UNIQUE Things To Do In Arizona You Have To See
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Some places it can be tough to find sights and activities that really stand out from the pack… this isn’t one of those places. Here, it’s almost too easy to find unique things to do in Arizona. North to South, East to West, every corner of this state is so different from anywhere else in the country.
Where else can you explore the picturesque and waving lines of Upper Antelope Canyon, while only being a couple of minutes away from the expansive and incredible view found at Horseshoe Bend? Where else can you explore a top secret cold war era missile while still being a short drive away from an indoor ocean? There’s only one place with this much variety and one of a kind adventures.
Arizona.
Keep scrolling to see all of the most UNIQUE THINGS TO DO IN ARIZONA YOU HAVE TO SEE!
1.) Upper Antelope Canyon
The Upper Antelope Canyon is perhaps one of the most unique things to do in Arizona and a must visit. Smooth lines flow across colored walls that twist and weave their way from the soft and sandy floor all the way up to over 100 feet above. This ancient sandstone slot canyon is a desert sanctuary away from the scorching heat and harsh environment. When you hike through Upper Antelope Canyon and its waves of majestic beauty, you will see why a sense of wonder and appreciation surrounds this great place.
Pro Tip- Book your tour far ahead of time because they almost always sell out.
2.) Horseshoe Bend
Perhaps no spot is a better example of how varied and spectacular Arizona is than the spot of Horseshoe Bend. This section of the Colorado River stands roughly 1,000 feet above the water in a stunning sight almost too good to be true. A natural curve in the river created this picture perfect horseshoe shaped bend in the towering sandstone. Now you can look over this gorgeous phenomenon for yourself and thank Arizona for providing a view that will last a lifetime.
Pro Tip- Coming to Horseshoe Bend at sunset makes for a top tier picture that’s sure to become one of your new favorites.
3.) Meteor Crater
What does a nearly 1 mile wide hole in the ground have to do with things to do in Arizona? Well, this circular cutout in the Earth’s crust happens to be the prehistoric landing spot for a 150 foot space rock known as Meteor Crater. Here, you can witness the staggering power meteorites have when they collide with our planet. Feel free to head off on your own and explore the edges of the colossal impact site, or join a tour that’s included with every visit and learn even more. In addition to the impact site, there is also a cafe, museum, and even a gift shop. Not to mention great expansive views extending over the desert landscape. So, a giant hole in the ground may not seem significant at first, but after learning the story behind this location, Meteor Crater is without a doubt one of the more unique things to do in Arizona.
Pro Tip- The tour tells stories surrounding this ancient site while taking you to special lookout points all around the crater. Plus it’s free!
4.) Sedona
There can’t be a list of unique things to do in Arizona without including the one of a kind sights found in Sedona. Streams flow through bright red rock mountains and gorges. Lookout points and stunning photo spots litter the landscape. Scenic hiking trails like Devil’s Bridge or Secret Slickrock Trail provide feelings of exploration and discovery. When it comes to showcasing the pure beauty of the American Southwest, Sedona is the best example.
Pro Tip- While the stunning natural surroundings are the main attraction, the quaint town of shops and restaurants is also a fun place to check out.
5.) Arizona Hikes
When people think of hiking in Arizona they think of hot and dry landscapes with not much to see, but in reality that couldn’t be farther from the truth. Throughout the whole state, Arizona hikes take you on journeys covering all kinds of fantastic terrain and expansive lookouts. From the thrilling climb up Camelback Mountain to the peaceful and scenic trek through the Saguaro filled Loma Verde Trail. Hiking in Arizona is an experience that shows you how special this area truly is. Plus with nice, warm weather all year long, you’re free to hit the trails whenever you want. 
Pro Tip- If you’re looking for tons of trails and open views all in one great spot, then Sedona is exactly what you want.
6.) Biosphere 2
While a dome in the middle of the desert definitely sounds like one of the more unique things to do in Arizona, it isn’t until you enter that you realize just how spectacular this spot is. Upon entering, you shed away the surrounding dry and stark desert in place of an oasis of variety. Tropical rainforests coat the floor and walls. Vivid plant life painting colorful pictures of life. Even a fully replicated indoor ocean! Who knew so much vibrant life could exist in a location as harsh as the Arizona desert?
Pro Tip- Many ecological experiments still take place here. Take a tour of the facility or ask one of the researchers to learn about their interesting work.
7.) Feel The Roar Of The Crowd
Calling all sports fans! Arizona is a hotbed for high quality play and energetic atmospheres. Covering all kinds of sports and all kinds of experiences like the fast paced action of an Arizona Cardinals game. Or the fun times found at an Arizona Diamondbacks game. No matter what kind of sporting event you’re looking for, Arizona’s dedicated and passionate fanbases are always ready to deliver a great time.
Pro Tip- If you’re looking for more of a laid back sporting experience, the Arizona Fall League is a great and cheap option!
8.) Phoenix
Phoenix is one of the most underrated cities in the United States. It sounds like a bold claim, but it’s true. Everywhere you turn, you will find wonderful examples of artistic expression and connections to the surrounding natural environments. Plus mountains of entertainment like tons of different indoor and outdoor activities, an energetic nightlife, fantastic restaurants, colorful murals, and even an actual mountain in Camelback Mountain. So yeah, calling Phoenix the most underrated city in the United States does sound bold, but for a city packed with this much personality, it sounds like an understatement.
Pro Tip- From food to photos, activities to street art, there’s so much to Phoenix. Click here to see every single thing that makes this Phoenix so great!
9.) Titan Missile Museum
Have you ever wanted to get up close and personal with a massive weapon of mass destruction? No? Yeah neither have I, but the Titan Missile Museum is different. As one of the most unique things to do in Arizona, this museum grants you access to a cold war era missile silo and launch station. At this former top secret base, you will see what it was like to be in charge of threat monitoring, maintenance, and launch sequences of the 103ft Titan 2 Missile. You even get a chance to see the decommissioned missile still in its silo.
Pro Tip- Reserve your tickets ahead of time because tours fill up quickly.
10.) Great Food
Of course, Arizona is home to some of the best Mexican food in the country, but there is so much more than that. All corners of this state house hidden gems and illustrious eaterys. From the Asian inspired dishes of Sunset 89 in Page down to the classic Italian style pizzas of the highly regarded Pizzeria Bianco. When it comes to food in Arizona, it is loved and presented in a way that shows how passionate people are to provide some of the best meals you have ever eaten.
Pro Tip- If you’re looking for fresh creativity with tons of Latin flair, then Bacnora is the place to go!
11.) Spectacular Arizona Sunsets
Few things are more peaceful and visually impressive than sitting at a quiet overlook and watching the warm colors of the sun slowly sink below the quiet and open desert horizon. And thankfully, Arizona holds some of the best locations to sit and enjoy. Seeing the sun cast long shadows onto fields of cacti, or watching the desert dust glisten in the distance. Arizona is a breathtaking place, and at sunset it somehow manages to become even better.
Pro Tip- Click here to see all of the best sunset spots in Arizona and the best sunset spots in Phoenix! 
12.) Saguaro National Park
Exploring miles of cacti might sound like a painful experience, but at Saguaro National Park, it is one of the most unique things to do in Arizona. Millions of cacti in all shapes and sizes decorate the desert and mountain landscape of this southwest area. Popping up like a forest of sharp trees, the cacti of the Saguaro National Park stand as a reminder of the many different biomes and ecosystems scattered throughout the United States.
Pro Tip- Watching the sunrise over fields of towering saguaros from the Loma Verde Trail is a southwest scene that’s hard to beat.
13.) Monument Valley Park
It’s hard to put a place like Monument Valley Park into words. With the subtle brilliance of a landscape as iconic as this one. Massive red tinted buttes rise from the ground like skyscraping islands in a sea of calm desert sands. A place that has been featured in so many movies and TV shows, it’s easy to get an idea of the beauty here, but it isn’t until you look into this sight in person that you realize how incredible this world can be.
Pro Tip- The best ways to take in this park are the scenic drive, or head out on foot through the Wildcat Trail.
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