If you want to experience winter in New Mexico, fly high in San Diego or just explore different parts of the Valley, there are experiences aplenty in the wild and wonderful West.
Pinal County
You don’t need to travel far to discover many of the distinctive attractions that make the Grand Canyon State unique. There is plenty of adventure to be had between Phoenix and Tucson in Pinal County, the heart of Southern Arizona.
Adventure seekers will want to head to Eloy to visit Skydive Arizona, the world’s largest parachuting resort and frequent host of National and World Skydiving Championships. Adrenaline junkies can learn to skydive or go on a tandem jump with one of Skydive Arizona’s experienced instructors, or families can experience SkyVenture AZ. This vertical wind tunnel simulates the feeling of falling from the sky.
Within the 10,000-acre San Tan Mountain Regional Park, you and your family can immerse yourselves in captivating vistas. With 20 miles of trails catering to hikers, horseback riders, and mountain bikers of all skill levels, there’s something for everyone. Take a break from exploring and admire the beautiful flora and fauna, or enjoy a picnic while taking in the incredible views. Go on a scavenger hunt to discover historic petroglyphs and Sonoran plants, or search for desert animals like javelinas and Gila monsters. Throughout the year, stargazers can enjoy dark-sky events with provided telescopes.
Boyce Thompson Arboretum, Arizona’s oldest and largest botanical garden, spans a vast 320 acres, showcasing a diverse collection of cacti, succulents and desert trees. This haven for desert dwellers, including butterflies and birds, was recognized by the National Audubon Society in 2007 as an Important Birding Area. The Arboretum caters to nature enthusiasts of all ages with guided tours, bird walks, wellness workshops and seasonal events that celebrate the desert’s captivating natural beauty.
Don’t forget to head up the Apache Trail (AZ88) into the Superstition Mountains and immerse yourself in the history of the Goldfield Ghost Town, a time capsule straight out of the 1890s, and the Historic Goldfield Museum. Admission is free, with fees for some attractions, including a zipline, narrow gauge railroad, mine tours, gold panning and free gunfight shows.
Featured in numerous television shows, the family-owned Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch in Picacho has many different critters to feed. It also has an amusement park, outdoor recreational activities and affordable family fun for all ages.
Pinal County has something for every family. Visit explore.pinal.gov to find adventures and create memories you will never forget.
Pima Air & Space Museum
Experience one of the world’s largest aviation museums at Pima Air & Space Museum. It spans a sprawling 80-acre campus with six hangars housing nearly 425 aircraft in its collection. Among these treasures are an iconic Air Force One, NASA’s Super Guppy, the oldest surviving SR-71 Blackbird and the last B-36 Peacemaker ever constructed.
The facility boasts an impressive collection of exhibits spanning every era and type of aviation, including commercial and civil aircraft, military and experimental planes, and more. It is also home to an expansive restoration facility filled with meticulous repainting and refurbishing projects. Visitors can also explore models of flight from various parts of the globe, a playground, a restaurant and a STEM playroom, providing families with an unforgettable and educational experience.
Admission also includes the independent 390th Memorial Museum and the Arizona Aviation Hall of Fame, which honors aviation pioneers, including 19th-century hot air ballooners, modern-day aerospace engineers, and others who have significantly contributed to advanced aircraft and missile technology.
To learn more about what you can discover at the Pima Air & Space Museum, visit pimaair.org.
Some of Pima Air and Space Museum’s notable acquisitions include:
- SOFIA
The Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy, a joint mission between NASA and the German Aerospace Center DLR, utilized a modified Boeing 747SP. This aircraft carried a nearly 20-ton infrared telescope, enabling it to soar above 99 percent of the infrared-blocking atmosphere, allowing scientists to explore the unseen and unseeable regions of the universe. - Lockheed EP-3E
This craft was used by the U.S. Navy for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. It was also part of the globally publicized 2001 Hainan Island incident when it was involved in a mid-air collision. - Martin JRM Mars
This massive flying boat, the largest ever produced, played a crucial role during World War II and the Korean War, transporting cargo and troops. After its service, it was repurposed as an aerial firefighting tanker. The aptly named “Philippine Mars” is set to make its final flight soon, soaring over an Arizona lake before being transported to the museum for permanent display.
Taawaki Inn
Find your sense of adventure at the picturesque Taawaki Inn, a sprawling and remarkable two-story, 44-room hotel overlooking the Verde River in the heart of Clarkdale, Arizona.
This hotel, owned by the Hopi Tribe Economic Development Corporation, is the first luxury establishment outside the Hopi reservation. It is a testament to the tribe’s profound commitment to cultural integrity, inspiring guests with an energetic and transformative experience.
Conveniently located near the entrance of Tuzigoot National Monument, Taawaki Inn is a short walk away from gourmet dining, high-end shopping, and numerous scenic hiking and biking trails, as well as various attractions like Verde Canyon Railroad, Montezuma’s Castle and Sedona, Arizona. The homes of the Hopi tribe inspired the inn’s unique design, with a serene white-washed exterior that blends with the native plants of the region.
When guests step into this four-star oasis, the alluring melodies of traditional Hopi music fill the lobby and create an unforgettable ambiance. Guests are further immersed in the cultural heritage of the Hopi people through the traditional artwork adorning the walls. View intricately crafted kachina dolls and dazzling storytelling murals. A magnificent stained-glass Sun Kachina centerpiece adorns the main entrance.
Taawaki Inn offers a range of engaging activities designed to highlight Hopi culture. Guests can take in mesmerizing dance performances and enlightening art talks led by local artists. The hotel also has modern amenities such as a conference room, a fine art gallery, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a gift shop and a gourmet café, ensuring a comfortable and enriching stay.
Taawaki Inn is the ideal destination for travelers seeking comfort, adventure and cultural experience. It makes for a unique stay that celebrates the Hopi way of life. For more information, visit taawakiinn.com.
City of Litchfield Park
Discover Litchfield Park, a charming and stylish community nestled in the heart of the West Valley. Wander the city’s picturesque palm- and orange-tree-lined pathways, which will guide you straight to an exceptional selection of locally owned restaurants and bars.
Litchfield Park is also a short drive to major West Valley sports venues, making the city a destination for locals and tourists alike. Fans of the Arizona Cardinals, MLB Spring Training and NASCAR will be excited to know the city is within 10 miles of their respective sports venues.
For those interested in exploring the city’s cultural side, the P.W. Litchfield Heritage Center (pwlhc.org) and Wildlife World Zoo offer fascinating glimpses into Arizona’s past and present. Outdoor enthusiasts can also enjoy hiking at the nearby scenic White Tank Mountain Regional Park.
If you’re looking for the perfect staycation, visit The Wigwam, the city’s iconic four-star resort and event center. This luxurious hotel features a range of amenities that include several golf courses, refreshing pools and a rejuvenating spa.
Litchfield Park attracts world-class artists, offers outstanding entertainment, and has an event calendar filled with award-winning events. Schedule your visit to experience one of these upcoming festivals:
- Litchfield Park Gathering
January 11-12
Many of the finest Native American artists and artisans in the Southwest are scheduled to participate in this free, award-winning festival. The event will be open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. each day throughout the weekend. Visitors can enjoy a fabulous selection of traditional and contemporary jewelry, beadwork, kachinas, pueblo carvings, paintings, prints, pottery, sculptures and more. - Litchfield Park Art & Wine Festival
March 1-2
Spend a perfect spring weekend at this highly anticipated festival, held daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. in Litchfield Park’s charming downtown, next to the historical Wigwam Resort. Browse through more than 150 displays, where you can find exquisite fine art, unique jewelry and one-of-a-kind artisanal treasures. Among the talented artists showcasing their work are contemporary wildlife painter Ans Carnes, nature photographer Dave Hatton, jeweler Russell Peterson and clothing designers Rodger and Candiss Cole-Footitt. Enjoy live jazz and blues music while sipping Arizona wines in the picturesque garden and indulging in gourmet delights. This festival draws thousands of visitors from all over, so you’re sure to discover a new favorite artist. Admission is free.
To discover more about Litchfield Park, visit litchfieldpark.gov.
Experience Winter in Santa Fe
Santa Fe comes alive during the winter, when picturesque snowdrifts cover adobe walls and tantalizing pots of posole and green chile stew transport you to your cozy childhood kitchen. As Food & Wine proclaimed, “Winter is the ideal time to explore Santa Fe and uncover all its captivating offerings.”
The city boasts 300 days of sunshine, breathtaking skies and awe-inspiring sunsets, providing an ideal backdrop for outdoor activities. Just minutes from the Plaza, in the Santa Fe National Forest, you can indulge in winter sports such as downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and hiking at Ski Santa Fe. It offers something special for everyone. With a base elevation of 10,350 feet, Ski Santa Fe is the launching point for an unforgettable ski experience.
After a day of exhilarating snowy adventures, unwind and rejuvenate your spirit with a relaxing soak in one of Santa Fe’s renowned spas or the city’s naturally healing hot springs. Ojo Santa Fe is a refuge from the modern world within northern New Mexico’s high desert. Experience hydrotherapy in one of its spring-fed thermal pools, dine on farm-fresh cuisine and find utter relaxation in its waterside spa.
If rugged trails and thrilling slopes aren’t your cup of tea, don’t worry. Santa Fe offers a unique blend of international style and old-world charm that envelops you in an inviting atmosphere throughout the year. There are numerous ways to stimulate your senses without breaking a sweat. Take a stroll down Canyon Road, a vibrant arts hub with more than 100 galleries and studios, or visit one of Santa Fe’s renowned museums, including the iconic Georgia O’Keeffe Museum. Winter also presents a rare opportunity to witness traditional Feast Day dances performed by pueblo dwellers, just a short drive from downtown.
Santa Fe is a foodie’s paradise, with an irresistible fusion of Indigenous and Spanish culinary traditions and authentic local dishes. Santa Feans take great pride in the fact that, on a cold day, you can find warmth and comfort in the city’s soul-stirring cuisine. Chile is more than just an ingredient here; it’s a way of life. Sample traditional Southwestern fare at family-owned restaurants, or venture off the beaten path with a tour of our quirky food trailers. Melt away stress with traditional cacao elixirs and delicate, hand-rolled truffles on the Santa Fe Chocolate Trail.
Residents of Santa Fe fervently believe that the city is a delightful destination any time of the year. However, there’s an indescribably enchanting aura that emanates from the place during the winter months, making it truly magical. Find out more at santafe.org.
San Diego Air & Space Museum
The San Diego Air & Space Museum will host the world premiere of the exhibition Da Vinci’s First Flight beginning on February 1. This immersive journey seamlessly combines history and innovation as visitors explore Renaissance artist Leonardo da Vinci’s groundbreaking exploration of human flight. The exhibition also delves into the enigmatic story of Zoroastro da Peretola, an apprentice who may have risked everything to bring his master’s visionary designs to life. It celebrates da Vinci’s bold ideas and the enduring power of imagination.
Visitors can immerse themselves in the world of da Vinci’s ingenious designs at this interactive exhibition, featuring more than 30 full-scale replicas crafted by award-winning artists. Engaging hands-on exhibits will make learning about the artist’s inventions an unforgettable journey. From flight simulations to aerodynamics experiments, there’s something for every curious mind to spark inspiration. The highlights of the exhibition include:
• Life-Size Hang Glider
Marvel at the stunning 36-foot replica that embodies the elegance of da Vinci’s design.
• The World’s First Drones
Discover da Vinci’s foresight through mechanical prototypes that bear a striking resemblance to modern drones.
• Interactive Flight Experiments
Test da Vinci’s principles of flight, delving into concepts such as gliding, parachuting, and early instrumentation.
• The Spherical Glider and Clockwork Dragonfly
Uncover lesser-known designs that showcase the innovator’s ability to blend artistry with engineering prowess.
• Immersive Glider Simulation
Soar virtually over the Tuscan hills in a re-creation of da Vinci’s glider.
The San Diego Air & Space Museum has many displays for people of all ages to learn about the history of aviation and its future. For more information or to reserve tickets, visit sandiegoairandspace.org.
The Town of Fountain Hills
Just minutes from the fourth-tallest fountain in the world is Fort McDowell Adventures, Arizona’s premier experience center for more than 30 years. Visitors can embark on a scenic horseback ride through the desert, experience a wagon ride or participate in a cattle drive. The facility offers guided adventures that cater to romantic getaways, family outings and team-building corporate retreats.
When the sun sets, visitors to Fountain Hills are treated to a breathtaking spectacle of stars in the night sky. The community holds the distinction as one of only two DarkSky International Communities situated near a major metropolitan area. This exceptional location offers stargazers an unparalleled view of the heavens. For those eager to delve deeper into the celestial wonders above, the Star Dudes a group of passionate amateur astronomers, provide professional stargazing experiences for private parties and community-sponsored events.
Set against the backdrop of the town’s famous fountain, Concours in the Hills, dubbed the “Greatest Car Show on Grass,” will celebrate its 11th year on Saturday, February 15, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at Fountain Park in Fountain Hills. This free, family-friendly event benefits Phoenix Children’s Hope Fund, which supports pioneering research, state-of-the-art technology, recruitment of leading physicians and the implementation of programs designed to create a more comfortable hospital environment for children. Concours in the Hills showcases a diverse array of vehicles, including contemporary and classic race cars, exotic foreign and domestic high-performance cars, muscle cars, sports cars, hot rods, military vehicles and helicopters. Admission and parking are free, but donations are appreciated.
On March 15, wear your green and join the Town of Fountain Hills for its Irish Fountain Fest. This family-friendly event is held at Fountain Park, where the world-famous fountain will transform into a bright, emerald green geyser at 12 and 4 p.m. This extravaganza promises an unforgettable experience filled with delectable food, lively entertainment and enchanting music. From a kid’s zone brimming with fun activities to traditional Irish folk music to a Celtic rock band, there’s something for everyone. Its is free and open to all ages.
The sound of music will fill the air on April 5 for this year’s Music Fest at Fountain Park. The event will include four incredible bands, food trucks, and a beer and wine garden. For more information about these events and more, visit experiencefountainhills.org.
The City of Cottonwood
The heart of Arizona’s wine country thrums in the Verde Valley in the charming town of Cottonwood. This idyllic destination is the perfect base for exploring the renowned Verde Valley Wine Trail or venturing to the captivating towns of Jerome or Sedona. Immerse yourself in a region steeped in history, breathtaking natural beauty and world-class wines, with an impressive 10 tasting rooms conveniently located within the town of Cottonwood alone.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Dead Horse Ranch State Park offers an abundance of hiking trails, camping spots, fishing lagoons, and horseback riding and birdwatching opportunities. Head to Blazin’ M Ranch Western Town for a family-friendly dinner and a fun western show.
Other Cottonwood dining and drinking establishments include Belfry Brewery, Merkin Hilltop Winery and Trattoria and Eden.
If you plan to stay for a while, consider hanging your hat at Origins Bed and Breakfast. This charming B&B offers a complimentary three-course breakfast every morning. Each guest room is named after an element of the desert, such as Copper or Canyon. The property boasts breathtaking views of the Verde River, Mingus Mountain, Sedona’s iconic red rocks and the beige bluffs of the Verde Valley, infusing it with a distinct Southwestern charm.
Old Town Cottonwood serves as the city’s focal point and is the ideal spot to stroll, dine, stay and play in the heart of it all. Whether you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind antique, framed artwork or handmade jewelry, the independent shops in Old Town Cottonwood cater to every type of visitor. For more information, visit visitcottonwoodaz.org.
