Check These Spots Off Your Arizona Bucket List
Whether you’re a long-time desert dweller or new to the Valley, there are certain activities you have to partake in before you can consider yourself a true Arizonan.
From sampling Phoenix’s nationally-recognized food and drink to experiencing some of the state’s natural wonders, there’s a lot the Grand Canyon state has to offer. Check out our Arizona bucket list below to get started on experiencing the best of the state.
Hike Camelback Mountain
There are few activities as popular amongst Arizonans as hiking, especially when temperatures settle under 100. The best-known hike in the state is Camelback Mountain due to its iconic camel-shape and its high level of difficulty — making it a rite of passage for Arizona outdoors enthusiasts. Even if you’re not an experienced hiker, it’s worth checking out for the incredible views, and you can choose between the steep 1.23-mile Echo Canyon trail or the slightly longer, but less intense 1.42-mile Cholla trail. First-timers can also consider taking a guided hike for the fullest, safest experience.
Float Down The Salt River
Floating down the salt river is a uniquely Arizona activity that is essentially a giant party on inner tubes where people drink too much beer and throw marshmallows at each other for hours. It’s also a great way to check out the desert scenery, and if you’re lucky, you might also catch a glimpse of the mysterious and beloved Salt River wild horses during your float. Just make sure to bring a lot of water and sunscreen!
Enjoy Pizza At Pizzeria Bianco
Chris Bianco, the founder of Pizzeria Bianco, is one of the state’s best-known chefs and a winner of the prestigious James Beard Award for Best Chef, which makes trying his crispy, thin-crust pizza an essential activity for any Italian-food loving Arizonan. His original Pizzeria Bianco location opened three decades ago and is still as popular as ever — serving as the catalyst for several other concepts. We recommend checking out the first downtown location and enjoying the classic Margherita pizza.
Watch The Glory of The Fountain Hills Fountain
The Fountain Hills fountain is one of those attractions that only seems to make sense in Arizona since there’s something undeniably impressive about a 560 ft. high fountain in the middle of the desert. While day-to-day viewings only reach approximately 330 ft., it’s still an awe-worthy sight, and it’s available for your viewing pleasure nearly any time with the fountain running for 15 minutes every hour, on the hour from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day.
Sip a Kilt Lifter at Four Peaks
While Arizona may now be a craft beer oasis, that wasn’t always the case, and its tremendous growth in that department is largely due to breweries like Four Peaks that paved the way. The 25-year-old brewery has become well-known for its creative and seasonal brews like the Pumpkin Porter, but it made a lasting name for itself with classic favorites like the Kilt Lifter and Hop Knot IPA. For the full experience, take a tour of the historic 8th street location which boasts a building that was built in the 1890s.
Tour Taliesin West
As the architect behind several iconic Arizona buildings like Arizona State University’s Gammage Auditorium, the Arizona Biltmore and the David Wright House, Frank Lloyd Wright is a pretty big deal here in Arizona. During the later part of his life, Taliesin West served as his home, laboratory, and school and is still an active space today, hosting a variety of tours and events.
Explore The Musical Instrument Museum
Museum naysayers hear us out — the MIM is a one-of-a-kind space that’s been ranked one of the top 15 museums in the country, so it’s pretty special. Not only can you explore instruments from around the world and see memorabilia from the likes of Johnny Cash and Maroon 5, but there’s also a whole gallery where you can play instruments yourself.
Visit the Grand Canyon
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Since Arizona is the Grand Canyon state, this one pretty much goes without saying. One of the great wonders of the world, the canyon formed over millions of years by the Colorado River and now covers over a million acres of land and extends approximately 277 river miles. Plus, the ways you can choose to explore the canyon are practically endless — whether hiking eight miles to camp near Havasupai Falls is your idea of a good time or you’d rather take in the views from above with a helicopter ride.
Go on a Pink Jeep Tour in Sedona
Sedona is one of Arizona’s most beautiful cities, and one of the best ways to experience it is with a Pink Jeep Tour, which has been delighting tourists and residents alike for 60 years. Plus, there are several tours to choose from that explore spots like the mountain rim tour of ancient ruins, so there are always new places to explore.
Where are your favorite places in Arizona to explore? Let us know in the comments and don’t forget to tag us in your photos using #PHXFray and #FrayLife.
If you enjoyed this list, check out our list of top hikes this summer!
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