Desert adventures, red rock wonders, and wild western charm await in the Grand Canyon State.
Arizona is a land of awe-inspiring contrasts.
Towering saguaros stretch skyward from sun-soaked deserts, while alpine forests blanket the high country in cool tranquility.
From the cinematic landscapes of Monument Valley to the magical red rocks of Sedona, Arizona is an outdoor playground packed with bucket list-worthy experiences.
Whether you’re planning a road trip, weekend escape, or once-in-a-lifetime adventure, this curated list of 30 incredible things to do in Arizona will help you uncover the heart and soul of this stunning southwestern state.
1. Marvel at the Grand Canyon
One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the Grand Canyon is a must-see.
Hike down Bright Angel Trail, catch sunrise at Mather Point, or take a helicopter tour for epic aerial views.
Where: Grand Canyon National Park (South Rim)
2. Hike Through Antelope Canyon
This slot canyon near Page is known for its smooth, sculpted sandstone and dramatic shafts of sunlight.
Choose between Upper (easier, more light beams) or Lower Canyon (narrower and more adventurous).
Where: Page, Arizona (Navajo land)
Note: Guided tours required
3. Photograph Horseshoe Bend
A short hike leads to this jaw-dropping overlook of the Colorado River’s dramatic U-turn bend.
Bring a wide-angle lens and water—it gets hot!
Where: Page, AZ
Best Time: Sunset for glowing canyon walls
4. Soar in a Hot Air Balloon Over the Desert
Float peacefully over the Sonoran Desert as the sun rises, casting golden light over cacti and mesas.
Where: Phoenix or Scottsdale
Best Time: Sunrise tours year-round
5. Discover Sedona’s Red Rock Country
Sedona’s mystical red rock formations are great for hiking, mountain biking, and vortex seekers.
Try Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, or Devil’s Bridge trails.
Where: Sedona
Bonus: Book a vortex healing session or spa day
6. Explore Monument Valley
This iconic landscape on the Arizona–Utah border offers massive buttes, wide desert plains, and deep spiritual roots.
Take a guided tour with a Navajo local to learn its history.
Where: Navajo Nation, northeastern AZ
Fun Fact: Featured in many Western films
7. Kayak or Boat on Lake Powell
Surrounded by red cliffs and hidden coves, Lake Powell is an aquatic wonderland.
Rent a boat or join a tour to explore Rainbow Bridge National Monument.
Where: Glen Canyon Recreation Area
Activities: Houseboating, paddleboarding, swimming
8. Visit Petrified Forest National Park
Wander through colorful fossilized wood, painted desert vistas, and ancient petroglyphs.
It’s like walking on another planet.
Where: Near Holbrook, AZ
Highlights: Blue Mesa trail and Crystal Forest
9. See Giant Saguaros in Saguaro National Park
This Tucson-area park showcases towering saguaro cacti—some over 40 feet tall! Hike the Valley View Overlook or drive the scenic Bajada Loop.
Where: Tucson (East & West Districts)
10. Stand on the Edge of Meteor Crater
Over 50,000 years old, this giant impact site near Winslow is 3/4 of a mile wide and 550 feet deep.
Visit the museum and observation deck for perspective.
Where: Winslow, AZ
11. Drive the Apache Trail
One of Arizona’s most scenic backroads, it winds past lakes, canyons, and desert mountains.
Stop at Goldfield Ghost Town and Tortilla Flat along the way.
Where: Begins in Apache Junction
12. Trek the Superstition Mountains
Legend, gold, and rugged trails define this mountain range.
Try the Flatiron via Siphon Draw Trail for serious adventure.
Where: East of Phoenix
13. Stroll the Desert Botanical Garden
Explore over 50,000 plants from desert ecosystems worldwide, nestled in the heart of Phoenix.
Don’t miss it during the spring bloom or the magical winter luminaria nights.
Where: Papago Park, Phoenix
14. Ride the Verde Canyon Railroad
Sit back and soak in red rock canyon views aboard a vintage train, with open-air cars and narration on local history and wildlife.
Where: Clarkdale, AZ
15. Step Back in Time in Tombstone
This former silver-mining boomtown is pure Old West fun—gunfight reenactments, saloons, and historic sites.
Where: Southern Arizona
Must-See: O.K. Corral and Bird Cage Theatre
16. Discover Art in Scottsdale
From upscale galleries to public murals, Scottsdale is a hub for desert-inspired creativity.
Don’t miss Thursday ArtWalk in Old Town.
Where: Scottsdale Arts District
17. Hike to The Wave (with a Permit)
This surreal sandstone formation in the Vermilion Cliffs is ultra-exclusive—you must win a permit lottery.
But it’s worth every step.
Where: Coyote Buttes North
Permit: Required months in advance or via daily lottery
18. Visit Jerome, the Haunted Mining Town
Once the “Wickedest Town in the West,” Jerome is now a quirky artist colony.
Explore haunted hotels, wine bars, and a mining museum.
Where: Between Sedona and Prescott
19. Tour Kartchner Caverns
These living limestone caves offer underground wonders like 58-foot stalactites and glistening mineral formations.
Where: Benson, AZ
Book ahead: Tours often sell out
20. Gaze at the Stars in Flagstaff
Home to Lowell Observatory and a certified Dark Sky City, Flagstaff is perfect for stargazers and science buffs.
Where: Northern AZ
Must-Do: Nighttime telescope sessions
21. Stay in a Wigwam on Route 66
Channel your inner road-tripper by sleeping in a concrete teepee at Holbrook’s retro Wigwam Motel.
Where: Holbrook, AZ
Instagram Worthy: Yes!
22. Bike the Tucson Loop Trail
This 131-mile urban trail is ideal for cycling, walking, or running with gorgeous desert and mountain views.
Where: Tucson
23. Explore Taliesin West
Frank Lloyd Wright’s desert masterpiece blends architecture with the surrounding landscape.
Take a guided tour to learn about his legacy.
Where: Scottsdale
24. Slide into Summer at Slide Rock State Park
Cool off in Sedona by sliding down a natural rock water chute in Oak Creek Canyon—great for families!
Where: North of Sedona
Bring: Water shoes for the slick rocks
25. See Ancient Cliff Dwellings at Montezuma Castle
Marvel at well-preserved cliffside dwellings built by the Sinagua people over 800 years ago.
Where: Near Camp Verde, AZ
26. Taste Authentic Navajo Tacos
Made with frybread and savory toppings, these hearty dishes are a local staple on tribal lands.
Where: Look for food stands near Monument Valley, Tuba City, or Window Rock
27. Experience the Arizona State Fair
Rides, concerts, local crafts, and fried everything—it’s a lively celebration of Arizona’s culture and community.
Where: Phoenix (typically in October)
28. Wander Bisbee’s Artful Streets
Colorful, creative, and just a little weird, Bisbee is a former mining town turned artist enclave with steep hills, quirky shops, and great coffee.
Where: Southern Arizona, near the Mexico border
29. Watch Sunset at Cathedral Rock
A popular hike and spiritual hotspot in Sedona.
The view at sunset is absolutely magical, with fiery hues lighting up the red cliffs.
Where: Sedona
Tip: Bring a tripod for long exposures
30. Drive Route 66 Across Arizona
Classic diners, neon signs, and kitschy roadside attractions await on the Arizona stretch of this iconic road trip route.
Highlights: Winslow, Seligman, Hackberry General Store
Best Time to Visit Arizona: A Season-by-Season Guide
Arizona’s geography ranges from low desert to alpine peaks, making timing essential for getting the most out of your trip.
Spring (March to May)
- Why Go: Perfect weather across most of the state. Desert wildflowers bloom, and temperatures are ideal for hiking and outdoor sightseeing.
- Best For: Phoenix, Tucson, Sedona, Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, hiking.
Summer (June to August)
- Why Go: Best time for northern Arizona and high elevations like Flagstaff, the Mogollon Rim, and the White Mountains. Avoid the southern desert cities where it’s dangerously hot.
- Best For: Mountain getaways, lakes, stargazing in Flagstaff, rafting trips.
Fall (September to November)
- Why Go: Cooler temps return to the desert, while the high country explodes with autumn colors. It’s also a fantastic time for scenic drives and photography.
- Best For: Sedona’s fall foliage, hiking, road trips, National Parks.
Winter (December to February)
- Why Go: Warm desert days and chilly mountain nights make for a great seasonal escape. You might even see snow in Flagstaff or the Grand Canyon.
- Best For: Snowplay in Northern Arizona, golfing in Scottsdale, spa retreats, Tucson hikes.
Pro Tip: If you’re planning a multi-region trip, aim for March–May or September–October to balance weather in both desert and mountain regions.
Final Travel Tips for Arizona
- Stay Hydrated: Desert heat is intense. Always carry water and electrolytes.
- Respect Indigenous Lands: Many top sights are on tribal lands—follow local guidelines and support Native-owned businesses.
- Pack Layers: Arizona’s temps can swing wildly between day and night, especially in the mountains.
- Sun Protection is a Must: Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are your best friends—even in winter.
