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Category: Adventure
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5 Best Arizona Road Trip Attractions and Stops
Arizona is home to three national parks and some of the most breathtaking rock formations in North America. The 48th state is also steeped in the history of the Old West. What better way to explore than by taking a road trip in Arizona?
If you’ve been thinking about visiting the Grand Canyon State, start by making a road trip checklist and choosing a highway, including basics like vehicle maintenance and car extended warranty for added peace of mind on long drives.
When you’re ready to head out, this guide will help you choose between 5 of the best road trips in Arizona (or, if you have time, add all of them to your list!).
No matter which route you choose to take, it’s important to remember to be a responsible traveller — pack out what you bring in, don’t disturb any wildlife, or deface any of the ancient sites.
Buckle up, and let’s go. Here are 5 stops and Arizona road trip attractions you don’t want to miss!
1. The Grand Canyon
As the inspiration for the state’s nickname, the Grand Canyon came in at the top of this list. The canyon is 277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide, over a mile deep at its lowest point, and is easily one of the coolest places in the US.
Because of its sheer size, visitors generally have to choose between the North Rim and the South Rim of the canyon.
The South Rim offers the quintessential Grand Canyon experience, including guided burro rides, paved paths, luxury hotels, savory restaurants, and a terrifying glass skywalk.
It’s also easy to access from major cities, making it a great road trip from Phoenix and Los Angeles.
The North Rim of the canyon is far quieter than the tourist-filled South Rim, and it has fewer man-made attractions.
On the other hand, the higher elevation offers a decidedly different view of the Grand Canyon. Instead of dramatic sunlit vistas, the North Rim offers quiet forests and secluded hikes.
The North Rim’s atmosphere is less concerned with tourism and more focused on the natural beauty of the canyon. Some popular North Rim destinations include North Kaibab Trail and Ribbon Falls.
☞ SEE ALSO: 15 Best Things To Do in The Grand Canyon
2. Sedona – A Desert Village
Even though there are plenty of things to do in Phoenix (which is where I live), every time someone visits me, they ask the same thing: “When can we go to Sedona?”
Located north of Phoenix, this desert town is surrounded by red-rock cliffs, steep canyons, and dense pine forests — making it a highlight of any Arizona road trip.
When you’re ready to set out, head north on Interstate 17.
Along the way, you’ll pass Montezuma Castle National Monument, a group of preserved cliff dwellings that housed the Sinagua people more than 1,000 years ago.
You’ll also pass the V-Bar-V Heritage Site, the largest “rock art site” in Red Rocks Country.
The hiking in Sedona is legendary, so make sure you pack your boots and don’t miss these top desert hikes: Cathedral Rock, Devils Bridge, The Birthing Cave, and Soldiers Pass — to name a few.
Sedona itself is known for its thriving arts community and quaint, small-town vibe. Start your day off at the Coffee Pot Restaurant, a bustling café with an all-day-breakfast and 101 different types of omelet.
When you’ve had your fill, spend the day shopping for artisan goods at the Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village. This beautiful, outdoor shopping district features cobblestone streets, hand-blown glass, and gorgeous artisan jewelry.
For dinner, make a reservation at Heartline Café. My two favorite dishes are the bacon-hugged petit filet mignon and the pistachio-crusted chicken breast.
3. Tombstone – The Town Too Tough to Die
Wyatt Earp was a notorious gambler and sheriff who took part in the famous O.K. Corral shootout. Every Memorial Day, Tombstone honors his legacy with the Wyatt Earp Days celebration.
This two-day festival features staged gunfights, mock hangings, and a massive chili cookoff. Tombstone’s affinity for the Old West is apparent in everything from architecture to tourist attractions. It’s also the reason Tombstone was nicknamed “The Town Too Tough to Die.”
USA Today put it perfectly when they called Tombstone “the perfect blend of historical and tacky.” The O.K. Corral is just one of Tombstone’s historic landmarks, though.
History buffs should also visit the Bird Cage Theatre Museum, a former brothel that was preserved to show the honest nature of the premises.
Last, but not least, pay a visit to Boot Hill Graveyard, Tombstone’s first cemetery. This historic site was said to be the graveyard for people who “died with their boots on.”
You can reach Tombstone from Phoenix in about 3 hours, or from Tuscon in just a little over an hour.
4. Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park
Monument Valley is located along the border between Arizona and Utah — so close that it’s featured on Utah’s official travel website. Nice trick, Utah, but you’re not fooling anyone!
Monument Valley is one of the Copper State’s most valuable treasures.
This towering, sandstone rock formation has set the stage for so many westerns that one travel writer said, “Its five square miles have defined what decades of moviegoers think of when they imagine the American West.”
There are plenty of day trips from Sedona or Flagstaff, and guided tours, but I prefer to drive along the 17-mile road at my own pace. Admission to the park is $20 per vehicle, but there is no time limit.
If it’s in your budget, you should also consider staying the night at the View, the only hotel in Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. These luxury accommodations offer unparalleled views of the entire valley, especially at sunset and sunrise.
Another option is to stay in a unique “cave lodge” just a 10-minute drive to the park. These accommodations are stunning. Click here to take a look.
Before you leave, pay a visit to the Navajo-run trading post. Inside, you can find several John Wayne souvenirs and a wide selection of Navajo arts and crafts.
5. Antelope Canyon and Lake Powell
This list will finish the same way it began — with a stunning rock formation created by millions of years of water erosion. Antelope Canyon is a magnificent slot canyon located to the east of Page in northern Arizona and is definitely one of the most incredible places to visit in the USA.
The canyon’s wavy corridors have been featured in several nature documentaries, including Louie Schwartzberg’s Moving Art series.
Throughout the day, sunshine illuminates the canyon’s 120-foot walls and throws shadows around every corner.
If you’re thinking about visiting, you should know that guided tours are the only way to explore the canyon.
A short drive away, Lake Powell offers hiking, climbing, and rappelling in gorgeous sandstone canyons. While Lake Powell is actually located in Utah, the closest lodging is located in Page, Arizona.
Come to think of it, Lake Powell isn’t even a lake, it’s a reservoir. Oh well! You won’t be thinking about semantics when you’re boating, swimming, and waterskiing in the Glen Canyon National Recreation area.
If you’re planning a visit to both Antelope Canyon and Lake Powell, make sure to set aside at least two days. One day isn’t enough time to experience everything these natural wonders have to offer.
Ready for Your Arizona Road Trip?!
As you can see, it’s all about the natural beauty here in Arizona. With so many things to see and do, you could spend months here and not experience it all.
Exploring the state with your own vehicle will give you the independence and freedom to see as many sites and natural attractions as you want. Enjoy all of these epic road trips in Arizona.
☞ SEE ALSO: Top Things To Do in Old Town Scottsdale
Have you been on a road trip in Arizona? What did we miss?! Share your favourite road-tripping spots in Arizona in the comments below.
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The post 5 Best Arizona Road Trip Attractions and Stops appeared first on Goats On The Road.
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Las Vegas Attractions You Shouldn’t Miss
Las Vegas Attractions You Shouldn’t Miss
By Karina PopaNeon Museum
Throughout the years, numerous tourists who have visited Las Vegas consider its dazzling, colorful neon signs as one of the most memorable sights of the city. These high-rise advertising beacons became one of the reasons why Vegas is famous. At present, the Neon Museum is doing its best to preserve part of the city’s history by buying, storing and at times, even restoring the historic neon signs that have been set aside when businesses have closed or new signs have replaced older images.
Most of these signs can be seen by taking a tour with a guide at the Neon Museum, where the old neon signs are kept in a large compound. Tourist guides explain the history behind the signs and designs that have developed throughout the years. There is ongoing work in the museum and signs vary in conditions. There are cases when only a part has been saved or found while in other instances, the signs have been completely restored to their original state. Such contrast lets the museum be more interesting and makes visitors realize the amount of work and maintenance needed by these huge signs.
Luxor Hotel
The Luxor Hotel, which is another unique theme hotel, is found at the far southwest tip of the Strip. The hotel has an ancient Egyptian design with its pyramid shape and a sphinx that proudly gazes out over the street. Just like all major resorts, the Luxor has a vast range of restaurants and shopping places. One of the features of Luxor Hotel that stand out is the beam of light that protrudes from the pyramid’s highest point and extends up into the sky, which can be seen throughout Las Vegas.
Vegas Indoor Skydiving
A really one-of-a-kind experience is Vegas Indoor Skydiving. Visitors will be able to experience skydiving even when there is no airplane or parachute. Certified instructors will accompany them to a vertical wind tunnel and they will be dressed in a special gear. When the fan is turned on, a participant can float in the air without any effort. This does not require any experience.
MGM Grand Hotel plus CSI: The Experience
The Las Vegas’ MGM Grand Hotel is just across New York – New York Hotel and diagonal to the Excalibur Resort Hotel. MGM Grand Hotel comes with all the amenities visitors look for in a luxury hotel such as more than average accommodations, an extraordinary pool area, numerous restaurants and lots of entertainment choices. One of the popular activities of the hotel is CSI: The Experience, wherein participants use their detective skills like in the popular CSI television series.
Would you like to get on the Encore Beach Club guest list? Or perhaps the Wet Republic guest list is the one you’re interested in? Either way, we can help – so get in touch with us!
Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Karina_Popa/1432444
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All Inclusive Resorts Tips – Important Things to Consider When Looking Over All Inclusive Vacations
All Inclusive Resorts Tips – Important Things to Consider When Looking Over All Inclusive Vacations
By George BotwinWhat, exactly, can you get at all inclusive resorts? The package varies from one resort to the next, but for the most part, you get everything you need, including food, entertainment, activities. In some packages, taxes and tips are included.
It’s important to carefully look over every all inclusive package so that you’ll know exactly what you will be getting. If you already plan on doing everything it lists anyway, it’s probably cheaper to go ahead and buy the package as opposed to paying for everything separately. Many resorts offer huge discounts to tourists who book all-inclusive with them.
These resorts can be found all over the world – not just in popular tourist areas. Of course, if you do want to go to a popular tourist spot, you will likely find more packages to choose from. Many of these deals are offered by hotel chains and are not limited to just one location.
Some packages are only for two nights, while others are for seven or eight. There are all inclusive resorts that are family-oriented while others are intended for couples or singles. The higher-end resorts offer spa services, golfing, water sports, and a variety of other activities in their packages. If you want to go to a ski resort, compare all of the perks offered by various resorts to determine which one is offering the most excitement and fun at an affordable price.
Make sure you know in advance when and if you should ever tip. As mentioned above, not all travel packages include gratuities. Even if tips are already covered at the hotel itself, they might not be with the taxi ride between the hotel and airport, or at any off-site restaurants.
Where to Find All Inclusive Resorts
Whether you want a relaxing vacation or an exciting one, you should be able to find a resort that offers everything you need in a single, all inclusive package. If you want an exotic beach vacation, be sure to choose a resort that has its own private beach that you can simply walk out onto anytime you wish. Another thing to consider is dining. Be absolutely sure that the resort you are considering has a variety of restaurants. What’s the use in paying for an all inclusive vacation with dining if none of the restaurants and meals appeal to you?
There are all inclusive resorts everywhere: the Caribbean Islands, Bahamas, Mexico, Thailand, Switzerland, Hawaii, Alaska, Orlando, New York, and several other places across the globe. It’s easy to find your ideal vacation itinerary.
Begin your search for the best all inclusive resorts online. You can easily shop and compare multiple itineraries from destinations around the world. You can also count on getting a good deal with the use of online promo codes.
To find out great discounts and coupons for hotels, flights, and vacations, visit George’s website: https://www.gotherecheaply.com/travelocity/
Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/George_Botwin/1425000