cool places to visit in arizona during summer

13 coolest summer things to do around Arizona

The coolest thing about the Arizona landscape is its diversity — you can find a comfortable retreat any time of the year. In the summer, that usually means traveling to higher elevations. Just a few hours on the road can turn a hot summer day into a cool retreat. Here are some ideas for beating the heat in Arizona's high country.

Summer Scenic Skyride

Take a ride to the top of an extinct volcano, where a Forest Service ranger will answer your questions on the biology and geology of the region. The summit is 11,500 feet in elevation — so bring a jacket — and offers for breathtaking views of northern Arizona and beyond.

Details: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Fridays-Sundays through mid-October. Open Mondays on holiday weekends. From Flagstaff, drive 7 miles northwest on U.S. 180 to Snowbowl Road. Turn right and go 7 miles to the lodge. $15, $10 for 8-12 and 65-69, free for age 7 or younger and for age 71 or older. 928-779-1951, arizonasnowbowl.com .

Lava River Cave

This mile-long lava-tube cave was formed roughly 700,000 years ago by molten rock that erupted from a volcanic vent in nearby Hart Prairie. The top, sides and bottom of the flow cooled and solidified first, after which the insides of the lava river continued to flow, emptying out the cave. Dress appropriately, with warm clothes and sturdy shoes. The cave is as cool as 42 degrees even in summer, and you may even find some ice inside. The rocks are always sharp and slippery, too. Bring two or three sources of light in case one fails; it can be very dark just a mile in.

Details: Drive 9 miles north of Flagstaff on U.S. 180 and turn west on Forest Road 245 (at milepost 230). Continue 3 miles to FR171 and turn south 1 mile to where FR 171B turns left a short distance to Lava River Cave. fs.usda.gov/wps .

Scenic lift rides

Sunrise Park Resort, between Pinetop-Lakeside and Eagar-Springerville, has plenty of things to do in summer. The ski resort, owned and operated by the White Mountain Apache Tribe, offers scenic chairlift rides and mountain-bike rentals. Bikers can use the lift to carry their bikes up Sunrise Mountain, then cruise down ski trails with such cool names as Collarbone, Slippery Rocks, Pile, Yard Sale and Easy Out.

Details: Lifts run 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. About 28 miles east of Pinetop-Lakeside on Arizona 273. Call for bike-rental rates. A $20 mountain-bike pass and helmet are required (bring yours or rent one). Lift tickets are $10 for non-bikers and $5 for age 65 or older and age 12 or younger. 928-735-7669. sunriseskipark.com .

Mogollon Rim camping

You won't need much help finding a great campground on or below the Mogollon Rim: Just look for the little tent symbol on your map, or drive around until you find one. But for those who need more focus, consider Alderwood Campground on Haigler Creek, a water-chiseled canyon popular for its trout fishing and swimming holes. No drinking water available.

To get there, take Arizona 260 from Payson 24 miles and turn right on Forest Road 291. Drive 3 miles and turn right on FR 200. Continue 6 miles through Haigler Canyon Recreation Site to FR 202A. Turn right and follow this unpaved road for half a mile to the site. Better yet, find your own special place. For those willing to haul in their water and haul out their trash, the national forests offer lots of dispersed camping. Observe all fire restrictions.

Still looking for ideas? See the Arizona Highways Camping Guide: 100 of the Best Campgrounds in Arizona , by Kelly Vaughn Kramer, (Arizona Highways, 2013, $22.95).

Details: fs.usda.gov/recarea/tonto , arizonahighways.com/outdoors/camping.asp .

Grasshopper Point

Nestled in Oak Creek Canyon is a large swimming hole known as Grasshopper Point, a day-use site that's popular with swimmers and picnickers alike. The swimming hole is shaded and cool. Cliff jumping and diving are discouraged because of hidden rocks and the varying depth of the water. Three popular trails are accessible from the Grasshopper Point parking lot; Allen's Bend goes north and connects with Casner Canyon Trail; it also goes south and connects with Huckaby Trail. No camping, fires, pets or glass. Bring your own drinking water.

Details: Drive north from Sedona for about 2 miles on U.S. 89A. Grasshopper Point will be on the eastern side of the highway. fs.usda.gov/wps .

Tonto Natural Bridge State Park

Tonto Natural Bridge is an impressive span: Standing 183 feet high over a 400-foot-long tunnel that measures 150 feet wide, it's believed to be the largest natural travertine bridge in the world. Prospector David Gowan, the first White man to document the bridge, hid out in a cave beneath the span while being chased by Apaches. Despite that unfriendly welcome, Gowan claimed squatter's rights to the land and persuaded his family to emigrate from Scotland to settle there. The half-mile Gowan Loop Trail leads down the bank of the creek — and several steep flights of steps — to an observation deck near the tunnel under the bridge. Two other short trails provide good views of the park's features.

Details: 10 miles north of Payson off Arizona 87. 928-476-4202, azstateparks.com/Parks/TONA .

Woods Canyon Lake

Woods Canyon Lake covers 158 acres atop the Mogollon Rim east of Payson. Because of its proximity to the Valley, it's enormously popular during summer. Woods Canyon has a store and boat rentals, and is regularly stocked with trout. The Woods Canyon Lake Trail is an easy, mostly flat 5.5-mile loop around the water. Camping options include nearby Aspen and Spillway campgrounds. Swimming is not allowed.

Details: From Payson, take Arizona 260 about 35 miles east to Forest Road 300 and turn west. 928-333-4301, fs.fed.us/r3/asnf .

Grand Canyon North Rim

Yes, it takes seven or eight hours to get there from Phoenix. And it's open only from mid-May to mid-November. But you're really missing out if you've seen the Grand Canyon only from the South Rim. The North Rim has less development and fewer services, and even on a busy day, it doesn't feel as crammed. Have lunch at Grand Canyon Lodge and drink in the view. Relax on a leather sofa in the glass-walled lounge or in one of the rocking chairs on the patio.

Trails as short as a quarter-mile lead to awe-inspiring views. (There are plenty of longer trails, too.) And where most of the trails at the South Rim go into the canyon, many at the North Rim stay on top. There are scenic drives and overlooks aplenty. Treat yourself to a night in a Western Cabin, with two queen beds and a front porch. Other cabins are available, as are motel rooms and a campground. Reservations go fast.

Details: 928-638-7888, nps.gov/grca . 877-386-4383, grandcanyonlodgenorth.com

Chiricahua Mountains

For a lesser-known wildlife destination, consider a visit to Portal, a tiny community on the eastern edge of the Chiricahuas in southeastern Arizona. The Chiricahuas, where the Apache chief Cochise hid from the "long knives," is a wonderland of bizarre rock formations and craggy canyons. Portal is near the New Mexico state line, in an area that doesn't have many highways.

Unless you take a long ride on some scenic gravel back roads, you have to drive a few miles into New Mexico, through the town of Rodeo, then turn west back into Arizona to get to Portal. Cave Creek Ranch is a relaxing getaway. Rooms start at $95. A large room with a kitchenette and beautiful river-rock fireplace starts at $135. Cottages start at $140 per night.

Details: Take Interstate 10 east 243 miles to New Mexico 80, turn south and drive 28 miles to Portal Road, then turn west for 7 miles. fs.usda.gov/wps . 855-558-2334, cavecreekranch.com . For more about things to do in Portal, go to portalarizona.com .

This hub of activity is one of the most popular lakes in the White Mountains. There's a store with supplies and boat rentals. Four campgrounds ring the lake, and several others are a few miles away. There are campsites for everything from a two-person tent to an 82-foot rig. You can fish for rainbow, brook, cutthroat and Apache trout, and hiking opportunities abound. Motors are limited to 10 horsepower. The lake is in the Big Lake Recreation Area of Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, off Arizona 261 about 26 miles southwest of Eagar.

Details: 928-521-1387, biglakeaz.com ; fs.usda.gov/asnf .

This 1,500-acre reservoir was created for irrigation, but it also serves as a state park with boating and camping facilities. The lake, 6,000 feet above sea level, is fed by snowmelt from Mount Baldy and Escudilla Mountain. Lyman Lake is one of the few places in northeastern Arizona with no size restrictions on boats, but you have to bring your own — no rentals are available.

The western end of the lake is a designated no-wake area for anglers. The lake is stocked with walleye, catfish and largemouth bass. There also is a designated swimming area. The park has a campground for tents and RVs, along with several yurts and four cabins with air-conditioning. At-large camping is allowed in some areas.

Details: The park is off U.S. 180-191, about 15 miles north of Springerville. 928-337-4441, azstateparks.com/Parks/LYLA .

Hawley Lake

This lake, on the Fort Apache Reservation, looks out on hills of spruce, aspen and pine. Hawley is one of the more scenic and easily accessible lakes on the reservation. It's a great summer getaway, offering a campground and rental cabins.

The lake is known for rainbow trout, but it also holds Apache, brook and brown trout. A $9 tribal license is required to fish on the reservation. Buy one online at wmatoutdoors.org or at Sportsman's Warehouse locations around the Valley. Check tribal regulations and have a map before traveling on the reservation.

Details: Hawley Lake, about 30 miles east of Show Low, is reached by Arizona 260, then south on Arizona 473. Recreation, 928-338-4385, wmatoutdoors.org . Cabin rentals, 928-369-1753, wmat.nsn.us/hawley cabins.html .

Play in the pines

The Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course is a playground in the trees for kids and adults. Roped bridges and logs, Tarzan ropes, zip lines, nets, tightropes, climbing walls — the course is designed to test your stamina, agility, problem-solving skills and mental toughness. It's also just plain fun. The highest part of the course is about 60 feet off the ground.

Details: Open daily through Sept. 10. Groups start the course every 30 minutes, beginning at 8:30 or 9 a.m. Fort Tuthill County Park, 3 miles south of Flagstaff off Interstate 17. $45 for the full course for age 16 or older, $25 for ages 7-11. Spots can be reserved online. 888-259-0125, flagstaffextreme.com .

Escape the heat: Discover the coolest places to visit in Arizona this summer

As someone who has lived in Arizona for many years, I know firsthand how brutal the summers can be. With temperatures regularly exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit, it can be difficult to find relief from the scorching heat. That’s why I’m excited to share some of the coolest places to visit in Arizona this summer. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, these destinations offer a welcome respite from the heat and a chance to explore the diverse landscapes and cultures of this beautiful state.

Why finding cool places to visit is important

Before we dive into the specific destinations, let’s talk about why it’s important to find cool places to visit during an Arizona summer. Not only is the heat uncomfortable, but it can also be dangerous.

Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are serious conditions that can result in hospitalization or even death. By seeking out cooler destinations, you can reduce your risk of heat-related illness and enjoy your time in Arizona to the fullest.

Additionally, Arizona is home to a variety of unique landscapes and cultures that are often overlooked by visitors who only see the state as a hot, dry desert. By exploring the cooler destinations, you’ll get a chance to experience the diversity of Arizona and gain a greater appreciation for all that this state has to offer.

Cool places to visit in northern Arizona

Let’s start with the northern part of the state, which is generally cooler than the southern regions. Up next are some of my top picks for cool places to visit in Northern Arizona.

Sedona – Home of red rocks and vortexes

Sedona is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to escape the heat. Not only is the city surrounded by stunning red rock formations, but it’s also known for its vortexes, which are said to have healing and spiritual properties .

Whether you believe in the power of vortex energy or not, there’s no denying that Sedona has a unique and captivating energy that draws visitors from all over the world.

One of the best ways to experience Sedona is by hiking one of the many trails in the area. Some of my favorites include Cathedral Rock , Bell Rock , and Devil’s Bridge . If exploring nature isn’t your thing, there are also plenty of shops, galleries, and restaurants in town to explore.

Insider’s tip: When temperatures rise, locals hike to The Crack swimming hole on Wet Beaver Creek near Sedona

Want to discover unique places? Book a guided tour with one of these Sedona area experts.

Flagstaff – Hiking and outdoor Activities

Flagstaff is another cool destination in Northern Arizona that’s perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. The city sits at an elevation of over 7,000 feet, which means temperatures rarely exceed 80 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer months. Flagstaff is surrounded by the Coconino National Forest, which offers endless opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and camping .

Hundreds of hiking trails meander through and away from the city, including the Arizona National Scenic Trail , which winds 800 total miles from Arizona’s southern border (Mexico) to northern border (Utah).

One of the most popular attractions in Flagstaff is the Lowell Observatory , where you can learn about astronomy and view the stars through powerful telescopes. The city also has a vibrant historic downtown area with shops, restaurants, and breweries to explore on the nostalgic Route 66.

Grand Canyon – The Ultimate Cool Destination

No list of cool places to visit in Arizona would be complete without mentioning the Grand Canyon. While temperatures can still be warm during the day, the cool breezes and lower humidity make it a much more comfortable experience than other parts of the state. Plus, the breathtaking views of one of the world’s natural wonders make it worth braving the heat.

There are plenty of ways to explore the Grand Canyon , from hiking and camping to helicopter tours and mule rides. If you’re looking for a unique and unforgettable experience, consider taking a rafting trip down the Colorado River, which offers a completely different perspective of the canyon.

Short on time? Book a tour for a Grand Canyon experience you’ll cherish for a lifetime.

Cool Places to Visit in Southern Arizona

While Southern Arizona is generally warmer than the northern regions, there are still plenty of cool destinations to explore. Next up are two of my top picks.

Tucson – Vibrant culture and scenic hiking trails

Tucson is a vibrant city with a rich cultural heritage and plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. One of the best things about Tucson is its proximity to the Santa Catalina Mountains , which offer miles of scenic hiking trails and stunning views of the city below.

In town, you can explore historic neighborhoods like Barrio Viejo , which is filled with colorful adobe homes and vibrant street art. The city also has a thriving food and drink scene, with plenty of restaurants, bars, and breweries to choose from.

Traveling solo? Book a tour with one of these trusted operators.

Bisbee – Quirky small-town charm

Bisbee is a quirky little town in the southern part of the state that’s known for its small-town charm and artistic community. The town is built into the hillsides and features colorful Victorian homes, unique shops, and galleries. Bisbee is also home to the Lavender Pit , an old copper mine that’s been turned into a unique attraction known as the Queen Mine Tour .

One of the best ways to experience Bisbee is by taking a walking tour of the town, which will give you a chance to learn about its history and culture. There are also plenty of restaurants and cafes in town to grab a bite to eat and soak up the charming atmosphere.

Plan your cool Arizona getaway

As you can see, there are plenty of cool places to visit in Arizona this summer. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, spiritual experiences, or quirky small towns, there’s something for everyone in this diverse and beautiful state. So start planning your Arizona getaway today and escape the heat in style.

Book your cool Arizona getaway today and experience all the beauty and diversity this state has to offer.

About your guide

Since moving to Arizona in 2012, I’ve logged hundreds of miles on hiking trails and byways. After one particular hike to the falls of Havasupai in the Grand Canyon, I became obsessed with exploring the many natural wonders of Arizona.

Now I love sharing some of my most fascinating discoveries with others.

Arizona Bucket List Adventure Guide & Journal details my top 50 natural wonders.

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Adventure Travel With a Glass of Wine

11 Things to do in Summer in Arizona

By Jennifer Dombrowski 19 Comments

When the Arizona temperatures soar, instincts tell you to run for the nearest air conditioned anything. But the heat doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the scenic Grand Canyon State. After six years of living in Arizona, we’re still discovering awesome things to do. To get you started, here’s our list of 10 things to do in summer in Arizona:

1. Take a Ride to Tortilla Flat

We first heard about Tortilla Flat when the remnant of an Arizona ghost town made the news for being on sale on eBay for a cool $1 million. It has a population of just six people but there is often a wait of up to an hour for a table in the Superstition Saloon and Restaurant. Dollar bills signed by people from around the world are crudely stapled to the walls and ceiling and real saddles serve as seats at the wooden bar. Well worth the long wait, the restaurant boasts the biggest burgers and hottest chilli around. Both are delicious! And before you head out, pay a visit to the Country Store for a scoop of their world famous prickly pear ice cream.

Tortilla Flat is open June 1 – September 30 Monday – Friday from 9am – 5pm, October 1 – May 31 Monday – Friday from 9am – 6pm and year round Saturdays and Sundays from 9am – 7pm.

2. Get Your Heart Racing on a Sedona Pink Jeep Tour

Technically, we made our own Sedona Pink Jeep Tour with Tim’s lifted Jeep and hit the Red Rocks of Sedona on a few off-roading adventures during our years living in Arizona. We even took my friend, Jackie, on our version of the Sedona Pink Jeep Tour when she visited from Pennsylvania (where we spotted an actual Pink Jeep Tour). Towering canyon walls surround you and my heart would pound every time we descended “The Staircase”. Be sure to stretch your legs and take in the views, and if you go with your own off-road Jeep, pack a picnic!

Sedona Pink Jeep Tours start at $120 per person.

3. Catch a Foul Ball at a Dbacks Game

Okay, so we had season tickets for three years and neither of us has actually ever caught a foul ball. But we’ve seen plenty of others get one! No matter, an Arizona Diamondbacks game is great fun and air conditioned Chase Field is a great place to escape the heat for a few hours. On nice nights, the roof retracts and Friday night games feature a fireworks display and a post-game concert.

Not a season ticket holder? No problem! We always find great deals on lower level seats on StubHub .

4. Kayak the Verde River

The Verde River is public land and open to anyone for kayaking. But if you don’t have your own equipment, check out Sedona Adventure Tours. Better yet, Sedona Adventure Tours combines ducky kayak fun on the mini rapids of the Verde River with wine tasting on their Water to Wine tour. The rapids are ones that anyone can do – I survived without falling in after all – and the ducky kayaks are incredibly stable. There’s usually a nice breeze on the river and if you happen to get hot, guides will usually look the other way if you “accidentally” fall in the river to cool off.

Sedona Adventure Tours Water to Wine Tour starts at $97.25 per person. Must be 21 years or older for this tour.

5. Hit the Arizona Wine Trails

Both Northern and Southern Arizona have a number of wineries and they all have various festivals like blessings of their vineyards, camping under the stars, and other celebrations that involve lots of wine. There’s nothing like a nice glass of wine to cool you off on a hot Arizona summer day! Stop in at some of my favorites: Arizona Hops and Vines in Sonoita, who pairs their wines with different chips and cheetos (try the Moxy) or Bitter Creek Winery clinging to the cliff-side in Jerome with a stellar view over the old copper mine (try the Crusader).

6. Gunfight at the O.K. Corral in Tombstone

Relive the Old West as the Earp Brothers re-enact the famous gunfight at the O.K. Corral. See printing history in the Tombstone Epitaph building, where the oldest continuously published paper in Arizona is still being printed. After touring the old buildings of the “Town Too Tough to Die”, stop in for a drink or to play dress up at Big Nose Kate’s Saloon.

The Gunfight at the O.K. Corral takes place daily at 2pm.

7. Hike Piestewa (Squaw) Peak

I know what you’re thinking. Am I out of my mind for suggesting you go hiking in the middle of Phoenix in summer ?! Yes! You’ll have to get up early to beat the heat, but the 1,100 foot climb offers amazing views over the Valley of the Sun around every bend on this one mile climb. Although the summit is only two miles round trip, be sure to bring a lot of water (and freeze an extra to keep in the car for a cold drink after the hike) as it is a taxing two miles.

Top 10 Arizona Hikes

8. beat the heat underground at kartchner caverns.

Inside Kartchner Caverns, it is a cool 70°F year round. Go deep beneath the ground on the Rotunda/Throne Tour, which is about 1.5 hours in length. Marvel at the stalactites and stalagmites formed from water flowing deep below the Sonoran Desert and maybe even see a few cave creatures like bats!

Kartchner Caverns guided tours are $22.95 per person and $12.95 for children 7 – 13 years of age. Note that you are not allowed to bring anything into the caves; lockers are available to store personal items.

9. Visit the USA’s Largest Ghost Town: Jerome

Not so ghostly anymore, this once thriving copper mining camp had a population of around 15,000 in its heyday. Nowadays, just 450 live in Jerome , but they’ve turned the former copper camp into a thriving a kitschy town of art galleries, shops, wineries, and restaurants all clinging to the cliff named Cleopatra Hill.

10. Find Some Shade at the Botanical Gardens

Arizona has a number of botanical gardens you can visit. I like the Tohono Chul Park botanical gardens in Oro Valley, which combine desert flora with desert fauna in art. Stroll through the park’s ever changing art collection and find a bit of shade near the babbling brook. After, duck into the air conditioned Garden Bistro for afternoon tea or lunch on the patio.

Tohono Chul Park is open daily 9am – 5pm. Admission is is $8 per adult and discounted for students and active military members.

Discover Scottsdale with CityHUNT

11. CityHUNT Scottsdale Scavenger Hunt

Want a fun, adventurous tour of Scottsdale that is unique to anything you’ve experienced? CityHUNT will organize a scavenger hunt that lets you experience intriguing sites that you likely do not even know exist! CityHunt’s scavenger hunts can be specifically designed for corporate events to improve team building, as well as for birthday parties or bachelorette parties. Each scavenger hunt is created according to your needs, giving you a unique adventure that you’ll never forget.

It really is a dry heat! (Though you’ll find a cheesy tshirt making a joke of the dry heat, I’d take 110°F and 20% humidity over 85°F and 90% humidity any day.) Just stay hydrated and hit the road to any of these great things to do in summer in Arizona!

Loved this post? We love when you share our content! ~ Jen & Tim

About Jennifer Dombrowski

Jennifer Dombrowski is an independent travel publisher and an American expat who has lived in Bordeaux, France since 2016. She previously lived in Northern Italy in a small village near Venice for seven years where she fell in love with wine and wine tourism. She is an award-winning travel writer. She is also a travel correspondent on Traveling on the American Forces Radio Network. Luxe Adventure Traveler was named one of the top travel blogs to watch by the Huffington Post and TripAdvisor, and has been featured by top publications such as National Geographic, CNN, Buzzfeed, and Business Insider. Jennifer's photography has also been featured on publications such as USA Today and Travel + Leisure and on the Travel Channel.

Marlene Dombrowski says

May 17, 2013 at 11:13 AM

great ideas and fun things to do.

marlene says

May 17, 2013 at 1:14 PM

lots of fun things to do . thanks for all the info.

Shalu Sharma says

May 18, 2013 at 2:36 PM

Looks like a lot of fun is to be had in Arizona. I have heard of kayaking the Verde River, sounds like a lot of fun out there. Must do it some day.

Jennifer Dombrowski says

May 22, 2013 at 10:05 PM

There are quite a lot of fun things to do in Arizona. Hope you make it there one day soon!

Shanna Schultz says

May 18, 2013 at 3:46 PM

I had no idea that there were so many unique things to do in Arizona! I shamefully admit that my experience of Arizona doesn’t extend much beyond the Grand Canyon. I have always wanted to visit Sedona, and the “Water and Wine” tour sounds like a great time! Thanks for the great tips!

May 22, 2013 at 10:06 PM

There is definitely much more to Arizona than the Grand Canyon. I’m even kicking myself that we didn’t explore even more during the years we lived there.

Andrea says

May 19, 2013 at 3:47 PM

Arizona is high on my list!

May 22, 2013 at 10:07 PM

It’s a pretty cool state! Did you know there was even a Civil War battle fought in Arizona?!

Yvonne says

May 19, 2013 at 10:34 PM

Seems like I have to put Arizona on my bucket list! great post!

May 22, 2013 at 10:08 PM

Thanks, Yvonne! You should definitely visit. 🙂

Christy says

May 21, 2013 at 2:59 AM

Arizona is a place we really want to explore, but it just always seems to get put on the back burner! There is so much beauty here and we don’t live that far away. Thanks for the ideas.

May 22, 2013 at 10:10 PM

Oh, you should definitely pop over. Now I need to get Tim to write about the top hikes in Arizona. There are some really, really beautiful spots when you hike!

Jennie says

June 3, 2013 at 6:20 PM

when I lived in Tucson, I always enjoyed hiking Sabino Canyon, and my favorite place to eat was Pinnacle Peak Steakhouse…no ties allowed at Pinnacle Peak, the walls are decorated with the ties people wore that got cut off!

June 4, 2013 at 11:32 PM

That sounds like a really fun steakhouse, Jennie! Arizona also has a lot of great places to hike.

Cathy Sweeney says

June 4, 2013 at 3:40 AM

I love Arizona and these sound like great things to do. Hiking the peaks around the Phoenix area is definitely fun. I think that going to the ballpark is a great thing to do — I always enjoy going to AT&T Park here in San Francisco. Not just for the baseball, but for food, drink, views and people watching.

June 4, 2013 at 11:35 PM

I agree, Cathy! I don’t really like watching baseball on tv, but I love going to the games. It’s about the whole experience!

Lauren@GreenGlobalTravel says

July 18, 2013 at 8:37 PM

A walk through a ghost town and a wine vineyard, I didn’t know Arizona was such a lively place! Thanks for opening my eyes. Thanks for posting.

July 20, 2013 at 8:18 AM

There’s quite a lot of Eco-adventures to be had in Arizona! It’s definitely a great place for outdoor enthusiasts to live.

Marily says

June 11, 2014 at 11:34 PM

Thanks for the fun list! Check out our site if you are looking for more things to do in AZ.

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21 Best Places to Visit in Arizona (AZ Bucket List!)

Home to some of the most iconic and otherwordly landscapes in the American Southwest, not to mention plenty of towns and cities to explore, it’s safe to say that tackling all of the best places to visit in Arizona is quite the challenge.

After visiting Arizona many times, we still leave each time with an ever-longer list of hikes, viewpoints, small towns, and quirky attractions that we hope to enjoy (and plenty that we hope to return to again and again).

This AZ bucket list is designed to help you make the most of your time in The Grand Canyon State!

Whether you want to hike in the iconic Grand Canyon, check into a relaxing resort in Scottsdale, stand in awe of towering saguaro cacti, or try to nab a hard-to-get permit for some of Arizona’s (literal) hidden gems, this list of beautiful places in Arizona to visit will have you dreaming of desert sunsets in no time.

Here are the best places to go in Arizona!

Table of Contents

Naturally Beautiful Places in Arizona to Visit

Arizona bucket list cities + towns to visit, more of the best places to visit in arizona, read more about visiting arizona (and the southwest usa).

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more detail.

Grand Canyon National Park

Of course, no Arizona bucket list could possibly begin with anything other than the absolutely iconic Grand Canyon!

Home to some of the most incredible views in the USA, the Colorado River has been working for millions of years to create this absolute masterpiece.

According to one 2012 study, the formation of the Grand Canyon may reach back a whopping 70 million years!

Some of the most popular things to do in the Grand Canyon today include strolling along the Rim Trail, hiking into the canyon itself (on the South Rim, the Bright Angel trail and South Kaibab trails are both incredibly popular–South Kaibab is my favorite), and watching the sunset from the viewpoints.

The national park itself is split into two sections: the popular South Rim, home to the best-known views and trails, and the lesser-visited but still beautiful North Rim.

While the South Rim should undoubtedly be your first stop, if you have time to add on a trip to the North Rim too, you won’t be sorry!

(Note that while the South Rim is open year-round, the North Rim closes seasonally, but is traditionally open from mid-May to mid-October).

Horseshoe Bend

This iconic bend in the Colorado River is one of the best places to visit in Arizona and a must-see attraction in the small town of Page !

Seeing how big of a sensation this gorgeous viewpoint has become, it’s hard to believe that during our first visit to Horseshoe Bend in 2015, it was barely a blip on the map.

At that time, Horseshoe Bend was free to visit, and we were one of only a handful of people there!

Now, everything from a large parking lot to a hiking trail to a viewing platform has been built to accommodate the number of visitors eager to admire the view–and it deserves every bit of its fame.

As of the time of writing, there’s a $10 parking fee, per car, to visit.

From Paula of Paula Pins the Planet

The Wave is one of the  best places to go hiking in Arizona … and also one of the most competitive!

This Arizona bucket list destination is known for its beautiful red and orange wave-like sandstone formations.

However, you must be the lucky winner of the permit lottery to be able to hike to this epic spot.

Each day, only 64 people are allotted permits to hike there.

You can apply online 4 months in advance, or you can show up at the Grand Staircase Escalante Visitor Center the day prior to trying your chance at the walk-in lottery.

The hike is about 8 miles round trip and rated as moderate.

The trail is primarily used for hiking and is best used from October until May.

It is highly recommended to hire a local guide to do the hike with, especially if you are not super skilled with route-finding.

The Wave is located in the Coyote Buttes North area of the Utah and Arizona border, and in addition to the Wave, it has many other spectacular rock formations to be explored.

Canyon de Chelly National Monument

From Daria of The Discovery Nut

Arizona is well-known for its stunning natural landmarks such as the Grand Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, and Antelope Canyon which are popular with travelers who go there on a day trip from nearby cities such as Las Vegas .

However, the state also boasts many less-discovered gems that have been quietly flying under the radar for many years.

One of them is Canyon De Chelly National Monument, a spectacular landmark in the Four Corners region located near the town of Chinle in northeastern Arizona.

With over 800 archaeological sites that include cliff dwellings, petroglyphs, and other remnants of past civilizations that inhabited this place, Canyon De Chelly is well worth a stop.

What’s interesting is that this monument consists of three major canyons including Monument Canyon, Canyon Del Muerto, and Canyon De Chelly.

It’s a fantastic place for hiking and enjoying the scenic views, and, unlike some other landmarks in the region such as Monument Valley, Canyon De Chelly offers a less crowded space.

Saguaro National Park

From Ale of Sea Salt & Fog

The saguaro cactus is the icon of the West, and there’s no better way to see these unique cacti in their full splendor than by visiting Saguaro National Park.

Located in Tucson, Arizona, the national park is made up of rolling hills dotted in saguaros and is a photographer’s dream. 

One of the  best things to do in Saguaro National Park  is to go hiking among the saguaros.

The Kings Canyon / Gould Mine Loop trail is a short, but moderately strenuous hike that will give you stunning views of the saguaros and of the city of Tucson.

This is one of the best places in the park to experience and photograph the sunset, and an Arizona bucket list destination for photographers!

If hiking isn’t your thing, you can still greatly enjoy one of the scenic drives in the park.

The Bajada Loop drive is a great introduction to Saguaro National Park.

On the eastern side, the cactus forest drive will also deliver beautiful views right from your car.  

Saguaro National Park is one of the most beautiful places to go in AZ and one that should definitely be on your Arizona bucket list.

Lake Powell

From Sarah of Roadmaps and Restaurants

Lake Powell should be on everyone’s must-visit list when exploring the best places in Arizona. 

Lake Powell is a man-made reservoir along the Colorado River that offers something for everyone!

From kayaking, boating, and watersports to camping, hiking, and exploring the nearby Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Lake Powell is filled with opportunities for both adventure and relaxation.

There is even a golf course if you’re interested in playing a round on your trip.

In addition to camping at multiple RV or tent campgrounds, you can rent houseboats to stay on the water or stay at the Lake Powell Resort !

The resort also has multiple dining options including the Rainbow Room, which offers a delicious meal with unparalleled views of the water. 

Lake Powell is also right by Page, AZ , and approximately a 15-minute drive from the famous Horseshoe Bend, which is definitely worth a stop!  

Monument Valley

From James Ian of Park Collecting

When you think of classic Southwest USA scenery, you are probably thinking of the iconic  Monument Valley .

With its desert plains dotted with buttes and mesas, it is both famous (you can partially thank Forrest Gump for that) and incredibly beautiful.  

The valley is designated as the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park and, because this is Navajo land, there are restrictions on how you can access it.

There is one road, a 17-mile loop called Valley Drive, that you can drive yourself.  This takes you past many of the main formations.

You can stop off at John Wayne Point and get your photo taken sitting on a horse looking out over the scenery just like John Wayne did.

For more detailed exploration, take a backcountry tour with a Navajo guide and learn more about their culture and see additional sites.

If you like to hike, there is one trail – the Wildcat Trail – that you can hike yourself.

Other hikes also require the services of a Navajo guide.

Havasu Falls

As one of the most logistically challenging places to visit in Arizona–but also one of the most beautiful–there’s something truly magical about visiting Havasu Falls.

Tucked into a corner of the Grand Canyon that is part of the land belonging to the Havasupai people, Havasu Falls is not part of the national park.

For that reason, visiting Havasu Falls entails first nabbing an elusive permit , and then hiking 10 miles each way into the gorgeous Havasu Canyon.

No day hiking is allowed, so laying your eyes on this waterfall requires both advance planning and a commitment to camping overnight.

For those who make the journey, though, the effort is absolutely worth the magnificent reward!

Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument

From Lori of Southerner Says

There are several reasons that Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument should be on anyone’s list of the best places to visit in Arizona.

First, there’s nowhere else in the United States where you can see this many organ pipe cacti.

A rare cactus, the organ pipe requires special conditions to flourish.

Because there are so many in this compact area of southern Arizona, Organ Pipe was declared a national monument and a UNESCO biosphere reserve. 

Second, the Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument is home to one of the last places on earth where visitors can see a certain rare fish.

A fish in the desert you might ask? Yes!

In the United States, the Sonoyta Pupfish exists only in Quitobaquito Springs inside the park.

Besides Organ Pipe, there are two other places in the world (both in Mexico) where it’s found. 

When visiting Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, don’t miss the 21-mile unpaved, but maintained, scenic Ajo Mountain Drive for the best views of the cacti and the park.

It’s doable in a car if you keep it slow.

Antelope Canyon

From Ashley of Jetset Jansen

One of the most popular attractions to see in Arizona is the famous slot canyon known as Antelope Canyon.

Its popularity is due to the incredible canyons that have been carved out of sandstone by water over thousands of years.

The swirling walls make for beautiful pictures, but what you may not know is that there are actually two different sections to see: the  Upper Canyon and Lower Canyon .

Both parts of Antelope Canyon have a stunning landscape, but they do have slight differences.

The Upper Canyon has a shallower opening and lets in less light. This can create light beams that shine through the canyon.

The Lower Canyon has a wider opening, so it does not get the light beams shining through, but it does have ladders that descend into the canyon. 

Antelope Canyon is located on Navajo land and you must enter with an official tour to visit.

You’ll want to plan your tour well in advance because of its popularity (particularly in the cooler months), but it is well worth the visit!

Chiricahua National Monument

From Megan Kopp of Time. Travel. Trek.

It started with a volcanic eruption over 27 million years ago. Time and weather eroded rhyolite tuff into the “Land of the Standing Up Rocks.”

Chiricahua National Monument – 120 miles southeast of Tucson – is a perfect blend of both history and hiking.

While you’re there, you can wander in the footsteps of the Chiricahua Apaches, and pay homage to Buffalo Soldiers who camped in the canyon and carved their names into monument stones.

Learn about Lillian and the Faraway Ranch while admiring the now-preserved stones built into the dining room fireplace.

Explore remains of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp built on the ranch property.

Head up to the top of this “sky island” and hike down Echo Trail’s wild switchbacks.

Or, go big with 7.3 miles (11.8 km) of hiking bliss as you stroll along Ed Riggs trail past Mushroom and Big Balanced Rocks, navigating the Heart of the Rocks loop before continuing down Sarah Deming and Lower Rhyolite Canyon trails to the Visitor Center.

From Tegan and Alex of Why Not Walk Travel Guides

Sedona is a picturesque town located right along the Red Rock Scenic Byway, one of the most beautiful drives in the country.

Known for its funky vibe, Sedona is famous for being one of the premier places in the world to experience vortexes or convergences of energy that are said to leave you feeling recharged and inspired.

Sedona is a fantastic destination to add to any visit to Arizona and is a particular favorite for hiking and nature lovers, or those seeking an escape to a quiet and calming place.

While you’re here, be sure to check out the views of Cathedral Rock and the other astounding rock formations with their signature red hues.

One great place to do so is at Buddha Beach, and don’t miss splashing around a bit in its beautiful iridescent pools, which are quite shallow and fairly warm year-round.

If you’re in the mood for a brief hike, the Devil’s Bridge hike is one of the most popular in the area, and hiking it takes less than 2 miles round-trip along a smooth and well-paved trail.

Art lovers will surely enjoy the Sedona Art Walk and the variety of boutiques and galleries in the Gallery District.

From Margie of DQ Family Travel

Winslow makes for a great stop when visiting Arizona.

This classic Route 66 town is located an hour east of Flagstaff and is a popular tourist destination for those driving the Mother Road.

Winslow is home to two famous roadside attractions.

The first is “Standin’ on the Corner” Park, which was created to pay tribute to the 1970s Eagles song that made Winslow a town to sing about.

Many people stop here and take pictures at this corner and in front of the giant mural.

The second best thing to do in Winslow is to stay at the famous La Posada Hotel .

Opened in 1930, this hotel was a stop on the Santa Fe Railway and had a number of famous guests in its heyday (Albert Einstein, Amelia Earhart, FDR, John Wayne, and Betty Grable, just to name a few).

It was restored in the late 1990s and features beautiful gardens, local art, and updated rooms.

In addition, it is home to one of the  best Route 66 restaurants , The Turquoise Room.

The chef is a James Beard nominee and the restaurant features seasonally changing menus with a Southwest influence.

From Stella Jane of Around the World in 24 Hours

Even though  Phoenix is the 5th largest city in the United States, people often overlook it when listing the best cities to visit in America. This is a true shame.

Phoenix has some of the best cultural experiences in the country, from museums to restaurants to botanical gardens. 

The best museum in Phoenix might be the Heard Museum, which is dedicated to advancing American Indian art and history.

Don’t miss their amazing Katsina doll collection!

If you want a more hands-on museum, visit the Musical Instrument Museum, where you can hear instruments from all over the world.

There’s also a section on Arizona musicians, like rock legend Alice Cooper. 

If you’d rather get outdoors, try exploring the gorgeous Desert Botanical Garden.

You can also visit the historic homes in Heritage Square, and afterward get a pizza at the legendary Pizzeria Bianco.

Phoenix truly has something for everyone, and its large airport makes it the perfect jumping-off point for exploring more of the best places to visit in Arizona.

From Alexa of 52 Perfect Days

Yuma is located in the southwestern corner of Arizona, just a few miles from the California-Arizona state line.

Anyone who lives in San Diego or Phoenix knows  Yuma  as a halfway point between the two cities, but it’s much more than a stopover!

Yuma is a city with an interesting past. It was a true wild west town of cowboys, brothels, gambling, and gunfights during the California Gold Rush.

For a small “pitstop” town, there is a surprising number of things to do.

The historic downtown is where you’ll find Lutes Casino, now a restaurant but where gambling took place from 1912 to 1920. Today, they are famous for their funky decor and potato tacos.

Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park is a must-visit in Yuma. It was built by its first prisoners and opened in 1876. It is now a museum and free to tour.

Yuma Quartermaster Depot State Historic Park is perfect for any military buffs.

In the late 1800s, this was a thriving military post used by the U.S. Army to store and distribute supplies for all the military posts in Arizona and throughout the West.

Five of the original depot buildings remain on the park grounds, and four of these buildings contain exhibits.

The Confluence of the Colorado and Gila Rivers happens in Yuma, which makes for great tubing.

If you visit from late spring to early fall, a float down the Colorado River is a must.

It’s definitely worth adding Yuma to your list of places to visit in AZ!

From Sydney of A World in Reach

If you’re looking for an Arizona bucket list destination where you can enjoy the outdoors and the city all in one, Scottsdale is the place to be.

The city has great hikes and other outdoor activities as well as a fun downtown with plenty of museums and a thriving foodie scene.

Spend a morning hiking Camelback Mountain or one of the trails in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve.

Make sure to get an early start – it gets very hot in Scottsdale, so starting before sunrise can help you beat the heat.

Up next, explore Old Town Scottsdale. Here, you can go souvenir shopping, visit museums, and go winery hopping along the Scottsdale Wine Trail.

Arizona wine country may be under the radar, but it has plenty of gems to offer!

When visiting Scottsdale, you have to stay at one of the excellent resorts, like the Andaz Resort & Bungalows .

If you’re visiting Scottsdale on a budget , go during the summer when the resorts slash their prices.

It’ll be hot, but you can cool yourself down at the resort pool!

From Katie of Two Wandering Soles

With one of the best Mexican food scenes in the US, a unique national park, and a burgeoning arts scene, Tucson is adored by foodies, outdoor enthusiasts, and art fiends alike.

If you find yourself in this southern Arizona city, you’ll have no shortage of ways to fill your time!

First and foremost, one of the  best things to do in Tucson  is to visit Saguaro National Park, which is divided into two sections — the most popular being on the west side of town and a less crowded portion to the east of the city.

Known as one of the best places in the world to see the  saguaro cacti  after which it was named ,  there are plenty of scenic drives and hikes suitable for all levels.

Once you’ve worked up an appetite, sample your way through the city’s famous Mexican food scene.

Order your favorites or try a Sonoran Dog — one of Tucson’s staple dishes.

Even if you don’t eat meat or dairy, you’ll find some great vegan Mexican restaurants in the city.

If you’re in the mood, Tucson has a pretty lively nightlife scene, complete with a pretty good variety of live music.

If you prefer your evenings on the more relaxed side, do a sunset hike up “A Mountain” for a spectacular view over town as it begins to light up!

Oatman Ghost Town

From Debbie of World Adventurists

Located in western Arizona along Historic Route 66 flourishes the ghost town of  Oatman , in the Black Mountains of Mohave County.

Oatman was originally a mining camp where two prospectors struck $10 million in gold back in 1915.

Its location on Historic Route 66 has kept it alive since, with over half a million visitors every year.

You’ll stop for the wild burros that wander around town, but you’ll soon realize they are just the start of the show.

Stay to watch the Gunslingers Wild West shootout (1:30 & 3:30 daily) and wander the western-themed shops.

You’ll quickly also notice the fun sassy town vibe, with each storefront being named something cheeky.   Don’t miss the Oatman Hotel’s saloon, covered with signed one-dollar bills.

This started when Miners would sign and attach their money to the wall for use when they were short of funds.

Locals also claim that the hotel is haunted and the whispers and laughs of ghosts are heard in empty rooms. 

Montezuma Castle National Monument

From Alanna of Periodic Adventures

Between Sedona and Phoenix, you’ll find  Montezuma Castle National Monument , a hidden gem in Arizona.

There are two locations 11 miles apart that make up the National Monument; the castle and the well.

Montezuma Well is a large freshwater sinkhole that was once frequented by ancient Native peoples, as evidenced by cliff dwellings and irrigation systems, that still function today!

There is one main path around the area, and some of it is shaded near the small irrigation ditches.

Rest here for a tranquil break from the Arizona heat.

Montezuma Castle is the main site where you can see the large cliff dwelling that was erected over 900 years ago by the Sinagua people!

Take the circular path around the site to see the main Castle, other cliff dwellings, and unique Arizona plant life and wildlife.

There is a visitor center at the Castle site with facilities and a small museum to explore as well.

Apache Trail

From Noel of Travel Photo Discovery

One of the most unique places to visit in Arizona, just on the outskirts of Phoenix, is the Apache Trail area.

This rugged landscape with man-made reservoirs cut into the large basins collects water to take care of the Phoenix water needs.

Traveling through this trail and now more of a graveled road through the various reservoirs, rivers, and desert landscape is so unique and old western that doesn’t look changed from the old days.

You also get to pass through striking Superstitious Mountain State Park, the Goldfield Ghost Town, and some of the most beautiful mountain and desert-scape in the area, which comprises the Apache Trail.

There’s even a cool western town called Tortilla Flats that has a western bar that is so photo-worthy that a stop really gives you a sense of place in this small western spit far removed from the rest of the region.

The striking beauty and landscape of this area stand out and is a unique place to visit that isn’t even touristy in appeal but a very cool road trip experience.

Desert Botanical Garden (Phoenix)

From Cat of For Two, Please

Whether you are looking for  romantic things to do in Arizona  or fun family outings around the area, be sure to make a stop at Desert Botanical Garden!

Located in Papago Park, Phoenix, the visually stunning plant sanctuary offers a peaceful opportunity for visitors to discover 4,000+ different cactus species from around the world!

There are several hiking trails inside the Garden – all offering fantastic views of the surrounding landscape while immersing yourselves in colors and fragrances.

Throughout the year, the Garden continuously hosts exciting events to celebrate each season. Concert series, wine tastings, and dinners, to name a few.

If you’re visiting in the winter, check out Las Noches de las Luminarias.

Using projection, lighting, and sound, you will watch the cacti, succulents, and rocks be brought to life and put on a show you’ve never seen before.

The event runs throughout the entire month of December – in time to celebrate the winter holidays!

The Garden is quite big to spend half a day exploring. Make sure to plan ahead and set aside enough time to get a full experience.

Devil’s Bridge (Sedona)

From Jessica of Unearth the Voyage

Of all the best places to visit in Arizona, Sedona’s iconic Devil’s Bridge is definitely high on the list!

There are lots of fun things to do in Sedona, but the  hiking in Sedona  is out of the world amazing.

Of all the really neat hikes Sedona has to offer, you definitely cannot miss Devil’s Bridge.

It is arguably the most famous hike in Sedona, landing a spot on Arizona bucket lists for visitors across the country.

If you’re looking for a picture-perfect shot on a really cool natural arch, Devil’s Bridge is your place.

The hike to Devil’s Bridge is rated as moderately challenging and can be shorter or longer depending on where you park (and parking is extremely competitive–be prepared for an early start!).

For the closest parking to Devil’s Bridge, it is recommended to have a 4-wheel drive vehicle to get there, especially after it’s been raining.

The trail itself has some gorgeous red-rock scenery that Sedona is so famous for so you will get to admire that on your 2-4.2 mile hike (depending on where you park).

After walking on a fairly easy flat trail for more of your hike, you will come to the mountain face where you will have to do some rock-scrambling to get to the arch.

The rock scrambling isn’t too bad though, and it’s for a very short distance.

After you’ve climbed up the rock staircase, you will be rewarded with a gorgeous view of one of the most beautiful places in Arizona and Devil’s Bridge!

Planning a trip to the Southwest soon, and want to keep reading?

You can browse all of  our 100+ USA blog posts here , or check out these guides:

• 9 Best Things to Do in Page, AZ (+ Nearby!)
• 3 Days in Las Vegas: The Perfect Weekend in Vegas Itinerary
• 11 Epic Day Hikes in the Grand Canyon (South Rim)
• Horseshoe Bend, Arizona: The Ultimate Travel Guide
• 19 Stunning Southwest Road Trip Itinerary Ideas (+ Tips!)

About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

3 thoughts on “21 Best Places to Visit in Arizona (AZ Bucket List!)”

Check out Fountain Hills az. Just east of Scottsdale, this town has the largest fountain in the world that goes off approximately every hour on the hour . It is approximately 375 ft high, surrounded by a beautiful park. The Town has some of the most beautiful vistas in the valley and it’s mountainous landscape is like nothing else in the Phoenix valley. Don’t miss this gem.

I lived in Arizona for a year and I loved the scenery. I’d love to go back someday. Such a beautiful place.

What is often missing as a place to visit in Arizona is Meteor Crater, a few miles from Winslow. About 50,000 years ago, an enormous nickel-iron meteorite smashed into the Earth and within a few seconds a crater nearly a mile in diameter and hundreds of feet deep was formed. The explosion was so great that anyone or any animals close by would have been killed. The meteorite is estimated to have been about 150 feet across. Upon impact, solid rocks were pulverized into what I’d describe as face powder. The crater is a marvelous place to visit and people of all ages will find it fascinating. It is the best preserved meteorite impact crater in the world. Most of the incoming meteorite was vaporized the moment of the impact. The visitor center has wonderful photographs and exhibits describing the event. There are guided tours of part of the crater rim. In the visitor center is the largest meteorite found there, about 1,400 pounds and visitors can actually touch this fascinating “visitor from outer space.” There is a gift shop and food is available. The cost of admission is much lower than what theme parks charge. I have been there several times and it is always a fun, educational and inspirational experience.

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Summer in Arizona: 100 fun ways to survive the 100-degree heat in Phoenix

If it's June in Phoenix that means it's hot and likely to get hotter for a while. If you've been here for more than five minutes, you know that. But summer in Phoenix has its upside. 

The winter visitors are gone, and so many residents have gone on vacation that doing almost anything fun is easier. Rush hour is shorter, restaurants and clubs are less crowded, water parks and splash pads all around town are open.

So in the spirit of summer fun, we have 100 things to do in the Phoenix metro area. Some are indoors — museums, restaurants, discounted movies — and some are outdoors, like kayaking on Tempe Town Lake and nighttime scorpion hunts.

For even more things to do all summer long, go to https://www.azcentral.com .

1. Phoenix Zoo

Through Aug. 31, the Phoenix Zoo opens at 7 a.m. (6 a.m. for members) and closes at 1 p.m. so you can see the animal habitats before it gets too hot. Visitors can enjoy animal encounters, touch a stingray, explore the Harmony Farm and Red Barn petting zoo and more. (Some activities have an extra fee.)

Details: 455 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix. $29.95, $19.95 for ages 3-13. 602-286-3800, phoenixzoo.org .

2. Six Flags Hurricane Harbor

Six Flags Hurricane Harbor in Glendale is open for 2023 with "gravity-defying water coasters," a lazy river and a wave pool. The water park is open daily through July, and hours vary by day. For the full schedule, go to https://www.sixflags.com/phoenix . Call ahead to make sure your favorite attractions are open on the day you are visiting.

Details: 4243 W. Pinnacle Peak Road, Glendale. From $30. 623-201-2000,  sixflags.com/phoenix .

3. Try a new Sweet Republic ice cream flavor

With locations in Phoenix, Scottsdale and Sky Harbor Airport, as well as being on the shelves at Whole Foods, it's pretty easy to dig into some Sweet Republic ice cream. The hard part is choosing from 20-plus delicious flavors, from coconut sorbet to salted caramel swirl.

Details: Noon-10 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays; noon-11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. 9160 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale, 480-248-6979. 6054 N. 16th St., Phoenix, 602-535-5990, 410 N. Scottsdale Road, Tempe, 480-292-8557, - sweetrepublic.com . Can also be found in Whole Foods Markets, The Phoenician, and at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, in Terminal 4 past security.

4. Tubing on the Salt River

Tubes, coolers, friends and weird sunburns. It never gets old. You and your pals can take two cars, park one where you want to get out of the river and drive the other to the entry point south of Stewart Mountain Dam, then retrieve the car by the dam after your float. Or you can ride the Salt River Tubing shuttle and skip all that car hopping.

Details: Salt River Tubing, 9 a.m.-6:30 p.m. daily. 9200 N. Bush Highway, Mesa. $25 per person plus tax; $18 if you bring your own tube. 480-984-3305,  saltrivertubing.com .

New for 2023 at Salt River Tubing: New owners have made improvements, including fast passes and more

5. Head below ground

Just outside Benson in southern Arizona is Kartchner Caverns State Park, where you can explore beautiful living caves. You'll see burly stalactites, delicate soda-straw formations and tiny corners of multicolored rock. The tours cover a half-mile and last about 90 minutes. Reserve your tickets online in advance.

Details: About 9 miles south of Benson off State Route 90. $23; $13 for ages 7-13. 520-586-4100, azstateparks.com/kartchner .

6. Eat hot, stay cool

Although it might sound illogical, the best way to stay cool is by adding chiles to your diet. There's evidence that hot foods work as culinary air conditioning. That's why many of the world's best spicy dishes come from India, Mexico and Thailand.

Here's how hot cools: Blood vessels close to the surface of your skin, especially on your face and neck, expand so the blood can throw off heat. This causes your internal temperature to decrease and your skin temperature to rise. Next, you sweat, and as the sweat evaporates, it cools you off.

7. Golfland Sunsplash

Sunsplash's attractions  include speed slides, an open swim area, an activity pool with games, a "roller coaster water slide," a lazy river, a wave pool and a halfpipe-style slide. Call ahead to find out whether any are closed on the day you visit.

Details: Open most days through July; dates vary August through October. 155 W. Hampton Ave., Mesa. From $39.99 (discounts for age 60 and older and some children; free for infants). 480-834-8319, golfland.com/mesa .

8. Take a night hike or bike ride

Maricopa County Parks throughout the Phoenix metro area offer after-dark mountain bike rides, scorpion hunts and other family-friendly outings. It's something different, you're getting exercise and it's cooler. And at just $7 a carload, it's affordable.

Details: See a schedule at maricopacountyparks.net .

9. Hit the water at Tempe Town Lake

If you want to cool off and learn a new skill this summer, sign up for one of the many classes offered at Tempe Town Lake. Kids and adults can learn rowing, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. Nighttime Glow Paddle events are offered, too.

Details:  Class schedules are at https://www.tempe.gov/government/community-services/classes-leagues .

10. WaterWorks at Arizona Falls

Sitting in the "water room" is a bit like being behind a waterfall at this attraction that's part public art and part working hydroelectric plant. The site, at a natural 20-foot drop along the Arizona Canal, has been a gathering place since the late 1800s.

Details: Open 24 hours; parking available 5:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Free. G.R. Herberger Park, 56th Street and Indian School Road, Phoenix. srpnet.com/water/canals/azfalls.aspx .

11. Sip and splash at Maya

The day club is the place to be if you're looking for a Vegas feel. Dance in the shallow pool with other partiers, enjoy a refreshing drink at one of the bars, lounge on a day bed or splurge for a cabana and get access to the VIP bar behind the DJ stand that faces the pool. On Fridays, head to the day club for Float Fridays, on Saturday enjoy Soaked Saturdays and the Sunday Drip pool party series on Sundays. 

Details:  Times vary, check the online calendar. Maya Day + Nightclub, 7333 E. Indian Plaza, Scottsdale. Admission varies. 602-810-0736, mayaclubaz.com . 

12. Head for the beach

When most folks think of the beach, they thinking about heading to California or Mexico to get to the sandy ocean shores. Arizona has beaches of its own, however. Here are three of the top beach destinations in Arizona .

• Lake Havasu State Park: At nearly 11,000 acres, Lake Havasu State Park  is by far the largest of western Arizona's parks.
• Patagonia Lake State Park:  Tucked away amid the rolling hills of southern Arizona, Patagonia Lake State Park is a shimmering oasis in the high desert.
• Cattail Cove State Park: This park protects a long piece of scenic shoreline on the southern edge of Lake Havasu. Swimming is allowed in the roped-off area adjacent to the beach.

13. Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers

Is there a better way to beat the heat than frozen custard? Maybe one or two. But this is a good one. We recommend the Signature Turtle Concrete (the custard and toppings mixed together are so thick you could serve it upside down, hence, concrete): vanilla custard, hot fudge and caramel with pecans, whipped cream and a cherry on top.

Details: 18 Phoenix-area locations in Anthem, Gilbert, Maricopa, Mesa, Chandler, Tempe, Peoria, Litchfield Park, Queen Creek, Goodyear, Glendale, Surprise and San Tan Valley. freddysusa.com/locations .

14. Oasis Water Park at Arizona Grand

Arizona Grand Resort & Spa's 7-acre Oasis water park, which features an eight-story slide and wave pool, is open. Buy day passes at resortpass.com . The water park includes tubing in the Zuni River and fun for kids at Wild Cat Springs, which has three arching jets in a heated pool and a water spray deck with six more water jets.

Details: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday and 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday through Sept. 4; Dive In Movies every Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. 8000 Arizona Grand Parkway, Phoenix. From $55 ($45 for ages 3-12). 877-800-4888,  arizonagrandresort.com .

15. Add mint to your drink

There's a reason mint tea is popular in desert countries like Morocco and Egypt. The herb creates a cooling sensation. It also helps eliminate toxins from the body, calm s the stomach and boost s energy. Muddle mint with ice, then add water or iced tea for a refreshing summer drink.

16. Base & Meridian Wildlife Area

At the confluence of the Salt and Gila rivers, this is a super place to watch birds — ferruginous hawks, doves, Western yellow-billed cuckoos, to name just a few — spot bobcats, bats, Sonoran desert tortoises and other mammals and reptiles, and drop a fishing line (you'll need a fishing license). The state-managed wildlife area is adjacent to Monument Hill, where the U.S. Boundary Commission in 1851 laid out the Arizona Territory's baseline and principal meridian. You can climb the hill to see "Arizona's point of origin."

Details: Open 24 hours daily. At Avondale Boulevard and Indian Springs Road, just north of Phoenix Raceway, in Avondale. Free.  azgfd.com/wildlife/viewing/wheretogo/base .

17. UnderTow

You'll want to make a reservation before venturing into this underground tiki bar, but the wait will be worth it. Not only does UnderTow serve top-quality craft cocktails, it's also an immersive experience: Lightning flashes outside the "portholes" while you sip your drink, and you may even float through a battlefront with cannon fire ringing through the bar. 

Details:  Closed Monday. 4 p.m.-midnight Tuesday-Thursday. 2:30 p.m.-midnight Friday-Sunday. 3626 E. Indian School Road (inside Century Grand), Phoenix. 602-753-6504, undertowphx.com .

18. A mobile brain freeze

You know what we're talking about: the big, frozen slurps of cherry and cola ICEEs that go straight to your brain and send shivers down your spine. If you're within spitting distance of an am/pm, Circle K, AMC movie theater, Burger King, Sam's Club, Subway or Target, you're almost there. No? Then guess what we have for you: an ICEE locator app, which will direct you to the closest machine from anywhere.

Details:  icee.com .

19. Binge-watch a television series

Never seen "Game of Thrones"? Always wondered what the fuss over "Bridgerton" was about? Summer is a great time to catch up on streaming series on Netflix, Hulu, Max, Amazon Prime and more. There is a subscription cost, of course (it varies by service and other options), but you can't beat the convenience.

Details: netflix.com , hulu.com , max.com , amazon.com , just to name a few.

20. Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park

If you head to Litchfield Park, you can see a sampling of Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park’s 600 species of animals. The park has a baby animal nursery, amusement park rides, big cat exhibits and a kangaroo walkabout. Some new species include meerkats, Sika deer babies, capybaras, baby red-eared slider turtles, black-backed jackal puppies and a baby pygmy hippo. The park has more than 6,000 animals.

Details: 16501 W. Northern Ave., Litchfield Park. $45.50, $25.50 for ages 3-12, ages 2 and under are free. 623-935-9453, wildlifeworld.com .

21. Catch a ballgame

The Phoenix Mercury, one of the original WNBA franchises, play at Footprint Center in downtown Phoenix. Down the street at Chase Field, the Arizona Diamondbacks present Pride Night on June 17, Star Wars Night on July 29, Mexican Heritage Night on Sept. 2 and more.

Details: mercury.wnba.com ,  mlb.com/dbacks .

22. Eat cool foods

Eating fruits and vegetables with high water content will help keep you naturally cool. So, when it's hot, fill up on carrots, lettuce, kiwi, cucumber, watermelon, peaches, pineapple, celery, peppers, eggplant, radish, cantaloupe and summer squash. Frozen grapes are another quick cool-down.

23. Browse Changing Hands Bookstore

You're reading this, so you like to read. Why not spend some time browsing the stacks at this venerable independent bookstore this summer. The stores also provide a steady slate of author talks and signings for adults and teens. At the Phoenix location's First Draft Book Bar, you can enjoy a cold beer or glass of wine while checking out the books.

Details: Tempe: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. daily. 6428 S. McClintock Drive, 480-730-0205. Phoenix: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. daily. 300 W. Camelback Road, 602-274-0067. Most talks are free; signings usually require book purchase. changinghands.com .

24. And don't overlook your local library

Your neighborhood public library isn't just books on shelves. You can also borrow music, movies and e-books. There are reading clubs for adults and story times for little kids. And there are activities galore to keep your teens busy all summer. Here are just a few websites to bookmark and visit often:

• Glendale Public Library .
• Mesa Public Library .
• Phoenix Public Library .
• Scottsdale Public Library .

25. Try 'Mornin' Moonshine'

Vovomeena uses a Japanese cold-brew coffee machine to create a high-powered coffee that it calls 'Mornin' Moonshine.' Served over ice, it's available as straight black coffee or as an infusion. Choose among infused flavors, which vary depending on the day.

Details: 6:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Mondays-Fridays; 7:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays. 1515 N. Seventh Ave., Phoenix. 602-252-2541, vovomeena.com .

26. Go rock climbing indoors

Test your strength, balance and dexterity at an indoor rock climbing gym, where admission and equipment rental is usually less than $30 and includes gear.

Details: Try ClimbMax Climbing Gym  or  Phoenix Rock Gym  in Tempe, Ape Index  in Peoria or AZ on the Rocks  in Scottsdale.

27. Scottsdale ArtWalk

Visit dozens of galleries in the Scottsdale Arts District, where members of the Scottsdale Gallery Association have been hosting art walks for more than 40 years. Art ranges from the expected Western traditional to up-to-the-moment contemporary, and the scene is mellow: patrons strolling and sampling the treats and wine tastes that some galleries offer.

Details: 7-9 p.m. Thursdays. Along Main Street and Marshall Way, Scottsdale. scottsdalegalleries.com .

28. Kayak on the Salt River

Tubing is the best-known way to chill in the Salt, but it's not the only way. Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch, nestled below the towering Bulldog Cliffs just beneath the dam that forms Saguaro Lake, offers two unguided kayaking trips: one about two hours, the other nearly five. Either way, you get a shuttle ride back to the ranch. Paddlers must be at least 12, and no experience is necessary. If you'd rather go by inner tube, the ranch rents those, too. And if you want to make a night of it, the ranch, established in 1930, has 20 cabins to rent.

Details:  The two-hour trip costs $51-$57 and is offered daily. The four and a half hour trip is available Monday-Thursday at 9 a.m. and costs $80-90. Reserve online. 480-984-2194, saguarolakeranch.com .

29. Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course

Climb into the pines to test your ability at this elaborate above-ground obstacle course. Aerial challenges include cable bridges, zip lines, swings, ladders and Tarzan-style ropes designed for visitors of a variety of ages and abilities. The highest point is about 60 feet. Bridges wobble, cables sag, swings carry you to a rope net or platform. You first must complete the training course, which is about 4 feet off the ground. After that, there are separate courses for adults and kids.

Details: Fort Tuthill County Park, 3 miles south of Flagstaff off Interstate 17. $30-$60. 888-259-0125, flagstaffextreme.com .

30. Eat super-spicy food at Los Dos Molinos

The theory is that when you eat really hot food — like, make you sweat hot — the outside air won't feel so bad. OK, so it's just a theory, but the food is really tasty whatever the case. But don't be fooled, even the salsa is blazing.

Details:  11 a.m.-9 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Fridays, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturdays at 1044 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix. 602-528-3535. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturdays at 8646 S. Central Ave., Phoenix. 602-243-9113. losdosmolinosphoenix.com .

31. Enjoy shaved snow

You may have tried shaved ice before, but Bahama Bucks specializes in light and airy Sno. There are over 100 flavors and topping options including Sour Patch sauce, Oreo creme and chopped pickles. Not sure what to order? Go for one of the combos such as the Mangonada Extreme made with mango flavor and topped with Chamoy sauce, mangos, chili salt, and a tamarindo straw on top. 

Details: Bahama Bucks, 4910 E. Chandler Blvd., Suite 101, Phoenix. 480-553-7211. 3121 E. Greenway Road, Suite 201, Phoenix. 602-569-1505, bahamabucks.olo.com .

32. Ride the waves at Kiwanis Wave Pool

Not only can you go on the twisty water slide, you can surf the waves generated at the indoor pool — and never worry about sunburn. Pool capacity will be 125 people per session.

Details:  Wave sessions 1-5 p.m. daily. 6111 S. All-America Way, Tempe. $5 for age 13 and older; $4 for ages 2-12, 480-350-5201, tempe.gov .

33. Have a watermelon toss or smash

Invite friends and family over for a watermelon party. Spread a large clean piece of plastic on the grass, then throw watermelons onto it to split them open. Everyone gets to enjoy the treat.

34. Have a watermelon-eating contest

Does smashing watermelons seem wasteful? How about eating them instead? Throw a summer party with old-fashioned games, including three-legged races, horseshoes and sack races. And don't forget the melons, chilled and sliced.

35. Uptown Jungle Fun Park

The indoor playground offers parties and open jump. Attractions include a ninja course, mini zip, super slides, a spider tower and more that will keep kids busy for hours. Check the online calendar for when open jumping is available. It is required to wear grip socks, available for $3.50.

Details: Locations in Phoenix, Peoria, Chandler, Avondale and Mesa; $11 per child and $5.50 for adults on weekdays, $13 per child and $6.50 for adult on weekends.  phoenix.uptownjungle.com .

36. Great Arizona Puppet Theater

This Phoenix company has been introducing young children to the magic of theater and puppetry since 1983. Here are this summer's shows: “The Three Little Pigs” (Through June 18), “Jack and the Beanstalk” (June 21-July 2), “Jack Rabbit & the Desert Tortoise" (July 5-14 and 16), “Old MacDonald" (July 26-Aug. 6), "Goldilocks" (Aug. 9-20) and "Baby Bear Goes to School" (Aug. 23-Sept. 10).

Details: 302 W. Latham St., Phoenix. $10 for kids, $15 for adults. 602-262-2050, azpuppets.org .

37. Superstition Shadows Aquatic Center

Swimmers can try two water slides, diving boards and a vortex whirlpool at this state-of-the-art facility. Sand volleyball, a beach-entry pool, swimming and diving lessons and water aerobics are available. Teen Night is July 21, and dive-in movies are on Aug. 12 and Sept. 19.

Details:  Check the website for dates and hours. $3, $2 for age 17 and younger. Cash or check only. 1091 W. Southern Ave., Apache Junction. 480-983-2181, apachejunctionaz.gov .

38. Hang at Crescent Ballroom

If you have yet to experience this downtown Phoenix music venue, you should check it out. And you don't even have to venture in to see a show (although they do have a calendar on their website). The main bar doesn't have a cover charge, and as it cools off in the evening, you can hang out on the patio like it's a proper major city.

Details: 308 N. Second Ave., Phoenix. 602-716-2222, crescentphx.com .

39. Visit Paletas Betty

Paletas are Mexican ice pops, and Betty's are made from scratch in Chandler, using fruit, herbs and cream. Flavors, which change seasonally, include arroz con leche (rice-pudding dessert made with freshly ground cinnamon), puesta de piña (pineapple, orange, strawberry and raspberry), manzana (green apple, spinach, kale, orange juice and lime juice) strawberries and cream, and chocolate.

Details: 12:30 p.m.-8 p.m. Thursday-Sunday. 96 W. Boston St., Chandler. 480-779-8080, paletasbetty.com .

40. Go ice skating

Ice-skating rinks in the desert might seem a little silly until it gets to be 100 degrees outside, and then they seem very, very smart. The three AZ Ice arenas around the Valley have a variety of public-skating times. You can rent skates, and they'll even teach you to tie them properly.

Details:  3853 E. Thomas Road, Phoenix. 2305 E. Knox Road, Gilbert. 15829 N. 83rd Ave., Peoria. Check the website for admission and skate-rental fees. azice.com .

41. Get out of town

Seriously, leave Phoenix. A day, a weekend, whatever. There are so many options within driving distance. Like the mountains? Flagstaff, sure, but you can also get to Durango, Colorado, in less than a day. If nothing but the beach will do, you can have your toes in the sand in San Diego, Los Angeles or Puerto Peñasco by happy hour.

42. Tempe Marketplace Splash Pad

Why do kids get to have all the fun playing in the water fountains in the center of Tempe Marketplace, soaked from head to toe, not caring if it's 101 or 111 degrees out. The grownups usually stand off to the side, holding shopping bags or the kids' shoes. Why be that grownup? Don't dress for the movie theater or the bookstore or the restaurants; dress for the water fountain: shorts, T-shirt, flip-flops. Then enjoy. Just don't leave your cellphone in your back pocket.

Details: Tempe Marketplace, Loop 202 and McClintock Drive.  tempemarketplace.com .

43. Butterfly Wonderland

An indoor butterfly exhibit allows visitors to walk with up to 70 species of butterflies, learn about how they live and watch them hatch out of their cocoons. Kids will love when a butterfly lands on them. The indoor atrium that houses the live butterflies is magical, if sometimes a little intimidating, because of the sheer number of butterflies flitting about the space.

Details: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. $29.95, $19.95 for ages 2-12, free age 2 and younger. 9500 E. Via de Ventura, Salt River Reservation. 480-800-3000, butterflywonderland.com .

44. Experience different cultures at the movies

Visit a local movie theater and catch a new foreign film. Experience other cultures through the big screen. Films include subtitles to help you hone your language skills. It's a great way to discover some films that otherwise don't get much exposure in the Phoenix market. 

Details: Touchstar Luxury Cinemas 15515 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale. $5-$11.50. 480-428-7633, touchstarcinemas.com/sonora .

45. Arizona Science Center

Learn about the science behind bubbles, be immersed in a 360-degree planetarium experience about the constellations visible this time of year and explore the digital communication technology we use today.  The center is open 7 days a week and holds special members-only weekend hours. Buy your ticket online in advance to ensure your desired admission time.

Details:  10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Daily, last entry at 2:45 p.m. $21.95, $15.95 for ages 3-17; free for members. Additional charges for special exhibits, the planetarium and the Irene P. Flinn Theater. 600 E. Washington St., Phoenix. 602-716-2000, azscience.org .

46. Spend two hours at an independent record store

While away the hours while soaking up the air-conditioning in an independent record store. Just start at A and work your way toward Z, and you'll be shocked at the number of records you forgot you meant to buy. And while you're doing that, the store is playing music, which means you could stumble across a whole new favorite band just by being there.

Details: Stinkweeds, 12 W. Camelback Road, Phoenix.  www.stinkweeds.com . Zia Record Exchange, 1850 W. Camelback Road, Phoenix.  www.ziarecords.com .

47. Wonderspaces Arizona

If you think museums are stuffy, then you might warm up to this in-the-mall gallery that gathers immersive and interactive art projects from around the world. There are installations such as "ShadowPlay" which allows you to collaborate in making animated multi-colored shadows, and "Rules" which is a collaborative installation that seeks to explore new connections.

Details:  11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday, noon-10 p.m. Monday and Wednesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday. Closed Tuesdays. Scottsdale Fashion Square, 7014 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale. $15-$24; free for children under 3. arizona.wonderspaces.com .

48. Go fish!

There are 27 city-park lakes around the Valley where you can fish from the shore. You'll need a license (children younger than 10 can fish for free) and you can get one online, at Arizona Game and Fish offices, or at such dealers as Cabela's, Walmart and Dick's Sporting Goods. Check the website for what's biting and where, the kind of bait that fish like and catch-and-release rules.

Details: 602-942-3000, www.azgfd.com .

49. Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

The Princess has family-friendly pools and water slides as well as a pool exclusively for adults. Among the resort's six pools are the Sonoran Splash Pool, which has two 200-foot twisting water slides. The Sunset Beach Pool is the largest, with a splash pad and white sand beach, according to the resort's website. For day passes, go to ResortPass .

Details:   7575 E. Princess Drive, Scottsdale. Day passes from $70 ($55 for children; free for infants). 480-585-4848,  www.fairmont.com/scottsdale .

Coming soon: Biggest hotel openings and renos in Arizona in 2023 and beyond

50. Take a red-rock hike

Join a naturalist at Red Rock State Park for a hike. You'll learn about Oak Creek, animal and plant life, geology and the history and archaeology of the area. See the website for a schedule. Full-moon hikes take place July 2, July 31, Aug. 28 and Sept. 28. Hikes typically last 90 minutes to 2½ hours. Keep in mind that no pets are allowed in the park.

Details: Dates and times vary. 4050 Red Rock Loop Road, Sedona. $7 for age 14 or older; $4 for ages 7-13; free for age 6 or younger. 928-282-6907, azstateparks.com/red-rock .

51. Arizona Museum of Natural History

Founded in 1977, this museum is a classic place for families to explore the history and culture of the Southwest. There are more than 60,000 objects of natural history, anthropology, history and art. Kids will find lots to do, from learning about dinosaurs to panning for gold to watching a flash flood flow over a three-story mountain inside the museum.

Details:  See website for timed entry and discount ticket prices. Normal hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays, Noon-5 p.m. Sundays, Closed Mondays. 53 N. Macdonald, Mesa. $1 3 , $8 for students 13 and older with ID, $7 for ages 3-12, $10 for seniors, free for kids 2 and under. 480-644-2230, arizonamuseumofnaturalhistory.org .

52. Foothills Recreation & Aquatics Center

This recreation center in Glendale offers two giant slides, a zero-depth leisure pool with spray features, an aquatic playground and a lazy river. A diving well and two diving boards are also on site. Water aerobics, lap swimming, pool rentals, private and group swim lessons and special events can be found online.

Details: Through July 29, hours are 1-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Closed Sundays, Mondays and July 4. Prices vary. 5600 W. Union Hills Drive. 623-930-4600, www.glendaleaz.com .

53. Go roller skating

USA Skateland has two indoor skating rinks around the Valley where kids, teens and families can keep cool and have fun. Roll around on regular or inline skates to music, play arcade games and snack on pizza and soda. There are family events, teen skates and themed sessions throughout the summer.

Details: 7 E. Southern Ave., Mesa, 480-833-7775. 1101 W. Ray Road, Chandler, 480-917-9444. unitedskates.com .

54. Work on your golf swing

Party with a putter at TopGolf, where you and your friends can enjoy a few beverages, listen to tunes from a DJ and try to outscore each others' golf drives, all in the comfort of your mister-cooled golfing bay.

Details:  1689 S. SanTan Village Parkway, Gilbert, 480-240-1282. 9500 E. Talking Stick Way, Salt River Reservation near Scottsdale, 480-240-2402. 6101 N. 99th Ave., Glendale, 623-218-2243 topgolf.com .

55. Get sweaty on purpose

People hype New Year's Day as the time to start exercising, but that was midwinter — who cared? Now's the time to find your fit self. For low prices and lengthy opening hours, check out Planet Fitness , Youfit or EOS Fitness .

56. Alice Cooper's Solid Rock Teen Centers

The Rock runs in partnership with Alice Cooper's Solid Rock and Genesis Church. The center offers a place for kids interested in music, collaboration, dance and training. The Rock offers music lessons for such instruments as bass, guitar and drums, as well as vocal and dance classes.

Details: 2-7:30 p.m. Mondays-Fridays. Free. 13625 N. 32nd St., Phoenix. 602-522-9200, 122 N. Country Club Dr., Mesa. Free. 480-454-6110, alicecoopersolidrock.com/about/teen .

57. Drink the coldest beer in town

The powerful and the less so have mingled at the Coach House for generations. The longtime Scottsdale watering hole is informal, fun and a great antidote to the usual Scottsdale scene. And yes, the beer is icy cold.

Details: 6 a.m.-2 a.m. daily. 7011 E. Indian School Road, Scottsdale. 480-990-3433, coachhousescottsdale.com .

58. Enjoy a play or a musical

An air-conditioned theater is a go-to choice for the summer, and so is enjoying the arts. So why not combine the two at the Herberger Theater Center. Offerings range from long-standing musicals to award-winning new plays, such as "The Spongebob Musical" and "The Legend of Georgia McBride." They also have classic operas, dance performances, cultural events and more. 

Details: 222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix. 602-252-8497, herbergertheater.org .

59. Gourmet with a view

With a farm-to-table cuisine and a beautiful view of Arizona landmarks such as Papago Park and Camelback Mountain, you can really enjoy the desert feel without feeling drenched in heat at Top of the Rock Restaurant. The new American menu features items such as seared duck ($34) and ora king salmon ($38). It can be a bit on the spendy side, so consider stopping by for their creative appetizers, such as chicken and donuts for $14.

Details: 2000 W. Westcourt Way, Tempe. 602-431-2370, https://www.marriott.com .

60. Sea Life Arizona

Inside Arizona Mills is an aquarium with more than 10 interactive zones and over 250 species, including clown fish, sea turtles, sharks, jellyfish, rays, octopus and seahorses. The biggest attraction is the awe-inspiring 360-degree ocean tunnel. All that water and the fact that it's indoors make this a great place to hide out when temps soar beyond 100. Get tickets online ahead of time for best price and shorter wait times.

Details: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. 5000 S. Arizona Mills Circle, Suite 145, Tempe. $16.99. 480-565-7072, visitsealife.com/arizona .

61. Castles N Coasters

With 20 rides and attractions plus several 18-hole miniature golf courses and an arcade, Castles N Coasters can keep kids occupied for most of the day. Attractions include a two-loop roller coaster, go karts, bumper boats, free fall and miniature Ferris wheel.

Details: 9445 N. Metro Parkway East, Phoenix. From $47 for unlimited thrill rides. 602-997-7575, castlesncoasters.com .

62. Octane Raceway

Octane Raceway on the Salt River Reservation near Scottsdale offers high-speed kart racing, virtual reality simulators, an arcade and ax throwing. According to the venue’s website, “all racers must be at least 54 (inches) tall and ready to race with closed toe shoes.” Children under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Details: 9119 E. Talking Stick Way, on the Salt River Reservation. From $25 for one race, plus a $7 annual racing membership. 602-302-7223, octaneraceway.com .

63. Flashlight Nights at Desert Botanical Garden

Desert Botanical Garden is allowing nighttime explorers to seek out the desert’s night-blooming plants and nocturnal animals every Saturday night this summer. Guests should bring their own flashlights. There also will be a nighttime indoor market, live performances, food trucks and other activities. Tickets are required.

Details: 6:30-9:30 p.m. Saturdays, through Sept. 2, excluding July 1. 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix. $16.95, free for children 2 and under. 480-941-1225, dbg.org .

64. Fat Cats

Bowling, arcade games, movies and glow golf all under one roof? The kids will be occupied all day. Bowl on one of 20 lanes with food service at each lane. Arcade games are half price on Wednesdays. Test golfing skills at the nine-hole pirate-themed glowing mini golf course for $5 per person per round. End the night with a movie. Tickets cost $8.25-$12.

Details:  10 a.m.-11 p.m. daily. 20660 E. Riggs Road, Queen Creek, 480-841-6044. 4321 E. Baseline Road, Gilbert, 480-498-3325. 5846 E. Longbow Parkway, Mesa, 480-498-3323. Bowling $10-$16 per person. fatcatsfun.com/gilbert .

65. Children's Museum of Phoenix

The museum features three floors of interactive exhibits for kids ages zero to 10 such as art studios, a garden, climbing structure and more. Weekly summer camps are scheduled through Aug. 4. The museum is open daily through Labor Day.

Details: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily. 215 N. Seventh St., Phoenix. $17, $16 for those over 62, free for infants under 1 year old. 602-253-0501, childrensmuseumofphoenix.org .

66. Keep your cocktails cooler

Regular ice cubes melt too quickly, diluting the best cocktails into a watery mess. Buy a tray that creates 2-inch-square cubes , which melt slower and keep your drink cooler for longer. Better yet, get an ice-ball maker . A giant sphere of ice just looks so much classier. They're available at Amazon, mass retailers and specialty stores.

67. Arizona Boardwalk

Looking to be transported to the Jurassic period? Or perhaps the family could use an oceanic adventure with sharks, otters and sea lions. Arizona Boardwalk on the Salt River Reservation near Scottsdale is home to several family-friendly entertainment venues, shops and eateries, including:

• OdySea Aquarium.
• Butterfly Wonderland.
• Ripley's Believe It or Not.
• Laser + Mirror Maze.
• UFO Experience.
• Museum of Illusions.
• Pangaea: Land of the Dinosaurs.
• Cyber Quest Arcade.
• Johnny's Playground.

Details: 9500 E. Via de Ventura, on the Salt River Reservation. 480-951-2100, azboardwalk.com .

68. Play golf

Yes, you read that right: Play golf. Metro Phoenix is home to some of the best courses in the country, if not the world. Trouble is, for half the year they're outside the price range of anyone who isn't a pro (or a 1-percenter). But if you're willing to put up with the heat (and drink a lot of water), there are great discounts available during summer. Because, you know, no one wants to play in the heat. But with hydration, it's really not that bad. Your slice, on the other hand ...

69. Grill. A lot.

No one wants to fire up the oven when it feels like an oven outside. So fire up the grill instead. The food tastes better, it's less mess in the house and you don't have to stand outside the entire time it's cooking. Go inside, have a cool drink while the chicken, ribs and veggies char to perfection. Here are two good sites for inspiration: amazingribs.com and grillgirl.com .

70. Knock down 10 pins

Bowling is out of the sun and in the air-conditioning. It's fun and lets you move without breaking a sweat. We recommend Let It Roll Bowl because it has a good vibe, it's independently owned and it includes King Pin 300 Pizza & Grill, which sells specialty pies, ice cream and milkshakes.

Details: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Sundays, noon-10 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, noon-midnight. Fridays 10 a.m.-midnight Saturdays. 8925 N. 12th St., Phoenix. 602-944-4401, letitrollbowl.com .

71. Ceretta Candy Co. tours

Take a 30-minute guided tour through this family-owned candy factory for a behind-the-scenes look at how candy is made and wrapped. The tours are free; for $13.50, guests can build their own chocolate pizza afterward.

Details: 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. 5345 W. Glendale Ave., Glendale. Free. 623-930-9000, cerreta.com/factory-tours .

72. Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch

This 110-acre oasis in Gilbert is a great place to watch wildlife (especially birds), catch and release fish, learn a few things and just kick back. The lake and seven ponds are for groundwater recharge and recreation. Horses are allowed on some trails, bikes are allowed on trails and sidewalks and leashed dogs can accompany walkers in all pedestrian areas.

Details: Trails are open dawn to dusk daily; preserve hours are from 5:30 a.m.-10 p.m. 2757 E. Guadalupe Road, Gilbert. 480-503-6200, www.gilbertaz.gov .

73. Enjoy a rooftop poolside view

Eden Rooftop Bar, the poolside bar at the Hotel Palomar in downtown Phoenix, has lots of action this summer.  There are DJs every Friday and Saturday night and garden parties on Sunday afternoons. Cabanas and day beds are available to rent while you enjoy the skyline, some cocktails and a bite.

Details: 2 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix. 602-258-0231, edenbarphoenix.com .

74. Have a water-balloon fight

Give yourself a strategic advantage by purchasing a water-balloon pump , which fills the balloons quickly. They're $5 to $15 at mass retailers and party-supply stores. Most come with balloons.

75. Sweat it out on the dance floor

You're already sweating, so might as well make the most of it. Walk down Saddlebag Trail in downtown Scottsdale and drop into any of the popular clubs and bars, such as Dierks Bentley's Whiskey Row. If you're in downtown Phoenix, head to Monarch Theatre. DJs from across the world come to perform at the large nightclub, which has ample room to dance. The club's long-running sister property next door, Bar Smith, features entertainment downstairs and on its rooftop bar.

Details: Dierks Bentley's Whiskey Row, 4420 N. Saddlebag Trail, Scottsdale, 480-945-4200, dierkswhiskeyrow.com . Monarch Theatre, 122 E. Washington St., Phoenix, 602-821-8569, monarchtheatre.com .

76. Pretend you're on a faraway island

The best way to do that is to indulge in island food and cocktails. Hula's Modern Tiki is a contemporary twist on 1950s and '60s tiki bars, with hip decor, such tropical cocktails as the Dr. Funk and Pink Bikini Martini and island-inspired cuisine. You'll forget where you are at any of these bars — until you step outside again.

Details: Hula's Modern Tiki, 5114 N. Seventh St., Phoenix, 602-265-8454; Hula's Scottsdale, 7213 E. First Ave., 480-970-4852. hulasmoderntiki.com .

77. Go subterranean

Our favorite underground bar in Phoenix is the Rokerij. Esquire magazine included it in the Very Dark Bar category as part of its 2010 "Best Bars in America" series. The main restaurant is upstairs, but walk downstairs and you'll be greeted with a cellarlike, windowless bar and a cozy atmosphere. It's so cool that you probably won't even notice the fireplace, which is lit year round.

Details: 6335 N. 16th St., Phoenix. 602-287-8900, richardsonsnm.com .

78. Sky Zone trampoline park

This indoor trampoline park offers connected and angled trampolines so kids can actually bounce off the walls. Sky Zone also offers a foam zone, free climb, a zip line, ultimate dodgeball and more.

Details: Hours vary by location. $10 for 60 minutes ($20 on weekends), $22 for 90 minutes, $24 for two hours. A required pair of reusable Sky Socks is $5. 9040 W. Larkspur Drive, Peoria. 623-979-4000; 4857 E. Greenway Road, Scottsdale, 602-493-5867; 3636 W. Southern Ave., Phoenix, 602-704-3404,  skyzone.com .

79. Score a staycation bargain

Room rates plunge when temperatures soar, so this is the time of year to treat yourself to a staycation at a swanky Phoenix or Scottsdale resort where in-season travelers pay $400 or more per night. Lounge by the pool, enjoy a city or mountain view and cool off in someone else's a/c.

Treat yourself: Best 2023 summer staycation deals at Phoenix-area hotels and resorts

80. Play at the Monastery

Have a beer, grill your own grub if you want, listen to live music and play ping-pong, sand volleyball and horseshoes at the Monastery in east Mesa. The comfy duds you're wearing to keep cool are just fine here.

Details:  2-11 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday, 2 p.m.-midnight Friday-Saturday, noon-8 p.m. Sunday. 4810 E. McKellips Road, Mesa. 480-474-4477, themonasterybar.com .

81. Take a cooking class

Sweet Basil Cooking school can teach you all kinds of things, from creating a Hawaiian-style feast to making the most of your Instant Pot to prepping light and easy summer dinners. There are classes for couples and teens, too.

Details: 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays. 8900 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale. 480-596-5628,  sweetbasilgourmet.com .

82. Head to a lake

Whether it's fishing at Lake Pleasant near Morristown or water skiing on Canyon Lake near Apache Junction, there are plenty of recreational water activities at the state's many lakes and reservoirs. And they're a lot closer than driving to the beach.

Details: Lake Pleasant Regional Park, 41835 N. Castle Hot Springs Road, Morristown. 602-506-2930, maricopacountyparks.net . Canyon Lake, 16802 State Route 88, Tortilla Flat. 480-288-9233, canyonlakemarina.com .

83. Invest in a car sun shade

The flimsy fold-up windshield shades don't cut it — we need heavy-duty heat shields here. The best ones are fairly thick, accordion-style and highly reflective on one side. Such brands as Covercraft , Dash Designs and Intro-Tech start at $35 to $100. While you're at it, get a cover for the steering wheel and you're ready to go.

84. Hilton Phoenix Resort at the Peak

The Hilton Phoenix Resort at the Peak's water park, which is open year-round, has expanded hours over the summer. In addition to its North and South Pointe pools, the resort is home to the River Ranch Water Park, which has a lazy river and water slide. For day passes, go to ResortPass.

Details: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Wednesdays, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Thursdays-Sundays. 7677 N. 16th St., Phoenix. From $40 ($20 for children). 602-997-2626,  hiltonphoenixresortatthepeak.com .

85. Luci's Healthy Marketplace

You can get mimosas, wine and beer here, but a sweltering summer afternoon is the perfect time to sample a Luci's Quencher, a frozen hot chocolate or a freshly brewed iced tea. The menu includes sandwiches, wraps, salads and breakfast items, and you can kill an hour browsing the specialty cheeses, foodstuffs and kitschy products on the shelves. Don't miss the display of cheeky refrigerator magnets at the colorfully tiled counter.

Details: 6 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. 1590 E. Bethany Home Road, Phoenix. 602-773-1339, lucisgoodness.com .

86. Harkins Theatres Summer Movie Fun

Create a new family tradition by making one morning each week "movie day" at a Harkins Theatre location this summer. Summer Movie Fun is designed for kids 12 or younger and features screenings of movies rated G or PG. See a different family movie each week through July 28 for $8. Plus, here's our story on where to find cheap movie tickets in metro Phoenix .

Details:  harkins.com/movies/summer-movie-fun .

87. Musical Instrument Museum

The museum is ranked nationally as a top destination for families, and it's easy to hear why. The museum offers interactive exhibits that allow kids to play, hear and experience music in new ways. Kids will love wearing headphones, walking through exhibits and hearing world music. They'll also like the Experience Gallery, where they can try instruments and make their own music.

Details: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix. $20; $15 for ages 13-19; $10 for ages 4-12; free for age 3 or younger. 480-478-6000, mim.org .

88. Great Wolf Lodge Arizona

The indoor water park, which is maintained at 84 degrees year-round, offers a three-person high-speed raft ride, a lazy river and tandem tube rides. Enjoy one of their many water slides, play with your kids in the kiddie pool or take a break in the hot tub.

Details: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday through Sunday. 7333 N. Pima Road, on the Salt River Reservation near Scottsdale. 480-948-9653,  greatwolf.com/arizona .

Is it a wine bar? Is it a store? It's both. Brix Wines combines retail and bar, keeping prices by the bottle down and creating an atmosphere for casual conversation. The market also offers gourmet snacks and chocolates. In addition, Brix offers temperature-controlled private lockers so wine enthusiasts can keep their stash comfortable.

Details: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays; 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. 37636 N. Tom Darlington Road, Carefree. 480-595-2749, brixwinesaz.com .

90. Goldfield Ghost Town

This former mining hub at the base of the Superstition Mountains in Apache Junction was founded in 1892. Keep cool on a 25-minute tour of mine shaft as the guide talks about the good ol' days before the gold played out. The town includes a pottery shop, a museum, a church, livery stables, a reptile exhibit and a mystery shack where objects seemingly defy gravity.

Panning for gold, a shooting gallery and rides on a zipline, train or horseback are among the activities and gunfights are held on Saturdays and Sundays. Coffee Cantina & Bakery and Miner's Grill & Ice Cream Parlor offers chow and cold drinks.

Details: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Prices for attractions vary. 4650 N. Mammoth Mine Road, Apache Junction. 480-983-0333, goldfieldghosttown.com .

91. Play a chilly board game

If you haven't played a board game since Candyland, know that they're a lot more sophisticated and fun these days. Plus, pick one with a chilly theme and you can at least think about cooler climes. We love Hey! That's My Fish, in which a player tries to keep penguins alive on ice floes; it's more cutthroat than it sounds. If you're playing with kids, there's always the (c)old favorite, Don't Break the Ice.

92. Dive into a public pool

Want to splash all day without the expense of a commercial water park? Consider a public pool. Many city pools have water features where your kids can cool off at a fraction of the cost. Here are a few options. Check your city’s website to see what it offers.

• Mesquite Groves Aquatic Center: Two water slides, lazy river, water spray pad, water vortex, shade areas. 5901 S. Hillcrest Drive, Chandler. 480-782-2635, www.chandleraz.gov .
• Encanto Pool: Diving boards, baby pool, inflatable wibit. 2125 N. 15th Ave., Phoenix. 602-261-8732, www.phoenix.gov .
• Rhodes Aquatic Complex: FlowRider surf simulator, splash pads, diving boards, zero-depth entry. 1860 S. Longmore, Mesa. 480-644-2550, www.mesaparks.com . 
• Surprise Aquatic Center: Two water slides, a zero-depth area for little kids, a vortex whirlpool and diving boards. 15831 N. Bullard Ave. 623-222-2500, www.surpriseaz.gov .

93. Check out museums for free

Head to your local public library to borrow a Culture Pass, which gives free admission for two people to one of 17 area museums and attractions, including the Phoenix Art Museum, the Desert Caballeros Western Museum and Arcosanti, the utopian community in Cordes Junction created by the late architect Paolo Soleri. The pass is also good for the Desert Botanical Garden and the former Pueblo Grande Museum, which has been renamed the S'eḏav Va'aki Museum.

Details:  act1az.org/culture-pass-metro-phoenix .

94. Sip an innovative cocktail

Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour in downtown Phoenix is in the historic Luhrs Building and once housed the former Arizona Prohibition Headquarters. Voted Top 10 in the "World's Best Cocktail Menu" on Tales of the Cocktail, Bitter & Twisted's menu has something for tequila and whiskey drinkers alike. Happy hour is 4-6 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays.

Details: 4 p.m.-midnight Tuesdays-Thursdays, 4 p.m.-1 a.m. Fridays-Saturdays. 1 W. Jefferson St., Phoenix. 602-340-1924, bitterandtwistedaz.com .

95. Paint your own pottery

You can look at it as paying to paint pre-made pottery or as having something to do in a mellow, air-conditioned room for hours on end, but either way, pottery painting is a popular summer activity. As You Wish supplies the ceramics, and you get to park at a table and create a masterpiece. Pro tip: The less you try to make it look perfect, the better it probably will look.

Details: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sundays. Locations in Phoenix, Chandler, Glendale, Tempe and Mesa. asyouwishpottery.com .

96. Drive through Bearizona

Witness North American wildlife in a natural environment from the safety of your vehicle on this drive-through adventure. It's best to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the bison, bighorn sheep, goats, wolves and bear cubs are moving around. A walk-through Fort Bearizona experience includes smaller animals and babies, a petting zoo and a mine-shaft exhibit with cave dwellers and nocturnal creatures.

Details: 8 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. 1500 E. Route 66, Williams. $20-$35, free for 3 and younger. 928-635-2289, bearizona.com .

97. The coolest food

No cuisine is more light and refreshing than Japanese sashimi (thinly sliced raw fish) and sushi (bite-size delicacies made with vinegared rice, but not always with raw fish). And thanks to the modern wonders of airplanes and refrigeration, you can enjoy both of them safely even in the middle of a desert summer.

For a top-quality, fairly traditional fish feast, try Hana Japanese Eatery (602-973-1238, hanajapaneseeatery.com ) or Hiro Sushi (480-314-4215, hirosushiphx.com ).

98. Flagstaff Scenic Skyride

Head to Arizona Snowbowl near Flagstaff and ride a chairlift to the top of an extinct volcano about 11,500 feet above sea level. Hint: You'll probably need a jacket. While you take in the breathtaking views of northern Arizona and beyond, a Forest Service ranger can tell you about the flora and fauna below. It's set to open June 16.

Details: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. daily. From Flagstaff, drive 7 miles northwest on U.S. 180 to Snowbowl Road. Turn right and go 7 miles to the lodge. Tickets start at $18; free age 5 and younger. 928-447-9928, www.snowbowl.ski .

99. Set up a Slip 'n' Slide

Return to your childhood roots and turn your backyard into a low-cost water park — provided you have a patch of grass and not just desert landscaping. Wham-O has an array of products, well beyond the single yellow strip most of us recall. Find them at big-box stores and online.

100. Crank the AC and watch a winter movie

Pop some corn, grab a blanket and feast your eyes on wintry landscapes and snow-capped mountains. Might we suggest Russell Crowe's hockey comedy "Mystery, Alaska." It's about a small town in Alaska that lives and breathes hockey. You may get jealous: They can ice skate on their sidewalks instead of frying eggs on them.

26 Stunning Places to Visit in Arizona That We Love

Written By: ThePlanetD Team

United States

Updated On: February 9, 2024

There are a lot of beautiful places to visit in Arizona. Arizona offers a unique mix of striking landscapes, bustling cities, hidden ghost towns, and unique formations, making it a great destination any time of year. This guide will help you plan your Arizona getaway now and discover what this diverse state has to offer. Whether planning an Arizona road trip or popping over from Vegas, you’ll surely find something to suit your needs.

Table of Contents

Best Places to Visit in Arizona

This guide is split into specific sections, as Arizona has many different types of places to visit. The best way to get around Arizona is by car. Compare prices from the airport you are flying into here at RentalCars.com (This is what we use). So, let’s get started.

1. Coyote Buttes

Do you love unique landscapes? The landscape of Coyote Buttes is beautiful and fascinating. It’s is a bit like walking through a maze of natural skatepark ramps.

The Buttes are located in Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness. A little like Antelope Canyon, the landscape features wave-like rock patterns. But instead of being in a canyon, you can experience the waves out in the open, amongst towering buttes.

Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness is one of the best places to visit in Arizona in its own right. Paria has over 100,000 acres of protected lands, but add Coyote Buttes and it is out of this world.

2. Antelope Canyon

Antelope Canyon is a national treasure. The wave-like sandstone walls of the slot canyon were made famous on social media, but to see it in person is magical. Photographers flock to Antelope Canyon to capture the dramatic scenery and walk along the canyon floor.

If you want to visit Antelope Canyon, you’ll have a choice of which part to visit – Lower Antelope Canyon, Upper Antelope Canyon, or maybe both as you can book tours and see both.

Upper Antelope Canyon is the easiest to hike but is darker, while Lower Antelope Canyon is narrower but much lighter. You can book online or pay a visit to Antelope Canyon Visitor Center. Antelope Canyon is easily one of the best natural tourist attractions in Arizona. This canyon is a must-visit if you want to visit bucket list outdoor attractions. Check out Antelope Canyon Photo Tours – How to Make the most of it

3. Monument Valley

Monument Valley is located along the Arizona- Utah border. If you want to visit easily, you must base yourself in a northern city like Flagstaff. The valley is one of the most famous landscapes in the US and easily one of the best places to visit in Arizona.

The valley is over 90,000 acres and full of hiking trails and spectacular rock formations. It is most known for its towering sandstone buttes, which you can experience on scenic drives or on hiking trails. Don’t miss Forest Gump Point, the iconic viewpoint used in famous movies and is an important filming location in cinematic history.

The valley is a great place to cut through if you are planning an Arizona road trip . There are many things to see while driving through the valley, and the scenery is perfect for memorable road tripping.

4. Montezuma Castle National Monument

Fascinated by ancient culture and archaeological sites of inhabitation? Montezuma Castle National Monument is the place to visit. The site is home to several cliffside dwellings, built and lived in by Indigenous People around 1100 to 1425 AD.

Sadly, access inside the dwellings has now been prohibited in an understandable attempt to protect the site from excessive damage. However, visitors can take a virtual tour inside the houses. They look incredible from the outside, and you can enjoy numerous hiking trails for different views.

5. Saguaro National Park

We’ve briefly mentioned Saguaro National Park already. The park is located just outside Tucson. It is a great place to visit for stunning scenery and hiking trails while visiting Southern Arizona.

The park is most known for its cacti. Indeed, in this national park, you’ll find some of the largest saguaro cacti in the US. Some of the cacti live up to 200 years old and grow at a very slow rate. The national park feels like an old American West movie scene and has over 90,000 acres for you to explore.

Whether you choose a scenic drive or hike, booking a rental car to visit Saguaro National Park is the easiest option. Valley View Overlook Trail is a nice short walk that should take you around 20 minutes to complete, while hiking to Signal Hill Petroglyphs is a must for anyone interested in ancient art and civilizations.

6. Petrified Forest National Park

If the Petrified Forest National Park sounds fantastic, it’s because it is. However, if you arrive expecting a lush forest full of beautiful, interesting trees, you’ll be shocked. The national park is a barren landscape, full of fossils and petrified, sliced tree trunks.

The petrified wood is scattered across the national park, and you can drive the length of the park in around an hour – stopping at whatever spot catches your eye. Some not to miss places include Rainbow Forest Museum, the Crystal Forest hike, and the Blue Mesa hike.

Wondering how this natural phenomenon occurs? Petrification of trees takes place when trees have been buried underground without oxygen for thousands of years. Over time, the decaying wood becomes mineralized and turns into fossilized stone, creating an exact replica of the original form, just in a different material.

For a unique natural experience, Petrified Forest National Park is one of the best places to visit in Arizona. We recommend choosing this national park for anyone intrigued by natural ‘mysteries’ and wanting a memorable experience in Arizona.

7. Grand Canyon National Park

What can we say? The park is one of the best places to visit in the US , never mind Arizona. Visiting the Grand Canyon is up there on most people’s US bucket lists. From hiking to whitewater rafting, and camping to taking a trail ride, this destination is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the entire world.

South Rim and North Rim are the most popular areas to explore while the North Rim is the lesser seen side of the Grand Canyon and is best for those who want a quieter place to experience.

A popular hiking route in the Grand Canyon is the Bright Angel Trail. The trail is well-maintained and relatively easy. But there are plenty of other hiking trails in the Grand Canyon that you can explore. Read The Absolute Best Things to do in The Grand Canyon for more information.

Of course, you can always splurge on a helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon. Many tourists opt to view the canyon from above, which is one of the most exhilarating things to do in Arizona. Whichever way you decide to see the Grand Canyon, it will leave you breathless. It truly lives up to the hype. Read more: Where to Stay At The Grand Canyon: Best Hotels And Areas For Every Budget

8. Havasu Falls

While visiting the  Grand Canyon , you must plan a hike to Havasu Falls. This trek needs to be planned in advance, as permits to the falls are hard to get, but it is worth the time..

Havasu Falls is one of the prettiest waterfalls in the U.S. The water is a striking pastel blue from the high calcium carbonate and magnesium levels. The falls drop over 100 feet in a single drop to fill a considerable plunge pool at the bottom.

Getting to the falls is an adventure in itself, one you can read more about here. It is recommended that you stay overnight at the Lodge or campground. But for all the effort of getting there, the turquoise water of the Havasu Falls will soothe your weary body, providing yet another dream-like experience.

Better yet, you can swim – rare amongst the prettiest waterfalls since tourism usually damages their natural beauty. Havasu Falls is still enough under the radar to avoid this strict rule brought on by over-tourism. So grab a bikini and towel and enjoy.

9. Canyon de Chelly National Monument

Canyon de Chelly National Monument covers over 80,000 acres and is home to the Spider Rock spire. The spire is a 700-foot-high sandstone rock. Spider Rock spire gained its shape by gradual erosion over time, and experts believe it was once connected to a ridge. Nowadays, it makes an unusual natural attraction and a great photograph.

You can drop by the Canyon de Chelly Visitor Center for expert local guidance on things to see and do. However, you should definitely make sure to try a hiking trail or scenic drive. You can also explore the canyon on horseback if you want a more exciting experience.

After exploring the best national parks and cities, let’s look at Arizona’s largest category – its outdoor attractions.

Arizona is perfect if you love being outdoors and experiencing natural attractions. The state is full of things to see and do outdoors, including visiting the National Monument, Antelope Canyon, and Monument Valley. Ready to be inspired? Let’s take a look.

Canyon de Chelly National Monument is a national park in Northeastern Arizona. It is located in the Navajo Nation and is exceptionally close to the Arizona-New Mexico border. For those who want to experience nature, it is easily one of the best places to visit in Arizona.

10. Lake Powell

If you are heading up to the Arizona-Utah border, it is well worth detouring to Lake Powell. The lake is a stunning artificial body of water situated between Monument Valley and Grand Canyon National Park. It is a beautiful place to visit in Arizona. The lake’s bright blue water and orange sandstone surroundings cut a picture-perfect scene.

The lake is fed by the Colorado River and covers over 2,000 miles of shoreline. The Rainbow Bridge National Monument is a significant tourist attraction on the lake, and the vast stone arc is the largest natural bridge in the world. It is an excellent attraction to combine with enjoying the lake itself.

Many people spend a day or two staying along the shores of the lake. You may wish to visit as a day trip or look for a cabin , hotel, or campsite so that you can stay overnight.

11. Lake Mead

Lake Mead is another impressive artificial attraction. The lake has the highest water capacity of any US reservoir and sits on the Nevada-Arizona border. If you love water activities and lakeside living, Lake Mead is one of the best places to visit in Arizona to unwind and relax.

We recommend allowing time to take a Lake Mead cruise, as the contrast between desert and an oasis-like body of water is striking and best experienced from the water itself. You can also fish and boat on the lake. The desert mountains are the perfect places for scenic drives and biking; however, it will be hard to draw yourself away from the refreshing lake that surrounds them.

If you are planning a road trip, Lake Mead is ideally located en route to Las Vegas . It is worth a detour to enjoy the lake and you may want to consider combining it with a visit to the nearby Hoover Dam.

12. Horseshoe Bend

You can’t visit Arizona without visiting the Colorado River. Of course, you can choose to see many sections of the river, however, we highly recommend visiting Horseshoe Bend.

Horseshoe Bend is the postcard image of the Colorado River. It is definitely one of the best places to visit in Arizona. As you may have guessed, the curve is shaped like a horseshoe, and you’ll find a fantastic viewpoint where you can appreciate the unique scenery up close. Make sure to pack a camera if you’ve got one, as Horseshoe Bend is one of the most popular sights in the US.

Reaching the viewpoint is relatively easy and is just a 1.3-mile round hike. Horseshoe Bend is best visited during the early morning or late afternoon, though, as there is very little shade and Arizona gets dangerously hot in summer.

13. Hoover Dam

Once the tallest dam in the world, the Hoover Dam has a nostalgic kind of power. While it no longer holds that grand title, it is still one of Arizona’s best places to visit. It is said that the dam could withstand the force of Niagara Falls – which gives you an excellent perspective on how strong it is.

You can view the Hoover Dam from afar or drop by the Hoover Dam Visitors Center to book a guided tour. Tours typically include access to the Hoover Dam tunnels, an elevator ride to the top, and special access to functional rooms throughout the building.

If you are interested in architecture or just want to see a national historic landmark up close, the dam is excellent to visit. It can also be combined with a trip to Las Vegas , as the dam sits on the Nevada -Arizona border.

14. Glen Canyon Dam

Planning a trip to Glen Canyon National Recreation Park to visit Lake Powell? We recommend taking a detour to visit the Glen Canyon Dam.

Glen Canyon Dam is situated in Glen Canyon National Recreation Park, a one million-acre reserve encompassing biking trails, hiking trails, and Lake Powell. The dam is a hydroelectric power plant and has become an iconic attraction along the Colorado River.

Visitors can take boat tours to view Glen Canyon Dam up close or even fly over the dam with a flight experience. The 710-foot infrastructure is incredible from a distance and even more impressive up close. Of course, to save a bit of money, you can always walk across Glen Canyon Dam Bridge, where you’ll still have great views over the dam.

15. Jerome State Historic Park

Fancy indulging in a bit of history? Jerome State Historic Park is a fantastic place to visit in Arizona. The state park has a couple of acres surrounding Douglas Mansion, which has been transformed into a quirky mining museum.

Visitors can wander through two floors of informative exhibits plus outdoor gardens. The museum balances general mining stories and the local town’s history. You can learn about region-specific minerals and mining processes through various mediums, including cinematic videos.

The park can be combined with a visit to Montezuma Castle or it is a great day trip if you are staying in nearby Flagstaff. It is undoubtedly an activity to note down for your Arizona itinerary.

16. the Superstition Mountains

The Superstition Mountains cover 160,000 and are full of gorgeous mountainous and desert scenes. That is not what makes this place famous, though; it is the lost gold mines.

Legends of gold have kept mining companies and independent hunters searching the mountains for years. Many hunters have hit the jackpot and found lots of riches. You can join the crowds or find your own non-gold-related entertainment in the mountains.

You can visit the Superstition Mountains Museum, explore the surrounding Tonto National Forest, or hike along one of the various trails. These mountains are one of the best places to visit in Arizona for adventure.

You can explore the hiking trails, biking trails, take off-roading tours, or book a scenic helicopter flight – it is up to you. These are the best national parks to visit in Arizona.

17. Phoenix

Phoenix is the sunny state capital of Arizona. Located in central Arizona, Phoenix is surrounded by mountains and desert landscapes. Its location seems unlikely for a city, with skyscrapers and luxury hotels shooting up from what (before 1881) was once sand and dust.

Phoenix is the best place to visit in Arizona for a big-city experience. The city is bursting with art, nightlife and attractions, including more art galleries than you could see in a whole week.

Phoenix is home to the Musical Instrument Museum, Natural History Museum, Phoenix Bat Cave, and Desert Botanical Garden. Read more: 34 Best Things To Do In Phoenix (By A Local)

18. Desert Botanical Garden

The Desert Botanical Garden is located in Papago Park, in the center of Arizona’s capital city. However, the Desert Botanical Garden is worthy of a spot on our list in its own right. We highly recommend visiting even if you fly into Phoenix and head straight out of the city after (but seriously, at least give the city a day or two).

Why is the Desert Botanical Garden so spectacular? The 150-acre garden has over 50,000 desert plants and is the ideal place to visit for a convenient desert experience. The botanical garden is an easy and fun alternative for those who don’t have time to visit major desert locations like Saguaro National Park.

Phoenix’s botanical garden is a fantastic place to visit in Arizona. The garden is a great compromise option if you still want to experience the desert landscape and characteristic cacti and flora.

19. Lake Havasu City

If Phoenix is best for a big-city feel, Lake Havasu City is best for the opposite. The tiny city sits next to Lake Havasu, which is fed by the Colorado River and is a hot spot for watersports and relaxation. But it was the Little London Village that made us take a detour to visit Lake Havasu.

Nature lovers and those looking for a quiet base in Arizona will love Lake Havasu. The city has a slow pace, and its lakeside location is a pleasant change from Arizona’s dry desert landscape. There are plenty of outdoor activities and attractions including Lake Havasu State Park and London Bridge. London Bridge is an architectural wonder transported from London in the 1970s and there is a distinct English feel in the London Village.

You can spend your days fishing, enjoying the footpaths and green space around the city, or swimming and boating on the lake. Don’t forget to check out the Lake Havasu Lighthouses that span the shoreline..

Tucson is Arizona’s second-largest city and is full of cultural diversity and things to do. If you want a  different  Arizona experience, we recommend visiting Tucson.

Tucson sits just above the US-Mexican border in Southern Arizona. Thanks to its location, the city has a lot of Mexican influence. One of the top places to visit San Xavier del Bac is a Spanish Catholic Mission. This national historic landmark was founded in 1692 and welcomes more than 200,000 visitors per year. The church is considered the finest Spanish Colonial architecture in the United States.

You’ll find many new experiences and immersion opportunities, from the city’s cuisine to its cultures. You must try some Mexican cuisine while visiting.

Tucson is also home to the University of Arizona. As a university city, visitors can enjoy an extra sociable, friendly atmosphere – especially in the city center.

While just outside the city center, you’ll find attractions like Saguaro National Park and Arizona Sonora Desert Museum (more on them later). Tucson is a fun, fresh city to visit in Arizona. For an introduction to Southern Arizona, don’t look no further.

21. Arizona Sonora Desert Museum

Arizona Sonora Desert Museum is located just on the outskirts of Tucson. However, the museum deserves a place on this list in its own right.

The museum is a bit of everything – from natural history museum to a botanical garden. Arizona Sonora Desert Museum covers 98 acres. There is also an art gallery for visitors to enjoy.

You could easily spend a whole day at the museum. The museum is a chance to experience multiple tourist attractions at once. It is perfect for a family day out.

22. Flagstaff

Flagstaff is a small city in Northern Arizona known as the gateway to the San Francisco Peaks and the Grand Canyon. Flagstaff is one of the best places to visit in Arizona if you want to be centrally located amongst most of the state’s natural attractions.

You can spend your days excitedly exploring all the nearby attractions. Make sure to stay in Flagstaff for the day and head to the city’s historic downtown. You’ll find a brewery trail, excellent restaurants, and the Flagstaff Visitor Center. Remember to bring a camera, as you’ll stumble across plenty of street art and great photo spots.

Both desert and forest surround Flagstaff. Coconino National Forest envelops the city and is the largest Ponderosa Pine Forest in the world. For a city where you can easily take a day trip into nature, Flagstaff is an ideal place to visit in Northern Arizona. Check out our guide on the best cabins in Flagstaff for accommodation inspiration.

23. Little Colorado River Navajo Tribal Park

If you are driving from Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon, Lake Powell, or Monument Valley, make sure to stop at Little Colorado River Navajo Tribal Park. The gorge outlook is perfectly positioned to slot into even the busiest day trips.

Little Colorado River Navajo Tribal Park is another of the best places to visit in Arizona to add to your list. The park is located just north of Flagstaff. If you are looking for to make a day out of it, combine this with a trip to Lake Powell or Monument Valley.

The park’s main highlight is the gorge overlook, where you’ll get to admire the sheer drop of a lesser-visited canyon. Be wary of where you are stepping as there is little to no barrier protection, and the park isn’t as commercialized as others in Arizona. Many find it a peaceful alternative to busier canyons – like the Grand and Antelope Canyons.

24. Chapel of the Holy Cross

The Chapel of the Holy Cross is one of the most unique places to visit in Arizona, and there’s no way we couldn’t add this unique Catholic church to our list. We’re not religious people, but this is one of the most unique structures in Arizona. So it’s worth seeing.

The church is wedged between two sandstone buttes and has large, plain glass windows that give it a modern, chic design. The Chapel of the Holy Cross is not your typical church.

You can enter the church to look around or join a service if that’s your thing. The church is near Sedona and plenty of other attractions , so it isn’t too much of a detour to make.

25. Gold King Mine Museum and Ghost Town

Gold King Mine Museum and Ghost Town are by far the quirkiest place on our list. The property is set up as an Old West mining camp and is designed to give you an insight into what the life of a miner was like.

You’ll be fully immersed with old vintage vehicles and mining equipment on display. Car enthusiasts will especially love this museum, and we recommend visiting if you are interested in old cars and vehicles. The variety is impressive, even if you know nothing about cars.

It isn’t just all old relics, though; there are working areas like a sawmill and blacksmith’s shop to visit as well. Gold King is designed to be a step back in time – fully immersing visitors in the old mining lifestyle.

You can expect to spend at least a couple of hours learning, laughing, and admiring your way around the museum and ghost town. It is like its own little world and a fun yet historically informative thing to do in Arizona.

26. Mount Lemmon Scenic Byway

Are you looking for a scenic drive? Mount Lemmon Scenic Byway is an incredible, relatively short scenic drive from Tucson that you can enjoy. Short enough to comfortably squeeze into a day yet long enough to provide diverse scenes and attractions, this scenic byway is a great place to drive.

You won’t find the byway marked on a map. However, it is the only paved road leading to Mount Lemmon’s top. The road is called Mt Lemmon Highway and starts from the outskirts of Tucson. Altogether, the route is approximately 60 miles long and takes three to four hours to complete – plus extra time to allow for stops.

Speaking of stops, we recommend stopping at Babad Do’ag Scenic Overlook, Molino Canyon Vista, Thimble Peak Vista, Windy Point Vista, and Geology Vista Point. There are quite literally dozens of hiking trails and trailheads along the highway as well. You can easily park up and take a detour on foot.

Allow extra time again once you reach Mount Lemmon’s peak. There is Mt Lemmon Ski Valley, Mt Lemmon Sky Observatory, and a Fire Lookout Station to visit. Mount Lemmon has a small town at the mountain top too, where you can grab refreshments and do some light shopping.

The ‘Grand Canyon State’ is packed with wonderful activities and tourist destinations. Visiting Arizona is guaranteed to be memorable with breathtaking sights that will make your jaw drop throughout your stay. The state has so much to offer, whether you want a typical desert experience, a quirky tourist attraction, or a cultural immersion.

Photo Credit: Chapel of the Holy Cross

• 17 Beautiful Cabins in Arizona
• 15 Interesting and Fun Facts About Arizona
• 16 Best Hikes in Sedona, Arizona
• 16 Cozy Cabins in Flagstaff, Arizona for Your Next Getaway
• 20 Best Things to do in Sedona, Arizona
• The 17 Best Hikes in Arizona
• Arizona Road Trip – The Ultimate 10 Day Itinerary

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Allianz - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

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Mount Lemmon Scenic Byway is an incredible. Best tourist destinations . post these kind of blogs everyday.and thankyou..

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28 top things to do in arizona in 2024.

Venture to the Grand Canyon State for natural beauty and western experiences.

Top Things to Do in Arizona

Courtesy of Desert Botanical Garden

Tucked into the southwest corner of the United States, Arizona offers something for every type of traveler. Visit highlights like the Grand Canyon, the Wild West town of Tombstone or the red rocks of Sedona. You can then head to cities like Phoenix or Tucson for professional sports, museums, observatories and science centers. Read on to discover all the state's iconic sights, stunning landscapes and gorgeous natural formations to add to your Arizona bucket list.

Antelope Canyon

Getty Images

Prepare to be wowed by Antelope Canyon, a jaw-dropping slot canyon in northern Arizona. Swirling, orange sandstone and ethereal light beams – which typically appear in the summer months – make for an otherworldly destination. Travelers must sign up for a guided tour to access this area, which is part of Lake Powell Navajo Tribal Park.

If you'd like to stay in the area overnight, you'll find accommodation options like the Best Western Plus at Lake Powell and the Comfort Inn & Suites Page at Lake Powell in the nearby town of Page, Arizona. Past visitors say Antelope Canyon is a must-see and appreciate that tour guides can often provide expert advice on how to take the best photos while there.

Saguaro National Park

If you'd like to check a national park off your bucket list, Saguaro National Park is located less than 15 miles northwest of Tucson. The park features a giant forest of saguaro cacti, some of which stand up to 50 feet tall and date back more than 200 years. But the park, located in the Sonoran Desert, boasts more than plant life: Look out for animals like roadrunners and Gila monsters during your visit.

Ranger-led tours are available at the park. You can stay overnight in Tucson at upscale properties like the Loews Ventana Canyon Resort or the Miraval Arizona . Or, for a more rugged experience, go camping in the Saguaro Wilderness Area.

Step into the Wild West in Tombstone

About 75 miles southeast of Tucson, travelers will find the infamous Wild West town of Tombstone. A National Historic Landmark, the district is considered one of the most well-preserved frontier towns from the 1870s and '80s. Tombstone was the site of the legendary gunfight at the O.K. Corral in 1881, known by many as the most famous shootout of the Wild West era. The town was also portrayed in the 1993 movie "Tombstone," starring Kurt Russell and Val Kilmer.

Today, travelers can visit Old Tombstone Western Theme Park to explore historic saloons and shops, take a visitor-praised trolley tour, and watch a reenactment of a shootout.

Drive down Route 66

Get a taste of nostalgia as you travel down iconic Route 66. The longest, best-preserved stretch of this highway snakes through Arizona, from the town of Topock on the west side of the state to Lupton in the east. It runs through the cities of Winslow and Flagstaff , as well as Petrified Forest National Park. Travelers can stop for staged gunfights at former gold-mining camp Oatman, lunch at one of many diners, and a stay at a historic hotel like the Weatherford Hotel in Flagstaff.

For a kitschy overnight stay, book lodging at the kid-friendly Wigwam Motel in Holbrook, which is made up of conical tents fitted with original furnishings and modern amenities. Visitors recommend checking out the many vintage vehicles parked outside.

Taliesin West: Scottsdale

Courtesy of Experience Scottsdale

Architecture lovers won't want to miss this Frank Lloyd Wright gem in Scottsdale. This National Historic Landmark and UNESCO World Heritage Site served as Wright's handcrafted winter home and desert laboratory. He once described it as "a look over the rim of the world." Taliesin West offers various tours and programs year round; past visitors highly recommend the guided tour in particular. Advance online ticket reservations are strongly encouraged. Be sure to spend some time enjoying the grounds outdoors and stop into the on-site store, which sells Wright-inspired art, books and home decor.

Traveler tip: Keep an eye out for the 12 intricate Chinese theatrical vignettes located throughout the property. They were acquired in San Francisco in the 1950s. Not only are they fascinating art, but they also signal a shift in the architecture and a transition from one space to another.

Address: 12621 N. Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd., Scottsdale, AZ 85259

Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park

Located on the Arizona-Utah border, Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park is known for its 1,000-foot-tall sandstone monoliths. You'll also find abundant mesas and buttes, which are both a type of stand-alone mountain with a flat top. As one of the world's most beautiful landscapes , Monument Valley is a popular place for photography and has been featured in multiple Western films.

View some of the formations from the park's visitor center, take the scenic 17-mile loop drive or book a guided tour to travel into the valley itself, such as an Indigenous-led excursion with Three Sisters Navajo Guided Tours . Past visitors describe the scenery in Monument Valley as spectacular. Nearby lodging includes the Bluff Dwellings Resort & Spa and the Desert Rose Resort & Cabins.

Meet the Flintstones at Bedrock City

Fans of "The Flintstones" should pay a visit to the one-of-a-kind Bedrock City, a re-creation of the fictional town where Fred Flintstone and his family lived in the classic cartoon. Located at Raptor Ranch in Williams (about 30 miles south of the Grand Canyon), Bedrock City features sights like the Flintstones' house, the post office and statues of the characters. Admission is free if you're staying at the Raptor Ranch campground, while a fee applies for those just visiting for the day. Reviewers say this hidden gem is great for young kids and takes less than an hour to see.

Address: 101 U.S. Route 180, Williams, AZ 86001

Lowell Observatory: Flagstaff

Outer space enthusiasts should consider a stop at Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff. Founded in 1894, the observatory was the site of major discoveries like Pluto, the rings of Uranus and the expanding nature of the universe. Travelers here can gaze through a telescope, take a constellation tour and enjoy science demonstrations. Visitors love seeing the telescope used to find Pluto and recommend taking a guided tour at the observatory.

Address: 1400 W. Mars Hill Road, Flagstaff, AZ 86001

Mission San Xavier del Bac: Tucson

On a getaway to Tucson , pay a visit to Mission San Xavier del Bac , a former Catholic mission constructed in the late 1700s. The Baroque-style building is Arizona's oldest intact European structure. Today, it remains a Catholic church with original sculptures and murals, as well as imagery of shells – a symbol of pilgrimage – throughout. Visitors say Mission San Xavier del Bac is worth a visit for both its rich history and exquisite architecture.

Address: 1950 W. San Xavier Road, Tucson, AZ 85746

Ride the gondola at Arizona Snowbowl

Courtesy of Arizona Snowbowl

For a bird's-eye view of some of Arizona's most famous sights, including the Grand Canyon and the red rocks of Sedona, hop on the scenic gondola at the Arizona Snowbowl in Flagstaff. The ride up and down the mountain is about 15 minutes each way and travels 11,500 feet up. After taking your gondola ride back down, pop in to the Agassiz Lodge Restaurant for lunch. Leaf peepers love heading to this spot to take in the golden leaves of the aspen trees during fall. For an extra special visit, take a sunset ride.

Address: 9300 N. Snow Bowl Road, Flagstaff, AZ 86001

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Soar over the Grand Canyon

Any way you choose to see the Grand Canyon will be amazing, but a unique option is to take in the natural wonder from above in a helicopter . Companies like Maverick Helicopters offer a variety of tours that range in length. The capacity is six or seven passengers on board, and Maverick's tours depart from areas such as the South Rim and even Las Vegas . Travelers describe the outing as memorable and well worth the price.

Walnut Canyon National Monument

While in Flagstaff, add Walnut Canyon National Monument to your itinerary. This Arizona canyon is home to cliff dwellings dating back more than 700 years, as well as plentiful hiking trails and wildlife like coyotes, jack rabbits, mule deer and 120-plus bird species. Past hikers advise taking the Walnut Canyon Rim Trail if you want to avoid lots of stairs, while the Island Trail provides visitors with great views of the cliff dwellings. While there are no campsites inside the park, nearby options include the Bonito and Canyon Vista campgrounds.

Heard Museum: Phoenix

Courtesy of Heard Museum

Get an up-close and in-depth look at Indigenous American art at the Heard Museum in Phoenix. Founded in 1929, the museum features several exhibition galleries, a sculpture garden and a cafe. Be sure to browse the museum shop, where you can find original pottery, jewelry, katsina dolls and weavings by Native American artists.

Visitors describe the Heard as a must-do in Phoenix and recommend spending about two hours there. Affordable accommodations like the Cambria Hotel Downtown Phoenix Convention Center and the Hampton Inn Phoenix-Midtown-Downtown Area sit nearby.

Traveler tip: The Heard Museum Shop carries stunning authentic crafts made by Indigenous artists, whom your purchase will support. You can also learn what plants and herbs are used for Navajo herbal remedies – and even take some home.

Address: 2301 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85004

Catch an Arizona Cardinals football game

Courtesy of Visit Glendale

Head to State Farm Stadium in Glendale to cheer on the Grand Canyon State's NFL team: the Cardinals. The stadium is known for its innovative architectural design, including modern exterior metal panels and North America's first retractable natural grass playing field. It also hosts the Fiesta Bowl each year. If you're visiting during the offseason, you may even be able to book a behind-the-scenes tour.

Several hotels are located next to the stadium, including the Aloft Glendale at Westgate, the Renaissance Phoenix Glendale Hotel & Spa and the Tru by Hilton Phoenix Glendale Westgate.

Address: 1 Cardinals Drive, Glendale, AZ 85305

Arizona Science Center: Phoenix

Courtesy of Arizona Science Center

For some hands-on learning, visit Arizona Science Center in downtown Phoenix. The center offers permanent exhibits that introduce kids to saving money, detail the science of flight, explore natural disasters and more. The Science Center also has a planetarium and a theater with a five-story screen. Reviewers say the center is very interactive; some advise getting your parking ticket validated for a discounted parking fee.

Arizona Science Center is just a few blocks from the Children's Museum of Phoenix and Chase Field, as well as hotels such as The Westin Phoenix Downtown and Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix .

Address: 600 E. Washington St., Phoenix, AZ 85004

Wander among the red rocks of Sedona

Nature lovers should make time to visit the stunning red rocks of Sedona, located about 120 miles north of Phoenix. Sedona offers hiking trails through its magnificent scenery and attractions like Red Rock State Park, Red Rock Scenic Byway and the Chapel of the Holy Cross. Other popular activities include stargazing , Jeep tours , mountain biking, rafting and rock climbing. Be sure to check out Sedona's top restaurants while you're in town.

Book a vacation rental through a company like Vrbo, where you can wash your dirty hiking gear and prepare a picnic lunch for your next outdoor adventure. If you'd rather bed down in a bit more luxury, reserve a stay at Enchantment Resort or Amara Resort and Spa .

Traveler tip: Not only is Sedona home to the most spectacular desert landscape, but it is also a Monarch Waystation that welcomes a variety of butterflies. Butterflies are most prevalent when migrating in the fall from Canada to Southern California.

Vermillion Cliffs National Monument

Immerse yourself in the wilderness at Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, which unfurls across 280,000 acres in northern Arizona. One of its most popular areas, The Wave, features a swirling display of colored sandstone that makes for magnificent photos. Coyotes Buttes North, where you'll find The Wave, is one of the areas that requires visitors to enter a lottery to secure a permit. You will also need a four-wheel-drive vehicle to access most of Vermilion Cliffs National Monument. Check park advisories before planning your trip.

There aren't any cities within the immediate vicinity of Vermillion Cliffs, but you can stay about 75 miles northwest in the town of Kanab, Utah. Accommodation options include the Hampton Inn Kanab or the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Kanab.

Grand Canyon National Park North Rim

While the South Rim is the more popular side of the Grand Canyon, the North Rim is worth a visit as well. In fact, only 10% of all visitors go to the North Rim, making it a great place to avoid the crowds. Just know that this side of the canyon closes for the winter season. The North Rim Visitor Center is around 80 miles from Vermillion Cliffs National Monument.

At the North Rim, stop at the Grand Canyon Lodge for spectacular canyon views at Bright Angel Point, then enjoy a scenic drive to various lookouts, where you can see the Angels Window natural arch and other formations. Travelers can stay overnight at the seasonal Grand Canyon Lodge from May to October. Or, book a vacation rental or hotel room a bit further away in Kanab, Utah, or Page, Arizona.

Lake Havasu State Park

Take time to explore one of the top lakes in Arizona . Situated along the California border, Lake Havasu State Park is home to a narrow lake surrounded by Arizona desert land. The park offers popular activities like swimming, boating and fishing, and it features campsites, beaches and hiking trails.

There are other nearby state parks to explore too, including Cattail Cove State Park and Buckskin Mountain State Park. Save time to check out the historic London Bridge and the Lake Havasu Museum of History in Lake Havasu City.

Go stargazing

Arizona is home to vast dark sky regions found in areas like Sedona, Cottonwood, Fountain Hills, the Village of Oak Creek and Thunder Mountain Pootsee Nightsky. Flagstaff was designated as the world's first International Dark Sky Place by the International Dark-Sky Association.

Head to one of many observatories for minimal light pollution and the best view of the stars above. Popular options include the Fred Lawrence Whipple Observatory, which sits south of Tucson; Mount Graham International Observatory in the southeastern Pinaleño Mountains; and Kitt Peak National Observatory, located southwest of Tucson. Some resorts – such as L'Auberge de Sedona , Boulders Resort & Spa Scottsdale and Castle Hot Springs – also offer special nighttime viewings with their own telescopes and astronomy programming.

Traveler tip: Guests staying at Castle Hot Springs, just outside of Phoenix, will be amazed at how bright the stars are. The high-tech telescopes, included with the Sky View Cabins, are a wonderful amenity to explore the night sky.

Explore a ghost town

Arizona is full of ghost towns: areas that emerged during mining booms, only to later be abandoned when the mining opportunities dried up. In Gleeson, situated about 15 miles east of Tombstone, you'll find the remains of the old jail and general store from its heyday as a turquoise mining town. In Ruby, you can take a self-guided tour (for a fee) of this vacant town that was once home to 1,200 residents.

In addition to exploring old buildings and structures in these old towns, there are often off-road activities and hiking trails nearby as well, and some even have haunted hotels . You can easily spend several hours simply wandering in and out of the different buildings and looking at the remnants scattered about (just exercise caution as the buildings are old). Most are free to enter, though a few are on private land and do charge entrance fees. If you want a guided tour, head to Castle Dome City, Vulture City or Goldfield Ghost Town, which have guided options.

Horseshoe Bend

Located just 5 miles outside of Page, Horseshoe Bend is a picturesque sandstone escarpment with the Colorado River looping around it. It is situated in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and draws around 2 million visitors annually. There are various ways to view and explore this iconic landscape, from hiking to kayaking to flying over it. A half-mile ADA-accessible path from the parking lot leads to an overlook.

While in the area, you can also explore Lake Powell, Antelope Canyon, Rainbow Bridge National Monument and Vermilion Cliffs National Monument. If you're looking for a place to stay, Lake Powell Resort and Hyatt Place Page / Lake Powell are nearby options.

McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park: Scottsdale

Courtesy of McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park

Kids will love this 30-acre train-themed park in Scottsdale. Hop aboard the Paradise & Pacific Railroad or take a spin on the antique carousel at the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park. There's also a model railroad building with 10,000 square feet of tiny train exhibits, as well as the Scottsdale Railroad Museum, which includes railroad artifacts such as the historic Peoria Depot, the Roald Amundsen Pullman Car and Magma Arizona Railroad Engine No. 6. Kids can also play at the state-of-the-art railroad-themed playground.

Address: 7301 E. Indian Bend Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85250

The 726-foot concrete Hoover Dam , which sits on the Arizona-Nevada border, stores water that irrigates 2 million acres in California and Arizona, in addition to generating hydroelectric power for 1.3 million people. Guests can take a tour of the impressive power plant or do a self-guided tour of the narrated exhibits. See a 3D model of the dam and take in the views from the observation deck. Tickets can be purchased online or on-site.

Havasu Falls

The beautiful and remote Havasu Falls – one of the most incredible waterfalls in Arizona – sits on the Havasupai Indian Reservation, which is within the Grand Canyon but not part of the national park; permits are required to access the area. It is open February through November and also requires a reservation for at minimum a one-night stay at the campground or Havasupai Lodge.

The hike to get down to the falls from the canyon rim is not for the faint of heart – it is a strenuous and steep 10-mile hike that takes about four hours on average (not to mention the way back is uphill). Keep in mind that it can get hot during the summer months and there is no water or emergency assistance available on the trail. You also won't have Wi-Fi or cell service at the campground. Alcohol is not permitted here.

Desert Botanical Garden: Phoenix

Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix is a 140-acre property with more than 50,000 plant displays. Themed outdoor garden paths highlight the flora that manages to flourish in some of the hottest and driest places on Earth. There is also a 3,200-square-foot butterfly pavilion and a resource library with more than 9,000 books related to landscaping and gardening. Picnics are not allowed, but there is a restaurant and a cafe for dining.

Address: 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, AZ 85008

Musical Instrument Museum: Phoenix

Courtesy of Musical Instrument Museum

The Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix features rotating special exhibitions as well as various galleries. In the interactive Experience Gallery visitors can actually play instruments, while the Geographic Galleries explore musical traditions from all over the world. There is also the Conservation Lab, where guests can watch through a large window as staff work to preserve instruments and artifacts. The museum hosts concerts, cultural programs, film screenings, and music and wellness classes. Facilities include a cafe, a coffee bar and a museum store.

Address: 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix, AZ 85050

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum: Tucson

Watch raptors fly, touch a stingray, see a limestone cave replica or stroll through a hummingbird aviary – these are just a few of the exciting things to do at the Arizona-Sonoran Desert Museum. The exhibits introduce visitors to animals in various habitats and ecosystems, such as prairie dogs in Desert Grassland and bobcats in Cat Canyon; you'll even get a glimpse into aquatic life in the Warden Aquarium.

With most of the museum located outside, you may encounter natural wildlife in addition to the animals living in exhibits, so dress for the weather and be sure to alert the staff if you see any rattlesnakes or other creatures of concern. The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum has a few casual dining options and gift shops.

Address: 2021 N. Kinney Road, Tucson AZ 85743

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Sharael Kolberg is a U.S. News & World Report contributor with a wealth of knowledge when it comes to Arizona. Living in Southern California, she is located a quick drive or flight from the Grand Canyon State, which she has visited many times. Her favorite things to do in Arizona include vortex hikes in Sedona, stargazing in the dark sky regions and kayaking at Watson Lake near Prescott.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top Arizona Tours
• The Best Places to Visit in Arizona
• The Best Hotels in Arizona
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Tags: Travel , US Vacations , Arizona Vacations , Southwest Vacations

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11 Great Day Trips From Phoenix Perfect For Summer

Summer day trips from Phoenix can take us away from the desert heat and into cool pine forests and cool lakes to enjoy the season.

Table of Contents

With temperatures hovering above 100 degree every day, often reaching above 110, summers are scorching hot in Phoenix . The ongoing joke is that we could fry an egg on the asphalt. While I haven’t tried that yet (don’t want a waste a perfectly good egg), I did step on melting asphalt quite often in the middle of the summer.

But instead of just sitting in the air conditioning, complaining about the oven we live in, we try to take as many day trips from Phoenix in the summer as we can.

We’ve lived here for close to 30 years, and by the end of every summer we decide this would be our last one in Phoenix, we’d move by the following one.

But then October comes around, and we remember why we live here, we fall in love with the desert all over again. It does help that we leave town often.

During the summers, we take several vacations. We fly out of state, often to Canada or the Pacific Northwest, for their cold weather. But we can’t be gone the whole summer. So, we “hide” in museums and go on day trips or weekend camping trips .

We are lucky that it’s easy to leave the oven and saguaro-filled desert behind and about two hours later hike through pine-forests, or swim in a cold lake.

Below I compiled a few of my favorite Phoenix day trips for the summer.

1. Flagstaff And Its Surroundings

My favorite spot for a quick getaway from the Phoenix heat are the pine-filled mountains surrounding Flagstaff, an environment as different from Phoenix as night and day.

The Kachina Peaks (better known as the San Francisco Peaks), at an elevation of about 7000 feet, are home to the world’s largest ponderosa forest. The temperatures here are at least 20 degrees cooler than in Phoenix, and we even get to enjoy some shade and pine-scented fresh air.

Naturally, it is one of the most popular weekend destination for everyone in Phoenix in the summer months. With one major highway connecting the two cities, summer weekends can be a nightmare driving up though. So, we opt for making it a day trip, often in the middle of the week, if we can. But even if we battle traffic on a weekend, the trip is always worth it.

Once in the pines, you have several activities to chose from.

Walk Through the city of Flagstaff

If it’s your first time here, you need to explore the city. Stop at the Visitor Center in the historic train station, learn about the town and the surroundings, and watch a train go by. (If you spend some time here, you are very likely to see one). Leave your car there, and walk through historic downtown Flagstaff.

When you are done with the city (or if it’s too crowded on a summer weekend), drive up to the mountain.

Hike Through The Kachina Peaks

The best and easiest way to enjoy the Kachina Peaks is driving up to Snow Bowl. The chairlift operates during the summer as a scenic ride up to the peak. It’s worth the ride, and be prepared to actually be cold on top. Enjoy the views and the cold air before heading back to lower elevations.

You can spend much more time on the mountain if you hike a trail in the forest. The area just below the chairlift is also to plenty of hiking trails among ponderosa pines and aspen patches. My family’s favorite hike in the summer is the Kachina Trail . While we don’t hike all its 10.2 miles, we always enjoy walking among the fragrant pines and through patches of aspens, no matter how far we take it.

Getting there facts:

Distance to Flagstaff from Phoenix: 144 miles

Driving time: about 2 hours 30 minutes

Directions: Follow I-17 North all the way to Flagstaff

2. Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument

Sunset Crater is my next choice, offering an opportunity to learn about volcanoes and cinder cones.

We often drive through Flagstaff, especially if we are there on a weekend, and visit Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument . The best way to learn about the crater is to walk the interpretive trail at its bottom.

Though you can’t hike Sunset Crater, you can still get to the top of a cinder cone and look down into it. For this experience, take the trail to the top of Lenox Crater . Or hike on a large lava field through the Bonito Lava Flow, and marvel at the otherworldly shapes and sharp rocks the volcano left behind.

Distance from Phoenix: 163 miles

Driving time: 2 hours 23 minutes

Directions: Follow I-17 North to Flagstaff. Take the exit to I-40 E, then take exit 201 to the US-89 N to the Loop Rd.

3. Walnut Canyon National Monument

Walnut Canyon National Monument also makes a perfect day trip from Phoenix in the summer. Here, you can hike through one of the most rewarding trails in the high country of Arizona.

This steep, 400-feet deep canyon named for the walnut trees growing at its bottom, is home to some of the most spectacular cliff dwellings in the state. Not only can you walk by them, but you can even enter a few when hiking the Island Trail.

Besides the cliff dwellings of Walnut Canyon left behind by the Sinagua, you can enjoy gorgeous views of the canyon.

Besides the steep hike, you can stroll through a pinion forest on the paved rim trail, enjoying different views of the canyon below.

Distance from Phoenix: 154 miles

Directions: Take I-17 N to Flagstaff. Before even entering the city, take exit 204 for I-40 E. Follow it until you reach Walnut Canyon Rd, then turn right onto it.

4. Sedona With Its Red Rocks And Oak Creek

Though Sedona is not my first choice for a summer destination – we find it still too hot, with lack of shade, and still extremely crowded – it is the perfect summer day trip from Phoenix for most people. The town considered one of the prettiest small towns in the country, Sedona seems to be on everyone’s bucket list who sets foot in Arizona.

Surrounded by the famous red rocks, Sedona offers great hiking opportunities, though for these hikes you’d need to go early or late in the day during the summer months. With virtually no shade, they get uncomfortably hot by midday.

To get out of the midday heat, browse the air-conditioned art galleries and boutique shops in town. Or, drive to Oak Creek Canyon and stop at Slide Rock State Park for a swim and a water-slide. Home to an 80-foot long natural waterslide in Oak Creek, the park is one of the busiest summer-time destinations in Arizona, but a great way to cool down if you don’t mind the crowds.

Distance from Phoenix: 116 miles

Driving time: about 1 hour 40 minutes

Directions: Follow I-17 N to exit 298, then take AZ-179 N. The drive itself is scenic, enjoy the ride into town.

6. Grand Canyon National Park

The best-known and one of the most spectacular of the original natural wonders of the world, the Grand Canyon , is a must-see for anyone who visits Arizona, no matter the season.

Everyone’s favorite National Park in Arizona is cool enough in the summer to make a perfect Phoenix day trip destination . However, summer is also the high season to visit it, so prepare for extreme crowds.

Winding through the largest ponderosa pine forest on the continent, the drive from Phoenix to the South Entrance is one of the most scenic roads in Arizona. However, you can take the longer, but less busy route if you go on a weekend, entering through the East Entrance at Desert View.

No matter when or which way you go though, because of the extreme popularity of the South Rim , you’ll always encounter crowds in the summer, so you’ll just need to realize it.

Past the entrance, on either side, drive to the main Visitor Center, and leave your car there. A free shuttle can take you to any viewpoint from there, but you can also rent a bike and ride it through the trails or walk them.

No matter what else you do, you can’t miss taking at least one walk on the rim. For an easy stroll, follow the paved Trail of Time. It gives you an opportunity to learn about the geology of the Grand Canyon while enjoying the views.

Instead of driving to the park though, for a more relaxed day trip you can also drive to Williams and ride the scenic train to the Grand Canyon. The train stays at the Canyon for three hours. This gives you enough time to visit the main areas surrounding the train station, and even walk the Trail of Time.

Distance from Phoenix: 219 miles

Driving time: about 3 hours 30 minutes

Directions: Follow I-17 North to Flagstaff. From Flagstaff city center, take AZ-64 through Williams, to the Grand Canyon.

7. The Mogollon Rim

The same Ponderosa pine forest we enjoy in and around Flagstaff makes the Mogollon Rim a desirable day trip destination from Phoenix.

The approximately 200 miles-long limestone and granite cliff in central Arizona, the Mogollon Rim showcases these pines, intertwined with a few deciduous forests.

The Rim features plenty of hiking trails, camping opportunities, and several gorgeous lakes surrounded by pines. Phoenicians love this area, so it does get busy on the weekends, especially near the lakes.

The scenic Rim Road Drive is one of the best way to enjoy the Rim. If you don’t mind driving on dirt road, you can go all the way, but even the first few paved miles offer spectacular views. You’ll drive through ponderosa pines, grassy meadows, and along steep cliff drop-offs.

You’ll have opportunities to stop at a few lakes, campgrounds, and hiking trails, and enjoy the cooler, shaded areas of Arizona. The gateway town to the Mogollon Rim is Payson. Though you can stop in town for a meal, we usually just drive through, especially in the summer, to enjoy the cooler, forested areas of the Rim Country.

Distance from Phoenix: 124 miles

Driving time: about two hours

Directions: Start on the 202 E Loop in town, and turn onto AZ-87 N (exit 13). Follow AZ-87 to Payson. In Payson (center of town) turn right onto AZ-260 E that leads to the Mogollon Rim.

8. Willow Springs Lake

My family’s favorite spot on the Mogollon Rim is Willow Springs Lake. One of the more popular day trips from Phoenix in the summer, the lake gets busy, especially by mid-afternoon, since it offers a great place to cool down close to town.

One of the biggest draws of the lake is its temperature. Willow Springs Lake stays cold even in the summer. That’s because it gets all its water from runoffs of melted snow from the mountains in its immediate vicinity, and from the melted ice that fills it in the winter.

This might not be a huge deal anywhere else, but it is unusual in the hot desert so close to Phoenix. The water also keeps its surroundings cooler, while the ponderosa pines offer shade on its shores.

We generally like to swim in the lake and hike the perimeter trail and wander off into a few side trails in the surrounding forests. Besides swimming, the lake is popular for paddle-boating and fishing.

After all, the lake was originally created for fishing. Specifically for trout fishing. The Arizona Game and Fish Department created it in 1966, and they still stock it with trout every year, from spring through fall.

Distance from Phoenix: 122 miles

Directions: Follow the road towards the Mogollon Rim; the lake is off AZ-260 E, 23 miles east of Payson.

9. Prescott and Vicinity

Though we still find Prescott a bit too warm during the hottest summer months, it is still cooler than Phoenix. Surrounded by lakes and forests, it makes it a good summer day trip from Phoenix.

Barely over an hour away from Phoenix and the desert, Prescott has summer-time recreation activities available for anyone. Lakes, pine forests, and parks offer plenty of hiking, biking, and kayaking opportunities.

You’ll find here Lynx Lake, one of the few natural lakes in Arizona, besides a few smaller man-made reservoirs. When it comes to hiking, the Bradshaw Mountains offers plenty of opportunities

Once the capital of Arizona, Prescott is still one of the most popular historical towns in Arizona, with plenty of historical sites for Old West enthusiasts to enjoy.

Distance from Phoenix: 99 miles

Driving time: about one hour and 30 minutes

Directions: Follow I-17 N to exit 262 onto AZ-69 N and follow it to Prescott.

10. Bartlett Lake

Much closer to town, Bartlett Lake is a favorite spot for Phoenicians for water activities.

Though still in the desert, the lake offers a respite from the heat, with swimming, boating, waterskiing, fishing, and hiking opportunities.

You wouldn’t expect a lake in the middle of this desert environment. And, to be fair, it is a man-made lake, a reservoir, fed by the Verde River.

Distance from Phoenix: 48 miles

Driving time: about one hour

Directions: Take either 101 or 51 to Cave Creek Rd; follow Cave Creek Rd to the scenic Bartlett Dam Rd.

11. Saguaro Lake

Phoenix might be in the middle of a desert, but it is surrounded by a few gorgeous lakes. While they are man-made, resulting from damming of the few rivers crossing the desert, they offer a great respite from the dry environment of their surroundings.

Surrounded by rugged mountain peaks and desert lands covered by thousands of gorgeous saguaros, Saguaro lake is one of the most popular day trip destinations from Phoenix in the summer. In fact, it gets crowded enough that you won’t find a parking spot unless you go early in the day. Once there, though, you can spend a day in and around the lake, surrounded by the desert.

Though you’ll find hiking trails around the lake, too, stay close to the water – if not in it – in the summer. Besides swimming, the lake offers boating, kayaking, waterskiing, and even a riverboat cruise.

Distance from Phoenix: 41 miles

Driving time: about 45 minutes

Directions: Take AZ-202 Loop E to exit 23A and turn left on Power Rd, which turns into Bush Hwy. Continue for 11 miles; turn right onto E Forest Rd 206A also called Saguaro del Norte and follow it to the lake.

More Phoenix Day Trips For Summer

The destinations mentioned above are only a fraction of the unique, interesting places you can explore from Phoenix in a day. Though most of them are worth at least a weekend, or combined as a road trip, you can use them and many others as weekend trips from Phoenix, the largest metropolitan area in the Sonoran Desert.

I only included some of my favorite spots, but you’ll find many more, depending on you interests.

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Monica Spencer

Monica is a Diné (Navajo) freelance writer and photographer based in the Southwest. Born in Gallup and raised in Phoenix, she is Tódich'ii'nii (Bitter Water People) and Tsi'naajinii (Black Streak Wood People). Monica is a staff writer for Only In Your State, photo editor for The Mesa Legend, and previously a staff writer for The Navajo Post. You can reach her at [email protected].

More by this Author

Whew, those temperatures are getting hot outside! If you happen to be living in any of Arizona’s desert regions, you’re probably not looking forward to sweating through 120-degree days. A walk to the mailbox or into the grocery store can be brutal with that harsh sun beating down but a quick break from the heat isn’t that far away! If you want to escape the temperatures soon, check out some of these incredible places around Arizona that are beautiful and, most importantly, cool.

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Looking for more things to do while you’re out and about in Arizona? Try a hike! Read 8 Amazing Arizona Hikes Under 3 Miles You’ll Absolutely Love for some great suggestions.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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Discover Arizona’s Hidden Summer Gems: The Top 10 Places to Stay Cool

The sun-soaked land of Arizona is breathtakingly filled with stunning landscapes and vibrant culture. However, when the summer heat strikes, finding respite from the scorching temperatures becomes a top priority for residents and visitors alike. But fear not! There are hidden summer gems scattered throughout Arizona that offer a cool oasis in the desert. In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 coldest places in Arizona during summer, where you can escape the relentless sun and enjoy a refreshing retreat, with bonus info on the best place to stay in Scottsdale to stay cool. From luxurious resorts to serene mountain getaways, Arizona has it all to keep you cool under the sizzling sun.

How to Stay Cool During Arizona Summer

Before we dive into the hidden gems of Arizona cities with the coolest summer temperatures, it’s essential to equip ourselves with some tips on staying cool during the blistering summer months. 

Hydration is key; always carry a water bottle and drink water frequently to stay hydrated. Additionally, wearing light, breathable clothing and applying sunscreen liberally will protect you from intense rays. However, the most effective way to beat the heat is by seeking refuge in places where Mother Nature offers her gift of cooler temperatures.

Are There Places With Cool Summer Temperatures in Arizona?

Absolutely! While Arizona is known for its arid climate and scorching summers, pockets of the state experience milder temperatures due to higher elevations or proximity to water sources. These hidden gems provide an idyllic escape for those seeking a break from the heat without leaving the state. Now, let’s embark on a journey to discover these ten coldest places in Arizona.

Top 10 Arizona Cities With the Coolest Summer Temperatures

• Scottsdale 

Scottsdale, known for its upscale amenities and vibrant nightlife, might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of staying cool in Arizona. However, Meridian CondoResorts, nestled in the heart of Scottsdale, offers a unique and luxurious experience. With lush gardens and shimmering pools, you can relax under the shade of palm trees while enjoying the warm desert breeze. The well-appointed condos provide a cool and comfortable environment to unwind after a day exploring the city’s art galleries and upscale boutiques.

Located in northern Arizona, Flagstaff is a charming mountain town known for its breathtaking scenery and moderate summer temperatures. Surrounded by lush forests and snow-capped peaks, Flagstaff offers an escape from the sweltering heat. The average summer temperature hovers around a pleasant 80°F (27°C). Visitors can explore the historic downtown, hike through the San Francisco Peaks, or take a stroll along the picturesque Flagstaff Urban Trail System.

For those seeking a serene mountain retreat, Greer is a hidden gem tucked away in the White Mountains of eastern Arizona. The tranquil Little Colorado River flows through the village, providing a refreshing ambiance and opportunities for fishing and kayaking. Surrounded by pine forests, Greer offers a cool and peaceful respite with temperatures averaging around 75°F (24°C) during the summer months, making it one of the coldest places in Arizona. Stay in cozy cabins, wake up to the sound of nature, and let your worries melt away.

If you’re a fan of history and quirky attractions, Holbrook is the place for you. This small town in northeastern Arizona is famous for its Route 66 nostalgia and the mesmerizing Petrified Forest National Park. Though summer temperatures can rise, it’s still more moderate compared to southern Arizona. Make sure to visit the Painted Desert for stunning vistas and explore the otherworldly landscapes of the Petrified Forest, all while enjoying cooler temperatures.

Nestled in the majestic Mogollon Rim, Payson offers a cool mountain escape just a short drive from Phoenix. With an elevation of around 5,000 feet (1,500 meters), Payson experiences milder summers with temperatures hovering around 85°F (29°C). Its scenic beauty and proximity to Tonto National Forest make it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts and those seeking relief from the desert heat.

Known for its charming downtown and historic architecture, Prescott’s higher elevation of approximately 5,300 feet (1,600 meters) allows it to enjoy cooler temperatures during the summer. With an average temperature of 80°F (27°C), Prescott beckons visitors with its Victorian-style homes, art galleries, and lively events. The nearby Thumb Butte Trail provides an excellent opportunity for a refreshing hike.

Famous for its red rock formations and spiritual vibe, Sedona also boasts a cooler climate than many other parts of Arizona. The town’s average summer temperature of around 90°F (32°C) might not make Sedona the coldest place in Arizona during summer. Still, the majestic beauty of the surrounding landscapes makes it worth a visit. Relax in luxurious resorts, take a dip in Oak Creek, and explore the mystical vortexes that dot the area.

Show Low’s unique name comes from a legendary card game played by two early settlers to determine the town’s name. This charming town, situated in the White Mountains, offers a cool escape with summer temperatures averaging around 80°F (27°C). Embrace the laid-back mountain lifestyle, enjoy fishing and boating on Show Low Lake, and savor the fresh mountain air.

Located near the southern rim of the Grand Canyon, Williams is a picturesque town known for its Wild West atmosphere and historic Route 66 charm. At an elevation of around 6,700 feet (2,000 meters), Williams is one of the places with cool summer temperatures, making it an excellent base camp for exploring the Grand Canyon and nearby national forests.

Last but not least, Winslow is a small town in northern Arizona that offers a surprising oasis of coolness. With summer temperatures hovering around 85°F (29°C), Winslow provides a relatively comfortable escape from the desert heat. Visit the famous Standin’ on the Corner Park, inspired by the Eagles’ hit song “Take It Easy,” and explore the nearby Homolovi State Park for a glimpse into ancient Native American history.

To Conclude

Arizona’s summer heat might be intense, but hidden among its diverse landscapes are these cool and refreshing destinations. From mountain getaways to lush resorts, each place offers a unique experience that will leave you with cherished memories. So, pack your bags, grab your sunscreen, and embark on a journey to discover Arizona’s hidden summer gems. Stay cool, embrace the adventure, and let the beauty of the Grand Canyon State enchant you as you explore these top 10 places to stay cool. Of course, you can always count on a budget-friendly yet luxurious resort experience at Meridian CondoResorts during your visit to Scottsdale as you seek a cozy refuge from the summer heat. 

35 Best Things To Do & Places To Visit In Arizona

By: Author Jerric Chong

Posted on Published: October 22, 2019  - Last updated: October 15, 2023

Arizona, one of the best vacation spots in the world , is packed with must see places and tourist spots, all with their own unique points of interest, and features.

It can be hard to figure out all the things to do in Arizona this weekend or during your next visit due to the sheer wealth of options – but we have you covered.

Here are the 35 best things to do and places to visit in Arizona.

Table of Contents

1. Canyon de Chelly National Monument

jejim / Shutterstock

Need some really cool Arizona vacation ideas?

How about a majestic Native American heritage site?

After all, there are few things more fascinating than that!

Head inside the boundaries of the Navajo Nation and look up Canyon de Chelly National Monument – a location that has seen almost 5,000 years of uninterrupted human occupation by the Anasazi and Navajo people.

These days, it’s all ruins – but that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth visiting.

If you take a private tour or a free ranger-led hike you can see the spectacular sight that is all these cliff dwellings high up and carved into the side of the canyon walls.

Most of the ruins are inaccessible to visitors these days, but there are still some places you can go wander through yourself and at least one self-guided hike available.

So if you’re in the area, why not give yourself a chance to check out some incredible history in person?

It’s among the top things to do in Arizona!

Address: Highway 191, Chinle, AZ 86503, United States

2. Walnut Canyon

Looking for fun things to do in Arizona?

Why not dive deep into some pre-Colombian history, and take a moment to appreciate the culture and beauty of a land and its native citizens?

One of the most popular tourist attractions in the state is the historical cliff dwellings that are hewn into the side of canyon walls.

Walnut Canyon specifically was home to the Sinagua people, before it was suddenly abandoned.

Considering that the Sinagua not only thrived in such an environment but even had a trading empire, their vanishment comes as a mystery.

To this day, historians and archeologists haven’t been able to unravel this puzzle.

And since the site is open to visitors, tackling this mystery by yourself is now fair game! (Within reasonable limits, of course.)

So if and you’re interested in around playing as archeological detectives, why not add visiting this incredible location to your list of to-dos?

Address:  3 Walnut Canyon Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86004, United States

3. Grand Canyon

Erik Harrison / Shutterstock

The internationally renowned jewel of the Colorado Plateau Province, and undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in America , is the Grand Canyon .

Large enough to be seen from space, this location sits among the top 10 best Arizona travel destinations lists for a good reason.

With breathtaking views, incredible biodiversity, and challenging activities for you to do, there is never a dull moment in this Canyon.

Consider white-water rafting along the Colorado River, or marveling at how the Earth’s history on full display on the walls of the canyon.

And if you would rather not walk, there are even mule rides available!

All in all, the Grand Canyon is a must-see destination if you’re an outdoorsy person or someone with an amateur interest in geology.

There’s just something that strikes awe into the human soul about this geological marvel, and it is really worth coming here for an experience you’ll never forget!

This is one of the things to see in Arizona to add to your must do list.

Address:  Arizona, United States

4. Antelope Canyon

Andrea Izzotti / Shutterstock

Need a sprinkling of danger to heighten those senses for maximum enjoyment?

Antelope Canyon may just be what you’re looking for.

A location infamous for its frequent flash floods, this particular canyon requires that visitors be led on guided tours for their own safety.

That said, there’s a reason it is one of the most beautiful places you can visit in Arizona.

The banded sandstone here has been worn smooth into gorgeous shapes that are reminiscent of the water that rushes through them.

This incredible view alone should put this place on your list of things to see in Arizona!

Named after the pronghorn antelopes that used to be common here, the canyons themselves are divided into two parts – the upper and lower canyon.

While both are equally beautiful, you might want to pick the upper canyon if you are a casual tourist that just wants some fun!

Address: Navajo Tribal Park, Page, AZ 86040, United States

5. Wupatki National Monument

smartyunknown / Shutterstock

What is the point of visiting the state if you don’t at least check out the view?

Some of the top things to do in Arizona include siteseeing – an activity that makes complete sense if you drop by the Wupatki National Monument to take a look.

Located in the middle of the state’s scenic desert vistas, the Wupatki National Monument is home to some of the best-preserved pueblo ruins in the country.

Despite excavations beginning as early as the 1800s, studies and further archeological work is still ongoing due to the rarity of finding such a well-preserved pueblo.

Despite having been abandoned for centuries, the pueblos still feel haunting.

Drop around sunset, and it’s as if the houses and buildings are still waiting for the inhabitants that will never come home.

Maybe you can fill in the space for a bit, and explore its centuries’ worth of history.

Address:  25137 N Wupatki Ln, Flagstaff, AZ 86004, United States

Don’t forget to check out some more fun things to do in Flagstaff !

Abbie Warnock-Matthews / Shutterstock

Despite what most people think, some of the best things to do in Arizona include staring at the scenery.

The desert landscape here amidst the canyons and valleys is a breathtaking view and carries with it a raw kind of earthy energy that can attract sensitive types.

If you are any kind of spiritual practitioner, you ought to put visiting Sedona on your must-visit list today.

Located in Verde Valley, the desert town is a cultural arts enclave surrounded by incredible rock formations.

While the red bands of iron oxide and manganese are often enough to attract visitors, Sedona is famous for something else.

Within the masses of rock formations lies four vortexes of energy, sites that have made visitors burst into tears just by walking into it.

There’s a reason for all the metaphysical shops in that town, after all!

Don’t worry if you’re not the metaphysical type – Sedona is one of those vacation spots that has something for everyone.

Why not check out Cathedral’s Rock, an elevated summit that presents itself as a challenge?

Here’s a list of some of the most amazing things to do in Sedona !

7. Petrified Forest National Park

Felix Lipov / Shutterstock

Scenic places usually don’t function as a main draw for a lot of people, but there’s a reason Arizona attractions are all about the view.

Just where else would you find a completely fossilized forest?

It’s a truly one-of-a-kind spot!

The Petrified Forest National Park spans across northeastern Arizona, covering both Navajo and Apache counties in an area of approximately 146 square miles.

Made into a national monument in 1906, the park has some incredible terrain you would be hard-pressed to find anywhere else in the world.

Just think about it – where else are you going to find an entire fossilized forest in such incredible condition?

It would be an adventure just to walk among the petrified trees alone.

If the incredible views alone aren’t enough to wow you, however, the history buffs among you might prefer looking at the remnants of prehistoric people’s homes instead.

Address: Petrified Forest, Holbrook, AZ 86028, United States

8. Musical Instrument Museum

Paul R. Jones / Shutterstock

If you’re a culture and history buff, then it only makes sense that your list of top things to do in Arizona include checking out the litany of culturally rich museums the state has to offer.

Alas, you have so many places to go and so little time.

How are you supposed to make the best of your visit in Arizona?

How about a museum dedicated almost entirely to instruments?

A pretty recent institution by museum standards, the Musical Instrument Museum first opened its Arizona doors in early 2010 and differentiates itself by one key feature – its main exhibits is about musical instruments.

Boasting over 15,000 instruments from every single country in the world in its galleries, this is an exhibit that music lovers should not miss.

And the best part?

You’re allowed to play and handle most of them too!

What’s the point of enjoying music if you can’t have hands-on experience, after all?

Address:  4725 E Mayo Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85050, United States

Planning a trip to Phoenix soon? Be sure to check out our list of things to do in Phoenix !

9. Camelback Mountain

Tim Roberts Photography / Shutterstock

Some of us may be familiar with the story of how the camel got its hump.

Have you ever tried asking how the mountain got its head?

The answer is pretty interesting!

Named after its distinctive shape, Camelback Mountain sits pretty high on the list of tourist places you must visit if you’re a hiker making your way through Arizona.

It historically was home to pre-colonial Native Americans, so budding historians might be interested in checking out this mountain’s historical areas too!

But the real fun here is for the geologists.

The head of the “camel” gets its unique shape from the red sandstone eroding faster than the harder granite sitting on top of it.

There’s just one question – how did the old granite end up on top of the younger, newer sandstone for this particular part of the mountain?

Drop by this scenic location yourself and see if you can solve the mystery!

Address: Phoenix, AZ 85018, United States

10. Lake Powell

worldswildlifewonders / Shutterstock

Still need to bulk up your list of places to visit in Arizona?

Why not check out Lake Powell ?

A man-made reservoir situated on the Colorado River, it was created in 1972 when the Glen Canyon was flooded by the construction of the Glen Canyon Dam.

Aside from supplying water to multiple different states, these days it serves as one of the best places in the state for all sorts of recreational water activities in an otherwise arid landscape.

If you’re struggling to beat the heat while visiting Arizona in the summer, why not pop this lake for fishing, boating, or water skiing?

Even better, why not grab a boat tour to Rainbow Bridge?

It’s a jaw-dropping rock arch accessible best by boat.

Sure, you can find other similarly beautiful formations elsewhere, but how many of them are suspended above a sparkling expanse of water?

Address: Utah and Arizona, United States

11. Superstition Mountain Museum

Gregory E. Clifford / Shutterstock

If you’re in Arizona for a weekend trip, why not tick visiting this museum off your Arizona bucket list?

East of Phoenix is a mountain range known as the Superstition Mountains.

Tall and forbidding, the mountains themselves are a sight to behold – and are crammed full of incredible hiking trails.

Perhaps if you’re lucky, you might even finally find the legendary Lost Dutchman’s Goldmine!

But if you’re a movie buff, it’s more likely that you’re interested in the movie sets – and this happens to also be the perfect place to indulge that hobby.

Nestled in the foot of the mountain range is a museum named after the mountains itself – and it’s a locale you may recognize.

The Superstition Mountain Museum has been featured in all sorts of Western kitschy movies and commercials.

Feel free to wander around the Western-style sets, or even have yourself an Elvis wedding!

Address:  4087 N Apache Trail, Apache Junction, AZ 85119, United States

12. Montezuma Castle National Monument

Tom Willard / Shutterstock

On a road trip and need some fun things to do in Arizona?

Why not do yourself a favor and visit some of the most popular tourist attractions in the state?

History fans and budding archeologists will be particularly excited about this one.

Just 50 miles away from Flagstaff, Arizona is a resilient testament to the resilience of the Sinagua people – Montezuma Castle .

Named after an Aztec ruler by white colonists who had mistaken it for an Aztec ruin, Montezuma Castle is a dwelling carved into the sides of Beaver Creek Canyon.

Five-stories tall and located a good hundred feet above the canyon floor, the dwelling is partitioned into twenty rooms that you can explore in person.

By the way, if you’re bringing along a dog, it’s time to rejoice!

This particular ancient pueblo allows visitors to bring along their dogs – so long as they’re kept on leashes, of course.

Address:  Montezuma Castle Rd, Camp Verde, AZ, United States

13. Tombstone

Nick Fox / Shutterstock

In need of fun places to visit?

Say no more, and put this locale on your list of Arizona vacation spots.

Harkening back to the Victorian heyday where pioneers were still pushing westward in search of gold and land, Tombstone is a town especially for you.

Unlike all the other attractions listed so far, Tombstone is a town that is explicitly designed to cater to tourists.

Step in here and let yourself be transported back to the days of the Old West, with its period-accurate buildings and staged recreations of famous historical gunfights.

Indulge your love for Western B-movies, and have fun with the activities available here!

For those who are craving for more authentic stuff, there’s still hints of the town’s mining history that can be discovered.

Why not head on down to the Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park, visit the museum there, and see if that hits the spot?

14. Route 66

Francesco Ferrarini / Shutterstock

Made famous by Pixar’s Cars, Route 66 is a location that’s sure high on your child’s list of places to see in Arizona.

Back in the days before interstates were routes like this one, which still hold a lot of their old-world charm.

If you’re heading down to the place where this road will take you anyway, then isn’t it great to take a moment to use this route?

The scenery is what American road trips are made off, and you’ll be reminded that it is always the journey that makes it worthwhile, not the final destinations!

You may still be asking where to go to find this route.

From Interstate 40, just take a bypass and drive for another 75 miles.

You’ll find it in no time – just keep driving along and enjoying the stuff to see along the way.

While you’re there, why not stop for lunch at Delgadillo’s Snow Cap Drive-In?

On trips like these, it’s the memories you make along the way that really makes it worthwhile.

15. Havasupai Falls

Anton Foltin / Shutterstock

If you’re already set on going sightseeing, why not visit some of the most beautiful places in Arizona – like the Havasupai Falls?

Tucked away deep in the heart of the Grand Canyon on Havasupai reservation is the Havasu Cavern – home to a series of gorgeous aquamarine waterfalls from which the Havasupai people derive their name.

Despite its beauty, this location is still a relatively unknown secret in Arizona!

The most famous of these waterfalls is known as the Havasu Falls – a waterfall with turquoise cascades so intensely colored, it’s hard to believe that the water flowing through it isn’t transparent.

Unfortunately, trying to get there is pretty difficult.

Not only do you require a permit to enter the reservation, it’s a tough journey to make.

Still, if you can make it, it’s one that will be definitely worth your while.

Address: Hualapai Hilltop, Supai, AZ 86435, United States

16. Yayoi Kusama Firefly Infinity Mirror Room

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If you are an art junkie, then one of the top things to do in Arizona is to see Yayoi Kusama’s work in person for yourself.

The darling of the New York avant-garde art scene in the 1960s, Kusama faded largely into obscurity when she voluntarily moved back home to Japan and stayed in a hospital for the mentally ill in 1973.

Now, at the age of 89, Kusama is once again steadily regaining her well-deserved reputation as an incredible artist.

And now you too can personally experience the fun and joy of her mindbending artwork yourself!

Just head on over to the Phoenix Art Museum in Arizona to see the permanent exhibit installed there.

The title “You Who Are Getting Obliterated in the Dancing Swarm of Butterflies” may seem like an odd name to the casual onlooker, but the appropriateness of the name quickly becomes apparent once you are standing there to experience the exhibit in person yourself.

All in all, it is certainly a piece of art you should personally check out at least once in your life while you’re in Arizona!

Address:  1625 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004, United States

17. Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway

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Despite being largely a desert, Arizona doesn’t fall short of pretty places.

In fact, some of the best Arizona attractions can be accessible just by turning out of the nearest freeway exit.

In this particular case, the route itself is the actual tourist attraction!

Boasting one of the most scenic views in the state, Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway is no short journey with its round-trip length of almost 60 miles.

But it is definitely a road well-worth traveling.

Over the course of these 60-odd miles, drivers making their way through this byway will see some incredible views found nowhere else.

Not only does the temperature change as you make your way up and down, you will also be privy to a wide variety of landscapes – from the arid vista of the Mexican desert to the forested slopes of the Canadian mountains.

Just where else are you going to find an experience like that?

Address: Tucson, AZ, United States

Planning a road trip around Arizona? Here are some incredible things to do in Tucson  & things to do in Scottsdale !

18. Meteor Crater

Gioele Mottarlini / Shutterstock

Still in need of fun places to go to while you’re in Arizona?

Would visiting a crater be cool enough a destination for you?

Yes, you heard us correctly – we did say “crater”!

One of the top things to do in Arizona is to check out the incredible desert vista and marvel at the history it holds – like the Barringer Crater.

Better known as simply the Meteor Crater , this is a massive scar on the Earth caused by a meteor impact over 50,000 years ago.

These days, it is an incredible sight to behold – though a dangerous one.

In 1964, two curious pilots in their Cessna 150 had flown too low over this unique mar in the Earth’s crust.

Luckily, they survived and managed to walk away with their lives.

If you are lucky, you may even spot the wreckage they left behind as a warning to other daredevil pilots.

While flying over the crater is ill-advised, you can still visit the place on foot.

Maybe if you’re lucky, you’ll find some of the unique minerals that are only made when a meteorite crashes into the Earth!

Address:  Interstate 40, Winslow, AZ 86047, United States

19. Horseshoe Bend

LucasHeplerPhotography / Shutterstock

For all of you outdoor enthusiasts and amateur geologists, the Glen Canyon Recreational Area is home to some of the most awesome places in Arizona.

Think about it – just where else will you find sites like the Horseshoe Bend ?

Flowing 1,000 ft above sea level is the Colorado River, carving its way through the rocky plateau as it makes its way Southwest.

Thanks to the geological makeup of this unique desert landscape, the river is forced to flow in all sorts of weird shapes.

At one point, the river makes a perfect U-shaped bend that looks like a horseshoe!

For the best view, head on down to Route 89.

From there, it’s just a quick hike before you’re faced with one of the most stunning views American nature has to offer.

Address:  Page, AZ 86040, United States

20. Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument

If you were already going to see the most jaw-dropping points of interest Arizona has to offer, then why not make a fun detour to the Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument ?

Nature lovers, in particular, take note – this certainly should be on your list of places to visit in Arizona if you want to make your trip truly worthwhile.

Established in 1937, the Monument was intended to preserve some of the unique biodiversity and geology that can only be found in the Sonoran Desert and to share that love with the general public.

Crammed full of rare and incredible plants (including the titular Organ Pipe Cactus), this is a destination you won’t want to miss!

517 square miles isn’t enough for how many things this park is packing, but it manages it all anyway.

As long as you’re an outdoorsy person, there’s something for you here – whether it’s a place to enjoy camping under starlit skies or scenic paths where you can meander through the local plant life, this park has got you covered.

Address:  10 Organ Pipe Dr, Ajo, AZ 85321, United States

21. Kartchner Caverns

Robert Shea / flickr

If you don’t already have an Arizona bucket list of some sort, then it’s time to start one just to add this destination to your list.

Discovered in 1974, the incredible sights of Kartchner Caverns were kept a secret from even the landowners themselves in an effort to protect it from any activities that may damage or destroy it.

And it’s easy to see why this decision was made – the cavern is home to some of the longest stalactite formations in the world and is a sight to behold like no other.

After the government of Arizona purchased the land from the family in 1988, the caverns were carefully opened up for public viewing.

Consider making a weekend trip to view these caverns for yourself – it’s well worth your time.

A fun bonus: if you decide to take a tour of the caverns, the guide may point out to you footprints that were left behind by the discoverers when they first explored the caverns!

Address:  2980 AZ-90, Benson, AZ 85602, United States

22. Saguaro National Park

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The Giant Saguaro is an undeniable symbol of the American West – but for something so ubiquitous in movies and TV, it’s actually a very rare plant that grows in a few select locations.

One of these locations is in a park at the heart of the Sonoran Desert, a cool 2,400 feet above sea level.

Located in Tucson, Arizona, Saguaro National Park is high on the list of tourist attractions thanks to its namesake plant.

Aside from checking out the cacti, there are plenty of other experiences to be had in the park.

For starters, there’s a myriad of hiking trails for both beginners and experienced hikers alike, and there are biking trails if you want to put your new mountain bike to the test!

Alternatively, maybe you would prefer to go camping instead and stare at the moonlit night sky.

Whatever the case may be, it’s undeniable that there’s plenty of fun things to do in Arizona with a park like this!

23. Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting

Daniel Greene / flickr

Firefighting is already a dangerous profession as it is – and in highly flammable, arid desert regions, the task becomes even more important.

After seeing how many lives were lost to fires, citizens thought it best to honor these brave people by creating a memorial for them

If you’re still asking about what to do in Arizona, then visiting the Hall of Flame Museum to pay tribute to these brave professionals is a must-do.

These days, the memorial doubles as a museum, with an exhibit dedicated to displaying old firefighting equipment.

Tracing the history of firefighting to 1725, the museum shows just how firefighting has changed over the centuries as technology evolved and training becomes more extensive.

You’ll definitely walk away with a greater appreciation for our heroes after a visit to this place!

Address:  6101 E Van Buren St, Phoenix, AZ 85008, United States

24. Arizona Copper Art Museum

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Thanks to its rich deposits of minerals, Arizona has a mining history that can still be seen now!

One of the minerals that was hunted down by pioneers in the state’s heyday was copper.

An incredibly useful mineral, the desire for it gave way to some incredible mining operations – many of which are still in operation today!

While modern copper mines are nothing to sniff at, it’s the historical mines that form some of the coolest places to see in Arizona.

If you’re not keen on running around all over the state to check out the actual locations themselves, then the Arizona Copper Art Museum is the place for you.

Here you can trace the history of copper and its uses throughout 500 years of human history.

From the reminder that Venus’s astrological symbol is also the alchemical symbol for copper, to its uses in artillery in World War I and II, you must visit this museum to enjoy its fun celebration of all things copper.

Address:  849 Main St, Clarkdale, AZ 86324, United States

25. Hoover Dam

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An engineering marvel, visiting the Hoover Dam sits on the list of top things to do in Arizona.

Completed in 1935, it stands as a testament to what the best minds in humanity are capable of when their efforts are focused.

These days, the dam is a hot location for sightseeing, thanks to its incredible scale and size.

It also doubles as a link between Arizona and Nevada, if you plan to drive to either state.

Ideally, however, you would take the time to stop and enjoy the view.

It’s not every day you get to see the largest artificial lake in the nation, after all!

While you’re here, consider taking a tour of the Hoover Dam or its attached Powerplant.

If that’s not quite your speed, then why not walk around the Hoover Dam instead?

It’s hard to beat that low entry price of free!

Address:  Nevada 89005, United States

weltreisendertj / Shutterstock

If you’re an amateur ghost-hunter, then high on your list of cool things to do in Arizona will definitely be visiting abandoned mining towns like Jerome .

While the town is still largely a ghost town, today it has plenty of attractions and activities catered towards visitors looking to get some thrills.

Built in 1928, this town was originally constructed around some vertigo-inducing cliffside operations.

Many of the ruined buildings still stand on steep hillsides – a haunting reminder of the town’s citizens and history.

Some standout views include The Sliding Jail, which was built unawares on clay slick.

Thanks to its hillside location and gravity, the entire jail has slid about 2,500 feet over the years, and will likely continue moving further and further away from its original point of construction.

It’s a good idea to visit it while you still can before it slides right off the cliff!

27. Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area

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Some of the best Arizona attractions harken back to the state’s history, pulling forward its past for us to enjoy and experience in the present.

And in Yuma , this history is still alive and breathing.

Founded in the 1500s by Spanish explorers, Yuma is not only just as old as Arizona itself but played a crucial role in founding the state.

The modern city of Yuma is still spectacular, but budding visitors will want to head down to Yuma Crossing – a patchwork of wetlands and parks that connects the modern to the old, historic downtown.

That isn’t to say the park itself has no places of interest in and of itself.

When you’re done with revisiting history, why not drop by for some scenic riverside trails?

It will surely be worth your time!

Address:  180 W 1st St, Yuma, AZ 85364, United States

28. Chiricahua National Monument

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Ever asked what to do in search of fun while on a trip to Arizona?

Perhaps this particular attraction may grab your fancy!

Called the “Land of Standing-Up Rocks” by the native Apache people, Chiricahua National Monument is 12,000 acres of wonder.

Initially formed by a volcano eruption, this area spent the next 27 million years being shaped and chiseled out by the elements.

After so many years, nature’s magnum opus is complete. The Monument is crammed full of all sorts of ancient rock spires and caves.

Go hiking alongside ancient lava flows, or stare at the strange rock garden that nature had so proudly carved out of stone hundreds of feet high.

If this alone isn’t enough to land visiting this locale on your list of top things to do in Arizona, then the 17 miles of hiking trail would be of greater interest to you.

You can also opt for a scenic 8-mile tour if you would rather stay in the comfort of your car!

Address:  E Bonita Canyon Rd, Willcox, AZ 85643, United States

29. London Bridge

Peter Kunasz / Shutterstock

Some of the top things to do in Arizona is to go and explore the attractions it offers.

And as it turns out, you can see some of London right here in the state!

No, there’s no teleport to London just yet.

Instead, what you have is the titular bridge of the famous nursery rhyme “London Bridge Is Falling Down” being one of the biggest roadside attractions in Arizona.

Built in the 1830s, London Bridge used to span the River Thames until it began sinking.

Eventually, the bridge was purchased by Lake Havasu City founder Robert P. McCullough and deconstructed in 1967, where it was brought over to the city itself and reconstructed in 1971.

These days, you can get a walking tour of a piece of London’s history – right here in the United States!

Address:  1340 McCulloch Blvd, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403, United States

30. Apache Death Cave

J Jakobson / flickr

For those of us who respect local legends and myths, some points of interest are wisely avoided.

For others who are thrill-seekers in search of exploring and examining such local stories, the Apache Death Cave may be on your list of places to visit in Arizona.

It was common for the Native American nations to loot and pillage each other’s settlements in search of valuables and goods.

The attack on a Navajo encampment in 1878 was no different.

Apache raiders came in and slaughtered the entire encampment’s population save for three girls before taking their leave.

Navajo leaders were enraged and sent out teams to hunt down these raiders – to no avail.

It wasn’t until after a second similar raid did scouts finally discover a cave the Apache raiders were hiding in.

Revenge was swift, absolute, and merciless, and it seems the act had left a permanent mark.

Drop by this cave to explore the curse it supposedly left behind – if you dare.

Address:  2 Guns, Winslow, AZ 86047, United States

31. Hubbell Trading Post

Jeffrey M. Frank / Shutterstock

During the heyday of Western pioneering, trading hubs were set up so that both pioneers and natives could sell, exchange, and trade goods.

For a fun trip to tick off your Arizona bucket list, why not travel up to the Hubbell Trading Post in the north?

Founded in 1878 by John Lorenzo Hubbell, the trading post ended up supplying the exiled Navajo people when they finally began returning home to their homes – and it hasn’t stopped since.

These days, the trading post is home to all sorts of handmade items like rugs and jewelry.

So if you’re in northern Arizona in search of some interesting activities to do, why not drop by this trading post and support the local craftsmen with your purchase of a one-of-a-kind item?

Address:  1/2 Mile W, S U.S. Hwy 191, Ganado, AZ 86505, United States

32. Coconino Lava River Cave

Michael Landrum / Shutterstock

Thanks to Arizona’s history of being a geological hotspot, some of the best things to do in Arizona is to check out the ancient landscape.

Shaped and carved over millennia of erosion, it is now full of must-see places that harken back to a pre-historic era, a time where dinosaurs still roamed the Earth and the world was still in its infancy.

These days, Arizona is a pretty stable area in terms of volcanic activity – but all that shifting and flowing has left its mark.

There are certain caverns and tunnels like Coconino Lava River Cave , where lava flowed through these underground passages and permanently reshaped the ground it flowed on.

In this particular case, this cave was the result of a giant lava flow that had run through the earth like an underground river.

It now is a smooth, near-perfect circle that you can swear is a man-made passage.

And that’s just scratching the surface of the beauty this subterranean marvel holds!

Address:  171B Forest Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86001, United States

33. Tumacacori National Historical Park

Hoxel / Shutterstock

No matter what your Arizona vacation ideas are, checking out the state’s history is always a must do.

After all, nothing quite beats learning about transpired events than by being able to see, touch, and feel the weight of history carried by all that have lived through it.

After centuries of war, raids, and cultural clashes, it is a miracle that the ruins of these three 17th-century missions still stand tall.

These days, the ruins are protected by the establishment of Tumacacori National Historical Park , which serves to care for the surviving ruins as much as possible.

If you’re visiting Arizona, consider walking through the ruins to check out the picturesque Mission of San Jose de Tumacacori, or learning more about the area via the Tumacacori Museum!

Informative guided tours are also available, though the Museum and the Mission remnants provide plenty of information if you’re short on time.

Address:  1891 I-19 Frontage Rd, Tumacacori, AZ 85640, United States

34. Desert Botanical Garden

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Cartoons, movies, and television all tell us that the desert is just nothing but miles and miles of sandy dunes, broken up by the occasional cactus.

If we’re lucky, there may be an oasis with palm trees!

But this is far from the actual reality of this type of land.

In reality, desert regions like Arizona are bursting at the brim with all sorts of incredible plant life – and Desert Botanical Garden is a crucial example.

With over 4,000 species, this garden is overflowing with all the floral beauty a desert can ever hope to muster.

So if you’re still asking about what to see in Arizona, then why not add this garden to your to-do list?

It will certainly be a fun and happy trip that’s designed to bust your expectations of what a desert should be like!

Address:  1201 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008, United States

Chris Curtis / Shutterstock

Founded in 1880, Bisbee is one of the many mining camps that sprung up in the Old West as pioneers hoped to strike fame and fortune.

Despite the riches it accrued, it, unfortunately, fell to the same fate that other mining towns did, and was quickly abandoned when the mines closed down in the mid-1970s.

These days, its name is the answer to would-be visitors asking where to visit in Arizona – and for good reason.

If the history and incredible surroundings alone aren’t good enough a reason for you, then perhaps the activities it has may spark your interest instead!

What kind of activities, you may ask?

Consider checking out the many museums and galleries this little town holds, or hop along on a guided tour to learn more about Bisbee’s colorful history.

There’s never a dull moment in a historical town such as this one!

Start Planning Your Trip To Arizona

There’s no shortage of Arizona attractions to enjoy, each filled with stuff to do.

With all the great places to travel, there’s no shortage of tourist spots to enjoy so plan a vacation today!

Hopefully, our list of the best things to do in Arizona will help you see all the sights and get to all the destinations that Arizona has to offer!

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Top 10 Places to Cool Off in Arizona

• by: Friedl Richardson |
• Arizona Living
• Things to Do

You don't have to sit indoors through the entire Arizona summer waiting for the cooler months to arrive. We all feel the familiar uncomfortable high temperatures that are here to stay for the next few months so making the most of the local resources can ease the heat pains.

Here are the top 10 places to cool off this summer in Arizona.

1) Water Wheel Fall

Located near Payson, Water Wheel Falls is home to a 40-foot tiered waterfall that is perfect for cooling off. Surrounding the falls you will find a wide range of swimming holes, and you can jump from the rocks high above these deep pools to enjoy a few thrills. The creek provides the ideal backdrop for a hike or picnic at this park and campground. You can enter Water Wheel Falls for free, but you will have to pay to camp.

2) Rattlesnake Cove

Considered one of the most beautiful places to swim in Arizona, Rattlesnake Cove is on the Bartlett Reservoir near Carefree but is completely protected from motorized watercraft. A gentle slope allows swimmers of all abilities to enjoy the cove, and you can bring your own grill to enjoy a picnic. Cost is just $6 per vehicle for the day.

3) Rim Country

Head to Greer in the White Mountains to beat the heat by escaping from the valley. Located over 8,500 feet above sea level, Greer is much cooler than the surrounding deserts, you can travel up to the 9,500 foot level to explore Big Lake, where you can camp, fish and swim above the deserts.

4) Oasis Water Park at the Arizona Grand Resort

Voted into the Top 10 water parks by Travel Channel, the Oasis Water Park at the Arizona Grand Resort in Phoenix is a great place to go to beat the heat. You do have to be a guest of the resort to play here, but the eight-story tall tower and three waterslides make it an excellent place to play in the hot summer months. It also has a toddler water play area for younger visitors.

5) Golfland Sunsplash

Located in Mesa, Golfland Sunsplash is a full entertainment zone for the family. The water park, with its thrill slides, wave pool and toddler play area, is the place you can cool off, but you can also play laser tag, race go-carts or try your hand at mini-golf at this family fun center.

6) Wet 'n' Wild Phoenix

Wet 'n' Wild Phoenix is a 25-acre water park with thrill slides, a lazy river, a family raft ride, toddler pool and, of course, the wave pool. This water park is in Glendale and is worth the drive as you will have a full day's worth of fun here.

7) The Lower Salt River

Tubing is a great summer pastime in Arizona, and the Lower Salt River, located near Mesa, offers exceptional tubing conditions. You can enjoy an all-day tubing adventure for just $15 with Salt River Tubing and Recreation . Tubing is relaxing and will help you beat the intense summer heat.

8) Lake Mead National Recreation Area

The Lake Mead National Recreation Area sits on the boarder of Arizona and Nevada. Here you can see the stark contrast of the Mojave desert against the beauty of Lake Mead. Water skiing, boating and even houseboat renting are all popular at this location, and there are several areas where you can swim.

9) Tempe Beach Park

Tempe Town Lake has a lovely splash playground called Tempe Beach Park . If you have younger children, you have to experience this. Children can run through a miniature ocean and ride on toy whales as they play in this free Temp attraction.

10) Breakers Water Park

Located near Tucson, Breakers Water Park has it all. Waterslides, tube slides, a wave pool and a splash park ensure that the entire family has plenty to do at this iconic area attraction.

Don't let summer heat get you down. Make plans to visit one of these spots and get a break!

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