We assume that if you're on this page it's because you're planning a trip to Arizona. Whether it's for business or pleasure, whether you're a solot traveler, family or corporate group you're looking for stuff to do in Arizona. That's where we come in. 360 Adventures is not only a guide service (we've been guiding all over Arizona since 1992), but we're also a travel planning resource. We are locals that know the state as if...well, as if we were born here (we were).
When our guests call they invariably ask "what else is there to do in Arizona?" This is probably one of our favorite questions because this is where we really get to shine. There are so many things to do in Arizona, but below are some of our favorite. Yes, we're including some of the iconic "must see" places and things, but we've also included some of our lesser known secrets. We asked our staff what they'd suggest to someone that's never been to Arizona, but wanted to see the REAL Arizona.
So, without further ado, here's our list of secrets. We broke them down into geographical area because the state is so large that this is the only way we could divide it logically (to us). We've broken down the state into Northern Arizona, Central Arizona and Southern Arizona. There are various cities and points of interest within each so we'll also break them down into sub-categories as well.
Let us know if we've missed something that's a MUST SEE because we love to learn about our amazingly diverse state - we don't know everything.
NORTHERN ARIZONA
The northern portion of Arizona is characterized by massive stands of Ponderosa pines, sprawling Aspen groves, and the stunning, harsh landscape of the Navajo nation. With cities like Flagstaff & Page, and areas like the Grand Canyon and the Red Rocks of Sedona, you're not at a loss for things to do and see. Below is a list of our favorite guided and DIY adventures in this area.
- Lockett Meadow - Inner Basin Trail: this 3.5 mile loop takes you into a high-elevation area on the San Francisco peaks. Pack a lunch for a nice picnic.
- Flagstaff Lava Tube: the Flagstaff Lava Tubes are a 700,000 year old rock formation, created when lava flowed out through a volcanic vent and hardened over time, creating a unique cave system for people to explore.
- Meteor Crater: Meteor Crater is the spectacular result of a collision that rocked the American Southwest approximately 50,000 years ago.
- Arizona Trail: The 800-mile Arizona Trail goes right through Flagstaff and the section from Mormon Lake to Horse Lake Trailhead is beautiful.
- Grand Canyon Hiking: You can either hike the South Kaibab trail on your own, or you can do our Flight & Hike adventure from Phoenix.
- Antelope Canyon: Quickly becoming one of our most popular destinations we can take you there by plane or by van.
- Lake Powell: The lake is the crown jewel of the larger Glen Canyon Recreation Area and we can take you on a kayak or SUP tour.
- Jacob Lake: The North Rim of the Grand Canyon is a whole different world and Jacob Lake is the gateway - you MUST stop in for a cookie.
- Skywalk: The West Rim of the Grand Canyon is a treasure trove of activities from the famous Skywalk to a rafting adventure - and we can take you there.
- Cameron Trading Post: A trading post? Yes - not only because there are some of the best, authentic pieces of native jewelry, but you MUST try the Navajo Taco. Seriously - trust us.
CENTRAL ARIZONA
Central Arizona is home to The Valley of the Sun, various municipal mountain parks and the Salt River Valley. Much of this area is covered by the Sonoran Desert - the warmest and wettest desert in the world. The list of things to do in Central Arizona is impossibly long, so here are some of our favorites.
- Musical Instrument Museum: This is a MUST SEE museum - it's basically the Smithsonian of Sound.
- Camelback Mountain: This is one of Phoenix's iconic hikes. While parking can sometimes be a hassle, the views from the top are worth it.
- Desert Botanical Gardens: This is one of those places that you want to visit early on in your vacation. You'll know more about the desert if you do.
- Scenic Flights: Take a helicopter flight of the area or an airplane to the Grand Canyon. These flights are a great way to see our state.
- See Wild Horses: The Salt River Valley is home to a large population of truly wild horses. You can see them from a SUP, kayak or raft.
- Canyoneering: Whether it's during our wet or dry canyoneering season, this will be the adventure you talk about most from your vacation.
- Montezuma's Castle: While technically Montezuma never made it up this far, this set of amazing ruins will really impress you.
- Cottonwood: Yes - we're naming an entire town. In fact, we suggest staying in Cottonwood because it's within a stone's throw of Jerome and Sedona. Plus, it's the wine epicenter of Arizona.
- Jerome: Speaking of towns, Jerome is absolutely worth a visit. If you go in the colder months then ask around about the glass-blowing demonstrations.
SOUTHERN ARIZONA
- Tombstone: The gunfight at the OK Corral is one of the most iconic western tales and the town hasn't changed that much...except for automobiles.
- Summerhaven: In the summer this high-mountain town is a great place to cool off. The drive is gorgeous and the ice cream at the top is worth the drive.
- Wine Country: Arizona's wine scene is underrated, but it's gaining popularity quickly and this is our Napa.
- Bisbee: Seriously, this is a quirky town and "The Gulch" is certainly a heck of a party. Check for festivals.
- Mexican Food in Tucson: Arizona has some of the best, and most diverse, Mexican food restaurants - and Tucson has it's share!
