Yuma, Arizona is a unique desert city located along the Colorado River near the California-Arizona border. With its warm winters and hot summers, Yuma attracts visitors year-round who enjoy outdoor recreation, water sports, and exploring the Old West.
This blog post highlights the top 15 things to see and do in Yuma for first-time visitors. From historic sites to family activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this sunny southwest town.
Enjoy the Outdoors at Colorado River State Historic Park
One of Yuma’s best attractions is the Colorado River State Historic Park. This park protects the history and natural beauty of the Colorado River. Visitors can fish, boat, camp, hike desert trails, have a picnic, or tour the historic Yuma Territorial Prison.
Don’t miss the River View Overlook for panoramic views of the winding Colorado River. The park also offers living history events like blacksmith demonstrations.
Relax at Gateway Park
Located downtown along the Colorado River, Gateway Park is a popular place for fishing and picnicking under shade trees. Visitors can stroll along the paved riverfront path, play on the playground, or launch their boat at the public ramp.
The park’s centerpiece is the historic Ocean-to-Ocean Bridge over the Colorado River. Don’t forget your camera for photos on the bridge.
Learn About Aviation at Yuma International Airport History Museum
The Yuma International Airport History Museum showcases Yuma’s role in aviation history. Visitors can explore military aircraft and see memorabilia from when Yuma’s airport served as a World War II aviation base.
There are vintage planes on display, antique aviation equipment, and a model of the original air tower. Aviation buffs will love this unique museum.
See the Stars at Yuma Conservation Garden
For a night of stargazing, head to the Yuma Conservation Garden. This botanical garden has an observatory with telescopes for viewing planets, nebulas, and galaxies. Check their calendar for astronomy events like meteor showers.
During the day, wander through stunning desert gardens and see native plants like cacti, ocotillo, and desert willow. There are also resident desert tortoises.
Splash Down Water Slides at Wet ‘n’ Wild Waterpark
On hot sunny days, cool off at Yuma’s popular Wet ‘n’ Wild Waterpark. Families will love the Wet ‘n’ Wild wave pool, speed slides, tube slides, and splash zones.
For tiny tots, there’s a children’s play area with mini slides and a giant dumping bucket. When you need a break, grab food at the on-site restaurant. Buy discounted tickets online.
Learn Something New at Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park
Step back in time at the infamous Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park. This prison housed thousands of dangerous prisoners from 1876 to 1909. Join a guided tour to walk through the yard, rows of darker cells, and solitary confinement.
Don’t miss the exhibit about the inmates and their daring escape attempts. History buffs will appreciate this look into the Old West prison system.
Try Your Luck at Paradise Casino
For fun and games, head to Paradise Casino in Yuma. This lively casino has over 21,000 square feet of gaming with slots, video poker, table games, bingo, and live poker. Stop into their restaurant for burgers, tacos, or prime rib.
To enjoy your winnings, book a hotel room in their connected 149-room hotel tower. The casino offers free shuttles around Yuma too.
Grab Tacos & Margaritas on Main Street
Downtown Yuma has a fun historic Main Street with local restaurants and shops. Grab authentic Mexican food and fresh fish tacos at Chretin’s Mexican Restaurant or other local joints.
Outdoor patios, margarita specials, and live music create a festive vibe. Browse the antique stores and boutiques after eating.
See Wildlife at Mittry Lake Wildlife Area
Birdwatchers and nature lovers should visit the Mittry Lake Wildlife Area managed by Arizona Game and Fish. The lake and marsh attract over 200 species of birds as they migrate and breed.
Hiking trails wind through the cattails and cottonwoods surrounding the lake. Look for herons, egrets, ducks, and geese. Picnic tables dot the shoreline for lakeside lunches.
Play a Round of Golf in the Desert Sun
With over 300 days of sunshine annually, Yuma is a golfer’s paradise. Tee off at one of Yuma’s championship golf courses like Desert Hills Golf Course or Yuma Golf & Country Club.
Designed through sand dunes and desert arroyos, these lush courses offer 18 holes of premier playing. Test your skills on unique hazards like deep bunkers and water features.
See Ancient Artifacts at Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park
In addition to the infamous prison, the Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park contains the Yuma East Wetlands and the Yuma Crossing. Visitors can hike an interpretive trail around stone terraces and irrigation canals built by ancient Native American tribes who lived in the Yuma area centuries ago.
The trail features replicas of Native American homes, hunting blinds, petroglyphs, and grinding stones giving a glimpse into the past indigenous cultures.
Shop at West Wetlands Park
For shopping, dining, and entertainment, head to the West Wetlands Park retail district. Name brand stores like Target, Best Buy, and Ulta are joined by chef-driven restaurants and a 12-screen movie theater.
Kids can splash on the Splash Pad while adults browse the shops. Special events like outdoor concerts take place here too.
Tour the Historic Sanguinetti House Museum
History lovers should visit the Sanguinetti House Museum run by the Yuma Historical Society. This beautiful Victorian home built in 1871 lets visitors experience what life was like for early Yuma settlers.
Wander through the period furnishings, vintage photographs, and relics. Outside, stroll the gardens while imagining yourself back in the late 1800s.
Cruise the Colorado River
No trip to Yuma is complete without getting out on the Colorado River. Take a river cruise on the Yuma Queen sternwheeler or book a jet boat tour to see Yuma from the water.
Cruises pass through the Yuma Riverbend where the river changes direction and formed Yuma’s important river port. Guides share history and wildlife facts.
Conclusion
With a vibrant riverfront setting, Old West charm, and abundant outdoor activities, Yuma is an ideal destination in southwestern Arizona. Nature lovers, families, history buffs, golfers, and water sports fans will all find memorable experiences.
Use this list of the top 15 things to do in Yuma to plan your Arizona desert getaway. From historic prisons and museums to river cruises and nature parks, Yuma offers fun and adventure throughout the year.
