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There are countless things to do in Arizona, a southwestern US state known for its unique desert environment. It shares borders with California, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico, and Mexico, offering a mix of cultures and geography. Arizona is home to the Grand Canyon, one of the most visited natural wonders in the United States. Its cities, including Phoenix and Tucson, offer year-round sunshine and distinctive desert areas. Visitors can explore Indigenous heritage sites, striking natural formations, and engaging science and art centres.
Top 10 Things To Do In Arizona
Looking for unforgettable things to do in Arizona? Here are ten destinations and experiences worth adding to your travel plans.
1. Explore Tumacacori National Historical Park
Photo: Ammodramus / Wikimedia Commons
Tumacacori National Historical Park offers more than preserved Spanish mission ruins. It provides insight into how people once lived alongside the natural environment. While exploring the historic structures, visitors often notice local wildlife such as lizards, hawks, and ground squirrels. The nearby Santa Cruz River serves as a seasonal stop for migrating birds, drawing birdwatchers and nature photographers. Interpretive trails share ecological and historical facts. Educational walks provide a deeper understanding of how this cultural site connects with the desert’s rich biodiversity.
Major Attractions: Spanish mission ruins, interpretive trails, wildlife sightings
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: $10 / ₹830
Location: Tumacacori, Santa Cruz County, Arizona
2. Visit Heritage Square
Photo: Tony the Marine / Wikimedia Commons
Heritage Square stands out among the best things to see in Arizona for those who enjoy architectural charm and cultural learning. Visitors walk past preserved Victorian homes while engaging with informative plaques and public exhibits. The Rosson House Museum offers a glimpse into 19th-century life, while local vendors bring contemporary touches through craft markets and food stalls. Events such as cultural fairs and live performances create opportunities for discovery. Whether exploring alone or with others, it invites curiosity through a blend of history and local activity.
Major Attractions: Rosson House, restaurants, weekend markets
Timings: 10 AM – 4 PM
Entry Fee: Free access
Location: Phoenix, Arizona
3. Discover Antelope Canyon
Photo: Angelica Reyn / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Photographers looking for what nature can offer often visit Antelope Canyon. Its smooth sandstone walls, shaped by centuries of water flow, reveal colours that shift with the sun’s movement. Narrow corridors, accessed only with Navajo-guided tours, allow for timed visits during optimal light beam hours. This spot is especially popular for capturing striking contrasts and layered textures. Each step through the canyon uncovers new patterns that change by the hour. It’s a visual experience that challenges and rewards those interested in timing and light precision.
Major Attractions: Guided slot canyon tours, photography tours
Timings: 8 AM – 4 PM (subject to weather and season)
Entry Fee: $55 – 90 / ₹4,500 – 7,500
Location: Near Page, Coconino County, Arizona
4. Explore Desert Botanical Garden
Photo: Simeon87 / Wikimedia Commons
At the Desert Botanical Garden, visitors explore the plant life specific to arid regions. The carefully curated gardens feature extensive varieties of succulents, cacti, and desert wildflowers. Educational signage marks each trail, explaining plant adaptation and regional ecosystems. Guests can attend rotating exhibitions or join seasonal programs, including night walks and botanical art showcases. With more than 50,000 plants to see, it serves as a living collection that highlights biodiversity in low-water environments. It’s ideal for anyone interested in sustainable gardening or ecological education.
Major Attractions: Cactus Garden, Butterfly Pavilion, Seasonal Exhibits
Timings: 8 AM – 8 PM
Entry Fee: $24.95 / ₹2,070
Location: Phoenix, Arizona
5. Unwind At Lake Mead Recreation Area
Photo: Carlin Harris / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Lake Mead Recreation Area provides multiple outdoor experiences, ranging from water sports to desert exploration. Visitors can fish in quiet coves, paddle across open waters, or hike marked trails along the rugged shorelines. The area surrounding the reservoir includes camping sites and shaded picnic spots for extended stays. Equipment rentals and ranger-led activities support both first-time and experienced adventurers. This site appeals to individuals and groups seeking active day trips or overnight outings. The combination of natural space and recreational access makes it ideal for adventure planning.
Major Attractions: Lake activities, hiking trails, picnic areas
Timings: 24 *7
Entry Fee: $25 / ₹2,080
Location: Mohave County, Arizona
6. Explore Artworks At Phoenix Art Museum
Photo: Visitor7 / Wikimedia Commons
When listing things to see in Arizona, the Phoenix Art Museum often ranks high due to its extensive collections and exhibitions. Guests explore artworks from Latin America, the American West, and European movements. Modern pieces and photography installations rotate throughout the year, offering fresh content for repeat visits. Audio guides and curated walkthroughs provide additional context on artistic styles and historical influences. Educational programs serve students, families, and adults with creative interests. The museum also collaborates with local artists, offering an evolving experience that blends tradition with contemporary works.
Major Attractions: Latin American art, modern installations, photography exhibits
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM (Closed on Mondays)
Entry Fee: $23 / ₹1,910
Location: Phoenix, Arizona
7. A Surreal Exploration Of Monument Valley
Photo: Clément Bardot / Wikimedia Commons
Driving through Monument Valley presents a view shaped by time and culture. Sandstone formations stretch across the horizon, creating a space familiar from classic Western films. Visitors choose between guided jeep tours or self-drive options, offering different angles of the towering buttes and open plains. The route includes access to designated viewpoints and stops managed by local tribal members. Handmade crafts and Navajo food stands near the entrance deepen cultural engagement. This destination serves road trippers and photographers looking for open space with a clear visual narrative.
Major Attractions: Scenic drive, guided tours, film locations
Timings: 6 AM – 8 PM
Entry Fee: $8 / ₹665
Location: Navajo Nation, northeastern Arizona
8. Visit The Arizona Science Centre
Photo: Beyond My Ken / Wikimedia Commons
For those wondering what to do in Arizona with children or curious learners, the Arizona Science Centre delivers hands-on education. Visitors interact with simulations covering energy, weather, and motion. The Dorrance Planetarium adds immersive astronomical content, while rotating exhibits present current science topics. Live demonstrations simplify complicated ideas using interactive visuals. The museum also hosts themed camps and school programs that align with academic standards. Designed to support curiosity across age groups, it encourages problem-solving and exploration through practical application and real-world examples.
Major Attractions: Planetarium, weather centre, science exhibits
Timings: 10:30 AM – 4 PM
Entry Fee: $22.95 / ₹1,900
Location: Downtown Phoenix, Arizona
9. Brewery Tour
Photo: TJ Blackwell / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Exploring Arizona’s brewery scene introduces guests to local ingredients and creative techniques. Tours typically include behind-the-scenes access to brewing equipment, followed by tasting sessions featuring seasonal and core offerings. Many breweries collaborate with local farms for grains and botanicals, adding regional character. Taprooms may feature food trucks, music nights, or brewing workshops, inviting social interaction. Whether visiting downtown Phoenix or mountain towns such as Flagstaff, the experience balances fun with education. It’s ideal for groups looking to learn while sampling a variety of small-batch craft beers.
Major Attractions: Tasting rooms, guided brewing tours, seasonal events
Timings: 12 PM – 10 PM (Varies by brewery)
Entry Fee: Tour packages start at $15 / ₹1,245
Location: Phoenix, Tucson, Flagstaff
10. Panoramic Views At The Grand Canyon
Photo: Islander61 / Wikimedia Commons
The Grand Canyon remains one of the most recognised sites in Arizona, with layers of geological history visible from multiple viewpoints. Hikers descend into the canyon on designated routes, while others admire the scale from scenic overlooks. The Colorado River offers rafting trips guided by trained experts, combining natural features with outdoor challenges. Visitor centres provide maps, ranger talks, and geological displays. Each section of the canyon offers something different, whether it’s quieter trails or well-known lookout points. It draws interest from outdoor lovers, educators, and heritage enthusiasts.
Major Attractions: Scenic overlooks, hiking trails, visitor centres
Timings: 24*7
Entry Fee: $35 / ₹2,915 per vehicle for 7-day access
Location: Northern Arizona, Coconino County
There are countless things to do in Arizona; you can find yourself navigating ancient ruins one day and admiring Indigenous art the next. For those who prefer active outings, there are countless trails and natural parks to explore. Cultural spaces reflect Arizona’s layered heritage, offering insights into traditions and local stories. Whether you’re travelling solo or with family, the variety ensures there’s something meaningful for everyone. Plan a trip with TripXL today.
Cover Photo: Brian Hetzer / Pexels
