26 Essential Arizona Experiences to Plan for 2026

With 2026 just around the corner, it's natural to think about all the fun things and cool sights you want to see next year. Since I live in the Land of Enchantment, my Arizona bucket list of natural wonders is fairly long—how about you?

Old and new attractions alike delight locals and first-time visitors to our beautiful desert state. Meaning, there's always something exciting to try for the first time! To help you narrow things down, I've curated an Arizona bucket list of my top must-sees. Let's cross them off together as we move through 2026!

1. First Friday Art Walk - Downtown Phoenix

While the 2026 calendar hasn't been officially announced yet, the First Friday Art Walks in Downtown Phoenix were a huge success. As the name suggests, on the first Friday of every month, Roosevelt Row comes to life with art, music, food, and fun. Galleries stay open late, and food trucks and pop-up markets are often in attendance. If you plan to spend the night, the Cambria Hotel has an incredible rooftop bar.

2. Tom's Thumb Trail - North Scottsdale

I'm not going to lie: this hike is a challenge, but I felt so accomplished when I conquered it. I started 2020 with a hike around Tom's Thumb—a fascinating granite rock formation at the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. It's one of the best hikes in Arizona, if you ask me! The trail is four miles long and a great hike to try in fall 2026. Check out AllTrails+ for more on Tom's Thumb Trail.

Please note: The summer is not the time to conquer a trail like this. Wait until the weather cools off sometime in October.

3. Below the Rim Meadery - Payson

I've taken day trips to Payson before, but never to stop at Below the Rim Meadery. So, 2026 will be my year! Between April and late October, the patio at this local meadery is open. Set below the Mogollon Rim deep in the forest, you can try honey wine (or mead), snacks, and charcuterie in a peaceful environment.

Pro tip: Follow the directions from the BTRM website and make sure you download them to your phone before heading into the forest, as you will most likely lose Wi-Fi.

4. Arcosanti - Mayer

The experimental town of Arcosanti, Arizona, is a fascinating place that's been around for over 50 years—and I had the opportunity to visit it not too long ago. Walk through the building's cafe and gift shop (where you can get a handcrafted Cosanti windbell) and around the grounds. Visits are free unless you take a guided tour on how Italian-American architect Paolo Soleri's vision became a reality. You can even spend the night.

5. Grand Canyon Train Ride - Williams

Taking the train from Williams to the Grand Canyon is an experience everyone should have. I've even taken my kids on the Grand Canyon Railway, and I would do it again. Enjoy snacks, drinks, and entertainment onboard the two-hour ride to the South Rim, where you'll have a few hours to explore upon arrival. Then, spend the night at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel within walking distance of downtown Williams.

Pro tip: If you drive to the Grand Canyon instead of taking the train, take your annual National Parks pass with you.

6. PopStroke Mini Golf - Glendale or Scottsdale

Partially owned by PGA legend Tiger Woods, PopStroke is a miniature golf course that looks like a small version of a professional golf course. There are no windmills or other kitschy obstructions to get your ball through. Instead, it's an upscale outdoor venue complete with a bar and restaurant, and it's a lot of fun. In Arizona—one of the country's golf capitals—there are two PopStroke locations: one in Glendale and one in Scottsdale.

7. Amara Resort & Spa - Sedona

There's little doubt that Sedona is a magical place. With its fascinating red rock landscape and natural attractions like the Devil's Bridge and Subway Cave, you could spend all day, every day, outside exploring. But if you want a relaxing getaway, I suggest Amara Resort & Spa. Known for its luxurious accommodations, spa, views, and dining, you'll wonder why you didn't book a stay here sooner.

8. Frontier Days & Rodeo - Prescott

If you're the type of person who adores tradition, you'll absolutely love spending a weekend at Prescott's Frontier Days and Rodeo, which began in 1888. From June 29 to July 5, 2026, witness real-life cowboys lasso up cattle, ride galloping horses, and engage audiences with tons of thrilling acts. You can also watch the Prescott parade and eat delicious fair-style food. It's fun for the whole family!

9. Arizona Musicfest - Scottsdale

If you see advertisements for orchestra concerts in Arizona, you'll definitely want to check out the Arizona Musicfest in 2026. The event, which gathers professional musicians from all over the U.S., forms a Festival Orchestra and will play for audiences on select nights in February and March. It's the perfect date night activity in Scottsdale—purchase tickets here.

10. Christopher's - Wrigley Mansion, Phoenix

If you had to choose one restaurant to celebrate a special occasion this year, make it Christopher's, located in the Wrigley Mansion in Phoenix. Set atop a hill with panoramic valley views, the ambiance is just perfection. Add in delectable French-inspired cuisine, perhaps accompanied by a glass of fine wine or an artisanal cocktail, and it will be a night to remember.

11. "Subway Cave" - Sedona

Another one of the best hikes in Arizona that's at the top of my bucket list is Boynton Canyon Trail, which leads to the Instagram-famous "Subway Cave." The 6.5-mile trail in the Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness offers hikers views of the canyon's floor and meanders through a red rock landscape to the extraordinary "Subway Cave." You'll need a Red Rock Pass to access the trail, but it will be worth it!

12. Mountain Log Cabin Rental - Flagstaff

I love spending time in Flagstaff for its scenic beauty, outdoor recreation, and historic downtown district. One great place to stay? Humphreys Peak View Luxury Log Cabin, which sits on 1.29 acres and offers views of Humphreys Peak—the tallest mountain in the state. The home features six bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, and the log cabin feel spreads from the outside in.

13. El Charro Restaurant - Tucson

Since 1922, El Charro has been a local favorite for Mexican cuisine. But did you know that this is where the chimichanga was invented? It's true! I dined here during my last visit to Tucson, and I loved everything about it, from the food to the service to the historic house it resides in on N. Court Ave. Make 2026 the year you check out El Charro in Tucson.

14. Diamondbacks Game - Phoenix

Baseball fans from all over the country flock to Arizona to watch their favorite teams participate in a spring training game right here in Arizona. This can include a home game of our very own Diamondbacks. You can book tickets in advance or during baseball season in the spring through the MLB website.

15. Navajo Moenave Dinosaur Tracks - Tuba City

My daughter has always loved dinosaurs, so this unique attraction in Tuba City is definitely in her wheelhouse. Located on the Navajo Nation, take a short hike through the Navajo Moenave Dinosaur Tracks and discover some of the best-preserved dinosaur tracks on the continent that are around 200 million years old and possibly left behind by carnivorous dinosaurs. How cool is that?

16. AquaRidge Waterpark - North Phoenix

This past summer, a couple of friends and I got a cabana at the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa. While staying at the resort is ideal, you don't have to be an overnight guest to enjoy its AquaRidge waterpark. Between the lazy river, multiple pools, and epic waterslides (the Gullywasher was a thrill!), you're bound to have a fun day. You can even get poolside food and drinks. It's a great 2026 to-do.

17. "The Entertainment Oasis" Rental - Scottsdale

Dubbed "The Entertainment Oasis," this exceptional home will have you living your best life for a while. The luxurious interior has a large game room with enough TVs to rival a sports bar. Head out to the backyard, and you'll be amazed at all the activities available. There's a pool, lounge area, basketball and pickleball courts, splash pad, fire pit, ping pong, cornhole, mini golf, driving range, and much more. The home can accommodate more than 16 guests!

18. Mortimer Farms - Dewey

One of the best fall festivals in Arizona is the annual Mortimer Farms Pumpkin Fest & Corn Maze. This farm takes agritourism to a new level with a pig racing event and a tractor race, along with attractions such as gem mining, pony rides, a challenging corn maze, a zip line, rides, food, and more. Of course, you can take home a prize pumpkin, too.

19. Dolly Steamboat - Apache Junction

I love stopping by Canyon Lake anytime I head up to Tortilla Flat. This lake, created by the damming of the Colorado River, is surrounded by rock formations and is an absolute oasis in this remote part of Arizona. One thing I'm hoping to do in 2026 is take a scenic cruise on the Dolly Steamboat, which offers dinner cruises. Book your ticket and climb aboard for a one-of-a-kind experience.

20. Antelope Canyon - Page

Second to the Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon is one of my favorite places in Arizona. I recently crossed it off my bucket list, and I urge you to do the same in 2026. Walk through sandstone slot canyons in both the Upper and Lower Antelope Canyons—the most popular parts of the site. I took a tour of the lesser-known Antelope Canyon X, which experiences fewer crowds.

21. Christmas at Rawhide - Chandler

How does 7 million twinkling lights, a parade, a light show, a train ride, stunt shows, drinks, food, and shopping at Rawhide Western Town sound to you? Pretty darn festive, right? Well, between the end of November and the end of December, you can enjoy a fun, family-friendly time at Pratt Brothers Christmas at Rawhide, one of the best winter festivals in Arizona.

22. Small Towns - Beeline Highway, Fountain Hills

One of the best day trips in Arizona I take a few times of year is to three small towns that are right next to each other. My journey starts on the Beeline Highway out of Fountain Hills, and I head north to the first town, Payson. There, I typically grab a bite to eat at the Beeline Cafe. From there, I will go to Water Wheel Falls, then to Tonto Natural Bridge and the Pine Creek Lavender Farm in Pine before heading into the utterly delightful downtown area of Strawberry.

23. San Xavier del Bac Mission - Tucson

Also known as the "White Dove in the Desert," the historic San Xavier del Bac Mission was founded in 1692. But the church as we see it today was constructed between 1783 and 1797. Standing like an oasis in the desert, you can walk the grounds, which happen to be on tribal land, and explore the inside when open. This is one of my favorite pieces of architecture in Arizona.

24. Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park - Navajo Nation

Located on the Arizona-Utah border is an extraordinary landscape that's like arriving on another planet. Between the towering sandstone buttes, the dunes, and the vast terrain, your jaw will drop as you explore Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. Take a 17-mile scenic drive through the park on an adventure like no other in Arizona.

25. Sunset Market - Downtown Mesa

One event I've really looked forward to is the Sunset Market in Downtown Mesa. Held on the second Friday of every month from 5 to 8 p.m., this market will be back and better than ever in 2026! Hundreds of local artists and vendors will gather to sell unique trinkets, handmade goods, art, and delectable cuisine. Each event will also have live entertainment—the perfect chill nighttime vibe if you're not into morning markets.

26. One of the Best Cities to Visit in 2026: Scottsdale

Okay, so I'm a little biased by this one, maybe because I lived here, but I do have a lot of love for Scottsdale. First of all, it's pretty. Between the McDowell Mountains, numerous golf courses, and the canal, it's perfect for spending time outside. Then there are all the incredibly fun things to do here: museums, art galleries, shopping centers, countless upscale restaurants, bars, clubs, movie theaters, and more.

Additionally, there are numerous incredible hotels, including the retro Hotel Valley Ho, the luxurious Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale, the iconic Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, and the family-friendly waterpark hotel, Great Wolf Lodge.

There you have it—some of the best things to do in Arizona in 2026. Would you add anything to the list? Once you've curated your list, plan your trips using Only In Your State's itinerary planner for the best lodging, dining, and sightseeing recommendations.