20 Things To Do at the Grand Canyon for Your First Visit

The Grand Canyon is one of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the United States. While many people are aware of the most popular things to do at the Grand Canyon, like the skywalk, there are many hidden gems you may not be aware of.

You can head to the South Rim to visit some of the museums, the famous visitor center and a hidden ranch in a remote part of the canyon. If you’re looking for a quieter visit, you can head to the North Rim, which is great for hiking and stargazing. There is also Grand Canyon East and the West Rim, so we suggest doing plenty of research before deciding which rim is the best for you. 

The Grand Canyon is one of the top travel destinations in the U.S., and these are just some of the things you can do while visiting. Read on to learn about activities and attractions that everyone can enjoy. 

1. Enjoy sweeping panoramic views at the Desert View Watchtower

Time needed: 1 day

Price: $179

This 70-foot-tall tower was originally designed in 1932, and it offers panoramic views of the area. This incredible tower is located in the Grand Canyon’s South Rim, and it’s one of the most popular historic landmarks in the area. Visitors can go inside the tower and climb its four levels for awe-inspiring views of the area.

2. Embrace the Southwest on the Sedona to Grand Canyon Day Trip

Time needed: 8 - 10 hours 

Price: $179

If you enjoy road trips, the scenic drive from Sedona to the Grand Canyon is right for you. You can sit back and relax while you take this two-hour ride from Sedona to Flagstaff before arriving at the Grand Canyon Village. Once you arrive at the Grand Canyon, you’ll have time to visit some of the best attractions in the Grand Canyon’s south Rim. 

3. Test Your Bravery at the Grand Canyon Skywalk

Time needed: 1 - 2 hours

Price: $68 or more

The Grand Canyon Skywalk is one of the most exhilarating things to do at the Grand Canyon. Built in 2007, this bridge juts 70 feet out over the Grand Canyon’s West Rim and has a glass floor to give you unique views of the area. This bridge is one a marvel of engineering and is built with 1.2 million pounds of steel. The skywalk sits 4,000 feet above the canyon floor, but don’t worry, it can withstand winds up to 100 miles per hour.

4. Ride on the Grand Canyon Railway

Time needed: 8 hours

Price: $135 or more

For those who love trains and American history, the Grand Canyon Railway is an attraction you won’t want to miss. The train’s tracks were built back in 1901, and the train will take you on a scenic journey around the canyon. The train is located at the South Rim, and the ride lasts about two hours each way. It departs from Williams and arrives in the Historic Village where you’ll have three hours to hang out at the canyon before returning.

5. Stop at Different Viewpoints on the Grand Canyon South Rim Tour

Time needed: 14 hours

Price: $129

This one-day bus tour takes you along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. While on the bus, you’ll travel the length of the 277-mile-long Grand Canyon as you experience a variety of great views along the way. This bus stops at different viewpoints and allows you to walk along the canyon. You’ll have opportunities to take great pictures and stop at the visitor center as well before heading back.

6. Enjoy the Solitude of the Grand Canyon North Rim

Time needed: 3 - 4 hours

Price: Free

The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is the more popular area and sees millions of visitors each year, but the North Rim provides visitors with a more secluded and intimate experience. The North Rim has breathtaking scenery and is at a higher elevation than the South Rim at over 8,000 feet. When choosing which rim of the Grand Canyon to visit, the North Rim may be more to your liking if you’d like a less busy area.

7. Visit the Popular Grand Canyon Visitor Center

Time needed: 1 day

Price: Free

The Grand Canyon Visitor Center is a point of interest everyone should visit when at the South Rim. The visitor center was built in the 1930s by the National Park Service, and it still maintains its rustic architecture from that era. Inside, you’ll find different exhibits to learn about the canyon’s geological wonders and the plants and animals from the region. 

The center also has park rangers who are happy to answer any questions you have and can tell you about lesser-known activities and spots in the area.

8. Be in Awe at the Grand Canyon IMAX Theater

Time needed: 35 minutes

Price: $10.50 or more

One of the most popular attractions at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center is the IMAX theater. Here, you can watch the “Grand Canyon: Hidden Secrets” film narrated by the one and only Morgan Freeman. This film provides a wondrous aerial view of the region and takes you on a tour of the depths of the Grand Canyon. You’ll also see some of the area’s hidden waterfalls and most remote viewpoints.

9. Star Gaze at the Tuweep Area

Time needed: 1 - 3 hours

Price: Free

The Tuweep Area is located in the northwest region of the Grand Canyon, and this is a great spot if you want something quieter to do than the busy South Rim. You can explore the Grand Canyon on one of the many hiking trails in the area and visit the iconic Toroweap Overlook. If you stay until the evening, this area away from the city gives you dazzling views of the stars.

10. Lodge Luxuriously at the Grand Canyon Glamping Resort

Time needed: 1 day

Price: $200

If you enjoy camping but want to do it in style, you can go glamping at the Grand Canyon. Glamping is the fusion of glamor and camping, so you’ll have a plush bed to sleep in and a functional bathroom as you stay the night. The glamping resort is located on a local ranch, with options to upgrade your tipi, tent or wagon if you want better views of the canyon.

11. Take the Grand Canyon Aerial Tour (AIR)

Time needed: 3 hours

Price: $865

For the best views of the Grand Canyon, you’ll need to take to the air, and that’s exactly what you can do on this aerial tour. Taking off from Phoenix, AZ, passengers take a one-hour flight to the Grand Canyon, and you’ll soar past a wide range of scenic areas along the way. The flight takes you past the Painted Desert, the Navajo Indian Reservation and the San Francisco peaks as you fly 1,000 feet above the area.

12. Take a Walk to Mather Point

Time needed: About 2 hours

Price: Free

Mather Point is one of the more accessible things to do when visiting the Grand Canyon. Unlike some of the other areas, Mather Point has a short, paved walk from the visitor center. This makes it a great spot for people of all ages and abilities. From Mather Point, you’ll have panoramic views that stretch 30 to 60 miles in either direction. This spot is also incredible at night for stargazing.

13. Road Trip Along Desert View Drive

Time needed: About 4 hours

Price: Free

This 23-mile ribbon of road goes along the Grand Canyon’s South Rim and provides breathtaking views for those looking to sightsee from the comfort of their car. The route was built specifically for sightseeing back in the 1930s and maintained a rustic charm. On this short road trip, you’ll be able to stop at a series of different viewpoints where you can stop and admire the region.

14. Take the Grand Canyon and Antelope Canyon Overnight Tour

Time needed: 1 day (Overnight)

Price: $425

If you’re looking to spend more than a day at the Grand Canyon, this overnight tour may be right for you. This tour goes to Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon, and you’ll enjoy hiking while also hearing about the area from a local ranger. This tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as entrance fees and breakfast.

15. Learn About Native American History at the Tusayan Ruins and Museum

Time needed: Your choice

Price: Free

The Tusayan Ruins and Museum is just a few miles west of the South Rim, and it’s the perfect place to take in some cultural history from the area. This hidden gem provides visitors with a view into the lives of the Puebloan people from the area. It’s estimated that the ruins have been there since between 1185 and 1200 AD. Here, you can learn about the major tribes from the area, including the Havasupai, Hopi, Hualapai, Navajo and Paiute.

16. Overlook the Canyon at Yavapai Point

Time needed: 1 - 2 hours

Price: Free

Yavapai Point is near the South Rim, offering picturesque views of the canyon’s incredible panoramas. From this point, you’ll be overlooking Bright Angel Canyon, the Colorado River, and Plateau Point. While visiting Yavapai Point, you can also head over to the geology museum to learn about the region’s iconic landscape. 

17. Have an Exclusive Stay at the Phantom Ranch

Time needed: 1 day

Price: $213.50 - $953

The Phantom Ranch is over 100 years old, and not only is it one of the area’s most historic spots, but you can also book a room. They have dormitory-style bunk houses and cabins, which are great for family trips. Here, you will learn about the ranch’s rich history and how people in the early 20th century were able to maintain the lodge deep within the canyon.

Due to the ranch’s remote location and high demand for rooms, they use a lottery system to randomly select guests.

18. Trot Along on the Grand Canyon Horseback Tour

Time needed: 6 hours

Price: $150

If you’re visiting Las Vegas, you can book a horseback tour at the Grand Canyon. This horseback tour picks you up from your hotel, and you’ll stop by the Hoover Dam along the way. Then, it takes you to a ranch near the West Rim of the Grand Canyon. The tour is about one hour long, and it takes you around the ranch and through the nearby Joshua Tree Forest.

19. Ride in Style on the Grand Entrance Grand Canyon Tour - Pink Jeep

Time needed: 2 hours

Price: $121

Take a ride in a bright pink Jeep® as you tour around the Grand Canyon. This is an open-air pink Jeep Wrangler, so your view won’t be obstructed as you take this two-hour tour. Along with the ride, you’ll have an expert tour guide who will tell you about the area as you travel up to Grandview Point. Here, you’ll take a short walk around the area before heading back.

20. Go Hiking on the Rim Trail

Time needed: 1 day

Price: Free

Rim Trail is a 13-mile trail that goes from South Kaibab Trailhead to Hermits Rest. This trail dates back to the early 1920s, long before paved paths and when supplies were transported by mules. If you enjoy hiking, this is the perfect place to visit. You’ll go through the vistas as you marvel at the colorful layers of rock. On the trail, you can take a short, relaxing walk or do a longer trek if you’re in the mood to explore.

Get Discounts on Your Grand Canyon Trip

Whether you’re going on a family trip, planning a romantic weekend or going on vacation with friends, the Grand Canyon has plenty to do for everyone. Save on hotels and book with ease using your AAA membership, and get roadside assistance benefits to give you peace of mind on the road. Take advantage of discounts and more by booking your trip through AAA Travel, today.