When most out-of-state visitors think of Arizona, they likely think of our beautiful vistas. Whether it’s a colorful sunset in the desert or the view from the top of a mountain, sightseeing is one of Arizona’s most popular activities.

Editor’s Note: The Arizona Office of Tourism is blogging throughout the summer to help Arizonans enjoy the state’s local attractions and vacation experiences.

Depending on if you prefer staying in your backyard or are willing to venture out on a road trip, plenty of sightseeing options are available, including Arizona’s many scenic landscapes and cultural landmarks.

Northern Arizona

Arizona’s most well-known landmark, the Grand Canyon, is breathtaking in its beauty – and its magnitude. Some of the best views can be seen from the Hualapai Tribe’s Skywalk, a glass-bottomed, horseshoe-shaped overpass suspended 4,000 feet over the canyon. Another option offering picturesque scenery is the circular Indian Watchtower at Desert View and after a day of exploring the Grand Canyon, unwind at the historic El Tovar Lodge.

If Sedona is more your style, enjoy the city in a four-wheel-drive jeep and go off-roading for a day. Another way to take in the scenery is to go for a hike or scale the rocky terrain for a bird’s eye view. You can also fly high by taking an aerial nature walk in a hot-air balloon.

Western Arizona

The London Bridge – originally found along the River Thames in London – but later transported and reassembled on Lake Havasu, is one of Arizona’s most popular lakes for outdoor recreation. The London Bridge is a great place to take a 45-minute walking tour and learn all about the bridge’s colorful history. Plan to stay a few extra days if you enjoy boating, off-roading, hiking or fishing.

Western Arizona

Yuma is home to many historic sightseeing destinations. The Territorial Prison at Yuma – Arizona territory’s first prison where seven inmates were looking into cells they built themselves – is open today as a museum. You can walk through the actual strap-iron cells and solitary chamber, and experience what life was like as a prisoner. For another stop in Yuma, visit the Yuma Quartermaster Depot State Historic Park. Today, the beautiful 10-acre park includes some of Arizona’s oldest and best-preserved buildings.

Central Phoenix

From the Phoenix Art Museum’s world-famous exhibits to the Heard Museum’s extensive collection of American Indian arts and culture, each facet of Arizona’s largest city creates a truly amazing masterpiece. Make a point to visit the Musical instrument Museum, an inspiring venue for sharing the world’s music by experiencing instruments in five geographical galleries. And don’t miss the remarkable ocean world of Tempe’s SEA LIFE Arizona, providing close encounters with a vast array of creatures – from seahorses to tropical fish, and even sharks.

For more information on navigating Arizona’s many sightseeing adventures, visit www.summerinaz.com.