39 Top things to Do in Arizona!

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Arizona is an amazing state full of sensational desert landscapes, unspoiled natural beauty, fascinating Native American History, and one of the seven wonders of the world – The Grand Canyon.

girl staring at red rock mountain view from Airport Mesa Vortex
Airport Overlook, Sedona, Arizona

From the Sonora Desert, you’ll be met with unlimited beauty and outdoor adventures that will keep you entertained for days. In fact, there are so many things to do in Arizona, you might just stay for weeks, even a month!

If you’re not sure what to do in Arizona on your next trip, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

We traveled around Arizona extensively on our USA road trip, and got to know the state pretty well.

We’ve listed our top attractions in Arizona below, including top hikes, iconic landmarks, scenic drives, Navajo history, cultural experiences, and a few hidden gems.

Go take a look!

Table Of Contents
  1. When is a Good Time to Visit Arizona?
  2. Is Arizona A Great Road Trip Destination?
  3. Getting Around Arizona
  4. Things to Do in Arizona
  5. Before You Visit Arizona
  6. Arizona Videos
  7. Free Bucket List Printable

When is a Good Time to Visit Arizona?

woman and girl posing on top of  A-Mountain with view of  Downtown Tucson
Climb up A-Mountain to overlook Downtown Tucson

The most wonderful thing about Arizona is it’s a great destination to travel to during the winter.

This doesn’t mean your Arizona road trip will be absent of snow – this can still happen, and it did to us at the Grand Canyon.

But once you travel through those lower elevations in Arizona, you can feel confident about warm sunny days. On some days we were in t-shirts. Evenings will be cold as you’re in the desert.

Craig and I have also road-tripped through Arizona before during the summer and it was a different experience.

If you want to visit this time of year, you’ll want to plan carefully as those scorching desert temperatures cause their own set of problems.

Is Arizona A Great Road Trip Destination?

ford 250 on red Devil's Bridge trail 4x4 track
Devil’s Bridge Trail, Sedona

Whether you do it in your car and stay in a variety of accommodations, or travel through Arizona in an RV, Arizona is a fantastic road trip destination.

It’s easily accessible from Las Vegas which is where many visitors road trip from. We have done both and have spent about 4 weeks in total exploring Arizona, and about four months in Southwest USA.

Let’s hope we continue to return. There are so many more Arizona attractions and places to see waiting on our bucket list.

Getting Around Arizona

The best way to get around is by car. Public transport is great in the city, but if you want to get between places, you’ll find yourself struggling to find buses, or paying a fortune for taxis.

Do yourself a huge favor and rent a car (if you don’t have your own). This is the most cost effective and efficient way to get around the state.

Things to Do in Arizona

Now, let’s move on to our top tips on places to see and things to do in Arizona.

1. Do a Monument Valley Guided tour

people in jeep with  tour guide in Monument Valley
Our tour guide in Monument Valley

Now, only a small section of Monument Valley is in Arizona. It’s right there on the border of Utah and is a must not miss US attraction.

I’ve been so fortunate to see places around the world of exquisite beauty. It’s hard to say what is your favorite place and why.

I can’t say whether mountains, deserts, or beaches fill up my soul more than the other as each has its place and separate purpose. I love them all.

But there are some places that stand above the others. They have this special magnetic pull that pulls you into their beauty.

They enchant you. They heal you. They call you to look in so you can create something better when you look out. You feel something ancient, timeless, spiritual and God Like about it.

Monument Valley is one of those places.

people looking at view of the Mitten in Monument valley
Monument Valley

You know when you’ve arrived even before you see it. The air electrifies somewhat, and you feel called to the present.

Then you see it and it connects to you and opens you up.

Monument Valley is one of our favorite places to visit in the USA, and one of the top Southwest landmarks in North America. We recommend going deeper on a guided tour with a Navajo guide.

These tours have permission to go off-the-beaten-path in Monument Valley and you get to experience other wonders like visiting a Hogan, and rock formations with names like Sun’s Eye and Wind’s Ear. It’s a completely different perspective to Monument Valley.

The most enriching part of the experience is of course learning more about Native American culture with your experienced Native American guide.

Read more: 15 amazing things to do in Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park

Thinking of visiting Back Country’s Monument Valley? Check out this tour!

2. Stay in a Navajo Homestead Vacation Rental

rv campsite in monument valley arizona
Navajo homestay

I never thought to check Airbnb before for RV camping, but this property was one of those unique experiences. We camped on the property of Celia and Steven and their grandchildren.

We had a stunning white horse beside us, who even roamed around our campsite in the morning. And we had beautiful views of the mesas and buttes.

A short walk from our RVs took us to this stunning Monument Valley view.

Monument Valley, Utah
Monument Valley, Utah

Cecilia and Steven were very friendly and welcoming and accommodating. I loved chatting with them and soaking up their gentle, peaceful, Navajo spirit. We were right near the entrance to Monument Valley as well.

We organized our Monument Valley tour and Navajo Taco dinner with them.

3. Admire the View at Horseshoe Bend

the colorado river forming  Horseshoe Bend
Horseshoe Bend, Arizona

You’ve probably seen plenty of images of this famous bend in the Colorado River as it winds through Page in Arizona. It is spectacular and you only need a short amount of time.

There isn’t much to do at Horseshoe Canyon itself, except gaze in wonder, although it depends on how many photos you want to take from multiple different angles.

You can walk to certain viewpoints along the rim, but there is only a small section that is actually fenced.

Standing on the edge of the high cliffs was quite scary. I was amazed at how many people would risk toppling off the edge just to take that coveted Instagram-worthy photo.

I loved the emerald green of the river below and we saw many boats cruising by that next time I’d love to join!

You can read more about this in our guide to Horseshoe Bend, Arizona.

4. Tour the Lower and Upper Antelope Canyon

people walking past curved rock walls in Lower Antelope Canyona
Lower Antelope Tour

Antelope Canyon is a magical slot canyon near the Utah border. It’s one of Arizona’s top attractions.

The canyon has been created by water splitting and polishing rock crevasses over time into incredible shapes, colors, and textures.

This wonder is hidden under a tiny crack in the ground, reminding us to dig a little deeper and explore a little wider to find treasures.

How the carved canyon walls changed in the light was spellbinding. The canyon is split into the Upper and Lower Canyons, each different from the other, and can be viewed on separate tours. We did the Lower Antelope Canyon.

Our Navajo guide was knowledgeable about the rock formations and pointed out various shapes and creatures and was excellent in taking photos for us and showing us how to capture the unique colors and features.

I also loved how he demonstrated how the canyon was formed at the end with a pile of sand and a bottle of water. This really helped the kids to connect to this experience.

Put this on your Arizona road trip. It’s popular, especially the Upper Antelope Canyon, so it’s best to book your tour in advance here. 

5. Hike the Bright Angel Trail, Grand Canyon

girl walking on icy Bright Angel Trail, Grand Canyon
Bright Angel Trail in the winter

If there is one hike to do in the Grand Canyon, it is the Bright Angel Trail. It’s manageable with kids and will give you an appreciation of the inner canyon without going too far.

If you’re game, go the entire 12-mile return down to Phantom Ranch. Craig and I did that in 2006 on our 4 day Grand Canyon vacation (north and south rim). It’s one of our favorite hikes in the US. Go early and you’ll almost have it to yourself.

You can go as far in as you like if you only want a short experience of it. Bear in mind the hard part is coming out. For an extra thrill go in the winter when the path is snowy. CAVEAT!! You must be careful. Safety is a priority.

6. Desert View Watchtower Viewpoint

views of The Colorado River, Grand Canyon
Desert View watchtower Grand Canyon South Rim

Desert View Watchtower was probably my favorite view of the Grand Canyon.

This is the place where the Vermilion Cliffs, San Francisco Peaks, Painted Desert, and Colorado River come into view.

I loved getting a great view of the Colorado River snaking through the valley, watched over by the jagged cliffs of the rim.

It was dramatic and bright and colorful, made all the better with a rainbow bursting out of the clouds and over the river.

Be sure to climb the watchtower which is the highest point on the South Rim. I loved the design of this building which resembles an ancient Puebloan Ian watchtower.

It was designed by Mary Elizabeth Coulter who designed many of the buildings within the park.

7. Stroll the Grand Canyon Rim Trail

woman and girls posing for camera with views of grand canyon
Grand Canyon South Rim

The Rim Trail is the easiest walk at the South Rim and an excellent way to take in incredible views for all ages and fitness levels.

Whilst this trail does stretch for 13 miles from the South Kaibab Trailhead west to Hermits Rest, you can walk short sections of the trail and begin from any viewpoint in the Grand Canyon Village or along Hermit Road.

The 2.5-mile section of the Grand Canyon Rim Trail between the Visitor Center and the Village is worth doing, especially if you visit the Grand Canyon with kids.

It’s mostly flat the entire way, follows the rim of the canyon, and gives you exquisite views. In the winter, it’s a chance to throw snowballs at each other as well.

Take your time to stroll, enjoy the views and learn along the way with the interpretative trails, museums, and ranger talks.

8. Whitewater Raft the Colorado River, Grand Canyon

view of colorado river and grand canyon from Desert view watchtower

This is on my ultimate bucket list for Arizona and the USA.

Rafting the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon has been on my list forever. It’s something we’re holding off on doing until the girls are a little older. It’s hugely popular and does require reservations months if not years in advance.

Rafting companies offer trips from 3-18 days. Find out more information here.

9. Hike to Havasu Falls, Arizona

The Havasu Falls falling over the cliffs into a blue pool in the Havasupai Indian Reservation
The Havasu Falls in the Havasupai Indian Reservation – Grand Canyon

Another attraction topping my list of things to do in Arizona is the 10-mile hike to Havasupai Falls. The area is part of the Havasupai Indian Reservation and is managed by the tribe. The Havasupai people live near the Havasupai Falls in the Supai Village.

A series of beautiful and photogenic waterfalls can be found on Havasu Creek, a tributary to the Grand Canyon. The water flows out of limestone, which gives it a pleasing blue-green hue. 

The only option to visit the falls is to book a 3-day permit. Permits for Havasupai sell out immediately, and can only be booked online. To get permits for 2020, create an account on the Havasupai Reservations website.

Havasu Falls was featured in our best waterfalls in the US list.

Read this in-depth guide on visiting Havasu Falls from our friend Laurence who was lucky to get a permit! And here is a guide to hiking to Havasu Falls with kids from my friend Christina!

10. West Rim Grand Canyon and the Skywalk

view of colorado river and Grand Canyon West
West Grand Canyon, Arizona

While I think the Grand Canyon is spectacular no matter where you visit, I did find the West Rim experience a little underwhelming.

One BIG contributing factor to that was that they closed the glass floor Skywalk, which it is famous for, and the Eagle Point where it is located when we visited. This was unfortunate for us, but if it’s open, it can be a great day trip from Las Vegas.

Unlike the South Rim, there are no protective barriers here at Grand Canyon West. It was quite scary and we had to keep a very close watch on our kids.

Due to its close proximity to Las Vegas, it’s good for those short on time and really want to see the Grand Canyon without driving all the way to the South Rim.

Grand Canyon West is not part of the Grand Canyon National Park, it is owned by the Native American, Hualapai Nation. It’s only a new attraction so I do think there is loads of potential and work being done to create more of an experience.

You do get beautiful views of the Colorado River at Grand Canyon West.

11. Broken Arrow Pink Jeep Tour, Sedona

girls jumping in front of Pink Jeep with red rocks behind them
Incredible tour in Arizona!

Sedona is the most striking place I have ever visited and one of my favorites in the USA.

The Pink Jeep tour in Sedona is what memories are made of.

“You’re kidding me, we’re really going down that?” our girls asked as we approached the rocky steep trail called Devil’s Staircase. Their nervous giggles quickly turned into screams as we surely did go down it.

These jeeps were made for rock crawling.

The Broken Arrow tour is the most popular and thrilling pink jeep tour one of the best things to do in Sedona with kids.

It goes up and down rock faces along the 4WD trail through stunning red rock scenery.

12. Ride the Verde Canyon Railroad, Sedona

woman taking photo of girls looking at the view on the Verde Canyon Railroad
Verde Canyon Railroad – top Arizona attraction

The Verde Canyon Railroad is a 40-mile return train journey through 100 years of history, culture, and dramatic desert landscape and southwest scenery.

It follows the Verde River as it carves its way through the cottonwoods and high sandstone cliffs flanking its sides.

This is a region in Sedona, Arizona that is only accessible by train – unless you want to strap on the boots and do a bit of hiking.

Be sure to step into the open-air carriages for a better look at the scenery and to engage with the guide who will point out notable features and share cultural, geological, and historical insights.

We recommend paying extra for a first-class seat – it comes with comfy chairs, a cash bar, buffet food, and a champagne toast on arrival.

13. Find the Sedona Vortexes

woman staring at the views of Boynton Canyon
Enjoying the Sedona vortex

A vortex is thought to be a swirling center of energy that has a powerful ability to heal, calm, and give insights and clarity to transform your life.

These are places where the earth seems especially alive with energy. You cannot see a vortex but you can feel it.

Sedona is special as it is said to be full of vortexes. You’ll know as soon as you arrive that this is a special place!

Sedona is full of vortexes and easy to feel. Basically, you drive into Sedona and instantly feel an uptick of energy. It’s very special and home to many spiritual people.

Read more about the Sedona vortexes here.

14. Hike Cathedral Rock, Sedona

girls hiking up steep rock face of Cathedral Rock a
Amazing hike in Sedona

I think you can classify Cathedral Rock as more of a rock climb than a hike, but our kids managed it safely and it ranks as one of their favorite adventures in Sedona as they love climbing up and over rocks after all.

There is a designated path to follow and it is one of the most-photographed sights in Arizona, and as it’s one of the popular Sedona hikes there are plenty of people around to follow in their footsteps.

We hiked up to the saddle, which is the gap in the opening, and the views going up and at the top are amazing!

We did this hike during our January visit, but if you visit in the summer months it would be best to do this in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the harsh sun and heat.

15. Hike Bell Rock, Sedona

girl looking at view on the Bell Rock Trail, Sedona
Bell Rock Trail

The Bell Rock Pathway is one of the most popular hiking trails in Sedona and one of the easiest Sedona hikes with kids. It’s a stunning view as you get closer and closer to these iconic red rock formation

Well, we made it halfway up the rock, and found a nice flat and safe area to sit and have a picnic and take in the incredible views.

I would consider the path up a moderate to easy climb, and the path quite easy to follow, plus there are several people doing it so it’s hard to lose your way!

We came to a large gap in the rocks you scramble through, which was fun for the kids, then we hiked around the rock about another 10-minutes before finding this flat area.

Just take your time, keep your kids close to you, and you’ll be fine!

Read more: Tips on fun kid-friendly things to do in Sedona.

16. Eat at Elote Café, Sedona

plates of food
Elote Cafe – a worthy stop in Arizona

The Elote Café came highly recommended to us by several friends, and it didn’t disappoint.

This is one of the most popular restaurants in Sedona, with cuisine inspired by the markets of Mexico, and is one of the top food attractions in Arizona.

They do not take reservations so get there early or be prepared to wait.

We thoroughly enjoyed the service, and our goat cheese balls, duck carnitas with guacamole, and vanilla bean flan.

17. Slide Rock State Park, Sedona

small creek running through Slide Rock State Park,
Slide Rock State Park, Sedona in the Fall

We did not get to visit Slide Rock State Park in Sedona, but it came highly recommended as a top thing to do in Arizona with kids. It’s also been named one of “America’s Top 10 Swimming Holes!”

It’s on our list for our next Arizona vacation.

We drove past its location in Oak Creek Canyon several times and it looked beautiful with its red rock landscape. Slide Rock is 80 feet long and 2.5 to 4 feet wide, and had a seven percent decline from top to bottom.

Algae on the rocks create a slippery ride.

18. Take a Spa Break and Play Golf in Scottsdale

girl taking ohoto of golf course from balcony at Westin Kierland Resort and Spa, Scottsdale
Westin Kierland Resort and Spa

On your Arizona road trip, you will probably want to have some kind of break from all that amazing outdoor adventure activities.

Head to Scottsdale, this small resort town located in the Greater Phoenix area. Scottsdale is known for its upmarket spas, shopping, and golf courses.

TPC Scottsdale Golf Club (a PGA Tour public course and home to the Phoenix Open) features two legendary courses, Scottsdale Airport and Westworld.

Craig stayed there with the girls at the Westin Kierland Resort and Spa (review post) for two nights. The resort looked incredible and I was very jealous, especially the spa treatments!

We popped into Scottsdale on our way to Sedona. I loved the look and feel of Old Town Scottsdale. We stopped in for a quick bratwurst bite and craft beer in the beautiful gardens of Brat Haus. It’s a cool place to eat in Scottsdale.

You can check out our friend, Colleen’s guide to Scottsdale with kids.

19. Go Cactus Crazy at Saguaro National Park, Tucson

girls amongst the cactus West Saguaro National Park Tucson (2)
West Saguaro National Park Tucson (2)

One of the easiest and most unique national parks in the USA is Saguaro National Park. It is divided into two parks – East and West – which are separated by the city of Tucson.

Of course, the Saguaro National Park is home to the saguaro cactus, which I just can’t get enough of seeing, and getting up close and learning about these plants is one of the best things to do in Arizona with kids – I only wish I could hug one!

Be warned cacti can hurt, as Kalyra discovered when she was attacked by a jumping cholla.

Both sides of Saguaro National Park offer something special and are worth visiting.

Saguaro National Park West probably has more interesting hikes and stunning landscapes, if you only had time for one.

Read more about that in our post on Saguaro National Park.

20. Hike Sabino Canyon, Tucson

girls corssing creek in Sabino Canyon, Tucson, Arizona
Hiking Sabino Canyon

We loved the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area in the Santa Catalina Mountains, a much-loved playground for local Tuscans.

Filled with hiking trails, saguaro forests, riparian creeks, waterfalls, and swimming holes, there is plenty to do in Sabino Canyon.

We spent the afternoon hiking one of the Sabino Canyon trails through quite diverse environments and enjoying a picnic under the shade of a few trees

You can read more about our time and things to do in Sabino Canyon here.

21. Go Back to the Wild West in Tombstone

four men dressed as wild west lawmakers in the streets of tombstone
Tombstone, Arizona – a unique place to visit

The Wildest Town in the West is sure to entertain you and take you back in time to a land of lawlessness.

I loved our visit to Tombstone, wandering the streets of the preserved 1880s ghost town, watching the reenactment of the O.K. Corral gunfight, and getting an insight into the craziness of this silver mining town.

It’s one of the most unique places to visit in Arizona.

22. Take a Scenic Drive and Sunset on Gates Pass, Tucson

Gates Pass Scenic Drive
Gates Pass

Gates Pass is a mountain pass at an elevation of 3,172ft located on the crest of the Tucson Mountains.

Gates Pass Road is lined with scenic overlooks and is well-known as one of the best sunset spots in Tucson. We missed it but it’s now on our list of things to do in Arizona for our return visit!

The views from driving through in the daytime were exquisite. Be careful as there are sharp drop-offs.

23. Learn at the Arizona Sonoran Desert Museum, Tucson

girl walking past cactus in Saguaro National Park, Arizona
Learn more about the Sonoran Desert

We opted out of visiting the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum, despite it being recommended by numerous people within our community.

It’s meant to be an incredible museum and one of the top Tucson attractions, but you can’t do everything when you travel so you want to be sure you know exactly what you want to experience when you visit Tucson AZ, especially considering your budget.

24. Marvel at Mission San Xavier Del Bac, Tucson

front facade of Mission San Xavier Del Bac
Mission San Xavier Del Bac

Founded in 1692 by Father Kino and built in 1783, this Catholic mission is considered one of the best-preserved examples of Spanish Colonial architecture in the United States.

It stands in the center of a Papago Indian settlement along the banks of the Santa Cruz River, about 10 miles south of Tucson.

As a national historical landmark and the only remaining intact mission in Arizona, the Mission remains a working parish for the Tohono O’odlham people, many of whom still live nearby.

Be sure to do the free 45-minute docent-led tour (donations encouraged) to discover the beauty of the mission architecture and learn the story of the church and fascinating insight into the history of this region.

25. Play (or Ski) at Mt Lemmon, Tucson

An aerial image of the summit of Mt. Lemmon outside of Tucson, Arizona covered in snow with a vibrant blue sky.
Mt. Lemmon outside of Tucson, Arizona

We didn’t get to visit Mt Lemmon. We left it too late to go after our Sabino Canyon hiking adventures. Many locals recommended Mt Lemmon to us as a top place to visit.

It came highly recommended as one of the best things to do in Tucson Arizona. Mt Lemmon is north of Tucson and here you can go hiking, bicycling, horseback riding, scenic driving, camping, fishing, and much more!

What’s cool about Mt Lemmon is that it has ski fields in the winter – yes skiing has to be one of the most unique things to do in Arizona!

You can golf and swim in Tucson in the morning, then downhill ski at Ski Valley, in the afternoon!

26. Check Out Canyon de Chelly, East Arizona

Spider rock in Canyon de Chelly National Monument, Arizona, United States
Spider Rock in Canyon de Chelly National Monument

Canyon de Chelly National Monument is located on the eastern edge of Arizona.

Its dramatic, 305-meter-high sandstone walls preserve centuries-old ancestral Puebloan dwellings and rock art. It was first home to the Archaic-era people and for more than 300 years now, the Navajo have inhabited this sacred land.

There are two scenic rim drives with panoramic overlooks into the canyon. Most popular is Spider Rock, the iconic 244 rock formation rising above the canyon floor.

White House Trail is the only hiking trail allowing you access to the canyon. Otherwise, you need to be accompanied by a Navajo guide.

Navajo guides lead four-wheel-drive, hiking, and horseback trips within the canyon.

27. Admire the Petrified Forest & the Painted Desert National Park, East Arizona

Dramatic view of the Painted Desert National Park in Arizona
Dramatic view of the Painted Desert National Park

The Petrified Forest National Park has one of the world’s largest and most vibrantly colored assemblies of petrified wood, historic structures, and archaeological sites.

It’s located in eastern Arizona, about 110 miles east of Flagstaff and 210 miles west of Albuquerque, New Mexico. 

Scientific studies show that the petrified trees found within the park date back 211 to 218 million years.

The southern section of the park has the highest concentration of wood. The northern half is the colorful hills of the Painted Desert which stretches all the way to the Grand Canyon.

The Painted Desert is a region of colorful, rocky badlands colored from deep lavenders to pinks, reds, and oranges. Like most of Southwest USA, it’s like walking through an Art Gallery.

28. See the Meteor Crater, Winslow, Arizona

View of the Meteor Crater, Flagstaff, Arizona
View of the Meteor Crater

Budding astronomers and astronauts will want to visit this top Arizona attraction near Flagstaff.

Meteor Crater is the spectacular result of a collision that rocked the American Southwest approximately 50,000 years ago. It is said to be the best-preserved meteorite impact site on Earth!

As its terrain resembles the surface of the moon it has been used by US Astronauts use it as a training site.

You can explore it via an interactive discovery center and crater trail.

29. See The Navajo National Monument, East Arizona

Betakin,Arizona, Anasazi ruins, Canyon de Chelly National Monument
Betakin, Arizona, Anasazi ruins, Canyon de Chelly National Monument

Navajo National Monument encompasses three of the largest and best-preserved Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings in the Southwest region – Betatakin, Keet Seel, and Inscription House.

You can visit both Betatakin and Keet Seel, but, due to its fragility, Inscription House is closed to the public.

There are overlooks to the dwellings, and if you want to see the ruins up close, full-day hikes are also offered to both the Betatakin and Kiet Seel sites.

The cliff dwellings were built by Kayenta Ancestral Puebloans, the ancestors of today’s Hopi and Pueblo peoples. The Navajo now inhabit the area and arrived centuries after the cliff dwellings had been abandoned around the middle of the 13th Century for unknown reasons.

30. Check Out Glen Canyon

Glen Canyon Dam

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is a huge park and conservation area that is known for its rugged, high desert landscape and impressive rock formations.

It’s a great spot to do some hiking and see some stunning nature sites. The area around Lake Powell and lower Cataract Canyon covers a huge area, and even connects to Utah.

Be sure to check out the Glen Canyon Dam while you’re there. It’s a huge concrete arch dam on the Colorado River and is so impressive in its structure, it could easily rival the Hoover Dam in Nevada.

31. Be Amazed By Montezuma Castle National Monument

Montezuma Castle National Monument carved into the cliffs

For history lovers looking for things to do in Arizona, be sure to check out the Montezuma Castle, which was built in 1906.

It’s the third National Monument dedicated to Native American culture and features, effectively, a 20-room high-rise apartment.

Except this is no ordinary apartment, it’s nestled into a limestone cliff.

The home reveals the innovative engineering of the Native American tribes, as well as shows how they survived in this harsh landscape.

32. Relax In Lake Havasu City

man on jetski on Lake Havasu

If you’re looking for a relaxing city break in Arizona, consider checking out Lake Havasu City.

Located in western Arizona, the city is known for its hiking trails through the nearby desert, as well as the lake, Lake Havasu, which is a great spot for watersports.

One of the most iconic sites in Lake Havasu City is London Bridge, which was relocated from England. It was built in the 1830s to cross the River Thames in London, but in 1968 it was purchased from the City of London by an entrepreneur called Robert P. McCulloch.

The granite blocks from the original bridge were cut up and sent to the United States and reconstructed as a bridge in Lake Havasu City.

33. Wander Through the Desert Botanical Garden

Desert Botanical Garden Arizona

Although Arizona is known for its deserts, you might be thinking it’s sparse of any form of plant or fauna.

However, the desert is rich in plant life, and you can see over 4,000 species of cacti, trees, and flowers from all over the world in the Desert Botanical Garden. There are even 485 rare species of cacti in the gardens too.

The gardens cover an area of 55 acres and are one of only 24 botanic gardens that have been accredited by the American Alliance of Museums (formerly the American Association of Museums).

For a relaxing day out, exploring the Desert Botanical Gardens is one of the top things to do in Arizona.

34. Spend the Day at Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

owl standing on stick

Located in Tuscon is the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum which is a kind of zoo come botanic garden fusion. The ‘museum’ is also an art gallery, natural history museum, and aquarium.

You can see and learn about special birds of prey, take a tour from a docent, learn about the ecosystem of the Sonoran Desert in the botanic garden, see stingrays and other native marine life from the Gulf of California, learn about the region’s geology in a replica limestone cave.

You can even learn about Arizona’s prehistoric history and see a Sonorasaurus, or meet the native wildlife in the zoo, which has a mountain lion, mule deer, a Black bear, and Mexican gray wolves.

If you’re looking for fun things to do in Arizona with kids, this is a great option.

36. Learn At Lowell Observatory

If you’re looking for things to do in Flagstaff, Arizona, then be sure to check out the Lowell Observatory.

This astronomical observatory was established in 1894, which makes it one of the oldest observatories in the United States.

It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1965, and offers visitors historical tours and tours of Pluto through its giant telescope.

Be sure to check the website to see what events are taking place, as there are often regular talks and stargazing events.

37. Meet The Animals at Phoenix Zoo

cat walking on tree at Phoenix Zoo

Another popular thing to do in Arizona with kids is to visit the Phoenix Zoo. The zoo is a charity organization that aims to inspire and motivate people to care for the natural world. It’s one of the largest non-profit zoos in the United States.

Here you can see more than 3,000 animals from 400 species, including many threatened/endangered species.

Visitors can see Asian elephants, cheetahs, flamingos, wolves, and monkeys. It’s a fun day out for any family visiting Arizona!

And while you’re in Phoenix, be sure to check out the Heard Museum to learn about Native American Art and Culture.

38. Visit the Historic Jerome Ghost Town

donkey standing among old machinery

Perhaps one of the most unique attractions in Arizona is Jerome, a ghost town in Arizona between Sedona and Prescott. It’s located on the top of Cleopatra Hill and used to be a thriving copper and gold mining town.

With its wealth came gambling, lawlessness, and rowdy crowds, and the saloons and bawdy houses had a notorious reputation.

It used to be the fourth largest town in Arizona with over 15,000 residents, but today it has about 50. When the gold stopped producing, the residents left, with only a few staying behind.

Many of the original buildings still stand today and offer a glimpse into America’s mining past.

39. See The Architectural Marvel of Taliesin West

desk with chair in office Taliesin West

One of the most famous architects in America is Frank Lloyd Wright. Visitors to Arizona have the fortunate chance to visit his winter home, known as Taliesin West.

The house was where he spent his winters from 1937 until he died in 1959.

The house is now the HQ of the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation and is open to the public for tours. Make sure you book your tour ahead of time as this is one of the most popular attractions in Arizona.

Before You Visit Arizona

So there you have it, those are the top things to do in Arizona and as you can see, there are plenty of attractions and hidden gems to keep you busy for a while.

Before you go, make sure you have your accommodation sorted. There’s nothing worse than leaving it to the last minute and finding all the best places are gone.

And above all, have the best time exploring Arizona!

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