11 famous faces who flock to Arizona
These 11 celebrities love Arizona for its sunshine, privacy, luxury resorts, desert beauty, and endless inspiration.
It’s no secret that Arizona is one of the best vacation spots. The state has it all, from unique desert trails and challenging hikes to mountain biking, luxury shopping, lush golf courses, and even a ski resort in winter. It’s also home to many special events like the WM Phoenix Open, along with resort destinations such as Scottsdale and Sedona. So, it’s no surprise that among the many visitors each year, a number of them are celebrities. Plenty of big names find their way here for relaxation, adventure, and a little (or a lot) of sunshine.
1. Emma Stone
Emma Stone, the Oscar-winning actress and producer, doesn’t just vacation in Arizona; she’s a born-and-raised local. Growing up in Scottsdale, she found her love for performing early on at the Valley Youth Theatre in Phoenix, where she starred in productions that kick-started her career. By her freshman year of high school, Emma had convinced her parents to move to Los Angeles so she could pursue acting full-time. Even after her Hollywood success, she’s kept close ties to her home state. Until recently, she owned property in Paradise Valley, and she’s often still spotted visiting family and spending time in Arizona.
2. Rihanna
Rihanna, one of the best-selling music artists of all time, made headlines in Arizona during her 2023 Super Bowl halftime show with an incredible performance and for famously announcing her second pregnancy mid-performance. While in town, she stayed in a Paradise Valley mansion that technically wasn’t even on the rental market. But when she offered around $500,000 for her stay (enough to cover two years of the owner’s mortgage), he couldn’t say no. Arizona loved having her just as much as she seemed to enjoy her time here.
3. Michael Phelps
Decorated Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps loved Arizona so much that he decided to make it his home. He first moved here in 2015 to train with Coach Bob Bowman at Arizona State University in preparation for the Rio Olympics. Even after retiring, Phelps stuck around, staying involved with ASU’s swim program and the local swimming community. These days, he lives in Scottsdale with his wife and their four sons, so don’t be too surprised if you bump into him at Costco or around town.
4. Alice Cooper
Vincent Furnier, better known as Alice Cooper, first formed his band in Phoenix back in the 1960s. Even after decades of touring the world and earning a spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, he still proudly calls Arizona home. For more than 30 years, Cooper has given back to the community through his nonprofit, the Solid Rock Teen Centers, which offers free music, art, and dance programs for teens. Every December, he also puts on his famous “Christmas Pudding” concert, bringing together big-name performers to raise money for the cause. Beyond the stage, Cooper is a true Phoenix fixture. You’ll likely see him golfing around the Valley, showing up at local events, or eating at downtown restaurants.
5. Alicia Keys
Since 2008, Alicia Keys and her husband, Swizz Beatz, have owned a stunning modern mansion tucked at the base of Camelback Mountain (about as close as you get to ‘ocean views’ in Arizona terms). The home featured sleek glass walls, an infinity pool overlooking the Valley, and panoramic city and desert views that made it a true private retreat. They eventually sold the property in 2021 for just over $3 million, not because they didn’t love it, but simply because their busy schedules kept them from visiting as often as they’d like. Still, after spending years escaping to the desert, it’s easy to imagine the couple will continue to slip away to Arizona whenever they can.
6. Hugh Jackman
Hugh Jackman, the one and only Wolverine, has made plenty of trips to the Grand Canyon State. He’s been here for big career moments, like the 2009 “X-Men” premiere in Tempe and his 2019 show ‘The Man. The Music. The Show.” at Gila River Arena. But it’s not all work for Hugh. In 2023, he shared photos of himself hiking around Camelback Mountain with the caption, “Took a breather.” Just like the rest of us, he loves soaking up the desert views and finding a little peace outdoors. These days, Jackman calls New York home, but Arizona continues to be one of his favorite places to recharge.
7. Post Malone
Post Malone has made it clear he knows how to have a good time in Arizona. Between tour stops, he’s been spotted at some of the state’s most beloved local bars. In 2019, he dropped into Scottsdale’s oldest saloon, The Rusty Spur, and more recently, he was seen hanging out at Gracie’s Tax Bar in Phoenix after his July 2025 concert. Each time, fans and staff rave about how down-to-earth, generous, and fun he is to be around. Honestly, if Arizona’s bars are Post Malone approved, that says a lot.
8. Beyoncé
One of Arizona’s proudest celebrity connections is Beyoncé herself. Yes, the Queen B has graced Arizona with her presence more than a couple of times. Several iconic Arizona landscapes appear in her “Spirit” music video, including the turquoise waters of Havasu Falls on the Havasupai Reservation and the red rocks of Sedona. Beyoncé also famously honeymooned here with Jay-Z in 2008 and has returned for anniversary trips over the years. When visiting, she’s stayed at the Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort in Paradise Valley, and she’s even been spotted taking a helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon. Safe to say, Arizona is one of Beyoncé’s personal paradises.
9. Oprah
Oprah, the guru of all things wellness, has a long-standing connection with Arizona. She’s visited multiple times, starting back in 2006 when she hosted a “Girls’ Getaway” trip at Miraval Resort and Spa for contest winners. Over the years, she’s returned to experience the state’s luxury resorts and spas firsthand, cementing Arizona as one of her go-to wellness destinations. Most recently, in her 2025 Hotel O-Wards, Oprah spotlighted three Arizona favorites: Sanctuary Camelback Mountain, Mii amo, and Castle Hot Springs. And really, if Oprah keeps coming back, is there any better endorsement than that?
10. Adam Sandler
Adam Sandler has a habit of popping up in Arizona when you least expect it. You might spot him grabbing ribs at Firebirds in Tucson, shopping at La Encantada, or shooting hoops at the University of Arizona. One reason he visits often is because his older sister lives in Tucson, giving him a personal tie to the state. In classic Sandler style, he always stops for photos with fans, who rave about how kind and down-to-earth he is. So if you see someone wandering around in a Hawaiian shirt and basketball shorts, it might be worth a double-take.
11. Stevie Nicks
Songwriting legend and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Stevie Nicks has said she’s “always felt like an Arizonan.” Born in Phoenix and raised in the Valley, she has carried a deep connection to the state her entire life. She bought a home in Paradise Valley and lived there for nearly twenty years. Even after selling it, her heart never left the desert. Stevie has described Arizona as a spiritual place that offers her solace, where the weight of her problems seems to dissolve into the wide-open landscape. She continues to visit often and always gives Arizona a special shoutout when she returns to perform. If you listen closely, you can hear the desert echoing through her lyrics, like in “Desert Angel,” where she writes, “I was born in the desert / So I know how it feels there.”
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