What do you get when you combine perpetually warm weather, a charming food scene, and plenty of outdoor landscape to explore? The ultimate trip in sunny Arizona! In this post, we list all of the top free and cheap things to do while visiting Arizona. Enjoy!
Did Someone Say Free?
Hike your way through all of AZ
Arizona has some great options for hiking–whether you are an experienced hiker or simply looking for a nice walk to the top like us. These are hikes or trails that we would definitely recommend!
- Papago Park (Phoenix)
- Doe Mountain (Sedona)
- Devil’s Bridge (Sedona)
- Cathedral Rock/Crescent Moon Ranch (Sedona)
It’s impossible to get through all AZ hikes in one trip, but if you plan to be there for an extended amount of time, here are a ton more hikes that you can check out.
Take a Self-guided Street Art Tour
You’ll find a lot of great street art spots in Arizona to take pictures of (or in front of!). One of the most popular areas for AZ street art is Roosevelt Row Art District located in Phoenix. At no cost to you, you’ll be able to walk through the many streets in this neighborhood, with art featured by well known artists like Lauren Lee.
Watch the Sunset at the “Hole in the Rock”
Sunsets are always a good idea, and this is a spot that allows you to take in its full beauty. Located at Papago Park, you’ll find a giant rock with a sizable hole at the top of it. It requires about a 15-20 min climb, but the views of the sunset are the best along the top of the rock! Try to get there early because the area can fill up fast around sunset time.
Stroll Around Old Town Scottsdale
It truly does not get much cuter than Old Town Scottsdale. Also known as the downtown of Scottsdale, this area is filled with charming boutiques, art shops, restaurants, and cafes. We included this under our “Free” list because simply just walking around this area you will find so much to see and do!
Stop into Merchantile Market
Even though this market is located within Old Town Scottsdale, it deserves its own spot on our list. The Merchantile is an indoor market that will wow you with its cuteness! It’s broken up into many different shops, featuring over 70 local brands and artists. It’s free to peruse, but they have a unique selection of items if you are looking to bring home a gift!
No Need to Break the Bank
Enjoy a Fancy Drink With a View at Canal Club Bar
Located inside of The Scott Resort hotel, Canal Club is one of the most picturesque spots in AZ. But don’t let the fancy allure scare you. Even if you are not staying at the hotel, you can still grab a $13 drink at the bar and soak in the sun on their dazzling outdoor patio.
Grab a Specialty Latte at Luana’s Coffee
We would not typically include a coffee shop on our list, but this coffee shop was too fantastic not to rave about. The interior is filled with vintage-style decor that is welcoming and warm. You can’t visit without taking a photo on their iconic steps that read “Started From the Bottom Now We’re Here”. Order the lavender and honey latte and thank us later!
Horseback Ride Through the Desert
If you are looking for a little more adventure, we would highly recommend booking a guided Horseback Riding tour. There are many different services offered within the Phoenix area, that range in price and duration. We did a ton of research to find the best touring company and could not have been more pleased with Ponderosa Stables, who we booked with. $40 for an hour ride through the South Mountain Park Reserve. We recommend calling a few days in advance to reserve your spot.
Treat Yourself to Some AZ Sweets
It’s easy to pack on the pounds in Arizona because the food is just so dang good. But you are on vacation after all, so what better time to treat yourself. We were surprised by how many dessert shops we fell in love with in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area. You can stop at Chunk Cookies for freshly made cookies as big as your face. Or grab some ice cream at Sugar Bowl, the popular & old-timey parlor in Scottsdale.
That’s a wrap on Arizona! Before you go, make sure to check out our budget packing tips so that you can get the most bang for your buck on your trip!
Also, make sure you are signed up for cheap flight alerts so that you can be notified when flight prices to Arizona drop. There are many great travel subscriptions out there, but we are partial to Thrifty Traveler! You can use our code COMPASS10 for 10% off your first year.
Enjoy Arizona!