Find things to do in Arizona every month, in every corner of the state and for every unique personality! Some may be off the beaten path. Some of them, maybe a little unusual.
We’ve found the best idea for a day, weekend, a week or a vacation of fun! And definitely for the right time of year. Just for you!! Because we know and love Arizona!
Photo Credit: S.Bergmann
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What to Do in Arizona Anytime
Tombstone, Arizona
There’s always something to do in Arizona here. Check it out!
4×4 Tours are Always a Top Choice!
So many areas available to go 4-Wheeling to see awesome Arizona sights! Wherever you are on your Arizona Travels, Off-Road Tours are exciting things to do in Arizona. We have super suggestions for you, from tame to chilling! From breathtaking to inspiring.
Monthly Things to Do In AZ
Things to Do in Arizona in January
Ski Arizona! – Arizona has the Southernmost ski area in mainland U.S., in Tucson’s Catalina Mountains. So where can you enjoy the Arizona Skiing Lifestyle?
- Snowbowl – North of Flagstaff, largest Ski area in Arizona. Activities year-round! Stays at Lodge or cabins. Or Flagstaff’s many accommodations. Western side of Mount Humphreys, Arizona’s highest. 55 runs: beginners, experts, in between! Eight lifts. Winter season: Mid November til April’s end. Information: (928) 779-1951
- Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley – From Tucson, Take Catalina Hwy. to Mt. Lemmon Hwy., bypass Summerhaven up to the ski resort at road’s end. Two chairlifts and one tow. Five beginner, nine intermediate & eight expert slopes. A ski school has group or private lessons. Equipment rentals, plus half-day rates after 12:30 pm. Thursday thru Monday: Iron Door Restaurant. Shops & ski lift rides open in summer.
- Elk Ridge Ski Area – Formerly called Bill Williams. Ownership transition now, currently not open. Near Williams, AZ, the north side of Bill Williams Mountain. We’ll add more when it reopens.
Yuma Territorial Prison – Yuma’s a fabulous place in winter. Escaping overwhelming cold weather, but still in range to visiting Flagstaff if you’re missing it! Yuma Territorial Prison State Park connects to Tombstone Arizona, holding infamous prisoner, “Buckskin” Frank Leslie. Sheriff John Behan was Superintendent for a time. It held notorious women, like Bandit Queen, Pearl Hart.
- Admission Info:
- Address: 220 N Prison Hill Road, Yuma, AZ 85364.
- Phone: (928) 783 4771
- Monday thru Sunday – 9:00am to 4:30pm. Closed Christmas Day & Thanksgiving Day. (Summer, June thru Sept.: closed Tuesdays & Wednesdays.)
- Entry prices: Children ages 7 – 13 (under 7 free) – $4. Ages 14+ through adults – $8. Senior (62+ Years) – $6.
What else can you do in Yuma?
- Visit Yuma East Wetlands. Have a boat to launch? Go to the West Wetlands.
- Learn about Yuma High School at the Yuma Prison
- Tube or kayak the Colorado River: how cool!
- What about the Hollywood movie sets?
- How about hauntings?
- Check for Upcoming Events>
Great Oatman Bed Race – Weirder thing to do in Arizona! 3rd Saturday in January. Watch the fun. Or join with a five-member team (age: 18/+) four to push & one rider. $50 team entry. Metal-framed bed on wheels supplied. The hitch: teams make up the bed with sheets, pillow cases, etc. before the finish line. Details (928)768-6222.
Things to Do in Arizona in February
Visit Congress AZ
See a few interesting things in this small community Outside of Wickenburg:
- It’s the Congress Frog & Skull Rock – Drive Hwy. 89 about 1/2 mile North of town for this iconic local landmark! About 16 feet high, probably weighs 60 tons, and he’s quite green! Another famous local rock is off Hwy. 89. Turn onto County Road 62 (aka Date Creek Rd.). Drive 6+ miles to see this huge boulder painted white with skull markings. This way since 1900, they say!
- Visit Old Congress Pioneer Cemetery – Circa 1887, near the old mine. Numerous child graves, some unmarked graves. View what’s left of the old Congress Ghost Town from there. The Cemetery is South of Hwy. 93, off Ghost Town Road.
- Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial – About 7 miles from Congress, this Arizona State Park (free entry) honors the 19 Granite Mountain Hotshot Firefighters (see the film: Only the Brave) who died fighting the Yarnell Hill Fire June 30, 2013. It’s something to do in Arizona combining thoughtful memorial with a hike. About 3.5 miles from trailhead to the Fatality Site. Looping back, totals about seven miles. Allow 4-6 hours. Bring lots of water. Markers give background on each firefighter. Yarnell has a shuttle bus to the park. Or drive two miles south of Yarnell on State Route 89 to the entrance.
Things to Do in Arizona in March
- See Organ Pipe Cactus – A National Monument dedicated to this special somewhat rare columnar cactus. Organ Pipe cactus grow to about 15 feet tall. Roam this park to see them! They don’t grow any further North than this. Wait until May to view their creamy white flowers blooming. A glorious, showy Organ Pipe visual! But then, anticipate heat. Might be in the 100s by then. Take the Park’s scenic Ajo Mountain Drive. Follow Hwy. 86 West (Ajo Rd.) out of Tucson. Turn left onto Hwy. 85 at the town of Why.
- Tonto Natural Bridge – An Arizona State Park made for this attraction. Erosion formed this natural tunnel through rock, creating a bridge over Pine Creek and canyon. In 1877 David Gowan found it when hiding from Apaches. Many caves are here also. From Payson, go 10 miles North on Hwy. 87. Turn onto NF-583A.
- Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day – Always falling on March 17th. But for St. Patrick’s Day things to do in Arizona, often celebrated on the Saturday just before/after. Tucson has a parade & downtown park festival. But the Phoenix Area has larger celebrations:
- Downtown Phoenix has a Parade & Irish Faire at 10 am., along N. 3rd St. Then head to the Irish Cultural Center at Hance Park for Irish Music, Stepdancing, pipers, Food, brews & more.
- Glendale has the Irish Kilt Run, ending with the St. Patrick’s Party at McFadden’s Bar & Grill. Also Irish bands at the Leprechaun Village. Padre Murphy’s has a gigantic tent for live music, corned beef & cabbage, much more!
- Rula Bula in Tempe is a hub for live Irish entertainment & decor. Chompies award-winning bakery & deli serves assorted Irish treats: Leprechaun cupcakes, green & white cookies, green bagels. For dinner: corned beef, cabbage, boiled red potatoes & Irish soda bread. Fat Tuesday on Mill Avenue teams with El Hefe & Handlebar, hosting a massive Irish block party.
- Clancy’s Pub in Scottsdale starts days early with corned beef & cabbage + live Irish music on the patio.
- Try the Pot of Gold Festival in Chandler: two-day music festival of rock, alternative, & ska punk. Seamus McCaffrey’s fences off their big St. Pat’s celebration: Irish bands, step dancers, pipers all day!
- In Fountain Hills the Fountain Park fountain is dyed green, honoring the day. They’re known to have an Irish party there, too. With Irish foods, brews & music.
- Be safe & stay over for your St. Patrick’s Day Festivities! Manipulate This Map: +/- or move around to find your best deal. Getting into Scottsdale, Chandler, Fountain Hills, Tempe or Glendale.
Things to Do in Arizona in April
Rose Festival
Starting with the blooming rose bush, World’s largest rose bush, called a “Rose Tree” (see it in Tombstone, you’ll understand!). In the Guinness Book of World Records. Historical, romantic story attached! Read More>
Named Lady Banksia Rose. Although it blooms throughout the Springtime, the Rose Festival happens on an April weekend. Friday evening they crown the Rose Queen and her court. Saturday is the big day: Allen St. parade, dinners, dances, etc. Parade pics:
- See more of what to do in Tombstone AZ all year round: Tombstone Events>
- Your best places & Deals for Tombstone stays – Here You Go>
Things to Do in Arizona in May
- Old Chiricahua Apache Homeland – Now Chiricahua National Monument in Southeastern Arizona. South of Willcox. Take the scenic drive to altitudes from 5000 to 7000+ feet. You’ll see exquisite rock formations. Into camping or hiking? Gorgeous availability right here. Drive to Massai Point for stunning overlooks. See the pioneer homestead called Faraway Ranch. Take Hwy. 181 out of Willcox. Follow signs to turn-off for the entrance at E. Bonita Canyon Rd.
- The Oldest Trading Post – In Northeastern Arizona, at Ganado. The Hubbell Trading Post was begun by John Lorenzo Hubbell in 1878. On the Navajo Nation, the oldest continuously operating trading post there. Tour historic Hubbell homestead: on your own, or Ranger-led. The Navajo Nation, unlike the rest of AZ, observes Daylight Savings Time. To get there: from I-40 take U.S. Hwy. 191 North. Then Hwy. 264 West to Ganado.
Things to Do in Arizona in June
High Country Time! Flagstaff area for a variety of adventures. This hottest desert month, means it usually ranges from 70s to low 80s daytime temp in Flag! Great time To Plan a Visit.
- Flagstaff Hullabaloo – In downtown, Wheeler Park, 211 W. Aspen Ave. Celebrate summer at this fun community festival, raising funds for local non-profits. Starting with a bike parade on Saturday, 9:30 am. There’s a large kid-centered section with trampolines, face painting, lots more! Continuous live-music on-stage. Luscious food booths & satisfying beverages. Costume contests, clowns, roving characters, so much more! First weekend in June. Check their website: flaghulla.com or call (877)4.FLY.TIX [877-435-9849].
- Flagstaff Blues and Brews Festival – 2nd Saturday in June at Continental Driving Range, 5000 Old Walnut Canyon. Featuring blues acts, Grammy award winners, and microbrew stands. Also a children’s area, arts & craft booths, and food vendors. Kids 12 & under FREE, with an adult. See flagstaffblues.com or call (928) 606-5601.
- Lake Mary – Enchanting pine-surrounded, narrow, but outstretched lake. Has two sections, Upper Lake Mary and Lower Lake Mary. Reservoirs made by damming waters of Walnut Creek, out of Walnut Canyon. Named for Mary Riordan, daughter of founding Flagstaff Territorial lumberman. The larger upper section has good fishing, the lower not so much. Large elk populations in the area, and deer. A good birding spot. Upper has two boat launches, no motor size restriction. Popular for water skiing. Picnic areas have tables, ramadas, barbeque grills, and toilets. Lake Mary Recreation area has three campgrounds and three picnic areas. Take Lake Mary Rd., off I-17. Read More>
Things to Do in Arizona in July
A great time to be in the White Mountains!
- Alpine Worm Races – Another out of the ordinary thing to do in Arizona! Held the first week in July at Ye Olde Tavern. A rip-roarin’ time that started for focusing on fantastic area fishing. Now a fun tradition. New owners, Laura & William are continuing it. Find them at 42640 U.S. Hwy. 180, near Hwy. 191 South Junction.
- Sunrise Park Resort – A Ski Resort in winter. But a great place for summertime mountain play! Season begins Memorial Day weekend. Ride the Ski Lift for phenomenal views along Sunrise Mountain: 10,700 ft. elevation. The Mountain Bike Lift: get off on top & bike downhill: what a thrill! Try some archery, hone your skill. What else? For 6+ year olds: Sunrise Super Slide, two levels for Airbag Jump, Bungee Trampoline Jump, and Rock Climbing Wall! Take younger ones on walks thru leafy trails. Then visit Eagle’s Nest Cafe for good eats. Anything other need: the General Store. Greer, Hwy 260 east to Hwy 273. Turn right to Sunrise Park.
- Alpine Area Artisans Festival – Held the first week in July, multiple days surrounding Independence Day. 10am to 4pm, on Main Street. Crafts-people show their works: Paintings, Baskets, Jewelry, Beading, Weaving, Collages, Quilting, Photography, Clothing, Wood-Works, Knitting/Crocheting, Amulets, Clay, Journals, Home Decor, etc. Wow! Free Parking & Admission. Information: Alpine Chamber of Commerce: (928) 339-4330.
Things to Do in Arizona in August
Cottonwood/Sedona/Prescott areas – Summertime here is a little warm, but elevations cool it down a bit. Expect daytime 90s, cooling into 70s after sundown. Ideal time for outdoor summer activities, or indoor ones. This is Monsoon Time. So remember: watch weather forecasts. Don’t get caught in a thunderstorm! What’s nice about Monsoon, is the cooling effects of clouds and rainstorms.
- Verde River Greenway State Natural Area – Swim, canoe or kayak, or try a little fishing. Swim anywhere along the river at your own risk. For river put in: Tuzigoot bridge, take out at Dead Horse Ranch; or put in at Dead Horse Ranch & take out at 89A. Check water levels prior. Careful of twists & turns. For fishing, valid AZ license required for age 10+. Rules: pack it in=pack it out, no loud nuisance noise, no camping, no fires, no Off-Road vehicles. Leashed pets only. Adjacent to Dead Horse Ranch State Park, at 2011-B Kestrel Road in Cottonwood. Campsites, cabins & facilities available there.
- Experience a Vortex! Sedona is known for mystical sides of life! Into that? Believe in it? I think there’s validity to it. We’ve traveled to Sedona quite often. Been at three of the four major vortexes. Some very easy to get to. Others more difficult. Of all things to do in Arizona, a Sedona trip is a must! We think! An amazing place. What is a Vortex? You say! A place with natural energy sources. A kind of spiritual, or psychic, or subconscious type that swirls centrally in a specific spot. Some people can sense it. Here’s the Sedona Vortex List:
- Bell Rock – We’ve been to this great place. Amazing! Lots of parking, multiple ways to access it. Along Hwy. 179, just past the Village of Oak Creek. A trail loops around it. From there you can make your way to the hill, cautiously climb up as you wish: up along stair like ledges.
- Airport Mesa – We had an amazing experience here. The parking area is small. Getting a spot: timing is key! Take the easy main trail to the left out to the cliff’s edge. Get there: From the roundabout of Hwy. 89A & 179, go West on 89A, away from Uptown. After 1 mile watch for the left turn onto Airport Rd. Up hill about 1/2 mile is parking on the left.
- Boyton Canyon – We’ve been near this, but never did go directly to the vortex area. Go west on Hwy. 89A out of Uptown. Three miles out at Dry Creek Rd. traffic light, go right onto Boynton Pass Rd. At the end, turn right to Boynton Canyon Rd. Go 1/10 mile to the trail’s parking area, turn in on the right.
- Cathedral Rock – This we have yet to try. A short hike, but very steep. The vortex is in the saddle, between the spires. The trailhead is at 500 Back O Beyond Rd., accessed from Hwy. 179 going toward Uptown Sedona, at the roundabout after passing Bell Rock. Caution is needed.
- Arizona Cowboy Poet’s Gathering – Cowboy poets, singers & musicians get together yearly in Prescott. Presenting the culture of the American Cowboy. Thursday, Friday & Saturday in early August, on Yavapai College campus. A 501(c)(3) organization preserving American West culture and heritage. For information: [email protected] or call (928) 713-6323.
Things to Do in Arizona in September
Winslow – Have you stood On the Corner there? Join in! See what else is in the area…
- “Standin’ on the Corner” Park Festival – Come on Over! Be a fine sight!! At the Eagle Pavilion, 523 W. Second St. Last Friday & Saturday of the month. Bands, arts & crafts, food, live auction, beer garden, dancing, kid’s play area, fire truck tug & more fun. $5 entry. More info: (928) 289-3434.
- La Posada Hotel – A stop you’ll want to make, and perhaps make it your overnight stay. Beautiful grounds, gorgeous rooms at reasonable rates, book store, library, and gift shop. Fred Harvey built this hotel. Of the famed “Harvey Girls” system of travel accommodations. Architect Mary Elizabeth Jane Colter was asked by Harvey to design the hotel, this “resting place” finished in 1929. Designed to be the finest in the Southwest. After the market crash, the hotel and building barely survived. Until 1994 when efforts restored and saved it. A favorite stop in the 1930s for Hollywood stars and notable figures. Right on Rt. 66, toward the Eastern outskirts of town. Call (928) 289-4366. Or Book It>
- 9-11 Memorial Garden – For September 11, 2001 and the promise: “we will never forget.” On the corner of E. 3rd St. & Transcon Lane, take Exit 255 from I-40. The garden’s centerpiece is wreckage from the World Trade Center. The 14 & 15 ft. beams were bestowed to Winslow citizens by the City of New York.
- Homolovi State Park – Picnic sites available. Nice campsites, if it’s your preference. View the Anasazi archaeological ruins. One is particularly well preserved. Read More>
Things to Do in Arizona in October
Check out the Florence AZ Area:
- Tom Mix Memorial – Driving North from Tucson, to Florence, from Hwy. 80, take Hwy. 79, Pinal Pioneer Parkway. Along here, on October 12, 1940, Western Film star Tom Mix had a car accident. After a flash-flood, he swerved to avoid a road barrier. His car flipped, a suitcase flung into his head from the rear. His neck broke, and he died. The nearby wash is named for him. Watch for the rest-stop between Mile Marker 15 & 16. There’s a monument in his honor, 15 miles before Florence. He was Wyatt Earp’s friend, a pall bearer at his 1929 funeral.
- In Town – Florence has true Old West history. About 140 historic buildings, from even Territorial Days. Check the Visitor Center, a historic building and state park. Downtown’s corner of Main & Ruggles. Get your self-led walking tour. It includes the historic courthouse and the Silver King Hotel. Try an Area Stay>
- St. Anthony’s Greek Orthodox Monastery – Beautiful desert oasis built by monks in 1995. Take the self guided tour. When entering, check in at the bookstore. Be warned: have proper attire. Modest, nothing sheer. Women must wear a skirt & have scarf-type head coverings, but not hats. Men must wear a hat. Some borrowing-wear is available. No smoking. No speaking with the monks. Photos are allowed, but not of the monks. Off Rt. 79, 12 miles South of Florence. Take Paisano Road to 4784 North St. Joseph’s Way. Grounds and architecture are worth it!
Things to Do in Arizona in November
See what’s in Kingman AZ:
- Visit the Andy Devine Room – Kingman’s native son has a special place at the Mohave Museum! Born in Flagstaff, he moved to Kingman in his 1st year. You’ll see his street name-sake in town. Once a semi-pro football player, his first show-biz gig was the Jack Benny Show. Many baby boomers knew him from his series “Andy’s Gang” with his famous line: Plunk your magic twanger Froggie! Known as Cookie, Roy Roger’s sidekick in 10 movies. Another famed role was Jingles P. Jones, Wild Bill Hickok’s pal. Played a sidekick in about 400 movies, Westerns especially. While In Town, check more exhibits: ranching & mining machinery, 1923 railroad caboose. At 400 W. Beale St., in Historic Downtown Kingman.
- Walking Tour – Jim Hinckley, author & historian, hosts this Rt. 66, heart of historic Kingman tour. Taking 2 hours, costs $15. But a group minimum totaling $50 needed to go. Call the Kingman Visitor Center for info/details: 866-427-RT66 (7866)
- Monolith Garden Trail – Multi use: hikers, horseback, mountain-bikers, runners. Loop trails wander amidst seven miles of Mohave Desert vegetation and volcanic rock formations. Very little shade, bring lots of water. To Trailhead: From I-40, take U.S. Hwy. 93 exit (W. Beale) West. Drive 0.1 mile, after Fort Beale Dr. on the right, take next left: Metwell Drive. Then a right turn on a dirt road, about 50 yards to the trailhead.
Things to Do in Arizona in December
Do you think “it’s the most wonderful time of the year“?
- Verde Canyon Railroad – A rare treat! Ride through this remarkable canyon on a vintage restored train. Travel 20 miles, four hours. Be astounded at the sights, while treated as a privileged guest. Leave at the depot Near Sedona, in Clarkdale. Many options available for your trip. Including every weekend evening from Dec. 1 – 23, guests have a bird’s eye view of a Magical Holiday Village, plus a light-show special on the decorated train during a nighttime run to Santa’s workshop. For more information email them at [email protected] or call (800) 582-7245.
- Winterhaven Festival of Lights – Plan for a Tucson stay! A great winter spot! While there, what an extraordinary holiday treat. Residents of the Winterhaven community, near Country Club & Fort Lowell, decorate their homes and yards. They go all out, voluntarily! Most of the neighborhood participates as a gift to the community and city. Walk through or take a wagon ride, bus trolley, or a pedal-powered group bike. Driving permitted only on one drive-thru night. 5:30 to 10pm. Free to enter, but a donation for the Food Bank is asked. Usually ongoing from 2nd week in December until day after Christmas.
- Annual Boat Parade of Lights – In Lake Havasu City, along Bridgewater Channel beginning in Thompson Bayand, continuing under London Bridge, to the Channel’s north end. Then turns around at Windsor Beach and goes back. It starts at 6:30 pm until 9 pm, the first Saturday in December or the last Saturday in November, depending on how it falls in the year. For specifics: (928) 486-4159. Best stays in Lake Havasu City>