Remote mountain area with cacti in Arizona, USA

Things to do in  Arizona

The desert is calling

Arizona may be best known as the home of Grand Canyon National Park—arguably the most famous attraction in the US. In addition to visiting this natural wonder, some of the best things to do in Arizona are rooted in American history and its own myth-making, from riding the original Route 66 and seeing the Wild West town of Tombstone to touring the Navajo-owned land of Antelope Canyon. The state’s paradisiacal deserts, mountain landscapes, and booming cities give travelers endless options for fun and outdoor adventure, including Saguaro National Park, Red Rock State Park, and Horseshoe Bend.

Top 15 attractions in Arizona

Grand Canyon Skywalk

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The Grand Canyon Skywalk—a horseshoe-shaped, glass-bottomed bridge that juts out 70 feet (20 meters) above one of America’s most scenic sites—is not for the faint-hearted. Situated 4,000 feet (1,220 meters) above the Grand Canyon, the Skywalk offers unreal panoramic views of the West Rim and Colorado River.More

Montezuma Castle National Monument

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One of the most well-preserved ruins in North America, the 1,000-year-old Montezuma Castle was once home to ancient farmers known as the Sinagua Indians. Although the majestic ruins were given a “castle” title, they were actually a multi-family cliff dwelling. In 1906, the site was declared one of the United States’ first national monuments.More

Apache Trail

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Originally built as a copper trade route, the Apache Trail now guides travelers past steep desert mountains, cliff dwellings, lake shores, eroded canyons, and old mining towns. This scenic road winds 120 miles (193 kilometers) through Arizona’s Superstition Mountains, from the outskirts of Phoenix to the vast Theodore Roosevelt Lake.More

Arizona Science Center

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The Arizona Science Center, set within picturesque Heritage and Science Park in Downtown Phoenix, comprises 140,000 square feet (13,000 square meters) of hands-on exhibits designed to educate and entertain. The complex also includes a planetarium and 5-story-tall screen within the Irene P. Flinn Theater.More

Camelback Mountain

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Visible throughout most of Phoenix, Camelback Mountain rises 2,704 feet (824 meters) above the Sonoran Desert. The red sandstone formation gets its name from its resemblance to a resting camel, and it’s one of the metro area’s most popular spots for hiking, rock climbing, and other outdoor adventures.More

Desert Botanical Gardens

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Make your way to Phoenix’s Papago Park to find one of the largest and most unique collections of desert plant life in the world. Stretching over 140 acres (57 hectares), the Desert Botanical Garden is home to hundreds of rare and endangered plant species from around the globe.More

Heritage Square

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Occupying one of the oldest residential areas in Phoenix, Heritage Square comprises 10 fully restored Victorian buildings dating back to the original townsite in the 19th and 20th centuries. Visitors can tour house museums, dine at award-winning restaurants, or even catch a ballgame at Chase Field next door.More
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Mystery Castle

Mystery Castle

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Mystery Castle is located in South Phoenix, in the foothills of South Mountain Park. Boyce Luther Gulley, who moved to the southwest to treat his tuberculosis, built the castle in the 1930s for his daughter, Mary Lou. Today, it is considered a Phoenix Point of Pride, one of 33 attractions representing the best of Phoenix.More

Phoenix Zoo

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Founded by Robert E. Maytag in 1962, the Phoenix Zoo is one of the largest non-profit zoos in the United States—home to some 3,000 animals living across 125 acres (51 hectares) of naturalistic exhibit space. Thirty of the zoo’s resident species are considered endangered or threatened.More

Colorado River

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The Colorado River is a spectacular sight to see, meandering for 1,447 miles (2,330 kilometers) with red rocks and canyons framing it on both sides, leading up to the Hoover Dam. The Colorado River is one of the major water sources for California and Nevada, and, not surprisingly, is a major recreational destination—activities on the river include hiking, biking, rafting, and boating.More

Grand Canyon South Rim

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The South Rim is the most popular area of Grand Canyon National Park, boasting easy access to the canyon, the bulk of available amenities and services, and the panoramic vistas for which the natural wonder is famous. One of the great natural wonders of the world, the rim offers stellar views over the Colorado River and easy access to top hiking trails such as the Bright Angel Trail and the South Kaibab Trail.More

Bright Angel Point

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Bright Angel Point is the most popular viewpoint on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, offering views of Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim and Roaring Springs some 3,000 feet (914 meters) below. The easy paved Bright Angel Point trail leads to the spot, with panoramic views of Grand Canyon National Park unfolding along the way.More

Grand Canyon West Rim

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The Grand Canyon's West Rim, located just outside Grand Canyon National Park, is home to the vast Hualapai Indian Reservation and includes 108 miles (173 kilometers) of picturesque canyon views. The closest section of the canyon to Las Vegas, the West Rim is famous for the lofty Grand Canyon Skywalk, Guano Point, and Eagle Point.More

Hualapai Ranch

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The Hualapai have been living in the Grand Canyon area for generations, and today the tribe offers some of the area’s best experiences at Hualapai Ranch. Enjoy cowboy shows, cookouts, and wagon rides; visit Indian Village to learn fascinating history; and brave the Skywalk, a platform extending 70 feet (21 meters) out over the canyon.More

Mather Point

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With its panoramic Grand Canyon views, Mather Point is one of the most visited spots in Grand Canyon National Park. The multitier viewing platform is perched on a rocky outcropping near the South Rim entrance and a short walk from a visitor center. Walk nearby trails to reach multiple vantage points and photo opportunities along the rim.More

Top activities in Arizona

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All about Arizona

When to visit

In a state that gets more than 300 days of sunshine—and four distinct seasons—any time of year is peak season at some destination in Arizona. Visitors flock to the state for its temperate climate in spring and fall, especially for spring training in Phoenix. Higher elevation spots, such as Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon, enjoy snow in winter and somewhat cooler temperatures in summer.

Getting around

With Route 66, iconic roadway stops, and endless highways that head into the horizon, Arizona is the quintessential roadtrip state, making a car, RV, or motorcycle the best way to travel. For certain destinations, including Verde Canyon and Grand Canyon, transport on vintage rail cars offer a throwback experience. For those without a vehicle, city-to-city transport is best done by long-distance bus, but once in Tucson or Phoenix, walking, biking, light rail, and street car options abound.

Traveler tips

Arizona truly has it all. Active adventure, resorts, leisure, road trips, and cultural experiences are plentiful. However, its unique food scene—a mix of indigenous, Mexican, and Sonoran influences going back 4,000 years—is often overlooked. Sonoran dogs, Navajo tacos, and Mexican raspados are just a sampling of its culinary treats. The state's farmers markets, indigenous dining options, craft cocktail scene, unique ingredients, and the UNESCO-designated City of Gastronomy of Tucson are ripe for exploring.

Local Currency
US Dollar ($)
Time Zone
MST (UTC -7)
Country Code
+1
Language(s)
English
Attractions
103
Tours
981
Reviews
98,304
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People Also Ask

What is the number 1 attraction in Arizona?

The Grand Canyon, a US National Park, is the state’s most iconic tourist attraction and one of the most important natural wonders in the world. The massive gorge features red rocks that tower above the Colorado River, with various viewpoints along the South and North rims of the canyon.

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What is the funnest thing to do in Arizona?

One of the most fun things to do in Arizona is enjoy the great outdoors. The state sees beautiful weather and lots of sunshine year-round, making it easy to explore the state’s national and state parks under sunny skies. Top attractions include the Grand Canyon, Sedona, Lake Havasu, and Saguaro National Park.

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When should I go to Arizona?

For the best weather, visit most of Arizona in the spring, winter, or autumn. The summer months of June, July, and August are extremely hot and occasionally see monsoon storms. However, northern Arizona isn’t too hot in the summer and sometimes sees snow in winter.

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What are 3 things Arizona is famous for?

Arizona is famous for the Grand Canyon, a US National Park whose massive gorge features red rocks that tower above the Colorado River. The state is also home to an estimated 1.9 million saguaro cacti. It’s known for its Mexican food, thanks to its proximity to the Mexican-American border.

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What do people do on vacation in Arizona?

Most people like to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, biking, or walking when vacationing in Arizona. Visiting the Grand Canyon National Park is a popular trip activity, and Lake Havasu State Park is also a busy destination. Visitors also like to explore cities including Phoenix and Tucson in southern Arizona.

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What’s the most popular thing in Arizona?

The most popular things to do in Arizona involve enjoying the vast and beautiful natural wonders the state offers, such as the Grand Canyon National Park, Sedona, Monument Valley, and the Hoover Dam. The state has 18 different national monuments, many of which provide access for outdoor recreational activities. And because it’s sunny and warm almost year-round, walking, hiking, biking, and golfing are everyday activities.

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Frequently Asked Questions
The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Q:
What are the top things to do in Arizona?
Q:
What are the top activities in Arizona?