10 Best Things to Do in Arizona
Quick answer: The top 10 things to do in Arizona mix iconic sights, hidden gems, food, and outdoor adventure. Read the full list below — costs and tips included for each.
Arizona offers far more than the tourist trail suggests. This list balances must-see landmarks with off-the-beaten-path experiences locals recommend. Each activity includes time needed, cost, and the one tip that makes it work. Sequence them based on your trip length — see itinerary suggestions at the bottom.
Top 10 Things to Do in Arizona
1. Tour the main historic district
Walk the old town, see the iconic landmarks, take photos. Free or low cost — best done first morning.
Cost: Free-low
2. Visit the top museum
Every destination has one essential cultural museum. Book online to skip lines.
Cost: $10-25
3. Take a food tour
2-3 hour guided walking tour with multiple tastings. Best way to learn local food + history.
Cost: $50-100
4. Do a day trip
Many destinations have a nearby site (1-3 hours away) worth a full day. Research the top 2-3 options.
Cost: $30-100 tour
5. Visit a viewpoint at sunset
Whether rooftop, hill, or tower — sunset views beat day views. Arrive 30 min before.
Cost: Free-$30
6. Try local nightlife
Live music, traditional dance, or just bars where locals gather. Avoid pure tourist traps.
Cost: $10-40
7. Take a cooking or craft class
Lasting souvenir — learn a recipe or skill you’ll remember. Most cost $40-80.
Cost: $40-80
8. Outdoor adventure (hiking/biking/water)
Most destinations have a signature outdoor activity. Half-day to full-day.
Cost: $30-150
9. Local market visit
Souk, bazaar, mercado, or farmer’s market. Get there early. Bargain where appropriate.
Cost: Free
10. Hidden gem off the tourist trail
Ask your hotel concierge or local. Often the best memory of the trip.
Cost: Varies
Suggested Itineraries
| Trip Length | Recommended Activities |
|---|---|
| 2 days | Activities 1-4 from the list above. Focus on iconic experiences. |
| 3-4 days | Activities 1-7. Add a day trip and food tour. |
| 5-7 days | Full list + 1-2 self-discovered hidden gems. Add downtime. |
| 10+ days | Full list + day trips outside Arizona + slow days for serendipity. |
Money-Saving Tips
- City pass/combo tickets: Most major destinations sell a multi-attraction pass that saves 20-40% over individual entries.
- Free museum days: Many top museums offer free entry one day per week or month — research before.
- Walking tours: ‘Free’ walking tours (tip-based) cover history and orient you on day 1. Quality varies — check recent reviews.
- Lunch deals: Top restaurants often offer prix-fixe lunches at half the dinner price.
- Public transit pass: Day/multi-day transit passes pay back after 3-4 rides.
What to Skip
- Tourist trap restaurants directly adjacent to major sights — usually overpriced and underwhelming.
- Souvenirs from official gift shops — markets and indie stores offer better quality at half the price.
- Hop-on-hop-off bus full day — useful for orientation (do 1 loop), waste of time as full transport.
- Booked tours for things you can do solo — walking tours of public neighborhoods rarely add value vs. a $5 guidebook.
What’s Actually Worth Your Time in Arizona (and What to Skip)
The most overrated stop in Arizona is Devil’s Bridge near Sedona. The arch is genuinely photogenic, but the 1.8-mile round-trip trail funnels everyone to one ledge, and from late morning into mid-afternoon in peak season the line to step out for a photo runs 30 to 60-plus minutes. Skip it. Drive to Doe Mountain instead, where a short switchback climb opens onto a flat mesa-top with red-rock panoramas, no shuttle, and a real shot at solitude at sunrise. If you do want a vortex, note that Cathedral Rock requires the free SR 179 park-and-ride shuttle Thursday through Sunday, so start before 7am to drive straight to the trailhead.
The pick most visitors miss is the Desert View section of Grand Canyon’s South Rim. The Desert View Watchtower, designed by architect Mary Colter and built in 1932, sits at the quiet east end and gets a fraction of the Grand Canyon Village crowds. Enter through the Desert View station to skip the main south-entrance backup, then work back along the 23-mile Desert View Drive.
- At Horseshoe Bend there is no admission fee, only about $10 per vehicle for parking; the lot opens at 5:30am, so a sunrise visit beats the 9-to-11am rush.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top things to do in Arizona?
The essentials for Arizona include: Tour the main historic district, Visit the top museum, and Take a food tour. These three alone deserve at least 2-3 days of your itinerary. See the full list above for 7 more recommended experiences.
How many days do I need in Arizona?
For a focused trip covering the highlights, 3-5 days in Arizona is enough. To explore in-depth (day trips, hidden gems, slower pace), plan 7-10 days. First-time visitors should err toward more days — you can always slow down, but rushing key sights is regret-inducing.
What can you do in Arizona for free?
Many of the best experiences in Arizona cost nothing: walking the historic district, sunset viewpoints, public markets, beaches/parks, free museums on certain days. Build a ‘free day’ into your trip — it’s often the most memorable.
Is Arizona family-friendly?
Yes — most major attractions in Arizona suit families. Look for activities under 2 hours, museums with interactive exhibits, and outdoor options to burn kid energy. Avoid extreme heat midday and crowded peak hours. Restaurants in tourist districts are usually kid-friendly.
What’s the best time to do outdoor activities in Arizona?
Plan outdoor activities for early morning (before heat/crowds) or late afternoon (golden hour for photos). Check weather and seasonal closures — some popular hikes or attractions close in winter or during monsoon/hurricane season.
Are guided tours worth it in Arizona?
For complex historic sites (ruins, ancient cities, museums with limited English signage), a guided tour pays for itself in context. For wandering and food, self-guided is often better. Read recent reviews — operator quality varies hugely.
Related Arizona Travel Guides
- Where to Stay in Arizona
- Best Time to Visit Arizona
- Best Food in Arizona
- Arizona Itinerary Guide
- Arizona Trip Cost Breakdown
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Written by
John Morrison is the founder and lead travel writer at Packzup. Over the past decade he has explored destinations across Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Oceania — always self-funded, never on a press trip.