When it comes to making memories, the Grand Canyon State truly delivers. From immersive avant-garde artwork to pulse-pounding water adventures, these five Arizona experiences will make for one unforgettable summer.
WONDERSPACES – Situated within Scottsdale Fashion Square, Wonderspaces—a sprawling 16,000-square-foot show space—has recently unveiled Point of View, a range of fascinating (and photogenic) works by 13 artists from around the globe. Visitors of all ages can take in creations like Submergence, an immersive installation comprised of more than 8,000 individual points of light that continually change color in coordination with music; and Blooms, which centers on highly-detailed 3D-printed sculptures that appear to animate under a carefully timed strobe light. Point of View is the first in a series of shows slated at Wonderspaces Arizona.
ARIZONA GRAND RESORT – From adrenaline-stoking high-rise waterslides to detoxifying Sedona mud wraps, this Phoenix resort has perks for everyone in the family. Post up with some prickly pear piña coladas in a private poolside cabana at the seven-acre Oasis Water Park, book a day of relaxing treatments at the Arizona Grand Spa or hit the links on the scenic golf course—whatever your vacation mode is, this top-rated resort will deliver.
PLEASANT HARBOR – Get a true watersport fix at Pleasant Harbor, a full-service marina located 45 minutes from Downtown Phoenix. Make the most out of every blue-skied summer day on Lake Pleasant—cruise around on jet skis, brave the 34-foot tall floating H2-Whoa water slide (the world’s tallest), cast a line from a pontoon boat, or try out the unforgettable water flyboard. Don’t miss the Harbor’s Fourth of July fireworks show (taking place July 3)—it’s legendary!
BEARIZONA -See the region’s most stunning wildlife up-close at this 160-acre animal park, located in Williams, 30 minutes west of Flagstaff. Walk, drive or take a bus tour through the property to observe its population of bison, elk, black bear cubs, foxes, river otters and wolves—try to arrive to the picturesque Ponderosa Pine forest early in the morning or late afternoon to catch the animals at their most active. Be sure to make time for Bearizona’s Birds of Prey show, where stunning owls, raptors and hawks take flight.
HAVASUPAI FALLS -Reaching these picture-perfect waterfalls takes a little planning, but the payoff is well worth the effort. Situated amidst the dramatic travertine cliffs of the Grand Canyon, Havasupai Falls are naturally occurring oases within the region’s desertscape. The five Havasupai Falls—Navajo Falls, Fifty Foot Falls, Havasu Falls, Mooney Falls and Beaver Falls—are each only reachable by foot trail, horseback or helicopter, and a permit must be obtained before setting out. But rest assured, one dip into that crystal blue water will make it all worthwhile.
