Yuma ArizonaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Yuma, Arizona.
1. Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park
HISTORIC FRONTIER PRISON
Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park is a former prison where the first seven inmates entered on July 1, 1876, and were locked into cells they built themselves. Visitors can walk through this massive granite and iron behemoth, surrounded by the Colorado and Gila rivers and the Sonoran Desert, which housed over 3,000 prisoners during its 33 years of operation. This fascinating historical site is Yuma's most popular tourist attraction, offering a glimpse into the harsh realities of frontier justice.
2. Castle Dome Mines Museum & Ghost Town
SELF-GUIDED MINING TOURS
Castle Dome Mines Museum & Ghost Town offers self-guided and audio-assisted mine tours through a historical mining town with informative plaques and artifacts. Set in a remote wildlife refuge with natural vistas, this attraction provides visitors with an authentic glimpse into Arizona's mining past. The well-preserved ghost town creates an immersive experience that transports visitors back to the region's boom days.
3. Colorado River State Historic Park
FORMER MILITARY SUPPLY POINT
Colorado River State Historic Park was once a major military supply point that now contains the quartermaster depot and officers' quarters. Visitors can explore restored historic buildings commemorating five centuries of transportation across the region. The well-preserved grounds offer a fascinating glimpse into how this area served as a crucial supply hub for the old frontier when steamboats plied the Colorado River before it was dammed.
4. Telegraph Pass
SCENIC HIKING TRAIL
Telegraph Pass is a popular hiking trail in the Yuma area that offers stunning views of the surrounding desert landscape. The trail features moderate elevation gain and rewards hikers with panoramic vistas of the Yuma Valley and beyond. Nature enthusiasts appreciate this trail for its desert flora, fauna, and the opportunity to experience the rugged beauty of the Sonoran Desert.
5. Imperial National Wildlife Refuge
COLORADO RIVER WILDLIFE HAVEN
Imperial National Wildlife Refuge stretches 30 miles along the Colorado River, encompassing desert and wetlands with plentiful plant and animal life. This ecological treasure is a great place for bird watching, hiking, boating, and fishing, offering outdoor enthusiasts numerous recreational opportunities. The refuge protects critical habitat for migratory birds and native wildlife, making it an important conservation area in the Lower Colorado River Valley.
6. Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area
HISTORIC RIVER CROSSING
Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area is an expanse of natural and historical wonders that showcases the important role this crossing played in American history. Visitors can explore the area where the narrowest and safest crossing of the lower Colorado River has been used by travelers for centuries. This heritage site features restored wetlands, historic buildings, and interpretive displays that tell the story of how different peoples came together at this crucial river crossing point.
7. Waylons Water World
FAMILY-FRIENDLY WATER PARK
Waylons Water World is an exciting water park in Yuma featuring over 15 slides and attractions including the Big Bowl, Red Race, and Constrictor. The park includes a Kiddie Area and splash pad that provides entertainment for all ages, making it perfect for family outings. This refreshing oasis offers a welcome respite from Yuma's famous sunshine, which has earned the city recognition from Guinness World Records as the World's Sunniest City.
8. Gateway Park
RIVERSIDE RECREATION AREA
Gateway Park is a popular recreational area situated along the Colorado River that offers visitors a place to relax and enjoy outdoor activities. The park features grassy areas, picnic facilities, walking paths, and direct access to the river for fishing or wading. Located in downtown Yuma, this riverside park serves as a gateway to the natural beauty of the Colorado River and is a favorite spot for both locals and tourists.
9. Sanguinetti House Museum and Garden
HISTORIC DOWNTOWN JEWEL
Sanguinetti House Museum and Garden is tucked behind a vine-covered archway in the heart of downtown Yuma and is known as the Jewel of Historic Yuma. This enchanting historic home features period furnishings, exhibits about Yuma's past, and beautiful gardens that offer a peaceful retreat from the desert heat. Visitors can explore this cherished piece of Yuma history and learn about the influential merchant E.F. Sanguinetti, whose 19th-century home now preserves important aspects of the region's heritage.
10. Martha's Gardens Date Farm
FAMOUS DATE SHAKES
Martha's Gardens Date Farm is renowned for making the best date shakes in the region, using dates grown right on their property. Visitors can tour the date palm groves to learn about the cultivation and harvesting of this desert fruit that has become an agricultural staple in Yuma. The farm also offers a gift shop where guests can purchase various date products, from fresh dates to jams, syrups, and other specialties made from their harvest.
11. Yuma River Tubing
LAZY RIVER ADVENTURES
Yuma River Tubing Company offers visitors the chance to enjoy a lazy sunset float on the Colorado River from Centennial Beach. This popular local activity provides a refreshing way to experience the natural beauty of the river while beating Yuma's famous heat. Floating on inner tubes along the gentle current, visitors can observe riverside wildlife, enjoy scenic views, and participate in a favorite recreational pastime of Yuma residents.
12. Lute's Casino
HISTORIC POOL HALL RESTAURANT
Lute's Casino, despite its name, is Arizona's oldest pool hall and a beloved restaurant in downtown Yuma where visitors can gawk at memorabilia festooning the walls and ceiling. The casual eatery is famous for Lute's Special, a unique combo cheeseburger/hot dog slathered in hot sauce that has become a local culinary legend. Both locals and tourists flock to this historic establishment to enjoy the quirky atmosphere, play pool, and experience a genuine piece of old Yuma.
13. Prison Hill Brewing Company
YUMA'S ONLY MICROBREWERY
Prison Hill Brewing Company is Yuma's only microbrewery, offering beer flights with fancifully named pours like Jailbait Blonde and Disorderly Conduct IPA. The brewery's prison-themed concept pays homage to Yuma's famous territorial prison while providing visitors with craft beer experiences in a casual, fun atmosphere. Located in the historic downtown area, this popular establishment combines local brewing innovation with Yuma's rich frontier history.
14. River City Grill
REFINED CASUAL DINING
River City Grill offers a more refined, yet casual dining experience in Yuma with a menu featuring Asian influences and gluten-free options. Owned by transplants from Portland, this restaurant brings a contemporary culinary perspective to Yuma's dining scene while incorporating local ingredients. The establishment's sophisticated atmosphere and diverse menu make it a standout dining destination for visitors looking to experience Yuma's evolving food culture.
15. Yuma Proving Ground Heritage Center
MILITARY TESTING FACILITY MUSEUM
The Yuma Proving Ground Heritage Center showcases the history and current operations of one of the U.S. Army's largest military installations for testing equipment and munitions. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring military vehicles, weapons systems, and displays explaining how the desert environment makes Yuma an ideal location for testing military technology. This educational facility offers insight into the significant role the Yuma Proving Ground has played in national defense since World War II.