Hitting the open road in an RV and exploring Arizona’s great outdoors is nothing short of incredible. This state has it all for anyone who loves nature, and the variety is stunning. It’s easy to drive the open roads and fantastic for those that love dark skies.
Starting in Northern Arizona, the cool pine forests and endless plateaus are a refreshing escape. You feel like you’re breathing in pure wilderness up here. Then, rolling into Central Arizona, the scenery changes dramatically. The iconic red rocks of Sedona and the lush Verde Valley take center stage—trust us, there’s nothing like waking up to those views from your RV window. There are so many different types of vehicles that regardless of whether you are a solo traveler a couple or a family, the right vehicle is available for you to rent.
Lake of the Woods – Image credit Arizona Office of Tourism, AdventurePiece 2020
As we continued south, the desert landscapes opened up to endless stretches of towering saguaros, and the rock formations—both above and below ground—are awe-inspiring. In Western Arizona, surprisingly, you’ll find yourself at the beach, enjoying water sports along the Colorado River. Don’t you think travel is about being surprised by contrast? that’s certainly the case in Arizona.
Catalina State Park – Image credit Arizona Office of Tourism
Eastern Arizona is the perfect mix of everything. One moment you’re driving through thick green forests, and the next, you’re surrounded by ancient petrified wood and centuries-old petroglyphs. It’s like every corner of Arizona has its own unique experience, and you will love that RV rental let you take it all in at our own pace and at a price that will mean you have the budget left to do all the activities on offer.
Pro tip: make sure to check each State and National park’s website for hours, fees, and services. Some parks are pretty remote, which is great for peace and quiet, but you’ll want to be well-prepared, especially if you’re heading into the backcountry. Also, if you’re visiting parks on tribal lands, plan ahead for permits or guides.
Arizona has so many parks to explore, from the iconic cacti to the hidden gems in the Sky Islands down south. We’ve been using the Arizona Parks Passport to make sure we don’t miss a thing. And while you’re at it, share those epic RV moments with #AZParksPassport—you might even get a little surprise from them! If you are visiting more than just Arizona buy the America the Beautiful National Parks pass.
Tombstone – Image credit Arizona Office of Tourism
An RV trip through Arizona will without doubt be the adventure of a lifetime, and we’ve barely scratched the surface. We will put more detailed post about each of the major national and state parks for you to explore, We didn’t even mention The Grand Canyon yet!! To plan your trip go to the states tourism site – Visit Arizona for lots more detail.
Look at this interactive guide to parks and sights in Arizona
Every stop offers something new and unforgettable!
Remember when you travel in these unique and fragile environments to only take photos and only leave foot prints.
Internationally recognized, Philadelphia is one of only eight U.S. destinations to be included in Michelin’s distinguished collection of global guidebooks. And thanks to the city’s arts and culture scene, sprawling park system, and bustling neighborhoods, Philadelphia is an unforgettable destination. And it’s very accessible on an RV road-trip, so don’t dismiss this ‘bucket-list’ destination when you are planning your itinerary. And here’s why……….
A GATEWAY TO THE EAST COAST
Philadelphia is considered one of the premier entry points for those traveling to the East Coast because of its accessibility. As a transatlantic gateway, Philadelphia International Airport offers 29 direct flights to international destinations. Once you land, the City Center is a quick 20-minute drive or 25-minute train ride. For those on a US road-trip, major U.S. cities such as New York and Washington D.C. are a short drive away.
Image credit PHLCVB
2. HOME TO HISTORY Philadelphia is rich in attractions that tell America’s story. For visitors who are curious about American history there’s no better place than “America’s most historic square mile.” In the Old City historical district, you can walk the same streets and enter the same buildings as America’s Founding Fathers.
At Carpenters’ Hall, visitors can step into the site of the First Continental Congress, where the Founding Fathers met to discuss independence. Nearby, is Independence Hall — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were signed. And, of course, see the iconic Liberty Bell, an international symbol of freedom, at Independence Mall.
Philadelphia – walk the streets and cover all the historic sights. Map credit PHLCVB
3. ICONIC ARTS Art surrounds you in Philadelphia. The city is known for the iconic LOVE and Rocky statues, but there’s much more for visitors to discover. Philadelphia’s affection for art pours into the streets, where visitors can find an incredible outdoor art gallery and over 4,400 murals. For a breathtaking experience, lose yourself in a maze of mosaics at Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens along South Street. The mixed media art environment was crafted by mosaic-artist Isaiah Zagar. He uses handmade tiles, bottles, bicycle wheels, mirrors, and international folk-art techniques to chronicle his life and influences in the space.
Outdoor Art Gallery – image credit PHLCVB
4. WORLD-CLASS MUSEUMS Philadelphia is home to incredible museums where visitors can learn, play, and connect with the arts and sciences. Modeled after the Champs-Élysées in Paris, Philadelphia’s Benjamin Franklin Parkway is home to some of the city’s iconic art museums. The Philadelphia Museum of Art‘s collection spans over 2,000 years from the Renaissance to contemporary pieces. Just blocks away, the Rodin Museum stores one of the largest collections of famed sculptor Auguste Rodin’s work outside of Paris. And next door, the Barnes Foundation houses one of the world’s finest private collections of early French-Modern, Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings.
Philadelphia is also home to world-class science and history museums. Founded in honor of America’s famed scientist, Benjamin Franklin, The Franklin Institute promotes science education with interactive exhibits. Kids and adults alike can marvel at the stars in the Fels Planetarium or explore the iconic Giant Heart. And for those interested in history, the Penn Museum invites visitors to explore 10,000 years of human existence through artifacts, such as the largest Sphinx in the Western hemisphere.
Queue the ‘Rockie’ music! Philadelphia Museum of Art – image credit PHLCVB
5. AN ACCLAIMED CULINARY SCENE Thanks to our roster of renowned chefs and restaurateurs, Philadelphia’s dining scene is exceptional. From the New York Times to Bon Appetit, critics have lauded Philadelphia’s chef-driven culinary scene as one of the best in the world. Restaurants from James Beard Award winners — Michael Solomonov, Greg Vernick, Marc Vetri, and Ellen Yin, to name a few — serve unforgettable meals. Or try a taste of Philadelphia at the historic Reading Terminal Market, home to over 80 local vendors.
6. PERFORMING ARTS Considered a top theater city in the U.S., Philadelphia boasts a rich community of esteemed performing arts organizations. Ensemble Arts Philly is home to many legendary performing arts organizations, including the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Philadelphia Ballet, and Opera Philadelphia. And the historical Walnut Street Theater is the oldest operating theater in America. The city is also full of new artists premiering ground-breaking works. Visitors can see these performances at centers for emerging artists, such as FringeArts and Penn Live Arts.
7. THE GREAT OUTDOORS As the most walkable city in the United States, Philadelphia is the perfect destination for travelers looking to spend time outdoors. Philadelphia’s park system spans over 10,000 acres and has over 270 miles of recreational trails, offering numerous outdoor adventures. Nature lovers can hike through Fairmount Park or Wissahickon Valley Park. For those who prefer a water view, the Delaware River Trail offers access to several piers and pop-up parks. On the other side of the city, admire more spectacular waterfront views on the Schuylkill River Trail.
8. ONE-OF-A-KIND COMMUNITIES Philadelphia is a city of neighborhoods. Each one has a unique set of restaurants, shops, and experiences inspired by cultures from around the globe. In South Philadelphia, visitors can seamlessly transition from the restaurants to the locally owned boutiques that line East Passyunk Avenue. Or head north for the chic cafes, bars, and colorful street art that fill trendy neighborhoods Fishtown and Northern Liberties.
Enjoy luxury shops and restaurants in picturesque Rittenhouse Square or Washington Square West — home to the city’s Gayborhood Every neighborhood has its own culture and atmosphere, making a visit to each feel like an adventure in a new place.
WHERE DO I PARK THE RV AND STAY CLOSE TO THE CITY?
Discover the top reasons to travel to Philadelphia and make the city number one on your must-visit list. And don’t forget to check out Philadelphia’s Official Visitors Guide.
Special thanks to the Philadelphia Visitors Bureau for preparing this information especially for our RV customers.
Shelley has been in the travel industry for over 30 years and in that time has travelled extensively with her family, partner, and sole. Having worked for DriveNow.com.au since 2016 she has added campervan, motorhome and RV road-tripping to her expertise.
