30 Best Things to Do in Arizona
Arizona, the Grand Canyon State, beckons travelers with its dramatic landscapes, ranging from vast deserts dotted with iconic cacti to towering canyons and pine-covered mountains. Planning a trip here means discovering incredible natural wonders, exploring vibrant cities, seeking out unique outdoor activities Arizona offers in abundance, and even finding enjoyable free things to do in Arizona, especially related to hiking and exploring historic towns. This state offers a remarkable blend of natural beauty, ancient cultures, and Old West charm.
From the awe-inspiring depths of the Grand Canyon to the spiritual energy of Sedona and the bustling city life of Phoenix, Arizona presents a diverse array of attractions. This guide highlights 30 distinct experiences to help you navigate the state’s offerings. Use these ideas to craft your journey and immerse yourself in the unique spirit of the American Southwest.
Awe-Inspiring Natural Wonders
Witness the immense scale and beauty of the Grand Canyon National Park from the South Rim viewpoints like Mather Point and Yavapai Point. Consider a short hike below the rim for a different perspective, but be mindful of the elevation and heat.
Explore the stunning red rock landscapes surrounding Sedona, famous for hiking trails like Cathedral Rock and Boynton Canyon. Many believe the area holds spiritual vortexes, adding to its unique allure.
Journey through Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park on the Arizona-Utah border for its iconic sandstone buttes rising dramatically from the desert floor. Taking a Navajo-guided tour provides deeper insight into the landscape and culture.
Book a tour to walk through the sculpted sandstone walls of Antelope Canyon near Page (Upper or Lower Canyon require separate tours). The way light filters through the narrow slots creates unforgettable photographic opportunities.
Take the short walk to the overlook at Horseshoe Bend, also near Page, for a breathtaking view of the Colorado River making a dramatic curve. Arrive early or late for softer light and fewer crowds.
Visit Saguaro National Park near Tucson to walk among forests of the giant saguaro cactus, the symbol of the American West. The park has two districts offering numerous hiking trails.
Discover the colorful badlands of the Painted Desert and see ancient, fossilized trees at Petrified Forest National Park. Drive the park road, stopping at overlooks and short trails to explore this unique geological area.
See the spectacular blue-green waterfalls of Havasu Falls on the Havasupai Reservation (requires advance permits and a strenuous hike). This challenging but rewarding trip leads to one of Arizona’s most beautiful hidden gems.
Drive the scenic Apache Trail Historic Road (check conditions, parts may be unpaved) east of Phoenix for rugged desert mountain views. Stop at Canyon Lake or Tortilla Flat for a taste of the Old West.
Explore Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument on the border with Mexico to see unique desert flora found nowhere else in the US. The Ajo Mountain Drive offers stunning Sonoran Desert scenery.
Vibrant Cities and Charming Towns
Hike Camelback Mountain in Phoenix for panoramic views of the cityscape and surrounding valley. Choose the Echo Canyon or Cholla trail based on your fitness level; both are challenging.
Explore Old Town Scottsdale, known for its art galleries, boutiques, Southwestern jewelry shops, and lively restaurants. Stroll through the district to soak up the atmosphere and find unique souvenirs.
Visit Mission San Xavier del Bac near Tucson, a stunningly preserved example of Spanish colonial architecture often called the “White Dove of the Desert.” Admire its intricate facade and interior artwork.
Wander the historic streets of Jerome, a former copper mining boomtown perched precariously on Cleopatra Hill. Browse art galleries, enjoy views of the Verde Valley, and soak in its “ghost town” ambiance.
Explore Bisbee, another historic mining town near the Mexican border, known for its steep streets, colorful Victorian houses, and thriving arts community. Consider taking the Queen Mine Tour for a glimpse into its past.
Drive a portion of historic Route 66, stopping in towns like Seligman or Kingman that preserve the spirit of the Mother Road. Find vintage gas stations, quirky motels, and Americana gift shops.
Visit Tombstone, the “Town Too Tough to Die,” and walk the same streets as Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday. Watch an OK Corral gunfight reenactment for a taste of the Wild West legend.
Stroll through downtown Flagstaff, a mountain town surrounded by ponderosa pine forests. Explore breweries, outdoor gear shops, and enjoy its proximity to natural attractions like the Grand Canyon and Lowell Observatory.
Relax in Prescott, known for its historic Courthouse Plaza surrounded by Whiskey Row. Enjoy the cooler mountain climate, browse antique shops, and explore nearby Watson Lake’s granite dells.
Enjoy the water activities at Lake Havasu City, home to the relocated London Bridge. Go boating, swimming, or simply relax on the shores of this popular desert reservoir.
Culture, History, and Unique Experiences
Learn about Native American art and culture at the Heard Museum in Phoenix, renowned for its extensive collections and exhibitions. It offers deep insights into the indigenous peoples of the Southwest.
Explore the diverse plant life of the Sonoran Desert at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix. Wander themed trails showcasing cacti, wildflowers, and other desert-adapted plants, especially beautiful during spring blooms.
Experience a unique blend of zoo, botanical garden, and natural history museum at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum near Tucson. See native animals in naturalistic habitats and learn about the region’s ecosystems.
Tour Taliesin West in Scottsdale, architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s remarkable winter home and architectural school, built in harmony with the desert landscape. Book tours in advance to explore this National Historic Landmark.
Gaze at the stars through telescopes at Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, where Pluto was discovered. Attend evening programs for guided viewing and talks about astronomy.
Peer into the massive impact site at Meteor Crater Natural Landmark near Winslow. Visit the discovery center to learn about the asteroid impact that occurred 50,000 years ago.
Take a guided tour through the stunning formations of a living cave at Kartchner Caverns State Park south of Benson. Book tours well in advance as they frequently sell out.
Soar above the desert landscape in a hot air balloon, particularly popular near Phoenix/Scottsdale or Sedona. Enjoy serene sunrise views over the mountains and desert floor.
Experience the thrill of an off-road Jeep tour through the red rocks of Sedona or the rugged terrain of the Sonoran Desert. It’s an adventurous way to access scenic areas unreachable by regular vehicles.
Catch a Cactus League Spring Training baseball game in the greater Phoenix area during March. See Major League Baseball teams prepare for the upcoming season in intimate stadium settings.
