7 Things That Belong On Everyone’s Arizona Summer Bucket List

Summer seems to be endless in Arizona but there are still so many ways we can enjoy the heat, or even escape the heat as best as we can. I put together a list of places to go to add to your Arizona summer bucket list. Are you ready?

1. North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park

Editor's Note: due to wildfires, the North Rim is closed for Summer 2025.

Did you know that the North Rim of the Grand Canyon is about 10 degrees cooler than the South Rim during the summer months? It's true. Oh, and get this — it's also a lot less crowded. Beat the crowds and beat the heat by visiting the Grand Canyon's North Rim.

2. Water Wheel Falls — Payson

One of my favorite ways to cool off in the summer is to take a day trip to Payson and hike to Water Wheel Falls. There is a series of small waterfalls here as well as pools of water you can stop and wade in at any time. It's also picturesque and perfect for kids!

3. Lowell Observatory — Flagstaff

To escape the heat in the Phoenix Metro area, sometimes heading to Flagstaff is perfect. And one place to visit, especially with kids, is Lowell Observatory. This is the observatory that had discovered Pluto and it has a museum and hosts stargazing programs.

4. Paqua Park — Peoria

What is summer in Arizona without a trip to a water park? Located in Peoria is the epic inflatable waterpark adventure known as Paqua Park. It's like a giant bounce house with water slides that will drop you right into the lake!

5. Backland Glamping —Williams

Get back to nature not by camping (although you can do that if you really want to), but glamping! And there's no better place to do that than at Backland Glamping in Williams. I loved spending a night here. The custom-built tents are roomy, comfortable, have their own bathrooms, and, best of all for the summer, air conditioning! There's also an on-site restaurant, a small pond for kayaking, a beach, and a fire pit. This is one relaxing and remote getaway!

6. Merkin Vineyards — Cottonwood

Head to Cottonwood and visit the latest addition to the dining scene — Merkin Vineyards. Not only is there a winery where you can take tours and partake in a tasting but a trattoria and a gelateria. This is a perfect summer day trip destination in Arizona!

7. Spend the day at the pool at JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa — Phoenix

How about laying poolside at one of the premier destinations in the Valley? JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa has an epic series of pools complete with a waterpark and cabanas you can rent. This is a relaxing way to cool off during the hot summer months! And you don't even have to be a guest to use the waterpark.

You can purchase a day pass to JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa from Resort Pass.

Are you ready to add any or all of these to your Arizona summer bucket list? what else is on yours? Let us know in the comments!