Location: Yuma
Top Things to do in Yuma
What to do and see in Yuma, Arizona (AZ): The Best Free Things to do
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. 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!
3. Cibola National Wildlife Refuge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 22 reviews
4. 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.
5. Telegraph Pass
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 58 reviews
Reviewed By rickysmom - Yuma, United States
This is a two part hike. Part one is from the end of the north frontage road to the gate where the utility road goes to the top. From the parking lot to the gate is 3.2 miles round trip. Not terribly difficult. Lots of uphill and down hill on well worn trails or you can take one of the dirt roads. There is lots of loose gravel. Wear sturdy hiking shoes. As the weather gets warmer you might see rattlesnakes on or near the trail. When you get to the gate, this hike gets much tougher. It's approximately 1 mile straight uphill to the top. I use hiking poles. Well worth the cost. There is also a dirt trail which starts to the right of the gate. I haven't tried it but I see people on it often. Again, as the weather gets warmer, the earlier you start the better. At the top of the road, down a small incline is a metal box on a pole where an anonymous hiker keeps a notebook for others to write down their date of hike and experiences. I've never found it full and have no idea who takes take of that. If you want to hike a little further up to the various utility buildings you can find other places to sit and take in the view. Heading back down is much harder on the knees. Take your time. Do not RUN!!!! I have seen more that one serious injury from people falling because they lost control, started running, couldn't stop and face planted. I am 61 and the quickest I've made the roundtrip is 2 hours and 40 minutes with a brief stop on the top to eat an orange and re-hydrate. Bring plenty of water. I see all kinds of people. Families with young children, teenagers, seniors like me and much older. Be prepared and have fun!
6. Yuma Proving Ground Heritage Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 119 reviews
We are the Museum Activity and Heritage Center for the United States Army Yuma Proving Ground. The most common comment we hear from our guests is that they had no idea. They had no idea such a nice museum was out here and they had no idea how much the Yuma Proving Ground has done over the years. We are located in Building 2 on the Colonel George Howard Cantonment area within YPG. This is a 14,000 square foot facility that covers our history from General George Patton's WWII training area known as the Desert Training Center to the present. Located in the former Post Headquarters building, we have fourteen exhibit galleries with a wide variety of information presented in many different formats. A small theater shows a 27 minute film about YPG and two of our galleries are commemorations of 9-11 and the 50th Commemoration of the War in Vietnam. There are security requirements to get on post, so stop by the visitor control center on Imperial Dam Road before coming on post. They will want to see your Drivers License, the Registration for your vehicle along with proof of insurance. If you visit on a Friday, the VSS is closes, so have the Security guard at the Howard Access Control Point check these items and issue your visitor pass. There are places to eat here as well. I look forward to seeing you out here.
Reviewed By jessb62
Eye-opening answers to this plus many other inventions and discoveries made by our military over the past 70+ years. We had a guided tour that was outstanding - so much history and such knowledgeable docents. A must see in Yuma!
7. 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
8. 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.
9. Lutes Casino
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 227 reviews
Get some local flavor at the state's oldest pool hall, which is no longer a casino but serves up its famous Especial Burger, a combination hot dog and hamburger.
Reviewed By Eagles1096 - Phoenix, United States
I have been to Lutes many times and everything I’ve tried is awesome. This includes their famous especial that has a hot dog/ hamburger combo.. amazing burger. But this last visit I tried the Reuben and have to say it’s one of the best I’ve had! I now have have to go back for the Reuben and eventually try other items on the menu. In addition to the great food/ drinks Lutes offers an un repeatable felling of being in Yuma, a must food experience if in Yuma.
10. Mittry Lake Wildlife Area
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 37 reviews
Situated in and near the floodplain of the Colorado River, this more than 60-acre nature reserve offers the outdoor enthusiast such activities as hiking, boating, sport fishing, nature study and bird watching.
Reviewed By sallyjb882018 - Yuma, United States
I moved to Yuma Arizona from the California coast about a year ago and was bummed because there's been no place to take my dog for a swim. At least not until I found Lake Mittry! I was pleasantly surprised to see the beautiful lake. There are plenty of little private spots where you can park your car by the water and relax outside your car. Not a ton of restrictions. Do what you want. Totally relaxing and stress free! Lots of trees and shade too. You don't find that much in the middle of the desert. There is a boat ramp, covered picnic tables and free overnight camping. Very clean place. Would be great for hiking or mountain biking (when the temperature cools down usually from October to May). My dog was in his glory when he saw all the water and got in to fetch his ball! I am so happy to have found this place and will be going back soon!
