Top 15 Best Things To Do In Arizona
Arizona, located in the heart of the American Southwest, is rich in natural wonders, bustling metropolis, and beautiful little towns. The Grand Canyon attracts ... read more...visitors from all over the world, but those who venture further into the state will discover unique places to visit and amazing vistas. Arizona also has a beautiful landscape that is ideal for outdoor activities. Deserts, lakes, mountains, slot canyons, saguaro cacti, buttes, waterfalls, and even a volcano with downhill skiing can all be found in Arizona, providing travelers with a plethora of options. Before heading off on your trip, have a read through Toplist's list of the best things to do in Arizona.
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Grand Canyon National Park requires no introduction as one of the world's most famous natural wonders. The 5-million-year-old canyon is a hiker's paradise. There are scores of picturesque routes that lead to breathtaking vistas of canyons, ridges, and unusual rock formations. Lipan Point, with its panoramic views of the canyon and Colorado River, is a popular spot, particularly at sunrise and sunset. Bring your hiking boots, plenty of water, and an adventurous spirit for a day of exploring the park's North or South Rims. There are trails for all ability levels, ranging from short hikes to challenging expeditions. It's certainly one of the best hiking places in the country and should be on your Arizona bucket list.
The South Rim Trail is one of the park’s most popular, featuring minor elevation change along the 13-mile trip and a range of stunning viewpoints. Another popular trail is Bright Angel Trail, which descends over 4,000 feet in nine miles from the South Rim. Follow the South Kaibab Trailhead for a chance to see some of the best vistas of the enormous canyon not seen from the rim, which descends 5,000 feet in seven miles.If you have children, you can take them to the North Rim and enjoy stunning views of the canyon on the easy half-mile Bright Angel Point Trail. The North Kaibab Trail is the sole hiking path that enters the canyon from the North Rim and leads to the Colorado River via steep switchbacks. This can be seen as one of the Best Things To Do In Arizona.
Address: Arizona, United States
Phone: +1 928-638-7888
Opening hours: open 24 hours
Rating: 4.8/5.0, 53,542 Google reviews
Website: https://www.nps.gov/grca/index.htm -
The Wave is a stunning red sandstone formation at the Arizona/Utah border in Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, and it is one of the most mesmerizing structures in the United States. It promises a once-in-a-lifetime adventure and is at the top of most visitors' Arizona bucket lists - but getting there is a struggle!
Due to its great popularity, the number of daily visitors is limited in order to preserve the Wave's beauty. Permits for The Wave are distributed through an online and in-person lottery, with only 64 issued per day (48 online and 16 in person). If you're one of the lucky few, you'll be able to get up close and personal with the striated sea of rust-red and yellow sandstone that spans the high desert. It's pristine nature at its best, and a must-see for nature photographers.
If you can't get a permit for The Wave, you can go to White Pocket, which is also in the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, but you'll need a 4WD vehicle to get there. Surreal vistas of colorful boulders flowing in all directions arise out of nowhere and are a secret treasure for outdoor aficionados.Address: Marble Canyon, AZ 86036, United States
Opening hours: open 24 hours
Rating: 4.71,084 Google reviews
Website: https://www.blm.gov/national-conservation-lands/arizona/vermilion-cliffs
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Havasu Falls is one of the most famous waterfall hikes in the country, and it is on many people's bucket lists. Havasu Falls is a Havasu Creek waterfall in the Grand Canyon, Arizona, United States. It is located on Havasupai tribe grounds. Its vivid turquoise lakes attract both nature lovers and photographers, but getting to this distant natural treasure is difficult and requires some planning and preparation.
To begin, you must obtain a permit from the Havasupai Tribe to enter the region, as Havasu Falls is located on the Havasupai Indian Reservation. This is not a day trip destination because it requires a 10-mile moderately tough climb. All trips require a three-night stay at the campground or a reservation at the Havasupai Lodge in Supai Village.
There are numerous picnic tables on the other side of the creek, and crossing is simple by following the borders of the pools. Swimming behind the falls is possible, and there is a little rock shelter behind it. There is no drinking water available from the trailhead parking lot till Supai Village. Hikers are encouraged to bring their own water. In the town of Supai, there is a general store and cafe where food and drinks can be purchased. The hike from Hualapai Hilltop to Supai's resort and tourism office is 8 kilometers long. A 2-mile hike will take you to the falls and camping.
The trek itself is difficult, with switchbacks that change elevation by 1,800 feet in the first two kilometers. You will, however, be rewarded with breathtaking views of Havasu Falls at the conclusion, as well as access to Mooney Falls and Beaver Falls situated along the Havasu Falls Trail. Bring everything you need for your journey, including sunscreen, a hat, a first-aid kit, snacks, and lots of water. A bathing suit, water shoes, and a towel are required for your visit to the falls. Between February and November is the greatest time to explore Havasu Falls.
Address: the Grand Canyon, Arizona, United States
Rating: 4.5/5.0, 474 Google reviews
Website: https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/havasupai.htm
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Few natural wonders are as intriguing as Antelope Canyon, a distinctive slot canyon in Northern Arizona located east of Page. It's a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike, thanks to its towering walls and wave-like structure formed by millions of years of erosion. This natural treasure requires guided excursions, and you must pick between Upper Antelope Canyon and Lower Antelope Canyon. Lower Antelope Canyon is more open and colorful, whereas upper Antelope Canyon allows you to glimpse a solitary beam of sunshine coming down through the darkness.
Visit between late March and early October to watch the sun shining into Upper Antelope Canyon. During that time, you may see the light bounce off the walls, creating a rainbow of colors ranging from reds to purples.
Horseshoe Bend, located near Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, is another of Arizona's photogenic natural wonders. The 0.6-mile route from the parking lot to this famed cliffside vista is suitable for beginners. It concludes with breathtaking vistas of the Colorado River and the 1,000-foot-deep, 270-degree horseshoe bend. Pick up a paddle and SUP, kayak, or canoe around Horseshoe Bend along the Colorado River for a new perspective. Alternatively, adrenaline seekers can fly through the skies on a helicopter tour.Address: Arizona, United States
Rating: 4.6/5.0, 3,478 Google reviews
Website: https://www.antelopecanyon.com/
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At Canyon de Chelly National Monument, you may travel back in time and explore the canyon walls, which are home to hundreds of historic pueblo ruins. It is located on Navajo tribal territory in Chinle, where a contemporary Navajo Indian community still lives. Its most notable features include the 800-foot Spider Rock spire and towering sandstone cliffs around a lush canyon. The White House Ruins and Mummy Cave are ancient Pueblo pueblo ruins.
Begin your tour at the Welcome Center, then hop in the car and follow the two rim roads for 10 spectacular viewpoints. At the famed Spider Rock overlook at the end of the South Rim Drive, you may marvel at the park's unique geological structure. This is one of the Best Things To Do In Arizona that you should try.
There are ranger-led programs available, as well as hikes that provide bird's-eye views of the cliffs, animals, cornfields, and dwellings at the canyon's bottom. Guides explain the history of this unusual area, which is acknowledged as one of North America's longest continually inhabited landscapes, dating back between 350 and 1300 AD. If you prefer a self-guided trip, the White House Ruins Route is the only public trail in the park. Take advantage of the various campsites in the Cottonwood Campground or book a hotel in Chinle for an overnight excursion.
Address: Chinle, AZ, United States
Phone: +1 928-674-5500
Opening hours: open 24 hours
Rating: 4.7/5.0, 2,228 Google reviews
Website: https://www.nps.gov/cach/planyourvisit/index.htm
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The Hubbell Trading Post, located less than an hour from Canyon de Chelly National Monument, is the oldest continually running trading post in the American Southwest. The Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site is located on Highway 191, north of Chambers, and has an exhibit center near Ganado, Arizona. It is regarded as a cultural crossroads between the Navajo and the settlers who came to the area to trade. When it first opened in 1878, this successful trading post served as a link between the Navajo Nation and the rest of the world, showcasing Western culture, tradition, and artwork.
Hubbell Trading Post has a great selection of genuine Navajo rugs and other Southwest American Indian arts and crafts. After shopping, visit the Visitor Center to see exhibits on the Hubbell family and the history of trade in the region.There are also ranger-led tours that will take you behind the scenes of the Hubbell home, as well as self-guided tours that will allow you to get up and personal with the homestead's sheep, poultry, and horses. You might even catch a glimpse of a demonstration weaver in action.
Address: 1/2 Mile W, Hwy. 191, Ganado, AZ 86505, United States
Phone: +1 928-755-3254
Opening hours: 8:30AM–4:30PM
Rating: 4.6/5.0, 510 Google reviews
Website: https://www.wnpa.org/hubbell-trading-post/ -
The Petrified Forest, with its ancient rock forests and beautiful desert landscapes, is one of the most unusual things to do in Arizona. It is located near the town of Holbrook and offers 13,000 years of human history as well as access to outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and horseback riding. The Rainbow Forest Museum, with its prehistoric exhibits and numerous trail access locations, is located here. The petroglyphs of Newspaper Rock and the ruined town of Puerco Pueblo are located in the park's center. To the north, the Painted Desert Inn, an adobe structure built in the 1930s, houses a museum containing Hopi murals.
Visit one of the world's largest and most colorful petrified wood collections, then tour the park's historic structures and archeological sites. Aside from marveling at 200-million-year-old fossils, you may also follow designated trails that provide stunning vistas of the Painted Desert. Visit Crystal Forest to observe massive logs along a 0.75-mile paved circular trail of the old forest, or hike the Painted Desert Rim Trail for stunning vistas of the colorful desert scenery. Hike the 1-mile Blue Mesa Trail down into the badlands for a look at the yellow and red petrified wood on its grounds.
The biggest attraction on the 0.4-mile round trip Giant Logs Trail is "Old Faithful," a massive petrified tree with a base that reaches about 10 feet across. Add Puerco Pueblo and Newspaper Rock to your Petrified Forest itinerary if you want to see historic petroglyphs.Address: Arizona, United States
Phone: +1 928-524-6228
Opening hours: 8AM–6PM
Rating: 4.7/5.0, 9,227 Google reviews
Website: https://www.nps.gov/pefo/index.htm/index.htm
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Add the Painted Desert to your Arizona bucket list if you want to immerse yourself in the state's natural environment and witness vivid alien rocks in every hue. This magnificent region in Northern Arizona, ranging from the Grand Canyon to the Petrified Forest, offers several hiking and photographic options.
In Arizona, where a wide expanse of rocky badlands comprises more than 93,000 acres, art comes to life on this natural canvas. Every color is represented in this huge landscape- the Otherworldly Painted Desert - from deep lavender to a spectrum of reds, oranges, and pinks. Learn about the Petrified Forest's millions of years of formation, from volcanic eruptions to earthquakes to floods, in the Visitor Center, then get up close and personal with the desert's stunning rock formations and mesas. Sunset is a great time to visit since the rocks morph into a colorful kaleidoscope of colors.
The Petrified Forest is the greatest and simplest way to see the Painted Desert, and its most popular panoramas are located in the park's northern half. Another popular sunset vantage point is the adjacent Little Painted Desert County Park.Address: 1 Park Rd, Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona, United States
Rating: 4.5/5.0, 2,482 TripAdvisor reviews
Website: https://www.nps.gov/pefo/index.htm
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Winter sports aficionados should include the Arizona Snowbowl to their list of things to do in Arizona because it is one of the best ski resorts in the state. The resort is located in Flagstaff and is situated on the San Francisco Peaks at an elevation of 11,500 feet. The Snowbowl ski area occupies about 1% of the San Francisco Peaks, with slopes facing west and northwest.
Skiers and snowboarders have access to approximately 700 skiable acres and a vertical drop of 2,300 feet at this resort, which has one of the longest skiing seasons in the state. It receives roughly 260 inches of natural snowfall every year and also employs a cutting-edge snowmaking system to ensure a constant season from late November to mid-April.
Rental packages are available for individuals who do not have their own equipment, and there is also a sports store where you can purchase it. Sign up for one of their private classes or ski school if you want to enhance your skills or are concerned about stepping back on the slopes. In the summer, the picturesque chairlift ride up 11,500 feet provides a bird's-eye view of the magnificent terrain. On a clear day, you may be able to see the Sedona red rocks and the Grand Canyon in the distance!
Address: 9300 N Snow Bowl Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86001, United States
Phone: +1 928-779-1951
Rating: 4.3/5.0, 3,483 Google reviews
Website: https://www.snowbowl.ski/ -
Sedona is a desert town in Arizona near Flagstaff surrounded by red-rock buttes, steep canyon walls, and pine trees. It is well-known for its pleasant climate and thriving artistic scene. Sedona is a popular tourist attraction in Arizona, known for its red rock formations, hiking trails, and enigmatic vortexes. These vortexes, which may be discovered amid the city's natural attractions, are thought to represent energy centers in the earth. The hiking routes at Boynton Canyon, Airport Mesa, and Cathedral Rock are the most popular.
Some visitors said that they went through a tingling feeling on their skin, a minor vibration from the ground, or even see colorful orbs floating around them while visiting the vortexes. As a result, there is a sense of spiritual healing as well as refreshment and relaxation. Don't be astonished if you don't feel any of these sensations!
Get out and see the rest of what Sedona has to offer after you've experienced these accessible energy vortexes. Uptown Sedona has attractive stores, galleries, and restaurants and is an excellent place to stay while visiting the city. Red Rock State Park is home to some of Sedona's most iconic formations, and the Red Rock Scenic Byway provides lots of opportunities to take in the breathtaking beauty. Lace up your hiking boots and explore the paths at Devil's Bridge, Cathedral Rock, and Bell Rock for some of the best views.Address: Arizona, United States
Website: https://www.sedonaaz.gov/
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Jerome, founded in 1876, was once home to the richest mine in the world. In 1903, this boomtown was dubbed the "Wickedest City in the West," and it was Arizona's top producer of copper, gold, and silver. It is now the largest ghost town in the West and is worth a stop on your Arizona road trip. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1967 and has been meticulously renovated, attracting art enthusiasts who come to explore its numerous studios, galleries, and monthly Art Walk.
Experience the historic ambience while exploring its many attractions, which include distinctive specialty stores, wine tasting rooms, and charming bed and breakfasts. Visit the Jerome State Historic Park to discover more about the lifestyle of wealthy mine owners from a century ago. It is one of the Best Things To Do In Arizona.
The Sliding Jail Park, located near Jerome's Visitor Center, is one of the town's oddest attractions, having tumbled down a steep mountain 200 feet from where it was built. You may also visit the Mine Museum to see historic exhibits or go on a ghost tour to learn about Jerome's eerie side.Address: Arizona, United States
Website: https://www.jerome.az.gov/
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Prescott, located at a height of 5,300 feet, is a year-round resort with a variety of outdoor recreational options. Whiskey Row, located downtown, is well-known for its taverns and live music establishments. The Sharlot Hall Museum preserves the area's pioneer history. The Smoki Museum displays items from the Southwest's indigenous peoples. Watson Lake, to the northeast, is home to hundreds of bird species, and a network of pathways winds among the granite boulders that dot its coastline. Its magnificent lakes are great for paddling, boating, and fishing, in addition to more than 400 kilometers of hiking and mountain biking.
Get out on the water at Watson Lake, which features a breathtaking panorama of granite hills and rocks that ring the canals. While swimming is not permitted, kayaking and canoeing are popular activities at Watson Lake Park from spring to fall. In its gorgeous pine mountain backdrop, the Lynx Lake Recreation Area is also a fantastic site for kayaking or picnicking, while the 15-acre Goldwater Lake is a family-friendly spot with facilities. Willow Lake Park in the Granite Dells is a popular spot for kayaking, canoeing, and bird watching.
Check out some of Prescott's other top attractions after your outdoor excursions. Explore downtown's historic streets, where you can see Victorian residences, turn-of-the-century saloons on Whiskey Row, and a variety of community activities held in the bustling Courthouse Plaza.Address: Arizona, United States
Website: www.prescott-az.gov
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Spend some time at the Heard Museum in Phoenix if you're interested in history, art, or the cultures of American Indians in the Southwest. This renowned cultural museum includes over 44,000 works of art, including real basketwork, pottery, jewelry, and textiles, showcasing traditional and contemporary American Indian art. It tells the story of American Indians firsthand, and it hosts exhibitions of traditional and modern art by American Indian artists and artists influenced by American Indian art.
This is considered as one of the Best Things To Do In Arizona. Get up close and personal with its collection of traditional arts at this top-rated Native American museum, which provides a comprehensive overview of Arizona's past civilizations. As you explore the 12 exhibition halls, you will be able to learn about American Indian people from their own perspectives.
There is a beautiful sculpture garden outside, as well as an outside cafe with courtyard seating. The museum shop, which contains a vast selection of American Indian-made artwork, literature on Native art and culture, and souvenir and gift goods, is not to be missed. Before you go, check the schedule because the Heard Museum also conducts educational programming and events throughout the year.Address: 2301 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004, United States
Phone: +1 602-252-8840
Opening hours: 10AM–4PM
Rating: 4.7/5.0, 3,802 Google reviews
Website: https://heard.org/
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The Desert Botanical Garden, located in Phoenix's Papago Park, has one of the best collections of desert dry plants in the world. Everyone of all ages will enjoy exploring the gorgeous 140-acre complex, which boasts over 50,000 desert plants along its thematic trails. It focuses on plants suited to desert climates, with collections from Australia, Baja California, and South America. A mesquite bosque, semi-desert grassland, and upland chaparral are all represented.
The Desert Botanical Garden's gorgeous walkways wind through it, and you might even see hummingbirds and butterflies along the way. Expect to witness cactus, trees, and flowers from all over the world, with the brightly colored vegetation providing a unique landscape when combined with the Sonoran Desert. Hike to the summit of the Sonoran Desert Nature Loop Trail for stunning mountain vistas, or take the Center for Desert Living Trail to learn about sustainability. You won't want to miss the vivid displays along the Desert Wildflower Loop Trail during the peak of the blooming season.
Throughout the year, Desert Botanical Garden organizes a variety of interesting events, such as the Music in the Garden Spring Concert Series and Sonoran Sippin' with floral-inspired beverages. Children will enjoy playing outside at the Cactus Clubhouse event, while pet owners may bring their four-legged friends to Dog Days at the Garden.Address: 1201 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008, United States
Phone: +1 480-941-1225
Opening hours: 7AM–8PM
Rating: 4.7/5.0, 14,231 Google reviews
Website: https://dbg.org/
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Visiting Tombstone, Arizona, is one of the greatest things to do since this iconic Wild West town embodies western folklore. You may feel the spirits of some of the West's most legendary personalities, like Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday, and the Clanton brothers, as you walk along the wooden boardwalks along the main drag of this mining town.
Aside from the famed gunfight at the OK Corral, a visit here provides insight into how it became a Wild West boomtown in the 1880s. It was formerly known as "The Town Too Tough to Die," because it provided amusement for miners, including everything from opera and theater to dance halls and brothels. Don your best cowboy hat and tour this historic town, where Allen Street is lined with various saloons, restaurants, and businesses. Explore the Tombstone Courthouse Museum and the Historama Theater to learn about the important events that defined this town.
Stay long enough to observe performers dressed in period clothes rehearse famous shootouts. The most popular was the staged gunfight at the OK Corral! After that, visit the C.S. Fly's Photo Gallery to examine historic photos and stroll into the O.K. Corral Stables, which are preserved exactly as they were in the 1880s.Address: 339 S 4th St, Tombstone, AZ 85638, United States
Phone: +1 520-955-3090
Opening hours: 10:15AM–4:30PM
Rating: 4.6/5.0, 1,128 Google reviews
Website: http://tombstonegunfights.com/