25 Finest Issues To Do in Arizona in 2023
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.
One of the best 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 concerning the desert that makes you need to hold coming again.
Finest 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 airplane tickets on 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 finest for energetic nature lovers and journey addicts. Anticipate numerous solar publicity and tough climbs – and bear in mind, taking place is optionally available however coming again up is necessary!
Pay the national park fee and head into the South Rim of the Grand Canyon to hop onto Bright Angel Trail or South Kaibab Trail. You should definitely prepare well for this activity with loads of water, snacks, and electrolytes.
2. Guided Tour of Antelope Canyon
I’ll always remember walking through Antelope Canyon for the primary time. It feels as if you’re in one other world as you meander by way of the graceful and vibrant orange slot canyon.
This exercise is a superb factor to do in Arizona for households. Come ready with water, snug strolling sneakers, and a digicam with the intention to seize each step of the best way.
Guide this one-hour guided tour by way of the Decrease Antelope Canyon to discover areas that almost all vacationers don’t get the possibility to see. Click here for more information.
3. Take a Jeep Tour in Sedona
Sedona is one in all my favourite locations to flee to for a weekend journey. It’s dwelling to numerous climbing trails, streams and rivers, and epic forest roads which are finest explored by Jeep.
Should you’re on the lookout for slightly 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.
Guide this two-hour Jeep tour that takes you on a “not so bumpy” experience by way of the outback of Sedona. Find out more here.
4. Take a Prepare from Williams to the Grand Canyon
Taking the practice from Williams to the Grand Canyon is perhaps probably the most distinctive vacationer attraction in Arizona. I’ve solely accomplished 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 finest issues to do in Arizona for households. Any child or grownup is certain to be fascinated by the 65-mile experience 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 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 here for more information.
5. View Horseshoe Bend
A brief 20-minute hike from the car parking zone brings you to some of the picturesque views in all the state. It’s not an overstatement to inform you that I haven’t stopped interested by 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 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 would 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 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 when you’re seeking to be energetic throughout your journey. Anticipate to have an epic day crusing down the western slope of Mount Humphreys.
Renting gear, buying elevate tickets, and knowledge on personal classes are all attainable by way of their website.
7. Scorching Air Balloon in Phoenix
Should you’re on the lookout for issues to do in Arizona for {couples}, contemplate this exercise that entails 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 identical time; benefit from the dawn from the sky with a champagne breakfast and take within the peace and serenity of the experience.
Book this sunrise tour with an skilled and licensed pilot who will guarantee you’ve gotten an unforgettable expertise. Click here for more details.
8. Desert Botanical Gardens
Meandering by way 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 probably the most up-close and academic expertise to finest discover the wonder.
This exercise is a superb 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 way of the backyard’s 5 thematic trails taking within the reveals and different onsite experiences.
Purchase your advance general admission ticket forward of time and prepare to see and scent the distinctive great thing about the desert. Plan your visit now.
9. Hike in Sedona
Should you’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 purple rocks set in opposition to the contrasting, vibrant blue sky.
Yow will discover trails starting from family-friendly hikes just like the Fay Canon Trail to longer hikes like Wilson Mountain for these on the lookout 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 ensure to start out your day of climbing early and make the most of the free Sedona Shuttle when attainable.
10. Take a Mule Experience 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 a substitute. 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 worry of heights. Anticipate to soak up the huge great thing about the Canyon relaxed, and luxuriate in a night alongside the Colorado River whilst you keep in a single day at Phantom Ranch.
Whether or not you need to experience 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 you e book your mule experience at the very least 15 months upfront (it sounds excessive however the journeys refill rapidly!). Be sure you verify their website to collect extra particulars on your journey; together with the best way to e book, what to convey, and the place to verify in. Find out more information here.
11. Drive By Monument Valley
Each time I drive by way of 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 some 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.
Book 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. Find out more information.
12. Musical Instrument Museum
I’ve discovered that exploring a museum is one of the simplest ways to spend a scorching summer time day in Phoenix. Provided that I’m a musician myself, I’ve beloved each one in all my visits to the Musical Instrument Museum.
Positioned in northeast Phoenix, this museum is ranked within the prime 20 museums throughout america. 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.
Guide your general admission tickets here and discover the museum any time between 9 am-5 pm. Click here for more information.
13. Boat on Lake Powell
I imagine one of the simplest ways to expertise Lake Powell is just not by sitting on the seaside, 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 accomplished in Arizona.
This exercise is nice for anybody 18 and older visiting in the summertime and seeking to cool off from the recent Arizona solar. Anticipate to discover only a sliver of the lake whenever you lease the jet ski for all the day.
Book the jet ski both at Wahweap or Bullfrog Marina and be ready for an adventurous day on the water. Find out more about rentals 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 involved in studying one thing new, I extremely recommend stopping at this hilltop heart.
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 check their website for probably the most up-to-date schedule. Additionally, take note of the varied particular occasions they’ve occurring like assembly an astronomer. Plan your trip here.
15. Walnut Canyon Flagstaff
One other nice attraction in Arizona is Walnut Canyon National Monument. That is additionally positioned in Flagstaff and is dwelling 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 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 purchase an entrance pass which is $25 per car. Click here for more information.
16. Pure Water Slides in Slide Rock State Park, Sedona
Positioned 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 right 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, nonetheless; anticipate to battle crowds of different folks and vehicles with the identical want 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 costs a $20 charge per automobile, and final entry is permitted one hour previous to closing. The swimming space closes one hour previous to closing. Find out more 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, reveals, an artwork gallery, and a pure historical past museum. My favourite half is the synthetic cave that options beautiful minerals like ruby, amethyst, and emerald.
This attraction is ideal for individuals 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 consists of taking adequate water.
Tickets can be purchased forward of time on-line or on the entrance gate. View their website 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 gives an lively but intimate present expertise. Taking within the singing and dancing of Foot Unfastened made straightforward work of getting me out of my seat.
Anticipate to purchase tickets properly 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 vigorous present placed on by extraordinarily gifted people. Click here for more information.
19. Get pleasure from Nightlife in Previous City Scottsdale
Exploring Old Town Scottsdale is perhaps the very best factor to do in Arizona at evening. I all the time keep watch over the event 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 when you’re on the lookout for extra enjoyable after dinner, there are many bars and nightclubs that supply each indoor and out of doors areas.
Should you’re something like me, you’ll need to seize one thing candy after dinner from an area ice cream store like Buzzed Bull Creamery. Gown 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 buddies and I usually load up our kayaks and prepare to spend the day fishing, kayaking, climbing, and picnicking.
Should you determine to spend a day right here, convey loads of water and meals to gasoline your adventures across the beautiful and distinctive Watson Lake.
The park itself costs $3 for parking and if you wish to lease a kayak, there are just a few choices together with Prescott Outdoors-Adventure Rentals 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 straightforward!
Be ready for a really busy path with sections that contain reasonable climbing. I additionally suggest climbing it within the early morning or at dawn to keep away from the most well liked components of the day.
Regardless of how difficult this 2.5-mile hike is, figuring out that you simply climbed 1,420 in elevation makes it rewarding and the views are properly value each step. Find out more about the trail here.
22. Store Downtown Jerome
Jerome is well-known for as soon as being a booming copper-mining city. Immediately, some check with it as a haunted ghost city. Due to its wealthy historical past, wandering by way 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 way of the colourful buildings and stopping in jewellery retailers, pottery shops, artwork galleries, and enjoyable vacationer retailers. Inside just a few hours, you’ll be able to anticipate to see some lovely and distinctive treasures.
23. Kayak or Float Down the Salt River
As a result of Arizona isn’t dwelling to a lot water, anyplace it may be discovered attracts in loads of folks leaping on the alternative to profit from it. For instance, floating down the Lower Salt River within the Tonto Nationwide Forest is a calming and refreshing summer time 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 protected.
This unguided kayaking experience supplies you with the kayak, a shuttle to the beginning, and a pickup from the end. Take into account becoming a member of this exercise for a singular water expertise that encompasses the fantastic thing about Tonto Nationwide Forest. Click here for more information.
24. Golf at Troon North in Scottsdale
Should you’re a fan of golf, then I’m certain you already know that Scottsdale is dwelling to a number of 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 one in all my favourite “staycations” to soak up the Phoenix space.
Get a bunch collectively and book a tee time to expertise this iconic and beautiful course. View their website 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 Town Lake. But when pedaling seems like an excessive amount of work, you may also lease 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 when you’re exploring Arizona with a bunch of buddies. Pack some snacks and drinks and prepare to rent a boat for an hour or extra.
Fast Journey Itineraries For Arizona
Whether or not you solely have in the future in Arizona or a complete week, listed here are just a few choices for a way you would spend your time:
1 Day in Arizona Itinerary
When 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 way 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 top 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
Should 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 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’ll be able to board the 9:30 am practice 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 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
When you have a complete week in Arizona, I recommend that you simply fly into Phoenix-Sky Harbor and lease a automobile that may will let 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 Brilliant 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 need to sort out. 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, positioned in Phoenix. From right here, you’ll be able to lease a automobile and discover all the state from a central location.
Should you’re staying within the larger cities of Phoenix or Tucson, you’ll be capable to discover public transportation choices simply. Apart from public transportation, there are additionally scooters and Ubers accessible in lots of cities.
Primarily based on my expertise, I might recommend renting a automobile and exploring the state with your personal transport. Most locations are just some hours other than one another and this permits you far more freedom to discover at your personal tempo.
Issues To Do in Arizona: FAQs
Listed below 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 climbing.
One of the best time to go to Arizona is both within the fall (October/November) or within the Spring (March/April).
Arizona is unquestionably 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 attainable, it’s best to spend at the very least 8-10 days in Arizona.
Sure, Arizona is a really safe 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 high quality.
The preferred factor to do in Arizona is to go to the Grand Canyon.
One of the best seaside 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 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 way of this listing, you’ve come to appreciate 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.
