Arizona has been a frequent stop on my cross-country travels, and every visit leaves me with more stories to tell. I’ve crisscrossed this diverse state, from the lively streets of Tucson to the crisp mountain air of Flagstaff, the bustling vibe of Phoenix, and the mystical allure of Sedona’s red rocks. Even smaller towns like Yuma and Tombstone have their own unique tales. Casa Grande surprised me with a fun little overnight stop, and nothing quite matched the thrill of rafting through the Grand Canyon for 14 days with my family. Quartzite stands out as well, with its expansive acres of BLM land where countless van lifers gather. I enjoy stopping here to simply sit in the desert, soak in the solitude, and connect with fellow travelers embracing the van life. Standing on a corner in Winslow, Arizona, made famous by the Eagles song, was a surreal moment that added a touch of musical nostalgia to my travels. This blog post will share some of my favorite moments and experiences from my Arizona stops.
- See my Arizona Souvenir Ideas at my Etsy store
- View Arizona videos in my YouTube Arizona Playlist
- Check out my Arizona Pinterest board featuring my Arizona designs
- See my Arizona Playlist on TikTok
Yuma, Arizona
I made a pit stop in Yuma on my way to California at the Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park. The museum portion of the State Park showcased histories of inmates and the gear they used, including cuffs and other artifacts—it was all very interesting. The prison only operated for a short 33 years, 1876 – 1909. Walking through the cemetery with its unmarked graves—just piles of rocks—left me pondering the harsh realities faced by the prisoners. I even ventured into some of the cells, imagining what life must have been like in such a formidable place. After leaving the park, I hopped on the highway but realized I needed gas. Since Yuma is right on the border, I found myself in California. Luckily Yuma is right on the border because when I saw the prices in California, I quickly turned back to Yuma to fill the tank!
Phoenix, Arizona
I’ve had a few stops in Phoenix over the years, but one visit that stands out vividly was during the Super Bowl frenzy when the Eagles were playing. Coming from San Diego, I decided on a whim to head to Phoenix—it wasn’t too far and promised excitement. I found myself at the Super Bowl watch party hosted by the NFL in Hance Park, downtown Phoenix. Hance Park is a vibrant urban park known for its green spaces, cultural events, and stunning views of the city skyline. The atmosphere was electric, the weather perfect, and being surrounded by fellow football fans made it an unforgettable day. I also had a great parking spot right outside the front gate so I was able to get out to the van easily throughout the day and night!
- Check out my Google Review for Margaret T. Hance Park
Tucson, Arizona
Tucson holds a special place in my heart, not just for its vibrant culture and beautiful desert landscapes, but for its iconic Sonoran hot dogs. These delectable treats are a true taste of the Southwest, featuring a bacon-wrapped hot dog served in a soft bolillo roll, topped with pinto beans, grilled onions and peppers, fresh tomatoes, salsa verde, mayonnaise, and mustard. It’s a flavor explosion that captures the essence of Tucson’s culinary scene.
During my visits, I made it a mission to sample Sonoran hot dogs from some of the best spots in town. El Sinoloense Hot Dog Cart, El Guero Canelo and BK Carne Asada & Hot Dogs. I think El Sinoloense was my favorite. Here’s my TicTok post from that visit.
Sedona, Arizona
Sedona always enchants me, especially my visit to Airport Mesa. Known for its stunning vistas and as a vortex site, Airport Mesa was bustling with nearly fifty people when I arrived, some distracted by the lively energy, kids running around, and tourists snapping photos. Despite the initial chaos, I sought out a quieter spot and settled into meditation. The serene silence eventually enveloped me, allowing me to connect with the energy of the vortex. When I opened my eyes, the once bustling area was unexpectedly empty, and I was left in awe of the expansive red rock landscape stretched out before me. It was a profound moment of solitude and connection, reminding me of Sedona’s mystical allure and the transformative power of its vortex sites.
- See my Google review of Airport Mesa Vortex in Sedona, AZ
Quartzite, Arizona
Quartzsite, Arizona, situated in the western part of the state near the California border, is famed for its extensive Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands. BLM land, federally managed public areas, attracts van lifers and RV enthusiasts for its freedom to camp and explore. Often described as acres upon acres of vans and RVs scattered across the desert, Quartzsite offers a serene escape. During my brief visits, I cherished the simplicity of sitting amidst the expansive desert landscape, enjoying the peace and quiet. Planning to return for a longer stay this winter, I look forward to immersing myself further in Quartzsite’s tranquil desert ambiance. On both visits, I found solace in the calm surroundings, spending days working, reading, and strumming my guitar outdoors, and evenings sharing stories around a campfire with fellow van lifers.
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- Check out the full moon at Quartzite, AZ during one of my trips.
Tombstone, Arizona
Visiting Tombstone, AZ, was a highlight of my Arizona journey, especially as a fan of the movie Tombstone starring Kurt Russell, which captures much of the town’s historical events. Arriving early allowed me to explore iconic spots like the Bird Cage Theatre and the bars frequented by the Earp brothers, such as Big Nose Kate’s and the Crystal Palace, immersing myself in Old West history. Walking through the OK Corral was a surreal experience, bringing to life the legendary gunfight. The town’s vibrant atmosphere continued into the evening with live music, adding to the charm of one of my favorite Arizona destinations. (Check out some clips of the live music in Tombstone below)
- See my Google review for The Crystal Palace Saloon, Tombstone, Arizona
- See my Google review for Big Nose Kate’s in Tombstone, Arizona
Flagstaff, Arizona
Exploring Flagstaff is always a nostalgic journey for me, not just because of its Route 66 charm but also because of the family ties I have there. It’s a town where history meets modern fun—a perfect blend. I’ve savored delicious burgers at Diablo Burger downtown and enjoyed playing at open mic nights at The Museum Club, affectionately known as The Zoo, a historic gem with its own tales to tell. Hotel Monte Vista is another favorite haunt, where I’ve relaxed with a beer and imagined scenes from Casablanca filmed right there. Flagstaff’s disc golf courses have also been a great find, offering scenic views and challenging play. It’s a town that keeps me coming back for its rich history and vibrant energy.
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- See my Google review of The Museum Club in Flagstaff, AZ
Winslow, Arizona
In Winslow, AZ, a must-stop for any classic rock fan traveling Route 66, I couldn’t resist pausing to stand on the corner immortalized by the Eagles’ song. There’s a statue commemorating Don Henley and Glenn Frey, alongside a flatbed Ford, capturing the spirit of the iconic lyrics. The town exudes nostalgia with its souvenir shops and the unmistakable strains of Eagles songs drifting through the air—a true homage to rock ‘n’ roll history right on Main Street.
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- See my Google Review for “Standin on the Corner” in Winslow, AZ
- Got out of town just before a windstorm came in!
Casa Grande, Arizona
In Casa Grande, AZ, I stumbled upon a pleasant surprise during a stopover on my journey. Finding a safe downtown parking spot, I explored the unique Casa Grande Neon Sign Park, a vibrant display of restored neon signs that illuminate the city’s history. These signs have been meticulously preserved from local businesses of yesteryears, offering a nostalgic glimpse into Casa Grande’s commercial past. Each sign tells a story of the community’s vibrant culture and entrepreneurial spirit, making the park not just a historical attraction but a living testament to the city’s heritage.
- See my Google Review of the Neon Sign Park in Casa Grande, AZ
Rafting the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon
Embarking on a 14-day journey down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon was a transformative experience that left an indelible mark on my soul. Completely unplugged from the digital world, it was a true escape into nature’s embrace. Each day brought new wonders as we navigated through towering canyon walls, camped under a blanket of stars, and drifted along the serene river currents. The absence of phones and computers allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in the moment, soaking in the sheer magnificence of this natural wonder. It was more than just a river trip; it was a journey of profound connection with the land, the river, and the timeless beauty of the Grand Canyon.
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- See my Google Review for AZRA – Arizona Rafting Adventures
- Check out my video of Red Wall Canyon at the bottom of the Grand Canyon!
