Things to do in Central Arizona
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Amitabha Stupa
An example of sacred architecture can be admired across town in the West Sedona hills at the Amitabha Stupa, a consecrated Buddhist shrine set quite stunningly amid piñon and juniper pine and the ubiquitous rocks. There’s a smaller stupa further down and an entire park is being planned. Heading along Hwy 89A west from the Y, turn right on Andante Dr, left on Pueblo Dr, then head up the gated trail on your right.
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Pink Jeep Tours
- Sedona, USA
- Activities › Jeep
This company must be doing something right because it recently celebrated its 50th anniversary. The company runs 13 different thrilling and funny, if bone-rattling, off-road tours lasting from about two hours (adult/child $55/42) to four hours ($167/144). Tours to the Grand Canyon are also offered.
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Arcosanti
The brainchild of groundbreaking architect and urban planner Paolo Soleri, Arcosanti is a desert outpost based on 'acrology': architecture meets ecology. This cross between a kibbutz and design school 65 miles north of Phoenix looks like a village on Luke Skywalker's home planet. Radical when conceived in the 1960s, Soleri's ideas now seem cutting-edge in this age of urban sprawl and global warming. Arcosanti is good for a day trip or a long stay - there are week- and month-long seminars, a café, one-hour tours, concerts and other events. Basic accommodation is available, and the Sky Suite is designed for great views of a dark desert night.
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Lowell Observatory
This national historic landmark was built in 1894 by Percival Lowell. The observatory has witnessed many important discoveries, the most famous of which was the first sighting of Pluto – in 1930 through the 1896 24-inch Clark Telescope. In the '60s NASA used the Clark telescope to map the moon. Weather permitting, visitors can stargaze through the telescope; check the website for the evening schedule. The short, paved Pluto Walk climbs through a scale model of our solar system, providing descriptions of each planet. You can stroll the grounds and museum on your own, but the only way to see the telescopes and lovely observatories is on a tour (on the hour from 10am to 4pm…
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Riordan Mansion State Historic Park
Having made a fortune from their Arizona Lumber Company, brothers Michael and Timothy Riordan had the house built in 1904. The Craftsman-style design was the brainchild of architect Charles Whittlesey, who also designed El Tovar on the South Rim. The exterior features hand-split wooden shingles, log-slab siding and rustic stone. Filled with Edison, Stickley, Tiffany and Steinway furniture, the interior is a shrine to Arts and Crafts. Visitors are welcome to walk the grounds and picnic, but entrance to the house is by guided tour only. Tours leave daily and on the hour; advance reservations are accepted.
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Absolute Bikes
Absolute Bikes has the scoop on the biking scene. The shop offers mountain-, road- and children’s-bike rentals (from $15 per day), as well as trail maps and info. It also sells equipment and does repairs.
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Museum of Northern Arizona
This small but excellent museum features exhibits on local Native American archaeology, history and culture, as well as geology, biology and the arts. Don't miss the extensive collection of Hopi kachina (also spelled katsina, ) dolls and a wonderful variety of Native American basketry and ceramics.
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Sedona Adventure Outfitters & Guides
- Sedona, USA
- Activities › Tour
Offers all sorts of outdoor adventures, from hikes to the top of Cathedral Rock to tubing Oak Creek and kayaking on Lynx Lake. Tours range from $48 to $91.
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Fort Verde State Historic Park
Camp Verde was founded in 1865 as a farming settlement only to be co-opted soon after by the US Army who built a fort here to prevent Indian raids on Anglo settlers. Tonto Apache chief Chalipun surrendered here in April 1873. Today, the town’s Fort Verde State Historic Park offers an authentic snapshot of frontier life in the late 19th century. Exploring the well-preserved fort, you’ll see the officer’s and doctor’s quarters, sprint down the parade grounds and study displays about military life and the Indian Wars. Staff occasionally dress up in period costume and conduct living history tours. To get here, take exit 287 off I-17, go south on Hwy 260, turn left at Finnie…
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Oak Creek Canyon
For something truly magical take Hwy 89A northeast into Oak Creek Canyon. It's a drive that won't be forgotten. The canyon is at its narrowest here, and the red, orange and white cliffs at their most dramatic. Giant cottonwoods crowd the creek sides, providing a scenic shady backdrop for trout fishing and swimming.
Stop at the Grasshopper Point swimming hole about two miles into the drive, to cool off. Continue on until you reach Slide Rock State Park - a great spot for a picnic lunch.
Head back into town around sunset and turn off at Airport Road. The setting sun makes for a trippy picture - the rocks blaze psychedelic red and orange against a bright pink and purple sky.
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Arboretum
The Arboretum is a lovely spot to rejuvenate your spirit and enjoy a picnic. Two short wood-chip trails enfold a meadow and wind beneath ponderosa pines, passing an herb garden, native plants, vegetables and wildflowers. The Arboretum offers tours (11am, 1pm and 3pm), as well as a summer adventure program for children aged four to 12. From Route 66 west of Milton Ave, follow Woody Mountain Rd 3.8 miles south – most of this stretch is unpaved but it should be driveable for most cars.
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Palatki Heritage Site
Thousand-year-old Sinagua cliff dwellings and rock art are good-enough reasons to brave the 9-mile dirt road leading to this enchantingly located archaeological site on the edge of the wilderness. There's a small visitor center and two easy trails suitable for strollers but not for wheelchairs. With only limited parking, reservations are required. No pets. True ruin groupies should ask here about exploring the Honanki Ruins, a further 3 miles north.
To get to the site, follow Hwy 89A west of the Y for about 10 miles, then hook a right on FR 525 (Red Canyon Rd, a dirt road) and follow it 8 miles north to the parking lot.
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Out of Africa Wildlife Park
Take a walk on the wild side at this animal park, an odd if entertaining mix of zoo, circus and theme park. Close encounters with slithering anacondas and boas are as much part of your visit as Tiger Splash, the most popular show in which the magnificent creatures leap into a pool in pursuit of plastic toys and balloon bags. On a jeep safari you get to train your camera on grazing giraffes, lazing lions and romping rhinos. All in all, more than 400 formerly wild animals make their home here. Take I-17 exit 187 and head towards Cottonwood on Hwy 260 for about 3 miles, then hook a left on Verde Valley Justice Center Rd.
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Montezuma Castle National Monument
Montezuma Castle is a stunningly well-preserved 1000-year-old Sinagua cliff dwelling. The name refers to the splendid castlelike location high on a cliff; early explorers thought the five-story-high pueblo was Aztec and hence dubbed it Montezuma. A museum interprets the archaeology of the site, which can be spotted from a short self-guiding, wheelchair-accessible trail. Entrance into the ‘castle’ itself is prohibited, but there’s a virtual tour on the website. Access the monument from I-17 exit 289, drive east for 0.5 miles, then turn left on Montezuma Castle Rd.
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Grand Canyon Railway Adventure Package
8 hours (Departs Williams, Arizona)
by Viator
Step aboard the Grand Canyon Railway for a trip to the majestic Grand Canyon you'll never forget. Feel the rumble of a vintage train as the engine chugs 65…Not LP reviewed
from USD$126.49 -
Broken Arrow Jeep Tour
2 hours (Departs Sedona, Arizona)
by Viator
Hang on tight for a fun-filled four-wheeling jeep adventure over the red rocks of Broken Arrow. Bump and bounce over rough terrain and through the unique red…Not LP reviewed
from USD$87.39 -
Bearizona Drive-Thru Wildlife Park
Flexible (Departs Williams, Arizona)
by Viator
During your Grand Canyon vacation, see bears, bison, big horn sheep and more at the family-friendly Bearizona Drive-Thru Wildlife Park. Drive through 2 miles (3…Not LP reviewed
from USD$19.99 -
Grand Canyon South Rim Day Trip from Sedona
11 hours (Departs Sedona, Arizona)
by Viator
You get to choose how you see the Grand Canyon South Rim on this breathtaking tour from Sedona. Perhaps you'd like to see the IMAX movie, maybe enjoy a bird's…Not LP reviewed
from USD$153.39 -
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Pioneer Museum
Housed in the old 1908 hospital, this museum preserves Flagstaff's early history in photographs and an eclectic mix of memorabilia, including a piece of luggage recovered from Bessie and Glenn Hyde's ill-fated honeymoon trip down the Grand Canyon's Colorado River in 1928.
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Josephine’s
Josephine’s features a casual yet upscale atmosphere in a 1911 Arts and Crafts bungalow with an outdoor patio and two fireplaces. It’s run by siblings Tony and Jill (and named in honor of their mother) and offers a menu that mixes and matches culinary influences from around the world – from Mexico to the Mediterranean. Crab cakes and chipotle barbecue beef sandwiches are among the standout lunch choices.
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Grand Canyon and Navajo Indian Reservation
8 hours (Departs Flagstaff, Arizona)
by Viator
Enjoy spectacular views at the Grand Canyon South Rim and East Rim, and pick up a native American souvenir on this full day tour from Flagstaff. Admire the…Not LP reviewed
from USD$94.99 -
M Diamond Ranch
This working cattle ranch takes small groups of people on trail rides through eye-catching countryside. Staff will give you a ride from your hotel. Children receive 15% off the adult price for the trail ride and cookout.
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Arizona Snowbowl
About 7 miles north of downtown, AZ Snowbowl is small but lofty, with four lifts that service 30 ski runs between 9200ft and 11,500ft.
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Oak Creek Brewing Company
In West Sedona, with a limited menu, has bands on the weekend.
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Mad Italian
Across the street from Mia’s, the Mad Italian is much loved among NAU students for its ambience and atmosphere and is one of the best local spots to drink, dance and shoot some pool. On most nights there’s a DJ playing dance music, but occasionally there is a live band. If you don’t like large, fun-loving crowds, avoid going on the weekends.
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