Arizona is heaven for travelers; it offers numerous eco-friendly travel options and abundant tourist attractions. When you list things to do in Arizona for couples, you will be confused about which place to include and which to exclude. Not only this, but if you want a sustainable traveling experience, you need an expert guide to achieve your eco-friendly travel goal.
From exploring the stunning landscapes of the Grand Canyon to hiking through the serene trails of Sedona, there are plenty of sustainable options for couples seeking adventure and relaxation. We are here to help you find the places where you can enjoy the best of your time and travel in an eco- and budget-friendly way.
Grand Canyon South Rim
The Grand Canyon South Rim is a prime destination for eco-friendly travelers. You can visit the various hiking trails, including the most popular Rim Trail or the more challenging Bright Trail. The best option to save energy is to use the bus shuttle provided by the national park to get around the area. By avoiding your car, you can reduce traffic congestion and carbon emissions from your vehicle.
You can do various adventurous activities with your partner, such as hiking, cycling, mule trips, guided learning adventures, riding romantic railways, exploring the north rim, and visiting the center theater to watch a movie that takes you to every corner of the Grand Canyon, guiding you further for your tour.
Japanese Friendship Garden
The beauty of this garden spreads romance itself. Nestled in downtown Phoenix‘s heart, the Japanese friendship garden offers a beautiful oasis where couples can escape the urban hustle. The garden has Japanese-inspired landscapes, vibrant flora, and traditional architecture as you wander through. Additionally, the garden hosts various cultural events, offering a couple the opportunity to celebrate together sustainably.
Visiting Art Galleries
Arizona has many galleries showcasing exceptional works of art. Without visiting art galleries, your tour is incomplete. Various art museums and galleries display exceptional artwork, which you can take as souvenirs to your home country. Among the other famous art galleries, Miguel Camarena Art Gallery in Cave Creek, AZ, is currently the talk of the town. Their popularity is due to their deep connection with Arizonan culture and landscape. They have vast animal art, desert landscapes, a botanical collection, and more. If you are visiting Arizona, this art gallery is a must-have.
Musical Instrument Museum
Visiting the MIM is exciting for couples. You can see all the romantic vibes in the environment. This museum is known for its large collection of instruments from around 200 countries. It displays over 6,800 musical instruments, such as iconic guitars, mandolins, banjos, etc. Each instrument is accompanied by multimedia displays, videos, and interactive exhibits to mesmerize the visitors. They are all genuine and in good condition.
You will find five geographic galleries presenting music and culture. There is a 300-person sitting area for a live music performance at MIM Music Theatre. The museum operates from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day of the week, including Monday through Sunday.
Hot Air Balloon Ride
Hot air balloons are considered environmentally friendly and sustainable. This ride can turn into the most romantic ride ever for you. You can enjoy the sunrise with stunning views of the Sonoran Desert and mountains. Be sure to book your flight in advance. These rides are weather-dependent, so contact hot air balloon companies for the best ride time.
The Desert Botanical Garden
The garden is situated in Papago Park and covers about 140 acres. It has a vast variety of desert plants worldwide, with a special focus on plant species native to the Sonoran Desert. You will find many cacti, succulents, wildflowers, trees and shrubs. The place is ideal for creating memories with your partner and a couple-photoshoot.
Antelope Canyon
Flash flooding and wind erosion form these Antelope Canyons. It took thousands of years for the formation. They are narrow passageways with smooth, flowing walls, which create stunning otherworldly landscapes. Antelope has two regions, one named Upper Antelope Canyon or Tsé Bighánlíní. It is the place where water runs through rocks in Navajo. The other region is called Lower Antelope Canyon, or Hasdestwazi. Both reunions offer breathtaking landscapes to capture some unforgettable moments for partners.
Cathedral Rock
Cathedral Rock is a stunning rock formation in the Coconino National Forest near Sedona, Arizona. They are made up of red sandstone and limestone formations. Its distinctive spires and peaks rise dramatically from the desert landscape. This is a popular destination for hiking. You can enjoy the majestic views of the surrounding red rock formations, lush vegetation, and winding waters of Oak Creek.
Orpheum Theater
The theater opened in 1929. From an architectural perspective, it has a striking exterior with intricate carvings. The theater has a lavish interior, a grand lobby, and a majestic auditorium with royal moldings and chandeliers. The theater hosts various events, including shows, silent films, musical concerts, ballets, and operas. You can check their website for an upcoming event matching your trip dates. The Orpheum Theater contributes positively to the local community, which is one of the purposes of sustainable travel.
UnderTow
UnderTow is a unique tiki-themed cocktail bar in Phoenix, AZ. The golden age of maritime adventure with nautical decor, vintage artifacts, and ambiance inspires the bar’s theme. The bar is famous among youngsters for its extensive menu of exotic concoctions. The bar offers dim lighting and cozy seating areas like a ship’s cabin. Visiting UnderTow is more than just having a drink; it’s an experience, and you must visit the venue as a couple. By sitting in the bar, you can make new local friends.
Old Town Scottsdale
Old Town Scottsdale is a delightful destination for sustainable tourists. You can experience culture, outdoor activities, and opportunities to support local businesses. The town is known for pedestrian-friendly streets, so you can explore on foot or by bicycle. This way, you can reduce your carbon footprint. The town has a rich history and culture and is a spot for historic buildings, art galleries, museums, and public art installations. You will also find locally grown fruits, vegetables, and spices. There are surrounding desert landscapes where you can go hiking, biking, and a romantic nature walk with your partner.
Lake Havasu
Lake Havasu is a popular and sustainable tourist destination in Arizona. It is famous for recreational activities and the iconic London Bridge. You can enjoy hiking, kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, and boating. Camping grounds and eco-friendly lodging options are available near Lake Havasu. During your visit, ensure you do not dispose of trash in the water to save the environment.
Desert Horse Riding
Horseback riding in the Sonoran Desert can be a memorable and adventurous experience. You can explore unique landscapes with your partner. Opt for a tour operator to make your tour knowledgeable and guided. During your trail tour, be responsible for the fragile ecosystem and wildlife. The desert can be intense, so bring water, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a cowboy hat.
Enjoy Cuisine
Arizona is known for its Southwestern cuisine. You can enjoy bold flavors, spices, and grilled meats with your partner. Arizona’s popular foods include burritos, enchiladas, tacos, and tamales. Here are some famous restaurant recommendations for mouth-watering food.
- Tacos Crujiente
- Pa La Restaurant
- Tiki bar
- Lobby Bar At The Biltmore
- Clever Koi Restaurant
- La Grande Orange Grocery
- Jimmy and Joe’s Pizzeria
- Hillstone
Skiing At Snowbowl
If you visit Arizona in the winter, you should not avoid skiing at Snowbowl, located in the San Francisco Peaks near Flagstaff. This place offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forest. From beginner slopes to challenging black diamond runs, the place suits skiers of all levels and abilities. The ski season generally runs from late November to early April. However, the weather conditions can vary. In addition, Snowbowl has a lift system that provides quick access to the slopes, saving you waiting time.
Kierland Commons
It is a popular outdoor shopping and dining destination in Scottsdale. The mall has a wide selection of shops and boutiques. You will find many options, from a costly to a budgeted shopping experience. As far as dining is concerned, there is a variety, from casual cafes to fast-casual eateries to upscale restaurants or wine bars. You can also enjoy random live music performances and events.
Thrift Shopping
Phoenix is a hub of numerous thrift stores. Thrifting is indeed a sustainable and environmentally friendly shopping activity. You can get souvenirs, from cowboy hats to native American jewellery and tapestries. Some popular stores are Halo Thrift Store, Assistance League, and Flourish Thrift + Gift. By purchasing second-hand materials, you support the reuse of existing materials and discourage further manufacturing, thereby reducing waste.
House Of Comedy
If you want to make your day fun and laugh until you cry, you must visit House of Comedy. It is a popular comedy club located in Phoenix, Arizona. The venue regularly hosts live comedy performances. The house also offers a menu of food and drinks for patrons to enjoy during the show. So you can have a good laugh and enjoy appetizers and snacks.
Jerome Ghost Town
Jerome is a historic mining town in central Arizona’s mountains. It was once a thriving copper mining town in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The town is now famous for its well-preserved historic buildings and charming streets. You can visit the town museums and historic sites to learn about the past. Gerome is also known as a ”ghost town“, but don’t fall for the name. It is a lively place with galleries, restaurants, and striking accommodations. However, the town does have a haunted reputation with old buildings and ghost stories.
Chapel Of The Holy Cross
A stunning architectural wonder located in Sedona, Arizona. The chapel is built on the red rock cliffs. Its architecture is modern and minimalist, with surrounding panoramic natural landscapes. The place is a sacred space for prayer, meditation, and reflection. The chapel is open to visitors daily, and admission is free with available onsite parking. You can either pray inside or enjoy the stunning red rock views outside.
Oatman
Oatman is approximately 4 hours drive from Phoenix but worth visiting. This is a historic gold mining town. Here, you can find hundreds of burros that come down the mountains to the town for food. They are friendly with tourists; you can spend time with them and offer food. You can also visit the historic Oatman Hotel, enjoy ice cream, watch adventurous Gunslinger street shows, and participate in the sidewalk egg fry. You can also enjoy the famous Route 66 attraction while heading towards Oatman.
Take Away
In conclusion, Arizona offers a haven for eco-conscious travelers. There are endless activities for couples. You have various hiking, horse riding, dining, and shopping options. The cherry on top is awe-inspiring wonders like the Grand Canyon, botanical garden, Antelope, and the tranquil beauty of Sedona’s red rock landscapes. By embracing eco-friendly practices such as thrift shopping, supporting local businesses, and enjoying locally sourced cuisine, couples can minimize their environmental impact while creating unforgettable memories together.
