Benable — create shareable lists of things you recommend!
E.g., products you love, local businesses, travel recs - you can add anything to a Benable list!
“Arizona Adventures: Your Ultimate Guide to the Grand Canyon State”
55
items “Arizona isn’t just cacti and deserts—it’s a playground for every kind of adventure! I’m taking you on a tour of the Grand Canyon State, from sparkling swimming holes and scenic hiking trails to the best restaurants, cozy lodges, and hidden gems only...
Sections
5
“Splash into Adventure: Arizona’s Best Swimming & Tubing Spots”
Where to Eat in Arizona: Can’t-Miss Restaurants & Local Favorites”
Best Museums in Arizona: Culture, History & Can’t-Miss Experiences
Iconic Arizona Adventures You Can’t Miss
Wild Arizona: Animal & Wildlife Adventures
“Splash into Adventure: Arizona’s Best Swimming & Tubing Spots”
“Beat the desert heat and dive into Arizona’s coolest water adventures! From crystal-clear swimming holes and tubing rivers to splashy water parks the whole family will love, this section has everything you need to make a big splash. Grab your swimsu...
This place is Arizona’s biggest and most famous water park — the kind of spot where you can spend a full day laughing, splashing, and trying something new every hour. If you love thrills, try the high‑speed slides like the dueling water coasters that...
Hurricane Harbor Phoenix
If you’re looking for a water park that’s more than just slides, Oasis Water Park is a must‑visit. Spread across about seven acres right in the heart of Phoenix, this is one of Arizona’s most beloved aquatic playgrounds — and it’s even been ranked am...
Oasis Water Park In Phoenix - Day Passes Available
Looking for a chill way to cool off in southern Arizona? Yuma River Tubing lets you float peacefully down the Colorado and Gila Rivers, surrounded by desert views and sunshine. After a quick shuttle ride upriver, you’ll drift back at your own pace — ...
Yuma River Tubing & Float Down Company on the Colorado River in ...
Golfland Sunsplash in Mesa is a go-to spot for all-day water fun with something for everyone. It features exciting water slides, a big wave pool, a relaxing lazy river, and splash areas for kids. What makes it extra fun is that the adventure doesn’t ...
Golfland Sunsplash
One of Arizona’s most iconic summer activities, Salt River tubing is all about kicking back on an inner tube and letting the gentle current carry you through the scenic Tonto National Forest just outside Phoenix. You can rent a tube and catch a shutt...
Salt River Tubing
This is the big one. Rafting through the Grand Canyon is world-famous, with massive canyon walls, powerful rapids, calm floating stretches, waterfalls, and side hikes. Trips range from day trips to multi-day rafting adventures that feel like a once-i...
Grand Canyon Colorado River Rafting | Wilderness River Adventure
The Verde River offers a calmer, more scenic rafting experience that’s perfect if you want adventure without intense rapids. Flowing through lush cottonwood trees and red-rock landscapes near Cottonwood and Clarkdale, this river is all about easy flo...
Verde River Greenway State Natural Area | Arizona
Turquoise Paradise in the Grand Canyon
Havasu Falls is Arizona’s most iconic swimming spot, famous for its vivid turquoise pools and cascading waterfalls tucked deep in the Grand Canyon. Swimming here feels like stepping into a dream, surrounded by t...
Havasupai Tribe Reservation - Grand Canyon ...
Seven Sacred Pools is a peaceful oasis tucked along a scenic Sedona hike. After a short walk, you’ll discover small natural pools and gentle cascades perfect for wading, cooling off, and snapping photos amid stunning red-rock surroundings. It’s quiet...
Seven Sacred Pools via Soldier Pass Trail, Arizona
Canyon Creek, near Young, Arizona, is a serene spot with cool, clear pools and gentle cascades surrounded by lush forest. It’s a perfect escape from the heat, offering peaceful swimming, wading, and a quiet connection with nature — ideal for families...
Canyon Creek
Slide Rock State Park in Sedona is a one-of-a-kind desert adventure. Here, the creek has naturally smoothed red rocks that form fun water slides, perfect for sliding, splashing, and cooling off under the Arizona sun. With towering red cliffs all arou...
Slide Rock State Park
Where to Eat in Arizona: Can’t-Miss Restaurants & Local Favorites”
After a day of swimming, hiking, and exploring, nothing hits better than great food. This section covers Arizona’s must-try restaurants, from iconic local spots and roadside legends to hidden gems, brunch favorites, and unforgettable desert dining ex...
Often called the most beloved restaurant in Arizona, Tumerico wins hearts with bold, creative Mexican flavors and insanely fresh ingredients. Even meat-lovers rave about it. Everything feels homemade, colorful, and full of love — the kind of place pe...
Tumerico
El Güero Canelo
Arizona’s most prestigious dining experience. Kai blends Native American ingredients with fine dining artistry, creating a meal that feels meaningful, luxurious, and deeply rooted in the Southwest. It’s not just dinner — it’s a once-in-a-lifetime exp...
KAI
A classic old-school steakhouse that feels frozen in time — in the best way. People love Durant’s for its rich history, dim lighting, legendary steaks, and the feeling that you’re stepping into vintage Phoenix glamour.
Durant's
One of the most popular spots in the state for seafood lovers. Fresh oysters, amazing brunch, and a lively but polished atmosphere make Buck & Rider a go-to for locals, date nights, and celebrations.
Buck & Rider Scottsdale
A downtown favorite that always feels buzzing. People love it because there’s something for everyone — elevated comfort food, great cocktails, and a fun, energetic vibe that makes it perfect for groups or visitors.
The Arrogant Butcher Restaurant - Phoenix, AZ
The Italian Daughter
Praised by many as Flagstaff’s best pizza, with wood-fired pies and creative toppings.
Pizzicletta
Satchmo’s is one of Flagstaff’s most beloved local spots, serving up bold Cajun and Southern comfort food with serious personality. Known for smoky barbecue, jambalaya, po’boys, and hearty portions, it’s casual, lively, and full of flavor.
Satchmo's
Elote Cafe is often hailed as one of Sedona’s most beloved dining experiences, known for its creative, bold Southwestern-Mexican cuisine inspired by chef Jeff Smedstad’s travels and local flavors. Locals and visitors alike rave about rich dishes like...
Elote Cafe
El Tovar Dining Room is widely considered the crown jewel of dining at the Grand Canyon — a historic, elegant restaurant right on the rim with delicious American and Southwestern-inspired fare and stunning canyon views.
El Tovar Dining Room
Best Museums in Arizona: Culture, History & Can’t-Miss Experiences
“Arizona’s museums are just as diverse as its landscapes. From world-class art collections and hands-on science exhibits to Native American history, aviation, and space exploration, these museums offer unforgettable experiences for all ages. Whether ...
The largest art museum in the Southwest, with 18,000+ works spanning American, Asian, European, Latin American, and contemporary art — plus rotating exhibitions, outdoor sculpture gardens, and family-friendly spaces.
Phoenix Art Museum
One of the nation’s best places to learn about American Indian art and culture, featuring traditional and contemporary works, powerful storytelling exhibits, and rich historical context.
Heard Museum
A truly unique museum showcasing instruments from around the world — with audio performances, hands-on exhibits, and cultural stories behind the music.
Musical Instrument Museum
One of the largest aviation museums in the world, with hundreds of historic aircraft both indoors and outdoors, plus exhibits on flight history and space exploration.
Pima Air & Space Museum
Perfect for curious minds of all ages, this interactive science destination features hands-on exhibits and the newly updated Dorrance DOME planetarium for immersive astronomy shows.
Arizona Science Center
Great for history buffs and families, this museum dives into dinosaurs, Native cultures, and the natural history of the region.
Arizona Museum of Natural History
Focused on the Colorado Plateau’s natural and cultural history, this museum showcases Native American art, geology, and regional ecology — a must-see in northern AZ.
Museum of Northern Arizona: Illuminating Connections
More than a museum, this historic observatory lets you explore astronomy and space science, including where Pluto was discovered, with stargazing events and interactive exhibits
Lowell Observatory
One of the top interactive museums for families and kids, filled with creative exhibits and playful learning experiences that make science and art fun.
Children’s Museum of Phoenix
Iconic Arizona Adventures You Can’t Miss
“Arizona is packed with unforgettable adventures that go way beyond hiking and swimming. From legendary Old West towns and Route 66 stops to jaw-dropping viewpoints, scenic drives, ghost towns, and bucket-list experiences, this list highlights the pl...
Walk the same streets as Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday while watching live gunfight reenactments, touring historic saloons, and exploring old jails and museums. You can grab a drink in a 1800s-style bar, ride a stagecoach, and truly feel like you stepp...
Tombstone (1993)
Join a guided tour through narrow sandstone corridors where light beams dance across the canyon walls. It’s an unforgettable photography spot and a peaceful, awe-filled experience that feels like nature’s artwork up close.
Antelope Canyon Tours | Upper Antelope Canyon - Page, AZ
Take a short hike to one of Arizona’s most famous viewpoints, where you can soak in panoramic views of the Colorado River looping below. It’s perfect for photos, sunset watching, and a quick adventure that delivers huge impact.
Horseshoe Bend - Glen Canyon National Recreation Area (U.S. ...
Explore towering red rock formations on scenic drives or guided Navajo tours. You can learn about Native American culture, ride in open-air vehicles through the valley, and experience sunsets that feel straight out of a movie.
Monument Valley
Cruise classic Route 66, stop at retro diners, browse quirky souvenir shops, and snap photos with vintage cars and neon signs. These towns are full of nostalgia, fun photo ops, and laid-back road trip vibes.
Route 66: Williams & Seligman, Arizona
Step onto a glass bridge that extends over the canyon’s edge and look straight down for an adrenaline rush like no other. Combine it with scenic viewpoints, cultural exhibits, and photo opportunities you’ll never forget.
Grand Canyon West Skywalk
Hike red rock trails, visit spiritual vortex locations, browse crystal shops, and enjoy scenic drives through some of the most beautiful landscapes in Arizona. Many visitors come for both the natural beauty and the calming, reflective atmosphere.
Sedona Vortex Map | Find Vortex Sites on an Interactive Map
Stand on the rim of a massive meteor impact site and learn how a space rock changed the Earth thousands of years ago. Interactive exhibits and guided talks make it both fascinating and family-friendly.
Meteor Crater Natural Landmark
Walk among ancient fossilized trees, explore colorful desert landscapes, and enjoy scenic viewpoints that feel almost unreal. It’s a peaceful, educational stop with plenty of space to explore and photograph.
Petrified Forest National Park
Cool off on natural water slides carved into red rocks, wade in the creek, picnic, and enjoy the iconic scenery of Oak Creek Canyon. Perfect for families or anyone who wants playful desert fun.
Slide Rock State Park
Hike among black volcanic rocks, cinder fields, and colorful desert landscapes. You’ll feel like you stepped onto another planet — bonus points for stunning sunsets.
Hikes and Trails - Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument (U.S. ...
Explore the “Land of Standing Rocks” with hiking trails winding through surreal rock formations, balancing stones, and secret alcoves — a paradise for photographers and nature lovers.
Chiricahua National Monument
Take guided tours of massive, beautifully preserved limestone caves with stalactites, stalagmites, and hidden formations. The caves are cool, mysterious, and educational all at once.
Kartchner Caverns State Park
Ride horses, go ATVing, or visit old cowboy towns near Phoenix. Some spots even offer gold panning and wild-west reenactments — true adventure with a historic twist.
Cave Creek, AZ: Where the Old West Meets Modern Adventure
Get a bird’s-eye view of red-rock canyons, the Verde Valley, and famous formations like Cathedral Rock. Great for photography, romantic experiences, or anyone who wants a wow-factor adventure.
Apex Air Tours | Helicopter Tours in Sedona, AZ
Take a guided jeep or ATV tour through red-rock trails, canyons, and desert terrain. Adrenaline + scenic views = unforgettable experience.
Sedona Offroad Adventures | Sedona Off-Road Hummer & Jeep Tours
Wild Arizona: Animal & Wildlife Adventures
“Arizona isn’t just deserts and red rocks — it’s home to some incredible wildlife experiences. From drive-through animal parks and zoos to aquariums, butterfly sanctuaries, and birdwatching, these adventures let you get up close to nature in ways you...
Drive through a scenic park where bears, bison, wolves, and other North American wildlife roam freely. Stick around for the walk-through area with smaller animals and daily shows.
Bearizona Wildlife Park
See over 600 species, from exotic big cats to playful penguins, plus safari rides and interactive animal encounters. A full day of family fun.
Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park
Experience live-action animal shows, up-close encounters with lions and tigers, and guided safari tours. Thrills and education combined.
Out of Africa Wildlife Park
A charming, family-friendly zoo featuring everything from giraffes to jaguars, plus hands-on exhibits and seasonal events.
Reid Park Zoo
Walk through a tropical rainforest filled with thousands of butterflies and learn about their life cycle through interactive exhibits. A magical, colorful escape.
Butterfly Wonderland
Part zoo, part botanical garden, and part natural history museum. Desert animals like mountain lions, javelinas, and coyotes roam realistic habitats in a stunning desert setting.
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
Hike or boat along scenic trails to spot eagles, bighorn sheep, and native wildlife in their natural desert environment. Perfect for photographers and nature lovers.
Wildlife Watching at Lake Pleasant
Explore desert plants while spotting birds, lizards, and other desert critters. Great for peaceful walks and learning about the desert ecosystem.
Desert Botanical Garden