As IAKG said, the South Rim is more commercial, but I believe has better and easier views of the canyon. Other nearby national parks to the north of Grand Canyon that are very worthwhile are Zion and Bryce...and near Flagstaff (Walnut Creek Natl Monument, Sunset Crater Natl Monument)...and east of Flagstaff (Meteor Crater and Painted Desert)...to the south of Flagstaff is Sedona which is very picturesque. It should be a GREAT trip!