Top Things to do in Arizona
The 10 Best Hidden Gems Things to do in Arizona, United States
The state of Arizona is one that features a fantastic diversity of landscapes and areas of geological interest. North Arizona is famous for the Grand Canyon, a colorful chasm with steep rocky walls more than a mile deep and stretching some 277 miles alongside the Colorado River. Other notable destinations in North Arizona include Flagstaff set alongside the San Francisco Peaks which has the largest ponderosa pine forest, Museum of Northern Arizona, and is close to a number of national parks and monuments. On the south side of Arizona lies the city of Phoenix, the largest in Arizona. Notable day trips in Phoenix include the Heard Museum which is one of America's largest collections of Native American art, Phoenix Museum of History, as well as the Desert Botanical garden which has a great collection of desert plants.
Restaurants in Arizona
1. Grand Canyon North Rim
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,349 reviews
Word of mouth has that the more remote, harder to get to and therefore less crowded North Rim offers a more authentic Canyon experience and better views. However, there is no bus service on this rim and it is closed during the winter.
Reviewed By 751morganb - San Francisco, United States
A lot of people told us about the beauty of the North Rim. After a visit, we understood why. Words like spectacular and marvelous would not describe it good enough. At the same time, a lot of people told us this is worth a trip because of its remote location. We loved it, not because it was less crowded than the South Rim, but because of its beauty. When that is said, if you will not get the chance to go here, but will get the chance to visit the South or West Rim, we would say: GO! All places are amazing. If you visit the North Rim, make sure also to drive over to Cape Royal and stop on the way on the Walhalla overlook, Roosevelt Point overlook, Vista Encantada and Point Imperial. We also recommend to do the hikes Cape Royal Trail as well as Bright Angel Point.
2. Superstition Mountains
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 196 reviews
Located near the east rim of the Valley of the Sun and popular for the legend of the Lost Dutchman Mine.
Reviewed By tmj1998
Started out our long weekend in Mesa area by spending a day in the Superstition Mountains. Started out our day with a paddle on Saguaro Lake, took a break in the middle of the day for lunch and then set out for a "scenic drive" to Tortilla Flats and the Apache Trail (Route 88) in Tonto National Forest. The road is climbs the elevation and there is opportunity to stop off and take a photo, maybe a hike or a brief stroll. For a girl from the lakes and prairies of MN, the road has some hairpin turns on the edge steep canyon drop offs. But the road became unpaved and seemed to be single lane a few miles past Tortilla Flats (and was closed just prior to Willow Canyon). The scenery is beautiful and breath taking. Enjoy a pit stop at Tortilla flats for some refreshments and people watching.
3. Mogollon Rim
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 260 reviews
This 2,000-foot-high escarpment stretches 200 miles across central Arizona into New Mexico.While sightseeing is the favored pastime along the Rim, it also boasts a historic system of hiking and horseback trails, a couple of picturesque lakes for boating and fishing, plus backcountry skiing for the truly adventurous.
Reviewed By whatagreatlife - Charleston, United States
Stunning views!! Amazing landscape and how different to the lower desert! AZ is such a diverse state!!
4. Hale Centre Theatre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 300 reviews
Arizona’s Premier Family Theatre in Gilbert since 2003! 350-seat theater-in-the-round putting on family-friendly shows throughout the year.
Reviewed By 2bsuzyQ - Ontario, Canada
I booked tickets for a BFF bday getaway in Gilbert Arizona. I choose this after reading reviews here and looking at their website. I admit we had a slight concern when we saw the sea of grey hair in the audience, but it was a 5 star performance. I almost didn't buy tickets ahead assuming there would be seats in a community theater, but I'm glad I did get them ahead as it was a full house. I Would do will call if I go to Gilbert again. I actually forgot my tickets ( I live in Canada) There was no problem looking it up. I haven't been to a round theater before and it's a must try. While the seats were a very slightly old style squished, ( & air freshener In the bathroom would be a good idea) it did appear that every seat had a good view. It was neat to see how the director placed everyone so no one feels like they missed out on any action. I didn't take a star off for being squishy as it was a great night and it was a nice temperature. The price point is fine. All the staff were friendly and appeared happy. The drinks & snacks were reasonable priced which I truly appreciate. I loathe price gouging at theaters. There was free water as well. No problems with parking and there are several restaurants around. The cast for John Loves Mary surprised me with their talent and pulled me right in. They stayed outside to thank people and came together for our picture- that I will share if my friend ever emails it to me. ( hint hint ????????) There was wheelchair seating available. I was I, pressed with all of the actors, director and behind the scene staff. I will send a short out to the actors and recommend any future shows they may participate in. From the program they were Kim Stephenson Smith, Matthew r. Harris, David Michael Paul, Laura Soldan, Justin Howell, Juli Gore, Joey Morrison, Tom Endicott & Bobby Jean Owensby. Bravo!
5. Musical Instrument Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6,330 reviews
The World's Only Global Musical Instrument Museum. Home of the MIM Music Theater--a 300-seat acoustically superb performance space--as well as the award-winning Café Allegro (open 11 am - 2 pm daily) and the MIM Museum Store. The average guest spends nearly four hours at MIM. Please allow plenty of time to fully enjoy MIM's galleries and exhibits. Open daily, 9 am - 5 pm; Closed Thanksgiving; Open Christmas, 11 am - 5 pm. General Admission: $20; Teens (ages 13-19): $15; Children (ages 4-12): $10; Children 3 and under: Free. Hours and prices are subject to change.
Reviewed By P1520TPandrewk
1. Expect to spend at least five hours or more! 2. Wear comfortable shoes! 3. Take your camera, phone charger etc.. 4. For Musicians, music lovers etc... 5. Bucket List Item 6. All styles of music represented 7. 777 Jackpot Rating! Go and see this place!
6. Zelma Basha Salmeri Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 184 reviews
Reviewed By MsCanuck24
Hidden in an unassuming warehouse building, a labyrinth of galleries exhibits thousands of paintings and sculptures from the Basha family's private collection. I spend hours there upon each visit. Admission is free, so please donate generously. It will be the most extraordinary collection of western art that you will ever see!
7. Tom's Thumb Trailhead
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 393 reviews
Reviewed By ca847
Beautiful scenery. Fun walk in the heat. Trails are marked very well. Be sure to bring plenty of water and proper shoes.
8. Lower Antelope Canyon
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6,659 reviews
Reviewed By 160rebeccal
We did the early morning tour with Dixie Ellis’ and it was so beautiful! Our tour guide, Dominic, was excellent and provided all sorts of information ranging from local plants, the shaping of the canyon, historical uses of the canyon, and not-to-be -missed photo ops. We are completely satisfied and highly recommend it!
9. Painted Desert
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,449 reviews
This desert is famous for its striking bands of colors.
Reviewed By Chuck2010 - Palmyra, United States
We entered the park off I-40 beyond Holbrook, AZ ... The park road just beyond Blue Mesa is closed due to construction. You can see the first 16 miles before needing to turn around and head back. Seeing the park from north to south gives you the painted desert viewpoints, the historic painted desert inn, route 66 site, pueblo dwellings, newspaper rock, blue mesa, and petrified logs ... nice variety and all great to see!
10. Lowell Observatory
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,931 reviews
We are now in our first phase of reopening! This means you can get limited time, premium access to the Giovale Open Deck Observatory (GODO) These will be private experiences with one group of up to ten cohabitating or co-traveling people. Not only is GODO Premium Access extremely low-risk, it also allows you to experience all the GODO has to offer with virtually no wait times. Stay tuned for more telescopes, in our next phase we will be adding the Clark and Dyer telescopes to the Premium Access experience! Click the link below to learn more about this unique opportunity. We can't wait to see you—welcome back to the home of Pluto! https://lowell.edu/welcomeback
Reviewed By 634lisas - Surprise, United States
We got tickets for $11 on Groupon and it was well worth it even though we were only there in the evening. We arrived just before 8 and saw a presentation on Saturn on the omniglobe. They had 3 telescopes set up for night viewing and we could see Jupiter and all its stripes, Saturn and it's rings and moons and a star cluster that was 222,000 light years away!! We stayed for a constellation tour at 9 which was great - full of interesting info and myths about some of the visible constellations. Next time we will plan to spend the day there as there are talks and presentations running all day long. Perfect for anyone interested in the stars, space or mythology. Highly recommend, even for teens (my daughter is 13) :)
