Location: Yuma
Top Things to do in Yuma
Things to do in Yuma, Arizona (AZ): The Best Sights & Landmarks
Once a busy river port sending military supplies shipped from California to forts and camps in the Southwest to fight the Apache wars, today Yuma is a winter retreat for thousands of visitors craving its warm, dry and sunny climate. With warm weather comes golf, and the city has several excellent courses. Bird watchers will enjoy the Imperial National Wildlife Refuge, which is rich in migratory bird life and also offers hiking, fishing and boating facilities. For a step back in time to the days of frontier justice, visit the Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park, whose prison dates back to 1876, or the Yuma Crossing State Historic Park, for a walk through restored historic buildings. If these sites whet your appetite for more pioneer lore, check out the Century House Museum, which is chock full of pioneer artifacts and exhibits. And, speaking of appetite, be sure to stop for burgers and fries at Lutes Casino, Arizona's oldest pool hall, where old movie memorabilia graces the walls.
Restaurants in Yuma
1. Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,418 reviews
On July 1, 1876, the first seven inmates entered the Territorial Prison at Yuma and were locked into the new cells they had built themselves. Today at Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park walk through the actual strap iron cells and solitary chamber of Arizona Territory’s first prison. Now a museum, the prison houses photographs and colorful exhibits of those who once “involuntarily” stayed there and the harsh life they had to endure.
Reviewed By Road_Tripper49
This is definitely a must see for anyone interested in understanding the early history of Arizona and Yuma. You take a self-guided tour around numerous buildings including the cell blocks and a great deal of artifacts from inmates. You can go at your own pace and will leave better understanding what prison life and the impacts of the environment both in prison and in the surrounding area, must have been like. Bravo to the community for ensuring this history lives on!
2. Colorado River State Historic Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 205 reviews
Once a major military supply point, this site contains the quartermaster depot and officers' quarters as well as restored historic buildings commemorating five centuries of transportation across the Colorado River.
Reviewed By GypsyNovice - Auburn, United States
We very much enjoyed learning the history of Yuma and the student created Yuma crossing self guided tour app was well done! The community support of youth participation is a great way to bridge generations. It was sad to hear the Back in Time pie shop was forced to close from the covid distancing restrictions. The pie lady relied heavily on tea party income and the pie sales were not paying the rent. The museum tour took us about 1 hour and December temperature was 65°.
3. Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 82 reviews
Reviewed By nancywC8058EI
Stop at the Park accross from Old Town Yuma it looked very nice on the AZ side , had bike paths and walking paths along the Colardo river and clean. The California side needs help in reference to appearance.
4. Arizona Historical Society Sanguinetti House Museum & Garden
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 33 reviews
Surrounded by graceful gardens and aviaries, this regional museum features exhibits, photographs and other items related to Arizona's territorial period.
5. Martha's Gardens Medjool Date Farm
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 338 reviews
Reviewed By oldsgm - Hinesville, United States
It's easy to see why one needs to reserve a seat for the tour days in advance. This is an awesome tour for anyone with even the slightest interest in agriculture. Our tour guide provided us with a truly memorable experience by talking us through an entire date growing season over the course of our two-hour tour. Well worth the time and cost. I highly recommend this tour.
6. Robert G. Fowler Statue
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 14 reviews
This is the location of the State monument which marks the first plane landing on Arizona Soil. There is a full life size bronze statue of the pilot Robert Fowyler next to the state. The landing occurred on Oct. 25, 1911. Parking available to observe the site. public restrooms in side of Yuma Landing Bar & Grill.The restaurant is full of historic aviation pictures, and history of Yuma, Arizona.
7. Yuma Civic Center
8. Yuma City Hall
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 7 reviews
See the plane that put Yuma on the map by setting a record for nonstop hours in the air - 47 days total - in 1949.
Reviewed By CLTLRT - Prattsville, United States
Yuma is proud of the endurance flight. Inside city hall you can see the plane , car , gas cans , flight books and more memorabilia. Items are displayed very well. Staff is helpful and Covid rules are followed. It’s not but a 30 minute look around but worth your time.
9. Mormon Battalion Monument
Overall Ratings
2.5 based on 3 reviews
In 1846, the Mormon Battalion was tasked with finding a southern wagon route to California. Its record-setting, 2,000-mile march passed through Yuma because this was the best place to cross the river. The U.S. Army of the West Mormon Battalion Foundation erected a bronze statue in 2007 to commemorate the historic journey. Find the statue on the river side of the main park road.
