None of Arizona is hurting for sunshine, but one city, in particular, is especially bright. The sunniest place in Arizona, Yuma offers year-round outdoor recreation opportunities. Go river tubing in the summer, and take a scenic boat ride in the winter (and plenty of other activities in-between). Yuma is a nature lover's paradise!
If you love spending time outdoors, you'll think you've entered the gates of heaven when you visit Yuma.
Located in the far southwestern corner of Arizona, this city of around 100,000 is the sunniest place on the planet. It has over 4,000 hours of daylight each year!
There are so many ways to enjoy nature in Yuma, most of which are centered around water (which is a good thing, considering it's also the hottest city in the U.S.)
Gateway Park is beloved among locals and visitors alike, with a fishing pier, picnic area, playground, and direct access to the Colorado River.
Martha's Gardens is also a can't-miss destination, especially if you like Medjool dates.
Take a guided tour of this family-owned date farm, then sample some of the freshest dates you'll ever try. They truly are nature's candy!
Take an old-fashioned sternwheeler boat ride on the lower Colorado River with Yuma River Tours, reveling in the gorgeous waterfront views.
Winter is the busy season for boat tours, but if you're visiting in the summertime, nothing beats cooling off with a relaxing river float a la Yuma River Tubing.
West Wetlands Park is another Yuma gem, situated on 110 sprawling acres of city-owned land. This public park is best known for the Stewart Vincent Wolfe Creative Playground.
Kids absolutely love this castle-themed playscape!
The park is located within the Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area, which encompasses Yuma's historic downtown district, scenic riverfront trails, and two state historic parks.
One of these state historic parks is the former Yuma Territorial Prison, which offers a fascinating - and sobering - look into prison conditions in the late 1800s to early 1900s.
The park is also rumored to be haunted!
Have you ever visited Yuma? If so, what's your favorite thing to do there? Tell us in the comments section below! Don't forget to check out our previous article to learn more about the Yuma Territorial Prison.
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