Blake Walsh

20 Best Things to Do in Safford, AZ

  • Published 2022/10/04

The city of Safford is one of the most prominent concentrations of natural tourist attractions in Arizona.

Whether you are looking for outdoor activities or leisure, you will find it here.

Because it is the county seat of Graham County in Arizona’s south-eastern region, the city of Safford is well-known for having a diverse range of activities to offer to its tourists and visitors alike.

Since the Apache territory was established in 1901, Safford has grown and developed continuously and has continued to grow and develop inexorably until now.

Interested to know more about what this place has to offer?

Here are the 20 best things to do in Safford, Arizona:

Get Lost in Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area

View of Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area

Patrick Lansing / Shutterstock.com

The 23,000 acre of Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area is the best place to visit if you are looking for an exciting adventure in Stafford, Arizona.

This location has a unique riparian habitat teeming with various animals and plants.

Many outdoor activities may be enjoyed with your family and friends, including camping, fishing, hiking, and many more.

View of Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area

Ingrid Curry / Shutterstock.com

You will be able to appreciate the natural beauty of Stafford without being distracted by the hustle and bustle of the city.

You may also get up and personal with some of the friendly species that live in the wild, like mule deer, bighorn sheep, beaver, and many more!

Because there are several mountains in the vicinity, you will witness a variety of gorgeous birds soaring about their natural habitat.

View of Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area

Bureau of Land Management, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Taste the Best Salsa at World Famous Salsa Trail Headquarters

If you like Mexican cuisine, you won’t have to go to Mexico to sample some delicious salsa since the World Famous Salsa Trail Headquarters is located just around the block in Safford, Arizona!

You may select from six different varieties of salsas that will fulfill your demands completely!

Safford residents like it because of its distinct flavor, attributed to the mouthwatering ingredients that make it popular in the community.

The World Famous Salsa Trail is a Mexican restaurant that has been in operation since 1951 and is owned and operated by a family.

Since then, it has maintained a steady commitment to offering the best possible levels of cuisine and services to the general public.

Take a bite of some of the most distinctive varieties of salsa just around the corner from Safford!

See the Mount Graham International Observatory

In just a 12-minute drive time from World Famous Salsa Trail Headquarters, you can arrive at another exciting destination!

The astrophysical research facility in Safford, Arizona, is undoubtedly one of the most exciting places to visit in the United States.

You may bring children who are at least eight years old with you on the Mount Graham tour, where they will learn about the mountain’s history, geology, and diverse ecosystems under the guidance of Eastern Arizona College faculty.

In Safford, you may view the biggest and one of the most magnificent telescopes ever built, the largest and one of the most beautiful telescopes ever built.

When you want to spend some time alone and relax while taking in the breathtaking views, Mt. Graham is one of the best places to go to do it.

Visit the Governor Aker Observatory

As human beings who inhabit this planet, everyone on our globe is intrigued by the prospect of exploring outer space.

You will get the opportunity to discover and learn more about the elements involved in space exploration at the Governor Aker Observatory.

There are many exhibits that you can check out within the site, and all of them are backed up by varied personal stories of individuals who have been to outer space.

Your introduction to astronomy will include telescopes that will allow you to see the colors, hear the noises, and experience many other things!

Besides learning about space exploration, you may also learn about the gears used by soldiers in the late nineteenth century, the history of the Gila Valley, and the origins of the Morse Code.

Go Fishing at Dankworth Pond State Park

Dankworth Pond State Park is a 15-acre pond surrounded by 150 acres of open land.

It was initially used as a fish hatchery to maintain and reproduce various fish species before being designated as a state park.

Today, it is an excellent location for fishing because of the abundance of bluegill, trout, catfish, and many other species in the pond.

Even though the lake is artificial, it has been in existence for more than 50 years.

There is little question that the Dankworth Pond State Park has retained its natural environment, which is enjoyed by fish and birds, and other wildlife.

This location is also excellent for taking a stroll and relaxing!

Go for a Ride at Hot Well Dunes

View of Hot Well Dunes

Dennis Swena / Shutterstock.com

This off-road area near Stafford, Arizona, has a variety of leisure things to offer.

After the sea of ancient times dried up and vanished over time, you may walk around the 2,000 acres of sand that remained.

Interesting to consider that the region was once a sea, around 2 million years ago, when the dinosaurs roamed free.

View of Hot Well Dunes

Dennis Swena / Shutterstock.com

The same place also has a recreation area where, in addition to riding, you can relax in a hot tub, camp, and do a variety of other activities.

Take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore the legendary Hot Well dunes with your friends and family.

Try the Hot Air Balloon at AZ Air Ventures, LLC

Have you ever imagined what it would be like to be able to reach the sky?

At AZ Air Ventures, LLC in Safford, Arizona, you may fly over the breathtaking vistas of the surrounding countryside!

Susan, the creator of AZ Air Ventures, LLC, fell in love with the notion of ballooning in the year 2007, and the company began operations the following year.

This motivates her to turn it into something useful in the city of Stafford, and she and her husband went on to build a successful company from the ground up.

For more than a decade, they have been dedicated to delivering entertainment while ensuring the highest level of caution and care among their customers, and everybody loves it!

Everything will be taught to you before the Hot Air Balloon ride begins by all of their pilots, highly trained professionals.

A hot air balloon ride is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that everyone should take part in.

Please don’t forget to bring your camera so that you may capture some unique images and movies with your family and friends to take home as a keepsake!

Enjoy a Steak at Branding Iron Steakhouse

In Safford, Branding Iron Steakhouse is the place to go if you want a delicious steak that will leave you wanting more.

It is one of Safford’s restaurants dedicated to providing high-quality food and service to the community as a whole.

You will like the distinct flavor of their steak, tender meaty ribs, shrimp, and tasty beans, as well as the fantastic ambiance.

Located at 2344 N Branding Iron Ln, the restaurant offers dine-in and take-out options; it is open seven days a week.

The restaurant also offers a variety of other dishes, such as tomato basil soup, broccoli cheese soup, taco salad, and a nacho platter.

Whether you want to hang out with your friends or have lunch together with your family, this is a fantastic location to go to!

Strike at Safford Bowl

Playing bowling with your family is one of the most pleasurable activities you can do together.

Located at 410 E 4th St in Safford, you and your friends can have a good time bowling together, regardless of your age or skill level.

Aside from being a terrific spot to play, it is also a great place to relax and sample some delicious beers.

They serve a variety of items such as hot wings, sandwiches, nachos, burgers, french fries, and more!

Safford Bowl is one of the few places where you will never be hungry.

Make a note of the dates, and don’t miss out on the opportunity to enjoy the excitement that Saffor Bowl has to offer.

It is also suitable for commemorating essential milestones such as anniversaries, birthdays, and other significant occasions.

Witness Live Performances at David M. Player Center for the Arts

Since its inception in 2007, the community of Safford has been committed to presenting its local artists and entertainers throughout the town for the benefit of the general public.

If you like listening to live acoustic performances, David M. Player Center for the Arts is the perfect spot for you.

You will undoubtedly like how their artists masterfully demonstrate their skills to keep the audience amused regardless of your musical preferences.

In addition to music, they have done programming and comedy since 2007, and one of their most valuable qualities is the ability to make people laugh.

You will be amused and delighted by the performance at the David M. Player Center for the Arts!

Relax at Essence Of Tranquility

View of Essence Of Tranquility

cmattogno, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

If you haven’t yet discovered true tranquility in Safford, the Essence Of Tranquility is the best location for you.

Just sit back and have a relaxing bath in the sauna, which is ideal for removing stress and tension.

The facility also offers massage treatment, and it is one of the most relaxing places to spend an afternoon if you want to relax and unwind.

Tubs, treatments, lodging, and various other amenities are provided at the Essence of Tranquility resort.

The environment is maintained to provide a peaceful setting for everyone to enjoy their time of leisure.

Apart from camping, it is also a fantastic option for those looking to spend the night outside!

Dine at Casa Mañana

Everybody may enjoy the authentic Mexican cuisine served by this family-owned establishment.

Since 1951, Casa Maana has been committed to providing the highest level of service in terms of cuisine and service quality.

Diane and Dan Hoopes are the delighted owners, and some of their best-selling goods are fajitas, enchiladas, guacamole, tacos, salsa dips, and other traditional Mexican cuisine!

They also provide chicken, steak, fish, and a variety of other dishes in addition to the outstanding Mexican fare they serve.

Consider having lunch together with your family after seeing the state of Safford and trying some of the reasonably priced Mexican cuisines.

Visit the Kachina Mineral Springs

You can find the Kachina Mineral Springs at 1155 W Cactus Rd, which is a great place to relax after a long day at the office or on the road.

It is one of the most famous spas in Safford, and the therapists there are all well qualified in their respective fields.

A one-of-a-kind spa experience will relieve you of all your tension and unhappiness when you have completed the treatment.

An hour of massage in the mineral spring soak feels everything, and your muscles will be wholly rested after that.

Whether you are staying in Safford or visiting for a vacation, taking in the calm setting of Kachina Mineral Springs is an experience you won’t want to miss!

Have a Nature Retreat at Roper Lake State Park

Roper Lake State Park is less than 6 miles (10 km) from Safford, making it an excellent option for anyone seeking a spot to cool down.

You may go out in nature by camping out and exploring the park’s paths, as well as by swimming, fishing, and boating on the park’s lake.

Roper Lake State Park is a great spot to spend a weekend or a day with the family.

It also has a clean campsite with fresh, hot showers, a laundromat, and a sink to clean your dishes.

The Mariah Mesa Trail offers a beautiful sunset vista, and there is a short loop around the park with great views of the lake and Graham Mountain.

Have a Picnic at Old Safford Bridge

Old Safford Bridge spans the Gila River and frequently serves as a picnic site.

It is close to the Black Hills Back Country Byway and the Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area.

Due to the steel rationing during World War I, the bridge builders employed concrete in 1918.

From a bluff at Owl Creek Campground, visitors may take in breathtaking views of the ancient bridge below.

Recreational boaters and enthusiasts frequently use the south end of the bridge as a starting point.

You may also catch some nice catfish here.

You’ll also find a modest picnic spot at the bridge’s northern end.

Pick Souvenirs at Black Hills Rockhound Area

You don’t have to visit a gift shop at Safford to get the ideal souvenir.

You only have to pick some gorgeous rocks at Arizona’s Black Hills Rockhound Area before you leave the state.

Approximately 18 miles north of Safford, on the north side of Arizona road 191, lies the Black Hills rockhound region.

Black Hills Rockhound Area is a great place to discover fire agates, a semiprecious stone endemic in four states: Mexico, New Mexico, California, and Arizona.

You can find various precious stones when you sift through the sand and dirt in the desert.

There is also a campsite here that allows pets.

Go Active at Dry Lake Park

Safford’s Dry Lake Park provides a wide variety of sports you can’t do in a gym.

In addition to camping and hiking, visitors may try their hand at archery in the park.

Modern shooters may use the facility’s trap, skeet shooting areas, and small pistol range.

Safford Dry Lake Park is home to a fantastic paintball range complete with drums, tires, and other obstacles to hide behind during a friendly (or not-so-friendly) competition amongst friends.

Come to the park’s landing strip to play with your remote-controlled plane after playing paintball and shooting objects.

Discover More about Earth Science at EAC Discovery Park Campus

Available to the general populace, Gov Aker Observatory, located on the EAC Discovery Park Campus, is open to the public on weekdays and weekends for stargazing and astronomical education.

The Observatory is home to exhibits showcasing historical items from the Gila Valley, such as a heliograph used by the military to transmit Morse code utilizing the sun in the late 1800s.

The Space Shuttle Polaris, a space-faring simulator, may also be found in Discovery Park.

Through sight, sound, and motion, the shuttle transports guests from the base of Mt. Graham to the stars.

Hike the paths in the habitat section of the Discovery Park Campus before you depart.

They are not only ideal for running and trekking but also for wildlife viewing.

Spot roadrunners, snakes, rabbits, Gila monsters, squirrels, coyotes, and even the rare bobcat along the paths.

Other Things to Do Nearby

Admire the Views at Frye Mesa Reservoir Lakes

Without question, one of the most beautiful spots in Safford, Arizona, is Frye Mesa Reservoir Lakes, which has a great deal to offer in terms of unique attractions and several hiking trails.

It is considered the tallest reservoir in the region.

It has a magnificent waterfall that will provide you with a peaceful ambiance as you observe the surrounding nature.

Please don’t miss out on the opportunity to spend both the day and night together in the town’s tallest reservoir!

Final Thoughts

Safford is equipped with everything that a human being would wish for, such as restaurants, spas, family centers, and theatres, among others.

Everybody can therefore say that Safford is a great place to have fun relaxation.

If you have plans on visiting Safford, make sure to make this a reference!

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