20 Best Things To Do In Arizona

Welcome to the best things to do in Arizona!

Arizona is a seriously special state.

From the natural beauty of the Grand Canyon and Sedona, to the luxury resorts of Scottsdale, there’s so many amazing things to do here!

On today’s post, I’ve put together all the best things to do in Arizona.

Let’s dive in.

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Arizona Essentials

Top Tours & Experiences In Arizona

How To Get Around Arizona

Make sure to reserve your rental car in advance on RentalCars.com.

1. Marvel at the Grand Canyon

As one of the seven natural wonders of the world, the Grand Canyon hardly needs an introduction.

Formed by the Colorado River, the canyon is a mile deep and spans a massive 277 miles long, with an average of 10 miles across.

It’s so vast it almost makes you dizzy when you look at it.

There’s so much for your eyes to take in!

I recommend spending at least half a day, or ideally a full day in the park.

That way, you can at least take a quick hike, and see the canyon from a different vantage point.

Or, to visit the Grand Canyon in a really unique way, try taking a helicopter tour from Phoenix.

2. Hike to Havasu Falls

As one of the most famous waterfall hikes in the United States, Havasu Falls is another bucket list topper for many.

Its dazzling turquoise pools attract both nature lovers and photographers alike.

But accessing this remote natural wonder is pretty tricky, and requires quite a bit of planning.

First, know that Havasu Falls sits on the Havasupai Indian Reservation.

So to access the area, you’ll need to obtain a permit from the Havasupai Tribe.

These are usually booked out month to years in advance.

After that, you’ll need to complete the strenuous, 10-mile hike.

All visits also require a one-night reservation at the campground or the Havasupai Lodge in Supai Village.

(The Havasupai Indian Reservation is currently closed due to COVID, and has suspended all access to Havasu Falls. Travelers whose reservations were cancelled during the pandemic are currently being rescheduled for 2023.)

3. Relax in Scottsdale

For a luxurious getaway set against the backdrop of the Sonoran Desert, look no further than Scottsdale.

This town is famous for its high-end resorts, world-class golf courses, and chef-driven culinary scene.

For these reasons, Scottsdale makes the perfect girls trip, bachelorette destination, or couple getaway.

Here, you can enjoy a spa day, then take a stroll through historic Old Town Scottsdale.

You’re also just a quick trip away from Phoenix, and all the best things to do there.

4. Visit Desert Botanical Gardens

Located in Phoenix, Desert Botanical Gardens is a 140-acre botanical garden housing over 50,000 plants, a cafe, and a gift shop.

Visiting this garden is one of the best ways to experience the vibrant tranquility of the desert, without having to leave the city.

The walking paths are family and stroller-friendly, making it the perfect place to bring kids.

The garden’s lush atmosphere also makes it a great, laidback date spot.

You can often find fun events going on here, like dog-friendly days and live music.

Pro tip: Admission to Desert Botanical Garden is free on the second Tuesday of every month.

5. Follow the Fresh Foodie Trail

For food lovers, one of the best things to do in Arizona is follow along the Fresh Foodie Trail.

From wineries and craft breweries, to farm-to-table restaurants, this is the ultimate culinary road trip.

Make sure to take a tour of Queen Creek Olive Mill, a Tuscany-inspired working olive farm.

Here, you can tour the olive grove, enjoy garden-sourced foods at the eatery, and shop at the adorable market.

Another highlight on the Fresh Foodie Trail is Agritopia, a sustainable community centered around an urban farm.

You’ll find a selection of local restaurants and shops here, including Joe’s Farm Grill, which was even featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.

You can find out more about the Fresh Foodie Trail on their website.

6. Discover The Wave

The Wave is a mesmerizing red sandstone formation, located near the Arizona-Utah border in Vermillion Cliffs National Monument.

Visiting this legendary spot definitely tops most Arizona bucket lists.

However, visiting is quite a challenge!

Due to its overwhelming popularity, the park limits the amount of daily visitors through a lottery system.

Only 64 people per day are awarded permits and allowed to enter The Wave.

Of those, 48 are granted three months in advance, and 16 are granted one day in advance.

Of course, demand greatly exceeds supply, so many people are turned away.

You can apply for permits here: recreation.gov

Related: 20 Best Things To Do In Utah

7. Visit a museum

If you’re looking for something fun to do on a sizzling hot day in Arizona, head to one of the state’s best museums.

The Heard Museum in Phoenix showcases Native American art, culture, and history.

It aims to educate people in how Native heritage helped shape the Southwest.

The Musical Instrument Museum is also widely regarded as one of the best things to do in Phoenix, especially if you love music.

Here, you’ll find a collection of more than 8000 instruments from 200 different countries.

The different galleries are separated by type of instrument, era, and region of the world.

In Tuscon, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum focuses on the flora and fauna of the Sonoran Desert.

It’s one of the most popular attractions in Southwest Arizona, and is home to a zoo, botanical gardens, art gallery, and a natural history museum.

If you want to learn more about the American West, visit the Western Spirit Museum in Old Town, Scottsdale.

8. Gaze into Horseshoe Bend

You’ve probably seen pictures of this famous spot all over social media.

And somehow… it’s still even MORE beautiful in person!

Just a 10 minute drive out of the town of Page, Horseshoe Bend is a stunning formation carved by the Colorado River.

I say it’s totally worth the hype.

I recommend visiting Horseshoe Bend in the morning or midday.

Morning golden hour will give you the best lighting for pictures.

However, midday is when the sun will be at the best angle for showcasing all of the bend’s vibrant colors.

I also recommend combining this spot with the next two on the list, as they’re all located close together.

9. Admire Antelope Canyon

Antelope Canyon is the site of the famous Windows 7 wallpaper, as well as the most expensive photograph EVER sold.

This slot canyon of swirling sandstone was carved by water erosion over millions of years.

There’s actually an Upper Antelope Canyon, and a Lower Antelope Canyon to choose from.

The upper is more popular and iconic, while the lower is less crowded.

The canyon is also located on Navajo land, so booking a tour is required to visit.

Midday is usually to be the best time to visit the canyon, as this is when you can see the iconic beams of light that filter down from above.

This is another spot located near Page, so I recommend combining it with Horseshoe Bend and the next place on the list.

10. Paddle on Lake Powell

One of the best things to do in Arizona in the warmer months is go for a paddle on Lake Powell.

This lake connects to the Colorado River, and exploring it by kayak or SUP offers a unique way to view the area’s landscape.

You can even rent houseboats and stay on the water, for a really adventurous experience.

Lake Powell is just a stone’s throw from the town of Page, so I recommend also visiting the previous two stops while you’re in the area.

11. Explore Sedona

Sedona is famous for its stunning red rocks and being located in a spiritual vortex.

It’s the perfect place for a girls trip, a hiking trip, or a romantic getaway.

For one, there are some really beautiful (and instagrammable) hikes in the area, like Devil’s Bridge.

Also, there’s a charming downtown, with shops like the Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village.

Sedona is also home to the famous pink jeep tours, which are a super fun way to explore the surrounding scenery.

Nearby, you can take a scenic train ride on the Verde Canyon Railroad.

12. Visit Saguaro National Park

One of the defining plants of the Sonoran desert, saguaro cacti can grow up to 50 feet tall and live more than 200 years!

One of the best things to do in Arizona is see these iconic plants in their natural habitat.

Saguaro National Park is the perfect place to take a scenic drive or hike amongst these towering cacti.

One of the best hikes in the park is the Valley View Overlook Trail.

It’s flat and easy, making it great for all ages, and winds through a high density of saguaro.

Fun fact: “saguaro”is actually pronounced “suh-wah-row!”

13. Hike Camelback Mountain

Camelback Mountain is one of the most popular hikes near Phoenix.

The mountain is just a quick drive away from downtown, and resembles the hump and head of a kneeling camel.

Hence, its name!

There are two different trails that lead to the top, Echo Canyon and Cholla Trail.

Both hikes are rated challenging on Alltrails, with some rock scrambling and steep sections.

But, the view of Phoenix and the surrounding desert that you’re rewarded with is totally worth it.

Just know that the trails can get crowded later in the day and on weekends, so start out early to beat the crowds and the heat.

14. Visit Monument Valley

Straddling the Arizona-Utah border, Monument Valley is home to some of the most iconic vistas in the United States.

Frequently used as a filming location for Western movies, the valley has become synonymous with the American West.

Its majestic sandstone towers stand anywhere from 400 to 1,000 feet tall, framed by scenic clouds that cast dramatic shadows.

The famous Merrick Butte and Mittens Buttes are must-sees here!

Related: 20 Best Things To Do In Utah

15. Explore Flagstaff

Flagstaff is a vibrant little city, with a thriving local and outdoorsy culture.

It’s located roughly halfway between Phoenix and the Grand Canyon, in a beautiful alpine setting.

Downtown Flagstaff is big enough to have delicious restaurants and great shopping, but small enough to still be charming.

There’s also activities for every season here.

Flagstaff is home to the Arizona Snowbowl, which offers some of Arizona’s best skiing and a great scenic chairlift.

In the warmer months, you can enjoy beautiful hiking through the mountains and ponderosa forests.

If you’re interested in astronomy, Lowell Observatory is a popular attraction to visit.

16. Visit Canyon de Chelly National Monument

Canyon de Chelly (pronounced “canyon de shay”) is recognized as one of the longest continually inhabited places in North America.

It’s located in eastern Arizona, close to the New Mexico border.

Here, you can see pueblo ruins built between 350 and 1300 A.D. and prehistoric rock art.

One of the most prominent features is the 800-foot tall Spider Rock spire.

For wine lovers, the nearby town of Cottonwood is home to several great wineries on the Verde Valley Wine Trail.

17. Visit Tombstone

The famous Wild West town of Tombstone just epitomizes western folklore.

Although touristy, it’s one of those things that’s still cool to see for yourself.

It was founded in 1877 during Arizona’s silver boom, and is still a living town to this day.

Here, you can take a peek into the Old West atmosphere of the “Town Too Tough To Die.”

Explore historic saloons and theaters, and enjoy paranormal adventures and (of course) gunfight reenactments.

18. Visit Bisbee

Just a 25 minute drive south from Tombstone, Bisbee is a fantastic place to visit while you’re in the area.

Also founded as a mining town, its culture and economy boomed until the mine closed in the mid 1970’s.

Around that time, the town started to draw artists and other free spirits as a place to live and practice their creativity.

Today, Bisbee offers a rich selection of art galleries, charming shops, and great dining, especially on its charming Main Street.

Bisbee has even been named the best hippie town in Arizona by Thrillist!

19. Explore Petrified Forest National Park

Located in northeastern Arizona, Petrified Forest National Park is home to some unique geological wonders and historic sites.

In its south, the Rainbow Forest is full of the colorful petrified wood that gives the park its name.

In the park’s center are the petroglyphs of Newspaper Rock and the ruined village of Puerco Pueblo.

Spanning from the Grand Canyon into the northwestern corner of the park, you’ll find the Painted Desert.

This one of the area’s highlights, showcasing red, pink, and lavender hued rocks.

20. Road trip Route 66

Stretching from Chicago to the Santa Monica Pier, Route 66 offers the quintessential American road trip experience.

This route will take you past some of the most iconic roadside scenes in the US, from classic diners to vintage gas stations and quirky Americana landmarks.

It’s one of the best things to do in Arizona because the state is home to some of Route 66’s best attractions.

Several of the places on this list are also stops along the route, but make sure not to miss its hidden gems as well.

Definitely stop by the iconic Wigwam Motel in Holbrook, built in 1950.

It features cozy tipis to sleep in, and vintage cars parked on permanent display.

The Wigwam Motel is even said to be the inspiration behind the Cozy Cone Motel in the Pixar movie Cars.

The town of Radiator Springs in Cars was strongly influenced by a collection of Route 66 towns, particularly the adorable town of Seligman.

Williams is another popular stop on Route 66, for its retro small-town vibes.

And of course Meteor Crater, the best preserved meteor impact site in the world, is a marvel to witness.

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Posted By: Arabella · In: travel