After a quick 2.5 hour nonstop flight from Seattle, you can find yourself in Phoenix, Arizona - a gateway to sweeping landscapes, opportunities to relax and unwind, and even the chance to step back in time. Whether you're interested in seeing the Grand Canyon or Lake Havasu, looking for great golf courses and spas, or wanting to tour the old western town of Tombstone, AAA Washington Travel Expert Lisa Anciaux is ready to share her top picks for things to see and do in Arizona. This segment is sponsored by AAA Washington.
Phoenix
Known for its wide array of golf courses and spas, Phoenix is a great weekend destination for Western Washington. Fun fact: Phoenix is also home to the Desert Botanical Garden, which is best visited in the spring when cactus are in bloom.
Also best in spring is a day out at one of the many Cactus League baseball games. 15 Major League Baseball teams, including the Seattle Mariners, host spring training there.
A visit to the Heard Museum is a must for anyone interested in American Indian art. Scottsdale, a suburb of Phoenix, is famous for its beautiful jewelry stores and upscale shopping. AAA Travel offers travel packages that can include visits to spring training and other must-do activities.
Sedona
North of Phoenix you'll find the oasis of Sedona with its picturesque red rock canyons. Another fun fact: Sedona is known as a dark sky community, which places emphasis on the natural light of the evening -- stars -- rather than city lights. If you're a stargazer, Sedona is a must-visit for seeing the Milky Way.
A fun activity for sightseeing through Arizona is a trip on the Grand Canyon Railway, offering overnight and day excursions. But be careful -- you may end up in a train robbery (okay, it's just pretend). During the holidays, the Railway offers a Polar Express ride for young rail-fans.
Tombstone
Howdy, partner -- wanna see a re-enactment of the OK Corral shootout? Tombstone, Arizona's the place. Belly-up to the bar at Big Nose Kate's Saloon (named after Doc Holiday's girlfriend) where you can have a cold sarsaparilla. The "town too tough to die" is located just 3.5 hours south of Phoenix.
Lake Havasu
Where Phoenix and Las Vegas go to play in the water, Lake Havasu is just 3.5 hours from Sin City and 4.5 hours from Phoenix. When you're out on the water, be sure to swing by the London Bridge -- the actual, original London Bridge, disassembled in Britain and re-assembled over Lake Havasu. Whether you decide to look for a hotel or rent a private home, Havasu will be a great getaway.
This segment is sponsored by AAA Washington. Watch New Day Northwest 11:00 weekdays on KING-TV Ch.5 or streaming live on KING5.com. Connect with New Day via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.
