Grand Canyon in Northern Arizona

Scattered throughout the northern Arizona landscape of patchy of green tufts and other plant life, and peppered amongst the snow covered hillsides and icy ravines, travelers are in prime position for a wonderful late winter and early spring, northern Arizona getaway. On your radar might be the Grand Canyon – the iconic naturally formed canyon that brings in millions of visitors every year – or the Heritage Park Zoo in Prescott. North just an hour and a half is Sedona, where, on March 3, they’ll be hosting the 42nd Annual Sedona St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Northern Arizona has a wealth of premier, spring events – try to explore them all.

West of Flagstaff, is Williams. A fine little city, Williams is home to the historic Grand Canyon Railway, which carries more than 200,000 annual visitors to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Perfect in spring, be sure to play 18 holes at Elephants Rock Golf Course, or enjoy a fun horseback ride along a trail at Bill Williams Mountain. On Valentine's Day, treat that special someone to the Arizona Centennial Train and Centennial Sweetheart Dinner at the Sultana Theatre. Anglers and those looking to experience some of northern Arizona’s fresh, spring air, can cast out at Dogtown Reservoir and reel in a rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, or even a nice sized catfish.

To the east, just 45 minutes along I-40, is Flagstaff. This focal point of northern Arizona hospitality, commerce and tourism is home to Northern Arizona University, and the Walnut Canyon National Monument. Fans of the arts will want to make time to check out the Richard Beasley Show – an art exhibition. It’ll be held through March 23 at the Beasley Gallery on the NAU campus; it’s a great, free way to spend an afternoon. Weather permitting, be sure to visit Arizona Snowbowl for some skiing – you can even participate in the Kahtoola’s Agassiz Uphill race on February 11. During the month of February, head over to the Museum of Northern Arizona and experience Images in Wool: Navajo Pictorials, an educational and interesting exhibit.

Two hours south of Flagstaff is Payson, a friendly town that’s nearly the geographic center of Arizona. Home to the World’s Oldest Continuous Rodeo, spring visitors to Payson always enjoy a visit to the Tonto Natural Bridge State Park – the largest natural bridge of it’s kind in the world. Stretch those legs with a spring time stroll down Payson’s Historic Main Street, which features the Rim Country Museum, Green Valley Park, and the always fun Oxbow Inn & Saloon. Set for March 3, revel in the tastes of northern Arizona at the Taste of the Rim Country, held at the Payson Public Library. March 31, Green Valley Park will be hosting of the Kids Fishing Festival.

Tucson Mountain State Park
Tucson, AZ

Southern Arizona features 350 days of sunshine, and is a premier destination for late winter, and spring travelers. The months of February and March are particularly engaging, as cities like Tucson, Bisbee and Yuma welcome visitors with festivals, events and plenty of natural beauty. Benson is home to the famous Kartchner Caverns. Casa Grande is home to the Casa Grande Ruins National Monument – a great afternoon destination during the wonderful spring months in southern Arizona. In Yuma, closer to the California border, you can check out the Yuma Crossing State Historic Park. Also in Yuma, plan for March 3 – you’d be hard-pressed to find a better, local music and dance festival than Lettuce Entertain You, at Yuma Main Street.

Tucson, the Old Pueblo of southern Arizona, is home to the University of Arizona, an array of golf courses, and the scenic Saguaro National Park. One of the biggest attractions in Tucson, is the U of A Wildcats – be sure to visit the McKale Center, home to the men’s and women’s basketball teams, and watch as they conclude their seasons in late February. Wildcats Baseball is also in full swing – head to Hi Corbett Field and watch as they swing for the fences in hopes of making an appearance in the College World Series. It’s not all sports in Tucson. Plan an afternoon around the Tucson Festival of Books, March 10 and 11 at the University of Arizona Mall. Open through June 9, don’t miss Mars & Beyond, a solar system exhibit held at Science Downtown.

Known as the Hummingbird Capital of the United States, Sierra Vista is a small city set to the southeast of Tucson. Visitors can experience the grandeur of the Coronado National Monument, or Fort Huachuca Museum. Starting March 1, 2012, be sure to check out Nature Walk at Ramsey Canyon Preserve – over 170 bird species share the canyon with black bears, wild butterflies and different frogs. Even better, the Nature Walk at Ramsey Canyon Preserve offers free admission for guests less than 16 years of age. Golfers can sneak in 18 holes before lunch at the lovely (and challenging) Mountain View Golf Course, located at Fort Huachuca.

To the north of Sierra Nevada, less than an hour drive along Highway 90, is Benson. This charming and quaint city is home to Kartchner Caverns State Park – an incredible experience – and the San Pedro Valley Arts and Historical Society Museum. Don’t miss a round of 18 holes at Turquoise Hills Golf Course – a wonderful executive course where you play nine holes twice.

Year-Round Golf in Phoenix

Phoenix, and it’s surrounding central Arizona area, is known to attract visitors from all over the country – especially those looking to escape frigid winter weather. Spring offers a similar haven for many travelers – the weather can range from cool or warm, to downright perfect. February and March yield, along with fabulous temperatures, excellent vacation opportunities. From the many Spring Training options around the valley, to the lakes that are great for boating and fishing, and even the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Coyotes are hitting the stretch run of their seasons. Walk, drive, ride a bike, or ride the Lightrail around the Valley of the Sun and explore.

As the state capital, Phoenix is the central hub of activity in the state – Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport welcomes out-of-state visitors and is easily accessed from I-10. Home to the Suns, the Coyotes, as well as the Diamondbacks, who begin Spring Training in March at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, in Scottsdale. Phoenix also hosts a major St. Patrick’s Day parade through the streets of downtown – plan for March 17, starting at 3rd St. south from Sheridan to Moreland. Phoenix is also home to the Desert Botanical Garden, which hosts Avant-Garden: World Celebration on March 22. Come and listen to the DJ Miguel Ivery celebrate world cultures through music and dance – a 21 and over event.

If you have the urge to take in some local sports, you can catch the Suns at the U.S. Airways Center, just off the Lightrail in downtown, or you can head west into Glendale, where the Coyotes host opponents at the Jobing.com Arena.

Just east of Phoenix is Tempe. A college town, Tempe is home to Arizona State University, Tempe Town Lake, and plenty of nightlife activities. Spring is a great time for baseball – although not quite the seriousness of the regular season play, plan for some exciting Spring Training baseball at Tempe Diablo Stadium. Watch as the Angels begin their spring schedule on March 5, and play through April 1. You can check a local bar like Yucca Tap Room, which features live, free music every night. If you’re in town on Sunday, March 3, be sure to head over to Yucca for Valley Fever, a revolving concert event featuring the likes of Chip Hanna, the Tony Martinez Band, and Barefoot and Pregnant – just to name a few.

North of Tempe is Scottsdale – a shoppers paradise. Head to Scottsdale Fashion Square, one of the state’s trendiest and nicest malls, where you can indulge in a little shopping, grab a bite to eat, or do some people watching – it’s a great way to spend an afternoon. March 9 through March 12 head to WestWorld of Scottsdale for the 3rd Annual Goodguys Spring Nationals, a collection of 2,000 custom hot rods, classic cruisers – it’s real, American muscle.