Off the Beaten Path: Historic Yuma, Arizona (World’s Sunniest City)

The Southwest will always be a popular destination, with recreational opportunities just a short distance from dozens of major cities (two of our favorites are Phoenix and Tucson) and an almost endless list of cool small towns. While exploring Arizona, take a scenic drive south to Yuma, the sunniest city in the world according to the World Meteorological Organization. In almost every direction you’ll find a wide range of opportunities to bike and hike in Southern Arizona. For the history buffs, spend a few hours touring the Yuma Territorial Prison and Colorado River State Historic Park.

Travel Tip: As you can imagine, the population of Yuma increases during the winter months, with comfortable temperatures attracting snowbirds and vacationers seeking a break from the cold weather. The summer months are definitely warm, so it’s advisable to plan outdoor activities during the early morning or late afternoon and make sure to stay hydrated.

Things to Do:
– Paddle a stretch of the Colorado River
– Explore the State Historic Sites
– Drive off-road at the nearby Imperial Sand Dunes
– Play golf year-round
– Shop and dine in the Historic Downtown