Location: Yuma
Top Things to do in Yuma
Top 10 Nature & Parks in Yuma, Arizona (AZ)
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. Stewart Vincent Wolf Creative Playground
2. Yuma Armed Forces Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By WilliamELewisJr - Fort Lauderdale, United States
Visiting Yuma for the first time, the Armed Forces Park was on my itinerary as a “must see” attraction. It’s my belief – as an American – that one should honor and respect those who have served their nation, and to that extent pay respect when possible. The memorial itself is made up of several walls with over 2,000 black granite plaques honoring Yuma area veterans. A United States flag is proudly displayed in the center of the park among a cactus and desert style landscape. A concrete amphitheater – along with benches throughout the park – allow visitors to sit down and mediate. Dedicated to honor and respect the sacrifices of all past, present, and future veterans, the one-acre park is located on Gila Street at the site of the old railroad depot. Designated as “a place of comfort and sign of hope” for generations of today and those to come, I visited on three separate occasions during my one week stay in Arizona. A very calm and tranquil place – a “must see” attraction should you visit the area. The memorial also has a number of polished granite tables etched with the service emblems of the various branches of the nation’s armed services – Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Merchant Marines, Coast Guard and National Guard. Another table honors prisoners of war and those missing in action. A collaboration of the city of Yuma and the Yuma Chamber of Commerce, the Armed Forces Park is the only park of its kind in Arizona. I will definitely return when visiting in the future. William E. Lewis Jr. Vero Beach, Florida.
3. Imperial National Wildlife Refuge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 51 reviews
Stretching 30 miles along the Colorado River, and encompassing desert and wetlands, this site has plentiful plant and animal life and is a great place for bird watching, hiking, boating and fishing.
Reviewed By Tetonsnow - Tulsa, United States
Super hiking trails, bring lots of water and sunscreen. Lots to see if you enjoy peace and quiet, nature and geology!
4. 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!
5. 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°.
6. Cibola National Wildlife Refuge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 22 reviews
7. 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.
8. Yuma East Wetlands
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 36 reviews
Reviewed By 466nickyl - Bury, United Kingdom
We spent a lovely couple of hours here walking a few trails along the wetlands, quiet and peaceful, wildlife haven and a lovely spot to picnic, unspoilt beauty
9. West Wetlands Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 22 reviews
Home to the treasured Stewart Vincent Wolfe Creative Playground, the 110‐acre West Wetlands Park is a well beloved jewel of the citizens of Yuma. The 30 acres of the “lower bench” are restored with native trees and grasses and offer beautiful walking paths for people to enjoy. The additional 30 acres of the “upper bench” are developed with a pond, picnic ramadas, playground areas and more.
Reviewed By karenfurg
This park is well-maintained and felt safe. A lovely place to see and photograph wildlife and desert plants, along the Colorado River bank. Plenty of shady spots for relief from Yuma’s sun. We saw rabbits, ground squirrels, lizards, and quail. I grew up in Yuma before this park existed, and was thrilled to experience it while visiting decades after I moved to the east coast. Thank you, City of Yuma, for proving a nice place for residents and visitors to enjoy.
10. Ray Smucker Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 4 reviews
This 15 acre park features a one mile walking track, large playground, picnic areas, two lighted ramadas, restrooms, large open play spaces, and new outdoor fitness equipment
