Arizona is bold, dramatic, and filled with natural wonder. If you are planning a trip and searching for the Best Things to Do in Arizona, you will quickly realise that this desert state offers far more than cactus landscapes. From world-famous canyons and red rock formations to vibrant cities and Native American heritage sites, Arizona blends adventure, history, culture, and breathtaking scenery in one unforgettable destination.
Located in the American Southwest, Arizona is known for its vast deserts, towering rock formations, and deep blue skies. The Best Things to Do in Arizona include exploring national parks, driving scenic highways, learning about ancient civilisations, and relaxing at luxury desert resorts. Whether you are travelling solo, as a couple, or with family, Arizona delivers year-round experiences thanks to its sunny climate.
The most memorable Best Things to Do in Arizona combine outdoor exploration, cultural insight, and iconic landmarks. This guide is structured into clear sections to help you build a balanced itinerary.
Iconic Natural Wonders Best Things to Do in Arizona
Arizona’s landscapes are instantly recognisable and unlike anywhere else in the United States. Towering canyons, sculpted sandstone, and vast desert horizons define many of the Best Things to Do in Arizona. These natural landmarks are not just scenic backdrops. They are experiences that leave lasting impressions.
1. Explore the Grand Canyon
Grand Canyon National Park is one of the most famous natural wonders on Earth. Standing at the South Rim at sunrise is easily one of the essential Best Things to Do in Arizona.
The canyon stretches over 270 miles long and reveals layers of red, orange, and ochre rock carved by the Colorado River over millions of years. The views change throughout the day as light shifts across the cliffs, creating dramatic shadows and colours.
Hiking the Bright Angel Trail allows visitors to descend below the rim for a closer look at the geological formations. For a different perspective, helicopter tours provide sweeping aerial views that highlight the canyon’s immense scale. Including the Grand Canyon among the Best Things to Do in Arizona is non-negotiable for first-time visitors.
2. Visit Horseshoe Bend
Horseshoe Bend offers one of the most photographed views in the Southwest. A short walk from the parking area leads to a dramatic overlook where the Colorado River curves in a near-perfect horseshoe shape.
Standing at the edge and looking down into the emerald water below is one of the scenic Best Things to Do in Arizona. The towering sandstone cliffs create a striking contrast against the deep blue sky.
Sunset is especially popular, as warm light enhances the red tones of the rock. Adding Horseshoe Bend to your list of Best Things to Do in Arizona provides a quick yet unforgettable stop near Page.
3. Tour Antelope Canyon
Antelope Canyon is famous for its narrow slot canyon walls and the beams of light that filter through openings above. Guided tours through this natural sandstone formation rank among the most photogenic Best Things to Do in Arizona.
The canyon’s flowing shapes were carved by flash floods over thousands of years. As sunlight passes through the narrow gaps, it creates glowing shafts of light that illuminate the curved walls in shades of orange and gold.
Because the canyon lies on Navajo land, tours are led by authorised guides who share cultural and geological insights. Including Antelope Canyon among the Best Things to Do in Arizona ensures you experience one of the most unique natural formations in the region.
4. Discover Monument Valley
Monument Valley features towering red sandstone buttes rising dramatically from the desert floor. Visiting this iconic landscape is one of the unforgettable Best Things to Do in Arizona.
The valley sits on Navajo Tribal land and has appeared in countless films and photographs, symbolising the American West. Scenic drives and guided jeep tours allow visitors to explore viewpoints that highlight the massive rock formations.
Sunrise and sunset are particularly striking, as shifting light casts long shadows across the desert. Including Monument Valley among the Best Things to Do in Arizona adds cinematic beauty and cultural significance to your journey.
Desert and Red Rock Best Things to Do in Arizona
Arizona’s desert landscapes are powerful, colourful, and constantly changing with the light. Red rock formations, towering cacti, and rugged mountain roads define many of the Best Things to Do in Arizona, especially for travellers who love dramatic scenery and open horizons.
5. Explore Sedona
Sedona is famous for its glowing red rock formations and calm desert atmosphere. Hiking Cathedral Rock or Bell Rock is among the most scenic Best Things to Do in Arizona.
Trails wind through sandstone formations that appear almost fiery at sunrise and sunset. Many visitors also come for the area’s spiritual reputation, with vortex sites said to offer peaceful energy and reflection.
Beyond hiking, Sedona features art galleries, jeep tours, and scenic drives through Oak Creek Canyon. Including Sedona in your list of Best Things to Do in Arizona brings together adventure, photography, and relaxation in one compact destination.
6. Visit Saguaro National Park
Saguaro National Park protects the iconic saguaro cactus, which grows only in the Sonoran Desert. Walking desert trails surrounded by these towering plants is one of the classic Best Things to Do in Arizona.
The park is divided into two districts near Tucson, each offering scenic drives and hiking paths. Sunset is particularly striking as silhouettes of cacti stand against colourful desert skies.
Learning about the ecosystem and the cultural importance of the saguaro adds depth to the visit. Adding Saguaro National Park to the Best Things to Do in Arizona list provides an authentic desert experience.
7. Drive the Apache Trail
Apache Trail is a historic scenic route that winds through desert mountains, canyons, and lakes east of Phoenix. Cruising this road is one of the adventurous Best Things to Do in Arizona.
The drive passes through the Superstition Mountains and along Canyon Lake, offering dramatic views at every turn. Small historic towns such as Tortilla Flat add a nostalgic Wild West touch.
The narrow, winding sections of the road make the journey exciting while still manageable for most drivers. Including the Apache Trail among the Best Things to Do in Arizona combines natural beauty with a sense of exploration.
8. Explore Canyon de Chelly
Canyon de Chelly National Monument blends towering canyon walls with ancient cliff dwellings built by Ancestral Puebloans. Visiting this site adds cultural depth to the Best Things to Do in Arizona.
Located on Navajo land, the canyon remains home to Navajo families today. Scenic overlooks provide sweeping views of sandstone cliffs rising above green valley floors.
Guided tours led by Navajo guides offer access to canyon floors and historic sites such as White House Ruin. Including Canyon de Chelly in your Best Things to Do in Arizona itinerary combines dramatic landscapes with living cultural heritage.
City and Culture Best Things to Do in Arizona
While Arizona is known for natural beauty, its cities add creativity, architecture, and history to the Best Things to Do in Arizona.
9. Explore Phoenix
Phoenix is the state capital and offers a mix of urban energy and desert surroundings. Visiting the Desert Botanical Garden is one of the relaxing Best Things to Do in Arizona.
The garden showcases desert plants from around the world, with walking paths that highlight the diversity of arid ecosystems. Phoenix also offers museums, rooftop dining, and sports venues.
Combining city life with nearby hiking trails such as Camelback Mountain makes Phoenix a versatile destination. Including it among the Best Things to Do in Arizona adds balance to a nature-focused itinerary.
10. Visit Tucson
Tucson blends Spanish colonial history with stunning desert scenery. Exploring Mission San Xavier del Bac is among the historic Best Things to Do in Arizona.
Often called the “White Dove of the Desert,” the mission dates back to the 18th century and features ornate architecture and detailed interior artwork. Tucson is also known for its vibrant food scene influenced by Mexican and Native American traditions.
Surrounded by mountain ranges and national parks, Tucson combines history, culture, and outdoor adventure. Adding it to your Best Things to Do in Arizona list broadens your understanding of the state’s heritage.
11. Discover Scottsdale
Scottsdale is known for upscale resorts, art galleries, and stylish dining. Strolling through Old Town Scottsdale ranks among the sophisticated Best Things to Do in Arizona.
The area blends Western architecture with modern boutiques and public art installations. Art walks and evening events create a lively yet refined atmosphere.
Scottsdale also offers luxury spa experiences and desert golf courses. Including Scottsdale among the Best Things to Do in Arizona adds comfort and creativity to your trip.
12. Tour Taliesin West
Taliesin West was the winter home and studio of renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Touring this landmark is one of the insightful Best Things to Do in Arizona.
The property blends natural desert materials with innovative design, reflecting Wright’s philosophy of organic architecture. Guided tours explain how the structure was built to harmonise with the surrounding landscape.
Visiting Taliesin West provides architectural inspiration and cultural context. Including it among the Best Things to Do in Arizona highlights the state’s influence on modern design and creativity.
Unique Landscapes Best Things to Do in Arizona
Arizona’s terrain constantly surprises visitors. Beyond the Grand Canyon and red rock towns, the state offers fossilised forests, deep blue reservoirs carved into sandstone, and rare geological formations that look almost unreal. Exploring these environments expands the scope of the Best Things to Do in Arizona and showcases the state’s remarkable diversity.
13. Visit Petrified Forest National Park
Petrified Forest National Park protects one of the largest concentrations of petrified wood in the world. Walking its desert trails is one of the unusual Best Things to Do in Arizona.
The park’s landscape features colourful badlands in shades of purple, pink, and grey, along with fossilised tree trunks that date back over 200 million years. These ancient logs have turned to stone, creating a striking contrast against the desert floor.
Visitors can explore short walking paths through the Painted Desert and stop at scenic overlooks along the main park road. Including Petrified Forest National Park among the Best Things to Do in Arizona offers a rare glimpse into prehistoric natural history.
14. Explore Lake Powell
Lake Powell is a vast reservoir surrounded by towering sandstone cliffs and hidden coves. Spending time here is one of the refreshing Best Things to Do in Arizona, especially during warmer months.
Boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming are popular activities. Many visitors rent houseboats to explore narrow canyon inlets at a relaxed pace. The deep blue water contrasts beautifully with the surrounding red rock formations.
Sunset on the lake is particularly dramatic, as the cliffs glow under fading light. Adding Lake Powell to your list of Best Things to Do in Arizona combines water-based recreation with striking desert scenery.
15. See The Wave (Coyote Buttes)
The Wave, located in the Coyote Buttes area of northern Arizona, is one of the most photographed rock formations in the Southwest. Visiting this surreal landscape ranks among the exclusive Best Things to Do in Arizona.
The Wave features swirling sandstone patterns in shades of orange, red, and gold. Access is limited by a strict permit system to protect the fragile environment, making it a rare and carefully managed experience.
The hike to reach the formation requires preparation and navigation skills, but the reward is an otherworldly setting that feels almost sculpted by hand. Including The Wave among the Best Things to Do in Arizona offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness one of nature’s most intricate designs.
Family-Friendly Best Things to Do in Arizona
Arizona is not only about dramatic canyons and desert hikes. The state also offers engaging attractions designed for families, combining education, wildlife, and memorable journeys. These activities expand the Best Things to Do in Arizona with hands-on experiences that appeal to both children and adults.
16. Visit the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is far more than a traditional museum. It blends zoo habitats, botanical gardens, and interactive exhibits into one immersive experience. Visiting this attraction stands among the educational Best Things to Do in Arizona.
Located near Tucson, the open-air design allows visitors to see native desert wildlife such as mountain lions, coyotes, and javelinas in natural-style enclosures. Walking trails wind past towering cacti, desert flowers, and scenic mountain backdrops.
Live animal demonstrations and educational talks make learning engaging for children. Including the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum among the Best Things to Do in Arizona ensures a deeper understanding of the Sonoran Desert ecosystem.
17. Explore Bearizona Wildlife Park
Bearizona Wildlife Park offers a drive-through wildlife experience that feels adventurous yet safe. Exploring this park is one of the interactive Best Things to Do in Arizona for families.
Visitors drive their own vehicle through habitats where black bears, wolves, and bison roam freely. After the drive, a walk-through section features smaller animals and educational exhibits.
Located near Williams, Arizona, Bearizona is often combined with a trip to the Grand Canyon. Adding this stop to your list of Best Things to Do in Arizona creates a unique wildlife encounter that children especially enjoy.
18. Ride the Grand Canyon Railway
Grand Canyon Railway provides a nostalgic journey from the town of Williams to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Riding this historic train ranks among the memorable Best Things to Do in Arizona.
The vintage-style carriages and onboard entertainment recreate the feeling of early 20th-century rail travel. Along the route, passengers enjoy views of forests, open plains, and distant desert landscapes.
Arriving at the Grand Canyon by train adds excitement and convenience, especially for families who prefer not to drive. Including the Grand Canyon Railway in your Best Things to Do in Arizona itinerary blends history, scenery, and comfort into one enjoyable experience.
Adventure and Outdoor Best Things to Do in Arizona
Arizona’s wild landscapes invite travellers to go beyond scenic viewpoints and step directly into the terrain. From turquoise waterfalls hidden deep in desert canyons to underground cave systems and some of the darkest skies in the country, these experiences add excitement and wonder to the Best Things to Do in Arizona.
19. Hike Havasu Falls
Havasu Falls is one of the most breathtaking natural sights in the Southwest. The vivid turquoise water cascading against red canyon walls makes hiking here one of the unforgettable Best Things to Do in Arizona.
Located within the Havasupai Reservation, reaching the falls requires advance permits and a challenging hike of roughly 10 miles each way. The effort, however, is rewarded with a stunning oasis of waterfalls and clear pools surrounded by towering cliffs.
Camping near the falls allows visitors to fully appreciate the area’s beauty, especially in the early morning light. Including Havasu Falls among the Best Things to Do in Arizona offers a true adventure for those willing to plan ahead and embrace the journey.
20. Explore Kartchner Caverns State Park
Kartchner Caverns State Park protects one of the most impressive living cave systems in the United States. Guided tours through these limestone caverns rank among the fascinating Best Things to Do in Arizona.
Unlike many caves, Kartchner Caverns remains an active formation, meaning the stalactites and stalagmites are still growing. Carefully controlled lighting and humidity preserve delicate formations, including massive columns and intricate draperies.
Tours are educational as well as visually striking, explaining how the caves were discovered and protected. Adding Kartchner Caverns to your list of Best Things to Do in Arizona introduces a completely different side of the state’s natural beauty beneath the desert surface.
21. Go Stargazing in Flagstaff
Flagstaff is internationally recognised for its dark skies and clear mountain air. Stargazing here is one of the peaceful and awe-inspiring Best Things to Do in Arizona.
Flagstaff became the world’s first International Dark Sky City, limiting light pollution to preserve night visibility. Visitors can join astronomy programmes at Lowell Observatory or simply head to nearby viewpoints to watch the Milky Way stretch across the sky.
Cooler temperatures at higher elevation make evening exploration comfortable, especially during summer. Including stargazing in Flagstaff among the Best Things to Do in Arizona offers a quiet yet powerful reminder of the vast desert sky above.
Scenic Drives and Relaxation Best Things to Do in Arizona
Not every highlight in Arizona requires a strenuous hike or rugged trek. Some of the most memorable moments come from scenic highways, historic towns, waterfront escapes, and quiet desert sunsets. These experiences add balance and calm to the Best Things to Do in Arizona, allowing you to slow down and truly take in the surroundings.
22. Drive Route 66
Route 66 cuts across northern Arizona, offering a nostalgic glimpse into classic American road travel. Exploring small towns along this historic highway is one of the charming Best Things to Do in Arizona.
Communities such as Williams, Seligman, and Kingman feature retro diners, neon signs, and preserved roadside attractions. Driving this stretch feels like stepping back into the mid-20th century, when cross-country road trips defined adventure.
The open desert landscapes and distant mountain views make the journey just as appealing as the stops. Including Route 66 among the Best Things to Do in Arizona adds character and storytelling to your itinerary.
23. Relax at Lake Havasu
Lake Havasu City is known for its bright blue water and laid-back atmosphere. Spending time here is one of the lively yet relaxing Best Things to Do in Arizona.
Visitors can rent boats, jet skis, or paddleboards to explore the lake’s coves and shoreline. The city is also home to the relocated London Bridge, which adds a surprising historic touch to the desert setting.
Waterfront restaurants and sunset cruises create a resort-like feel, especially during spring and summer. Adding Lake Havasu City to your list of Best Things to Do in Arizona offers a refreshing break from canyon and desert exploration.
24. Visit Tombstone
Tombstone preserves the spirit of the Wild West. Walking its wooden boardwalks is one of the historic Best Things to Do in Arizona.
Famous for the gunfight at the O.K. Corral, Tombstone embraces its frontier past with costumed reenactments, saloons, and preserved 19th-century buildings. Visitors can tour historic cemeteries and museums that recount stories of outlaws and lawmen.
The town offers a fun and educational way to experience Arizona’s frontier heritage. Including Tombstone among the Best Things to Do in Arizona adds a lively and memorable historical stop.
25. Watch Sunset in the Sonoran Desert
The Sonoran Desert provides some of the most vivid sunsets in the Southwest. Watching the sky shift from gold to deep orange and purple is one of the simple yet powerful Best Things to Do in Arizona.
Whether you are near Phoenix, Tucson, or a quiet desert trail, the open horizon allows unobstructed views of the fading light. Silhouettes of saguaro cacti and distant mountains create dramatic outlines against the glowing sky.
Ending your day with a desert sunset offers a peaceful moment of reflection. Including this experience among the Best Things to Do in Arizona captures the essence of the state’s natural beauty in its purest form.
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Conclusion:
Arizona offers a remarkable blend of iconic landmarks and hidden gems. When exploring the Best Things to Do in Arizona, you encounter towering canyons, red rock formations, desert wildlife, historic towns, and vibrant cities all within one state.
The strength of the Best Things to Do in Arizona lies in variety. You can hike through ancient landscapes in the morning, explore cultural sites in the afternoon, and relax under a desert sunset in the evening. Whether you visit for adventure, photography, family fun, or quiet reflection, Arizona delivers experiences that remain vivid long after your journey ends.
