Arizona: What’s New for 2024

 

With the new year quickly approaching, Arizona has new attractions, hotels and experiences in store. Here is a round-up of highly anticipated openings for 2024.

 

Attractions

 

New Rockin’ River Ranch State Park to Open in Camp Verde
Opening 2024

 

Be one of the first to visit and explore Rockin’ River Ranch State Park in Camp Verde. Spend the day at Arizona’s newest state park and enjoy hiking trails, kayaking or fishing while you take in remarkable views of the cottonwood tree-lined Verde River. Then, have a picnic at this day-use-only park. After visiting, take the opportunity to explore the surrounding Verde Valley for even more outdoor adventures such as visiting Montezuma Castle National Monument and touring the area wineries.

 

New Astronomy Discovery Center Coming to Lowell Observatory
Opening November 2024

 

Infinite wonders await at the new Kemper and Ethel Marley Foundation Astronomy Discovery Center at Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, which will enable visitors to explore the origins and growth of the universe through the lens of astronomy with new exhibits and experiences. For example, the new Universe Theater will take guests on a journey through the galaxy with the help of the theatre’s awe-inspiring two-story, 165-degree curved LED screen. While there, visitors can also marvel at Flagstaff’s famous dark skies and explore at the Giovale Open Deck Observatory.

 

The First Tribally Owned Coaster in The US Opens at Sunrise Park Resort 

 

Opening Memorial Day Weekend 2024

 

Jump on the Sunrise Apache Alpine Coaster at Sunrise Park Resort in the White Mountains of eastern Arizona for a thrilling ride experience. This 3,287-foot track coaster is owned and operated by the White Mountain Apache Tribe, who also owns Sunrise Park Resort, a ski resort in the winter and outdoor recreation playground during the summer.

 

2024 NCAA Men’s Final Four Returns to Glendale
April 2024 

 

The legendary college basketball tournament returns to crown a champion in Arizona this April with the Men’s Final Four games hosted at the State Farm Stadium in Glendale. In between games, visitors can explore Westgate for entertainment including shopping, dining and nightlife before embarking on adventures across the state.

 

First-Ever Mattel Adventure Park To Open in Glendale
Opening 2024

 

See the Mattel toys and board games you love come to life at Mattel Adventure Park, the first-ever Mattel-branded theme park opening in Glendale. Join Barbie at the Barbie Beach House attraction where fans of all ages can curate an ultimate wardrobe with Barbie through hologram technology. Then hit the four-level Hot Wheels go-kart track for a thrill before speeding off on the Hot Wheels Twin Mill Racer and Hot Wheels Boneshaker rollercoaster.

 

Hotels

 

Tin Can Alley AirBnb To Welcome Travellers on Route 66 
Opening Spring 2024

 

With the Route 66 Centennial only two years away, Kingman will welcome visitors exploring the Mother Road at Tin Can Alley starting in Spring 2024. This new Airbnb experience along Route 66 allows guests to stay overnight in renovated vintage Airstream trailers, footsteps away from the city’s numerous museums, retro diners and memorabilia shops. Be sure to start every adventurous day at Mud on 66, the onsite coffee shop in a transformed mid-century tavern, and end it at Scoops, a refurbished 1939 Mobile gas station serving delicious ice cream.

 

VAI Resort Brings Oasis to the Desert 
Opening 2024

 

The ultimate desert oasis is the best way to describe the coming VAI Resort in Glendale. With its white sand beaches and six-acre swimming pool, VAI takes a lazy day at the pool to the next level with Konos Island, a man-made place to party. Konos Island offers guests a Mediterranean restaurant, private cabanas and an aerial bar to take in panoramic views from 130 feet in the air. Guests will have everything they need to create a memorable trip thanks to its entertainment epicentre, shopping corridor, ten exclusive bars and 13 deluxe restaurants. This property and its associated Mattel Adventure Park are among the primary reasons Frommer’s named Glendale as one of its Best Places to Go in 2024.

 

The Ritz-Carlton Paradise Valley, The Palmeraie to Open – Scottsdale 
Opening 2024

 

The Ritz-Carlton Paradise Valley, The Palmeraie is designed with the luxury traveller in mind. Guaranteed to offer high-end experiences, this resort will enhance any trip to Arizona with its world-class spa, views of Camelback Mountain and specialty dining. Adjacent to the resort will be The Palmeraie Shops, an open-air paradise where shoppers can wander through more than 60 boutiques and dine at one of the dozen restaurants.

 

First Grand Hyatt Property in Arizona 
Opening late 2024 

 

The Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch will undergo an approximately $110 million renovation and be rebranded as the Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort & Spa, making it the first Grand Hyatt property in Arizona. Guests will enjoy the newly renovated guest rooms, pools, spa, fitness centre and event spaces in between exploring the endless activities within Scottsdale.

 

Caesars Republic Scottsdale Set to Open as First Non-Gaming Caesars Hotel in U.S.
Opening in February 2024 

 

Visitors seeking fine dining and a convenient luxury shopping experience should book their next vacation at Caesars Republic Scottsdale, the first non-gaming hotel from Caesars Entertainment in the U.S. Located near Scottsdale Fashion Square, the 11-story lifestyle hotel offers two new dining concepts created by celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis that will serve Romanian and Italian-inspired cuisine.

 

Dual-Branded TownePlace Suites and Fairfield by Marriott Property to Open in Tempe 
Opening early 2024

 

Aqua-Aston Hospitality will open a new dual-branded Marriott International hotel in Tempe. Located in the heart of the Phoenix metro area, guests can easily explore countless retail, restaurant and entertainment venues, such as nearby Tempe Market Station, before returning to the hotel’s comfortable Fairfield Inn rooms or TownePlace Suites to relax before heading to the pool or onsite restaurant and bar.

 

The Scottsdale Resort & Spa by Hilton to Reopen After Multi-Million Dollar Makeover
Opening in 2024

 

Once known as the Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch, the resort has transformed into The Scottsdale Resort and Spa after undergoing multimillion-dollar enhancements. Guests will enjoy the revamped guest rooms and spa along with the resort’s brand-new hidden speakeasy, signature restaurant, indoor golf simulator and lounge.

 

The Global Ambassador 
Opened December 2023

 

Oriented around its plaza courtyard, The Global Ambassador in Phoenix offers an elevated hospitality experience with incomparable views of Camelback Mountain. An ideal spot for foodies with five original dining experiences onsite, guests can easily enjoy fine dining every night. Unwind at the ultra-luxe spa before sipping a cocktail and observing the sunset sky when dining at the rooftop restaurant, théa Mediterranean Rooftop.

 

Celebrations

 

Boyce Thompson Arboretum to Celebrate Centennial Anniversary in 2024

 

Celebrate 100 Years of the Boyce Thompson Arboretum in Superior by exploring its new exhibits, tours and sustainability programmes. In the new Spiny Splendor exhibit, marvel at hedgehog cacti, named after the arboretum’s founder, Colonel William Boyce Thompson, surrounded by fibreglass sculptures decorated by local artists. Leading up to the new year, the arboretum will launch its 100 Tree Spree, where they will plant 100 trees and host new sustainability educational programmes in 2024.

 

Chiricahua National Monument to Celebrate Centennial Anniversary in 2024

 

Visit the Chiricahua National Monument in 2024 to celebrate this hidden gem’s centennial anniversary and hike among whimsical rhyolite rock pinnacles, better known as hoodoos, made from the remains of an ancient volcano eruption. Explore the area’s 17 miles of hiking trails, including the popular Echo Canyon Trail, where travellers can immerse themselves among the irregular rock formations. Additionally, the bipartisan Chiricahua National Park Act, which is under consideration by Congress, would designate the monument as the state’s fourth national park.

 

Saguaro National Park Becomes the World’s Ninth Urban Night Sky Place 

 

Saguaro National Park in Tucson was designated the newest certified Urban Nighty Sky Place in November 2023, the second National Park to earn this recognition, for implementing sustainable lighting that allows for an authentic nighttime experience despite its proximity to an urban area. Here, visitors can marvel at the park’s sea of saguaro cacti before stargazing at the starry skies at night.

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