Arizona travelers choose from 54 Best Western hotels.

Grand Canyon in Northern Arizona

The natural wonders and iconic landmarks of northern Arizona shine bright during spring and summer. Cities like Chinle, Cottonwood, and Flagstaff welcome visitors into the Grand Canyon State. Whether you’re escaping the summer heat, or en route to the Grand Canyon, explore the array of attractions, sights, and friendly cities that grace northern Arizona. Flagstaff, a ski-haven during the winter, provides vibrant summer fair – check out the Museum of Northern Arizona, or experience Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument. Cottonwood, south of Flagstaff, is home to Dead Horse Ranch State Park – participate in the Brian Mickelsen Memorial Run/Walk on April 21.

Winslow, a small city in northern Arizona made famous by the 1972 Eagles hit, “Take It Easy,” is set east of Flagstaff. Home to the Homolovi Ruins State Park, Winslow is a fine spring and summer destination. Keep your afternoon free and make a trip to the Rock Art Canyon Ranch – take a hike and enjoy some of the best-preserved petroglyphs in the world.

Continue exploring the scenic trails and sights in Winslow with a visit to the Meteor Crater, a 50,000-year-old hole in the ground measuring 2.4 miles in circumference and nearly 550 feet deep. On April 19, Winslow visitors plan for the 7th Annual Raildroad Days, held at the Winslow-Lindbergh Regional Airport.

Overlooking Lake Powell in the far north of Arizona, Page is a quiet and unassuming city. Page, like many of the northern Arizona cities, features a variety of natural, outdoor beauty, so tighten those hiking boots and explore the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Many Page visitors find time to check out the Rainbow Bridge National Monument – an interesting, natural formation, and one of the world’s largest natural bridges. For local insights and a bit of Page history, visit the John Wesley Powell Museum. Golfers traveling through Page are sure to participate in the Canyon Club Golf Tournament, set for April 28.

Chinle is a charming little community set in northern Arizona, just at the entrance of the Canyon De Chelly National Monument. Chinle is the perfect place to stay for visitors seeking to explore Canyon De Chelly – hike it, tour on horseback, or tool around on your four-wheeler.

Set within the Tonto National Forest, Cottonwood is home to the Clemenceau Heritage Museum. Many Cottonwood visitors enjoy a taste of northern Arizona while at Arizona Stronghold Vineyards. Spring and summer wine like the Mandala Red, are a staple at the Stronghold Vineyards tasting room.

West, nearly in Nevada, is Bullhead City. Home to the Laughin/Bullhead International Airport, take advantage of pristine spring weather with a trip to the Lake Mohave National Recreation Area, or play a round of golf at Desert Lakes Golf Course.

Tucson Mountain State Park
Tucson, AZ

With a striking and diverse heritage, Tucson is the focal point of southern Arizona travel. Complete with a major university, historical sights and attractions, and Wild West towns, southern Arizona boasts an array of things to do – ranging from quirky to educational. A city like Benson offers travelers a chance to explore the depths at Kartchner Caverns, while Yuma is home to the St. Thomas Indian Mission. Heading back to Tucson opens up a range of activities – check out the Pima Air and Space Museum, or plan an afternoon picnic at Saguaro National Park.

Tucson is home to the University of Arizona – known for its renowned medical school and many athletic achievements – and features an eclectic, growing art and cultural scene, combined with luxurious golf courses, and fun, local festivals – check out the 10th Annual Fiesta Grande, on April 14 and 15. Set in Historic Downtown Tucson, the Fiesta Grande celebrates Tucson’s west side culture – keep an eye out for the Classic Car Show.

On April 15, witness "Tucson’s premier men’s chorus group,” as the Sons of Orpheus perform the 21st Annual Spring Concert at the Desert View Performing Arts Center.

Another celebration of local culture is the 102nd Annual Pima County Fair, set on the Pima County Fairgrounds. Head over on April 19-29 for arts and crafts, food, music, rides, and southern Arizona fun – it’s all part of the Pima County Fair.

Baseball fans traveling through Tucson are sure to check out some college baseball action at Hi Corbett Field. Home to the University of Arizona Wildcats baseball team, visit Hi Corbett Field starting May 4, when the Wildcats start a three-game series against Pac-12 rival University of Oregon Ducks.

Benson, less than hour southeast of Tucson, is a hidden gem in the southern Arizona desert. Home of the Kartchner Caverns State Park, Benson hosts the 7th Annual Benson Bluegrass in the Park event – head to Lion’s Park and check out the music on April 27 – 29.

Perfect for stargazers, the Vega-Bray Observatory is a premier spring and summertime destination for Benson visitors. Just a few miles from downtown Benson, the Vega-Bray Observatory is a sliding-roof observatory set in a secluded location.

Yuma, set along the western border in southern Arizona, is a charming little city. Visit the Desert Sun Stadium on April 14, for the 2nd Annual Yuma Taco Festival, or plan for April 17, when the Historic Yuma Theatre hosts A Salute to the Rat Pack and Friends.

Year-Round Golf in Phoenix

From the Diamondbacks to the Suns, or Tempe Town Lake to the Chandler Center for the Arts – Phoenix and central Arizona offer an array of things to see and do, creating a desert paradise during the spring. Head west and check out Goodyear, a fine city and home to the Goodyear Ballpark and Recreational Complex, which hosts Cactus League Spring Training games. Phoenix, the state capital, is great for stand-up comedy, a baseball game, or a round of golf at any one of the courses around the area.

The Phoenix area is a sprawling metropolis of interesting and historic sights, combined with modern amenities, including an above ground Light Rail system offering swift access to many local attractions.

Head into downtown Phoenix to explore the Heard Museum, where through August 31, visitors will be checking out Geronimo: The Apache Experience – an informative and interesting exhibit. Make your way to the Phoenix Desert Botanical Garden, hosts of the 11th Annual Spring Butterfly Exhibit at the Marshall Butterfly Pavilion – the exhibit is open through May 13. April 27-28, check out the stand-up comedy of Wayne Brady when he performs at the Stand Up Live Comedy Club in downtown Phoenix.

Sports fans have some options in Phoenix. Home to the Phoenix Suns and the Arizona Diamondbacks, downtown Phoenix features both U.S. Airways Arena and Chase Field. With games running through April 25, be sure to watch as the Suns battle the Oklahoma City Thunder on April18, or check out the season finale on April 25 against the San Antonio Spurs.

Baseball fans visiting Phoenix make time to visit Chase Field. April and May feature exciting early-season action, as the Diamondbacks take on the Philadelphia Phillies starting April 23, and in May watch as they play the rival Los Angeles Dodgers beginning May 21 – 23.

Fans of live performances head to Mesa and the Mesa Arts Center. Beginning May 25 and playing through Jun 3, enjoy the classic play, Hairspray. Earlier in the Month, the Mesa Arts Center hosts the classic Shakespeare play Much Ado About Nothing, with live performances held from April 19 – May 5.

Scottsdale, a fine city set east of Phoenix, hosts the 2012 Scottsdale Culinary Festival at the Scottsdale Center for the Arts. Set for April 17-22, the Scottsdale Culinary Festival features beer and wine tastings, and local chefs highlight the annual event – perfect for foodies, or central Arizona visitors hoping for an engaging afternoon.

Chandler, south of Scottsdale, is home to the Firebird International Speedway. Plan for April 21 and 22, when Firebird International Raceway hosts the 14th Annual Napa Auto Parts Monster Truck Nationals. May 12, Chandler hosts an event for National Train Day at the Arizona Railway Museum.