To say that there are numerous issues to do in Arizona could be an understatement. I’ve lived on this southwestern US state for 3 years and have but to expire of enjoyable issues to do.
The perfect a part of Arizona is that it’s dwelling to a various panorama together with cities, mountains, canyons, deserts, lakes, and rivers. Inside a matter of 4 hours, you’ll be able to drive from the large metropolis of Phoenix to the mountains and lakes in Flagstaff, and arrive on the Grand Canyon.
It doesn’t matter what you love to do for enjoyable, I’m certain Arizona could have one thing to give you. There’s simply one thing magical in regards to the desert that makes you wish to maintain coming again.
Greatest Issues To Do in Arizona
This listing captures a number of the finest sights in Arizona. Test it out and prepare to e book your aircraft tickets on your subsequent epic journey:
1. Hike the Grand Canyon
If I might select only one factor out of the numerous issues to do in Arizona, I’d select to hike down into the Grand Canyon. I’ve hiked to the underside of the Canyon 10 instances and it by no means will get previous; it’s simply as unbelievable every time.
This exercise is finest for lively nature lovers and journey addicts. Anticipate plenty of solar publicity and tough climbs – and keep in mind, happening is optionally available however coming again up is obligatory!
Pay the nationwide park price and head into the South Rim of the Grand Canyon to hop onto Vibrant Angel Path or South Kaibab Path. Make sure you put together nicely for this exercise with loads of water, snacks, and electrolytes.
2. Guided Tour of Antelope Canyon
I’ll always remember strolling via Antelope Canyon for the primary time. It feels as if you’re in one other world as you meander via the sleek and vibrant orange slot canyon.
This exercise is a good factor to do in Arizona for households. Come ready with water, snug strolling sneakers, and a digital camera with the intention to seize each step of the way in which.
E-book this one-hour guided tour via the Decrease Antelope Canyon to discover areas that the majority vacationers don’t get the prospect to see. Click on right here for extra info.
3. Take a Jeep Tour in Sedona
Sedona is one among my favourite locations to flee to for a weekend journey. It’s dwelling to numerous mountain climbing trails, streams and rivers, and epic forest roads which are finest explored by Jeep.
In case you’re searching for slightly thrill and are questioning what to do in Arizona, then I extremely advocate contemplating this exercise. Anticipate to see the realm’s most dramatic surroundings whereas discovering locations not many guests do.
E-book this two-hour Jeep tour that takes you on a “not so bumpy” experience via the outback of Sedona. Discover out extra right here.
4. Take a Practice from Williams to the Grand Canyon
Taking the prepare from Williams to the Grand Canyon could be probably the most distinctive vacationer attraction in Arizona. I’ve solely achieved it as soon as, however its appeal is inflicting me to assume I may need to do it once more.
This exercise is likely one of the finest issues to do in Arizona for households. Any child or grownup is bound to be fascinated by the 65-mile experience that goes from Williams to the Grand Canyon and again – it even incorporates a western shoot-out, western musicians, and cowboy characters.
E-book your tickets right here for the prepare that departs day by day at 9:30 am and returns to Williams by 5:45 pm. In the midst of the journey, the prepare stops on the Grand Canyon for guests to probe for 3 hours. Click on right here for extra info.
5. View Horseshoe Bend
A brief 20-minute hike from the car parking zone brings you to one of the picturesque views in the complete state. It’s not an overstatement to let you know that I haven’t stopped enthusiastic about the view for the reason that first time I visited 5 years in the past on a scorching July afternoon.
Seeing Horseshoe Bend with your personal eyes is likely one of the prime issues to do in Arizona. It’s an unbelievable exercise, (that gained’t take an excessive amount of time), to incorporate in your journey itinerary.
Anticipate to pay $10 to park anytime between dawn and sundown and pack a bottle of water for the 1.5-mile round-trip stroll to and from the sting of the breathtaking bend.
6. Ski Arizona Snowbowl
I by no means would’ve thought that you may get pleasure from snow within the state of Arizona, however certain sufficient, its numerous panorama permits guests and residents to expertise a myriad of actions. Snowboarding at Arizona Snowbowl is one among my favourite issues to do within the state throughout winter.
Whether or not you’re an skilled skier or not, add this to your winter itinerary in the event you’re trying to be lively throughout your journey. Anticipate to have an epic day crusing down the western slope of Mount Humphreys.
Renting tools, buying raise tickets, and data on non-public classes are all attainable via their web site.
7. Scorching Air Balloon in Phoenix
In case you’re searching for issues to do in Arizona for {couples}, take into account this exercise that includes flying excessive above the town panorama and the Sonoran Desert. This exercise affords a singular perspective and views you gained’t ever neglect.
The expertise is romantic and thrilling on the identical time; benefit from the dawn from the sky with a champagne breakfast and take within the peace and serenity of the experience.
E-book this dawn tour with an skilled and licensed pilot who will guarantee you might have an unforgettable expertise. Click on right here for extra particulars.
8. Desert Botanical Gardens
Meandering via the 55 acres of cactus, timber, vegetation, and flowers is one among my favourite issues to do in Arizona because it’s enjoyable and refreshing. The desert is a singular panorama and touring the botanical gardens offers you probably the most up-close and academic expertise to finest discover the sweetness.
This exercise is a good factor to do in Arizona because the solar is setting and the air is getting cooler. Through the hours of seven am and eight pm, stroll via the backyard’s 5 thematic trails taking within the displays and different onsite experiences.
Purchase your advance normal admission ticket forward of time and prepare to see and scent the distinctive great thing about the desert. Plan your go to now.
9. Hike in Sedona
In case you’re questioning what to see in Arizona, I’d encourage you to plan a hike in Sedona to see a number of the most breathtaking pure magnificence from the mountain climbing trails. My favourite a part of mountain climbing in Sedona is taking within the vibrant orange and pink rocks set towards the contrasting, vibrant blue sky.
You’ll find trails starting from family-friendly hikes just like the Fay Canon Path to longer hikes like Wilson Mountain for these searching for a problem. Whatever the route you are taking, ensure you’re ready with loads of water and snacks, and be able to see stunning views in all instructions.
The parking availability at Sedona trailheads runs out quick, so ensure to start out your day of mountain climbing early and benefit from the free Sedona Shuttle when attainable.
10. Take a Mule Trip Down the Grand Canyon
If mountain climbing the Grand Canyon feels too formidable for you, take into account letting a mule take you all the way in which down (and again up) as an alternative. Though I’ve solely ever hiked the Canyon personally, each time I go to I get slightly envious of others exploring the canyon on the again of a sure-footed mule.
This journey is ideal for these 9 years and older and for these with none concern of heights. Anticipate to soak up the huge great thing about the Canyon relaxed, and luxuriate in a night alongside the Colorado River when you keep in a single day at Phantom Ranch.
Whether or not you wish to experience alongside the rim of the Canyon for a couple of hours or take a 2-day journey all of the down earlier than making the return journey up, make sure you e book your mule experience at the very least 15 months upfront (it sounds excessive however the journeys refill rapidly!). Be sure to verify their web site to collect extra particulars on your journey; together with how one can e book, what to carry, and the place to verify in. Discover out extra info right here.
11. Drive By means of Monument Valley
At any time when I drive via the northeast a part of Arizona, I’m struck by the great thing about Monument Valley. The distinctive rock formations and vastness of the sky take my breath away each time with out fail.
Monument Valley could also be one of the photographed sights in Arizona and is an ideal exercise for households. Anticipate to see most of the well-known rock formations like Mitten Buttes, John Ford’s Level, Yeibichai, Three Sisters Spires, and Elephant Butte.
E-book this 3.5-hour open-air tour led by a neighborhood Navajo information and acquire entry to backcountry routes and in any other case restricted areas. Discover out extra info.
12. Musical Instrument Museum
I’ve discovered that exploring a museum is the easiest way to spend a scorching summer time day in Phoenix. Provided that I’m a musician myself, I’ve beloved each one among my visits to the Musical Instrument Museum.
Positioned in northeast Phoenix, this museum is ranked within the prime 20 museums throughout the USA. Anticipate to take your time exploring the gathering of over 15,000 musical devices and related objects together with examples from over 200 international locations and territories.
E-book your normal admission tickets right here and discover the museum any time between 9 am-5 pm. Click on right here for extra info.
13. Boat on Lake Powell
I imagine the easiest way to expertise Lake Powell is just not by sitting on the seaside, however by really being on the water. Jet-skiing throughout the sprawling lake and down the numerous slot canyons is likely one of the most exhilarating issues I’ve ever achieved in Arizona.
This exercise is nice for anybody 18 and older visiting in the summertime and trying to cool off from the new Arizona solar. Anticipate to discover only a sliver of the lake if you hire the jet ski for the complete day.
E-book the jet ski both at Wahweap or Bullfrog Marina and be ready for an adventurous day on the water. Discover out extra about leases right here.
14. Lowell Observatory
I by no means knew the night time sky could possibly be so fascinating till I visited Lowell Observatory. For those who love science, or are simply desirous about studying one thing new, I extremely counsel stopping at this hilltop middle.
With a normal admission ticket, there are such a lot of choices of issues to do together with science talks, historic excursions, open homes, and stargazing.
Most days the observatory is open from midday till 10 pm, however verify their web site for probably the most up-to-date schedule. Additionally, take note of the assorted particular occasions they’ve happening like assembly an astronomer. Plan your journey right here.
15. Walnut Canyon Flagstaff
One other nice attraction in Arizona is Walnut Canyon Nationwide Monument. That is additionally situated in Flagstaff and is dwelling to distinctive geological formations and historic cliff dwellings.
This vacationer attraction in Arizona is ideal for households because the one-mile round-trip Island Path offers you entry to over 20 cliff dwellings. After you full the path, you’ll be able to discover the Customer Heart which has Junior Ranger actions and extra historic info.
Come ready with good strolling sneakers, water, and a digital camera to seize the historic websites. All guests should buy an entrance cross which is $25 per car. Click on right here for extra info.
16. Pure Water Slides in Slide Rock State Park, Sedona
Positioned off Freeway 89A in Sedona, Slide Rock State Park is likely one of the hottest sights in Arizona within the summertime. Sliding down the pure water slides or lounging on a close-by rock is the proper solution to cool off on a scorching sunny day.
This Arizona attraction is ideal for households, {couples}, or people searching for a enjoyable afternoon. Be ready to deal with the recognition right here, nevertheless; count on to battle crowds of different individuals and automobiles with the identical need to have enjoyable and funky off.
Make sure you arrive early within the day to safe parking and a great place subsequent to the slides, and take loads of water and snacks alongside. The state park expenses a $20 price per automobile, and final entry is permitted one hour previous to closing. The swimming space closes one hour previous to closing. Discover out extra right here.
17. Go to the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum in Tucson
Earlier than I visited the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum for the primary time, I had no concept what to anticipate – after I lastly made it, it blew my expectations out of the water because it has a lot to supply together with botanical gardens, displays, an artwork gallery, and a pure historical past museum. My favourite half is the substitute cave that options gorgeous minerals like ruby, amethyst, and emerald.
This attraction is ideal for individuals who love nature and historical past as in a single cease, you will get a repair of each! Costume accordingly as 85% of the museum is an out of doors strolling expertise – this contains taking ample water.
Tickets might be bought forward of time on-line or on the entrance gate. View their web site right here.
18. See a Present on the Hale Heart Theatre
If I might, I’d see a present on the Hale Centre Theatre each weekend. The 350-seat theatre-in-the-round affords an brisk but intimate present expertise. Taking within the singing and dancing of Foot Free made simple work of getting me out of my seat.
Anticipate to buy tickets nicely upfront as they usually promote out rapidly. Every present is featured on the theatre for round 1-2 months earlier than one other present rotates in.
Prepare to sit down again and luxuriate in a full of life present placed on by extraordinarily gifted people. Click on right here for extra info.
19. Take pleasure in Nightlife in Previous City Scottsdale
Exploring Previous City Scottsdale could be one of the best factor to do in Arizona at night time. I at all times regulate the occasion calendar to see what particular actions are taking place.
Whether or not your style buds fancy Italian, Mexican, or American, I promise there can be a restaurant right here for you. And in the event you’re searching for extra enjoyable after dinner, there are many bars and nightclubs that supply each indoor and outside areas.
In case you’re something like me, you’ll wish to seize one thing candy after dinner from a neighborhood ice cream store like Buzzed Bull Creamery. Costume for an evening in Previous City Scottsdale by carrying sensible but informal garments for an evening of consuming and dancing.
20. Kayak Watson Lake in Prescott
Positioned simply 2 hours from Phoenix, escaping to Watson Lake in Prescott is one among my favourite summertime weekend adventures. Some pals and I usually load up our kayaks and prepare to spend the day fishing, kayaking, mountain climbing, and picnicking.
In case you determine to spend a day right here, carry loads of water and meals to gas your adventures across the gorgeous and distinctive Watson Lake.
The park itself expenses $3 for parking and if you wish to hire a kayak, there are a couple of choices together with Prescott Open air-Journey Leases which hire kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddle boards.
21. Hike Camelback Mountain
Every time I hike Camelback Mountain I’m shocked at how quick but intense this hike actually is. Camelback is likely one of the hottest hikes in Phoenix, however don’t let that reputation mislead you into considering it’s simple!
Be ready for a really busy path with sections that contain reasonable climbing. I additionally advocate mountain climbing it within the early morning or at dawn to keep away from the most popular components of the day.
Irrespective of how difficult this 2.5-mile hike is, understanding that you simply climbed 1,420 in elevation makes it rewarding and the views are nicely value each step. Discover out extra in regards to the path right here.
22. Store Downtown Jerome
Jerome is well-known for as soon as being a booming copper-mining city. Immediately, some discuss with it as a haunted ghost city. Due to its wealthy historical past, wandering via its downtown and exploring the retailers and artwork galleries makes for a enjoyable factor to do in Arizona.
Spend a day aimlessly strolling via the colourful buildings and stopping in jewellery retailers, pottery shops, artwork galleries, and enjoyable vacationer retailers. Inside a couple of hours, you’ll be able to count on to see some stunning and distinctive treasures.
23. Kayak or Float Down the Salt River
As a result of Arizona isn’t dwelling to a lot water, wherever it may be discovered attracts in loads of individuals leaping on the alternative to benefit from it. For instance, floating down the Decrease Salt River within the Tonto Nationwide Forest is a soothing and refreshing summer time exercise that I at all times look ahead to throughout a go to.
Kayaking down the Salt River is a perfect factor to do in Arizona for {couples} who’re courting or married. Come ready with loads of sunscreen, water, and a dry-bag to maintain any valuables protected.
This unguided kayaking expertise supplies you with the kayak, a shuttle to the beginning, and a pickup from the end. Contemplate becoming a member of this exercise for a singular water expertise that encompasses the great thing about Tonto Nationwide Forest. Click on right here for extra info.
24. Golf at Troon North in Scottsdale
In case you’re a fan of golf, then I’m certain you recognize that Scottsdale is dwelling to a number of the nation’s finest golf programs. Troon North is an iconic desert course that gives friends with views of Pinnacle Peak and the Sonoran desert throughout.
As an Arizona resident, staying on the resort and {golfing} the course is one among my favourite “staycations” to soak up the Phoenix space.
Get a gaggle collectively and e book a tee time to expertise this iconic and gorgeous course. View their web site right here.
25. Boat on Tempe City Lake
There’s one thing about pedal boats that take me again to my childhood. Perhaps that’s why I at all times have a blast renting one and zooming round Tempe City Lake. But when pedaling seems like an excessive amount of work, you can too hire motorized donut boats, kayaks, and stand-up paddle boards.
Exploring Tempe City Lake by boat is a good exercise so as to add to your itinerary in the event you’re exploring Arizona with a gaggle of pals. Pack some snacks and drinks and prepare to hire a ship for an hour or extra.
Fast Journey Itineraries For Arizona
Whether or not you solely have someday in Arizona or a complete week, listed here are a couple of choices for the way you may spend your time:
1 Day in Arizona Itinerary
In case you have solely someday in Arizona, I counsel staying across the Phoenix space to maximise the time that you’ve. Spend the morning {golfing} at one of many many stunning golf programs like Troon North. If {golfing} isn’t your factor, spend the morning meandering via the Desert Botanical Gardens.
Because the temperatures rise within the afternoon, benefit from the indoor Musical Instrument Museum. After the museum, put in your mountain climbing sneakers and race to the highest of Camelback Mountain because the solar begins to set. End off your day with dinner on a patio in Previous City Scottsdale.
This itinerary will maintain you on the east facet of Phoenix; doing most of your driving North and South.
2-3 Days in Arizona Itinerary
In case you’re planning to spend 3 days in Arizona, you’d be shocked how a lot you’ll be able to see. On day one, drive as much as Sedona from Phoenix and spend the day exploring Sedona both by mountain climbing some spectacular trails or taking a guided jeep tour down the rocky backroads.
On day two, go away Sedona and drive to Williams the place you’ll be able to board the 9:30 am prepare for a 65-mile experience as much as the Grand Canyon. You’ll have 3 hours to discover the Canyon earlier than returning to Williams.
In your remaining day, spend it exploring Phoenix by floating down the Salt River or boating round Tempe City Lake. Within the night, seize dinner at one of many many eating places in Previous City Scottsdale.
1 Week in Arizona Itinerary
In case you have a complete week in Arizona, I counsel that you simply fly into Phoenix-Sky Harbor and hire a automobile that may can help you cowl many miles all through the week. After you land on a morning flight, stretch your legs by climbing Camelback Mountain and spend the night viewing a present on the Hale Centre Theatre in Gilbert, AZ.
In your second day, drive 2 hours north to Flagstaff and start by exploring the traditional cliff dwellings at Walnut Canyon Nationwide Monument. As soon as the solar begins to set, make your solution to Lowell Observatory for some epic star gazing. On day three, drive 2 hours additional north to Web page and funky off by jet-skiing round Lake Powell. Spend the night watching the sundown over Horseshoe Bend.
On day 4, you’ll be able to keep in Web page for the morning and take a guided tour of Antelope Canyon. As soon as your tour has ended, drive 2 hours again south to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon the place you’ll be able to spend the night strolling alongside the Rim Path earlier than utilizing Day 5 to hike into the Canyon, both on Vibrant Angel or South Kaibab Path.
Day six is reserved for taking in the great thing about Sedona. Get up early and drive 2 hours from the Grand Canyon to Sedona for a guided jeep tour and any mountain climbing you wish to deal with. On day seven, make your manner again right down to Phoenix and spherical off your journey by spending the day exploring the Musical Instrument Museum or the Desert Botanical Gardens.
Getting To Arizona
The easiest way to get to Arizona is by flying into Sky Harbor Airport, situated in Phoenix. From right here, you’ll be able to hire a automobile and discover the complete state from a central location.
In case you’re staying within the greater cities of Phoenix or Tucson, you’ll have the ability to discover public transportation choices simply. Except for public transportation, there are additionally scooters and Ubers accessible in lots of cities.
Primarily based on my expertise, I’d counsel renting a automobile and exploring the state with your personal transport. Most locations are only a few hours aside from one another and this enables you way more freedom to discover at your personal tempo.
Issues To Do in Arizona: FAQs
Listed here are some solutions to generally requested questions on visiting Arizona:
Arizona is thought for the Sonoran Desert, spectacular pink rocks, the Grand Canyon, and actions similar to {golfing} and mountain climbing.
The perfect time to go to Arizona is both within the fall (October/November) or within the Spring (March/April).
Arizona is certainly value visiting! In a single journey you’ll be able to expertise so many alternative issues just like the desert, mountains, rivers, and cities.
If you wish to discover as a lot of all of the state has to supply as attainable, you need to spend at the very least 8-10 days in Arizona.
Sure, Arizona is a really protected place to go to. Within the three years I’ve lived right here, I’ve by no means felt unsafe. Most areas you go to are busy with different individuals visiting. Take note of native guides and authorities’ recommendation and also you’ll be tremendous.
The most well-liked factor to do in Arizona is to go to the Grand Canyon.
The perfect seaside in Arizona is Wahweap Seaside which sits on the shore of Lake Powell. Boat leases and excursions can be found close by at Wahweap Marina.
You could attempt the genuine Navajo fry bread and something that options the long-lasting Arizona prickly pear.
In Closing
I hope that in studying via this listing, you’ve come to comprehend simply how infinite the variety of issues to do in Arizona is. Whether or not you’re coming to go to over spring break with the household, within the winter to ski some slopes, or in the summertime for a brand new place to discover, I promise you’ll not run out of enjoyable issues to do in Arizona.
