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

Oak Creek Canyon

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The road that winds 16 miles (26 kilometers) through leafy Oak Creek Canyon is the most scenic route between Sedona and Flagstaff or the Grand Canyon. With dramatic red rock formations to either side, the gorge is an outdoor playground for camping, fishing, hiking, picnicking, and swimming.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

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

Chapel of the Holy Cross

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Built directly into the side of a red-rock hill not far from downtown Sedona, the Chapel of the Holy Cross is a modern architectural marvel as well as a religious place for reflection. Visitors flock to the Roman Catholic chapel primarily to take in the outstanding views of Sedona’s awe-inspiring desert scenery.More

Old Town Scottsdale

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Old Town Scottsdale ranks among the Southwest’s top retail destinations, particularly for shoppers looking for Southwestern and Native American art and jewelry. The area is also home to the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Museum of the West, and the Scottsdale Historical Museum.More

Tlaquepaque Arts and Shopping Village

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Get a feel for the art scene of Sedona and pick up unique gifts at Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village. Located along the banks of Oak Creek, this picturesque outdoor shopping complex and artist community is home to more than 45 art galleries, boutiques, and specialty shops selling hand-made crafts and one-of-a-kind artistic creations.More

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

Desert View Watchtower

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Enjoy a sweeping panoramic view of the Grand Canyon from the historic Desert View Watchtower. Architect Mary Colter created the tower, built in the early 1930s, as an homage to the watchtowers built by the Ancestral Puebloan people who once inhabited the Four Corners area. The murals inside were painted by a local Hopi artist.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

Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument

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The red rim and colorful slopes of the Sunset Crater set it apart amongst the surrounding pine forests of Northern Arizona. The Sunset Crater erupted less than 1000 years ago, making it the youngest volcano on the Colorado Plateau. You can learn about the eruption’s effects on the landscape and historic populations on a visit to the park.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

Cathedral Rock

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This towering 4,965-foot (1,513-meter sandstone butte stands sentinel over Sedona’s red rock landscape. An icon of Arizona, its image is often emblazoned on postcards and tourist materials. The formation draws camera-toting visitors who want to capture the sight as well as hikers who trek up the short-but-steep Cathedral Rock Trail.More

Wupatki National Monument

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Roughly an hour from Flagstaff, Wupatki National Monument preserves more than 2,600 ancestral Puebloan sites. Abandoned 800 years ago, the most prominent structure is the Wupatki Pueblo, a 100-room ruin believed to be Northern Arizona's largest Puebloan structure. Today, four trails lead to seven pueblos and serve up views of red-rock wonders, prairies, and the San Francisco Peaks.More

Pima Air and Space Museum

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The Pima Air & Space Museum is one of the largest non-government aerospace museums in the world. Spread across 80 acres (32 hectares) and five indoor hangars, the grounds display some 125,000 artifacts and 300 aircraft, including the world’s smallest biplane, presidential planes, MiGs, a German buzz bomb, and an SR-71A Blackbird.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

Verde Canyon Railroad Adventure Package
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Lower Antelope Canyon Tour Ticket

Lower Antelope Canyon Tour Ticket

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Upper Antelope Canyon Ticket
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Upper Antelope Canyon Ticket

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$115.00
Morning Hot Air Balloon Ride Over Phoenix
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Lower Antelope Canyon Ticket
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Lower Antelope Canyon Ticket

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Guided Arizona Desert Tour by ATV - Centipede Tour
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Grand Canyon Signature Hummer Tour with Optional Sunset Views
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45-minute Helicopter Flight Over the Grand Canyon from Tusayan, Arizona
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Emerald Cave Kayak Tour with Optional Las Vegas Transportation
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Emerald Cave Kayak Tour with Optional Las Vegas Transportation

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Private Sedona Lil Rattler Jeep Tour
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Upper Antelope Canyon Ticket

Upper Antelope Canyon Ticket

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$115.00
Guided ATV Tour of Western Sedona

Guided ATV Tour of Western Sedona

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Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride in Phoenix with Breakfast
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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
105
Tours
985
Reviews
98,751
EN
45816337-62ae-4c37-ab5b-d2b41f29d640
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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?