To say that there are numerous issues to do in Arizona can 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 very best a part of Arizona is that it’s house 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 positive Arizona can have one thing to give you. There’s simply one thing magical concerning the desert that makes you need to maintain coming again.
Finest Issues To Do in Arizona
This record captures a few of the finest points of interest 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 occasions and it by no means will get previous; it’s simply as unimaginable every time.
This exercise is finest for energetic nature lovers and journey addicts. Anticipate a lot of solar publicity and troublesome climbs – and bear in mind, taking place is elective however coming again up is necessary!
Pay the nationwide park charge and head into the South Rim of the Grand Canyon to hop onto Brilliant Angel Path or South Kaibab Path. Be 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 by means of Antelope Canyon for the primary time. It feels as if you might be in one other world as you meander by means of the graceful and vibrant orange slot canyon.
This exercise is a good factor to do in Arizona for households. Come ready with water, comfy strolling sneakers, and a digicam to be able to seize each step of the best way.
E book this one-hour guided tour by means of the Decrease Antelope Canyon to discover areas that almost all vacationers don’t get the possibility to see. Click on right here for extra info.
3. Take a Jeep Tour in Sedona
Sedona is one in all my favourite locations to flee to for a weekend journey. It’s house to numerous mountaineering trails, streams and rivers, and epic forest roads which might be finest explored by Jeep.
For those who’re in search of a bit of thrill and are questioning what to do in Arizona, then I extremely suggest 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” trip by means of the outback of Sedona. Discover out extra right here.
4. Take a Prepare from Williams to the Grand Canyon
Taking the prepare from Williams to the Grand Canyon is likely to be essentially the most distinctive vacationer attraction in Arizona. I’ve solely achieved it as soon as, however its attraction is inflicting me to assume I might need to do it once more.
This exercise is among the finest issues to do in Arizona for households. Any child or grownup is bound to be fascinated by the 65-mile trip 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 every 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 serious about the view because the first time I visited 5 years in the past on a scorching July afternoon.
Seeing Horseshoe Bend with your personal eyes is among the high issues to do in Arizona. It’s an unimaginable 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 possibly can take pleasure in snow within the state of Arizona, however positive sufficient, its various panorama permits guests and residents to expertise a myriad of actions. Snowboarding at Arizona Snowbowl is one in all 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 for those who’re trying to be energetic throughout your journey. Anticipate to have an epic day crusing down the western slope of Mount Humphreys.
Renting tools, buying elevate tickets, and knowledge on personal classes are all doable by means of their web site.
7. Sizzling Air Balloon in Phoenix
For those who’re in search of issues to do in Arizona for {couples}, take into account this exercise that includes flying excessive above town panorama and the Sonoran Desert. This exercise gives a singular perspective and views you gained’t ever neglect.
The expertise is romantic and thrilling on the similar time; benefit from the dawn from the sky with a champagne breakfast and take within the peace and serenity of the trip.
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 by means of the 55 acres of cactus, bushes, crops, and flowers is one in all my favourite issues to do in Arizona because it’s stress-free and refreshing. The desert is a singular panorama and touring the botanical gardens offers you essentially 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 by means of the backyard’s 5 thematic trails taking within the displays and different onsite experiences.
Purchase your advance common admission ticket forward of time and prepare to see and odor the distinctive great thing about the desert. Plan your go to now.
9. Hike in Sedona
For those who’re questioning what to see in Arizona, I’d encourage you to plan a hike in Sedona to see a few of the most breathtaking pure magnificence from the mountaineering trails. My favourite a part of mountaineering in Sedona is taking within the vibrant orange and purple rocks set in opposition to the contrasting, shiny blue sky.
Yow will discover trails starting from family-friendly hikes just like the Fay Canon Path to longer hikes like Wilson Mountain for these in search of a problem. Whatever the route you’re taking, be sure 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 mountaineering early and benefit from the free Sedona Shuttle when doable.
10. Take a Mule Trip Down the Grand Canyon
If mountaineering the Grand Canyon feels too bold for you, take into account letting a mule take you all the best way down (and again up) as an alternative. Though I’ve solely ever hiked the Canyon personally, each time I go to I get a bit of 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 worry of heights. Anticipate to soak up the huge great thing about the Canyon comfortable, and revel in a night alongside the Colorado River whilst you keep in a single day at Phantom Ranch.
Whether or not you need to trip alongside the rim of the Canyon for a number of hours or take a 2-day journey all of the down earlier than making the return journey up, you should definitely e-book your mule trip at the least 15 months prematurely (it sounds excessive however the journeys refill shortly!). Be sure you verify their web site to assemble extra particulars on your journey; together with how you can e-book, what to deliver, and the place to verify in. Discover out extra info right here.
11. Drive By Monument Valley
At any time when I drive by means of 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 points of interest in Arizona and is an ideal exercise for households. Anticipate to see lots 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 an area 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 cherished each one in all my visits to the Musical Instrument Museum.
Positioned in northeast Phoenix, this museum is ranked within the high 20 museums throughout the United States. Anticipate to take your time exploring the gathering of over 15,000 musical devices and related objects together with examples from over 200 nations and territories.
E book your common 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 consider the easiest way to expertise Lake Powell will not be by sitting on the seashore, however by really being on the water. Jet-skiing throughout the sprawling lake and down the numerous slot canyons is among 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 recent 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 evening sky could possibly be so fascinating till I visited Lowell Observatory. For people who love science, or are simply concerned with studying one thing new, I extremely counsel stopping at this hilltop middle.
With a common 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 essentially the most up-to-date schedule. Additionally, take note of the varied particular occasions they’ve occurring 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 house to distinctive geological formations and historical 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 digicam to seize the historic websites. All guests should buy an entrance cross which is $25 per automobile. 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 among the hottest points of interest in Arizona within the summertime. Sliding down the pure water slides or lounging on a close-by rock is the proper approach to cool off on a scorching sunny day.
This Arizona attraction is ideal for households, {couples}, or people in search of a enjoyable afternoon. Be ready to deal with the recognition right here, nevertheless; anticipate to battle crowds of different individuals and vehicles with the identical need to have enjoyable and funky off.
Be sure you arrive early within the day to safe parking and a great spot subsequent to the slides, and take loads of water and snacks alongside. The state park costs a $20 charge per automotive, 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 thought 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 bogus cave that options beautiful minerals like ruby, amethyst, and emerald.
This attraction is ideal for many who love nature and historical past as in a single cease, you may get a repair of each! Costume accordingly as 85% of the museum is an outside strolling expertise – this contains taking enough water.
Tickets will 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 gives an lively 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 prematurely as they usually promote out shortly. Every present is featured on the theatre for round 1-2 months earlier than one other present rotates in.
Prepare to take a seat again and revel in a full of life present placed on by extraordinarily proficient people. Click on right here for extra info.
19. Get pleasure from Nightlife in Previous City Scottsdale
Exploring Previous City Scottsdale is likely to be the very best factor to do in Arizona at evening. I all the time control the occasion calendar to see what particular actions are occurring.
Whether or not your style buds fancy Italian, Mexican, or American, I promise there can be a restaurant right here for you. And for those who’re in search of extra enjoyable after dinner, there are many bars and nightclubs that provide each indoor and outside areas.
For those who’re something like me, you’ll need to seize one thing candy after dinner from an area ice cream store like Buzzed Bull Creamery. Costume for an evening in Previous City Scottsdale by sporting good 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 in all my favourite summertime weekend adventures. Some mates and I usually load up our kayaks and prepare to spend the day fishing, kayaking, mountaineering, and picnicking.
For those who resolve to spend a day right here, deliver loads of water and meals to gas your adventures across the beautiful and distinctive Watson Lake.
The park itself costs $3 for parking and if you wish to hire a kayak, there are a number of choices together with Prescott Outside-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 brief but intense this hike actually is. Camelback is among 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 suggest mountaineering it within the early morning or at dawn to keep away from the most well liked components of the day.
Irrespective of how difficult this 2.5-mile hike is, realizing that you just climbed 1,420 in elevation makes it rewarding and the views are nicely value each step. Discover out extra concerning the path right here.
22. Store Downtown Jerome
Jerome is well-known for as soon as being a booming copper-mining city. As we speak, some discuss with it as a haunted ghost city. Due to its wealthy historical past, wandering by means of its downtown and exploring the retailers and artwork galleries makes for a enjoyable factor to do in Arizona.
Spend a day aimlessly strolling by means of the colourful buildings and stopping in jewellery retailers, pottery shops, artwork galleries, and enjoyable vacationer retailers. Inside a number of hours, you’ll be able to anticipate to see some stunning and distinctive treasures.
23. Kayak or Float Down the Salt River
As a result of Arizona isn’t house to a lot water, wherever it may be discovered attracts in loads of individuals leaping on the alternative to take advantage of it. For instance, floating down the Decrease Salt River within the Tonto Nationwide Forest is a soothing and refreshing summer time exercise that I all the time stay up for 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. Think about 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
For those who’re a fan of golf, then I’m positive you recognize that Scottsdale is house to a few of the nation’s finest golf programs. Troon North is an iconic desert course that gives visitors with views of Pinnacle Peak and the Sonoran desert throughout.
As an Arizona resident, staying on the resort and {golfing} the course is one in all my favourite “staycations” to soak up the Phoenix space.
Get a gaggle collectively and e-book a tee time to expertise this iconic and beautiful 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. Possibly that’s why I all the time have a blast renting one and zooming round Tempe City Lake. But when pedaling feels like an excessive amount of work, you too can 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 for those who’re exploring Arizona with a gaggle of mates. 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 at some point in Arizona or a complete week, listed below are a number of choices for a way you possibly can spend your time:
1 Day in Arizona Itinerary
When you’ve got solely at some point in Arizona, I counsel staying across the Phoenix space to maximise the time that you’ve got. 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 by means of the Desert Botanical Gardens.
Because the temperatures rise within the afternoon, benefit from the indoor Musical Instrument Museum. After the museum, put in your mountaineering sneakers and race to the high 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 aspect of Phoenix; doing most of your driving North and South.
2-3 Days in Arizona Itinerary
For those who’re planning to spend 3 days in Arizona, you’d be stunned 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 mountaineering some spectacular trails or taking a guided jeep tour down the rocky backroads.
On day two, depart Sedona and drive to Williams the place you’ll be able to board the 9:30 am prepare for a 65-mile trip as much as the Grand Canyon. You’ll have 3 hours to discover the Canyon earlier than returning to Williams.
In your closing 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
When you’ve got a complete week in Arizona, I counsel that you just fly into Phoenix-Sky Harbor and hire a automotive 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 approach 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 Brilliant 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 mountaineering you need 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 automotive and discover the complete state from a central location.
For those who’re staying within the greater cities of Phoenix or Tucson, you’ll have the ability to discover public transportation choices simply. Apart from public transportation, there are additionally scooters and Ubers out there in lots of cities.
Primarily based on my expertise, I’d counsel renting a automotive and exploring the state with your personal transport. Most locations are just some hours aside from one another and this permits you far 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 understood for the Sonoran Desert, spectacular purple rocks, the Grand Canyon, and actions reminiscent of {golfing} and mountaineering.
The very best 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 various 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 doable, it’s best to spend at the 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 high-quality.
The preferred factor to do in Arizona is to go to the Grand Canyon.
The very best seashore 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 have to attempt the genuine Navajo fry bread and something that options the long-lasting Arizona prickly pear.
In Closing
I hope that in studying by means of this record, you’ve come to understand 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.
