Arizona Visitor Information
Everything you need to know before and during your visit to the Grand Canyon State
Arizona visitors should know that the state does not observe daylight saving time, summer temperatures regularly exceed 110 degrees in the Phoenix metro, and a rental car is essential for getting around the Valley. This page covers visitor centers, emergency contacts, weather by season, health and safety tips, and accessibility resources.
Visitor Centers
Arizona's visitor centers are staffed by knowledgeable locals who can help you make the most of your trip. Stop in for free maps, trail guides, event calendars, and personalized recommendations.
Arizona Office of Tourism Visitor Center
118 N 7th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85007
Open daily 8am-5pm
(602) 364-3700
The state's official visitor center in downtown Phoenix offers maps, brochures, and expert advice on attractions statewide. Staff can help plan road trips, recommend hidden gems, and provide seasonal event calendars.
Scottsdale Visitor Center
4343 N Scottsdale Rd, Suite 170, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Open daily 9am-5pm
(480) 421-1004
Located in the Galleria Corporate Centre near Old Town, this center specializes in Scottsdale dining, art walks, golf, and spa experiences. Pick up the Official Scottsdale Visitors Guide and seasonal event listings.
Sedona Visitor Center
331 Forest Rd, Sedona, AZ 86336
Open daily 8:30am-5pm
(928) 282-7722
Perched at the gateway to Red Rock Country, this center provides trail maps, vortex information, and Red Rock Pass details. Rangers and volunteers can recommend hikes based on your fitness level and time.
Tucson Visitor Center
811 N Euclid Ave, Tucson, AZ 85719
Open daily 9am-5pm
(520) 624-1817
Situated near the University of Arizona campus, this center covers Tucson and Southern Arizona attractions. Get information on Saguaro National Park, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, and Tucson's UNESCO-designated gastronomy scene.
Flagstaff Visitor Center
1 E Route 66, Flagstaff, AZ 86001
Open daily 8am-5pm
(928) 774-9541
Housed in the historic 1926 Amtrak station on Route 66, this center is the gateway to Northern Arizona. Staff provide guides to Grand Canyon day trips, Walnut Canyon, Sunset Crater, and winter skiing at Arizona Snowbowl.
Grand Canyon Visitor Center (South Rim)
South Entrance Rd, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023
Open daily 8am-5pm
(928) 638-7888
The primary orientation point for South Rim visitors, located near Mather Point. View the 20-minute park film, browse the bookstore, and get advice on trails, shuttles, and ranger-led programs.
Mesa Convention & Visitors Bureau
120 N Center St, Mesa, AZ 85201
Open Monday-Friday 8am-5pm
(480) 827-4700
Covers Mesa and the East Valley region including spring training venues, Usery Mountain Regional Park, and the Apache Trail. Great resource for families seeking kid-friendly attractions and cultural experiences.
Essential Phone Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip. In an emergency, always dial 911 first.
Police, fire, and medical emergencies anywhere in Arizona.
Real-time highway conditions, closures, construction updates, and weather alerts.
Available 24/7 for poisoning emergencies including snake bites and scorpion stings.
Park information, permit inquiries, and emergency assistance.
Wildlife encounters, fishing licenses, and hunting regulations.
Heat relief stations, hydration locations, and cooling centers during extreme heat events.
Official state tourism website with trip planning resources, itineraries, and event calendars.
Arizona Fast Facts
Weather and Climate
Arizona spans multiple climate zones, from scorching low desert to snowy mountain peaks. Understanding the climate of your destination is essential for packing, planning activities, and staying safe.
Monsoon Season (June-September): Arizona experiences a dramatic monsoon season with intense afternoon thunderstorms, dust storms (haboobs), and flash flooding. Storms can develop rapidly and bring dangerous lightning, hail, and sudden temperature drops. Never drive through flooded roads - Arizona's "Stupid Motorist Law" holds drivers liable for rescue costs if they enter a barricaded flooded crossing.
UV Exposure: Arizona's high elevation and clear skies mean intense UV radiation year-round. Wear SPF 30+ sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-protective sunglasses even on cloudy days. Reapply sunscreen every two hours, especially when hiking or swimming. The UV index regularly reaches "Very High" or "Extreme" levels from March through October.
Health and Safety
Arizona's desert environment presents unique safety considerations. A little preparation goes a long way toward ensuring a safe and enjoyable visit.
Heat-related illness is the leading cause of weather-related death in Arizona. Carry at least one liter of water per person per hour when outdoors. Learn to recognize the signs of heat exhaustion: heavy sweating, weakness, nausea, dizziness, and rapid pulse. If symptoms appear, move to shade or air conditioning immediately and hydrate. Never leave children or pets in a parked vehicle - interior temperatures can exceed 150°F within minutes.
Arizona is home to rattlesnakes, scorpions, Gila monsters, and javelinas. Watch where you step and place your hands on trails, especially near rocks and brush. Shake out shoes and clothing left outdoors. If bitten by a rattlesnake, remain calm, immobilize the affected limb, and call 911 immediately. Do not apply a tourniquet or attempt to suck out venom.
Dust storms (haboobs) can reduce visibility to near zero in seconds. If you encounter one while driving, pull completely off the roadway, turn off your headlights, set your parking brake, and wait for the storm to pass. Flash floods are common during monsoon season and can sweep away vehicles in seconds. Never attempt to cross a flooded wash, even if the water appears shallow. On rural highways, watch for livestock and wildlife crossings, especially at dawn and dusk.
Flagstaff sits at 7,000 feet and the Grand Canyon South Rim at 7,000 feet. If you are coming from sea level, you may experience mild altitude sickness including headache, shortness of breath, and fatigue. Take it easy on your first day at elevation, stay hydrated, and avoid strenuous activity until you acclimate. Consult your doctor if you have heart or respiratory conditions.
Accessibility
Arizona offers a growing number of wheelchair-accessible attractions and trails for visitors with mobility challenges. The Grand Canyon's paved Rim Trail stretches over 13 miles along the South Rim with multiple accessible viewpoints, shuttle stops, and rest areas. Saguaro National Park in Tucson features accessible scenic drives and short paved paths through iconic cactus forests.
In the Phoenix metro area, the Desert Botanical Garden, Heard Museum, and Phoenix Zoo all provide wheelchair access, accessible restrooms, and loaner wheelchairs. Papago Park and Tempe Town Lake offer paved, level paths ideal for wheelchairs and strollers. Many Scottsdale resorts provide ADA-compliant rooms, pool lifts, and accessible spa facilities.
Valley Metro operates accessible buses and the light rail system throughout the Phoenix metro area, with ramps, priority seating, and audio announcements at every station. Visitors with an Access pass from any U.S. transit agency can ride at reduced fares. For national parks, the America the Beautiful Access Pass provides free lifetime entry and discounted camping for visitors with permanent disabilities.
From Vacation to Home - Venture REI
Many visitors who fall in love with Arizona's lifestyle choose to make it permanent. Venture REI helps clients transition from vacation to homeownership, with expertise across every Valley community. Frank Vazquez, with Designated Broker and Owner of Venture REI, over 2,400 homes personally sold across the Valley, has helped thousands of relocating buyers find the perfect Arizona community.
Explore Arizona Communities