Location: Yuma
Top Things to do in Yuma
What to do and see in Yuma, Arizona (AZ): The Best Things to do Good for Kids
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. Desert Horse Adventures
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 22 reviews
Reviewed By graciek257
We had an amazing time with desert horse adventures. We didn’t have much of any experience with riding prior to, but after our lesson and trail ride, we felt very confident, comfortable and safe. We loved being able to ride the horses through the river and enjoyed the freedom of being able to ride side by side through certain areas of the trail. Highly recommend you check them out!
2. 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!
3. 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°.
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. Castle Dome Mines Museum & Ghost Town
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 438 reviews
Please call for reservations during the warmer months "What you will see here is a remnant town which stood larger than Yuma in 1878. Her weather beaten buildings remain great day trip in the lower Colorado river in an area little changed from the 1800's. The mills stand silent, housing original boiler, stamp mill, and elevator, as if tomorrow they will awaken to the thunderous roar of steel crushing rock. The boardwalks still creak, the church bell rings out, the five saloons just await the story of their last shootout. Over 50 building in 3 areas are now open, with more history being added. April 15 through September you will need to call for hours. October 1st through April 30th we are open 7 days a week.
Reviewed By DonnaJ7777 - Issaquah, United States
The location is about one hour from Yuma but the terrain along the way made for a pretty drive. As you get closer to the museum, you have to drive on this unpaved road but it was an easy trip. The ghost town had the original buildings with information on what each was used for. There was a dentist office, a hotel, a saloon, a dressmaker shop, a blacksmith shop among a lot of other types of businesses. It was interesting to see how people lived in those days. The mine tour was cool - the tour guide was a wealth of information. At one point, he turned off the lights inside the mine and turned on these lights that showed blue, red and green colors on the walls. The whole tour takes about 4-6 hours plus driving there and back. Try to get on the mine tour first, then walk through the ghost town because the mine tour takes the longest. Well worth the time to see.
6. 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
7. 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.
8. Yuma Art Center
9. 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!
