Tusayan, AZ is the gateway to Grand Canyon South Rim — a tiny town on Highway 64 with about 600 year-round residents, a handful of hotels, and more spectacular scenery per square mile than almost anywhere else on the planet. If you're staying in Tusayan, here's how to make the most of your time.
Morning: Sunrise & Early Hikes
Watch the Sunrise at Mather Point
Just 20 minutes from Tusayan, Mather Point offers one of the most accessible sunrise views in the entire park. Arrive 30 minutes before sunrise — parking fills fast in summer. The canyon walls turn from purple to gold to orange in about 15 minutes. It's the single best free thing to do near Grand Canyon.
Hike the Bright Angel Trail
The most popular trail in the park. From the trailhead near Bright Angel Lodge, you can do an out-and-back to the 1.5-Mile Resthouse (3 miles round trip, 1-2 hours) or push to the 3-Mile Resthouse (6 miles, 3-4 hours). Carry water — there are refill stations at both rest stops in summer.
Hike to Ooh Aah Point on South Kaibab
A 1.8-mile round trip from the South Kaibab Trailhead. The views at Ooh Aah Point are some of the most dramatic accessible views in the park. Note: there's no water on South Kaibab — fill up before you go. Take the shuttle from the Visitor Center (no personal vehicles to the trailhead).
Fuel Up Before the Trail
The Foodie Club opens at 6:30 AM during summer — before any shuttle line forms. Grab an Ultimate Breakfast Burrito ($15.99) for the trail, or sit down for the All-American Breakfast ($14.99). You can also order online the night before and pick up on your way.
Midday: Rim Trail & Viewpoints
Walk the Rim Trail
The Rim Trail stretches 13 miles along the South Rim, and most of it is paved and flat. You don't need to walk the whole thing — pick a section between viewpoints. Mather Point to Yavapai Geology Museum (0.7 miles) is the most popular short walk.
Drive Desert View Road
The 25-mile scenic drive east from Grand Canyon Village to Desert View Watchtower passes a dozen viewpoints. Each one is different. Budget 3-4 hours if you want to stop at the major pulloffs: Grandview Point, Moran Point, Lipan Point, and Desert View.
Lunch Break
Come back to Tusayan for lunch. Our wraps and salads are built for mid-day — light enough that you won't crash on the drive back to the viewpoints. The Chicken Bacon Ranch Wrap ($16.99) and Southwest Salad ($14.99) are the two most popular midday orders.
Afternoon: Activities & Exploration
Grand Canyon IMAX Theater
Right in Tusayan, the IMAX theater shows Grand Canyon: The Hidden Secrets on a six-story screen. Good for families, good for hot afternoons when you need air conditioning. About 34 minutes. Check for show times at the theater next to the National Geographic Visitor Center.
Helicopter & Airplane Tours
Several operators in Tusayan offer scenic flights over the canyon. Papillon and Maverick both depart from the Tusayan airport. Flights range from 25-50 minutes. Book in advance during summer — they sell out.
Happy Hour at The Foodie Club — 3 PM to 6 PM
After a day of hiking and viewpoints, our Happy Hour is the reward. Draft beer $8.99, House Margarita $9.99, Tequila Sunrise $9.99. Every day from 3 to 6 PM. Sit down, breathe, and watch the Arizona pines from our restaurant.
Evening: Dinner & Sunset
Sunset at Hopi Point
The best sunset viewpoint on the South Rim. Take the free Hermit Road shuttle from Grand Canyon Village (the road is closed to private vehicles from March through November). Arrive 45 minutes before sunset for a good spot.
Dinner at The Foodie Club
We're open until 10:30 PM during summer — later than most restaurants in Tusayan. The Steak Sandwich ($19.99), Tacos Al Pastor ($16.99), and Fettuccini Alfredo ($16.99) are the top dinner picks. Full bar with 14+ cocktails.
Late Night Happy Hour — 9 PM to 10:30 PM
Our second Happy Hour window catches you on the way back from sunset. Same prices, same drinks, same good time. Grand Canyon Village closes early — we don't.
Your Tusayan home base — breakfast to late night.
Order OnlineFind Us in Tusayan, AZ
400 AZ-64, Tusayan, AZ 86023 — one mile before the Grand Canyon South Rim entrance. We're the restaurant with the terracotta-and-forest-green facade on the right side of Highway 64. Free parking. Walk-ins welcome. (928) 638-3115