What to do and see in Central Arizona, Central Arizona: The Best Cultural Tours

July 28, 2021 Hector Krause

Home to the Phoenix metropolitan area and its more than 3.4 million residents, Central Arizona offers an amazing array of museums, cultural venues and outdoor adventures. The Valley of the Sun boasts hopping nightlife and a thrilling selection of restaurants, resorts and spas. Discover Old West and Native American history. Hike among the cactus in the Sonoran desert. Try your hand at ranching in Glendale. Drive the Superstition Mountains. Visit Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West in Scottsdale.
Restaurants in Central Arizona

1. Private Grand Canyon Day Tour from Phoenix & Scottsdale

Scottsdale, AZ, USA DukOUT Adventures
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5.0 based on 6 reviews

The name says it all, “The Grand Canyon”, one of the World’s most magnificent natural wonders. This full day tour includes transportation from Phoenix/Scottsdale to the Grand Canyon where you will see the most incredible views of the Canyon, learn about its immense history, and enjoy lunch (included) looking out over one of the 7 natural wonders of the world. The profound history, culture, and local artistry will give you a sense of stepping back in time. The tour also detours through the Sedona Red Rock region to offer great views of the iconic rock formations as well as a short detour down historic Route 66 into Williams for a short stop at in this historic town.

Inclusions: National Park fees, Bottled water, Lunch, Snacks, Professional guide, Live commentary on board, Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only)

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By jjrush

Tyler made our day fun- a great, moderate, scenic hike with a quintessential western lunch. We stopped at lovely wineries with great wine. But best of all was Tyler..... he was the best date we ever paid for!!! ????

2. Phoenix Legends Bike Tour

1202 N 3rd St, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA Arizona "ING" Tours
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5.0 based on 22 reviews

Wander off the beaten path and into the heart of Phoenix to discover the ancient and modern legends hiding in charming historic neighborhoods, breathtaking architecture, iconic landmarks, mural filled alleys and more!

Inclusions: Use of bicycle, All riders will be provided with a bicycle, helmet, and water bottle. Options for for food purchases will be available along the way.

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Reviewed By 76DLM

My husband and I really enjoyed this tour. The tour guide was very informative and answered all our questions. I highly recommend this tour if you're looking for something to do. BE SURE TO WEAR COMFORTABLE SHOES! It's not a bad walk just a lot of walking.

3. Private Deluxe Grand Canyon South Rim Day Tour

Phoenix, AZ, USA DETOURS of Arizona
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5.0 based on 20 reviews

Take in unforgettable views of classic southwestern landscapes. Explore the Grand Canyon South Rim in this incredible private tour from Phoenix that covers the deepest and widest parts of the Grand Canyon National Park. This day tour of the South Rim spends approximately three hours in Grand Canyon National Park and some time on Route 66. Enjoy an amazing day exploring the incredible Grand Canyon National Park on this tour across the spectacular Arizona desert to see one of this nation's great natural wonders, you get an up-close look at the region's iconic sights. After you meet your guide and hit the road, make your first stop at Williams with a chance to check out the infamous Route 66. Once you arrive at the canyon's South Rim, enjoy about 3 hours to walk the rim, shop, capture some photos, and relax with the best seat in the house. Guests have time to check out the Native American Hopi House, Yavapai Lodge, and the Geology Museum.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation, Bottled water, All Fees and Taxes, Pickup and dropoff

Exclusions: Food, Gratuities

Reviewed By jp8140

My husband and I enjoyed everything about this trip! Our tour guide,Jason, gave much information about history and nature along the way.

4. Private Verde Canyon Railroad and Historic Jerome Tour

DETOURS of Arizona
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Highlights of this day tour include the mining town of Jerome, the historic Copper Art Museum in Clarkdale, and stunning views from your first-class seat and a delicious lunch at the Verde Canyon Railroad. After the pickup, our first major tour stop will be the historic mining town of Jerome. Soon after we'll visit the copper mining mecca of Clarkdale and the Arizona Copper Art Museum. From the museum, we will tour the historic Verde Canyon Railroad for a chance to be a part of that history. The very first tracks were put down over 100 years ago to transport local workers and ore mined from the surrounding Jerome mountains and are still in use today. With stunning views of the Verde Valley from either your first-class seats or your open-air viewing car, the casual elegance of the train allows guests to discover the heritage uniqueness of the landscape and its diverse ecosystem.

Inclusions: Bottled water, Appetizers aboard the Verde Canyon Railway, All Fees and Taxes, Professional, local guide, Pickup and Dropoff, Verde Canyon Railroad First-Class Tickets

Exclusions: Gratuities, Third Party Activities, Food unless specified above

Reviewed By jp8140

My husband and I enjoyed everything about this trip! Our tour guide,Jason, gave much information about history and nature along the way.

5. Private Tombstone Arizona and San Xavier Mission Day Trip

DETOURS of Arizona
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Travel back in time to one of the most famous Old West towns with a day on the streets of Tombstone. The home of the famous OK Corral lets you experience the lives of outlaws, businessmen, miners, and cattlemen who flocked to the area for a chance to strike it rich on the frontier. A ride straight from your hotel takes you out of the city for your visit to the historic town. While you're in Tombstone, pay a visit to the original gathering spots for outlaws and gunmen, like Big Nose Kate's Saloon and the Bird Cage Theatre, which earned a reputation as the wickedest nightspot between Basin Street and the Barbary Coast. True to the reputation of the Wild West, gunfights and stand-offs were a regular occurrence, and many of their victims are buried at the infamous Boot Hill Cemetery—named for the men who died and were buried, with their boots still on. On your way back, visit the White Dove of the Desert; one of the Southwest's best-preserved missions at San Xavier del Bac.

Inclusions: Pickup and Dropoff , Professional, local guide, Bottled water, Boothill admission

Exclusions: Gratuities, Lunch, Third Party Vendors and Attractions unless specified above

Reviewed By jp8140

My husband and I enjoyed everything about this trip! Our tour guide,Jason, gave much information about history and nature along the way.

6. Sedona Private Tour

Wander West Adventures
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

A private tour of the Sedona area with Steve or another amazing local guide. Itinerary is customizable by each guest, but stops typically include Montezuma Castle, Chapel of the Holy Cross, Tlaquepaque Arts Village, and Oak Creek Canyon/Indian Gardens for lunch (price of lunch not included). Guests will have two to three hours of free time and may also go on separate excursions like Jeep Tours (guide can make suggestions) as long as their pickup time can be met.

Inclusions: Bottled water, Parking Fees

Exclusions: Lunch, Gratuities

Reviewed By DeepFriedBits

Steve was a fantastic tour guide. He was super accommodating, is incredibly knowledgable of the history and natural resources highlighted in the tours and it was our pleasure to spend five hours with him on a tour of the Apache Trail.

7. Sedona Day Tour

Wandering Heart Adventures
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

This trip shows you the best attractions Sedona has to offer! You will get plenty of great red rock photos from the best viewpoints in town. These stops include the iconic Chapel of the Holy Cross and the airport road overlook. Time on your own will also be granted in the cultural uptown Sedona where all the shops, restaurants and wineries are located. We will round out the experience with a stop to the great artisan area known as Tlaquepaque. A hearty lunch is also included as well as all admissions. You will get the full Sedona experience in the comfortable 8-hour day trip.

Inclusions: Lunch, All Fees and Taxes, Air-conditioned vehicle

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Reviewed By Compass637620

We had a great time on our wandering hearts trip to the Grand Canyon and Sedona! Our guide was amazing as was the info provided and the trip was awesome!

8. Wupatki and Sunset Crater National Monuments Tour from Phoenix

Historic Arizona Tours Arizona
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

This day tour gives you the chance to venture north from the Phoenix area to see several historical sites that visitors come from around the world to see. This allows you to experience several very old locations that are so important in the history of Arizona. Luckily they have been preserved so visitors can still enjoy them as they have for hundreds of years. This makes a great day tour when the temperatures are rising in the Phoenix area as we climb to the cooler higher altitudes of the state. - Wupatki National Monument - Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument - Third Stop Options: - Museum of Northern Arizona or - Riordan Mansion State Historical Park or - Lowell Observatory - The Home of Pluto - Lunch included

Inclusions: Being in Arizona we always carry water for our clients.

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9. RoRo Street Art Tour

Phoenix Center for the Arts, 1202 N 3rd St, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA Arizona "ING" Tours
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4.9 based on 63 reviews

Street Art Lovers, Curious Travelers and Locals alike love this highly specialized, behind-the-scenes, fun and in depth look into the Phoenix Street Art Scene. Here's what you'll love! Together we'll . . . +Get the skinny on the Phoenix Street Art Scene, Mexican Muralism and the movers & shakers that are literally changing the face of Phoenix. + Walk through colorful alleys and behind buildings to see more than 30 larger than life murals along with the back stories of the artists that created them. +Decipher messages of illegal graffiti found in the form of stickers, wheatpaste, stencils, and more! + Connect the dots of hip-hop to the current street art scene. If you are looking for a rich cultural experience connecting you to the local vibe...this is it!

Inclusions: Guided Tour in English

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Reviewed By 990farmgirl

I am so happy we booked last minute! Lori Ann took us through parts of Pheonix we would have never seen, nor appreciated, on our own. She is well researched, and we heard great stories, learned history, appreciated landmark buildings and neighborhoods. She even purchased a couple of Mexican delicacies for us to sample on the way. And we bumped into a local historian, too! They love their city for good reason. We mostly rode through parking lots and wide sidewalks, so we felt very safe.

10. 1.5 Hour Scottsdale Segway Tour

Scottsdale Segway Tours, 4140 N Miller Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251, USA Scottsdale Segway Tours
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4.9 based on 93 reviews

Enjoy the beautiful scenery and learn about some of the history, art, and culture of our gorgeous city. Our guide will teach you how to ride a Segway in a large, controlled area and then you'll glide through the Old Town and Downtown area. You'll get a great introduction to more than 20 points of interests and walk away from the tour with several suggestions for local places to eat, visit, and shop throughout Scottsdale.

Inclusions: Bottled water, Use of Segway, Use of Helmet (required)

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By 406megw

Shane was the absolute best tour guide. We had a ton of fun and saw parts of Scottsdale we may have missed on our own.

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