Explore Things to do in Arizona
Arizona is what some might call an outdoor enthusiast’s playground. Not far from every major city you’ll find geologic wonders and natural beauty like nothing you’ve ever seen before.
From the Grand Canyon to the mammoth Phoenix Zoo there’s plenty to see and it all seems to be super-sized.
On a trip to Arizona bring along your sense of adventure because you’ll need it. Hiking, boating, fishing, kayaking, whitewater rafting, and backpacking are a few favorites.
Active travelers will have plenty to keep busy. Have your camera ready because this beautiful southwestern state offers some of the most breathtaking scenery around.
Grand Canyon National Park
It’s one of America’s most visited sites so a trip isn’t complete without a visit to the Grand Canyon National Park. Tourists visit the accessible South Rim with the most popular destinations.
The Grand Canyon is situated in Arizona’s northwestern quadrant. With millions of visitors making the trip to the canyon each year. Helicopter tours, mule rides and mountain bike rim trails offer other memorable ways to see the canyon in person.
There are two public areas of Grand Canyon National Park, the North and South Rims. At 7,000 feet above sea level, the Grand Canyon South Rim is the most accessible section of the national park. The Grand Canyon North Rim, 1,000 feet higher than its southern sibling, isn’t as popular because it is harder to get to.
Colorado River & Horseshoe Bend
The Colorado River is the main river in the southwest United States at 1450 miles long. It’s known for dramatic canyons and spectacular whitewater rapids.
Horseshoe Bend is the name of a meander shaped like a horseshoe in the Colorado River. This geologic wonder is 5 miles from Lake Powell. It is popular to view the section of river from atop the steep cliffs above at 4,200 feet above sea level.
Horseshoe Bend is situated around 5 miles downtown from the Glen Canyon Dam and Lake Powell. It is not in the Grand Canyon National Park but rather in the Glen Canyon National Recreational Area.
Meteor Crater
This popular attraction is exactly what it sounds like, a massive meteor crater in the Earth’s surface. The Crater is a whopping 4,000 feet in diameter. Discovered in the 19th century but it’s believed to be over 50,000 years old. Visit the world’s best-preserved meteorite impact site on Earth.
On a visit to Meteor Crater Natural Landmark, you’ll also find a visitor center that includes exhibits about meteorites and asteroids. The observation area with a view inside the rim of the crater and guided tours of the rim are available.
Phoenix Zoo
The Phoenix Zoo is the largest non-profit in the United States Explore the home of over 3,000 animals with nearly 400 species represented, including many threatened and endangered species. Inside are 2.5 miles of walking trails that access themed habits. Called Arizona, Africa, Tropics, and Children’s trails, each taking about 1 hour to complete.
Admire a variety of inhabitants, including Bornean Orangutans, Asian Elephants, Sumatran Tigers, Komodo Dragons, African Lions, and much more.
Multiple playgrounds, splashpads and exciting experiences like Stingray Bay, Monkey Village, Safari Cruiser, Scooter Pals and the Endangered Species Carousel make this a memorable experience for the whole family.
Lake Havasu State Park
This reservoir on the Colorado River between California and Arizona is one of Arizona’s premier vacation destinations. Lake Havasu State Park is an ideal place to enjoy beautiful beaches, nature trails, boat ramps, and convenient campsites.
Lake Havasu State Park is a beach oasis in the desert, making it the perfect year-round destination.
Lake Havasu City, a small town on the lake, is a popular vacation destination as well. The city founder purchased the original London Bridge and moved it to the lake, and it has since become a favorite visitor attraction.
Heard Museum
The unique museum located in Phoenix with a branch in Scottsdale and is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Affiliations program.
The museum’s 11 spacious exhibit galleries and beautiful outdoor courtyards feature outstanding traditional and contemporary American Indian art. The Heard Museum Shop offers an array of authentic Native art, while the Berlin Gallery features outstanding contemporary fine art for purchase.
The mission of Heard Museum is to educate the public about the heritage and culture of the Native people of America. Especially the people of the southwest.
Petrified Forest National Park
Visitors to this peculiar park taken aback by the strange and surreal surroundings. The forest is certainly worth a visit. Named for the large deposits of petrified wood spread throughout a 146-mile area in the Navajo and Apache counties.
At the Petrified Forest National Park, you’ll see loads of petrified wood, not to mention eye-popping views of The Painted Desert, which sweeps through the park. Two visitor centers the Painted Desert Visitor Center on the north and the Rainbow Forest Museum to the south. Both sides of the park are connected by the 28-mile-long Main Park Road, which winds past viewpoints, trailheads and other attractions.
Lowell Observatory at Flagstaff
Established in 1894, Lowell Observatory is one of the oldest observatories in the country and a National Historic Landmark. It’s the location of the telescope that discovered the dwarf planet Pluto in 1930 as well as many other discoveries.
A brand-new public observing plaza that features six advanced telescopes that showcase a wide range of celestial life. This will give you a viewing experience. The Clark telescope was built in 1896 and used to uncover the evidence of the expanding nature of the universe. This telescope and the building that houses it should not be missed!
Guided daytime tours and night tours with opportunities to view through the Clark Telescope and other telescopes are available. Lowell Observatory is a stop you definitely want to make time for when you visit Flagstaff, Arizona.
Sonora Desert Museum
This 98-acre museum in Tucson is one of the city’s biggest attractions. Guests will enjoy a Sonoran Desert experience which includes: an unforgettable fusion zoo, botanical garden, natural history museum, aquarium and art gallery.
Explore 21 acres with two miles of walking trails. Highlights include Stingray Touch, the Hummingbird Aviary, Warden Aquarium and Earth Sciences Center where guests descend into a replica limestone cave.
It’s focused on the plants and animals of the Sonoran Desert. One of the main attractions at the Sonora Desert Museum is a demonstration of Raptor Free Flight where raptors fly over the audience.
Red Rocks, Sedona
Like many of Arizona’s other famous sights this work of nature is a breathtaking beauty. Red Rocks is the name given to famous geologic structures throughout the city of Sedona and surrounding areas.
The nature preserve features picnic areas that invite visitors to enjoy the scenic beauty of the Arizona red rocks that surround them.
Some of the famous attractions include Cathedral Rock and Red Rock Crossing. Red Rock State Park has a visitor center with interpretive exhibits and a network of trails. Join a guided walk with a naturalist who shares details on the science behind the rock formations. Hike, bike, or horseback ride on trails winding through Sedona’s iconic red rock formations.
Things to do in Arizona
Whether you’re interested in viewing them from afar or throwing on your hiking boots and getting a little dirty, the natural wonders of Arizona can be enjoyed by all.
On a trip to this desert state, you can plan to see some of the biggest and best sights of America.