Yuma, Arizona, Journey Information

Yuma, a metropolis tucked away within the southwest nook of Arizona, is a solar lover’s paradise. And we do not imply that evenly. In keeping with the “sunshine hours” index by the World Meteorological Group, Yuma experiences greater than 4,000 hours of daylight per 12 months. In actual fact, it holds the world file because the sunniest place on Earth. 

“Yuma’s year-round sunshine and distinctive choices make it a particular place to go to. The Yuma group is simply as heat as its sunny climate, providing a mix of cultures, a wealthy historical past, and the easygoing spirit of the Southwest,” Marcus Carney, government director at Go to Yuma, shared with Journey + Leisure. “Extra daylight means extra time to get pleasure from all that the area has to supply—from dawn hikes at Kofa Nationwide Wildlife Refuge to late-night floats down the Colorado River through the summer time months, and loads of actions in between.”  

This metropolis has extra of a small-town really feel, and it affords quick access to some beautiful pure surroundings. Right here’s the best way to plan a visit to Yuma, Arizona, together with the place to remain, what to do, and the perfect time to go to.

Greatest Motels & Resorts

La Fuente Inn & Suites

La Fuente Inn & Suites affords guests the possibility to relax and calm down round its midcentury trendy pool, lined with brilliant lime-green loungers preferrred for sunning. Company can select between courtyard or pool-view rooms (a number of of that are ADA-compliant). There’s additionally complimentary breakfast within the foyer, in addition to night comfortable hour for mixing and mingling with different company.

The Dandy Home

Yuma has a improbable collection of trip leases, together with The Dandy Home, a three-bedroom house near all of the motion on the town. The property is massive sufficient for six company and comes with loads of communal areas, comparable to a yard fireplace pit, an outsized kitchen, and a front room with cozy furnishings and a hearth.

The Golden Bleu

One other beloved rental, this city home in Yuma is rated as an Airbnb visitor favourite. The fashionable house is massive sufficient for as much as six company, and it is even pet-friendly, so each member of the crew is welcome to come back alongside. Cook dinner a feast within the chef’s kitchen, dine subsequent to the hearth, and revel in a bit extra outside time within the house’s grassy yard. 

Greatest Issues to Do 

Kayak the Colorado River.

Among the best issues to do in Yuma is getting on the Colorado River, and 3:10 Kayak and Paddleboard Leases is comfortable to assist. The corporate will ship the tools to the water’s edge, which you’ll be able to hire for two- or six-hour periods, or e-book for a complete day. 

Tour Citadel Dome Mine Museum.

Historical past buffs will love visiting the Citadel Dome Mine Museum, which affords a glimpse at life on this mining city within the nineteenth century. Discover greater than 60 preserved buildings, and enterprise into the caves to see a kaleidoscope of coloration because of the pure fluorescent and phosphorescent minerals lining the partitions.  

Drive an ATV by way of the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Space.

Get an adrenaline rush with an ATV journey by way of the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Space, situated simply over the Colorado–California border close to Yuma. The huge panorama made up of rolling sand dunes is the right place for some thrills with associates. Try outfitters like Jet Hire for excursions and rental info.  

Go to Yuma Territorial Jail State Historic Park.

Make yet another Wild West-era cease in your tour of the town with a go to to the Yuma Territorial Jail State Historic Park. Vacationers can discover the preserved jail cells and guard towers, in addition to be taught extra in regards to the inmates who frolicked right here within the 1800s. The park is open day-after-day, besides Thanksgiving and Christmas (Eve and Day for each).

Hike Telegraph Cross.

Head down Telegraph Cross for a day hike. The path is rated as reasonably tough and takes folks on a 5.7-mile loop by way of rugged terrain, providing improbable views at each flip. Ensure that to put aside about three to 4 hours to finish the trek, and convey loads of water as a result of, as you already know, issues can get sizzling and sunny round right here. 

Greatest Eating places

The Backyard Cafe

The Backyard Cafe affords a respite from the hustle and bustle, even when it’s only for a cup of espresso or two. The charming cafe is, as its identify suggests, nestled inside a backyard, offering the right backdrop for breakfast. Go for plates just like the Nation Scramble, made with ham, cheese, inexperienced onions, tomato, and potatoes grown proper of their backyard. 

The Chile Pepper

Take pleasure in a bit spice? Make your strategy to The Chile Pepper, a family-run restaurant recognized for its Mexican fare. Right here, you’ll be able to order a Sonoran-style burrito and prime it with any variety of salsas, or go for a taco, together with carne asada, asado rooster, and entire bean choices.  

Bare Dates

It’s definitely worth the 30-minute drive from Yuma to Wellton to go to Bare Dates. The licensed natural, eight-acre farm grows medjool dates—and can purchase them in bulk or get a style of the product on the farm’s cafe and brewery. Strive them in every little thing from date cookies and shakes to sandwiches comparable to a bacon date soften—and even a date ale. 

Greatest Time to Go to

“When you desire fewer crowds and a slower tempo, we advocate visiting April by way of October,” Carney defined. “The hotter summer time months are nice for dawn hikes adopted by a dip within the lake or river. Cool off within the afternoon as you dine round city, store, or go to a museum.” As a sizzling tip, Carney famous the Sanguinetti Home Museum & Gardens affords air-conditioning and “refreshing Shirley Temple drinks” for company. And on these summer time evenings, Carney advised visiting “Lute’s On line casino and taking within the Summer time Jazz Collection whilst you get pleasure from a Lute’s Particular or potato tacos. Tip: Through the summer time months, we advocate calling forward earlier than visiting museums or sights.” 

However, as Carney additionally famous, “With the year-round sunshine, there’s no unhealthy time to go to Yuma. Really!” 

The best way to Get There

American Airways affords direct flights from Phoenix Sky Harbor Worldwide Airport (PHX) or Dallas Fort Value Worldwide Airport (DFW) to Yuma Worldwide Airport (YUM).

Vacationers preferring the rails can get there by way of two Amtrak traces: the Sundown Restricted and Texas Eagle. Each will take you straight to the Yuma practice station. 

Yuma can be simply accessible for street trippers, particularly these coming from the American West. It’s only a 2.5-hour drive from San Diego or a three-hour drive from Phoenix, making it a great weekend getaway. 

The best way to Get Round

Sights are fairly unfold out in Yuma, making a automobile the best strategy to get round. Carry your personal or choose up a rental at Enterprise, Avis, Hertz, or Price range—all close to the airport. Taxis and Ubers are each accessible throughout Yuma as nicely.

Public transportation is an choice, too, by way of the Yuma County Space Transit (YCAT), which affords a hard and fast route round city. You’ll find a map and schedule on the YCAT web site.