Arizona’s Rising Star: This Underrated City is Ideal for Any Traveler

Some cities in Arizona don't get the credit they deserve. To start, our most popular cities are Phoenix, Scottsdale, Sedona, Flagstaff, and Tucson. However, there are others that deserve some recognition. Have you ever been to Yuma? This underrated city in Arizona is an ideal destination for any traveler, and I'm about to tell you why you should visit.

Yuma is located in the southwest corner of Arizona with the California border to the west and the U.S.-Mexico border to the south. Just over 100,000 people live here. If you've never visited Yuma, it may come as a surprise how much there is to do here, and I think you should make plans to explore this unique Arizona city for your next getaway!

With an average of over 4,000 hours of sunlight annually, the city of Yuma is nicknamed the "Sunniest City in the World." Just imagine all the wonderful things we could do outside with so much incredible weather throughout the year!

The climate of Yuma is arid and the landscape is a mix of sandy desert, mountains, river valleys, and lakes. Not only is hiking abundant but so are water activities. In fact, you can go boating, paddleboarding, kayaking, swimming, fishing, etc. here on one of the lakes or along the Colorado River which winds its way through the city.

Yuma has a rich Native American history along with a history of Spanish settlers who started to arrive here in 1540, the Gold Rush Era, and the expansion of the railroads out west. Because of this, there are historic buildings throughout the city along with history museums like the Castle Dome Mine Museum & Ghost Town and the Sanguinetti House Museum and Gardens you can visit.

A visit to Yuma isn't complete without a visit to the Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park. Explore the grounds of a well-preserved prison and its cells that date back to 1875. Not only is the prison historic but it's considered one of the most haunted places in the state. If you feel brave enough, why not take a private Yuma Territorial Prison & Castle Dome Ghost Town?

If you plan on taking a getaway to Yuma, you can make an overnight reservation at a hotel like the Hilton Garden Inn or a vacation rental like this Desert Retreat with a heated pool.

Have you visited Yuma, Arizona yet? What are some of your favorite attractions there? Tell us about them through our nomination form.