Fall in Arizona: Your Top Destinations for Autumn Fun
After the sweltering months of summer (often chalked full of lingering 110°+ days) in Arizona, residents and tourists alike can’t wait for fall to officially begin. Why? Because Autumn in the Valley means a departure from triple digits, gorgeous weather, an increase in outdoor activities, and the perfect time to visit some of the state’s coolest attractions. Plus, with Halloween making its big debut during the season, Fall is also the perfect time to get into some spooky family fun throughout the state— complete with amazing pumpkin patches, you-pick farms, and even changing fall leaves (in some parts).
If you’re looking to build out your bank of go-tos for fun things to do this autumn, don’t worry— we’ve created a list of some of the most fun AZ destinations, filled with loads of ideas for everyone.
So, take a look. Here’s our picks for Arizona’s top destinations (and what to do there) this fall.
Apple picking at Apple Annie’s Orchard
Why You’ll Love It:
In the charming town of Wilcox, surrounded by mountain ranges, is Apple Annie’s Orchard— a farm that’s roots go back to the 80s.
Nothing says fall quite like crisp air and even crisper fresh apples. At Apple Annie’s Orchard, you, your family, and friends can pick a variety of different apples, straight from the tree. Feel like picking something else? The farm also features pears, squash, okra, egg plant, green chile, cantaloupe, sweet corn, among many others. Even better, the farm also has a number of different seasonal events, including an Apple Harvest Celebration, their corn maze’s opening day, their Sunflower Spectacular, a Fall Pumpkin Celebration, and more.
Where is it?
Apple Annie’s Fruit Orchard
2081 W Hardy Rd
Willcox, AZ 85643
OR
Apple Annie’s Produce & Pumpkins
6405 W Williams Rd
Willcox, AZ 85643
Pick a Pumpkin at Mortimer Farms
Why You’ll Love It:
Mortimer Farms is not only beautiful in the fall, it’s also a fantastic destination to find the pumpkin of your dreams. Mortimer Farm’s pumpkin patch always boasts a huge variety of different pumpkins, no matter what size, color or kind you’re looking for. From massive orange giants, to small white tabletop beauties, you’ll be able to find pumpkins fit for everyone in the family.
Looking for a fun event where you can pick your pumpkin, enjoy the cool weather, and get all the fall feels? Mortimer Farms also offers its Pumpkin Fest & Corn Maze, beginning September 10th, which includes hayrides, zip lines, giant slides, and so much more.
Where Is It?
12907 AZ-169
Dewey-Humboldt, AZ 86327
Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride with Aerogelic Ballooning
Why You’ll Love It:
Between gorgeous weather and amazing desert views, fall is one of the best times during the year to float away on a hot air balloon. With a variety of options, like sunrise, sunset, and even nighttime rides (a rarity), Aerogelic is the perfect go-to for some amazing memories.
While prices and included experiences can vary depending on the package, many offer extras after touch down like picnics, champagne, hor'dourves, and first flight ceremonies.
Not wanting to lift off in the air with a basket full of strangers? No problem. Aerogelic also offers private charters that allow you and your party to take a relaxing ride without sharing the experience with strangers.
Where Is It?
2136 W Melinda Ln
Phoenix, AZ 85027
Visit the Gilbert Farmers Market
Why You’ll Love It:
The Gilbert Farmers Market is one of the most eclectic markets that you can visit in, chalked full of amazing local vendors that specialize in everything from sourdough to organic produce to peanut butter. The market, which runs every Saturday for 8am to 12pm during the fall/winter, is consistently stocked with some of the coolest fresh finds in the East Valley, along with food trucks, entertainment, and even games.
Vendors typically include well-known valley staples like Steadfast Farm, Hunter Jaymes Meat, AZ Kombucha Company, Benny Blanco Tortillas, Heartquist Hollow Farm, Honeybee Cookie Company, and so much more.
Where Is It?
222 N. Ash St
Gilbert, AZ 85234
Take a Yoga Class at Surya Sedona
Why You’ll Love It:
There are few things more breathtaking than Sedona in the fall. Amidst soaring red rocks, blue skies and bustling creeks stand trees with spectacular color changing leaves, something rare for the metro parts of Arizona. Even better? The fall weather in Sedona clocks in at a gorgeous 80° on average, making it the perfect time to take an outdoor yoga class amidst the stunning views.
What’s more, Sedona is famously known as a city with spiritual undertones, attracting yogis, meditators, psychics, healers, and the curious. Add to that a number of travelers from all across the country and, if yoga isn’t your thing, the people watching definitely will be.
Where Is It?
210 Sunset Dr Suite B
Sedona, AZ 86336
Hike Antelope Canyon with a Navajo Nation Parks and Rec Guide
Why You’ll Love It:
Let’s start by pointing out the obvious— Antelope Canyon is absolutely gorgeous! But viewing it with cool, crisp fall air can make the hike around the canyon even more spectacular. As the Southwest’s most visited and most photographed slot canyon, countless visitors flock to marvel in its beauty every year. The famed Arizona landmark is famous for its smooth, contoured canyon walls and gorgeous textures. In fact, Antelope Canyon has been the scene of countless photography sessions throughout the year.
Antelope Canyon can only be accessed via a guided tour, so ensuring that you go with a guide who’s been approved by the Navajo Nation is a must. Options include everything from hour and a half long walking tours, to full-on helicopter rides over the canyon.
Where Is It?
48 West Taylor Rd. #8966
Hwy 264
St. Michaels, AZ 86515
Check Out the Changing Leaves on the Fall Colors Tour w/ Verde Canyon Railway
Why You’ll Love It:
It’s one thing to see the amazing foliage of Sedona changing into beautiful fall colors— but it’s quite another to see it by train. The Verde Canyon Railway offers a renovated vintage train tour that chugs away along the Verde River. Plus with everything from champagne and premium liquors to delicious appetizers, your train ride is sure to be a deliciously enjoyable one.
Looking for other fun events? The railway also offers wine and beer tasting rides, Halloween jaunts, and even stargazing tours.
Where Is It?
300 N. Broadway
Clarkdale, AZ 86324
Go Wine tasting at the Caduceus Tasting Room
Why You’ll Love It:
If you’ve never been to Jerome, you’re in for a real treat. Chalked full of ultra-small town charm, the city boasts numerous shops, art galleries, restaurants and wine tasting rooms. One of the most well known of these is Caduceus Cellars, with a tasting room right on Main Street, and owned by Tool frontman himself, Maynard James Keenan.
The beautiful fall weather makes it one of the best times of year to sip vino, buy a few bottles, and explore the cozy little town of Jerome. So, if wine tasting is your thing, Caduceus Cellars definitely deserves a spot on your “must-see” list.
Where Is It?
158 Main Street
Jerome, AZ 86331
Picnic in Prescott’s Courthouse Square
Why You’ll Love It:
If you’ve lived in Arizona for any amount of time, you know that Prescott and Flagstaff tend to be well-known escapes from the valley heat. In fact, our neighbors up north tend to be the closest that we can get to seeing all four seasons in the state, including fall.
Take a break from the hustle and bustle of valley life, pack a basket full of your favorite lunchtime eats, and head up to Prescott for a picnic in its charming town square. With loads of shade and your choice of grassy areas to relax on, you’ll get to enjoy the beautiful weather, people watching, and may even hear some music from a performer or two while you’re there.
Where Is It?
158 Main Street
Jerome, AZ 86331
View the Stars at Lowell Observatory
Why You’ll Love It:
Pluto may have been downgraded from a full-on planet to a dwarf planet, but that doesn’t make it any less significant. In fact, Pluto was discovered in Arizona’s very own Lowell Observatory, perched atop Mars Hill, just west of downtown Flagstaff.
With gorgeous, crip fall weather and some of the darkest skies you can get in a city (thanks to Flagstaff’s light pollution laws), Lowell is an amazing family destination. You can book a private tour or do a walk-through of the observatory, see the stars and planets through Lowell’s telescopes, and even buy astronaut ice cream to enjoy afterwards.
Where Is It?
1400 W Mars Hill Rd
Flagstaff, AZ 86001
Catch an ASU Football Game
Why You’ll Love It:
For us, there are a few things that are quintessentially fall. Cooler weather, pumpkin flavored everything and, of course, football. So, why not spend some time outside, drinking a cold one, and cheering on Arizona State University during a fall football game?
Even better? ASU has some awesome tailgating and pre-gaming, typically involving things like sign making, entertainment, the ASU spirit squad, and more. So, whether you’re hitting the patio of one of the local bars, or attending the official tailgate party, rest assured— you’re gonna have a blast!
Where Is It?
500 E Veterans Way
Tempe, AZ 85287
Hunt for Ghosts in Tombstone
Why You’ll Love It:
The evenings can definitely get a little chilly in Tombstone during the fall months, but add to that the chills of hauntings and ghost stories, and you have a night to remember! The town of Tombstone sits in southeastern Arizona, and is well-known for its historic past (I mean, hello— there’s even a movie named after it!). But we think that one of the most interesting parts about the city is actually digging into the history and hearing all of the eerie details.
When you sign up for a ghost jaunt through Ghost City Tours, whether you’re a believer or not, you’re bound to have a blast! Tours focus on the spooky past of the town and its attractions, even taking you to some of the city’s most haunted places. The tour group even offers an all adult option so that you can be a chicken in front of your peers, not your children.
Where Is It?
500 E Veterans Way
Tempe, AZ 85287
Why You’ll Love It:
Tempe Town Lake can be one of the most unexpectedly fun destinations around the valley. With a walking/jogging path around much of the lake, beautiful views of the Tempe Center for Arts, and some exceptionally gorgeous sunset views, it can be a prime destination for that Insta-worthy photo. And these activities become even more enjoyable during the fall, when the weather is absolutely perfect for a jaunt on the water.
The lake is surrounded by great restaurants, places to grab snacks, and spots for great local drinks. Go a bit early and check out the fare on Mill Ave., and then rent a paddleboat at Tempe Town Lake. You’ll love paddling about around the water, taking in the sites, and hanging out with whoever you chose to be your first mate.
Where Is It?
80 E. Rio Salado Pkwy
Tempe, AZ 85281
Self-Tour the Desert Botanical Gardens
Why You’ll Love It:
The Desert Botanical Gardens is a Valley favorite, and can be a gorgeous place to learn more about our desert flora during a cool fall day. Whether it’s a day out with the family, or a date night, the Gardens are an amazing place to see thousands of species of plants, cacti, flowers and more— all across 55 acres.
Upon admission, just grab a map and take a stroll along the Gardens’ paths. You’ll see markers labeling the different flowers and plants as you pass them by. In the mood for something a little more structured? The Botanical Gardens host musical events, entertainment, tastings, and so much more, depending on when you choose to visit.
Where Is It?
1201 N Galvin Pkwy
Phoenix, AZ 85008
Have Dinner Al Fresco at LONS’s at the Hermosa
Why You’ll Love It:
Autumn in Arizona is perfect for a ton of activities, but maybe none more than eating al fresco. Lon’s at the Hermosa is definitely one worth taking the leap with, and is one of the Valley’s top rated restaurants, transporting you to a globally inspired dinner dream. With beautiful views and a huge outdoor eating space, Lon’s is ideal for when the weather is just right. Plus, with a ton of events (like seasonal harvest dinners and winemaker nights), there’s always something new to see (and eat).
Looking for a few recommendations? Lon’s offers an amazing tasting menu, delicious seafood, wood-fired steaks, and an amazing array of sides (including roasted garlic mash, charred brussels sprouts, grilled asparagus, and parmesan garlic fries). And if you have a sweet tooth, the restaurant also offers an impressive selection of treats, ranging from a shareable churro tree to their signature candy bar.
Where Is It?
6228 S. Desert Dawn Rd.
Camp Verde, AZ 86322
Take a Horseback Ride Along the Verde River with Verde Valley Adventures
Why You’ll Love It:
The Verde River is a sight to be seen, but it becomes even more of an experience when you view it by horseback. Verde Valley Adventures is a great way to tour the area, all with amazing views of mountains and wildlife. Plus, the company offers the only Verde Valley trail ride that actually takes you across the Verde River.
Looking for something even more breathtaking? Verde Valley Adventures also offers a sunset ride, where you’ll go on a one-hour adventure right next to the river. This is a perfect option for riding newbies or, if you want to make it a family event, for taking kiddos on the trail with you.
Where Is It?
1201 N Galvin Pkwy
Phoenix, AZ 85008
Grab a Pumpkin Porter from Four Peaks Brewing Co.
Why You’ll Love It:
The arrival of all things pumpkin is a clear indication that fall has officially arrived. This includes the famed Pumpkin Porter from Four Peaks Brewing Co. What makes it so good? With notes of nutmeg, allspice, clove, and pumpkin (to name a few), the beer is a dark brown king amongst beers. And it becomes even more enjoyable when enjoyed outside on Four Peaks’ patio. Plus you can scoop up a growler of Pumpkin Porter to take home to enjoy.
Looking for something tasty to pair your frosty beverage with? According to Four Peaks’ website, Pumpkin Porter pairs perfectly with pumpkin pie, bratwurst, gruyere, and toasted coconut cookies.
Where Is It?
1340 E. 8th Street, #104
Tempe, AZ 85281
Interested in tackling some of our top picks in the next few months? Don’t forget to drop us a message to tell us all about it! We can’t wait to hear about your adventures and all of your fall fun!
