10 Free Things to Do in Arizona
Deciding what to see in a state as large and enticing as Arizona can be a little overwhelming when you’re traveling on a budget. There are so many amazing adventures – both extreme and serene – that can chip away at your wallet, especially if you enjoy backcountry tours or golfing on championship courses.
However, there are also ways to save, if you target the right experiences. Skipping the busy spring and fall seasons can lead to discounts, although you’ll be sacrificing the best weather. Moreover, give some thought to how you plan to navigate the area – a hire car isn’t your only option in Arizona.
We’ve sifted through Arizona’s unique experiences, from Indigenous art to outdoor community film screenings, to find the best free activities, allowing you to spend more time enjoying the Grand Canyon State.
1. Walk Phoenix’s Mural Walls
You can learn a lot about a city’s culture and politics through its street art. Phoenix’s massive murals along Oak Street Alley and the Roosevelt Row arts district capture the zeitgeist of recent years and highlight the skills of its talented artists. Explore the 30 murals painted in honor of Black History Month. Embark on a self-guided walking tour to see impressive artworks depicting Black icons such as Serena Williams, Aretha Franklin, and Barack Obama among others.
2. Drive the Sky Island Scenic Byway
Just outside Tucson, the 27-mile Sky Island Scenic Byway takes you to the heart of Arizona’s impressive biological diversity. Starting on the East Catalina Highway, the journey leads northeast on Mt Lemmon Highway through the Coronado National Forest, culminating at the 9000ft summit of Mount Lemmon.
Otherworldly landscapes of hoodoos and crags await along the way. Initially, you’ll traverse the Sonoran Desert among saguaro cactuses, before transitioning to high-elevation forests filled with cypress, sycamore, and pine.
Planning Tip: Be sure to pause at pullouts to gaze at the stunning panoramas as you go. Windy Point and Geology Point are ideal stops, and don’t miss the waterfalls at Molino Canyon.
3. Learn about Arizona’s Indigenous American Art
Since opening in 1929, the Heard Museum in Phoenix has become a leading institution for the preservation, education, and advancement of Indigenous American art. Featuring numerous exhibition galleries and outdoor sculpture gardens, the Heard also provides opportunities for guided tours and interactive activities such as weaving Apache-style baskets. Admission is free on the first Friday of every month.
4. Discover Petroglyphs at Prescott National Forest
Located within Prescott National Forest, secluded hiking trails around Lynn Creek lead to prehistoric ruins and petroglyphs, remnants of the Native American communities who once thrived in this high-desert area. Parking at trailheads in Prescott National Forest is free on Wednesdays.
The 0.75-mile Lynn Creek Ruin Trail winds through the woods to an observation deck that overlooks an ancient pueblo and surrounding alligator junipers, prickly pears, and pines, backed by the peaks of the Bradshaw Mountains.
Planning Tip: Affordable camping is possible at several sites in Prescott National Forest for a memorable overnight stop.
5. Gaze at Arizona’s Dark, Star-Filled Skies
Arizona is renowned for its stunning night skies. The state is home to five international dark sky communities – Sedona, Village of Oak Creek, Camp Verde, Tucson, and Flagstaff – with Flagstaff being the world’s first international dark sky city since 2001. These areas have implemented measures to combat light pollution, making stargazing a breathtaking experience. Simply find a park or trail, look up, and marvel at the stars.
6. Admire the Modernist-era Chapel of the Holy Cross
Sedona’s Red Rock Scenic Byway is mesmerizing, and the 250ft-tall Chapel of the Holy Cross, built into the sandstone, is a highlight. There’s no cost to visit this functioning Catholic Church, allowing you to experience the architectural brilliance for free.
This Modernist building features a striking 80ft concrete cross, conceived by sculptor Marguerite Brunswig Staude in the 1930s. Nearby, several hiking trails wind around the red rocks, offering additional exploration opportunities.
7. Admire Tucson’s Historic Buildings
Although it’s only a 2.5-mile loop, the Turquoise Trail in downtown Tucson takes you on a captivating journey through time, passing 23 historic landmarks which you can explore at your own pace. Follow the turquoise line painted along the way. Informative plaques provide insight on sites such as the 1919 Hotel Congress and the Fox Theater.
8. Visit an Arizona Buddhist Retreat
The International Kadampa Retreat Center is an unexpected find on historic Route 66 near Williams. During visiting hours at this Buddhist temple, you can take a tour with a volunteer to admire its gilded structure, artworks, and statues. This center is a popular locale for studying meditation, so advance planning is recommended if you wish to learn more.
9. Enjoy Free Entry to National Parks and Historical Sites
Arizona boasts awe-inspiring national parks such as the Grand Canyon, Saguaro, and Petrified Forest, alongside numerous national monuments and recreation areas. Each year, the National Park Service offers several free-admission days at places that normally charge a fee for entry, covering 14 sites in Arizona, including the stunning Sunset Crater National Monument.
10. See a Free Film Outdoors in Flagstaff
Outdoor cinemas are enjoying a renaissance, and Flagstaff’s Movies on the Square in summer are free for everyone. Family-friendly films such as Megamind and Moana are screened outside in Heritage Square on Saturdays in July and August. Bring a folding chair or blanket and enjoy an evening of entertainment with the locals.
This article highlights budget-friendly activities in Arizona. Take advantage of Arizona’s natural beauty and cultural richness, making memories without straining your budget.
