What are the best things to do in Arizona?

Arizona offers an extraordinary range of experiences. Visit the Grand Canyon, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Hike Camelback Mountain or Cathedral Rock in Sedona. Explore Old Town Scottsdale's 100+ art galleries and boutiques. Tour ancient cliff dwellings at Montezuma Castle National Monument. Experience the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum in Tucson. Attend Cactus League Spring Training games across the Phoenix metro area. Drive the Arizona stretch of historic Route 66 through Flagstaff, Williams, and Seligman.

What is the best time to visit Arizona?

The best time to visit Arizona depends on your destination. For Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tucson, October through April offers ideal temperatures (60-85°F) and is peak season for golf, hiking, and outdoor dining. Spring (March-April) is perfect for Cactus League baseball and wildflower blooms. Summer is best for northern Arizona - Sedona, Flagstaff (elevation 7,000 ft), and the Grand Canyon stay 15-20°F cooler than the desert. Fall brings pleasant temperatures statewide and fewer crowds.

What are the best neighborhoods in Scottsdale?

Old Town Scottsdale is the vibrant heart of the city, packed with art galleries along the Scottsdale ArtWalk, upscale dining at FnB and Citizen Public House, and lively nightlife. The Scottsdale Arts District features the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art and the Scottsdale Civic Center. North Scottsdale offers luxury desert resorts like The Phoenician and Four Seasons, championship golf at TPC Scottsdale, and stunning McDowell Sonoran Preserve trails. South Scottsdale has a growing craft brewery and restaurant scene along the Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt.

What are the best hiking trails in Arizona?

Arizona's top hiking trails include Bright Angel Trail at the Grand Canyon (9.5 miles to the Colorado River), Camelback Mountain's Echo Canyon Trail in Phoenix (1.2 miles, strenuous), Cathedral Rock Trail in Sedona (1.2 miles with red-rock scrambling), Humphreys Peak Trail near Flagstaff (Arizona's highest point at 12,633 ft), Havasu Falls (10 miles to stunning turquoise waterfalls), and Tom's Thumb Trail in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. For easier hikes, try Papago Park's Hole in the Rock in Phoenix or the Devil's Bridge Trail in Sedona.

What are the best restaurants in Phoenix?

Phoenix's dining scene features James Beard Award nominees and diverse cuisines. Top picks include Binkley's Restaurant in Cave Creek for contemporary American tasting menus, Barrio Café for elevated Mexican cuisine, Pizzeria Bianco (nationally acclaimed pizza), Kai at Sheraton Wild Horse Pass for Native American-inspired fine dining, and Hana Japanese Eatery for omakase. For casual dining, try The Larder + The Delta for Southern comfort food, Tacos Chiwas for Chihuahua-style tacos, and Cornish Pasty Co. for eclectic pub food. Phoenix also boasts vibrant food halls like The Churchill and Uptown Farmers Market.

What are the best desert resorts in Arizona?

Arizona is home to world-renowned desert resorts. The Phoenician in Scottsdale offers a luxury spa, golf course, and Camelback Mountain views. Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain features boutique casita-style rooms and the acclaimed elements restaurant. The Boulders Resort in Carefree sits among dramatic 12-million-year-old granite formations. Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North provides secluded desert luxury with Pinnacle Peak views. Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa in Tucson is a top-ranked wellness destination. L'Auberge de Sedona offers creekside luxury amid Sedona's red rocks.

What events are happening in Arizona in 2026?

Arizona's 2026 event calendar features major highlights: Cactus League Spring Training (February-March) with 15 MLB teams across 10 Phoenix-area stadiums. The WM Phoenix Open golf tournament (February) at TPC Scottsdale is the best-attended event in golf. Scottsdale Culinary Festival (April) showcases Arizona's dining scene. The Arizona Renaissance Festival (February-March) runs weekends in Gold Canyon. Sedona International Film Festival (February) draws filmmakers worldwide. Country Thunder Arizona (April) brings four days of country music to Florence. Arizona Diamondbacks and Phoenix Suns provide year-round professional sports action.

Is Arizona good for a family vacation?

Arizona is an excellent family destination year-round. Top family attractions include the Phoenix Zoo (one of the largest nonprofit zoos in the U.S.), Arizona Science Center, Children's Museum of Phoenix, and OdySea Aquarium in Scottsdale. For outdoor fun, visit Slide Rock State Park near Sedona, Lake Powell for houseboat adventures, or Kartchner Caverns State Park for underground tours. The Grand Canyon Junior Ranger program engages kids at all ages. Many Scottsdale and Phoenix resorts offer kids' clubs and family pool areas. Tucson's Pima Air & Space Museum has 400+ aircraft on display.

What is there to do in Sedona?

Sedona offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure, spirituality, and arts. Hike to Cathedral Rock, Devil's Bridge, or Bell Rock for iconic red-rock views. Visit the four main vortex sites (Airport Mesa, Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, Boynton Canyon) believed to radiate healing energy. Explore Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village for galleries and Southwestern art. Take a Pink Jeep Tour through the backcountry. Visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross, built into the red rocks. Sedona's dining scene includes Elote Cafe (Mexican-inspired), Mariposa (Latin-inspired with panoramic views), and Cress on Oak Creek. The Sedona International Film Festival runs annually in February.

Things to Do in Arizona - Activities, Attractions & Experiences | Come See Arizona

Scenic Arizona desert landscape with saguaro cacti and vibrant sunset

Things to Do in Arizona

Q: What are the best day trips from Phoenix?

Phoenix is ideally located for Arizona day trips. Sedona (2 hours north) offers red-rock hiking and vortex sites. The Grand Canyon South Rim is a 3.5-hour drive. Tucson (1.5 hours south) features Saguaro National Park and the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. Jerome, a former copper mining ghost town, sits 1.5 hours north with art galleries and the Jerome Grand Hotel. Prescott (1.5 hours) has Whiskey Row saloons and Watson Lake. Montezuma Castle (1.5 hours) showcases 800-year-old cliff dwellings. Apache Trail east of Phoenix offers Tortilla Flat, Canyon Lake, and the Superstition Mountains.

From desert hiking and world-class golf to cultural museums, vibrant nightlife, and family adventures. Explore everything Arizona has to offer.

Arizona offers outdoor adventures across 300 days of annual sunshine, from hiking Camelback Mountain and exploring Sedona's red rocks to golfing 300-plus courses and floating the Salt River. Cultural attractions include the Musical Instrument Museum, Heard Museum, Taliesin West, and Desert Botanical Garden. This guide covers 10 categories of activities across the state.

Arizona is one of the most dynamic destinations in the American Southwest, offering an extraordinary range of activities for residents and visitors alike. With more than 300 days of sunshine each year, the state provides a year-round playground for outdoor enthusiasts, culture seekers, and families. The Phoenix metropolitan area alone encompasses over 41,000 acres of desert parks and mountain preserves, making it one of the largest urban park systems in the country. Beyond the trails, Arizona is home to world-class golf with over 300 courses statewide, a thriving arts and cultural scene anchored by institutions like the Phoenix Art Museum, Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, and Heard Museum, and a full lineup of professional sports teams spanning the NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB. Outdoor recreation stretches from desert hiking and rock climbing in the Sonoran lowlands to skiing and snowboarding at Arizona Snowbowl in Flagstaff. Whether you are looking for a relaxing spa weekend in Scottsdale, an adrenaline-fueled off-road adventure in the Superstition Mountains, or a family-friendly day at one of the state's many water parks and botanical gardens, Arizona delivers experiences that are hard to match anywhere else in the country.

Explore by Category

Hiking & Outdoor Adventures

50+ trails across deserts, red rocks, and mountain peaks

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Golf in Arizona

200+ courses including TPC Scottsdale and Troon North

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Arts & Culture in Arizona

World-class museums, galleries, and performing arts

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Family Fun in Arizona

Zoos, aquariums, water parks, and kid-friendly adventures

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Nightlife & Entertainment

Rooftop bars, live music, clubs, and comedy

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Sports in Arizona

Pro teams, spring training, motorsports, and college athletics

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Spa & Wellness

Desert resorts, day spas, hot springs, and yoga retreats

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Shopping in Arizona

From Scottsdale Fashion Square to Old Town boutiques

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Day Trips & Scenic Drives

Grand Canyon, Sedona, Route 66, and more

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Tours & Experiences

Hot air balloons, jeep tours, horseback riding, and ATV adventures

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Featured Activities & Attractions

arts-and-culture

Desert Botanical Garden

Phoenix

Wander 140 acres of stunning desert landscapes showcasing more than 50,000 plants from arid regions around the world. Seasonal exhibitions, sculpture installations, and the beloved Las Noches de las Luminarias make this a year-round destination.

arts-and-culture

Taliesin West

Scottsdale

Frank Lloyd Wright's desert masterpiece and UNESCO World Heritage Site reveals the architect's genius for harmonizing structure with the surrounding Sonoran landscape. Tours range from architectural overviews to in-depth explorations of Wright's living quarters and studios.

arts-and-culture

Musical Instrument Museum

Phoenix

Explore 15,000+ instruments from nearly every country on Earth at one of the most unique museums in the world. Wireless headphones activate automatically as you approach each exhibit, filling your ears with authentic regional music.

family-fun

OdySea Aquarium

Scottsdale

The Southwest's largest aquarium houses thousands of marine animals across 200,000 square feet. Highlights include the living sea carousel tunnel, penguin encounters, and sea lion shows that delight visitors of all ages.

shopping

Old Town Scottsdale

Scottsdale

Art galleries, western boutiques, Native American jewelry shops, and world-class dining converge in this walkable district. The legendary Thursday ArtWalk opens more than 100 gallery doors each week, making it one of the finest gallery walks in the nation.

tours

Sedona Red Rock Tours

Sedona

Jeep tours through stunning red rock formations reveal canyons, ancient ruins, and panoramic vistas that most visitors never see from the road. Experienced guides bring Sedona's geological and cultural history to life on every trail.

day-trips

Grand Canyon South Rim

Grand Canyon

One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the Grand Canyon's mile-deep chasm reveals billions of years of geological history in its layered walls. The South Rim offers accessible viewpoints, hiking trails, and a perspective that no photograph can fully capture.

outdoor-adventures

Camelback Mountain

Phoenix

The Valley's most iconic hike challenges climbers with a steep, 1,280-foot ascent through exposed rock scrambles to a summit with panoramic views of the entire Phoenix metropolitan area. Echo Canyon and Cholla Trail offer two distinct routes to the top.

Seasonal Activity Guide

Fall (September - November)

Fall is when Arizona truly comes alive. Temperatures ease into the comfortable seventies and eighties, making it the perfect time to hit the trails, tee off on world-class golf courses, and enjoy outdoor dining without breaking a sweat. Cactus League spring training planning kicks off, Schnepf Farms hosts its legendary Pumpkin and Chili Party, and Ironman Arizona draws athletes to Tempe in November. The desert light turns golden, and the crowds have not yet reached peak-season levels - making fall the savvy traveler's sweet spot.

Winter (December - February)

Winter is peak season in Arizona, and for good reason. Daytime temperatures hover in the sixties and seventies while much of the country shivers, drawing snowbirds, golfers, and festival-goers by the hundreds of thousands. The WM Phoenix Open electrifies Scottsdale in February, Barrett-Jackson brings car collectors to town in January, and Cactus League Spring Training opens in late February. Desert Botanical Garden's Las Noches de las Luminarias illuminates the holiday season, and resort spas operate at full capacity. Book early - winter is when Arizona shines brightest.

Spring (March - May)

Spring is wildflower season in Arizona, and the desert erupts in carpets of gold poppies, purple lupine, and blooming saguaros. Cactus League Spring Training fills stadiums across the Valley through March, and the pleasant temperatures make this prime time for hiking, horseback riding, and outdoor exploration. Tubac Festival of the Arts and Scottsdale Arts Festival anchor the cultural calendar. As April turns to May, temperatures begin their summer climb, making early spring the ideal window for visitors who want the best of Arizona's outdoor offerings.

Summer (June - August)

Summer brings the heat, but Arizona leans into it with water parks, Salt River tubing, and dramatic monsoon thunderstorms that light up the evening sky. Resort rates drop significantly, making luxury spa stays and golf rounds remarkably affordable. Escape the Valley heat with day trips to Prescott, Flagstaff, or the Mogollon Rim, where temperatures run twenty to thirty degrees cooler. Indoor attractions like museums and aquariums offer air-conditioned refuge, and the summer monsoon season transforms the desert with sudden, spectacular rainstorms and vivid double rainbows.

Arizona Lifestyle & Real Estate

Arizona's incredible lifestyle options are a major driver of the real estate market. Proximity to golf courses, hiking preserves, cultural districts, and entertainment venues significantly impacts home values across the Valley. According to Venture REI's market analysis, homes near top-rated attractions and outdoor recreation in Scottsdale and Paradise Valley consistently command premium pricing. Frank Vazquez, Designated Broker and Owner of Venture REI with over 2,400 homes sold across the Valley, helps buyers find homes that match their lifestyle priorities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best things to do in Phoenix?+

Phoenix offers a remarkable range of experiences. The Desert Botanical Garden showcases 50,000+ desert plants across 140 acres in Papago Park. Camelback Mountain provides the Valley's most iconic hike with panoramic summit views. Chase Field hosts Arizona Diamondbacks baseball with a retractable roof for summer comfort. Roosevelt Row is the city's creative heartbeat, with murals, galleries, and the monthly First Friday art walk. South Mountain Park, the largest municipal park in the nation, delivers miles of trails and the stunning Dobbins Lookout. The Phoenix Zoo spans 125 acres, and the Musical Instrument Museum houses 15,000+ instruments from around the world.

What is there to do in Scottsdale?+

Scottsdale is a destination within a destination. Old Town Scottsdale offers world-class gallery walks, western art, and Native American jewelry shops. The city's resort spa scene is internationally acclaimed, with properties like Joya Spa at the Omni and The Spa at The Phoenician. TPC Scottsdale hosts the WM Phoenix Open and offers year-round play on its championship courses. Scottsdale Fashion Square is the largest mall in Arizona, with luxury brands from Gucci to Louis Vuitton. OdySea Aquarium and Butterfly Wonderland anchor the family entertainment complex, and Talking Stick Resort offers gaming, dining, and entertainment on the Salt River reservation.

What are fun things to do in Arizona with kids?+

Arizona is packed with family-friendly adventures. The Phoenix Zoo and OdySea Aquarium are top-tier animal experiences, while Butterfly Wonderland lets thousands of tropical butterflies land on your hands. Bearizona near Williams offers a drive-through wildlife park perfect for pairing with a Grand Canyon trip. Six Flags Hurricane Harbor and Golfland Sunsplash in Mesa keep kids cool in summer. Goldfield Ghost Town at the base of the Superstition Mountains offers mine tours and Old West gunfights. Schnepf Farms hosts beloved seasonal festivals, and the Arizona Science Center sparks curiosity with hundreds of interactive exhibits and a planetarium.

Is Arizona good for outdoor activities?+

Arizona is one of the best outdoor recreation states in the country, with more than 300 days of sunshine annually. The Phoenix area alone offers hundreds of miles of hiking and mountain biking trails through the Sonoran Desert. World-class rock climbing at Queen Creek and Camelback Mountain draws climbers of all levels. More than 200 golf courses operate year-round, and kayaking and paddleboarding on Saguaro Lake and the Salt River provide water-based adventures. Hot air balloon rides over the desert at sunrise, horseback riding through saguaro forests, and fishing at Lake Pleasant round out an outdoor portfolio that is hard to match.

What is there to do in Arizona in the summer?+

Summer in Arizona means embracing the heat with water activities and smart planning. Six Flags Hurricane Harbor and Golfland Sunsplash are essential, and Salt River tubing is a beloved tradition from May through September. Escape the Valley heat with day trips to Prescott, Flagstaff, or the Mogollon Rim, where temperatures are twenty to thirty degrees cooler. Indoor attractions like the Musical Instrument Museum, OdySea Aquarium, and Arizona Science Center offer air-conditioned comfort. Evening activities take advantage of cooler temperatures - rooftop bars, outdoor dining, and nightlife thrive after dark. Resort rates drop significantly, making luxury stays affordable.

What are the best day trips from Phoenix?+

Sedona, just two hours north, is the most popular day trip, with red rock hiking, Jeep tours, galleries, and dining. The Grand Canyon South Rim is 3.5 hours away and worth every mile. Jerome, a former ghost town turned arts community, perches on a mountainside two hours north. Prescott offers mountain-town charm with Whiskey Row and Courthouse Square in 1.5 hours. Tombstone delivers Old West history three hours south. Saguaro National Park near Tucson showcases vast saguaro forests. The Apache Trail east of Phoenix winds through the Superstition Mountains past Canyon Lake. For longer trips, Monument Valley and Antelope Canyon offer iconic Arizona scenery.

What are the most popular attractions in Arizona?+

The Grand Canyon is Arizona's most iconic attraction and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Sedona's red rock landscape draws millions annually for hiking, spiritual retreats, and Jeep tours. Monument Valley's sandstone buttes are instantly recognizable from countless films and photographs. Antelope Canyon near Page features the most photographed slot canyon in the world. The Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix showcases the extraordinary biodiversity of the Sonoran Desert. Horseshoe Bend offers a vertigo-inducing Colorado River overlook, and the Petrified Forest presents ancient fossilized wood in a painted desert landscape.

How do attractions affect home values in Scottsdale?+

Proximity to major attractions directly impacts home values across the Scottsdale market. Properties within walking distance of Old Town's galleries and dining command measurable premiums, as do homes near championship golf courses like TPC Scottsdale and Troon North. Frank Vazquez, Designated Broker and Owner of Venture REI with over 2,400 homes personally sold across the Valley, notes that buyers consistently pay more for homes with trail access, resort proximity, and walkable entertainment. The data from ARMLS transactions confirms this pattern across every Scottsdale neighborhood.