Things to Do in Yuma, Arizona
Yuma, Arizona, is a desert city with a unique blend of history, sunshine, and Southwest charm. Having explored its landscapes and cultural sites, I’ve found that Yuma offers a mix of outdoor adventure, fascinating history, and laid-back relaxation that makes it a memorable destination.
I’ve enjoyed wandering through historic sites that tell the story of the Old West, exploring scenic desert trails, and soaking up the year-round sunshine. From family-friendly attractions to peaceful nature escapes and cultural experiences, Yuma has something for every kind of traveler. Here are the places I recommend, and I think you’ll enjoy them too.
1. Castle Dome Mines Museum & Ghost Town
When I first made my way to the Castle Dome Mines Museum & Ghost Town, just about 45 minutes northeast of Yuma, I knew I had stumbled upon one of Arizona’s most unusual hidden gems.
This place felt like stepping into a Western dream, with weathered wooden buildings, mining equipment, and stories from over a century ago preserved in the desert air.
We wandered the vibrant ghost town streets, and I couldn’t believe how authentic everything felt—it’s one of the most underrated things to do near Yuma, and it easily became one of my favorite stops on a weekend getaway.
The museum itself is packed with cool artifacts that showcase the history of mining and desert living, and I found myself fascinated by the quirky details, from vintage bottles to old photographs.
It’s exciting to imagine the lives of the miners who once called this area home, and exploring the cabins and shops brought the magic of the Old West to life for me.
What I loved most was how affordable the experience was—it’s a brilliant idea for families, history buffs, or even a romantic day trip if you want something unique and off the beaten path.
I thought the views were spectacular too—the backdrop of the rugged Castle Dome Mountains adds an exceptional sense of place and makes every photo feel special.
If you’re looking for the absolute best way to mix history, adventure, and Arizona desert beauty, Castle Dome Mines Museum & Ghost Town is definitely it.
For me, it was one of those joyful and unforgettable experiences that turned an ordinary Yuma trip into something truly extraordinary.
2. Go off-road driving at Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area
Visiting the Sand Dunes Recreation Area near Yuma felt like stepping into another world, an endless playground of golden waves that stretch as far as the eye can see.
We found this spot to be one of the coolest and most exciting things to do in the region, and honestly, it’s one of my favorite desert adventures in Arizona.
The Imperial Sand Dunes, often called the Algodones Dunes, are just a short drive west of Yuma near the California border, and the vastness of the landscape is absolutely spectacular.
I thought the experience was magical—whether cruising across the dunes in an ATV, watching the vibrant sunset, or just climbing to the top of a ridge to take in the view, it all felt like a dream.
This underrated desert gem is also affordable fun, especially if you bring your own off-road gear, but there are rentals and guided tours that make it easy for everyone to join in.
What amazed me most was how family-friendly and versatile the dunes are; it can be a joyful playground for kids rolling down sandy hills, a romantic spot for couples chasing the sunset, or an adrenaline-pumping getaway for thrill seekers.
I loved capturing photos here—every shot looked like something out of a movie, with soft light hitting the shifting sands in the most unique way.
If you want the absolute best adventure near Yuma, the Sand Dunes Recreation Area delivers a mix of fun, beauty, and desert magic that you’ll never forget.
3. Visit Martha's Gardens Medjool Date Farm
We stumbled upon Martha’s Gardens Medjool Date Farm just east of Yuma, and it was an absolute dream of a visit.
This gem of a family-owned farm was founded in 1990 by Nels and Martha Rogers and began with just 300 date palms—now it’s grown to over 8,000 palms across 130 acres of desert glory near the Gila Mountains.
Stepping into its palm groves feels like entering a lush oasis, a unique contrast to the surrounding arid landscape—one of the most underrated pleasures near Yuma.
Touring the farm is hands-down one of the coolest things to do. We learned how growing Medjool dates is a labor of love—from manually pollinating each strand to bagging fruit and thinning clusters by hand—an amazing ritual that takes years to bear fruit.
The date shakes here are my favorite thing—rich, creamy, and spectacularly sweet without being cloying. Several visitors have called them the best date shakes anywhere.
We were thrilled by how there’s more than just dates: the farm’s little café and retail store offer sandwiches, salads, ice cream, gourmet snacks, and lots of organic goodness.
One moment that really stood out for us was sipping those shakes under the shade of the palms—it felt like the absolute best desert indulgence on a hot day.
Just remember—tours have very limited availability, so booking ahead is a brilliant idea.
For me, Martha’s Gardens is the perfect blend of education, flavor, and desert magic—a joyful, unique stop that’s both affordable and unforgettable.
4. See a production at the Yuma Art Center and Historic Yuma Theatre
The Yuma Art Center and Historic Yuma Theatre in the heart of downtown is one of the coolest and most underrated gems I’ve ever explored in Arizona.
This vibrant cultural hub immediately won me over with its mix of history, creativity, and joyful energy that makes every visit feel special.
We explored the art galleries first, and I loved how each display highlighted exceptional local and regional talent, offering a unique perspective on desert life and beyond.
The Historic Yuma Theatre next door felt like pure magic—restored to its 1912 glory, it’s a spectacular space where live performances, concerts, and classic films come alive in the most nostalgic way.
I thought the atmosphere was one of the absolute best parts; sitting beneath the old theatre lights with that vintage architecture surrounding me created an unforgettable experience.
My favorite moment was watching the curtains rise—it felt like stepping into a hidden treasure where the past and present meet in the most exciting way.
The affordability makes it even better, turning it into the perfect idea for families, couples, or anyone looking for a weekend getaway full of art and entertainment.
I couldn’t resist snapping photos outside—the historic façade of the theatre against Yuma’s lively downtown created a brilliant backdrop.
For me, the Yuma Art Center and Historic Yuma Theatre combine culture, history, and charm in a way that feels exceptional, unique, and truly unforgettable.
5. Learn about history at the Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area
Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area is one of the absolute best places to experience history, nature, and culture all in one spot, and it completely surprised me with how exciting and unique it felt.
This spectacular area stretches along the Colorado River in downtown Yuma, and it’s filled with hidden gems that showcase the city’s vibrant past and its joyful connection to the waterway.
We wandered through the beautifully restored historic sites, and I loved learning how this crossing once served as one of the most important gateways to the West—it was such a cool feeling to stand where pioneers, explorers, and dreamers once traveled.
The riverfront paths were one of my favorite parts; walking under the palm trees with the Colorado shimmering nearby felt both romantic and family friendly, a brilliant idea for a weekend outing.
I thought the combination of museums, historic buildings, and lush parks made the area truly exceptional—it’s the perfect blend of of education and fun, with plenty of affordable activities for everyone.
Exploring the Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park and the Quartermaster Depot within the heritage area added even more magic to the experience, giving us a glimpse into unusual and fascinating chapters of Arizona’s story.
Every corner felt Insta-worthy, from the river overlooks to the historic structures, and I couldn’t resist capturing photos that made the day even more memorable.
For me, Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area is a spectacular gem—underrated, vibrant, and unforgettable, turning an ordinary trip into something truly special.
6. Dinner at The Cove in Paradise Casino
Dinner at The Cove in Paradise Casino turned out to be one of the coolest surprises of my Yuma trip, and honestly, it became one of my favorite foodie experiences in town.
The restaurant sits right inside the casino along the Colorado River, giving it a vibrant yet relaxed atmosphere that felt both exciting and welcoming.
I loved how the menu offered a mix of affordable comfort food and more elevated dishes—everything from juicy steaks to fresh seafood, all served with generous portions that made it feel like a brilliant idea for a night out.
One of the absolute best parts for me was the prime rib—it was cooked perfectly and paired with sides that felt indulgent without being over the top.
We enjoyed cocktails that were both strong and refreshing, and sipping them while overlooking the glowing casino floor created a joyful vibe I didn’t expect.
The service was friendly and fast, which made the evening even more enjoyable, and I thought the overall value was exceptional compared to other casino dining spots I’ve tried.
What I found most unique was how versatile the setting felt—it worked just as well for a casual family dinner as it did for a romantic evening tucked into one of their cozy booths.
I couldn’t resist snapping a few photos of the plates—they looked as spectacular as they tasted, making the whole dinner even more memorable.
For me, The Cove is an underrated gem inside Paradise Casino, offering a joyful mix of flavor, atmosphere, and fun that’s hard to beat in Yuma.
7. Learn about history at the Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park
Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park is easily one of the most unique and exciting attractions in Arizona, and it quickly became one of my favorite stops in Yuma.
This unusual gem sits right along the Colorado River, and stepping through its gates felt like stepping into a Western movie full of grit, history, and stories that still echo through the stone walls.
We explored the original cells, guard towers, and the museum, and I thought it was absolutely spectacular how well preserved everything was—it gave me chills to imagine the lives of the inmates who once called this place home.
One of the coolest moments was standing inside the dark cell, a space once used for solitary confinement—it was both eerie and fascinating, and definitely a memory I’ll never forget.
I loved reading the prisoner records and seeing old photos; the details brought the history to life in such a vivid and unusual way that felt both educational and entertaining.
The views from the prison yard were surprisingly joyful—the Colorado River and surrounding desert landscapes created a brilliant backdrop that made for incredible photos.
What made the visit even better was how affordable it was, making it one of the best family-friendly attractions in Yuma while still being a romantic and adventurous stop for couples.
For me, Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park was an absolute best experience—underrated, vibrant, and filled with desert magic that turns history into something unforgettable.
8. Z Fun Factory, Yuma
Z Fun Factory in Yuma is one of those joyful, family-friendly gems that instantly puts a smile on your face and keeps the fun going all day long.
This exciting spot combines everything you could want in one place—go-karts, laser tag, batting cages, bumper boats, and even a huge arcade that felt like a dream come true for both kids and adults.
We started with the go-karts, and I thought it was the absolute best way to kick off the day—fast, thrilling, and so much cooler than I expected.
The laser tag arena was another favorite of mine; running around in the vibrant blacklight setting gave me such a rush, and it felt like one of the most underrated activities in Yuma.
I loved how affordable it was to bundle activities, making it a brilliant idea for families or groups of friends looking for a spectacular weekend outing.
The on-site mini golf course was a hidden gem too, with fun obstacles and colorful designs that made the game extra playful and memorable.
We ended the night with pizza and snacks from the café, and I couldn’t believe how convenient it was to have food, games, and entertainment all in one place.
My favorite part was the bumper boats—splashing around under the desert sun felt both unusual and absolutely awesome for a spot in Yuma.
For me, Z Fun Factory is the coolest mix of excitement, affordability, and family joy—an exceptional destination where every moment feels like a celebration.
9. Closing Thoughts on Yuma
Yuma is one of those destinations that completely won me over with its unusual mix of history, adventure, and joyful desert charm.
From the absolute best ghost towns and spectacular sand dunes to the vibrant art scene, hidden foodie gems, and family-friendly fun, every corner of this city felt like a brilliant surprise.
I loved how affordable and accessible everything was, making it a dream spot for a weekend getaway—whether you’re chasing history at the Territorial Prison, sipping creamy date shakes at Martha’s Gardens, or catching a show downtown at the Historic Yuma Theatre.
What stood out most to me was the variety: Yuma offers cool adventures for thrill-seekers, romantic escapes for couples, and exciting, playful attractions for families, all wrapped up in desert magic that feels truly unique.
For me, Yuma is one of Arizona’s most underrated gems, and I can honestly say it’s a place where every visit feels memorable, vibrant, and full of exceptional experiences worth sharing.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
