7 Best Cities in Arizona (According to a Local)

I reside in Arizona and am here to tell you about the 7 best cities in Arizona!

The state known as the Grand Canyon far surpasses simply embodying images of the old west. Arizona is home to busy cities full of entertainment, music, scenic charm, and historic culture. It’s also renowned internationally for culinary delights.

I cover all of these topics in my guide, and provide abundant resources to assist you in choosing the ideal Arizona cities matching your needs. Furthermore, if you prefer a smaller community to explore, check out my accompanying list of the best towns in Arizona.

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7 Best Arizona Cities

Tucson

The Old Pueblo is full of art, history, incredible cuisine, and plenty of fun activities. It’s also surrounded by mountains and the Sonoran Desert!

🏠 Population: 543,242 | 📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Tucson on Booking

There’s just something peculiar about Tucson. From local families to first-time visitors, anyone you consult will express the equivalent sentiment.There’s just something peculiar about it.

This large desert city is home to the University of Arizona, which enlivens the location with exciting sporting events and student-led activities. It’s also among the biggest cities in the state.

Downtown displays vibrant murals, public art, and Hispanic culture. It offers some of the finest activities to engage in in Tucson. Bars and nightclubs abound.

As one of two UNESCO-recognized cities of gastronomy, you are certain to sample some life-changing dining establishments in Tucson. Your thoughts about Mexican cuisine will remain until the end of time.

There are five gorgeous mountain ranges to explore around the city. The Tucson and Rincon Mountains are home to Saguaro National Park. Here you can hike through thousands of majestic saguaro cacti, the iconic figure of the Sonoran Desert.

Mount Lemmon within the Santa Catalina Mountains provides the finest mountain climbing and mountain biking in Southern Arizona. If you visit at any time other than the blistering summer months, outdoor adventures abound. And if you venture a little further outside of the Old Pueblo, there are tons of incredible must-see day trips from Tucson to discover.

Flagstaff

A quaint mountain community with ideal outdoor activities and a lively downtown. And it`s near the Grand Canyon!

🏠 Population: 76,989 | 📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Browse Accommodations in Flagstaff on Booking

Flagstaff is not one of the largest cities in Arizona. But its history, location, and character place it near the top of our list of the best cities in the state.

With the majestic San Francisco Peaks looming in the background of the twinkling downtown area, this northern Arizona city oozes charm. It’s also near two of the state’s most popular destinations. Pack your bags for the Grand Canyon, or explore the many things to do in Sedona!

If you enjoy outdoor activities, there is no better city than Flagstaff. Spend summer days hiking, camping, and mountain biking among the pine trees. And when snow blankets the town in winter, spend a weekend downhill skiing at Arizona Snowbowl Ski Resort.

When touring Flagstaff, check out Lowell Observatory (where Pluto was found) with the whole family. Last summer, it topped our rankings of the best activities in the USA!

Be sure not to miss out on the cozy breweries, bars, and restaurants found downtown. Some of my favorite places for drinking include Hops on Birch, Deep Sky Brewing Co., and Mother Road Brewing Co. The best dining establishments are The Toasted Owl Cafe, Fat Olives, and Swaddee Thai Cuisine.

Northern Arizona University brings thousands of students to Flagstaff. This makes the city a wonderful place for younger individuals to connect with others with similar interests and lifestyles. In addition, quite a few retirees call the area home during hotter months to escape warmer climates further south. No matter one`s stage of life, Flagstaff provides an excellent place to reside in Arizona whether visiting or living long-term.

📚 Related Reading:19 Best Places to Go Camping in Arizona

Scottsdale

The ideal place to treat yourself to an indulgent vacation in a glamorous setting.

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” The city`s population as well as links to its location on maps, official website and hotel bookings on a third party site are presented here

Scottsdale is one of the most exciting cities in Arizona. This glamorous area features nightclubs, renowned restaurants, championship golf courses, and luxurious resorts. There are also excellent outdoor activities to participate in nearby. You’ll never run short of things to do in this city.

If you enjoy famous architecture, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West is situated in North Scottsdale. This impressive structure attracts artists and architects from around the nation.

Visitors can also enjoy hiking scenic trails like those on Camelback Mountain and in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve north of Phoenix. Some of the finest bodies of water in Arizona are within an hour`s drive.

Scottsdale is a hotspot for bachelor and bachelorette celebrations, birthday festivities, and other major events. While it can be pricey, you don`t necessarily must spend a fortune when you visit this renowned city.

Whether you prefer exploring historic sites or attending music events with opulent shopping nearby, Palm Springs offers varied activities. Cultural and nightlife enthusiasts will both find options.

📚 Related Information:Best 8 Neighborhoods in Phoenix

Mesa

A historically rich area next to the stunning Superstition Mountains.

🏠 Resident population: 509,475 | 📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Browse accommodation in Mesa on Booking

Mesa is among my favorite locations to explore in Arizona. It’s home to Mesa Grande Cultural Park. This park boasts centuries-old Hohokam artifacts along with an ancient ceremonial mound. This city offers unique historic sites that make for great family activities.

Don’t miss visiting the Arizona Museum of Natural History, which exhibits dinosaur remains and other discoveries. History fans will absolutely want to check out this Arizona gem on their bucket lists.

Pack your hiking shoes if you plan to visit the Lost Dutchman State Park, just 30 minutes away. The picturesque peaks of the Superstition Mountains offer the prettiest views in the area. You can also camp here if you enjoy outside activities in the Sonoran Desert.

🍻 Local Recommendations: Chupacabra Taproom and Cider Corps serve up the finest beer and cider in the broader Phoenix area!

Lake Havasu City

A secluded lakeside escape brimming with waterfront activities and entertainment.

🏠 Population: 58,284 | 📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Discover Lodging in Lake Havasu City on Booking

Lake Havasu is one of Arizona`s most popular vacation spots. It`s perfectly located on the Colorado River with a variety of entertainment options and beautiful scenery, making Lake Havasu City a unique gem among Arizona cities.

Originally from London, part of the old London Bridge now connects downtown to marinas and `the Island.` This area is popular for dining, leisurely strolls, and festivities on the beach.

If you enjoy learning about history, visit the Lake Havasu Museum of History to explore Native American influence in the area surrounding western Arizona. The Lake Havasu State Park offers pristine beaches with scenic vistas, wildlife, picnic spots, and mountain trails.

👉 Pro Tip: Plan your visit to avoid major school breaks like spring break if you desire a serene experience. Otherwise, expect to join in revelry with local university students!

Tempe

Home to Arizona State University and its Sun Devils athletics program, this historic college town exudes vibrant energy.

🏠 Resident population: 184,118 | 📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Browse accommodation in Tempe on Booking

This is my favorite city in the greater Phoenix region to go out at night. Attend an ASU basketball or football game, sip beers on leafy patios, and watch the sunset over Tempe Town Lake all in one day.

This vibrant city is near amazing family-friendly activities like the zoo and Desert Botanical Garden. It’s also an ideal place to engage in a night of revelry (safely, of course). You’ll have plenty of exclusive choices to bar hop all night long on Mill Avenue.

Experience bull-riding at Rodeo Ranch and enjoy live dueling pianists at Low Key Piano Bar. For locally crafted brews and giant pretzels, stop by Pedal Haus Brewery, considered one of the top Phoenix eateries. These constitute some of my favorites, but the area affords facile exploration of numerous other spots.

👉 Pro Tip: Keep track of class scheduling at ASU if you want to avoid major student crowds during the academic year.

Phoenix

This thriving metropolis offers unlimited diversion and year-round sunlight.

🏠 Population: 1.625 million | 📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Browse Accommodations in Phoenix on Booking

Welcome to the biggest city in Arizona! The possibilities are boundless in this massive urban sprawl of over 1 million residents. There’s just so much to do. From the zoo to Suns basketball games to Salt River floating, you’ll never run out of things to do in Phoenix.

If entertainment is what you seek, some of the top performers and artists take the stage in Phoenix. Get tickets for an emerging act at the Van Buren downtown. Or see a renowned star at the Talking Stick Resort Showroom. The music never falls silent in Phoenix!

Highly-rated restaurants, bars, and nightclubs are plentiful. And if you long for a wholesome day immersed in nature, take a day excursion from Phoenix to escape the commotion of the city within two hours.

In addition to a seemingly endless selection of activities, this city boasts pleasant temperatures year-round. Situated centrally within the state, it also places you in close proximity to prime natural scenery in the neighboring Sonoran Desert region. Regardless of when or why you visit the capital of Arizona, you are sure to enjoy your time there.

FAQs About Arizona Cities