16 Things to Do in Yuma Arizona: Adventure & Culture Await

Looking for some fun things to do in Yuma, Arizona? You’re in luck! Yuma isn’t just your average desert town. It’s a treasure chest brimming with culture and adventure! Here, the Old West meets the serenity of nature. 

I’ve combed through this southwest corner of Arizona to bring you a platter of experiences – ones that merge nature’s wonders with human tales. From the rugged landscapes to the soulful expressions of public art, Yuma dishes out fun activities for everyone.

It satisfies history buffs, outdoor enthusiasts, and art lovers alike. Below you’ll find some of my favorite things to do in Yuma, so let’s dig in already!

Discover Yuma’s Rich Heritage and Culture

Ever heard about a place where trails along the river lead to doorsteps of the past? Welcome to Yuma, where the Yuma Crossing National Heritage brings a bonanza of history. Here, you’ll find things to do in Yuma, Arizona that explore the rich heritage and culture of the area.

Explore the Sanguinetti House Museum and Gardens

Don’t let the 19th-century adobe walls of the Sanguinetti House Museum fool you—they’ve got stories to tell. This understated homestead was the home of the “Merchant Prince of Yuma,” a man with a lasting imprint on this town.

The Arizona Historical Society invites you to tiptoe through Sanguinetti’s former digs. You’ll marvel at his legacy, and catch a whiff of the rose garden’s fragrant past. This charming place isn’t just a glimpse of history; it’s a snapshot of a man’s dreams rooted deep in Yuma soil.

You can do a self-guided or fully guided tour of the facility. There is a lot of hands-on exploration available, which I found unique for a historical building. If you like, sign up to attend one of their events! Their “History Under the Stars” dinner is one of my favorites.

You can visit Tuesday – Saturday (closed Sundays and Mondays, as well as major holidays) from 10am to 3pm. Admission is $10, though kids 8 and under are free. There is also free parking available!

Immerse in Creativity at the Yuma Art Center

Art is what happens when you give a town like Yuma a blank canvas. The Yuma Art Center, housed in an old theater, is a paint stroke of genius right in the heart of downtown.

Here, the performing arts don’t just take the stage—they soar. The historic theater witnesses stories unfold in color, motion, and sound. Outside, public art turns alleyways into galleries under open skies.

So, if creativity’s your jam, this is your bread and butter—you’ll find inspiration around every corner!

Ticket prices for the theatre can vary by the show, but I’ve found they’re quite reasonable. The last play I saw was just $5! You can also spend hours wandering around and enjoying the local artists, so I feel it’s a great value.

You can visit Tuesday through Saturday from 11am to 7pm (though there are some late showtimes where you’ll get out after it officially closes).

Learn at the Cocopah Museum and Cultural Center

The Cocopah Museum and Cultural Center stands as a testament to the River People’s enduring legacy. It is tucked away amidst modern attractions like an RV park, golf course, speedway, entertainment center, and resort.

The Cocopah tribe have called the lower Colorado River home for more nights than there are stars in the desert sky. A visit here isn’t just educational—it’s honorific. As the river flows, so will your understanding of a people shaped by water and time.

Visit a traditional dwelling, and explore various exhibits on the tribe’s culture and history. It’s a great way to incorporate some history and learning into a day otherwise filled with shopping, gaming, or golfing!

Admission to the museum is free (though donations are welcomed). It’s self guided, though you can reserve a special guided tour upon request. There is a gift shop on site which sells authentic jewelry, crafts, and other novelties.

Check out the Cocopah Museum Tuesday – Saturday from 9am to 4pm.

Break Out the History at Yuma Territorial Prison

At Yuma Territorial Prison, you can walk through the historical halls of Arizona’s first prison. Don’t worry – it’s no longer in use as an actual prison, but rather an educational reminder of the past.

Built in 1876, it housed infamous criminals of the then still pretty wild west, including stagecoach robbers! It operated for 33 years before shutting down due to overcrowding. Then, it gained new lives as a school and a hospital building, before eventually being committed as a historic site in the 1960’s.

That’s a long and exciting history to explore! Admission is just $10 (with discounts for seniors and kids, and kids under 6 are free).

The prison is located next to East Wetlands Park (more on that below) so you can make a day of things by adding on a scenic nature walk and a picnic!

You can visit the Yuma Territorial Prison in the summer (June – September) from 8:30am – 4:00pm and winter from 9am to 4:30pm. Note they are closed for most major holidays, and the last week in September for the annual deep cleaning.

Rock On at The Center of the World

Visit the Museum of History in Granite for a look at the Center of the World – a bronze marker housed inside a glass and granite pyramid that recognizes the location as the center of the (known) world.

Now, I tricked you a little bit here, because the center of the world isn’t actually in Yuma itself. However, it’s located in Felicity, CA, which is less than 20 minutes away. It’s a quick and easy day trip for a cool roadside attraction and piece of history!

You can also take the time to walk through human history in granite – stones carved with moments in time. Visit the chapel on the hill while you’re there, or walk through the curved stone walls of the maze of honor. It’s perhaps not the most exciting for small children, but I think it’s a pretty unique spot overall!

Admission is $10 per adult and $5 per child (age 5 and under free), and free parking is included! That gives you access to all of the outdoor exhibits for one cost.

You can pay in the gift shop during the winter months (November – April) , but the summer is run by honor system. Bring cash for the summer, but during the winter you can also pay by card.

In the winter months, the Museum of History in Granite is open daily from 10am to 5pm, and in the summer you can visit from 7am to 7pm. Note that they observe MST instead of PST. Guided tours are available in the winter; in the summer it’s self-guided.

Outdoor Adventures and Natural Wonders

Alright, gear up! We’re talking about the kind of natural theatrics that’ll make your heart do somersaults. Yuma’s landscape is the real deal when it comes to outdoor adventures.

From the untamed wildlife refuges to the trails that laugh in the face of the straight and narrow, the great outdoors here isn’t just picture-worthy; it’s life-changing. So, let’s hop in to some things to do in Yuma Arizona for outdoor enthusiasts!

Marvel at the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge

The Kofa National Wildlife Refuge is where nature flexes its muscles. Here, it shows off a lineup of desert bighorn sheep and critters that could out-survive a cactus!

This 650,000-acre slice of the Sonoran Desert is as wild as it gets, with national wildlife refuges this pristine being rarer than a rainy day in these parts. This refuge serves up raw nature on a silver platter. So, pack a lunch and plenty of water, because it’s time to get wild!

The best part is, there is no admission fee for this beautiful slice of nature! There is a visitor center, complete with restrooms to serve as your base of operations before you head out for a day of hiking, biking, horseback riding, bird watching, hunting (licenses and/or permits required), or picnicking.

You’ll find the visitor center open from 8am to 4:30pm Monday – Friday, but you can access the actual refuge anytime via designated roads and trails.

Traverse the East Wetlands Park

Just when you thought Yuma was all dust and sunshine, the East Wetlands Park says “hold my beer!” The park is a paradise for those who love birdwatching or a hike with a side of green.

Nearly 400 acres have been reclaimed and restored to their natural splendor over a 20 year period. Now, you’ll find the area brimming with marshes, willows, and cottonwoods, as well as a variety of different species, including some endangered birds thanks to conservation efforts!

Hike, bike, horseback ride, and kayak through this slice of nature. The main trail is a mostly flat 3-mile loop that’s easy enough for the kids and dogs to enjoy. You’ll find plenty of free parking, lots of benches for resting and watching wildlife, and even picnic areas for a relaxing meal.

It is still hot during the day, so I highly recommend packing some water along! This park is located next to the Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park, so you can make a day of it with a hike and some history!

The East Wetlands Park is managed by the Yuma Crossing National Heritage Administrative Office, so contact information belongs to them.

Enjoy the Scenic Beauty at West Wetlands Park

West Wetlands Park is the larger sister park to the East Wetlands option I mentioned above. Here, you’ll find buttery butterfly gardens and hummingbirds so close you could almost hitch a ride. It’s a fun outdoor spot that’s morphed from landfill to wonderland, reclaimed by nature for all to enjoy.

In this 110-acre park, you’ll find trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, along with picnic facilities, and a huge playground for the kids to enjoy. There’s also a stocked pond for fishing (permit required)! The trails actually connect East and West, so you could explore both in one day if you’d like.

The park is dog friendly as well, so bring Fido along to enjoy a stroll. Don’t forget to pack your water though – it gets very hot here, particularly in the heat of the summer.

You’ll find West Wetlands park usually open from 6am to 11pm, but the hours can vary by season, so check in to verify before you head on over.

Take a Stroll Along Gateway Park

Have you ever strolled where the water’s edge plays footsie with the desert sand? That’s what Gateway Park is all about. Managed by the City of Yuma, this beautiful beachfront is nestled on the south shore of the Colorado River.

This park is fully equipped with play areas for kids and picnic spots for everyone. The park is a tribute to lazy afternoons and surreal peace. You’ll also find well-groomed paths for a walk (leashed dogs welcome) or bike ride, and you can explore the historical steam engine on site as well!

The freeway bridge provides much-needed shade during the summer heat while you hit up this spot for some summertime swimming or fishing from the pier! There’s even an outdoor shower to rinse off all that sand before you head home for the day.

You can check out Gateway Park from 6am to 11pm daily, though hours can vary during different seasons, so give it a check before you plan to head over to confirm.

Visit the Colorado River State Historic Park

Now, if you aim to get hitched to Yuma’s yesteryears, the Colorado River State Historic Park is one fine suitor. This family-friendly destination lays out the welcome mat for those itching to unearth tales of the Army Quartermaster Depot. Roll up your sleeves; it’s time for a deep dive into Yuma’s storied past!

There’s a huge on-site museum to explore that’s brimming with exhibits and history. You’ll also find restrooms, picnic areas, and a gift shop on site so you can make a fun afternoon of things.

It’s important to note that, unlike many other parks in Yuma, Colorado River State Historic Park is not pet friendly, and also does not allow bicycles or skateboards. Hit up one of the other great parks if that’s what you’re looking for, but if you want to walk around and explore a site of history, you can do that here!

Often, you’ll find the park hosting events, such as a family movie night, so make sure to keep an eye on upcoming activities for more fun things to do during your visit!

There is a $10 entrance free to visit, with discounts for seniors, active military, and kids available (kids under 6 are free). In the summer (June – September) you can visit Thursday – Sunday 9am to 4:30pm, and during the winter (October – May) it’s extended to Tuesday – Sunday (same hours).

Walk Through Yuma Conservation Botanical Garden

The Yuma Conservation Garden is a beautiful way to take a stroll through nature and history, all in one place! Inside this quaint park, you’ll find native Sonoran plants and animals, and about one and a half miles of walking trail with plenty of benches to take in the sights!

There are lots of varieties of cacti, antique farm equipment dotted around the landscape, Baloo the desert tortoise who calls the place home, and even a duck pond. Note that the plants are not well-labeled here, so you may want to bring a field guide if you’re really into the botanical side of things!

Free on site parking also gives you a great view of the nearby airport, and often you’ll catch glimpses of military aircraft taking off or landing, which can definitely be fun for the kids to watch!

While there is no admission fee for the Yuma Conservation Garden, donations are appreciated. You can also pay the feed the ducks while you’re there (which the ducks and their people appreciate)!

This little park isn’t fancy, but it is a great place to relax, take photos, and just enjoy some of the beautiful Arizona and Sonoran flora and fauna. You can only visit on weekends – Saturday from 9am to 5pm, and Sunday 12pm – 5pm, so make sure to plan accordingly.

Play All Day at Z Fun Factory & Waylon’s Water World

If you’re looking for a spot for the kids and kids at heart, then you might want to pay a trip to Z Fun Factory & Waylon’s Water World! They’re technically two separate parks, but owned and operated together, so you can visit one or both on the same day.

At Z Fun Factory, you’ll stay dry, but here is where you can play the day away. You’ll find arcade games, batting cages, mini golf, go karts, and more! There are two mini golf courses, and I absolutely love the amazing theming on them! The greens could use some refreshing, but otherwise they’re a must-do for me.

Waylon’s Water World is the spot to go to beat the summer heat in Yuma! There’s a lazy river, lots of different water slides, mat racers, kiddie pool, and more to explore.

There is food and a bar available on site, but expect pretty typical “theme park” fare. I personally prefer to skip it and opt for food elsewhere later in the day, but it hits the spot if you’re too hungry to wait!

Most activities (except pool and the arcade) are outside, so plan to bring the sunscreen, stay hydrated, and relax in a shady cabana if needed to stay cool in the hot desert heat!

You can visit Z Fun World year round Thursday through Sunday from 12pm – 10pm. Waylon’s is open during the summer on Thursday & Friday from 2pm – 7pm and on the weekend from 11am – 7pm.

The activities at Z Fun are paid per each, while Waylon’s offers a daily admission. It can get a little pricey for a full family (upwards of $30 a ticket!) but keep an eye out for regular specials and deals throughout the summer if you’re looking to save a few bucks.

While these aren’t the biggest and fanciest theme parks, they are a great way to have fun and beat the heat while staying local in Yuma!

Yuma’s Must-Visit Spots

No matter what you’re into, Yuma’s pocketful of must-visit spots will have you rambling about your trip for weeks on end. These are the tried and true quintessential places that you definitely need to add to your list of things to do in Yuma, Arizona!

Adventure Awaits at the Imperial Sand Dunes

Get ready to rumble at the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area (also known as Glamis). Located about 20 miles west of Yuma, it’s a grand sea of sandy waves that ranks as the country’s largest mass of inland sand dunes. In fact, you’ve probably seen it make an appearance in several popular movies!

These dunes offer an off-roader’s dream playground just a stone’s throw from Yuma. Note, though, that from October through April, you need to purchase a permit if you want to visit. Permits are $35 for a week if purchased in advance, of $50 the week of, so it pays to plan in advance!

Take a selfie with 500 foot high sand dunes, check out the remains of the first plank road, explore the area on an ATV or UTV, or even set up camp! The choice is yours, but it’s well worth the day trip. Pro tip: make sure to bring a lot of water, as this area is very hot and very dry (less than 2″ of rainfall annually on average)!

Note that there are two ranger stations (one at the north and one at the south end). The physical address indicated is for the Southern station, but map coordinates are for the recreation area itself.

Explore Historic Downtown Yuma Where Past & Present Meet

Step through the iconic arch of Historic Downtown Yuma and explore the modern amenities built on this historic city.

There are tons of places for dining, shopping, night life, and cultural spots like art galleries to experience. Grab a coffee and view stunning architecture new and old as you stroll through the streets of the gateway to the Southwest.

Historic downtown is within walking distance to a lot of the parks and museums I’ve already mentioned, so it’s a great place to get a bite to eat or do some shopping after a day of exploring the history and culture around you!

Relish a Meal at Yuma Landing Bar & Grill

Over at Yuma Landing Bar & Grill, you can feast on classic eats with a side of aviation lore. This spot is where the first bird ever landed in Arizona, and they’re not shy about tooting that horn.

Take a pic with the statue of Robert Fowler, then dive into a dish that pays homage to Yuma’s high-flying history. Breakfast, lunch, or dinner—you’re in for a culinary journey that’s just as epic as that first flight. If you’re staying at the Coronado Motor Hotel, you’re in luck—breakfast comes with the room!

There’s also a sports bar section where you can catch the big game for football, baseball, basketball, hockey, and soccer. Or, get more intimate and sip on cocktail creations over at the Captain’s Lounge (but you can still order from the main food menu). There’s something for everyone!

You can’t go wrong with rolled tacos or street tacos here, and the burgers are pretty good too! Of course, they’ve got a giant basket of wings and beer you can enjoy if you’re here for the game.

Pivot Point Interpretive Plaza

Located between Colorado River Park and the Yuma Territorial Prison, Pivot Point Plaza isn’t your everyday park bench type of spot. This is where you stand on hallowed ground—marking where Arizona’s first iron horse chugged into town.

As you go around this historic landmark, you’re literally walking over where the swing bridge pivoted to let river traffic through. This place is a golden ticket to the glory days of railroads and riverboats.

On site, you can explore a restored 1907 Baldwin locomotive and listen to the sounds of the past, like passing steamboats and trains arriving at the station. In the winter, you’ll sometimes catch the “ghost train” exhibit, with a 20-minute sound and laser display that’s best viewed at night.

It’s an easy walk from many local parks on well kept pathways, and worth a visit if you’re in town and want to experience a beautiful piece of history.

There is no direct contact for Pivot Point Plaza, but you can contact Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area for more information.

Planning for the Best Time to Visit Yuma

Timing is everything, right? The best time to visit Yuma is usually from November to March. That’s when the weather’s just right for exploring every nook, from the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge to the Historic Yuma Theatre.

Whether you’re hunting for cultural digs at the Cultural Center or tumbling down rabbit holes of history at the Center of the World, these cooler months are your golden ticket. Plus, you sidestep that scorching summer sizzle that turns walking into a workout!

So, whether you’re a local resident or a snowbird hanging out in Arizona for the season, you’ll be able to check out all Yuma has to offer and truly enjoy your visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts: Yuma Arizona Things to Do

As I wrap up thoughts on things to do in Yuma, Arizona, one thing’s crystal clear: this city is a jewel in the desert. Sure, it has the toasty reputation of being one of the sunniest cities around, but that’s just part of its charm.

The banks of the Colorado River offer a refreshing splash of coolness and recreation, where you can soak in the beauty from outdoor seating spots or float leisurely down a lazy river.

For those looking to add a dash of fun, the Z Fun Factory, and Waylon’s Water World are packed with arcade games and twists of water slides to keep the excitement at an all-time high.

Let’s not forget the Yuma Conservation Garden, a place that holds a world of knowledge about the local flora and fauna. It’s a testament to Yuma’s dedication to preserving its oasis-like vibe!

Oh, and did I mention Yuma’s brush with fame? It went into the Guinness World Record for laying down the welcome mat to the most sunshine you can jam into a year!

So, whether you’re looking for a dive into history, a quest through nature’s wonders, or just hopping from one cool spot to the next, Yuma is packed to the gills with adventures that’ll make your visit something to write home about.

The great thing is that most of these iconic things to do in Yuma are great whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or a whole family with kids. You can find fun, educational, and interesting things for all ages! If you’re traveling as a couple, check out my things to do in Arizona for couples to add more stops to your itinerary!

Planning to hit the road? Check out my guides for things to do in Gilbert Arizona and things to do in Tempe Arizona for some travel planning inspiration!