Arizona Travel

What's Free or Cheap to do in Phoenix?

Want to enjoy Phoenix without racking up the bills? Find free things to do in Greater Phoenix, including outdoors activities, museums, and more near you. If you're looking for more, find free events happening now or soon on our events calendar.

Visit this comprehensive visitor/tourist site to plan your next adventure. Perhaps you want to sign up for their newsletter or request a Phoenix Travel Guide. A great resource!

Only in Arizona Travel Ideas

This site will give you a free daily email on interesting travel ideas everyday Monday thru Friday.

It includes a great mix of ideas that include historic and unusual sites. Scenic wonders and interesting opportunities for foodies. Thinking about a day trip or a quick weekend? Looking for a great place to camp? Check out this site. It is easy to subscribe to and I guarantee that you will come up with some great ideas.

Maricopa Historical Society Museum and Visitor Center at Heritage Park -

This is the site of the City of Maricopa Museum and the “Silver Horizon” CB&Q 375. The Silver Horizon was one of seven rear sleeper-observation cars used on the California Zephyr trains that ran between Chicago, IL and San Francisco, CA. It was later used as Amtrak 9250 on the Texas Chief from Chicago to Texas and on the Sunset Limited from New Orleans LA to Los Angeles CA – through Phoenix AZ.

The City of Maricopa has transitioned through 3 different names and locations as the transportation needs of the region evolved. Check out the museum and the Zephyr! The City of Maricopa has a very rich and interesting history!

Maricopa's Historical California Zephyr Silver Horizon observation car

"It has been years now since anyone has ridden into town on a rail aboard the Zephyr. Since being decommissioned more than 35 years ago, the Maricopa landmark has had a bit part in a major motion picture, been altered to serve as a train depot and ticket station, been an awkward, tattered attraction and more recently sat forlorn awaiting transformation on land donated to the city by John and Mary Lou Smith near Maricopa’s former swimming pool, next to the city’s new museum.

Now a septuagenarian, the Zephyr is about to get new life showing off Maricopa’s railroad history."

Visit Arizona Travel Guide

The Arizona Office of Tourism

The official Arizona state tourism guide. This is a great resource. Sign up for the newsletter and Travel Guide.

Dwarf Car Museum

Home of the first Dwarf Race Car and the handmade Dwarf Car Cruiser, created by Ernie Adams.

Ernie Adams had a fascination with cars starting back in grade school. He would admire the cars of the time, drew them for school assignments and even built a wooden car as long as a crate box with steering and peanut butter jar lids for taillights. His mother would pull him throughout his hometown of Harvard, Nebraska.

The first Dwarf Car came to life in 1965 as a 28 Chevy two-door sedan made out of nine old refrigerators. Ernie began gathering the materials for this little car in 1962. By 1965 he had enough materials and an 18 hp Wisconsin motor to begin construction. With a homemade hacksaw made from a chair frame, hammer and a chisel, Ernie began construction. He had no idea what this would be the beginning of. Because this is the first Dwarf Car ever built, it is known as “GRANDPA DWARF.” This first Dwarf Car is kept in running order and is still driven today.

The first two Dwarf Race Cars were built in Dec. 1979 and early 1980. The Dwarf Race Car idea came about after Ernie Adams and Daren Schmaltz had attended motorcycle side hack races in Phoenix, Arizona. During the drive home, Ernie expressed concern that three-wheeled racers were to slow in the corners. He said they could improve considerably by adding a fourth wheel to help thru the corners. Ernie suggested that adding a car body would also help spectator appeal. ​The first Dwarf Car race took place at the Yavapai County Fair in Prescott, Arizona in September 1983. There were 12 cars registered.

After leaving the Dwarf Race Cars, Ernie had learned a lot about bending and shaping metal. He loved to see heads turn in admiration of the Dwarf Race Cars while being towed down the highway. Ernie knew it was time to change and put his metal shaping skills to the test. Now he wanted a fully dressed Dwarf Car with fenders, chrome, finished interior and most of all street legal and the Dwarf Car Cruiser was born.

Explore Pinal County

Tucked between Arizona's two most populated counties, Pinal County is a convenient escape from the everyday hustle and bustle. Our rural county is a place to relax and enjoy nature while also offering the thrills of new adventure. Rich in history and bursting with culture, this is the place where memories are created and discoveries are made.

At a sprawling 5,374 square miles, Pinal County has two distinct geographical regions. The eastern portion is mountainous with breathtaking views at elevations up to 6,000 feet while the western portion is primarily low valleys filled with gorgeous desert vegetation. You can find it all here in the heart of the desert.

Check the following link to find out more about exploring Pinal County regarding:

• Visitor's Guide
• Calendar
• Events
• Attractions
• Entertainment
• Golf
• Camping & RV
• Wedding/Event venues

... WE'RE SO MUCH MORE!

Ak-Chin Him-Dak Eco-Museum

"The Him-Dak EcoMuseum was established to collect, analyze, preserve, protect, promote and teach various aspects of the Ak-Chin heritage, culture and communication between generations. Tribal crafts, exhibits and photographs of the Ak-Chin people are displayed. The Museum is distinguished from a traditional museum in that land and territory replace the museum building, and the residents of the area take on the role of curator and public. This museum acts as an exhibit and storage area that reflects both prehistoric and local items from families housed here. It hosts two yearly celebrations: the annual Him-Dak Celebration held in April and the Native American Recognition Day Celebration in September.

Huhugan Heritage Center

How many times have you driven past this museum on SR 347?

This modern cultural center highlights the ancestral, historic and current cultures of the Gila River Indian Community, made up of two tribes – the Akimel O’otham and the Pee Posh. Our mission is to ensure our Akimel O’otham and Pee Posh cultures flourish for future generations.

The Huhugam Heritage Center was built in 2003, fulfilling our Community vision to create a place for Community, culture, land, tradition and spirit: a place to honor and preserve our Him dak (our way of life).

Come experience our unique and calming architecture. The Center stairsteps up out of the desert, the building silhouettes designed to blend in with the nearby mountain ranges and hills.

In our state-of-the-art collections repository, we care for Huhugam, Akimel O’otham and Pee Posh treasures from our ancestral lands' boundaries of the Huhugam (also known by the archaeological name Hohokam), master artists, farmers and crafts people of our desert home.

Collections which include large archaeological project holdings including the Snaketown, Gila River Cultural Resources Management Program and Bureau of Reclamation Central Arizona Project Collections, an outstanding collection of nearly 500 O’odham baskets, an exquisite Pee Posh pottery collection, the trombone and memorabilia of renowned Akimel O’otham jazz trombonist Russell Moore and the Blackwater Store & Trading Post and Arts and Crafts museum collections.

Sap eth tha:thak em ñei

(We are happy to see you)

Taliesin West

Experience Taliesin West in Scottsdale, Arizona!

With multiple Tours and Programs to choose from, come see a side of Scottsdale and the Sonoran Desert unlike any other.

If you are a fan of the architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright, you have to visit Taliesin West!

Arizona Historical Sites Road Trip

"This Road Trip Takes You To The Most Fascinating Historical Sites In All Of Arizona

Our state is home to some of the country’s most fascinating historical sites, but visiting them all could take multiple lifetimes. We’ve narrowed it down to just ten top spots and mapped out a road trip to see them. You might not be able to go everywhere in Arizona, but these are some of the best highlights."

This Only in Arizona site takes you to 10 of the top historical sites in Arizona.

Arizona Wineries and Vinyards

Arizona's diversity shines through in its people, its experiences and even its landscapes — a choice few of which present the perfect conditions for growing grapes. One of the hidden surprises in Arizona. Arizona boasts more than 120 wineries and tasting rooms across the state. Some fun day trips are possible when you chase the grape!

Will travel for wine? Arizona entered the wine business back in the 1970s and created a wine culture today that honors the agricultural bounty of the state’s high deserts and the dedication of the people who tend the vines at more than 30 wineries in Arizona. Tasting rooms have elevated Arizona’s wine reputation even in areas far removed from the vineyards. Restaurants and bars statewide, in small towns and big cities, have added the flavors of Arizona to their menus.

Wherever your travels take you, cheers to Arizona.

This is a very interesting and informative website offered by the Arizona Office of Tourism. Better yet - take a trip and checkout a couple of wineries!

Heard Museum

The Heard Museum sets the standard for collaborating with American Indian artists and tribal communities to provide visitors with a distinctive perspective about the art of Native people, especially those from the Southwest.

About the Heard Museum:

Since its founding in 1929, the Heard Museum has grown in size and stature to become recognized internationally for the quality of its collections, world-class exhibitions, educational programming and its unmatched festivals. Dedicated to the advancement of American Indian art, the Heard successfully presents the stories of American Indian people from a first-person perspective, as well as exhibitions that showcase the beauty and vitality of traditional and contemporary art.

Arizona's Lavender Festival

You can usually see the blooms in their full purple glory starting the last two weeks of June, which happens to be the usual timing of the Arizona Lavender Festival.

Check for information on the web before June. Two of the bigger players are:

Life under the Oaks in Oracle: Life Under The Oaks Lavender Farm Oracle, AZ 520-820-3454 1221 N. Rancho Robles Rd., Oracle, AZ 85623

red rock lavender: Lavender Festival (redrockfarms.com)

Red Rock Ranch & Farms LLC/Red Rock Lavender
HC 65 Box 35201
Concho, Arizona 85924

Christine Teeple - National Sales Manager
Email: christine@redrocklavender.com
Phone: 626-353-8561

Check out the individual websites to find out details about farm operations and festivals throughout the year. Some festivals do not always occur annually.

Bearizona

About Bearizona Wildlife Park

Bearizona Wildlife Park is located on approximately 160 acres in beautiful Williams, AZ.

As a member of the Zoological Association of America as well as the American Association of Zoo Keepers, Bearizona is dedicated to responsible wildlife management, conservation, and education.

Everyday, visitors can drive through over three miles of Ponderosa Pine Forest viewing North American animals in their natural habitats.

More animals are exhibited in Fort Bearizona, a beautiful 20-acre walk-thru area, along winding paths which is more of a “zoo” typesetting.

Bearizona is located in Williams, Arizona. A bit of a drive just to visit Bearizona, but if you are visiting the Flagstaff area a fun place to visit. The drive thru will amaze you! Just remember to keep your windows closed when you are in a potentially dangerous area, such as, the bears!

San Xavier del Bac Mission -- Spanish Colonial Missions of the Southwest Travel Itinerary

"By the 1700s Spanish colonists expanded northward from Mexico into present day Arizona claiming more land for New Spain, and Jesuits founded a chain of missions along the Santa Cruz River in the Sonoran Desert. The San Xavier del Bac Mission, now a National Historic Landmark, was founded in 1700 by Father Eusebio Kino, a Jesuit missionary who worked to spread Christianity in New Spain. The Tohono O'Odham and subsequent Franciscan missionaries built a mission at the site that continues to capture the imagination of visitors today. Constructed between 1783 and 1797, the historic white stucco church stands on the site Father Kino chose and has become a treasured part of the community's history, restored and cared for over generations. Often called the "white dove of the desert," the mission is located in the San Xavier Reservation, part of the Tohono O'odham Nation southwest of Tucson, Arizona."

This is a National Park Service introduction to the magnificent San Xavier del Bac Mission in Tucson, Arizona. A good way to plan your trip.

MIM - Musical Instrument Museum

MIM has a collection of more than 8,000 instruments from more than 200 world countries. The galleries reflect the rich diversity and history of many world cultures. The music and instruments also show us what we have in common. This is a thought powerfully expressed in our motto, "music is the language of the soul."

Note from Ron Smith - MIM is on top of my list when I'm recommending places to visit in the Phoenix area. It is a very unique museum that shouldn't be missed if you have the time.

Phoenix Zoo

Originating with the ambitious vision of a dedicated philanthropist and other community leaders, the Phoenix Zoo has welcomed more than 43 million guests since 1962, fulfilling its mission of providing experiences that inspire people and motivate them to care for the natural world. 

Beginning in 1962 with Operation Oryx, one of the world’s most successful global wildlife conservation programs, it has become world renowned for its contributions to the field of conservation science.  Today, more than 7,000 Arabian oryx exist world-wide, setting a precedent for subsequent successful Phoenix Zoo conservation initiatives involving Black-footed ferrets, Chiricahua leopard frogs, narrow-headed garter snake, thick-billed parrots, Mexican wolves and many others.

Educational programming has also continued to grow in scope and reputation, beginning with the arts and crafts-based Summer Institute for Children in 1965, to today’s math and science-based ZooLab and Distance Learning programs offered through several Arizona school districts.

We are one of the largest non-profit zoos in the U.S., caring for over 3,000 animals with nearly 400 species represented, including many threatened/endangered species.

Arizona Renaissance Festival

"Time travel to the greatest party since Camelot! Take a stroll through the colorful Village of Fairhaven where history comes alive with non-stop, day-long, immersive and interactive entertainments like no place else! Shop an abundance of arts and crafts in the village open-air Artisan Market!"

"Adventure awaits with games and rides, valiant jousting knights on horseback, majestic falconry, beautiful mermaids and fairies, friendly dragons, delicious feasting, and so much more! Come one, come all for a non-stop, day-long family adventure!"

To learn more! Click below to plan your visit with important driving tips, ticket policies, and more must know info:

Festival Facts & FAQs — Arizona Renaissance Festival (renfestinfo.com)

The Dolly Steamboat

"Nestled in the heart of the Superstition Mountains lies the spectacular Canyon Lake, home of the Dolly Steamboat. Continuing a tradition of cruising since 1925, the Dolly Steamboat now cruises the secluded inner waterways of this beautiful lake.

View the majestic desert bighorn sheep, bald eagles and a host of other wildlife, waterfowl, and birds. Experience the unique ambiance that is created by the sounds of plying through the waters of Canyon Lake. Listen as your captain recounts the legends and lore of the mysterious Superstition Mountains. Expect to be treated with outstanding service and personal attention to your every need. Feel free to ask questions, move about and mingle with the crew. Air conditioned lower and upper cabin during summer months."

Scenic nature cruises & twilight dinner cruises

Check the website for more information.

Desert Botanical Gardens (Phoenix)

EXPLORE THE BEAUTY

Think the desert is all dirt and tumbleweeds? Think again. Desert Botanical Garden is home to thousands of species of cactus, trees and flowers from all around the world spread across 55 acres in Phoenix, Arizona.

In 1939, a small group of passionate local citizens saw the need to conserve the beautiful desert environment. One was Swedish botanist Gustaf Stark, who found like-minded residents by posting a sign that read “Save the Desert.”

With the support of social influencers of the time such as Gertrude Divine Webster, the Garden’s presence grew. Nearly eight decades later, thanks to leadership and investments from many individuals, Desert Botanical Garden has blossomed from a dream into a living museum.

Arizona Landmarks

This is a commercial travel blog written by Christina Pfieffer from Travel2Next. She has done a great job of identifying memorable landmarks found in the State of Arizona.

Arizona is rich in history and natural landmarks scattered throughout the state. Arizona’s most famous landmark is the Grand Canyon, but many other sites also deserve to be mentioned. The sixth-largest US state has plenty of places to see, from towering rock formations to red cliffs, historic mines, abandoned ghost towns and ancient petroglyphs. Meteor Crater was created by a meteor back in 508 BC and is one of the best-preserved craters on Earth.

Arizona is packed with natural monuments and the only USA state with four desert regions – the Chihuahuan, the Mojave, the Sonoran and the Great Basin Desert – full of treasures.

Neon Sign Park - Casa Grande

The Casa Grande Neon Sign Park received a grant from the American Express Partners in Preservation program, a partnership of the National Trust for Historic Preservation and The American Express Foundation. Casa Grande Main Street took second place among 25 cities nationwide and was awarded $144,000 in January 2018. Funding provided for restoration of 14 vintage and neon signs, installation and landscaping in the Arizona Plaza site in Historic Downtown, owned by the Kramer Family of Casa Grande Valley Newspapers Inc.

Lights in the park are turned on every day from dusk to 11 p.m.

Check the website for additional information.

Arizona Highways Magazine

I've been subscribing to this magazine for 35 years!

The photography is magnificent! Even if you can't do the trips, the articles and photojournalism will convince you that you have been there! Unfortunately, this idea will cost you an annual subscription fee. Look around on their website for a while and you'll get a decent idea of what they offer.

Note that they also publish several specialized books covering specialized travel that you can buy without have a subscription.

AARP - Smart Guide to Train Travel

Few modes of transit blend relaxation, efficiency and scenery like riding the rails

This article applies to rail travel around the world, but it is useful for those considering AMTRAK travel.

"Travelers may have plenty of ways to get from points A to B, but few modes of transit blend relaxation, efficiency and scenery like a train. The perks of train travel abound — including many discounts targeting those 50-plus — yet rail travel remains a tourism-industry underdog. We talked with leaders in the rail-travel industry for their tips and tricks. The result? Our Smart Guide to Train Travel, which will have you riding those rails like a pro. Note to readers: While this guide highlights top-level rail travel tips, it’s best to confirm details with your specific rail line or travel agent."

Use this link to read this recent AARP article on rail travel including some "bucket list" trips.

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

For your enjoyment, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is open 365 days a year! During inclement weather, please call (520) 883-2702.

PRO TIP: It typically takes at least two hours to see all that the Museum has to offer. We recommend arriving before mid-afternoon to make the most of your visit.

Hours:
October - May:
8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Summer Hours:
June - September:
7:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Only in Arizona article on Boyce Thompson Arboretum

Here's an article from Only in Arizona about Boyce Thompson Arboretum. Not only is this a great day trip but it is also a good example of the travel suggestions provided each week. Take a look.

The subscription is free and well worth it if you want to really enjoy the State of Arizona. Arrives is your email M - F.

The Best Ways to Experience a Monsoon in Phoenix

If you've spent any time in Greater Phoenix during the summer, you've probably been in the presence of our famous monsoons — a quick and intense storm full of rain or dust. In the United States, these storms are unique to the Southwest, and they're a sight most locals are more than excited to experience.

Of course, monsoons can be dangerous, but if you follow these safety tips, you can enjoy the storm from the comfort of the indoors. Learn more about the dangers of monsoon season and how to keep yourself safe here.

Pinal Geology and Mineral Museum

The Pinal Gem and Mineral Society

and the Pinal Geology and Mineral Museum

"Arizona has a unique and fantastic geologic history. That history is told through the rocks, gems and mineral deposits from all over the state.

Many people have no idea of the richness that lies beneath their feet.

To bring that geologic history and the story of the earth in Arizona to life, we dedicate the Pinal Geology and Mineral Museum.

Created and maintained by the Pinal Gem and Mineral Society under the guidance of geologist Dr. Ray Grant, the museum tells the story of the Earth, with a focus on Arizona by with a worldwide scope, through displays and activities relating to geology, paleontology, and mineralogy."

Plan for the Annual Show - usually in March

For more information check the website.

Arizona State Parks

Check out some suggested Arizona State Park road trips!

Want to explore, but want to do it at your own pace? Looking for an alternative to National Parks road trips? Visit Arizona to have the very best road trip adventure possible! Arizona is the perfect place to hit the road and explore, for a day, a week, or a weekend. From Lake Havasu to Safford and Flagstaff to Patagonia, you can make any vacation a park-cation by exploring Arizona's state parks and experiencing everything they have to offer.

We’ve planned out road trip itineraries to help you discover Arizona’s “west coast,” north-central Arizona, and in the beautiful southern part of the state. All you have to do is pack the car and head out. All roads lead to adventure when you include Arizona State Parks in your road trip! Make this the year of the road trip! Plus, check out this guide to some of the scenic road trips through Arizona's state parks, in partnership with Geico!

Don't forget to sign up for State Park Newsletter!

Desert Wildflowers

"One of Arizona's most stunning sights is a landscape of desert wildflowers. From small buds to large cacti blooms, the flowers are a spring staple in the Grand Canyon State. Several of the best spots for sighting these colorful plants are near our Arizona RV resorts. Check out the list below and find a spot to see desert wildflowers near you!"

Check the website for more information.

Boho Camper Vans

We started Boho Camper Vans as friends… but it quickly turned into a partnership. When we came up with the idea in March 2018, we knew (in every fiber of our being), that renting camper vans in Arizona would be successful. The problem was we didn’t have the money saved to purchase a van, let alone the money for materials needed to turn the van into a camper.

So what did we do? We went to the bank and took out a credit card with the largest limit they’d offer. The next day we went ahead and bought a van to transform into a camper and charged the entire purchase.

The intro offer on the credit card gave us 15 months no APR, which became the “deadline”. We needed to purchase a van, build it, rent it, and make enough money to cover the credit card expenses in full before the 15 months was up, or the interest would compound and the business idea would crumble. It was a risk we were willing to take.

Fast forward 4 years and Boho Camper Vans has built hundreds of camper vans, appeared on ABC’s Shark Tank, has been mentioned on The Joe Rogan Experience, and Boho is established as one of the largest camper van manufacturing facilities in the world.