Are you looking for an epic couple’s getaway without leaving the states? While Arizona may not seem like the most romantic part of the country, the state offers stunning desert scenery, thrilling activities, peaceful gardens, and so much more.
So, for nature-loving couples, you’ll find many romantic things to do in Arizona.
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The following list of fun things to do in Arizona for couples will help you plan a unique and memorable couples vacation or honeymoon.
Visit The Grand Canyon
Of course, the most famous attraction in Arizona is the Grand Canyon. If you have never visited this incredible natural formation, taking a day trip to the Grand Canyon will surely be a highlight of your romantic Arizona getaway.
Phoenix and Flagstaff are the closest cities to the Grand Canyon, making it easy to access. Flagstaff is just 1.5 hours away, and Phoenix is a 3.5-hour drive.
The immense canyon is 277 miles long and 18 miles wide, yet the national park extends for 4,926 kilometers, reaching the borders of Nevada and Utah.
Therefore, you’ll most likely want to stick with a few highlights, such as Mather Point, Meteor Crater, and Havasupai Falls. What’s more, be sure to check out the incredible Grand Canyon Skywalk and travel by car along Desert View Drive for numerous epic viewpoints.
An alternative, super romantic way to see this incredible national park is the Grand Canyon Railway, a 64-mile heritage railroad. The train departs daily from Williams city, 30 miles west of Flagstaff.
Onboard, you’ll enjoy entertainment and dining as you admire the spectacular views.
Take A Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride
Without a doubt, one of the most romantic things to do in Arizona is taking a hot air balloon ride over the Sonoran Desert as the sun rises over the horizon.
This is not only one of the most popular honeymoon activities in Arizona but an excellent way to mark a special occasion such as your anniversary.
Several companies in Phoenix offer private balloon expeditions all year round, costing around $500.
Typically, you’ll take off for your flight about 6 am and will have 45 to 60 minutes in the air, admiring the unobstructed 360-degree views of the desert life below you.
Along with seeing the sky turn from dark to light, you’ll spot exotic desserts, plants, and maybe even some wildlife.
The experience doesn’t end after your flight. Another reason why this is one of the best things to do in Arizona for couples is that you’ll enjoy a gourmet champagne breakfast afterward, in the heart of the desert.
And if you’re thinking of popping the question, the flight organizers and crew can facilitate this momentous occasion.
Go Rafting Down The Lower Salt River
If adrenaline-filled water sports are your kind of romantic activity, head to Lower Salt River, 30-miles east of Phoenix. The 200-mile long river has class II to IV rapids, making it suitable for all-level rafters.
You’ll take to the rapids in the 2,000-foot deep Salt River Canyon, learn about the area’s history, and spot some native wildlife, too.
There are plenty of rafting companies that offer half-day and full-day trips. Half-day trips cost around $99 per person, whereas a full-day adventure will set you back about $149 for a standard raft.
You can also upgrade to a smaller “premium” raft that will give you a more intimate experience.
Stroll Around The Desert Botanical Garden
The Desert Botanical Garden is one of the most romantic spots in Arizona, no matter the time of year. The 140-acre garden features a diverse range of desert flora and fauna well beyond the typical cactus.
There are an estimated 50,000 plants within the grounds, which you can explore via various short trails, split into 1/4 mile loops and equaling one mile and a half in total.
You’ll find this gorgeous place in Papago Park, next to Phoenix Zoo. Admission costs $25, and if you stroll around at a leisurely pace, stopping to admire the unique plant life, you can easily spend a couple of hours here.
Take A Private Jeep Tour Through Tonto National Forest
Aside from the Grand Canyon, Arizona’s second most popular nature spot is probably Tonto National Forest. Tonto spreads over 2.9 million acres and is the sixth-largest national forest in the USA.
The forest features various altitudes from 1,300 to 7,900 feet, making it an excellent place to explore on foot, by quad bike, or via a jeep safari.
Several companies offer private sunset jeep tours through Tonto National Forest, making for one of the most unique but romantic things to do in Arizona.
First, you’ll be whisked around bumpy but scenic off-road trails, exploring deep into the forest.
Then, for sunset, your guide will drive you to a quiet panoramic lookout point where you and your partner can experience the world-famous Arizona sunset.
Private jeep tours range between $150 and $250 per person and will give you 2 and 3 hours of unforgettable fun.
Hike To Cathedral Rock
Cathedral Rock in Sedona is one of the most photographed sights in Arizona and a beautiful place to visit on your couple’s vacation. If you’re avid hikers, you’ll surely want to trek up the sandstone formation to experience the fabulous views over Sedona.
However, to make it a truly romantic experience, I recommend heading up a couple of hours before sunset. By this time, the heat will have subsided, and you’ll get to catch the beginning of twilight yet still make it down before it gets totally dark.
There are various trails to reach Cathedral Rock, but one of the most scenic ones is from the Baldwin Trailhead. It’s a 3.7 miles round trip, and it takes around 1.5 hours to reach the top.
However, you can always opt for a shorter 1.20-mile trail. This one takes approximately one hour to complete (both ways), but it still features a challenging climb.
Relax In The Japanese Friendship Garden
If you need a break from all the hiking and exploring, take a visit to the Japanese Friendship Garden. These gorgeous grounds make for an idyllic place to kick back and relax amidst beautiful nature.
The 3.5-acre garden is located in Phoenix, features a charming tea garden and tea house, and is full of Japanese culture.
This cute spot is easily one of the most romantic spots in Arizona, with plenty of things to see and do. However, one of the most memorable activities you can do here is joining one of the regular tea sittings.
This experience will have you sipping on matcha and traditional Japanese sweet tea in a truly tranquil environment. Admission to the garden costs $10 and is open from 9 am to 4 pm every day except Tuesdays.
Organize A Romantic Dinner In Arizona
Now you know some of the most fun things to do in Arizona for couples; you’re probably wondering where to enjoy a romantic dinner in Arizona to unwind after a busy day.
Here are three excellent choices throughout the state.
Reserve, Scottsdale
The upscale fine-dining restaurant, Reserve, is your go-to spot for a romantic dinner in Arizona, thanks to its intimate outdoor garden setting, top-class tasting menu, and divine wine pairings.
The alfresco dining experience features warm lighting, white linen tables, and attentive service.
The restaurant in Old Town Scottsdale offers a 12+ course french-inspired chef’s tasting menu. It changes seasonally and features premium dishes like caviar, foie gras, and petit fours.
You can also upgrade to the wine pairing option to enjoy a specially selected high-quality wine with each course.
Quiessence At The Farm At South Mountain, Phoenix
The high-end Quiessence restaurant in Phoenix is housed in a historic house near the back of the Farm at South Mountain, creating one of the most intimate and romantic spots in Arizona.
The restaurant specializes in farm-focused cuisine, using fresh, local produce for a unique farm-to-table dining experience in a semi-private, nature setting.
Chef Dustin Christofolo changes the menu slightly each week to keep it seasonal and fresh. However, you can expect to find high-quality cheeses, artisan bread, and handcrafted pasta alongside an extensive wine menu of local and international labels.
You can choose between indoor and outdoor seating, and the team is on hand to create an extra special romantic meal for you for special occasions.
Dahl & DiLuca Ristorante Italiano, Sedona
The Dahl & DiLuca Ristorante in West Sedona has been dishing out traditional Italian fare for 25 years. The beautiful restaurant features a villa-style setting with courtyard tables, colorful flowers, and a small cave.
Dahl & DiLuca has also received various awards for its intimate, fine dining experience.
On the menu, you’ll find all your Italian favorites prepared with top-quality ingredients. Highlights include polpette di carne, calamari fritti, and salmone al limoncello.
For dessert, you can tuck into bourbon-glazed chocolate torte with salted caramel gelato, triple Madagascar vanilla creme brulee, or classic tiramisu.
Book A Romantic Hotel In Arizona
On a couple’s vacation, you’ll probably want to stay somewhere a bit nicer than a roadside motel or inn.
Luckily, you’ll find many lovely romantic hotels in Arizona catering specifically to couples.
Rancho Manana Resort By Diamond Resorts
Rancho Manana Resort in Cave Creek is ideal for couples looking for total privacy as you can stay in a cozy private villa situated within the golf course grounds.
The resort has a huge outdoor pool and a courtyard with a fireplace and BBQ facilities. The location is super tranquil, yet there are plenty of excellent restaurants nearby.
Your villa comes complete with a fully-equipped kitchen, a wood-burning fireplace, and a dining area.
In addition, it features warm wooden furniture, marble countertops, tiled sinks, and all the amenities you could need, such as a microwave, coffee machine, and washer.
The Suites At Sedona
If you’re looking for a luxurious stay in the desert, you’ll love The Suites at Sedona. Here you will experience true indulgence, with a gourmet multi-course breakfast each morning and a homely spacious suite that you won’t want to leave.
Rooms here feature Native American motifs and artwork, fireplaces, and oversized rainfall showers, perfect for two. Many also have balconies and bathtubs, and hot tubs.
The Santa Fe suite is the best option for couples, with a private entrance, handcrafted bed, and an in-room jetted tub for two with a window fireplace next to it.
The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain
The Ritz-Carlton in Dove Mountain is set in the heart of Arizona’s nature, surrounded by canyons and mountains. So whether you’re looking to relax or are seeking adventure, the Ritz-Carlton serves as one of the most romantic hotels in Arizona.
The resort boasts excellent facilities, including three outdoor pools (one with a 235-foot water slide for the big kid in you) and a full-service spa that offers couples massages.
There’s also a tennis court, 27-hole championship golf course, four restaurants, and a wine bar on site.
All rooms have a private balcony with mountain or canyon views and floor-to-ceiling windows. Opt for the executive one-bedroom king suite featuring a separate lounge area and dining room if you’re looking for something spacious.
Or, for something more unique, you’ll love the intimate Fireside Mountain View king room that features an outdoor fire pit where you and your lover can stargaze at night.
Final Thoughts On Romantic Getaways In Bali
So, as it turns out, there are plenty of romantic things to do in Arizona, making this nature-rich desert state a fab choice for your next couple’s vacation.
From scenic sunset hikes to intimate candlelit dinners to thrilling honeymoon activities in Arizona, this is undoubtedly an excellent place to reconnect with your lover or take your relationship to the next level.
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