Here in Arizona, the heart and soul of our state can be found not in the largest cities, but in the very tiniest of towns. This three-hour road trip leads to some of the best rural areas in Arizona, from quirky Route 66 ghost towns to a remote wildlife refuge where you can take an exhilarating safari tour. Hop in the car and let's go!
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The heyday of Arizona's mining boom still lives on in this quirky ghost town. Located along the famous Route 66, Oatman is best known for the wild burros that roam the streets (they're very friendly, so don't be shy!) Make sure to stop by the Oatman Hotel while you're in town. The circa-1902 building is now a restaurant and saloon rather than a hotel, and it's brimming with historic charm (and ghost stories).
Here, you'll see various exhibits that detail the important role the Mother Road played in American history. At nearby Locomotive Park, you can also marvel at a vintage steam engine that serves as proof of Kingman's former status as a railroad hub.
Either take a guided safari or walk around at your own pace - either way, you can expect to see such majestic creatures as tigers, colorful birds, bears, primates, and reptiles.
The 45-minute excursion features ancient waterfalls, fossils, unique mineral formations, and so many other mesmerizing sights. You can even enjoy a meal or spend the night in the caverns!
Still on Route 66, our journey now takes us to Seligman, the alleged birthplace of the historic highway.
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The entire town is good old-fashioned Americana at its finest, with classic cars parked outside of nearly every building and kitschy motels, diners, and souvenir shops galore.
Definitely take some time to stroll through the town square, also known as the Seligman Commercial Historic District. Many of its businesses are listed on the National Register of Historic Places! Keep an eye out for nods to the Disney film "Cars," whose fictional town of Radiator Springs was actually inspired by Arizona's very own Peach Springs. On your way out of town, stop by Delgadillo's Snow Cap Drive-In for classic, 50s-style greasy spoon fare like burgers, fries, and handspun milkshakes!
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
While college seems like it was 100 years ago to some of us (or maybe it's just me), there are several college towns in Arizona where anyone can have fun or even a relaxing weekend getaway. While ASU in Tempe is the best-known university in the state, there are many others including Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, the University of Arizona in Tucson, and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott. With these towns teeming with students when college is in session, there's plenty of fun to be had. However, there are also many ways to relax if you're craving a peaceful getaway. Here are our favorite college towns in Arizona:
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1. Prescott
Prescott is a city in Yavapai County, Arizona, United States.
Prescott is one of those towns that reminds me of the Old West with Whiskey Row and all of the saloons found there. Nightlife in Prescott is always a good time with people of all ages out and about. There are also antique stores and tourist shops to peruse along with incredible restaurants like Dinner Bell Cafe and the Palace Restaurant & Saloon. But you can also find ways to find some peace and quiet around town as well, especially if you go for a hike at the incredibly picturesque Watson Lake.
Need a place to stay in Prescott? Make a reservation at Hotel St. Michael located in Prescott's historic downtown.
2. Flagstaff
Flagstaff is a city in and the county seat of Coconino County in northern Arizona, in the southwestern United States. In 2018, the city’s estimated population was 73,964. Flagstaff’s combined metropolitan area has an estimated population of 139,097. The city is named after a ponderosa pine flagpole made by a scouting party from Boston (known as the “Second Boston Party”) to celebrate the United States Centennial on July 4, 1876.
Flagstaff is a picture-perfect college town with a charming historic downtown area where you'll find dining options, breweries, and boutiques. Then there's Snowbowl for skiing and snowboarding in the winter and hiking year-round. Other notable attractions include the Lowell Observatory which discovered Pluto back in 1930, the Lava River Cave for a hiking adventure, and The Arboretum at Flagstaff. If you plan on spending a weekend in town, the Americana Motor Inn is a fun retro option.
3. Phoenix
An aerial view of downtown Phoenix, Arizona and the surrounding urban area shot from a helicopter nearing dusk.
There is so much to do in Phoenix that you can spend years here and not see or experience it all (I am speaking from experience). However, I can give you a few highlights! First of all, you would really be missing out if you didn't visit the Musical Instrument Museum (aka the MIM). As the largest museum of its kind in the world, you can peruse exhibits on music and instruments from all corners of the globe. You should also check out the museum's concert schedule. I attended a concert here a few years ago and was blown away by the venue's acoustics! There's also the Phoenix Zoo, the Desert Botanical Garden, the Heard Museum (a personal favorite of mine), and Papago Park where you can take the whole family on an easy hike.
If you would like to explore the dining scene, you can try Wren & Wolf downtown, Chelsea's Kitchen which sits on the canal, and The Gladly on Camelback. Planning on spending a few nights in town? Try the Cambria Hotel which has an epic rooftop bar or The Phoenician if you prefer luxurious accommodations.
4. Tempe
Skyline panoramic aerial helicopter view of Tempe, Arizona. Showing ASU Arizona State University campus with Sun Devil Football Stadium (Frank Kush Field) on middle right and Wells Fargo Arena in bottom left foreground. “Tempe Town Lake” – Salt River in background.
Tempe is home to ASU with nearly 75,000 students. When school is in session, the bars along Mill Ave. fill up with college students. However, there is so much more to Tempe than Mill Ave. and games at Mountain America Stadium where the ASU Sun Devils play.
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You can always spend time in a canoe or kayak for a paddle at Tempe Town Lake, head to Tempe Marketplace for shopping and a movie, or take the kids to the Legoland Discovery Center at Arizona Mills.
For an overnight stay, consider Marriott Phoenix Resort Tempe at The Buttes which has two outdoor pools and is home to Top of the Rock Restaurant that offers panoramic views.
5. Tucson
Downtown Tucson, AZ
If you plan on heading to southern Arizona, Tucson is such an incredibly fun college town to spend time. Hit the town at night for drinks at The Shelter Bar on Grant Rd. or Good Oak Bar on Congress St. For exceptional dining, you can try Vivace Restaurant which offers an extensive wine list, or Seis Kitchen for classic Mexican cuisine. There are attractions aplenty in Tucson as well. The Pima Air Museum is a crowd favorite along with Reid Park Zoo and San Xavier del Bac Mission.
For those of you who are on the hunt for a hotel close to where all the action is, try The Leo Kent Hotel, Tucson, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel downtown. The Leo Kent has a fitness center, an on-site restaurant, and several additional amenities for a comfortable stay.
After living in Arizona for 15 years, I have certainly explored all of these college towns. You can't go wrong with a getaway to any of them as each offers its own charm, attractions, dining options, outdoor adventure, and so much more. Which of these towns is your favorite and why? Let us know!
