Key Takeaways:
- Arizona offers a diverse mix of outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and natural wonders for everyone.
- From stunning desert landscapes to vibrant cities, Arizona guarantees an unforgettable travel experience.
- Whether you’re hiking, sightseeing, or attending unique festivals, Arizona has something exciting for every traveler.
Arizona, with its iconic deserts, awe-inspiring canyons, and vibrant cities, is a state full of contrasts and surprises. Known for its rugged landscapes and natural beauty, Arizona has become a top destination for travelers seeking outdoor adventures and cultural experiences. As the 48th state to join the U.S. in 1912, Arizona is rich in history, with ancient Native American sites, Spanish colonial influences, and the ever-present influence of the Old West. With a warm and sunny climate, it’s a year-round destination for visitors wanting to explore its natural wonders or soak up the atmosphere in its lively cities.
What draws so many visitors to Arizona is its incredible variety of attractions. From the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, to the vibrant arts scene in cities like Phoenix and Tucson, there’s something for every type of traveler. Whether you’re looking to explore the wild beauty of the desert, learn about Native American history, or enjoy festivals and events in its bustling cities, Arizona offers unforgettable experiences at every turn. It’s a place where adventure, history, and culture converge to create a truly unique travel destination.
Here are 25 things to do in Arizona:
#1 Hike the Grand Canyon: Experience breathtaking views and challenging hikes in one of the world’s most famous landmarks.
#2 Explore Sedona’s Red Rocks: Discover stunning red rock formations and hiking trails in this beautiful desert town.
#3 Visit Monument Valley: See iconic desert landscapes and towering sandstone formations that have appeared in countless films.
#4 Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride in Scottsdale: Get a bird’s-eye view of the desert landscape as you soar through the sky.
#5 Relax at Lake Powell: Enjoy boating, fishing, and water sports in this stunning desert reservoir.
#6 Visit the Heard Museum in Phoenix: Immerse yourself in Native American culture and art at this renowned museum.
#7 See the Antelope Canyon: Explore the mesmerizing, narrow passageways of this unique slot canyon in Page.
#8 Tour the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum: Learn about desert wildlife, plants, and ecosystems in Tucson’s award-winning museum.
#9 Hike Camelback Mountain: Take on one of Phoenix’s most popular hikes for amazing views of the city.
#10 Go Horseback Riding in the Sonoran Desert: Experience Arizona’s wild beauty on horseback with a guided desert tour.
#11 Attend the Arizona Renaissance Festival: Step back in time and enjoy jousting, medieval food, and live entertainment in Apache Junction.
#12 Take a Scenic Drive on Route 66: Travel through Arizona on the iconic Route 66, exploring quirky towns and roadside attractions.
#13 Visit the Petrified Forest National Park: Discover ancient fossilized trees and stunning desert landscapes in this unique park.
#14 Tour the Desert Botanical Garden: See vibrant desert plants and flowers at this iconic Phoenix garden.
#15 Go on a Wine Tasting Tour in Sonoita: Discover Arizona’s growing wine country and sample local wines in this scenic region.
#16 Explore Saguaro National Park: Hike through this national park and see the towering saguaro cacti that are synonymous with the American Southwest.
#17 Visit the Heard Museum: Explore incredible Native American art and cultural exhibits in Phoenix’s top museum.
#18 Go Stargazing at Kitt Peak National Observatory: Experience some of the clearest night skies in the country with a stargazing tour.
#19 Take a Boat Tour of Lake Mead: Explore the vast expanse of Lake Mead and enjoy water-based activities near the Hoover Dam.
#20 Explore the Goldfield Ghost Town: Step into the Old West with a visit to this well-preserved ghost town near Apache Junction.
#21 Take a Scenic Helicopter Tour Over the Grand Canyon: Soar over one of the world’s most iconic landmarks for an unforgettable view.
#22 Attend the Tucson Gem & Mineral Show: Discover rare gems, minerals, and fossils at one of the world’s largest gem shows.
#23 Go Caving at Kartchner Caverns: Explore stunning underground caves and formations on a guided tour in Benson.
#24 Relax at a Luxury Resort in Scottsdale: Indulge in luxury at one of Scottsdale’s top-rated resorts, offering spa treatments and golf courses.
#25 Take a Trip to the Hoover Dam: Visit this iconic engineering marvel that straddles the Arizona-Nevada border.
Where Can I Find Both Free and Paid Events Going on in Arizona?
For those looking to explore both free and paid events in Arizona, a great resource is PlanMyWeekend.ai. This platform helps you easily find and plan events in the state, whether you’re looking for festivals, live music, outdoor activities, or cultural experiences. From free local events to larger paid attractions, PlanMyWeekend.ai offers all the details you need to make the most of your visit. It’s an excellent tool for anyone wanting to create a customized itinerary based on their interests and budget.
Final Thoughts
Arizona is a state that offers something for every type of traveler—whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a history buff, or someone looking to relax and enjoy beautiful scenery. With its iconic landmarks, unique cultural experiences, and diverse landscapes, Arizona is a must-visit destination. Be sure to use PlanMyWeekend.ai to help you organize your trip, find exciting events, and plan a weekend that’s tailored just for you.

Author: Dejon Brooks
Dejon Brooks is an entrepreneur who founded Trend Watchers with his life savings. Aged 24, Dejon has turned Trend Watchers into a successful business. After reaching over 150M+ people on his personal accounts, he now spends his time growing Planmyweekend.ai