Yuma, Arizona, Travel Guide

Yuma, a city tucked away in the southwest corner of Arizona, is a sun lover’s paradise. And we don’t mean that lightly. According to the “sunshine hours” index by the World Meteorological Organization, Yuma experiences more than 4,000 hours of sunlight per year. In fact, it holds the world record as the sunniest place on Earth. 

“Yuma’s year-round sunshine and unique offerings make it a special place to visit. The Yuma community is just as warm as its sunny weather, offering a blend of cultures, a rich history, and the easygoing spirit of the Southwest,” Marcus Carney, executive director at Visit Yuma, shared with Travel + Leisure. “More sunlight means more time to enjoy all that the region has to offer—from sunrise hikes at Kofa National Wildlife Refuge to late-night floats down the Colorado River during the summer months, and plenty of activities in between.”  

This city has more of a small-town feel, and it offers easy access to some stunning natural scenery. Here’s how to plan a trip to Yuma, Arizona, including where to stay, what to do, and the best time to visit.

Best Hotels & Resorts

La Fuente Inn & Suites

La Fuente Inn & Suites offers visitors the chance to kick back and relax around its midcentury modern pool, lined with bright lime-green loungers ideal for sunning. Guests can choose between courtyard or pool-view rooms (several of which are ADA-compliant). There’s also complimentary breakfast in the lobby, as well as evening happy hour for mixing and mingling with other guests.

The Dandy House

Yuma has a fantastic selection of vacation rentals, including The Dandy House, a three-bedroom home close to all the action in town. The property is large enough for six guests and comes with plenty of communal spaces, such as a backyard fire pit, an oversized kitchen, and a living room with cozy furniture and a fireplace.

The Golden Bleu

Another beloved rental, this town house in Yuma is rated as an Airbnb guest favorite. The stylish home is large enough for up to six guests, and it’s even pet-friendly, so every member of the crew is welcome to come along. Cook a feast in the chef’s kitchen, dine next to the fireplace, and enjoy a bit more outdoor time in the home’s grassy backyard. 

Best Things to Do 

Kayak the Colorado River.

One of the best things to do in Yuma is getting on the Colorado River, and 3:10 Kayak and Paddleboard Rentals is happy to help. The company will deliver the equipment to the water’s edge, which you can rent for two- or six-hour sessions, or book for an entire day. 

Tour Castle Dome Mine Museum.

History buffs will love visiting the Castle Dome Mine Museum, which offers a glimpse at life in this mining town in the 19th century. Explore more than 60 preserved buildings, and venture into the caves to see a kaleidoscope of color thanks to the natural fluorescent and phosphorescent minerals lining the walls.  

Drive an ATV through the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area.

Get an adrenaline rush with an ATV ride through the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area, located just over the Colorado–California border near Yuma. The vast landscape made up of rolling sand dunes is the perfect place for some thrills with friends. Check out outfitters like Jet Rent for tours and rental information.  

Visit Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park.

Make one more Wild West-era stop on your tour of the city with a visit to the Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park. Travelers can explore the preserved prison cells and guard towers, as well as learn more about the inmates who spent time here in the 1800s. The park is open every day, except Thanksgiving and Christmas (Eve and Day for both).

Hike Telegraph Pass.

Head down Telegraph Pass for an afternoon hike. The trail is rated as moderately difficult and takes people on a 5.7-mile loop through rugged terrain, offering fantastic views at every turn. Make sure to set aside about three to four hours to complete the trek, and bring plenty of water because, as you already know, things can get hot and sunny around here. 

Best Restaurants

The Garden Cafe

The Garden Cafe offers a respite from the hustle and bustle, even if it’s just for a cup of coffee or two. The charming cafe is, as its name suggests, nestled within a garden, providing the perfect backdrop for breakfast. Go for plates like the Country Scramble, made with ham, cheese, green onions, tomato, and potatoes grown right in their garden. 

The Chile Pepper

Enjoy a little spice? Make your way to The Chile Pepper, a family-run restaurant known for its Mexican fare. Here, you can order a Sonoran-style burrito and top it with any number of salsas, or opt for a taco, including carne asada, asado chicken, and whole bean options.  

Naked Dates

It’s worth the 30-minute drive from Yuma to Wellton to visit Naked Dates. The certified organic, eight-acre farm grows medjool dates—and can buy them in bulk or get a taste of the product at the farm’s cafe and brewery. Try them in everything from date cookies and shakes to sandwiches such as a bacon date melt—and even a date ale. 

Best Time to Visit

“If you prefer fewer crowds and a slower pace, we recommend visiting April through October,” Carney explained. “The warmer summer months are great for sunrise hikes followed by a dip in the lake or river. Cool off in the afternoon as you dine around town, shop, or visit a museum.” As a hot tip, Carney noted the Sanguinetti House Museum & Gardens offers air-conditioning and “refreshing Shirley Temple drinks” for guests. And on those summer evenings, Carney suggested visiting “Lute’s Casino and taking in the Summer Jazz Series while you enjoy a Lute’s Special or potato tacos. Tip: During the summer months, we recommend calling ahead before visiting museums or attractions.” 

But, as Carney also noted, “With the year-round sunshine, there’s no bad time to visit Yuma. Truly!” 

How to Get There

American Airlines offers direct flights from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) or Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) to Yuma International Airport (YUM).

Travelers who prefer the rails can get there via two Amtrak lines: the Sunset Limited and Texas Eagle. Both will take you straight to the Yuma train station. 

Yuma is also easily accessible for road trippers, especially those coming from the American West. It’s just a 2.5-hour drive from San Diego or a three-hour drive from Phoenix, making it an ideal weekend getaway. 

How to Get Around

Attractions are quite spread out in Yuma, making a car the easiest way to get around. Bring your own or pick up a rental at Enterprise, Avis, Hertz, or Budget—all near the airport. Taxis and Ubers are both available across Yuma as well.

Public transportation is an option, too, via the Yuma County Area Transit (YCAT), which offers a fixed route around town. You can find a map and schedule on the YCAT website.