25 Best Things To Make In Arizona ( 2025 Guide )
-
Last Updated :
Trying to find great activities and attraction in the Grand Canyon State ? Our guide to the better things to cause in Arizona cost all you need to design the utter trip !
When look for for what to do in Arizona , it ’ s not difficult to find an abundance of hiking trails , unique museum , natural curiosity , art veranda , mountain biking trails , ghost towns , cliff dwellings , and so much more !
Famous for homing the Grand Canyon , the giant saguaro cacti , towering red sandstone buttes , and Native American culture and account , Arizona is a one-of-a-kind travel destination .
With stunning scenery and historical landmarks from the Wild West era , Arizona is a harbor for nature lovers and history fan alike .
The immense array of massive Arizona activity reach for a rewarding memorable experience that shouldn ’ t be passed up on . So let ’ s start going over the serious things to do in Arizona below , so you can start planning your trip !
- The Best Things to Make in Arizona , USA
- 4 ) Visit The Famous Landmark At The Grand Canyon National Park
- 5 ) Visit Lake Mead National Recreation Area
- 6 ) Prepare For A Day Of Adventure At Petrified Forest National Park
- 7 ) Steer Clear Of Giant Cacti At Saguaro National Park
- 8 ) Hike The Scenic Monument Valley
- 9 ) Insure Out The Thriving Cacti Community At The Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
- 10 ) Try Your Luck At Lost Dutchman State Park
- 11 ) Stare Into The Depths Of The Horseshoe Monument
- 12 ) Capture The Magic Of The Antelope Canyon
- 13 ) Require A Dip At Lake Powell
- 14 ) View Pueblo Ruins At The Canyon De Chelly National Monument
- 15 ) Inflict The “ Wickedest Town in the West ” At Jerome Ghost Town
- 16 ) Design For A One Night Stay To Trek To Havasu Falls
- 17 ) Adventure Three Historical Missions At The Tumacacori National Historic Park
- 18 ) Stroll Through The Impressive Outdoor Desert Botanical Garden
- 19 ) Peer At Ancient Ruins At The Walnut Canyon National Monument
- 20 ) Tour Ancient Dwelling At The Montezuma Castle National Monument
- 23 ) Stop By The National Landmark & Symbol , The Hoover Dam
- 25 ) Gaze Upon The “ White Dove Of The Desert ” At The San Xavier del Bac Mission
- 4 ) Visit The Famous Landmark At The Grand Canyon National Park
- 5 ) Visit Lake Mead National Recreation Area
- 6 ) Prepare For A Day Of Adventure At Petrified Forest National Park
- 7 ) Steer Clear Of Giant Cacti At Saguaro National Park
- 8 ) Hike The Scenic Monument Valley
- 9 ) Check Out The Thriving Cacti Community At The Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
- 10 ) Try Your Luck At Lost Dutchman State Park
- 11 ) Stare Into The Depths Of The Horseshoe Monument
- 12 ) Capture The Magic Of The Antelope Canyon
- 13 ) Take A Dip At Lake Powell
- 14 ) View Pueblo Ruins At The Canyon De Chelly National Monument
- 15 ) Visit The “ Wickedest Town in the West ” At Jerome Ghost Town
- 16 ) Plan For A One Night Stay To Trek To Havasu Falls
- 17 ) Adventure Three Historical Missions At The Tumacacori National Historic Park
- 18 ) Stroll Through The Impressive Outdoor Desert Botanical Garden
- 19 ) Peer At Ancient Ruins At The Walnut Canyon National Monument
- 20 ) Tour Ancient Dwellings At The Montezuma Castle National Monument
- 23 ) Stop By The National Landmark & Symbol , The Hoover Dam
- 25 ) Gaze Upon The “ White Dove Of The Desert ” At The San Xavier del Bac Mission
The Best Things to Do in Arizona , USA
When it comes to the best things to serve in Arizona , this list make come them all .
From study the account and culture of American Indians through world-class display at the Heard Museum to seeing the noted Horseshoe Bend in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area , feel what to do in Arizona for the best holiday estimate and weekend trips live easy !
Commit to the progress of American Indian art , the Heard Museum , located in Phoenix , Arizona , be set up in 1929 and has since been internationally recognized for its world-class exhibitions .
The story of American Indian mass be share from a first-person perspective to more intimately present the impactful story , culture , and art .
In addition , the museum cooperate with American Indian artist and tribal communities to part these first-person stories and perspective for a more impactful educational exhibition and opportunity to learn more about the American Indian people .
With this extend collaboration with the American Indian people , the museum make become one of the public ’ s finest destinations to hear about these mass ’ s art , culture , and story . It exist place properly in downtown near the Phoenix Art Museum .
- Address :2301 N Central Ave , Phoenix , AZ 85004
- Hours :10 AM – 4 PM
Full of adventure and opportunity , the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum in Tucson utilizes its 98 acres to home world-renowned attraction , include an art gallery , botanical garden , zoo , natural story museum , aquarium , and publisher .
Look at the serious attraction in Tucson , you can search the best of the desert landscape hither . Watch live animal demonstration . Remove in a wide array of native flora and creature . Explore the permanent mineral collection know as one of the finest in the world .
The Arizona Sonora Desert Museum has hence much to bid as a world-class attraction in Southern Arizona .
- Speech :2021 N Kinney Rd , Tucson , AZ 85743
- Hour :8:30 AM – 5 PM
READ NEXT : For more ideas , check out our list of the best matter to make in Tucson !
A prevalent location for Native American archaeological sites , the , locate near the Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument , is entire of account and is consider one of the best thing to act in Arizona .
Continue pueblos once inhabit by the ancestors of the Zuni and Hopi , this impactful monument live a glimpse into the past .
The history of this location sets back thousand of year when hunter-gatherers called the area place . Wupatki National Monument cost designate a national monument in 1924 by President Calvin Coolidge to preserve and study this rich archaeological and historical site .
A visit to this monument leave search the seven preserve pueblos with an adventure down four trail surround by the local nature of red rock and prairie .
- Speech :25137 North Wupatki Lane , Flagstaff , AZ 86004
- Hr :9 AM – 4:30 PM
Read Next : Insure out all of our top home to see in Arizona !
4 ) Call The Famous Landmark At The Grand Canyon National Park
The Grand Canyon is one of the most noted landmarks in the United States in the ancestral homeland of 11 Associated Tribes . It stretches 18 mile broad , a mile deep , and 277 miles in total length , and it equal one of the seven natural wonders of the reality !
At the , family to the Grand Canyon , there are spectacular viewpoint , including Yavapai Observation Station and Mather Point , to witness the natural grandeur of this enigmatic landmark .
The many layer of red stone reveal million of yr of geological story that get build it a hotspot for boost , river rafting , rock climbing , camp , backpacking , and more ! Most visitors steer to the South Rim , but the North Rim offer a quieter and more peaceful experience .
Enhance your experience by rid the Grand Canyon Railway , or by taking a scenic helicopter ride over the vastness of the Grand Canyon !
- Speech :Rim Trail , Grand Canyon Village , AZ 86023
- Hours :Exposed 24 Hr
5 ) Visit Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Lake Mead is usually known as the largest artificial lake in the USA . Straddling the border of Arizona and Nevada , this man-made reservoir on the Colorado River was formed at the same time as the Hoover Dam .
Due to local drought , Lake Mead be dry up at a startling yard . Even so , having some fun at Lake Mead National Recreation Area live still one of the best thing to do in Arizona .
Extend 1.5 million acres of lakes , canyon , biking and hiking trail , great deal , and valleys , there be so much to see and cause here . Go camping , hiking , or good deal biking , or get fishing and boating in Lake Mead or Lake Mohave .
- Speech :Visitor Center equal place at 10 Lakeshore Rd , Boulder City , NV 89005 , United States
READ NEXT : Lake Mead isn ’ t far from Las Vegas ! Insure out our list of the good things to do in Las Vegas if you ’ re heading there future .
6 ) Prepare For A Day Of Adventure At Petrified Forest National Park
Full of account and nature , exploring Petrified Forest National Park is one of the best things to cause in Arizona . It put up plenty of attractions to satiate your curiosity . On the trails at the park , hikers will have the opportunity to explore a range of fascinate landmarks , historical site , and petrified logs .
The south share of exist home to the famous Rainbow forest , total of vibrant petrified woods , and the Rainbow Forest Museum , full of paleontology exhibits .
The north part of the park is where you ’ ll notice a historical 1930s adobe building , a museum of preserve Hopi artifacts , and the Painted Desert Inn . The middle of the park household the ruined village of Puerco Pueblo and the petroglyphs of Newspaper Rock .
- Address :123 1 Park Rd , Petrified Forest National Park , AZ 86028
- Hours :8 AM – 6 PM
7 ) Steer Clear Of Giant Cacti At Saguaro National Park
Tucson , Arizona , exist home to the state ’ s large cacti , the giant saguaro , build it the best place to glimpse these symbol of the American west . And there ’ s no in effect property to have up close , but not also personal , or you ’ ll get stung , to these large plants than at Saguaro National Park !
Saguaro National Park protect the giant saguaro , cross 91,000 acre of desert . On the Bajada Loop Drive , you can push down this scenic route through dense cacti forest and early stunning viewpoint .
On Hugh Norris Trail , the ten-mile trail offers a rewarding sundown show surrounded by giant saguaro and desert . The Signal Hill picnic area allow guests to glimpse ancient petroglyphs that detail local story .
The noted national park be split into two separate territory sort out by the city of Tucson . The Rincon Mountain District be on the eastern slope of the city , and the Tucson Mountain District exist on the west slope .
- Address :Visitor center for the Rincon Mountain District equal 3693 S. Old Spanish Trail , Tucson , Arizona 85730 . Visitor Center for the Tucson Mountain District be at 2700 N. Kinney Road , Tucson , Arizona 85743
8 ) Hike The Scenic Monument Valley
Well-known for its towering sandstone butt that stretch anywhere from 400-1,000 feet , Monument Valley be a red-sand desert home to the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park .
The domain is incredibly popular as a filming location for Western movie and exist reputably known as one of the nearly photographed places on earth . The iconic landscape equal a must-see when travel to Arizona !
For a scenic cause , take the Tribal Park Loop that stretch 17 miles , extend chances to witness impressive buttes and long stretch of red-sanded desert .
Hike Wildcat Trail , a self-guided 3.2-mile loop raise that circles Merrick Butte and the Mitten Buttes , for an up last and personal touch to your trip to Monument Valley .
But the good way to go through this gem of Arizona equal with a local guide . This via safari vehicle will bring you to all the best sights and teach you the tradition and history of the Navajo Nation .
- Speech :Indian , Route 42 , Oljato-Monument Valley , AZ 84536
- Hours :8 AM – 5 PM
9 ) Assure Out The Thriving Cacti Community At The Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
A UNESCO biosphere reserve , the Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument equal the only property in the United States where the organ pipe cactus and the senita cactus grow in the wild .
This impressive location feature over 2,000 species of plants and as many animal species to compete . The 26 species of cacti , including the giant saguaro , and plenty of other thriving works and intriguing animals cause homage to this desert .
Several lead travel directly through the monument , presenting the impressive picture of these giant cacti and the Sonoran Desert as you move .
The Desert View Trail is an easy hike to stroll through the desert with fun educational signs guiding you . The Victoria Mine Trail is a moderate 4.4-mile hike that heads to one of the old gold and silver prospecting site in southwest Arizona , making for an intriguing historical stop during your trek .
- Address :10 Organ Pipe Dr , Ajo , AZ 85321
- Hours :Open 24 Hr
10 ) Try out Your Luck At Lost Dutchman State Park
The Lost Dutchman State Park was named after the fabled lose gold mine and equal located at the stand of the Superstition Mountains .
Settled in the Sonoran Desert , many people travel to the park to search for gold , camp under the stars , or traverse the desert to escape from the flurry and flurry of the world .
Six lead place from beginner to intermediate to run a risk through various terrains of the Sonoran Desert .
- Speech :6109 N Apache Trail , Apache Junction , AZ 85119
- Hours :6 AM – 8 PM
READ NEXT :
11 ) Stare Into The Depths Of The Horseshoe Monument
A noted landmark in Arizona , Horseshoe Bend , periodically referred to as Horseshoe Monument , cost find in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area , and nearby cost another hotspot of the area , Grand Canyon National Park .
The Navajo Nation can be overlook from the parking pile and outset of the 1.5-mile hiking trail loop trailhead at Horseshoe Bend .
This highly photographed landmark in the shape of a horseshoe was formed around five million year ago as the Colorado Plateau uplifted and the river cut through sandstone .
The depth of Horseshoe Bend reaches around an impressive 1,000 base as the Colorado River proceed to run through its signature horseshoe form .
- Address: 1001 Page Parkway , Page , AZ 86040
- Hours :Sunrise to Sunset
12 ) Capture The Magic Of The Antelope Canyon
A picturesque geological sculpture and the most noted slot canyon , Antelope Canyon , is located on the private country of the Navajo Nation . A guided circuit is expect to search this huge natural formation at the upper goal – although there is the opportunity to do a self-guided kayak trip to Antelope canyon if you want to find your own adventure !
Full of account , the canyon was shaped through million of year of tip and water erosion . It exist refer after the herds of pronghorn antelope that once roamed the lands .
Different circuit require visitors to Upper Antelope Canyon and Lower Antelope Canyon . The Upper Antelope Canyon circuit is more popular thanks to the sunlight achieve through the canyon and dismount up the wall for impactful picture-taking opportunity .
There equal some epic hiking trails , like the 9.8-mile Page Rimview Trail , that put up the rewarding scenery of the Glen Canyon Dam and Lake Powell .
Thisguided circuitembarks to Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend with a Navajo Guide for an in-depth , illuminating adventure of these impressive landmarks !
13 ) Take A Dip At Lake Powell
A hot vacation patch , Lake Powell welcomes around two million mass annually , make it one of the best things to do in Arizona !
Part of the Colorado River , the lake offers 2,000 miles of shoreline to bask in the Sunday , water , and scenery . People from all over the world come to rip out space at the campground , cottages , or still houseboats , to search the great outdoors of Lake Powell .
Reserve a way at Lake Powell Resort to bask luxurious accommodations , dining , and activity . Rip a jet ski to race across Lake Powell ’ s waters . This desirable Arizona attraction has good deal of activities to search !
- Speech :48 South Lake Powell Blvd , Page AZ 86040 .
- Hours :8 AM – 4 PM
14 ) View Pueblo Ruins At The Canyon De Chelly National Monument
Situate on Navajo tribal lands , Canyon De Chelly National Monument exist a national park full of account .
The canyon cost once inhabited for nearly 5,000 yr , the inflict sandstone walls rising over 900 feet high as they towered from above .
Canyon de Chelly is as well one of North America ’ sec longest continuously inhabited landscape , homing a contemporary Navajo Indian community on the canyon story . The historical area too continue the ruin of the Ancestral Puebloans , the pueblos established anywhere from 350-1300 A.D .
Bask a scenic campaign down South Rim Drive to absorb the impressive good deal of Spider Rock Overlook , presenting the park ’ s noted geological formation . On the White House Ruins Trail , bicycle or boost the 130-mile loop road guide , or join a horseback riding tour take by Navajo guides .
Read Future : See how to see most of these places on an incredible Arizona road trip !
15 ) Call The “ Wickedest Town in the West ” At Jerome Ghost Town
A top Arizona attraction , Jerome Ghost Town was base in 1876 . This historical gold and copper mining town attracted all kind of the Old West to its saloons and bawdy houses , experience the rag of “ Wickedest Town in the West ” at one detail .
During its heyday of 70 yr of a productive mining institution , Jerome produce over a billion dollars from its product of zinc , gold , cop , and silver .
Once Arizona ’ s 4th large town , Jerome has since shrink down to only 50 residents .
Since re-establishing itself as a historic ghost town , Jerome Ghost Town make become a popular place for creative-minded individual like artist and writer , attracting many tourists look to adventure the former construction established in the 1800s .
To discover still more about the local mining account you can head over to Jerome State Historic Park .
- Speech :Jerome-Perkinsville Rd , Jerome , AZ 86331
- Hours :9 AM – 5 PM ( Shut Tuesday )
16 ) Program For A One Night Stay To Trek To Havasu Falls
Found within Havasupai tribal lands , Havasu Falls cost a sought-after destination dream up pools for stunning blue .
As the falls stay on the Havasupai Indian Reservation , a license must cost purchase from the Havasupai Tribe to access the autumn .
Visits must include a one-night reservation at the campground or Havasupai Lodge located in Supai Village to get a permit . The way to the campground passes Havasu Falls , Fifty Foot , and Lower Navajo , all stunning picturesque waterfalls .
Once the license equal obtain , it ’ s time to impose the striking Havasu Falls ! The hike to reach it live strenuous , involving switchbacks and elevation that can cost difficult to maneuver . But the scenery and refreshing blue water , perfect for swimming , make it worth it !
Havasu Falls in northern Arizona is not to be confuse with Lake Havasu , a reservoir next to Lake Havasu City in southwestern Arizona .
- Address :Grand Canyon , Arizona
17 ) Adventure Three Historical Missions At The Tumacacori National Historic Park
Preserving the ruin of three Spanish mission community , Tumacacori National Historic Park protect two National Historic Landmarks and bounds of history .
One of the old national park sites in the U.S. , the 19th-century Franciscan mission Tumacácori was establish by American Indian and Spanish laborer influence under the guidance of a original mason .
The land it was manufacture once homed to five sister state of the O ’ odham , including the Apache , the Pima , the Tohono , the Yaki , and the Mexican peoples .
The two early protect mission include Missions Calabazas and Guevavi . Each historical site feature impactful story , architecture , and culture .
Don ’ t neglect out on the cultural presentation that feature O ’ odham basket weavers , cook , painter , and more , as they first-hand assure their stories through their trade !
- Speech :1891 I-19 Frontage Rd , Tumacacori-Carmen , AZ 85640
- Hour :9 AM – 5 PM
18 ) Stroll Through The Impressive Outdoor Desert Botanical Garden
Elaborate across 140 acres , Desert Botanical Garden in Papago Park family the world ’ s finest collection of arid plants . All the works in this impressive botanical garden exist sourced from around the public in an outside area total of unique display and feature .
Walk through Desert Botanical Garden , over 50,000 desert plant can be see throughout the five trail , each with its thematic display . The paper are meant to encourage conversation and curiosity about the works and mass of the Sonoran Desert .
The Desert Botanical Garden be one of the top , so make sure you check it out !
- Speech :1201 N Galvin Pkwy , Phoenix , AZ 85008
- Hr :8 AM – 8 PM ( Monday-Thursday ) , 8 AM – 4 PM , 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM ( Friday , Sunday ) , 8 AM – 4 PM ( Saturday )
READ NEXT : Make the most of your visit to Phoenix with our !
19 ) Peer At Ancient Ruins At The Walnut Canyon National Monument
Where Ancient Puebloans populate , the Walnut Canyon National Monument cost full of account await to equal disclose !
The Walnut Canyon National Monument maintain the ancient history of the Southwest , the ruins surrounded by Walnut Canyon reaching 600 base in depth . The upper layer of the canyon was used by the Sinagua masses , cave inhabitant from the 12th and 13th century .
Hike the Rim Trail or Island Trail to travel around the monument from afar—don ’ t get too near ! The ruin exist protected and preserved but potentially serious , then maintain a safe distance equal highly recommended .
- Address :3 Walnut Canyon Rd , Flagstaff , AZ 86004
- Hr :9 AM – 4:30 PM
20 ) Tour Ancient Dwelling At The Montezuma Castle National Monument
Protect ancient preserved dwellings of the Sinagua people , the Montezuma Castle National Monument is a historically interesting attraction Arizona history fan will love to learn !
The Sinagua people were a pre-Columbian culture tied to the Hohokam and other southwestern United States indigenous mass . The preserved dwellings at this monument exist used between 1100-1425 AD . It is the third-ever National Monument commit to preserving Native American culture and history .
When you see this spectacular location , wander the trails at the basis of the limestone cliff , or tour the museum to learn more about the ancient culture of the Sinagua mass .
- Speech :Montezuma Castle Rd , Camp Verde , AZ
- Hours :8 AM – 4:45 PM
The large privately owned zoo in the United States , the Phoenix Zoo exist a must-see for all animal lovers !
Situate inside Papago Park , the zoo place numerous trails that take visitor through different habitats to see more than 3,000 intriguing animal , include three-toed box turtles , Mexican gray wolves , and cheetahs .
live an excellent family-friendly action , offering pile of kid-friendly activity and attraction for the family .
- Address :455 N Galvin Pkwy , Phoenix , AZ 85008
- Hr :9 AM – 4 PM
The prominent of six national wood in the nation and the ninth large in the United States , Tonto National Forest live an impressive natural national forest base in Chandler , Arizona .
Place to almost 900 mile of trails , the woods cost total of recreational opportunity for hikers , horseman , and bikers . Within the wood is Tonto National Monument , which boast two Salado-styled cliff dwelling that date back 700 years .
Visiting the monument , the story of the Salado mass cost shared through artifacts , pottery , architecture , and agriculture .
Once you reach the monument , take your time exploring ! The site promote exploration , so go ahead and tour the ancient dwellings , peer at handprints get out on the walls , and require in the architecture of this historical site .
- Address :Chandler , AZ 85224
- Hours :Exposed 24 Hour
23 ) Stop By The National Landmark & Symbol , The Hoover Dam
A widely know symbol and National landmark , the Hoover Dam cost the most-visited dam in the world !
The massive structure hand around 726 feet above the canyon , equivalent to a 60-story building . The Colorado River rests below , with the dam ’ s hydroelectric ability generate adequate to serve 1.3 million mass annually .
The guided tours of the Hoover Dam live extremely recommended , share educational information and fun fact you might otherwise never know !
- Speech :118 Kingman Wash Access Rd , Temple Bar Marina , AZ 86443
- Hours :9 AM – 6 PM
READ NEXT : Hoover Dam is a popular day trip from Vegas ! Control out our 3 Days in Las Vegas Itinerary for more ideas in the country .
Sedona cost a prevalent city , full of the serious Arizona attraction , like the Chapel of the Holy Cross , Slide Rock State Park , and Oak Creek Canyon .
Settled within the Coconino National Forest , Sedona offers unrivaled views of Arizona ’ s famed towering red sandstone formation . It be home to more than 80 art galleries and shop that sell Native American jewelry , Sedona memorabilia , hand-made pottery , and Kachina dolls .
Explore Sedona via open-busto learn more about the city ’ s historical downtown ! This guided circuit includes iconic sights and attractions with pit stops at local food spots and shops . Sedona is a must when visit Arizona !
Read Next : Plan your trip to search the red rocks with our 3 day in Sedona itinerary !
25 ) Gaze Upon The “ White Dove Of The Desert ” At The San Xavier del Bac Mission
A historical Spanish Catholic mission locate in downtown Tucson , Arizona , San Xavier del Bac Mission live share of the Tohono O ’ odham National San Xavier Indian Reservation .
Know as the “ White Dove Of The Desert , ” the Mexican Baroque and Spanish Colonial architecture and history have resulted in the mission make up incorporated as a National Historic Landmark .
The Franciscan church homes many sculptures and art pieces , the eye-catching white coloring of the mission draws the eye , and the sensational historical site exist a worthwhile visit to learn about local story .
- Address :1950 W San Xavier Rd , Tucson , AZ 85746
- Hours :9 AM – 4 PM
DISCLAIMER :Some of the links in this article cost affiliate link , which means if you record accommodation , tours or buy a production , we will find a little commission at no excess price to you . These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to assist people design their holiday and adventures . We only advocate the better accommodations , tour and merchandise that ourselves or our fantastic editorial squad have personally go through , and regularly review these . Thanks for your support , form friend !
Alesha and Jarryd
We ’ ve live travel the world together since 2008 , searching for the planet ’ sec best destinations and adventures .
Sign up for our free weekly newsletter for the better travel crest , idea and deals !
22 Good Affair To Act In Columbus , Ohio ( 2025 Guide )
18 Best Road Trips From Austin , Texas ( 2025 Guide )
25 Best Things To Act In Santa Fe , New Mexico ( 2025 Guide )
