Looking for the best things to do in Arizona?? Here’s the list with all the travel information that you need to plan a family tour.
Arizona is undoubtedly one of the best travel destinations in the United States. This state is mainly known for natural wonders like Grand Canyon National Park, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, and Antelope Canyon.
Aside from canyons, Arizona’s diverse landscapes include desserts with saguaro cactus, mountains, waterfalls, lakes, and even volcanoes offering numerous opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts.
Aside from that, Arizona’s vibrant cities like Phoenix, Sedona, Tucson, and Tubac feature great museums, art galleries, Native American cliff dwellings, historical monuments, and remnants of ancient cultures.
Let’s discover the complete list of best and fun things to do in Arizona. Read and add them to your bucket list.
Things to Do in Arizona
1. Things to Do in Arizona: Grand Canyon National Park
Grand Canyon National Park is undoubtedly the most attractive destination in Arizona. It is home to the impressive Grand Canyon and its layered bands of red rock, representing millions of years of geological history.
These endless ridges of colorful cliff walls are standing on the rim of the Grand Canyon and offer breathtaking views for visitors.
Especially, it offers glowing views with orange, red, and yellow colors during the late afternoon.
You can see how the Grand Canyon was carved out over the centuries by the Colorado River. And it is visible in the distance, far below at the bottom of this natural wonder.
South Rim of the Grand Canyon is the most famous viewpoint since all walkways and roads run along the canyon’s edge. Therefore, visitors can get incredible views from everywhere.
On the other hand, the North Rim also offers scenic views. But, it usually closes during winter. So, the North Rim is unpredictable.
Have you seen photos of the exciting glass bridge built over the Grand Canyon? It is located at Eagle Point in Grand Canyon West. And it is called the Skywalk.
Since the Skywalk is located just 2.5-hour away from Las Vegas, it attracts millions of visitors annually.
If you want to discover more about Grand Canyon, you can get guided hiking tours to the canyon floor or helicopter tours over and into the canyon.
Address: Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, United States Phone: +1 928-638-7888
Things to Do in Arizona
2. Things to do in Arizona: Havasu Falls, Havasupai Indian Reservation
The Havasupai Indian Reservation in Coconino County in Arizona is one of the most remote Indian reservations in the United States. Surrounded by the Grand Canyon National Park, it is a Native American reservation for the Havasupai people.
Aside from the historical values, it features beautiful wonders such as the Havasu Falls. It is a 100 feet stunning waterfall that contains gorgeous turquoise waters.
Havasu Falls drops on Havasu Creek into a turquoise pool at the bottom where you can swim, sunbathe, play water activities with friends.
But, the only challenging thing is its hiking trail. First, you have to take a permit to enter the Havasupai Indian Reservation. And then, hike the tough 10 miles hiking trail that takes you around 2,500 feet into the Grand Canyon.
Finally, you get the chance to see the magnificent Havasu Falls and its excellent pool.
If you are interested in learning more about the Havasupai tribe, historical places, and more waterfalls, plan for a camping weekend at the Havasupai Indian Reservation.
So, the Havasupai Indian Reservation in Arizona is a paradise for hikers, waterfall lovers, camp lovers, and history buffs.
Address: Havasu Falls, Arizona 86435, United States
Looking for more waterfalls in Arizona??? Here’s the complete list. Click here to know more.
Things to Do in Arizona
3. Things to Do in Arizona: Canyon de Chelly National Monument, Chinle
Canyon de Chelly National Monument is a vast national park located on Navajo tribal lands, Arizona.
Its most highlighted natural attractions are the 800-feet tall Spider Rock spire, high sandstone cliffs, and green canyon. And also, since Several Native Americans inhabited Canyon de Chelly, it contains some impressive prehistoric rock arts.
Apart from that, it is home to the impressive Native American cliff dwellings, which were constructed along 1000 ft high steep-sided canyons.
For example, the famous White House Ruins contain over 100 cliff dwellings which are believed constructed in 1050AD. You can hike down 600 ft from the White House Overlook on the South Rim to these White House Ruins.
On the other hand, the Antelope House and Mummy Cave are also attractive cliff dwellings in Canyon de Chelly National Monument, occupied approximately from AD 350 to 1300. But, most of them are inaccessible for visitors.
So, take a private tour or a free ranger-led hike to see all these cliff dwellings from spring until fall.
Also, you can tour easily tour this site by driving along with the North and South Rim Drives.
(Due to the historical and natural values, Canyon de Chelly National Monument was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970)
Address: Canyon de Chelly National Monument, Chinle, AZ, United States Phone: +1 928-674-5500
Things to Do in Arizona
4. Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Lake Powell
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area covers a vast area around Lake Powell and lower Cataract Canyon in both Arizona and Utah.
When it comes to Lake Powell is one of the largest man-made lakes in the United States. Actually, Glen Canyon Dam was constructed to block the Colorado River and create Lake Powell in 1964.
This is a paradise for hikers as it offers spectacular nature views of blue waters, dramatic stone walls, and desert landscape.
The largest marina on Lake Powell, named Wahweap Marina, is just 7 miles from the town of Page. Therefore, many outdoor enthusiasts who need to explore Glen Canyon National Recreation Area start the journey from Page.
Lake Powell’s primary function is to supply water for multiple states. Apart from that, it features fun recreational water activities for visitors who need to beat Arizona’s summer heat. (Ex: fishing, boating, waterskiing, and many more)
One of the top attractions in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is Horseshoe Bend. Here, you can see a horseshoe-shaped rock in the middle of the canyon, and the Colorado River is flowing around it.
So, it creates a unique desert landscape with scenic views. Especially, hikers visit Horseshoe Bend to catch the incredible sunset or sunrise views. Try Route 89 to get the best views.
Aside from that, the biggest attraction in the area is the slot canyons of Antelope Canyon. (explained below)
Address: 4304 Bullfrog, Lake Powell, UT 84533, United States Phone: +1 928-608-6200
Things to Do in Arizona
5. Antelope Canyon, Page
Antelope Canyon is a slot canyon located in Page, Arizona. It features two unique slot canyon sections named Upper Antelope Canyon and Lower Antelope Canyon.
Being one of the most photographed destinations in Arizona, Antelope Canyon features incredible views of its narrow sandstone walls with natural lights come from above.
Since it gets natural light from the narrow opening above, it looks very colorful and impressive. And you can walk through this dramatic canyon while taking unlimited photos.
Upper Antelope Canyon is easier to access, even for wheelchairs. However, you have to take a guided tour to the Upper and Lower Antelope Canyons to know more about its formation.
Just pack your camera and book a guided tour to explore the incredible Antelope Canyon.
Things to Do in Arizona
6. Things to Do in Arizona: Sedona
Sedona is a desert town located near Flagstaff in Arizona. It features stunning red mountains, sharp rocky precipices, and pine forests with spectacular views and plenty of outdoor activities.
For example, this town features numerous scenic hiking trails, mountain biking trails, rock climbing, etc. Or, if you are looking for an easy way to discover the beauty of Sedona, just take a jeep tour.
Sedona is a great day trip from Phoenix as it is just a 1.5-hour drive.
When you are coming from the south, the scenic views start at the Village of Oak Creek. So, you can stop your vehicle and enjoy the scenery.
Aside from natural sceneries, Sedona’s main street features plenty of tourist attractions such as art galleries, tourist shops, metaphysical shops, delicious restaurants, and many other places.
On your Sedona tour, you can also visit many ancient Native American dwellings, highly spiritual places called energy vortexes, fantastic stargazing spots, and many other exciting places.
Things to Do in Arizona
7. Monument Valley, Oljato-Monument Valley
Monument Valley is a scenic red sand desert located on the Arizona-Utah border.
It is mainly known for the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park and its towering sandstone buttes located at the valley’s heart. Since this park offers unique views, it frequently uses as a movie location. So, you may have seen surely.
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park features a 17-mile long scenic one-way gravel road and an impressive visitor center.
Visitors who like to explore more about Monument Valley take a guided tour. If not, you can enjoy this natural beauty from the highway too.
However, do not miss this cinematic location on your Arizona tour.
Address: Indian Route 42, Oljato-Monument Valley, AZ 84536, United States Phone: +1 435-727-5870
Things to Do in Arizona
8. Walnut Canyon National Monument, Flagstaff
Walnut Canyon National Monument is a 9.103 km² national monument located in Flagstaff, Arizona.
It was home to the Sinagua people who followed the pre-Columbian culture. Before the mysterious vanishment of the Sinagua people, they had a trading empire in the area.
Still, you can see some remnants, including historical cliff dwellings. But, nobody could find the reason for their vanishment.
If you are a history buff, you can visit Walnut Canyon National Monument and try to solve this mystery while enjoying the beauty of nature.
Address: 3 Walnut Canyon Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86004, United States Phone: +1 928-526-3367
Things to Do in Arizona
9. Jerome, Arizona
Looking for adventurous things to do in Arizona??
Jerome is a former mining town in Arizona. Now, it has turned into an adventurous ghost town. It contains restored buildings, mining ruins, old machines, shops, restaurants, and other attractive places.
Located above the desert floor, Jerome will definitely add unique experiences to your bucket list.
If you like to learn more about Jerome’s history, Gold King Mine Museum will show you everything. And also, Jerome State Historic Park features impressive ruins related to the city’s history.
For example, the Sliding Jail, an old jail built-in 1928, is a unique place to visit in Jerome. The reason for that is, it has started to slide away immediately after constructing on a clay slick. Currently, it locates around 2,500 feet below its original location.
Another highlighted ruin in Jerome is the Bartlett Hotel, one of the past’s finest hotels.
Jerome is a famous day trip destination from Flagstaff, Phoenix, Sedona, and Prescott.
Things to Do in Arizona
10. Things to Do in Arizona: Phoenix
Phoenix is the capital of Arizona. Its year-round sun and warm temperatures, natural wonders, Desert Botanical Garden, world-class golf courses, high-end spa resorts, and vibrant nightclubs attract millions annually.
And also, since Phoenix is close to several top attractions in Arizona (even the Grand Canyon), it is a great starting point for your tour.
Phoenix Metropolitan Area, known as the “Valley of the Sun,” includes Mesa and Scottsdale. Mesa is home to the Arizona Museum of Natural History and Mesa Grande Cultural Park, while Scottsdale is famous for its spa resorts and golf courses.
Aside from that, both these cities are great for shopping, hiking, biking, and camping.
Some other top attractions in Phoenix include Taliesin West, the impressive winter home of architect Frank Lloyd Wright and the Courtyard Cafe at the Heard Museum.
The Heard Museum features a delicious seasonal Southwest-inspired restaurant, contemporary Native American artwork, and various exhibits and artifacts, including pottery, textiles, jewelry, and toys.
If you are an art lover, definitely visit Phoenix Art Museum, which displays an art collection representing from Renaissance to the present.
Desert Botanical Garden is also one of the top attractions in Phoenix. It is a 140-acre botanical garden that features an impressive collection of diverse cactus species. And the best time to visit this botanical garden is spring.
On the other hand, Heritage Square in Phoenix features many restored historical homes built from the late 19th and early 20th Centuries. For example, the Rosson House is an attractive Victorian-style house built-in 1895.
Plan your family weekend getaway to Phoenix and grab all these experiences.
Things to Do in Arizona
11. Hoover Dam, Arizona
Hoover Dam is undoubtedly one of the engineering wonders of the world. This 726 feet high, 1,244 feet long dam crosses the Colorado River and bridges Arizona and Nevada.
As a result, it has created 110 miles long Lake Mead, the largest man-made lake in the United States. And it is capable of holding two years of flow of the Colorado River at once.
Constructed in 1935, Hoover Dam offers you a free walk or drive across it. Also, it has a scenic lookout point as well.
If you visit the visitor center, it provides all the information about Hoover Dam and its powerplant. And you can take guided tours and boat tours too.
Come along with your kids and show them this marvelous dam.
Address: 118 Kingman Wash Access Rd, Temple Bar Marina, AZ 86443, United States Phone: +1 702-293-1876
Things to Do in Arizona
12. Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Lake Mead National Recreation Area is an impressive 1.5 million acres of land located in northwestern Arizona and southeastern Nevada. Although the name says only about Lake Mead, this area contains some parts of the Colorado River and Lake Mohave too.
This recreation area is famous for numerous outdoor activities, including boating, water sporting, kayaking, hiking, camping, and more.
And also, Lake Mead National Recreation Area has spectacular rock formations with various colors.
Although Lake Mead and Lake Mohave are man-made water bodies, they feature scenic views and calm waters for visitors.
Come along with your family and friends to enjoy the beauty of the Lake Mead National Recreation Area.
Address: 10 Lakeshore Rd, Boulder City, NV 89005, United States Phone: +1 702-293-8990
Things to Do in Arizona
13. Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona
Petrified Forest National Park is a 594.6 km² unique national park containing many diverse desert plants, fish fossils, fish, reptiles, and colorful petrified wood.
Especially the park’s Rainbow Forest is filled with this colorful petrified wood. Also, the park is home to the Rainbow Forest Museum that shows paleontology exhibits, Hopi murals, and many trail access points.
You can take a drive through Petrified Forest National Park to see colorful petrified wood, scenic views of the area, petroglyphs of Newspaper Rock, a 1930s adobe building, and a ruined village of Puerco Pueblo.
The best way to start your Petrified Forest National Park is by visiting its visitor center. It will guide you with all the essential information.
Address: Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona, United States Phone: +1 928-524-6228
Things to Do in Arizona
14. Things to Do in Arizona: Tucson
Tucson is a colorful city located in the Sonoran Desert, Pima County, Arizona. Surrounded by scenic mountains, Tucson is home to the University of Arizona.
Being the second-largest city in Arizona, Tucson features beautiful natural, cultural, and historical attractions. Such as Saguaro National Park, Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Old Tucson Studios, El Presidio Historic District, and Mount Lemmon Scenic Byway.
Saguaro National Park features scenic desert landscapes and the famous saguaro cactuses. If you like to closely observe desert flora and fauna, you should visit Saguaro National Park in Tucson.
Having two sections, the park offers you exciting hiking and biking trails that are suitable for everyone. But, if you are more into hiking, you can hike up to mountains as well. Or camp lovers can plan for a camping night at Saguaro National Park in Tucson.
Another way to discover the beauty of Tucson without hiking, take a ride through the 60 miles long Mount Lemmon Scenic Byway. It will offer you outstanding views of the city and its surrounding.
Aside from these beautiful tourist attractions, one of the most highlighted features of Tucson is its slightly cooler temperature compared with other cities in Arizona. The reason for that is Tucson is located a little higher than Phoenix.
Things to Do in Arizona
15. Things to Do in Arizona: Bisbee
Bisbee is a scenic historical city located in the Mule Mountains of Arizona (near the Mexican border.).
It was a famous copper-mining town in the past, and then it was abandoned for many years, making it a ghost town. But with time, Bisbee became famous among artists and hippies.
Now, Bisbee has a small number of residents. And on your tour, you will be able to visit remnants of Bisbee’s copper mining, including old buildings, houses that once belonged to miners, machines, ancient mining sites, and restaurants.
For example, the grand Muheim Heritage House features 19th-century architecture, furniture, a garden, and incredible mountain views.
If you like to explore a mining site in Bisbee, book a Queen Mine Tour, which offers underground tours.
After visiting Tucson, you can easily plan for a day trip to Bisbee from there.
Things to Do in Arizona
16. Things to Do in Arizona: Tombstone
Looking for fun things to do in Arizona??
Tombstone is a tourist town in Arizona famous for its Wild West history. So, you can see authentic cowboy characters walking through the city, staged gunfights on streets, and people wearing costumes belong to the Old West period.
All restaurants, hotels, and shops also follow the theme and show the old west features.
Aside from that, Tombstone still contains real historical sites such as Boothill Graveyard, Gunfight at the O.K. Corral, and Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park.
Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park is a state park in Tombstone that preserves the original Cochise County courthouse.
If you are coming from Tucson, it will take only one hour and 14 minutes to reach Tombstone.
Things to Do in Arizona
17. Things to Do in Arizona: Prescott
Prescott is a unique central Arizona city that features Watson Lake, diverse bird species, impressive rock formations, tall Ponderosa pine trees, numerous hiking trails, kayaking, and camping areas.
Surrounded by a scenic environment, Prescott is one of the former capitals of Arizona. Therefore, you can see several historic sites and attractions such as the Elks Theatre and the old courthouse.
So, Prescott is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and history lovers.
On the other hand, Prescott Downtown contains beautifully restored restaurants and small hotels for visitors.
Things to Do in Arizona
18. Things to Do in Arizona: Tubac
Tubac is the home of art in Arizona.
Located in Arizona’s Santa Cruz County, the town of Tubac was founded in 1752. And the surprising factor is you can still see its historical culture, artworks, and buildings everywhere.
Therefore, people who love to experience authentic artworks visit Tubac. It features artist studios, art galleries, shops, hotels, and restaurants. Although it is a small town, it is perfect for shopping for unique items.
Are you ready to visit this excellent art town in Arizona?
Things to Do in Arizona
19. Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, Ajo
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument is home to over 30 diverse cactus species, including Senita Cactus and Organ Pipe Cactus, which grows over 20 ft in height.
Being a U.S. national monument and UNESCO biosphere reserve, this unique area was established in 1937. And it is located in south Arizona near the Mexican border.
Since Organ Pipe Cactus starts blooming from May to July, it is the best time to visit Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument.
Address: 10 Organ Pipe Dr, Ajo, AZ 85321, United States Phone: +1 520-387-6849
Things to Do in Arizona
20. Things to Do in Arizona: Kartchner Caverns State Park, Benson
Kartchner Caverns State Park is a state park in Benson, Arizona, which features an attractive show cave with 2.4 miles of passages.
And this fantastic cavern contains some of the longest stalactite formations in the world.
Although Kartchner Caverns were discovered in 1974, opened to the public in 1988 by the government of Arizona.
Plan for a weekend getaway with your family to explore this underground wonderland.
Address: 2980 AZ-90, Benson, AZ 85602, United States Phone: +1 520-586-4100
Things to Do in Arizona
- Grand Canyon
- Havasu Falls, Havasupai Indian Reservation
- Canyon de Chelly National Monument
- Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
- Sedona
- Monument Valley
- Walnut Canyon National Monument
- Jerome
- Antelope Canyon
- Phoenix
- Hoover Dam
- Tubac
- Havasu Falls
- Petrified Forest National Park
- Tucson
- Bisbee
- Lake Powell
- Saguaro National Park
- Lake Mead National Recreation Area
- Tombstone
- Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
- Kartchner Caverns State Park
- Prescott
Things to Do in Arizona
