The Grand Canyon is the most visited natural attraction in the Southwestern USA and one of the seven natural wonders of the world. If you have time for only one day trip from Arizona and have not seen it before, you should definitely make time to visit the Grand Canyon.

If you prefer to take in fantastic panoramas from paved viewing points, simply visiting the Grand Canyon creates memories that stick with visitors forever. Grand Canyon National Park’s South Rim is the most popular visitor area, with plenty of places to eat, shop and stay the night in area hotels or campsites. The Grand Canyon Railway offers a fun family alternate for a short visit to the canyon. It operates turn-around trips from Williams to the South Rim year-round, with a three-hour window to see the canyon. Its annual Polar Express excursions are the stuff holiday traditions are made of.

If your group leans more toward the adventurous side, find many ways to fully immerse yourself in this natural wonder of the world. Trailheads at any of the entry points lead to steep switchbacks that take visitors into the canyon. Commit to a few hours to hike to plateaus fully encircled by the canyon walls. To hike to the Colorado River on the canyon floor, plan to camp overnight before hiking back up from the river to the rim.

Outfitters also offer Grand Canyon white-water river rafting adventures on the Colorado River, which can last from half a day to two weeks. Helicopter tours, mule rides and mountain bike rim trails offer other memorable ways to see the canyon in person.

• Tripadvisor Rating: 5.0/5
• Website: https://grandcanyon.com/
• Admission: Vehicle Permit. Cost $35 ; Motorcycle Permit. Cost: $30 ; Individual Permit. Cost: $20 per person
• Address: Highway 64, Grand Canyon National Park, AZ 86023

Tucked into the recess of a limestone cliff 90 feet above Beaver Creek, the Montezuma Castle National Monument is an incredibly well-preserved cliff dwelling that was inhabited by the Sinagua people until approximately 600 years ago. Built into a limestone cliff wall, this Native American cliff dwelling is one of the most impressive of its kind near Phoenix. Visitors haven't been allowed to climb up to the five-story building since the 1950s, but you can get excellent views from the base of the cliff, where a short trail loops along the river and through a sycamore grove. A small museum can be found in the Visitor Center, and there is also a beautiful picnic area on the shore of the creek.

It's also incredibly easy to access. The site sits right off Interstate 17, about 1.5 hours north of central Phoenix. At the monument are a visitor center and a picnic area with large trees that provide plenty of shade.

You can combine a visit to Montezuma Castle National Monument with a stop at nearby Montezuma Well National Monument, a few minutes to the south of here. This site overlooks a small lake, which is actually a sinkhole fed by an underground spring. A pleasant walking trail loops through the monument.

• Tripadvisor Rating: 4.5/5
• Website: https://www.nps.gov/moca/index.htm
• Admission: Adults (16 and over): $10; Children (under 16): Free
• Address: Montezuma Castle Rd, Camp Verde, AZ

Joshua Tree National Park, with nearly 800,000 acres of mystical beauty, is without a doubt one of the world's most incredible natural desert treasures. The park, which is vast, grand in scale, and populated by granite monoliths and voluptuous rock and boulder formations, captivates eco-travelers, outdoor adventurers, and naturalists. This quiet land, conducive to meditation and roaming, is formed by two large ecosystems that have been carved by climate extremes ranging from wind to rain to an ever-present, relentless sun.

Evidence of many diverse forms of plant life from creosote and ocotillo are found everywhere, but none as unique or prevalent as the park’s namesake: the Joshua tree, standing majestically across the vast topography. During the day, life may seem scarce since the park is largely nocturnal – featuring reptiles and animals that adapt to the lack of water and high temperatures by going underground.

The number of ways to enjoy Joshua Tree National Park is almost as numerous as the park itself. Arrive for a few hours to hike on countless trails suitable for hikers of all skill levels, or plan an adrenaline-fueled rock climb among rare boulder outcroppings. Multiple campsites allow for more time in one of nature's most enticing desert escapes.

Special programs and ranger-led tours educate visitors about the park's geography, wildlife, and plant life, as well as its colorful history dating back to the early Pinto Man and gold seekers of the 1800s. Recently designated an International Dark Sky Park, Joshua Tree always grants night visitors a tour of the dazzling star display above.

• Tripadvisor Rating: 4.5/5
• Website: N/A
  
• Admission: Free
• Address: Meadview, AZ 86444

Sitting just south of Tucson on the San Xavier Indian Reservation, Mission San Xavier del Bac is one of the finest examples of baroque architecture in the U.S. Influenced by Moorish, Byzantine, Renaissance and Mexican architectural styles and completed in 1797, this active Roman Catholic Church is a National Historic Landmark. The exterior features white stucco, while the interiors house elaborate frescos and carved religious figures.

Affectionately known as the “The White Dove of the Desert," the Mission of San Xavier del Bac is a gorgeous baroque-style mission. The small on-site museum is full of interesting historical artifacts that give visitors a glimpse at how people have lived here over the centuries, and it also offers the chance to watch a 20-minute film about the history of the mission. Visitors are welcome to explore the site on their own, but anyone who would like a more in-depth experience can join one of the free guided tours that take place Monday through Saturday.

Today, the Mission is open to the public daily, except when it is being used for church services. Extensive restoration efforts in the late 20th century have restored the interior to its historic splendor. Among the many legends surrounding the building is a popular myth suggesting that early taxation laws exempted buildings under construction, so the builders chose to leave one dome unfinished. Note that there is little shade on the grounds, so sun protection is necessary if you're visiting in the summer.

• Tripadvisor Rating: 4.5/5
• Website: https://sanxaviermission.org/
  
• Admission: Free
• Address: 1950 W San Xavier Rd, Tucson, AZ 85746

Cruises and water sports may not be top of mind when planning a trip to Arizona. But despite its desert climate, the city is less than an hour’s drive from several lakes and reservoirs created by dams holding back rivers in order to control their flow and provide irrigation.

Saguaro Lake is one of these. Located in Tonto National Forest, approximately forty miles east of downtown Phoenix, the lake was created by the construction of the Steward Mountain Dam on the Salt River. Completed in 1930, it was the last of four reservoirs formed by the damming of that river.

The 1,200-acre lake is 10 miles long and reaches depths of more than 110 feet at its deepest point. Its 22 miles of shoreline include rocky crags, canyon walls, marshland, and desert shrubland. Saguaro Lake offers a variety of recreational activities and is the site of a scenic and educational riverboat cruise.

Saguaro Lake is surrounded by mountains and has 22 miles of shoreline. Boating, fishing, swimming, kayaking, skiing, and sailing are all available here. Guests can rent a boat from the Saguaro Lake Marina. The marina is part of the Saguaro del Note Recreation site, which also has a beach as well as picnic and restroom facilities. For those reasons, it makes a very fine day trip from Arizona.

• Tripadvisor Rating: 4.0/5
• Website: https://www.saguarolakemarina.com/
  
• Admission: $8.00 Tonto Daily Pass / or $80 Tonto Annual Pass for parking per vehicle plus $4.00 watercraft sticker per watercraft
• Address: 12000 N Bush Hwy. Mesa, AZ 85215

Tucson Mountain Park is an enormous area that contains trails that will put a smile on absolutely everyone’s faces. Whether you are looking to test your mountain biking wheels, take the kids for a ride, or do some serious lung-busting climbing and gnarly descents, Tucson Mountain Park has it all.

There are plenty of campgrounds and picnic areas that provide restrooms and water, and you can also visit two of Tucson’s largest attractions: Old Tucson Studios, famous for many western movies, and the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. There are many parking pullouts, most of which are within very close proximity to trails or trailheads themselves.

Generally speaking, Tucson Mountain Park’s trails are grouped very well into fairly definitive skill levels. As with many trails in Tucson, Tucson Mountain Park has its share of social trails, and most trails are not marked. If you’re new to mountain biking or you’re looking for a great place to ride with your children, you’ll want to stick to the trails located West of Kinney Road and South of McCain Loop road. These trails are mostly flat, and swoopy, with a few wash crossings. You’ll want to park at pullout K11, K14, or within the Ironwood Picnic Area.

There is a lot to offer Intermediate riders, so if you’re looking for this, stick to the trails North of Gates Pass Road and East of Brown Mountain. The trails at the Base of Brown Mountain are Intermediate, but the moment you start climbing Brown, you’ll quickly realize it gets advanced, fast. Brown Mountain is Tucson Mountain Park's only truly advanced trail. Climbing is steep, lung-crushing, with tight switchbacks, some exposure, and brutal rock gardens, but it is so worth it.

• Tripadvisor Rating: 4.5/5
• Website: N/A
  
• Admission: Free
• Address: 8451 W McCain Loop, Tucson, AZ 85735

It's hard to scroll through things to do in Arizona and not come across a striking picture of Horseshoe Bend. This stunning sight, where the Colorado River makes a dramatic 270-degree U-turn around a sandstone escarpment, is a hot spot for photographers visiting Arizona. The sight of the green water of the river juxtaposed with the tan sandstone in an unbelievable natural formation is simply breathtaking.

Horseshoe Bend was relatively unknown to the general public until recently. Thanks to the age of Instagram and other photo-sharing services, its popularity has mushroomed, and it is a must-do when visiting Arizona. Today over two million people visit annually.

Standing close to the cliff edge of the Horseshoe Bend canyon, you can enjoy the panoramic view of the beauty of the mountains and rivers below. However, this is also the most dangerous location because strong winds bring red sand, which can "blow" you at any time. The best time to see Horseshoe Bend is late in the morning, when the sun illuminates the low bend. And from 4 pm onwards, the colors are tinged with different colors.

Count on a 1.5-mile round-trip walk along a rock walkway to get to the overlook. You won't find any real safety features here except for a lookout area with a fence. If you want to walk right out to the edge, you are free to do so at your own risk.

• Tripadvisor Rating: 4.5/5
• Website: https://horseshoebend.com/
  
• Admission: Free
• Address: 1001 Page Parkway, Page, AZ 86040

As summer has just begun and continues under the hot blazing sun, you and your family might be searching for and craving exciting, new activities that truly allow some social distancing. Tortilla Flat serves as that perfect, ideal destination with its proximity to the Valley, picturesque views, and a wide variety of attractions. This local spot is sure to make anyone’s day trip much more interesting and intimate.

This historic, Western town nestled right in the heart of the Superstition Mountains, Tortilla Flat is small but mighty, boasting a population of six people and is complete in its own way with a restaurant and saloon, museum, country store, and mercantile. There are several things to do in this perfect, quaint town. Once you get there, you’ll see the famous old toilet seat hanging from the boardwalk, and as you start exploring, you’ll see the dollar bills covering the entire wall of their one and only restaurant and the popular bar seat saddles to giddy up at the bar—more than 100 years of authentic Arizona history you can see and touch.

Dating back to 1904, this homey-town served as a stagecoach stop along the Apache Trail, which then later became a camping ground for prospectors searching for the Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine. Through a devastating fire and several floods, it’s maintained its sweet, western charm for over 100 years. The drive to this quaint town has 127 hairpin turns and curves, accompanied by breathtaking views, such as the unbelievable sight of Canyon Lake, Apache Lake, and the wondrous Superstition Mountains.

• Tripadvisor Rating: 4.0/5
• Website: https://www.tortillaflataz.com/
• Admission: Free
• Location: Maricopa County, Arizona

The United States' first national recreation area, straddling the border between Nevada and Arizona, is one of the best day trips from Arizona for water sports enthusiasts. The recreation area is made up of two reservoirs, Lake Mead and Lake Mohave, which were formed when the Colorado River was dammed by the Hoover and Davis dams, respectively. Lake Mead is the largest reservoir in the United States in terms of water capacity, so it's no surprise that aquatic activities abound here.

Boating is, predictably, one of the most popular activities in Lake Mead National Recreation Area. There are over 290 square miles of waterways in the recreation area, and marinas rent kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards if you didn't bring your own paddle craft. Fishing, swimming, tubing, waterskiing, and freshwater scuba diving are among the other aquatic activities available in this desert oasis.

There's also a lot of fun to be had on land. Trails and backcountry roads offer miles of terrain for hikers, bikers, and horseback riders, but remember to plan your trip around the weather. Avoid scorching summer temperatures by visiting between November and March, when hiking is most popular. Don't forget to bring your camera to capture the wildlife around you, which could include bighorn sheep, tortoises, or even migrating American bald eagles.

• Tripadvisor Rating: 4.5/5
• Website: https://www.nps.gov/lake/
• Admission: Daily Vehicle $25, Daily Motorcycle $20, Daily Individual (walking, cycling) $15
• Location: Arizona

Whether your interests lie in outdoor pursuits, cowboy culture, the arts, or remarkable local gastronomy, you’ll find plenty of things to see in Tucson for your day trips. Founded as a military fort in 1775, Tucson was Arizona’s most populous city until the 1920s. Tucson’s identity has been shaped in large part by the University of Arizona, which was established here in 1885 as the first university in Arizona territory.

Tucson may be Arizona's second-largest city, but many of its attractions encourage visitors to get back to nature. There are over 165 miles of hiking trails here, as well as opportunities for wilderness hiking and backcountry camping. The popular Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum complex, which includes a zoo, botanical garden, natural history museum, aquarium, and art gallery, is located just south of the national park.

Despite its ever-expanding size, Tucson exudes a small-town atmosphere. Neighborhoods like the El Presidio Historic District and the Barrio Histórico – complete with colorful adobe buildings and quaint shops – make you feel like you're in a traditional Mexican village. Meanwhile, the high-end restaurants and resorts of the Catalina Foothills district add a contemporary flair that may soon rival that of Phoenix's ritzy suburbs like Scottsdale. And the trendy shops and rowdy bars surrounding the palm tree-laden University of Arizona campus infuse this city with a youthful spirit.

Tucson was the first city in the United States to be designated as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy in 2015, and foodies can choose from a variety of delectable Mexican and Native American fare at chef-focused restaurants. Tucson has a plethora of theaters, museums, galleries, and studios for those who enjoy the arts.

• Tripadvisor Rating: 4.0/5
• Website: https://www.tucsonaz.gov/
• Admission: Free
• Location: Arizona