SPG's State Guide to Sports in Arizona

2023 Issue

Destinations across Arizona are famous for delivering lasting impressions to visitors. But what makes this place truly special is its ability to inspire an ongoing adventurous spirit in visitors and residents. Wide-open spaces, road-trip excursions, bucket-list experiences and a bit of the unexpected beckon from every corner of the Grand Canyon State. We encourage explorers of every level to heed the call!

Extending a trip in Arizona is easy when you have access to the right tools. Below are a few suggestions, with many more at visitarizona.com.

SEE THE WORLD’S GRANDEST CANYON
Inarguably breathtaking, the Grand Canyon is Arizona’s own Natural Wonder of the World and the state’s most-visited attraction. If you’ve never experienced it in person, consider this your standing invitation! Stretching 277 miles from end to end, the canyon’s multi hued rock walls descend more than a mile to the Colorado River below. There are myriad ways to explore the Grand Canyon, from scenic rim overlooks to hiking trails to air tours.

WANDER THROUGH WINE COUNTRY
Arizona’s 120+ wineries, tasting rooms and vineyards across three major wine regions offer truly unique experiences. Just north of Phoenix, the green-and-gold Verde Valley is home to numerous wineries and tasting rooms. The adventurous should try the Water-to- Wine excursion which combines kayaking on the cool Verde River and wine tasting! Southern Arizona offers two main wine regions around the communities of Sonoita/Elgin and Willcox. The vast lands and abundant monsoon rains produce 3/4 of the state’s wine grapes, which are ultimately crafted into award-winning varietals. Whichever region you visit, we’re confident you’ll be delighted by the unexpected flavors of Arizona wine and unbeatable fun of enjoying vino the Arizona way!

SAVOR SMALL-TOWN SOUTHWESTERN CHARM
Road trips are most memorable when they include small towns with big personalities. Several such towns are located along Route 66, which cruises across northern Arizona. Fans of the hit-making band the Eagles will appreciate “standin’ on a corner in Winslow, Arizona.” Down the road, in Kingman, day-trippers will find classic cars, neon signs and the Historic Route 66 Museum. Another cool escape north of Phoenix is the mile-high city of Prescott. It’s famous for Whiskey Row, a collection of saloons that sprung up during the gold rush to quench the thirst of miners, gamblers and outlaws. The town is filled with Victorian architecture and boasts 700 buildings listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Southern Arizona is also home to the famously charming mile-high town of Bisbee . USA Today named Bisbee America’s best historic small town, and Frommer’s declared it one of the “Best Places to Go” in the world in 2018. This former mining camp is now populated by artists and free spirits whose wares fill shops and galleries on Main Street. Off the main drag, murals adorn alley walls and sculptures decorate the tiny yards of Victorian homes. Arizona’s ability to surprise and delight awaits every visitor. I invite you to enjoy the diversity and splendor of the Grand Canyon State!