20 Best Things To Do In Quartzsite, Arizona

1. Arizona Peace Trail

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

The ultimate treat for off-roading enthusiasts, the Arizona Peace Trail is filled with unique challenges designed to make your off-roading an unforgettable and fun-filled experience. Spread out over 675 miles (1086 kilometers), this trail is one of the largest off-roading trails in the whole country and promises a great adventure. Be sure to grab the guidebook available at the Connected Horizons website before you start the trail so that you have a clear idea of your path and can plan your adventure accordingly.

Arizona Peace Trail

Address: Quartzsite, AZ 85346, United States

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

2. Quartzsite Yacht Club Restaurant Bar

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Decorated in a unique nautical theme, the Quartzsite Yacht Club Restaurant Bar is a very popular restaurant that boasts incredible seafood served with alcoholic beverages. There is nothing better than relaxing and listening to the good classic music played here as you have their famous fish ‘n’ chips along with a cold beer. Visit this place after sightseeing in Quartzsite, and stepping into this beach-themed bar after a long day out in the desert feels like a breath of fresh air. On Saturday afternoons, they have karaoke as well!

Quartzsite Yacht Club Restaurant Bar

Address: 1090 W Main St, Quartzsite, AZ 85346, United States

Website: Quartzsite Yacht Club Restaurant Bar

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 2pm - 8pm; Sun: 2pm - 7pm

3. T-Rocks

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Quartzsite is known for its amazing crystals and gems, and as a result, you can find a variety of gem shops in the vicinity selling you incredible gemstones and crystals that you can wear as an accessory or keep in your home as décor. The T-Rocks shop is run by a family, and it is open all year round, even during winter. You will find an amazing selection of gemstones and rocks here, including amethysts, opals, and even some metal ores and sculptures. The rocks are arranged out for you to check out, and if you are interested in geology or crystals, you will feel like a kid in a candy store!

T-Rocks

Address: 1530 W Main St, Quartzsite, AZ 85346, United States

Website: T-Rocks

4. Gem World

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

If you are interested in jewelry and beautiful gemstones, you must pay a visit to Gem World. Offering a wide variety of mesmerizing gemstones in every color of the rainbow, from rubies to amethysts, you are sure to fall in love with a statement piece here. If you make your own jewelry, you can buy individual stones just waiting to be set into beautiful pieces. In addition to jewelry, this store sells a variety of other souvenir items as well, including t-shirts, fossils, figurines, beads, and more. Guests mentioned that the owner is extremely helpful and knowledgeable, and you are sure to get amazing service here.

Gem World

Address: 1330 W Main St, Quartzsite, AZ 85346, United States

Website: Gem World

Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)

5. Tyson Wells Flea Market

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Whether you are going for a swap meet or for buying new products, Tyson Wells Flea Market is one of the most popular flea markets in the area, frequented by hundreds of people. Plenty of events and shows are hosted here as well, making it an enjoyable place to hang out and meet new people who are in the gemstone and rock business. In addition, there is a standard craft fair where people sell unique handicrafts and things they have made at home, including ceramics, fiber crafts, home décor items, and unique furniture such as coffee tables with fossil fixtures in them.

Tyson Wells Flea Market

Address: 121 Kuehn St, Quartzsite, AZ 85346, United States

Website: Tyson Wells Flea Market

Opening hours: 8am - 6pm (daily)

6. Quartzsite Annual Mineral Shows and Swap-meets

The best time to visit Quartzsite is during January and February. Contrary to the traditional tourist season of summer for places like Hawaii or Florida, Quartzite is booming during the first few months of the year when the weather is at its most mild. Here, the largest rock show in the world is held annually, bringing in thousands of jewellers, collectors, and rock enthusiasts alike. At the show, vendors swap, sell, and barter rocks and minerals in this outdoor desert mall. No registration is required, and the product prices are considerably cheaper than what you’d find at shows in Tucson. “Snowbirds” love the RV-friendly atmosphere and warm weather, adding to the population during the winter months, and bringing an even more diverse crowd. Come through and attend the Quartzsite, Arizona rock show!

Quartzsite Mineral Shows and Swap-meets

Address: Quartzsite, Arizona 85346, 85359

Website: Quartzsite Mineral Shows and Swap-meets

7. Hi Jolly’s Tomb

While in Quartzsite, view the famous Hi Jolly’s tomb, a symbol of love and respect that stands out against these times of distrust and war. The gravesite marks the resting place of Syrian immigrant Hadji Ali, or “Hi Jolly,” a camel handler that came to the United States with camels when the Secretary of War, Jefferson Davis, thought it would be smart to bring in the livestock to help settlers move west. The Civil War ended the program and the remaining camels were set free, but Hi Jolly remained in Arizona. He lived well into his seventies, and upon his death, the locals were so fond of him, they spent several weeks building him a tomb out of petrified wood and quartz. In 1936, a bronze camel was placed on top and a plaque with his history was added to the side. The camels, however, outlived both Jolly and Davis, with the last sighting of the wild creatures being in 1942.

Hi Jolly's Tomb

Address: W. Main St., Quartzsite, AZ

Website: Hi Jolly’s Tomb

8. Dripping Springs

For the more adventurous traveler, down the road from Dos Picachos Mine are the Dripping Springs, home of historic mines, a stone cabin, and petroglyphs. This attraction is just as much about the journey as the destination, being perfect for off-roading enthusiasts with a trail that starts off easy and gets gradually more difficult. The last part of the trail can be hiked, but keep in mind, it is strenuous. While you may be tired at your journey’s end, you’ll be glad you took the trip as along the way you’ll view hundreds of petroglyphs and an old stone cabin. At the end of the trail next to the cabin, you’ll find a cave where if you listen carefully, you can hear water dripping from the ceiling of the cave to a pool beneath.

Dripping Springs

Address: East from Quartzsite on I - 10 you get off at the Gold Nugget Exchange

Website: Dripping Springs

9. Palm Canyon

Located 23 miles (37 km) out of Quartzsite is the odd phenomenon known as Palm Canyon. This is the only known location where palm trees grow naturally in the desert and forms an oasis-like hiking destination home of unfamiliar plants and animals. There is no defined trail, but the canyon walls will keep you cool as you look at the palms up close.

Palm Canyon

Address: U.S. Highway 95, 18 miles (29 km) south of Quartzsite; watch for the Palm Canyon sign.

Website: Palm Canyon

10. Petroglyphs & Grinding Holes

East of Tyson Wells and south of Quartzsite lies Native American grinding holes and petroglyphs. Here, you can see where the original Americans prepped grains for bread and drew messages on the rocks. When it rains, a natural wash water tank near the cliff will fill up with water. This is also the original location of Quartzsite, which washed away in a flood, and according to legend, left behind a trunk of gold that is buried somewhere in the sand.

Quartzsite Petroglyphs & Grinding Holes

Address: South of Quartzsite off of Hwy 95

Website: Quartzsite Petroglyphs & Grinding Holes

11. Quartzsite Rock Alignment & Intaglio

North of Quartzsite is the training ground used by General Patton’s army during the Second World War. The rock alignment is a formation that was used to mark the town and show planes where to land after practicing bombing by flying over the nearby mountains. Giant letters forming QUARTZSITE are made from rocks, and point back to the town to guide pilots home. If the large compass wasn’t enough, new pilots would have also had help from Fisherman Intaglio, a large ground figure drawn by ancient Native Americans, and best seen from the air.

Quartzsite Rock Alignment & Intaglio

Address: Plomosa Rd, Quartzsite, AZ

Website: Quartzsite Rock Alignment & Intaglios

12. Celia’s Rainbow Garden

Finally, in town lies a tribute to both a little girl and desert beauty in the form of Celia’s Rainbow Garden. The garden was founded in 1996, a year after 8-year-old Celia Winer passed away. What started out as a small trail through the town park has grown into an 8-acre (3.2 hectare) garden full of rocks, native plants, a miniature village of Adamsville, and memorials to other since-passed individuals. The garden is completely community funded, and continues to grow each year, meaning that with each visit, you’re sure to find something new.

Celia's Rainbow Garden

Address: Celia’s Rainbow Garden, Quartzsite, AZ 85346

Website: Celia’s Rainbow Garden

13. Castle Dome Museum

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

When people describe Arizona, they often talk about the Southern charm and iconic rocky formations. If you’re into exploring hidden gems and learning about the history of certain places, then visiting the Castle Dome Museum is one idea to pursue. The historic landmark takes you back all the way to the 1860s where the site was originally a mining spot, which was even larger than Yuma in 1878. Stroll around the outdoor museum and see first hand the iconic horse trails that have been beaten down paving a way to the blacksmith. Exteriors are rustic and boast the impressive backdrop of wild west movies as far as the 1800s. Castle Dome Museum also served as a training facility for military simulations during the Second World War. Maximize your time at this Southern wonder, and absorb all the history that Castle Dome Museum offers.

Castle Dome Museum

Address: Castle Dome Mine Rd, Yuma, AZ 85365, United States

Opening hours: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm (daily)

Price: 15 USD

14. Joanne’s Gum Gallery

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

For those looking for something rather unique and also a quirky little activity to do with friends on a road trip across the south, consider Joanne’s Gum Gallery as a pitstop to your travels. The gallery is home to the world-renowned, “Cat-Butt Gum”, which was a popular Amazon purchase for a time being until the product flopped in the market. Joanne’s Gum Gallery is an unusual museum located at Washington Street, Quartzsite, as it literally displays hundreds of iconic candy wrappers from the early twenties and thirties. The iconic Wrigley’s Juicy Fruit Chewing Gum wrapper is hung on the wall from 1935; truly a visual treat for sweet tooths alike.

15. Readers Oasis Books

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Avid book collectors and readers should come through this one of a kind spot in Quartzsite, Arizona. The Readers Oasis Books is the perfect place to see some of the oldest pieces of American writing and physical copies of historic books located near the Arizona border. It’s one of the most unique and vintage stores in the South, boasting heritage from the early 1800s. “Sweet Pie”, as the owner of Readers Oasis Books is called, goes around the shop greeting customers and playing songs, naked. The book-loving nudist and musician is also someone that makes the establishment a popular go-to for those driving by Quartzsite. Not that everything vintage and iconic displayed on the walls and books shelves are for sale and can only be bought in cash. A must, for those who collect vintage books and knickknacks.

Readers Oasis Books

Address: 690 E Main St, Quartzsite, AZ 85346, United States

16. Quartzsite Historical Society

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

For the history buffs out there, dive further into the town’s mining history at Quartzsite Museum, which is managed by the local non-profit organization Quartzsite Historical Society. The museum displays a few mining equipments and the assay office from Margarita Mine. Quartzsite Museum - also called Tyson’s Well Stage Museum - offers free admission! Make sure to take advantage of this attraction, and bring your entire family. If you have a particular interest in rocks and mining, it’s a fun way to keep yourself busy.

Quartzsite Historical Society

Address: 161 W Main Street, Quartzsite, AZ 85346, United States

Website: Quartzsite Historical Society

Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 10am - 4pm (closed on Mon & Tue)

17. Quartzsite Adventures

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

If you’ve never experienced riding an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) or a utility terrain vehicle (UTV) before, don’t pass up the chance to do so on your Quartzsite trip! Quartzsite Adventures not only offers ATV rentals but also provides guided tours of town landmarks. You’ll get a good look at the Sonoran Desert and its mesmerizing trails. Their Polaris UTVs are four-seaters and two-seaters. The rental service is suitable for couples and small groups. Explore Quartzsite in a unique way and start riding with Quartzsite Adventures!

Quartzsite Adventures

Address: 510 W Main Street, Quartzsite, AZ 85346, United States

Website: Quartzsite Adventures

Opening hours: 8am - 6pm (daily)

18. Daniel's Really Good Fresh Jerky

You can’t argue with that name. If people say it’s really good, it’s really good! If you happen to be fond of jerky, don’t waste any more time and make your way to this grocery store. Some of the fresh jerky at the store are hot beef brisket, whiskey barbecue nuggets, lemon pepper chicken, and maple pork. Of course, being a gourmet shop, Daniel’s Really Good Fresh Jerky has a whole lot of products in its arsenal. Take some spices and seasonings back home with you and start making your dishes with that Quartzsite touch!

Daniel's Really Good Fresh Jerky

Address: 1349 W Main Street, Quartzsite, AZ 85346, United States

Website: Daniel’s Really Good Fresh Jerky

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 8am - 9pm; Fri: 8am - 10pm; Sat: 8am - 9pm; Sun: 8am - 10pm

19. Grubstake

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

You’re going to need to replenish yourself after all these activities that you can do in town. Good news for you, because Grubstake is right around the corner. Apart from being a restaurant, Grubstake is also a popular social club in town. That’s the Quartzsite way of saying that it’s also a bar! Head on to Grubstake for some of the best food you’ll have in Arizona. Take your group out for drinks as well before you head back home.

Grubstake

Address: 725 AZ Highway 95, Quartzsite, AZ 85346, United States

Website: Grubstake

Opening hours: Thu - Sun: 11am - 2pm, 4pm - 8pm (closed on Mon - Wed)

20. Gunny's RV Park And Military Museum

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Feeling particularly patriotic during your trip to Quartzsite? You’re in luck. The town has one of the best military museums in the US, Gunny’s RV Park And Military Museum. If you happen to be travelling via RV, feel free to park it here as well! Honor the veterans, come inside the museum, and check out the extensive collection of military uniforms, patches, and other armed forces-related items. You’ll have a good understanding of what the troops went through fighting for our freedom.

Gunny's RV Park And Military Museum

Address: 683-771 Ocotillo Lane, Quartzsite, AZ 85346, United States

Website: Gunny’s RV Park And Military Museum

Visit Quartzsite!

Whether you’re into rocks or not, Quartzsite needs to be on your Arizona itinerary. This small town is truly a gem, bringing in a diverse crowd each year for its famous rock show, RV sites, and providing a wilderness escape to history buffs and off-roading enthusiasts alike. So, now that you know what to do in Quartzsite, Arizona, drive on in, and be prepared for a rocking good time.

Editor’s Note: Due to Covid-19, the business hours of these attractions may differ from the stated timings in this article. Please be sure to check the updated hours from the websites.