Things to Do in Yuma, Arizona
Searching for the best things to do in Yuma, Arizona? Well, you are in the right place! 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 during my two week stay, 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.
Where to Stay in Yuma, AZ
- Recommended for Families: 3-star Homewood Suites by Hilton Yuma – I stayed here with a group once, and the kitchenettes were a lifesaver. You’ll get space to spread out, a pool to cool off in, and a relaxed family vibe.
- For Couples: 3-star Historic Coronado Motor Hotel – I booked this for a weekend escape and really enjoyed the vintage charm. If you’re into history like I am, the on-site museum is a fun bonus. You’ll love how close it is to the old downtown, too.
- For a Budget Stay: 3-star La Fuente Inn & Suites – This is my go-to when I want comfort without splurging. You’ll get a good breakfast, a nice courtyard pool, and a laid-back atmosphere. I always leave feeling like I got a great deal.
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. That's why it's the first on my list of best things to do in Yuma!
We explored 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 for an hour, 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.
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.
Castle Dome Mines Museum & Ghost Town was one of those joyful and unforgettable experiences that turned an ordinary Yuma trip into something truly extraordinary.
My highlight were the spectacular views because the backdrop of the rugged Castle Dome Mountains adds an exceptional sense of place.
2. Martha’s Gardens
We stumbled upon Martha’s Gardens just east of Yuma, and it was an absolute dream of a visit for two hours.
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.
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.
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, a true personal highlight.
3. 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.
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.
4. 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 for three hours, 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 was unique, 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.
5. 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.
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.
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.
One of the absolute best parts for me and a personal highlight was the prime rib. It was cooked perfectly and paired with sides that felt indulgent without being over the top.
6. 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. Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park was an absolute best experience...underrated and filled with desert magic that turns history into something unforgettable.
7. 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, including 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.
My favorite highlight was the bumper boats, splashing around under the desert sun felt both unusual and absolutely awesome for a spot in Yuma.
Z Fun Factory is the coolest mix of excitement, affordability, and family joy.
Conclusion
Yuma is one of those destinations that completely won me over with its unusual mix of history, adventure, and joyful desert charm. I loved how affordable and accessible everything was, making it a dream spot for a weekend getaway or even just a quick Arizona day trip less than three hours from Phoenix.
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.
5. If you are planning to visit more than three national parks in the next 12 months, buy the America the Beautiful Pass.
