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 may have one thing to give you. There’s simply one thing magical concerning the desert that makes you wish to hold coming again.
Greatest Issues To Do in Arizona
This listing captures a number of the greatest sights in Arizona. Test it out and prepare to e book your aircraft tickets in your subsequent epic journey:
1. Hike the Grand Canyon
If I may select only one factor out of the numerous issues to do in Arizona, I might 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 greatest for energetic nature lovers and journey addicts. Anticipate plenty of solar publicity and troublesome climbs – and keep in mind, happening is non-obligatory however coming again up is necessary!
Pay the nationwide park payment and head into the South Rim of the Grand Canyon to hop onto Brilliant Angel Path or South Kaibab Path. You should definitely put together properly 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 sleek 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 so to seize each step of the best way.
Guide this one-hour guided tour by means of the Decrease Antelope Canyon to discover areas that almost all 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 residence to numerous climbing trails, streams and rivers, and epic forest roads which are greatest explored by Jeep.
If you happen to’re searching for a bit of thrill and are questioning what to do in Arizona, then I extremely advocate contemplating this exercise. Anticipate to see the world’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 by means of 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 may be probably the most distinctive vacationer attraction in Arizona. I’ve solely carried out it as soon as, however its allure is inflicting me to assume I may need to do it once more.
This exercise is among the greatest issues to do in Arizona for households. Any child or grownup is bound to be fascinated by the 65-mile journey that goes from Williams to the Grand Canyon and again – it even contains a western shoot-out, western musicians, and cowboy characters.
Guide your tickets right here for the practice that departs each 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 one of the picturesque views in all the state. It’s not an overstatement to let you know that I haven’t stopped eager about the view because the first time I visited 5 years in the past on a sizzling July afternoon.
Seeing Horseshoe Bend with your individual eyes is among the high 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 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 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 data on personal classes are all potential by means of their web site.
7. Sizzling Air Balloon in Phoenix
If you happen to’re searching for issues to do in Arizona for {couples}, contemplate this exercise that entails flying excessive above town panorama and the Sonoran Desert. This exercise affords a singular perspective and views you gained’t ever overlook.
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’ve gotten an unforgettable expertise. Click on right here for extra particulars.
8. Desert Botanical Gardens
Meandering by means of the 55 acres of cactus, timber, vegetation, and flowers is one among 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 provides you probably the most up-close and academic expertise to greatest discover the wonder.
This exercise is a good 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 by means of 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
If you happen to’re questioning what to see in Arizona, I might encourage you to plan a hike in Sedona to see a number of 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 towards 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 searching for a problem. Whatever the route you’re taking, be sure to’re ready with loads of water and snacks, and be able to see lovely views in all instructions.
The parking availability at Sedona trailheads runs out quick, so make sure that to begin your day of climbing early and make the most of the free Sedona Shuttle when potential.
10. Take a Mule Trip Down the Grand Canyon
If climbing the Grand Canyon feels too bold for you, contemplate 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 absorb the huge great thing about the Canyon comfy, and luxuriate in a night alongside the Colorado River whilst you keep in a single day at Phantom Ranch.
Whether or not you wish to journey 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 journey not less than 15 months upfront (it sounds excessive however the journeys refill shortly!). Be sure you test their web site to assemble extra particulars in your journey; together with how you can e book, what to convey, and the place to test in. Discover out extra info right here.
11. Drive By Monument Valley
Each time 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 sights 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.
Guide this 3.5-hour open-air tour led by an area 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 simplest ways to spend a sizzling summer time day in Phoenix. On condition that I’m a musician myself, I’ve liked each one among my visits to the Musical Instrument Museum.
Situated 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.
Guide 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 consider one of the simplest ways to expertise Lake Powell isn’t by sitting on the seashore, however by truly 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 carried out 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 while you lease the jet ski for all the 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 keen on studying one thing new, I extremely recommend stopping at this hilltop heart.
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 test their web site for probably 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 situated in Flagstaff and is residence 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 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 sneakers, water, and a digicam 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
Situated off Freeway 89A in Sedona, Slide Rock State Park is among the hottest sights in Arizona within the summertime. Sliding down the pure water slides or lounging on a close-by rock is the proper option to cool off on a sizzling 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; anticipate to battle crowds of different individuals and automobiles with the identical want to have enjoyable and funky off.
You should definitely 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 prices a $20 payment 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 – once 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 factitious cave that options gorgeous 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 out of doors strolling expertise – this consists of taking ample water.
Tickets could 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 might 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 Unfastened made simple work of getting me out of my seat.
Anticipate to buy tickets properly upfront 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 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 Previous City Scottsdale
Exploring Previous City Scottsdale may be the perfect factor to do in Arizona at evening. I at all times 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 shall be a restaurant right here for you. And for those who’re searching for extra enjoyable after dinner, there are many bars and nightclubs that supply each indoor and out of doors areas.
If you happen to’re something like me, you’ll wish 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 sensible but informal garments for an evening of consuming and dancing.
20. Kayak Watson Lake in Prescott
Situated 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, climbing, and picnicking.
If you happen to determine to spend a day right here, convey loads of water and meals to gas your adventures across the gorgeous and distinctive Watson Lake.
The park itself prices $3 for parking and if you wish to lease a kayak, there are a number of choices together with Prescott Open air-Journey Leases which lease 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 among the hottest hikes in Phoenix, however don’t let that reputation mislead you into pondering it’s simple!
Be ready for a really busy path with sections that contain reasonable climbing. I additionally advocate climbing it within the early morning or at dawn to keep away from the most popular 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 properly 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 now, some consult 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 may anticipate to see some lovely and distinctive treasures.
23. Kayak or Float Down the Salt River
As a result of Arizona isn’t residence 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 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 secure.
This unguided kayaking expertise gives 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
If you happen to’re a fan of golf, then I’m positive that Scottsdale is residence to a number of the nation’s greatest 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 among my favourite “staycations” to absorb 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. Possibly 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 too can lease 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 pals. Pack some snacks and drinks and prepare to lease a ship for an hour or extra.
Fast Journey Itineraries For Arizona
Whether or not you solely have in the future in Arizona or a whole week, listed here are a number of choices for a way you could possibly spend your time:
1 Day in Arizona Itinerary
If in case you have solely in the future in Arizona, I recommend staying across the Phoenix space to maximise the time that you’ve got. Spend the morning {golfing} at one of many many lovely 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, make the most of the indoor Musical Instrument Museum. After the museum, put in your climbing 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 hold you on the east aspect of Phoenix; doing most of your driving North and South.
2-3 Days in Arizona Itinerary
If you happen to’re planning to spend 3 days in Arizona, you’d be shocked 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, go away 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 last 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
If in case you have a whole week in Arizona, I recommend that you just fly into Phoenix-Sky Harbor and lease 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 option 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 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 climbing you wish to sort out. On day seven, make your method 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 best ways to get to Arizona is by flying into Sky Harbor Airport, situated in Phoenix. From right here, you may lease a automobile and discover all the state from a central location.
If you happen to’re staying within the greater cities of Phoenix or Tucson, you’ll be capable to discover public transportation choices simply. Other than public transportation, there are additionally scooters and Ubers obtainable in lots of cities.
Primarily based on my expertise, I might recommend renting a automobile and exploring the state with your individual transport. Most locations are just some hours other than one another and this enables you way 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 corresponding 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 unquestionably 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 potential, it’s best 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 individuals visiting. Take note of native guides and authorities’ recommendation and also you’ll be tremendous.
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 enduring Arizona prickly pear.
In Closing
I hope that in studying by means of this listing, you’ve come to comprehend simply how countless 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.
