Whether you’re a seasoned outdoorsy type or just starting out, Arizona is home to a wide range of outdoor activities and destinations. We’ve rounded up the best places to live in Arizona for outdoor enthusiasts.
Phoenix is one of the top cities in the state for outdoor enthusiasts. It’s known for its thriving sports scene and endless options for outdoor fun.
Mesa
Mesa, Arizona is a great place to live if you enjoy outdoor activities. It’s close to the Lower Salt River, four lakes, and the world-class Apache Trail. You can also explore the Sonoran Desert and take in spectacular desert views from a hot air balloon ride.
The city is home to some of the best museums in the region. Here you can learn about pioneers, ancient peoples, and Native American tribes. There’s a wealth of art from contemporary artists as well.
If you’re into sports, you’ll love Mesa’s premier baseball facility, Hohokam Stadium. There’s also a baseball museum and a spring training facility for the Oakland Athletics.
You can also go kayaking and swimming at Saguaro Lake Marina, which has 22 miles of shoreline for families to enjoy. Located on the Lower Salt River, it’s a popular destination for paddleboarders and other non-motorized water sports enthusiasts.
Another popular pastime is hiking in Usery Mountain Regional Park. Covering 3,658 acres of natural and protected land, the park is a fantastic place for hiking and exploring the surrounding landscape. You can enjoy a hike of up to 1.5 miles along Wind Cave Trail for gorgeous views and shady spots.
The Mesa Historical Museum is a must-visit for history buffs and anyone who enjoys learning about the past. Located in an old Mission Revival-style building, this museum is full of exciting exhibitions and rotating events that are perfect for a fun and educational day out.
One of the most stunning and iconic sights in Arizona is the Rose Garden in Mesa. Its 9,000 roses from 300 varieties make for a lovely spot to spend a relaxing afternoon.
This historic garden is open from 10 am – 4 pm, and admission is free. It’s a beautiful and peaceful place to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city.
If you’re a foodie, don’t miss the Orange Patch, where you can pick fruits like tangerines and grapefruits to eat while enjoying scenic views of the city. It’s also a good place to buy delicious preserves and jams.
Goodyear
Goodyear, Arizona is a great place to live for outdoor enthusiasts who are looking for fun activities in the city. The city has many places where you can spend time outdoors and relax in the summer. Just ask any Goodyear realtor. It also has several attractions and restaurants where you can eat well and spend some quality time with your family or friends.
The most popular place to go is the Goodyear Community Park, where you can find everything from a splash pad to sports courts and fields. You can also go for a picnic at one of the many uncovered picnic areas and grills available in this park.
Another popular destination is the Estrella Mountain Regional Park, which is known for its scenic trails, baseball fields, and other fun amenities. Its 20,000 acres are covered with a variety of hiking paths, as well as a large number of trees and other natural features that make it an excellent choice for those who want to get outside and enjoy nature.
You can also visit the Estrella Lakeside Amphitheater and enjoy some music. Its 1.3-mile path around the perimeter of the lake is ideal for a leisurely stroll or for a game of beach volleyball.
Lastly, you can also spend some time at the beautiful South Lake Park, located in the Estrella Mountain Ranch community of Goodyear. The park features a small lake that is perfect for swimming, fishing, and kayaking.
Its location near the Estrella Mountain Ranch community makes it a perfect spot to spend a few hours with your loved ones and friends. The park features a variety of amenities that will make your day at the lake unforgettable, including a playground, a boat ramp, and a pier.
In addition to its recreational facilities, Goodyear is home to many museums and attractions that are worth visiting. Some of them are dedicated to the history of the area and others focus on art and culture.
You can also visit the Goodyear Aircraft Museum, where you can learn about the history of Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company. This is a great place to learn more about the company and how it was instrumental in helping America win World War II.
Douglas
If you’re a big fan of the outdoors, Douglas is an excellent choice for a family vacation. It’s surrounded by plenty of hiking and camping opportunities, and the city offers plenty of family-friendly amenities.
It’s also a great place to spend the day if you want to get some exercise. Hiking and biking are two popular outdoor activities in Douglas, and the town’s numerous parks offer an abundance of space for getting active.
The city is home to a number of historic landmarks and museums. The Presidio de San Bernardino was once a massive Spanish fortress, and the Jerome State Historic Park features an old mansion where mining entrepreneurs once lived.
Another important historic site is the Gadsden Hotel, a hotel that was designed by the famed architect Henry Trost. It’s a local favorite for those looking to experience the history of Douglas, Arizona.
You can find out more about the hotel’s history by visiting its website or by speaking with a local historian. You can even take a tour of the building.
If you’re a fan of art, check out the Douglas Arts Association. It’s like a co-op that showcases the works of local artists, and it has several shows and exhibits throughout the year.
For those with an interest in aviation, the Douglas Aircraft Museum is a must. This small museum has an impressive collection of old planes and equipment, as well as personal accounts from pilots and aircrew.
There are also many outdoor activities in Douglas, ranging from fishing and boating to hiking and hunting. Some of the best places to visit include Patagonia Lake State Park, which is known for its sun-drenched grasslands and cobalt-blue lake.
You can also go on a guided bird-watching trip or take a self-guided hike to see the sandhill crane and other waterfowl in Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the beauty of southeastern Arizona and spot some unique animal species.
If you’re an RVer, you can book a campsite at one of the many beautiful RV parks in Douglas. It’s a great place to spend the weekend or extend your stay. Whether you’re camping or staying in an RV, there’s something for everyone in Douglas, Arizona!
Florence
Florence, Arizona, is one of the most popular destinations in the state for travelers who want to experience a true Western town. With more than 25 historic buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the town is a fascinating relic of its past, and the picturesque Main Street offers plenty of charm to any visitor.
Whether you’re looking for an adventure or just a break from the hustle and bustle, you’ll be glad to know that there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy while in Florence. From hiking and swimming to horseback riding and desert adventures, you’ll find something for everyone here.
The best way to get started is with a visit to Casa Grande Ruins National Monument, which is made up of multiple buildings built by the Native American Hohokam people. Located near the city of Coolidge, these ruins are a fascinating glimpse into how life used to be in this area hundreds of years ago.
You can also take a trip out to Lake Mead, which is filled with awe-inspiring views of the mountains and desert. It’s one of the Valley of the Sun’s most beautiful places, and it’s a fun way to spend an afternoon.
Another way to see the desert is by taking an ATV tour with Arizona ATV Adventures, which is a great way to get out and enjoy all that the area has to offer. The tours are safe and fun, and they include a modern ATV, a certified guide, insurance, helmets, gloves, and goggles.
ATVs are great for families with young children as they allow parents to take turns driving while the kids follow along in a rear seat. They also give you the chance to explore more of the desert than you would with a hiking or biking tour, and you can even ride through the tall saguaro cacti that dominate this region.
If you’re looking for something more leisurely, there’s a public library in Florence that is air-conditioned, free, and full of comfy seats. The library is a great place to catch up on local news and find some new books.
