Planning a trip to the Grand Canyon? Stay in Tusayan, Arizona! Just minutes from the South Rim entrance, Tusayan is the closest town to Grand Canyon National Park. With scenic helicopter rides, IMAX experiences, and convenient lodging, it’s the perfect launchpad for your canyon adventure.
Tusayan, AZ Highlights:
- Grand Canyon National Park – South Rim: Iconic views, hiking trails, ranger programs, and dramatic sunsets just a few minutes away.
- Grand Canyon IMAX Theater: See a sweeping cinematic introduction to the canyon’s natural and cultural history.
- Helicopter and airplane tours: Take a thrilling aerial tour over the canyon with Papillon or Maverick.
- Kaibab National Forest Trails: Hike, bike, or horseback ride through ponderosa pine forests near town.
- Tusayan General Store: Stock up on snacks, souvenirs, and last-minute gear before heading into the park.
When I like to visit Tusayan, AZ
The best time to visit Tusayan is during the spring and fall (April–June and September–October), when the weather is pleasant for hiking and sightseeing without the peak summer crowds. Winter can bring snow and quiet beauty, but some rim facilities may be limited.
Tips for getting to Tusayan, AZ
- If you are traveling by car: Tusayan is located on Highway 64, just 7 miles south of the South Rim entrance. It’s about 1.5 hours from Flagstaff and 4 hours from Phoenix.
- By Air: Grand Canyon National Park Airport (GCN) is located right in Tusayan, offering charter and scenic flights.
- By Shuttle: The free seasonal Tusayan Route shuttle connects hotels in Tusayan to the Grand Canyon Visitor Center.
Where I like to stay in Tusayan, AZ
- Best Western Premier Grand Canyon Squire Inn – Full-service hotel with pool, restaurants, and a convenient location.
- Holiday Inn Express Grand Canyon – Comfortable and family-friendly lodging with breakfast included.
- Red Feather Lodge – Budget-friendly option with a cozy feel and walking distance to restaurants.
Best Things to Do in Tusayan, AZ
1. Canyon View Information Center
The Canyon View Information Center is based at the South Entrance Station of the Grand Canyon National Park and offers a wealth of information about the park; its history, and a variety of brochures, maps, park entrance tickets and information on various tours on offer. Four parking areas are available for cars, and a shuttle bus or a short walk takes visitors to the nearby to nearby Mather Point for spectacular views. A free Park-and-Ride shuttle bus system takes visitors to various outlooks in the area, as well as the Grand Canyon Village. The Visitor Center also features an array of exhibits, including a sizeable video-enabled relief map of the canyon, interactive trip planners, displays of historic artifacts, and a Science On a Sphere® program, along with a 20 minute movie called Grand Canyon: A Journey of Wonder, which takes visitors on a on a rim to river and dawn to dusk journey through the park. The Park Store sells a variety of park-related items such as books, souvenirs, and gifts and bicycles can be rented or used for guided bicycle tours between March and October.
Grand Canyon, AZ 86023, Phone: 928-638-7888
2. Grand Canyon Imax Theater
The Grand Canyon Imax Theater is an enormous six-story high by 82-foot-wide movie screen that shows a documentary on the Grand Canyon titled Grand Canyon: A Journey of Wonder. Using state-of-the-art IMAX® technology, 12,000 watts of digital surround sound and high definition imagery, the movie is visually stunning and takes audiences on a virtual reality experience through the Grand Canyon. The documentary delves into the history of the Grand Canyon, dives into the depths of the craggy canyons, soars over the over the rim of the canyon, and marvels at the fantastic scenery. Grand Canyon: A Journey of Wonder is 20 minutes long and is shown on the hour.
450 AZ-64, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023, Phone: 928-638-2203
3. Hermit Trail
The Hermit Trail is a favorite hiking trail in the Grand Canyon National Park that provides access to a historic area of one of the world’s natural wonders. The path also offers a more challenging route to the Colorado River for more experienced canyon hikers. Located 0.25 miles southwest of Hermit's Rest on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, the trail wanders 1.5 miles through ancient rock formations to the Colorado River and is accessible by shuttle bus from the Grand Canyon Village. The Hermit Trail also has unobstructed access to the Colorado River, and there is designated camping at the Park Service campsite.
All-Star Grand Canyon Tours Inc. ®, 2420 N. 3rd st. Suite D, Flagstaff, AZ, 86001, Phone: 928-814-8887
4. Pink Jeep Tours Grand Canyon
Established in 1960, Pink Jeep Tours Grand Canyon offers unique insight into the Grand Canyon on a Pink Jeep Tours Grand Canyon Tour. Tours are conducted in open-air Pink® Jeeps® and led by professional guides with unique insights and experiences which provide expert knowledge about each stop. Tour stops include the once-bustling tourist destination of centuries past known as Grandview, and a show at the IMAX which delves into the mysterious places of the Grand Canyon called Grand Canyon: Hidden Secrets. The tour includes admission fees to the park and tickets to see the IMAX movie: Grand Canyon: Hidden Secrets.
450 State Route 64 Tusayan, AZ-64, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023, Phone: 844-239-7465
Activities and Attractions for Couples:
5. Grand Canyon Scenic Airlines
Grand Canyon Scenic Airlines has been offering incredible airplane tours over the Grand Canyon for more than 90 years. Established in 1927, Scenic Airlines is one of the most experienced aerial sightseeing and tour operations in the world, having transported over 10 million more sightseers across the canyon since opening. Grand Canyon Scenic Airlines offers over 20 unique tours ranging in time from one-hour, air-only sightseeing flights, to three-day and two-night getaways at the canyon that take in some of the world’s most impressive and awe-inspiring landscapes. Scenic Airlines also offers customized tours for specific occasions such as incentive programs and company retreats.
1265 Airport Road, Boulder City, NV 89005, Phone: 800-634-6801
6. Maverick Helicopters
Experience the beauty of the Grand Canyon with a guided helicopter tour with Maverick Helicopters. Departing from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, the Canyon Spirit Tour travels over the beautiful Kaibab National Forest, home to the world's largest ponderosa pine forest and over the North Rim and the eastern end of the canyon which boast some of the most spectacular views in the entire canyon. The journey continues to follow the Colorado River upstream to the point where it meets the Little Colorado River with fabulous bird's-eye views of the Painted Desert, the Desert View Watchtower, Marble Canyon and Point Imperial, crosses the Colorado River over the South Rim and the Kaibab National Forest and lands back at the Grand Canyon Airport. The tour lasts approximately 45 to 50 minutes.
107 Corsair Dr., Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023, Phone: 928-638-2622
Where I Like to Eat in Tusayan, AZ
- Canyon Star Steakhouse & Saloon – Southwestern fare and live music in a rustic-chic atmosphere.
- Plaza Bonita – Mexican restaurant offering fajitas, margaritas, and generous portions near most hotels.
- We Cook Pizza & Pasta – Casual eatery with pizzas, pastas, and sandwiches great for families and hikers.
My favorite local events:
- Grand Canyon Star Party (June) – Weeklong stargazing event hosted at the South Rim, with telescope viewings and astronomy talks.
- National Park Week (April) – Celebrate with ranger programs, fee-free days, and special events in the park.
- Native American Heritage Days (Varies) – Cultural demonstrations, art, and performances held seasonally at the park.
My favorite day trips within 30 Minutes of Tusayan, Arizona:
- Grand Canyon South Rim Visitor Center (10 min) – Begin your park visit with maps, exhibits, and shuttle info.
- Desert View Watchtower (30 min) – Iconic stone tower with murals and panoramic canyon views to the east.
- Grandview Point (25 min) – One of the highest viewpoints on the South Rim with sweeping vistas and trail access.
- Grand Canyon Village (15 min) – Historic area with El Tovar Hotel, Hopi House, and Bright Angel Trailhead.
- Tusayan Ranger District of Kaibab National Forest (10–15 min) – Hiking, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing in peaceful pine forests.
Plan Your Trip