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 perfect a part of Arizona is that it’s residence to a various panorama together with cities, mountains, canyons, deserts, lakes, and rivers. Inside a matter of 4 hours, you may drive from the massive 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 wish to maintain coming again.
Greatest Issues To Do in Arizona
This checklist captures among 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 may select only one factor out of the various 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 energetic nature lovers and journey addicts. Anticipate a number of solar publicity and troublesome climbs – and bear in mind, taking place is optionally available however coming again up is obligatory!
Pay the nationwide park payment and head into the South Rim of the Grand Canyon to hop onto Shiny Angel Path or South Kaibab Path. You should definitely put together effectively 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 superb factor to do in Arizona for households. Come ready with water, comfy strolling footwear, and a digital camera in an effort to seize each step of the way in which.
Guide this one-hour guided tour via 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 certainly one of my favourite locations to flee to for a weekend journey. It’s residence to numerous climbing trails, streams and rivers, and epic forest roads which are finest explored by Jeep.
For those who’re on the lookout for a bit 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.
Guide this two-hour Jeep tour that takes you on a “not so bumpy” journey via the outback of Sedona. Discover out extra right here.
4. Take a Prepare from Williams to the Grand Canyon
Taking the practice from Williams to the Grand Canyon is likely to be essentially the most distinctive vacationer attraction in Arizona. I’ve solely performed it as soon as, however its attraction is inflicting me to suppose I might need to do it once more.
This exercise is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Arizona for households. Any child or grownup is certain to be fascinated by the 65-mile journey that goes from Williams to the Grand Canyon and again – it even includes a western shoot-out, western musicians, and cowboy characters.
Guide your tickets right here for the practice that departs every day at 9:30 am and returns to Williams by 5:45 pm. In the course of the journey, the practice 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 probably the most picturesque views in your entire state. It’s not an overstatement to inform you that I haven’t stopped fascinated with the view because the first time I visited 5 years in the past on a scorching July afternoon.
Seeing Horseshoe Bend with your individual eyes is without doubt 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 could possibly get pleasure from 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 certainly one of 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 energetic throughout your journey. Anticipate to have an epic day crusing down the western slope of Mount Humphreys.
Renting gear, buying raise tickets, and knowledge on non-public classes are all attainable via their web site.
7. Sizzling Air Balloon in Phoenix
For those who’re on the lookout for issues to do in Arizona for {couples}, think about this exercise that entails flying excessive above town panorama and the Sonoran Desert. This exercise presents 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 journey.
Guide this dawn tour with an skilled and licensed pilot who will guarantee you have got an unforgettable expertise. Click on right here for extra particulars.
8. Desert Botanical Gardens
Meandering via the 55 acres of cactus, timber, crops, and flowers is certainly one of my favourite issues to do in Arizona because it’s enjoyable and refreshing. The desert is a singular panorama and touring the botanical gardens provides you essentially the most up-close and academic expertise to finest discover the sweetness.
This exercise is a superb factor to do in Arizona because the solar is setting and the air is getting cooler. In the course of the hours of seven am and eight pm, stroll via the backyard’s 5 thematic trails taking within the reveals and different onsite experiences.
Purchase your advance basic admission ticket forward of time and prepare to see and scent the distinctive fantastic 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 among the most breathtaking pure magnificence from the climbing trails. My favourite a part of climbing in Sedona is taking within the vibrant orange and crimson rocks set in opposition to the contrasting, shiny blue sky.
You could find trails starting from family-friendly hikes just like the Fay Canon Path to longer hikes like Wilson Mountain for these on the lookout 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 that to begin your day of climbing early and make the most of the free Sedona Shuttle when attainable.
10. Take a Mule Trip Down the Grand Canyon
If climbing the Grand Canyon feels too formidable for you, think about 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 a bit 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 absorb the huge fantastic 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 journey alongside the rim of the Canyon for just a few hours or take a 2-day journey all of the down earlier than making the return journey up, make sure to e book your mule journey not less than 15 months upfront (it sounds excessive however the journeys refill rapidly!). Ensure you verify their web site to assemble extra particulars on your journey; together with the right way to e book, what to deliver, and the place to verify in. Discover out extra info right here.
11. Drive By Monument Valley
Every time I drive via the northeast a part of Arizona, I’m struck by the fantastic 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 probably the most photographed points of interest 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.
Guide this 3.5-hour open-air tour led by a neighborhood Navajo information and achieve 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 one of the best ways to spend a scorching summer season day in Phoenix. Provided that I’m a musician myself, I’ve beloved each certainly one of my visits to the Musical Instrument Museum.
Positioned in northeast Phoenix, this museum is ranked within the prime 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.
Guide your basic 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 one of the best ways to expertise Lake Powell is just not by sitting on the seashore, however by truly being on the water. Jet-skiing throughout the sprawling lake and down the various slot canyons is without doubt one of the most exhilarating issues I’ve ever performed 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 whenever you hire the jet ski for your entire day.
Guide 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 might be so fascinating till I visited Lowell Observatory. For those who love science, or are simply curious about studying one thing new, I extremely counsel stopping at this hilltop middle.
With a basic 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 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 positioned in Flagstaff and is residence 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 provides you entry to over 20 cliff dwellings. After you full the path, you may discover the Customer Middle which has Junior Ranger actions and extra historic info.
Come ready with good strolling footwear, water, and a digital camera to seize the historic websites. All guests should buy an entrance move 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 without doubt one of 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 solution to cool off on a scorching sunny day.
This Arizona attraction is ideal for households, {couples}, or people on the lookout for a enjoyable afternoon. Be ready to deal with the recognition right here, nevertheless; count on to battle crowds of different folks and vehicles with the identical need to have enjoyable and funky off.
You should definitely 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 prices a $20 payment 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 concept what to anticipate – once I lastly made it, it blew my expectations out of the water because it has a lot to supply together with botanical gardens, reveals, 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! Gown accordingly as 85% of the museum is an outside strolling expertise – this contains taking adequate water.
Tickets may 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 Middle Theatre
If I may, I’d see a present on the Hale Centre Theatre each weekend. The 350-seat theatre-in-the-round presents 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 effectively upfront as they typically promote out rapidly. 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 luxuriate in a full of life present placed on by extraordinarily gifted people. Click on right here for extra info.
19. Get pleasure from Nightlife in Outdated City Scottsdale
Exploring Outdated City Scottsdale is likely to be the very best factor to do in Arizona at evening. I all the time keep watch over 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 will probably be a restaurant right here for you. And in the event you’re on the lookout for 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 wish to seize one thing candy after dinner from a neighborhood ice cream store like Buzzed Bull Creamery. Gown for an evening in Outdated City Scottsdale by carrying 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 certainly one of my favourite summertime weekend adventures. Some mates and I typically load up our kayaks and prepare to spend the day fishing, kayaking, climbing, and picnicking.
For those who resolve to spend a day right here, deliver loads of water and meals to gasoline your adventures across the beautiful and distinctive Watson Lake.
The park itself prices $3 for parking and if you wish to hire a kayak, there are just a few 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 without doubt one of the hottest hikes in Phoenix, however don’t let that recognition mislead you into considering it’s simple!
Be ready for a really busy path with sections that contain average climbing. I additionally advocate climbing it within the early morning or at dawn to keep away from the most well liked elements of the day.
Regardless of how difficult this 2.5-mile hike is, figuring out that you just climbed 1,420 in elevation makes it rewarding and the views are effectively price 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. Right this moment, some consult with it as a haunted ghost city. Due to its wealthy historical past, wandering via its downtown and exploring the outlets 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 outlets, pottery shops, artwork galleries, and enjoyable vacationer outlets. Inside just a few hours, you may count on to see some stunning and distinctive treasures.
23. Kayak or Float Down the Salt River
As a result of Arizona isn’t residence to a lot water, anyplace it may be discovered attracts in loads of folks leaping on the alternative to benefit from it. For instance, floating down the Decrease Salt River within the Tonto Nationwide Forest is a calming and refreshing summer season exercise that I all the time sit 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 secure.
This unguided kayaking expertise offers 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 fantastic 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 already know that Scottsdale is residence to among the nation’s finest golf programs. Troon North is an iconic desert course that gives company with views of Pinnacle Peak and the Sonoran desert throughout.
As an Arizona resident, staying on the resort and {golfing} the course is certainly one of my favourite “staycations” to absorb the Phoenix space.
Get a bunch 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. Perhaps 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 may as well hire motorized donut boats, kayaks, and stand-up paddle boards.
Exploring Tempe City Lake by boat is a superb exercise so as to add to your itinerary in the event you’re exploring Arizona with a bunch 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 someday in Arizona or a whole week, listed below are just a few choices for a way you could possibly spend your time:
1 Day in Arizona Itinerary
You probably have solely someday 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 via the Desert Botanical Gardens.
Because the temperatures rise within the afternoon, make the most of the indoor Musical Instrument Museum. After the museum, put in your climbing footwear and race to the prime of Camelback Mountain because the solar begins to set. End off your day with dinner on a patio in Outdated 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
For those who’re planning to spend 3 days in Arizona, you’d be stunned how a lot you may see. On day one, drive as much as Sedona from Phoenix and spend the day exploring Sedona both by climbing 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 may board the 9:30 am practice for a 65-mile journey as much as the Grand Canyon. You’ll have 3 hours to discover the Canyon earlier than returning to Williams.
In your ultimate 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 Outdated City Scottsdale.
1 Week in Arizona Itinerary
You probably have a whole week in Arizona, I counsel that you just fly into Phoenix-Sky Harbor and hire a automotive that 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 may 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 may spend the night strolling alongside the Rim Path earlier than utilizing Day 5 to hike into the Canyon, both on Shiny Angel or South Kaibab Path.
Day six is reserved for taking in the fantastic thing about Sedona. Get up early and drive 2 hours from the Grand Canyon to Sedona for a guided jeep tour and any climbing you wish to deal with. On day seven, make your approach 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
One of the simplest ways to get to Arizona is by flying into Sky Harbor Airport, positioned in Phoenix. From right here, you may hire a automotive and discover your entire state from a central location.
For those who’re staying within the larger cities of Phoenix or Tucson, you’ll be capable of discover public transportation choices simply. Apart from public transportation, there are additionally scooters and Ubers obtainable in lots of cities.
Based mostly on my expertise, I’d counsel renting a automotive and exploring the state with your individual transport. Most locations are only a few hours other than one another and this enables you far more freedom to discover at your individual 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 crimson rocks, the Grand Canyon, and actions comparable to {golfing} and climbing.
The perfect time to go to Arizona is both within the fall (October/November) or within the Spring (March/April).
Arizona is certainly price visiting! In a single journey you may 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 not less than 8-10 days in Arizona.
Sure, Arizona is a really secure 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 folks visiting. Take note of native guides and authorities’ recommendation and also you’ll be wonderful.
The preferred factor to do in Arizona is to go to the Grand Canyon.
The perfect seashore in Arizona is Wahweap Seashore which sits on the shore of Lake Powell. Boat leases and excursions can be found close by at Wahweap Marina.
You could strive the genuine Navajo fry bread and something that options the long-lasting Arizona prickly pear.
In Closing
I hope that in studying via this checklist, 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.