Arizona is packed with unforgettable places to explore, and who better to spotlight the best than the people who experience them every day? For Experience AZ magazine’s Readers’ Choice Awards, thousands of votes poured in from travelers, locals and adventure seekers eager to share their favorite destinations across the state. From breathtaking natural wonders and luxury resorts to hidden gems and can’t-miss attractions, these winners represent the experiences that truly capture the spirit, beauty and excitement of Arizona.
Best iconic destinations
Horseshoe Bend: Horseshoe Bend delivers one of Arizona’s most unforgettable views, where the Colorado River curves dramatically around towering sandstone cliffs. A short desert hike leads to a breathtaking overlook nearly 1,000 feet above the water, making it one of the Southwest’s most photographed and iconic natural landmarks. Learn more: horseshoebend.com
Grand Canyon National Park: Grand Canyon National Park is Arizona’s crown jewel, where mile-deep cliffs, sweeping vistas and the winding Colorado River create one of the most awe-inspiring landscapes on Earth. Whether hiking the rim, descending into the canyon or watching sunset ignite the rock walls, every moment reveals nature’s power and breathtaking beauty. Learn more: visitgrandcanyon.com
Sedona’s Red Rocks: Sedona’s red rocks create a landscape unlike anywhere else, with towering sandstone formations glowing in shades of crimson and gold. Visitors can hike scenic trails, explore rugged Jeep routes or simply take in the views as the setting sun transforms the cliffs into a brilliant display of color and serenity. Learn more: azstateparks.com/red-rock
Best casinos
Talking Stick Resort: Talking Stick Resort stands out as one of Arizona’s premier casino destinations, combining high-energy gaming with upscale resort amenities. Guests enjoy a vibrant casino floor, award-winning dining, a luxurious spa and stunning rooftop views of the Valley. With entertainment, nightlife and relaxation all in one place, it delivers a complete desert resort experience. Learn more: talkingstickresort.com
Gila River Resorts & Casinos Wild Horse Pass: Gila River Resorts & Casinos Wild Horse Pass blends luxury, entertainment and culture into a dynamic desert getaway. Visitors enjoy expansive gaming, upscale accommodations, exceptional dining and live entertainment, all set against the beautiful Sonoran Desert landscape. Its resort atmosphere and wide range of experiences make it a favorite for both locals and travelers. Learn more: playatgila.com
Desert Diamond Casino West Valley: Desert Diamond Casino West Valley has quickly become one of the region’s most exciting entertainment destinations, featuring a modern casino floor, vibrant nightlife, diverse dining and live entertainment. Its sleek design, energetic atmosphere and growing resort amenities create an experience that feels both sophisticated and welcoming in Glendale. Learn more: ddcaz.com
Best art festival
Tempe Festival of the Arts: One of the Southwest’s largest art festivals, filling Downtown Tempe with hundreds of artists, live music, street performers and culinary delights every spring and fall.
Carefree Fine Art and Wine Festival: Set in charming Carefree, this vibrant festival pairs stunning fine art with premium wine tastings, live music and mountain views for a sophisticated desert celebration.
Scottsdale Arts Festival: Held at Scottsdale Civic Center, this beloved festival showcases exceptional artists, gourmet food, live entertainment and interactive exhibits celebrating creativity in one of Arizona’s most artistic communities.
Best brewery
Saddle Mountain Brewing Company: Goodyear’s popular craft brewery serving award-winning beers alongside elevated pub fare, known for bold flavors, community atmosphere and a patio perfect for relaxing.
Pedal Haus Brewery: A lively craft brewery and beer garden famous for award-winning lagers, energetic patios and delicious German-inspired pub food in Tempe, Chandler and Downtown Phoenix.
Four Peaks Brewing Company: Arizona’s iconic craft brewery, famous for Kilt Lifter Scotch Ale, historic brick brewery charm and a loyal following built on decades of brewing excellence.
Best bed & breakfast inns
Briar Patch Inn: Briar Patch Inn is a secluded Sedona retreat nestled along the banks of Oak Creek, where cozy cottages and lush gardens create a peaceful desert escape. Guests wake to the sounds of flowing water and towering red rocks, enjoying homemade breakfasts and serene surroundings that make it one of Arizona’s most romantic bed-and-breakfast experiences. Learn more: briarpatchinn.com
The Lodge at Sedona: The Lodge at Sedona blends boutique luxury with the tranquility of the red rock landscape. Spacious suites, curated art and thoughtful amenities create a warm, elegant atmosphere just minutes from Sedona’s hiking trails and galleries. With gourmet breakfasts and personalized service, it offers an intimate stay designed for relaxation and discovery. Learn more: lodgeatsedona.com
Bespoke Inn Scottsdale: Bespoke Inn Scottsdale delivers a stylish, upscale bed-and-breakfast experience in the heart of Old Town. Known for its chic design, rooftop pool and acclaimed Virtù Honest Craft restaurant, the boutique property combines luxury accommodations with walkable access to Scottsdale’s best dining, nightlife and galleries for a truly elevated urban getaway. Learn more: bespokeinnscottsdale.com
Best golf courses
Talking Stick Golf Club: Talking Stick Golf Club is a favorite for its pure desert golf experience and wide-open views of the surrounding mountains. Designed by renowned architects Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore, the courses emphasize strategy and playability. With immaculate conditions and a peaceful setting, Talking Stick delivers a memorable Scottsdale golf experience. Learn more: talkingstickresort.com/amenities/golf
TPC Scottsdale: TPC Scottsdale is one of Arizona’s most iconic golf destinations, best known as home of the PGA Tour’s WM Phoenix Open. Golfers love the immaculate desert course, dramatic stadium-style finishing holes and spectacular Sonoran Desert views. Playing the Stadium Course offers amateurs the rare thrill of experiencing championship-level golf in a legendary setting. Learn more: tpc.com/scottsdale
We-Ko-Pa Golf Club: We-Ko-Pa Golf Club delivers one of the most spectacular golf experiences in Arizona, set against untouched Sonoran Desert landscape with no surrounding homes or developments. The award-winning Saguaro and Cholla courses offer breathtaking scenery, dramatic elevation changes and pristine conditions, making every round feel like an immersive journey through the desert. Learn more: wekopa.com
Best food festival
Devour Culinary Classic: Arizona’s premier food festival where top chefs, winemakers and mixologists showcase unforgettable flavors during a weekend celebrating the state’s vibrant culinary scene. Click here to learn more.
Rockin’ Taco Street Fest: A high-energy celebration of tacos, tequila and live music where chefs compete for taco supremacy while visitors enjoy flavors, cocktails and a lively festival atmosphere.
Arizona Restaurant Week: A statewide dining celebration where Arizona’s best restaurants offer special prix-fixe menus, giving food lovers the perfect excuse to explore new culinary favorites.
Best dude ranches
Tanque Verde Ranch: Tanque Verde Ranch offers an authentic Western adventure set against the dramatic beauty of the Sonoran Desert near Tucson. Guests can ride horseback through scenic trails, hike rugged terrain and enjoy classic ranch hospitality. With its blend of outdoor adventure, rustic charm and luxury amenities, it’s a true taste of Arizona’s cowboy heritage. Learn more: tanqueverderanch.com
Rancho de los Caballeros: Rancho de los Caballeros delivers a refined dude ranch experience where Old West tradition meets modern comfort. Located in the high desert near Wickenburg, the historic ranch offers horseback riding, championship golf, spa relaxation and wide-open desert vistas, creating a timeless Arizona getaway rooted in hospitality and authentic ranch culture. Learn more: ranchodeloscaballeros.com
Bumble Bee Ranch Adventures: Bumble Bee Ranch Adventures offers an immersive Western experience deep in Arizona’s rugged desert landscape. Visitors can explore historic trails, ride horseback and discover stories of Arizona’s mining and frontier past. With its remote setting and authentic cowboy atmosphere, the ranch delivers a true backcountry adventure unlike anywhere else. Learn more: bumblebeeranch.com
Best hiking trails
Camelback Mountain: Camelback Mountain is one of Phoenix’s most legendary hikes, drawing adventurers eager to conquer its steep climbs and rugged desert terrain. The challenging Echo Canyon and Cholla trails reward determined hikers with sweeping views of the Valley, making the summit one of the most satisfying and photographed outdoor achievements in Arizona.
Bright Angel Trail: Bright Angel Trail offers one of the most iconic hiking experiences in the Grand Canyon, descending from the South Rim deep into the canyon’s dramatic layers of ancient rock. With shaded rest houses, breathtaking viewpoints and ever-changing scenery, the trail provides an unforgettable journey into one of the world’s greatest natural wonders.
Devil’s Bridge Trail: Devil’s Bridge Trail leads hikers through Sedona’s spectacular red rock landscape to the largest natural sandstone arch in the area. The scenic route winds through desert terrain before revealing the dramatic bridge, where adventurous visitors can carefully walk across the arch for breathtaking views and one of Arizona’s most iconic photos.
Best historic site
Tombstone: Step into the Wild West in this legendary frontier town where historic saloons, gunfight reenactments and the famous O.K. Corral bring Arizona’s cowboy past vividly to life.
Grand Canyon National Park: One of the world’s most breathtaking natural wonders, where mile-deep canyon walls and the Colorado River create unforgettable views and outdoor adventures.
Canyon de Chelly: A stunning red rock canyon rich with Navajo culture, ancient cliff dwellings and dramatic landscapes best explored through guided tours and scenic overlooks.
Best adventure tours
Taadidiin Tours: Taadidiin Tours offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of Navajo culture and landscapes, guiding visitors through the breathtaking beauty of Antelope Canyon with stories, traditions and perspectives only local guides can share. The experience blends stunning desert scenery with authentic cultural insight, creating a deeper connection to the spirit of the Southwest. Learn more: taadidiin-tours.antelope-canyon-tours.com
Pink Adventure Tours: Pink Adventure Tours delivers one of Arizona’s most thrilling adventures, taking visitors deep into Sedona’s iconic red rock landscapes on rugged off-road trails. Expert guides combine heart-pounding climbs, panoramic views and fascinating geology with storytelling that brings the desert to life, creating an unforgettable blend of adrenaline, scenery and Southwestern history. Learn more: pinkadventuretours.com
Grand Canyon Railway: The Grand Canyon Railway transports travelers on a nostalgic journey from Williams to the South Rim aboard beautifully restored vintage trains. Along the way, guests enjoy sweeping high-country scenery, lively onboard entertainment and Old West charm before arriving at one of the world’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders, making the experience timeless. Learn more: thetrain.com
Best hotel or resort (400 or more rooms)
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess: A luxurious desert resort known for exceptional dining, championship golf, world-class spa experiences and spectacular seasonal events including the beloved holiday light festival.
Arizona Biltmore: An iconic Phoenix resort blending Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired architecture, lush gardens and modern luxury, offering timeless elegance and unforgettable desert hospitality.
JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa: A sprawling luxury resort offering championship golf, multiple pools, fine dining and endless family activities in a vibrant North Phoenix desert oasis.
Best hotel or resort (less than 400 rooms)
Boulders Resort & Spa: Nestled among dramatic granite boulders, this tranquil Sonoran Desert retreat blends luxury casitas, championship golf and spa indulgence with breathtaking natural beauty.
The Hermosa Inn: A romantic boutique hideaway in Paradise Valley known for its historic charm, lush courtyards, exceptional dining and artistic legacy inspired by cowboy artist Lon Megargee.
Royal Palms Resort and Spa: An intimate Mediterranean-style retreat featuring lush gardens, elegant casitas, award-winning dining and serene spa experiences at the base of Camelback Mountain.
Best restaurant
Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill: Perched above Sedona’s breathtaking red rocks, Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill delivers a dining experience as stunning as the views. Chef Lisa Dahl’s bold Latin-inspired flavors, elegant presentations and unforgettable sunsets create a destination where every meal feels like a celebration of Sedona’s beauty and vibrant culinary creativity. Learn more: mariposasedona.com
Lon’s at the Hermosa Inn: Lon’s at the Hermosa Inn blends historic charm with refined Southwestern cuisine in a romantic desert setting. Tucked inside a former artist’s ranch in Paradise Valley, the restaurant pairs wood-fired dishes and seasonal ingredients with candlelit patios, mountain views and timeless Arizona hospitality that turns every meal into a memorable experience. Learn more: azhideawaycollection.com/hermosa-inn/lons
Wren & Wolf: Wren & Wolf brings high-energy sophistication to Downtown Phoenix with bold flavors, inventive cocktails and a stylish atmosphere that feels both modern and welcoming. Known for creative dishes and a lively social vibe, it’s a place where friends gather, celebrations unfold and every night feels like the city’s most exciting dinner party. Learn more: wrenandwolf.com
Best indoor activity
Butterfly Wonderland: The largest butterfly conservatory in America where thousands of vibrant butterflies flutter through lush rainforest habitats alongside educational exhibits and interactive experiences.
Topgolf: A high-energy entertainment venue combining golf, games, great food and social fun where players of every skill level enjoy hitting balls toward colorful targets.
OdySea Aquarium: OdySea Aquarium offers immersive marine exhibits, interactive experiences and fascinating underwater tunnels, making it a fun, educational escape from Arizona’s heat for all ages.
Best live music venue
Celebrity Theatre: A rare rotating stage theater delivering intimate concerts and unforgettable performances where every seat feels close to the action.
Crescent Ballroom: One of Phoenix’s favorite live music venues combining a vibrant concert space with a popular lounge and Mexican kitchen in the heart of downtown.
Rhythm Room: A legendary blues and roots music venue where national touring artists and local favorites deliver unforgettable performances in an intimate setting.
Best interactive family fun activity
Children’s Museum of Phoenix: The Children’s Museum of Phoenix is a vibrant playground for imagination where kids climb, build, create and explore through hands-on exhibits designed to spark curiosity. From towering play structures to art studios and sensory experiences, it’s a place where learning feels like adventure and families discover the joy of creativity together. Learn more: childrensmuseumofphoenix.org
OdySea Aquarium: OdySea Aquarium brings the wonders of the ocean to the Arizona desert with immersive exhibits, underwater tunnels and close encounters with incredible marine life. From graceful sharks and playful sea lions to glowing jellyfish displays, the experience is both thrilling and educational, offering unforgettable moments for families and curious explorers alike. Learn more: odyseaaquarium.com
Phoenix Zoo: Phoenix Zoo offers a wild adventure in the heart of the desert, where visitors can discover thousands of animals from around the world. Shaded paths, interactive exhibits and conservation programs create a fun, educational experience that connects guests with wildlife while inspiring appreciation for nature and protecting animals for future generations. Learn more: phoenixzoo.org
Best museum in Arizona
Musical Instrument Museum: A world-class museum featuring instruments from nearly every country, interactive exhibits and incredible performances celebrating the universal language of music.
Western Spirit Scottsdale’s Museum of the West: A Smithsonian-affiliated museum celebrating the art, culture and history of the American West through stunning exhibits and storytelling.
Phoenix Art Museum: Phoenix Art Museum showcases an impressive global collection, immersive exhibitions and contemporary works, offering visitors a dynamic cultural experience in the heart of Arizona’s capital.
Best outdoor activity in Arizona
Out of Africa Wildlife Park: An adventurous wildlife park offering safari-style tours and close encounters with lions, giraffes and other incredible animals in a natural desert setting.
Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park: Arizona’s largest zoo and aquarium featuring exotic animals, thrilling attractions and one of the most diverse wildlife collections in the Southwest.
REVEL Surf Park: A groundbreaking surf destination bringing ocean-style waves to the Arizona desert, combining surfing, entertainment and outdoor recreation.
Best park or garden
Desert Botanical Garden: A breathtaking showcase of Sonoran Desert beauty featuring towering cacti, seasonal art installations and miles of scenic walking trails.
Lost Dutchman State Park: A scenic desert park near the Superstition Mountains offering hiking, camping and legendary Arizona views tied to the mystery of the Lost Dutchman gold mine.
South Mountain Park and Preserve: South Mountain Park and Preserve offers rugged desert trails, panoramic city views and miles of outdoor adventure, making it one of the largest municipal parks in the United States.
Best signature event
WM Phoenix Open: The world’s most electrifying golf tournament, famous for massive crowds, legendary parties and the unforgettable stadium atmosphere at the iconic 16th hole.
Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction: The world’s premier collector car auction where rare automobiles, celebrity’s vehicles and automotive history take center stage each year in Scottsdale.
Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show: One of the world’s largest Arabian horse events, showcasing breathtaking horses, elite competition and a vibrant equestrian culture.
Best spa
JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa: A beloved Paradise Valley retreat offering adobe-style casitas, championship golf, lush desert landscapes and timeless Southwestern hospitality.
Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa: A transformative wellness retreat near Tucson offering mindfulness experiences, spa indulgence and life-enhancing activities designed to nourish body and spirit.
Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa: An elegant luxury resort perched on Camelback Mountain delivering breathtaking views, world-class dining and serene spa experiences.
Best sports bar
Majerle’s Sports Grill: A Downtown Phoenix sports bar legend founded by Suns icon Dan Majerle, serving hearty food, cold drinks and nonstop game-day excitement.
Zipps Sports Grill: A Valley favorite sports bar known for its famous golden wings, friendly atmosphere and loyal fans cheering on Arizona teams.
Title 9 Sports Grill: A lively sports bar and community gathering spot known for great food, game-day energy and a welcoming environment for fans.
Best winery
Caduceus Cellars: A Jerome winery founded by rock legend Maynard James Keenan producing acclaimed Arizona wines from estate vineyards in the Verde Valley.
Page Springs Cellars: A picturesque Verde Valley winery offering award-winning wines, beautiful vineyard views and relaxed tastings beside Oak Creek.
Alcantara Vineyards and Winery: A stunning riverside vineyard where guests enjoy tastings, scenic tours and Arizona wines grown at the confluence of the Verde and Oak Creek.
