floor.

Johannes Hock, President, Artificial Grass Pros

Stay Hydrated in Arizona’s Dry Air

Before my first trip to Arizona, I wish I’d truly understood how brutally dry the air is–and how fast it drains your hydration. I expected heat, sure. But I didn’t expect to feel like I was slowly turning into beef jerky within hours of landing.

The dryness isn’t just uncomfortable–it messes with your whole rhythm. Headaches, fatigue, cracked lips, and even nosebleeds can creep in if you’re not proactively hydrating. I spent my first couple of days feeling off, not realizing I was already behind on water. If I’d known, I would’ve started hydrating before the flight, packed electrolytes, and kept water on me like it was a rare in-game potion. That one shift would’ve saved me from dragging through the first hikes and let me actually enjoy the adventure from day one.

Murray Seaton, Founder and CEO of Hypervibe / Health & Fitness Entrepreneur, Hypervibe (Vibration Plates)

Plan Around Arizona’s Stunning Sunsets

I wish I had known how addictive Arizona’s sunsets are. I assumed they would be like those anywhere else–nice, certainly, but unremarkable. I was so mistaken. I watched one in Page that transitioned from apricot to violet to a peculiar indigo haze, and I swear the clouds appeared painted. It made me late for dinner because I kept pulling over to take photos like a complete tourist.

If someone had advised me to actually plan my schedule around the sunsets, I would have allocated time for that in my trip. Now, I always pause everything 30 minutes before golden hour just to observe the sky change. One might as well call it desert therapy–it did more for my stress than the $90 massage I received later that week.

Michael Benoit, Founder and Insurance Expert, ContractorBond

Download Offline Maps for Arizona Trips

I went to Arizona last month, and I did not know that cell service drops off so quickly once you leave the city areas. Around Sedona in particular, I completely lost signal not far outside the main town. I had pulled off to check out one of the trailheads near Oak Creek and didn’t think twice about navigation until I couldn’t load the map back to my hotel. There were no signs, no data, and no way to reroute without backtracking.

If I had downloaded offline maps before heading out, I would’ve avoided that scramble entirely. Losing signal didn’t just slow things down. It turned a quiet afternoon into something unexpectedly stressful. I had no idea that such a popular destination had so many areas with zero coverage. Having that information ahead of time would’ve saved time and prevented a few unnecessary detours. Arizona’s landscape is breathtaking, but once you leave the main roads, you are on your own. That’s something I won’t forget next time I go back.

Kyle Sobko, Chief Executive Officer / Marketing Specialist, SonderCare

Prepare for Arizona’s Dry Climate

I wish someone had told me how dry Arizona really is. I figured heat was heat, but after one day my lips cracked, my skin felt tight, and I had a headache from barely drinking enough water. I’m used to Midwest humidity, so I underestimated how quickly the desert drains you. Now I always carry a big water bottle and keep lip balm and lotion in my bag. It sounds minor, but it changes how you feel the whole day. If I had known that upfront, I would have enjoyed that first trip a lot more instead of spending half of it in CVS.

Carter Crowley, Founder, CB Home Solutions

Pack Layers for Arizona’s Temperature Swings

One thing I wish I had known before my first trip to Arizona was how quickly the desert can shift from intense heat to chilly temperatures. I wasn’t expecting it to get so cold at night, even after a hot day. It caught me off guard when I found myself needing a jacket as the sun set. If I had known how drastic those changes could be, I would have packed a lot more thoughtfully. Layering up would have made the whole experience a lot more comfortable. I would have been better prepared for the evening hikes and early mornings that can surprise you with how cold they get.

Doug Crawford, President and Founder, Best Trade Schools

Avoid Static Shocks in Arizona

I had no idea how severe the static shocks would be in Arizona. No kidding—I zapped myself opening a fridge door, a car handle, a faucet, and even a metal chair. It became so strange that I Googled “how to stop being electrocuted in Arizona” after three days in Tempe. The dry air builds up static electricity like crazy, especially if you are wearing rubber-soled shoes and synthetic shirts.

If I had known that, I would have tossed a dryer sheet in my pocket or worn cotton clothing exclusively. It may sound trivial, but after a while, it made me paranoid about touching anything metal. Maybe the desert hates electronics—or maybe it just hates me—but either way, I would have packed differently if I had received a heads-up.

Benjamin Tom, Digital Marketing Expert and Utility Specialist, Electricity Monster

Protect Against Arizona’s Brutal Sun

The first time I visited Arizona, I rented a car with black leather seats and no shade cover. I left it parked outside for twenty minutes and returned to find it had become an oven. I burned my hand on the seatbelt and had to let the air conditioning run for ten minutes before getting in. I had no idea how brutal the sun could be out there, even if the temperature feels manageable. Now I pack a windshield shade and a towel for the seat, no matter what time of year it is. If you are new to that kind of heat, protect your gear and your skin, or you will learn the hard way like I did.

Bryan Melchert, Owner, Mitten Home Buyer

Respect Photography Rules at Cultural Sites

Last month, I visited Arizona for the first time, and what I wish I had known ahead of time was how photography is handled at some of the cultural and sacred sites. Places like Antelope Canyon or certain areas around Monument Valley might seem like perfect photo spots, but there are specific rules in place, especially on Navajo land. Some spots allow guided tours only, some limit photography altogether, and others require permits.

I learned about the restrictions on the spot, right after pulling out my camera. Respecting the land is one part of it, but there’s another layer tied to history, community, and meaning that isn’t always obvious until you’re there. Having that context ahead of time would have shaped my plans differently. I would have adjusted how I scheduled the day, picked certain spots with more care, and asked the right questions before arriving. It’s not something you usually see mentioned in travel guides, but it changes how you experience the place.

Robbin Schuchmann, Co-founder / SEO Specialist, EOR Overview

Always Wear Sunscreen in Arizona

I have had the opportunity to meet and work with many clients who are new to Arizona. It is always exciting to see people discovering all that this beautiful state has to offer. However, I often find myself wishing that there was one thing in particular that my clients knew before their first trip here.

For me, that one thing is the importance of sunscreen. Living in Arizona means being exposed to intense sun rays for most of the year. The desert climate and high elevation make it even more crucial to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.

Before moving here, I never fully understood the impact of not wearing sunscreen regularly. But after experiencing multiple sunburns and seeing the effects of sun damage on my clients’ skin, I’ve come to realize just how crucial it is.

Not only does sunscreen protect against painful and unsightly burns, but it also helps prevent premature aging and reduces the risk of developing skin cancer. It’s a simple step that can make a big difference in your overall health and appearance.

Ryan Nelson, Founder, PropertyBuild

Plan Outdoor Activities Around the Sun

Before my first trip to Arizona, I wish I had known to plan my outdoor activities around the sun. I made the mistake of hiking during the hottest part of the day and ended up exhausted and frustrated. Learning to start early in the morning or later in the evening would have made my experience much more enjoyable. This simple shift would have allowed me to appreciate Arizona’s stunning landscapes without battling the heat.

Justin Smith, CEO, Contractor+

Understand Arizona’s Variable Tax Rates

Before my first trip to Arizona, I wish I had known about the different tax rates that vary from city to city across the state. This information would have been helpful because it would have allowed me to better plan and budget for my trip expenses. Arizona has a state sales tax rate of 5.6%, but many cities also have their own local sales tax on top of this.

For example, Phoenix has an additional 2.3% sales tax, while Scottsdale has an additional 1.75% sales tax. This means that if you were shopping or dining in these cities, you would be paying a higher overall sales tax rate. Knowing this before my trip would have helped me make more informed decisions about where to shop and eat, saving me some money in the long run.

Patrick McDermott, Executive Vice President, Max Cash

Prepare for Arizona’s Dry Air

Honestly, I wish someone had warned me that your nose essentially stops functioning properly in Arizona. I spent my first 48 hours there wondering why everything smelled like cardboard. It turns out the air is so dry that my sinuses dried up overnight, and I started getting mild headaches just walking through Old Town Scottsdale.

So, I mean, I would have packed a saline spray, or at least prepared as if I were climbing the Flinders Ranges during a drought. Instead, I spent $12 on some nasal mist at a gas station and had to sleep with a wet towel over my face just to breathe comfortably. When your body is accustomed to coastal humidity like Adelaide’s, Arizona’s dry air feels like sticking your face in a hair dryer.

Caleb John, Director, Exceed Plumbing

Respect and Prepare for Arizona’s Desert

The most essential advice for your first trip to Arizona is to respect the desert—but don’t fear it. Many first-time visitors underestimate both its beauty and its extremes. The landscapes are breathtaking, but the climate can be unforgiving if you’re not prepared.

Bring plenty of water, dress in layers, and don’t assume your phone GPS will work in remote areas. If you’re exploring, stick to marked trails—Arizona’s wildlife and terrain demand caution.

And beyond the typical tourist spots, immerse yourself in the local culture. Visit historic mining towns, try authentic Sonoran cuisine, and experience a desert sunset. That’s where the real Arizona magic happens.

Johell Aponte, Founder, Sell my House Fast El Paso

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