20 Must-Experience Activities in Arizona

Arizona features classic American West landmarks, yet it offers much more depth than one might think.

This state is not merely desert; it boasts three unique wine regions, the first international dark sky community, and the site where Pluto was discovered. Where else can you ski just an hour from towering saguaro cacti? In Arizona, you'll uncover everything from secret hot springs and ancient cave dwellings to Frank Lloyd Wright's iconic organic architecture.

Here are the 20 top attractions in Arizona.

1. Experience a hot-air balloon ride over Sedona

Discovering the landscapes of Sedona could be a lifelong journey. A thrilling way to experience this high desert city, surrounded by two million acres of the Coconino National Forest and framed by ancient red rocks, is via a hot-air balloon ride. Glide over vast expanses of ponderosa pines and the towering sandstone formations, including the iconic 5000ft Cathedral Rock, Sedona's most photographed landmark.

Planning tip: Hot-air balloon rides take off at dawn, allowing early birds to see the desert awaken. Mornings are ideal for capturing stunning photos. These trips operate year-round, and if you visit in winter, you might catch the desert blanketed in snow.

2. Explore distant galaxies at Lowell Observatory

Located in Flagstaff, Lowell Observatory boasts a fascinating history. In 1930, astronomers here were the first to discover Pluto. In 2001, Flagstaff earned the distinction of being the world's first international dark sky city, one of five in Arizona.

At the observatory, delve into a universe of discoveries through guided tours, including a visit to Mars Hill, established in 1894 by Percival Lowell. Explore the Pluto Discovery Telescope and the historic 24-inch Clark Refractor used by Lowell to study Mars. Experience the cosmos through six advanced telescopes at the Giovale Open Deck Observatory.

Planning tip: Be sure to check out the Astronomy Discovery Center, funded by the Kemper and Ethel Marley Foundation. This expansive 40,000 square foot facility is set to open in November 2024 and will offer more opportunities to explore the wonders of the night sky.

3. Discover the history of the region's prehistoric inhabitants at Tuzigoot National Monument

Arizona is home to well-preserved remnants of its prehistoric peoples. At Tuzigoot National Monument, located in historic Clarkdale, visitors can enter a 110-room pueblo built by the Sinagua people over a thousand years ago. This pueblo is perched on a small hill with views of the Verde River. The visitor center features a small museum showcasing artifacts discovered at the site, including textiles, ceramics, and tools.

Planning tip: Your Tuzigoot visitor pass grants access to Montezuma Castle National Monument within seven days.

4. Sample the wines along the Verde Valley Wine Trail

While it may seem unusual, wine production has a history in Arizona dating back to the 17th century when Jesuits planted grapevines. The state boasts three unique wine regions, with Sonoita and Willcox in the south holding the esteemed American Viticultural Area (AVA) designation. The Verde Valley, located in the mile-high desert of central Arizona, is on track to achieve its own geographic recognition. Explore this burgeoning region along the Verde Valley Wine Trail.

Over 25 wineries and tasting rooms have emerged in the historic towns of Jerome, Clarkdale, Cottonwood, and Cornville. These areas are producing an impressive variety of wines from their rocky limestone soils. Expect to savor wines crafted from chardonnay, riesling, Malbec, and Tannat, a red grape originating from Europe’s Basque region.

5. Enjoy tranquility at the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park

The 1.2-million-acre Grand Canyon National Park is truly deserving of its fame. If you've explored the South Rim or desire a more tranquil experience with cooler weather, a visit to the North Rim is a must.

A series of trails provide breathtaking views of the canyon's deep and diverse rock formations. Unlike the South Rim, there isn't a village shuttle, allowing for numerous scenic drives, including Point Imperial, the park’s highest point at 8,803 feet, overlooking the Painted Desert.

Planning tip: The North Rim is accessible only from May 15 to October 15. From mid-October to December 1 (or until snow blocks the highway), you can visit the North Rim during daylight hours.

6. Experience the southernmost ski slopes at Ski Valley

Skiing in the desert? The southernmost skiing destination in the US is located just 45 miles from Tucson. Perched atop 9,157-foot Mt. Lemmon, Ski Valley serves as both a winter wonderland and a summer escape from the intense heat of southern Arizona.

In 1881, Sara Plumber Lemmon made her first ascent of the peak named after her, using both foot and horse. Fortunately, you can take the chairlift to the summit, where you can enjoy 21 runs across 200 skiable acres or explore the trails in summer. Keep an eye out for wildlife like coatimundi and Mexican spotted owls.

7. Stroll among the cacti at Saguaro National Park

While you can find saguaro cacti throughout much of the Sonoran Desert, wandering among these towering giants in Saguaro National Park feels almost otherworldly.

Embark on a mini road trip through the park (Cactus Forest Drive is paved, while Bajada Loop is not) and encounter century-old saguaros that can weigh up to 8 tons. Explore the trails for an up-close view of these towering sentinels. Keep an eye out for limestone kilns along the Cactus Forest Trail and ancient petroglyphs at Signal Hill, created by the Hohokam people in the 13th and 14th centuries.

Planning tip: The best time to visit is from April to June when the cacti showcase their frilly white blooms on heads and arms.

8. Appreciate the architecture of Taliesin West

In 1943, Frank Lloyd Wright remarked, “Taliesin West is a look over the rim of the world.” The pioneer of modern American architecture was describing his desert laboratory, constructed in 1937 in Scottsdale.

Designated as a National Historic Landmark, Taliesin West was where Wright resided and worked during the winter months. It also served as a campus for training his protégés and exploring the principles of organic architecture. Explore the various rooms and landscapes to discover unique features (like a bathroom crafted from aluminum sheets) and ancient artifacts (such as boulders adorned with petroglyphs) throughout the estate.

9. Gain insight into the traditions of the Navajo tribal lands

Arizona's rich indigenous heritage stretches back 12,000 years. Discover the stories of these ancient and modern peoples by visiting the Navajo tribal lands. Antelope Canyon, situated in the Lake Powell Tribal Park east of Page, is a sacred location for the Navajo. Its sculpted walls, illuminated by shafts of sunlight, attract many visitors. Be sure to book an authorized Navajo guide to appreciate the artistry of millions of years of erosion and to understand the area's cultural significance.

Located about 125 miles east of Antelope Canyon, Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park spans the Arizona–Utah border. This dramatic landscape, shaped by wind and water, has featured in films since the 1930s. To explore much of Monument Valley, known as se’Bii’Ndzisgaii in the Navajo language, you must join a local tour. These experiences often include driving the 17-mile route among towering buttes like East Mitten and West Mitten while learning about Navajo customs.

10. Trek the Arizona Hot Spring Trail

The Arizona Hot Spring Trail offers hot springs, slot canyons, a 20-foot waterfall near the Colorado River, volcanic rocks, and an arch resembling the Liberty Bell. This challenging hike connects to the trails of White Rock Canyon and Liberty Bell Arch. The trailhead is just 4 miles from the Hoover Dam, and depending on your chosen path, the hike spans 5 to 6 miles with a 750-foot elevation gain.

Planning tip: The hot springs remain closed from May 15 to September 30.

11. Take a drive on Route 66

Known as the Mother Road, a term popularized by John Steinbeck in The Grapes of Wrath, Route 66 holds legendary status in Arizona for good reason. The original stretch from Kingman to Seligman is the longest continuous segment of historic Route 66 still in operation. This highway meanders through scenic landscapes where charming towns offer travelers a peek into history.

Route 66 embodies the essence of Americana: vibrant and eccentric, featuring curiosities like the 14-foot Giganticus Headicus outside the Antares visitor center. Don’t miss a stop at the historic Hackberry General Store, now a roadside museum in the village of Hackberry, and treat yourself to a cherry-dipped ice cream at Delgadillo’s Snow Cap in Seligman.

12. Enjoy craft beer along the Flagstaff Brewery Trail

While Flagstaff is often recognized as the gateway to the Grand Canyon or for the winter sports at Arizona Snowbowl, this mountain city has also emerged as a craft beer hub. Discover the Flagstaff Brewery Trail to sample local brews at places like Wanderlust, where traditional beers are reimagined; their Jasmine Terrace Rice Saison is crafted with puffed rice instead of wheat.

13. Dare to walk the Grand Canyon Skywalk

Imagine standing on a glass surface while gazing down at the base of the Grand Canyon. Situated in Grand Canyon West (outside of Grand Canyon National Park) on the Hualapai Indian Reservation, the glass-bottom Skywalk extends 70 feet over the canyon’s western edge, forming a horseshoe shape. This cantilevered structure, though only 10 feet wide, can support a weight equivalent to 70 fully loaded 747 airplanes.

Planning tip: Outside food and beverages are prohibited. Feel free to take selfies at Eagle Point before stepping onto the Skywalk, but note that photography is not allowed on the bridge. Free lockers are provided for your belongings.

14. Stroll across the London Bridge in Arizona

Indeed, this is the authentic London Bridge that once crossed the River Thames – or one of them, at least.

Constructed in 1831, the bridge was acquired by Robert P. McCulloch in 1964 when the British government decided to sell it. The purchase price back then? $2.46 million, which equates to about $18 million today. This figure excludes the costs of dismantling, transporting, and reconstructing the bridge in Lake Havasu City.

Connecting the city to an island, the bridge spans the Bridgewater Channel and welcomes pedestrians, vehicles, and cyclists alike. It's a vibrant area with abundant boat traffic, waterfront dining options, sandy beaches, shops, hotels, and even a dog park. Inventive McCulloch also created what is now the Nautical Beachfront Resort, the only beachfront resort in the state.

Planning tip: While it may seem surprising given our distance from Hawaii, you can find several spots along the channel in Lake Havasu City serving the popular Hawaiian treat of shaved ice topped with sweet syrup.

15. Feed the burros, witness a gunfight, and explore a haunted hotel

In this lively mining town, when the gold ran out and miners departed, the burros chose to stay behind. They now wander the streets of Oatman, a classic stop along Route 66.

Join in for the reenacted gunfights, browse the various shops, and pick up biscuits to feed the burros that linger on the wooden boardwalks and dusty roads. Immerse yourself in the Wild West vibe of a genuine western town that has changed little over the past century or two.

At the Oatman Hotel, take a look at the room where Hollywood stars Clark Gable and Carol Lombard are rumored to have spent their wedding night. Don't miss the hotel’s museum, which showcases the town’s mining history and its residents.

The hotel’s restaurant and bar serve fantastic food in a lively atmosphere. Don’t forget to bring a few dollar bills to add to the collection on the walls and ceilings—it’s a local tradition. Keep an eye out for the ghosts said to haunt the hotel, including Gable, Lombard, and a sorrowful Irish miner who succumbed to drink after losing his family.

Planning tip: The historic gas station in Cool Springs, which opened in the 1920s and closed in 1966, has reopened. Just a few miles east of Oatman, it’s the perfect place to grab a soda, some ice cream, and snap a classic Route 66 photo.

16. Discover Canyon Lake by steamboat

Embark on a journey across Canyon Lake aboard the Dolly Steamboat near the whimsically named Tortilla Flat. Choose from various tours, including twilight, astronomy, scenic rides, or a three-hour adventure focused on game and horned sheep, accompanied by experts from Arizona Game and Fish and the Arizona Desert Bighorn Sheep Society.

The steamboat’s dock can only be reached via a twisting road that winds through mountain canyons and steep cliffs—it's a thrilling ride that might make your heart race.

The narrated cruise, however, is a serene experience as the 103-foot double-decker boat glides through picturesque coves and inlets flanked by towering red rock formations. Saguaros and desert flowers bloom from rocky crevices, adding to the beauty.

If you prefer to explore the lake at your own pace, kayak, paddleboat, and motorboat rentals are available at Canyon Lake Marina.

For hiking enthusiasts, the Boulder Canyon Trail offers various routes, ranging from a moderate four-mile trek to a challenging 30-mile multi-day backpacking loop.

Along your journey, make sure to visit the Goldfield Ghost Town and Mine, a recreated 1893 town near Apache Junction featuring a train ride, gold mine tours, staged gunfights, museums, shops, and dining options. Don’t miss the prickly pear margarita recommendation.

Planning tip: Just a few miles east lies Tortilla Flat, the last stop on the historic Apache Junction stagecoach route. Enjoy a meal at the Superstition Saloon, browse the Country Store, and visit the Little Red School House to uncover local tales, including the legend of the Lost Dutchman Mine.

17. Discover southern Arizona’s vibrant art scene

Founded in 1752 and resettled multiple times, Tubac transformed into an artist colony in the early 1900s. Today, with over 100 shops, art galleries, restaurants, and museums, the town maintains its quaint charm, enhanced by historic adobe structures and slightly dusty roads.

Among the many dining choices, Elvira’s shines for its refined Mexican dishes and rich history. Originally established as a takeout spot in Nogales, Mexico, in 1927, it remains in family hands. The current venue features a dazzling decor of beads, lights, and art, and there's also a gift shop for those interested in souvenirs.

Nearby attractions include Tubac Presidio State Historic Park & Museum, Arizona’s first state park, home to the remains of Mission San José de Tumacácori. Nestled between the Tumacacori and Santa Rita mountain ranges, Tubac offers a wealth of outdoor activities for adventure seekers.

Planning tip: Save the date for the Tubac Festival of the Arts, a cherished event that has been celebrated for over 60 years each February.

18. Explore a historic stagecoach stop

Perched on a 4,000-foot-high plateau, the Cameron Trading Post has been welcoming visitors since 1916. Once a stagecoach stop, it now serves as a restaurant, general store, and hotel, offering a taste of authentic wild west history.

The spacious Grand Canyon Dining Room features expansive glass windows, a grand stone fireplace, and elegant wood accents, serving a mix of American, Mexican, and Navajo cuisine. Try the fry bread, Yah-Atay chile, green chile stew, or prickly pear barbeque ribs for a unique experience.

The general store has something for everyone, showcasing high-quality Navajo art, jewelry, pottery, along with handbags, clothing, and jars of prickly pear cactus syrup for your margarita creations.

19. Embark on a trail ride in the Sonoran Desert

The White Stallion Ranch, established as a cattle ranch in the late 1800s, was around before Arizona became a state. Back then, Tucson and Phoenix, located about 100 miles to the north, had populations of just 5,000. A lot has changed since those days.

While many old ranches in Arizona have been turned into subdivisions, the White Stallion remains a welcoming guest ranch. Families can experience trail rides through the stunning Sonoran Desert, dine al fresco under the stars, relax in luxurious cabins, enjoy the swimming pool, or gather around a campfire for cowboy songs and lasso demonstrations.

Planning tip: Aim to schedule your visit for Saturday night to savor the roast beef dinner, prepared in the resort’s traditional Native American oven.

20. Enjoy a meal at the Wrigley Mansion

When the Wrigley family, famous for their chewing gum, sought refuge from the frigid winters of Chicago, they made their way to their residence in Phoenix.

Perched on a hill, the mansion offers views of what was once merely mountains and desert, now incorporating parts of the bustling city as well—a journey into a charming bygone era.

You can explore the mansion on guided tours, and certain areas are open for casual strolls. This expansive estate showcases a mix of Spanish, California Monterey, and Mediterranean architectural styles, featuring two restaurants and a bar that was originally a wood-paneled library.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to visit Arizona?

April, May, and October are ideal months to explore Arizona, as the temperatures are milder and wildflowers bloom beautifully.

What free and enjoyable activities can you find in Arizona?

Casa Grande was quick to embrace the charm of neon, leading to the creation of the Neon Sign Park, where, with a flick of a switch, 16 restored signs, including the Horseshoe Motel and Sunset Court, glow at night.

As you approach Sedona from the south, make sure to visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross. Sitting atop a 200-foot rise against breathtaking pink cliffs, it offers incredible views and a tranquil atmosphere.

Chloride, located 23 miles south of Kingman, is often overlooked, but famous Southwest artist Roy Purcell, who worked in local silver mines, transformed large boulders outside of town into a stunning 2,000-square-foot mural.