Grand Canyon holidays

Start your holiday at the Grand Canyon by viewing the canyon from every angle. At Mather Point on the South Rim, you can gaze at the canyon's full width. On the North Rim, make a quick trek to Bright Angel Point or a longer hike along the North Kaibab Trail to the Redwall Bridge.

Holidays to the Grand Canyon are best lived in your hiking boots. If you’re an experienced hiker, go from rim to canyon floor on the famously steep Bright Angel Trail. There are also excellent views along the South Kaibab Trail. Hike along the rim on the shorter Trail of Time or the partially paved Hermit Road. 

There’s more than one way to have a Grand Canyon adventure. Enhance your experience with a Grand Canyon tour. Book a mule ride from the rim to the bottom of the canyon. Reserve a spot on a raft, choosing from whitewater experiences or flatwater cruises. Or fasten your seatbelt for off-road jeep and safari tours.

Grand Canyon Village, on the South Rim, is the best area to stay in the Grand Canyon for trail access. Walk from your hotel to the start of the Bright Angel Trail, one of the park’s most famous walking paths. Catch the sightseeing train at the Grand Canyon Railway Depot. You’ll find there’s plenty of accommodation here, including the historic El Tovar lodge.

Good for: Hiking, views, history

Jacob Lake is where to stay in the Grand Canyon if you’re looking to avoid the heavy crowds of camera-wielding tourists. From here, explore the North Rim of the canyon and hike between the ponderosa pine trees in Kaibab Forest. Enjoy a meal at the Jacob Lake Inn or grab something for the road at the inn’s bakery.

Good for: Fewer crowds, hiking, dining

Tusayan, just outside the Grand Canyon National Park, is centrally located near many of the top tourist sites. Book a sightseeing helicopter or aeroplane flight at the Grand Canyon Airport.Or get tickets for the Grand Canyon Visitor Center IMAX Theater to see the award-winning ‘Grand Canyon: Rivers of Time’ film. Feeling restless? You’ll find cycling and hiking trails surrounding the town.

Good for: Convenience, sightseeing tours, dining  

Let the kids take part in the National Park Service’s Junior Ranger Program. They can earn badges and engage in ranger-led activities. The Grand Canyon Railway train ride is a popular thing to do with family in the Grand Canyon — choose a ride with living history performers. Or hire bikes to pedal the paved section of the Rim Trail.

Go shopping at the Grand Canyon to find handcrafted souvenirs. Browse through the gift shop at historic Mary Colter’s Lookout Studio, or buy Native American beadwork or art at the Hopi House. Browse books and artwork at Kolb Studio. The Grand Canyon Visitor Center on the South Rim has a large gift store as well.

Learn about natural and human history at the museums at the Grand Canyon. See exhibits about the canyon's legendary red rocks at Yavapai Geology Museum. See native craft demonstrations at the century-old Desert Watchtower, then explore the archaeological excavation at the Tusayan Pueblo Site. Note that many of the museums are closed during the off-season.

Relax with a cocktail or craft beer after a day on the trails or river. Enjoy the laid-back nightlife at the Grand Canyon with drinks at the Roughrider Saloon. Grab a drink and a late-night bite at Yavapai Tavern, or opt for a cocktail with a canyon view at El Tovar Cocktail Lounge. With minimal light pollution here, the Grand Canyon is a perfect spot for some incredible stargazing.

Fuel up for a day on the trail at the restaurants at the Grand Canyon. During peak season (June – August), grab a bite from the food trucks in the South Rim parking lots. Find a variety of comfort food dishes at Maswik Food Court, or head to Harvey House Cafe for kid-friendly options. The North Rim has a handful of dining options too.

Find the best beaches in the Grand Canyon on the Colorado River. Book a raft trip or hike Bright Angel Trail to reach Boat Beach. Or drive to Marble Canyon to experience Paria Beach, near the Lees Ferry Campground. Kayak or raft to more remote sands, like Football Beach and Owl Beach.