There’s no feeling quite like that of being on vacation. You experience fewer stressed out moments, fewer responsibilities, and find more reasons to just sit back to enjoy the little experiences life has to offer. Vacation life is usually a happier life.
However, I don’t think you have to go away on vacation to experience that happy life more often. Take a couple of deep, concentrated breaths, look around, and you’ll find that life here in Arizona can be just as idyllic, relaxing, and fun. Here are a few ways that living in the Grand Canyon state can feel a bit like a vacation every day.
- Let’s start with the obvious: Arizona is the REAL sunshine state.
Kevin Schraer/Flickr Most people equate vacation with sunshine and, with four cities that experience the most sunny days in the country, I think it’s safe to say we deserve that title. Sunshine also apparently makes you happier just like you would be when on vacation.
- Combine that with the spectacular scenery surrounding us and you’ve got a winner.
texasfeel/Flickr Even being surrounded by nature can make you happier. How can you enjoy those landscapes? The possibilities are endless…
- Explore the state by hiking one of our countless hiking trails.
Moyan Brenn/Flickr Keep it short and sweet with a morning nature walk or push yourself by backpacking for days through our rugged wilderness. It’s your choice.
- Or you can take a break by checking out our beaches, rivers, and lakes.
Deborah Lee Soltesz/Flickr Chances are one of these options is within a short distance of your home so why not pay it a visit? Even 20 minutes spent to watch the sunset reflect in the rippling water is a life break well-spent.
- Or you can just see that scenery from the view of your steering wheel.
CEBImagery/Flickr Going for a long drive without a destination in mind can be therapeutic. It’s a chance to meditate, surround yourself with nature, and even have some fun with the winding roads. Try it sometime!
- If you haven’t been in Arizona long or you’ve just been living under a rock, you can experience some of our state’s more traditional culture for the first time.
Pete Gregoire/Flickr Visit a rodeo, pow wow, festival, and other Western activities to get a taste of a lifestyle different from your own.
- We also have that “cultured” life for you members of the bourgeoisie.
Ballet Arizona/Facebook Museums, plays, ballets, operas, symphonies, and art galleries. Take your pick and escape into another world for a few hours.
- Arizona has amazing dishes that range from its Indigenous and Mexican roots to sophisticated plates that will dazzle your taste buds.
Alan English CPA/Flickr For me, a huge part of vacationing includes eating every chance I get. With a burgeoning foodie scene in many of our cities, Arizona is quickly turning into a must-eat food haven. Expand your horizons by trying out a new restaurant, cuisine, or dish.
- When the sun goes down, the fun just gets started.
Randy Heinitz/Flickr There’s a lot of naysayers who claim otherwise but Arizona has a thriving nightlife that includes clubs, concerts, cocktails, and other (legal) ways to reduce your stress.
- Relax with a spa treatment for any budget.
Greg Walters/Flickr Whether you decide to splurge on a weekend of massages, saunas, and facials at one of our resorts, get an afternoon massage, or just go for a dip in a natural hot spring, there are plenty of accessible ways to relax right here in Arizona.
If you feel like taking an actual break from everyday life while in Arizona—away from work and other stressors—then check out our article Everyone From Arizona Should Take These 7 Awesome Vacations. You might find a few ideas to plan out your next vacation break.
Kevin Schraer/Flickr
Most people equate vacation with sunshine and, with four cities that experience the most sunny days in the country, I think it’s safe to say we deserve that title. Sunshine also apparently makes you happier just like you would be when on vacation.
texasfeel/Flickr
Even being surrounded by nature can make you happier. How can you enjoy those landscapes? The possibilities are endless…
Moyan Brenn/Flickr
Keep it short and sweet with a morning nature walk or push yourself by backpacking for days through our rugged wilderness. It’s your choice.
Deborah Lee Soltesz/Flickr
Chances are one of these options is within a short distance of your home so why not pay it a visit? Even 20 minutes spent to watch the sunset reflect in the rippling water is a life break well-spent.
CEBImagery/Flickr
Going for a long drive without a destination in mind can be therapeutic. It’s a chance to meditate, surround yourself with nature, and even have some fun with the winding roads. Try it sometime!
Pete Gregoire/Flickr
Visit a rodeo, pow wow, festival, and other Western activities to get a taste of a lifestyle different from your own.
Ballet Arizona/Facebook
Museums, plays, ballets, operas, symphonies, and art galleries. Take your pick and escape into another world for a few hours.
Alan English CPA/Flickr
For me, a huge part of vacationing includes eating every chance I get. With a burgeoning foodie scene in many of our cities, Arizona is quickly turning into a must-eat food haven. Expand your horizons by trying out a new restaurant, cuisine, or dish.
Randy Heinitz/Flickr
There’s a lot of naysayers who claim otherwise but Arizona has a thriving nightlife that includes clubs, concerts, cocktails, and other (legal) ways to reduce your stress.
Greg Walters/Flickr
Whether you decide to splurge on a weekend of massages, saunas, and facials at one of our resorts, get an afternoon massage, or just go for a dip in a natural hot spring, there are plenty of accessible ways to relax right here in Arizona.
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