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The Grand Canyon is one of those places that truly lives up to the hype—staggering views, rich history, and the kind of quiet that stops you in your tracks. On our visit to the South Rim, we found a perfect mix of breathtaking viewpoints, kid-friendly activities, and just enough adventure to make it a trip we’ll never forget.
Here’s how we explored the South Rim—what we did, what we loved, and what we’d absolutely recommend.
Enter Through the East: Desert View Drive
Rather than heading straight to the main entrance, we started our trip by entering through the East Entrance, which leads you along Desert View Drive—and wow, this route is a gem.
This scenic drive is sprinkled with incredible overlooks, each offering its own unique perspective of the canyon. You can stop at viewpoints like Lipan Point, Navajo Point, and Moran Point, but Desert View Watchtower was our favorite. The tower itself is a historic structure you can take a tour to climb for elevated views, and the art and architecture inside add a rich cultural layer to your visit.
Take your time along this road—it sets the tone for everything the Grand Canyon has to offer.
Step Back in Time: Historic South Rim Stops
We made sure to include plenty of historical and educational stops, which we both loved.
Kolb Studio – Perched on the edge of the canyon, this former photography studio tells the story of the adventurous Kolb brothers who documented the canyon in the early 1900s.
Lookout Studio – Built by architect Mary Colter, it’s a stunning stone building with unbeatable views and a charming gift shop.
Verkamp’s Visitor Center – Stop here to learn about the canyon’s human history and pick up a Junior Ranger booklet for your kids. It’s a great way to make the experience more interactive.
Grand Canyon Railway Depot – A fun nod to the past, this is one of only a few active train depots in a U.S. national park.
Hopi House – Another Colter masterpiece, Hopi House offers native art, jewelry, and cultural exhibits—beautiful inside and out.
Bright Angel Trail: Hike or Ride
One of the most iconic trails on the South Rim is the Bright Angel Trail, which starts just west of Bright Angel Lodge. The trail winds down into the canyon, offering breathtaking views and shaded rest stops along the way.
You can also book a mule ride here, which is an unforgettable way to experience the canyon from below the rim. These rides must be reserved well in advance and are a great option if you're up for a longer, guided experience without the uphill trek on foot.
If you're hiking, remember: what goes down must come up—and it will take twice as long to hike back up as it does to go down. Choose a turnaround point that matches your family's energy level and always carry water, snacks, and sun protection.
Bike Ride Down Hermit Road
One of the best ways to experience the canyon without the crowds is to bike along Hermit Road, which is closed to private vehicles most of the year. We reserved bikes ahead of time from Canyon Adventure Bike Tours, located at the Visitor Center, and made a whole afternoon of it.
Pro tip: Reserve a shuttle ride that takes you (and your bikes) past the difficult part of Hermit Road first. It’s scenic, peaceful, and perfect for older kids and teens. The ride ends at Hermits Rest, a quaint historic rest stop with snacks and a small gift shop.
Yavapai Museum of Geology
Another must-do is the Yavapai Museum of Geology, where you’ll learn how this jaw-dropping landscape came to be. The museum is small but packed with engaging exhibits and offers panoramic windows with stunning views of the canyon’s layers—making geology actually feel exciting (even for the kids!).
Where to Eat
Dining options inside the park are limited, so planning is a must—especially if you want to experience the charm of the historic lodges.
Yavapai Tavern – Yavapai Tavern offers a relaxed, casual dining experience near the South Rim. No reservations needed—just order at the bar, grab a seat (indoors or out), and your food will be brought to you. The outdoor patio is perfect for soaking in the fresh air, and there’s even a baggo game to keep you entertained while you wait. Great spot to unwind after a day of exploring!
Harvey House Café (inside Bright Angel Lodge) – Located in the historic Bright Angel Lodge, the Harvey House Café offers classic American fare in a cozy, casual setting. It’s first-come, first-served—no reservations required. Enjoy hearty meals for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, just steps from the canyon’s edge. Perfect for a quick bite between hikes or a relaxing sit-down meal with a view of Grand Canyon history.
El Tovar Dining Room – For a more upscale Grand Canyon experience, the El Tovar Dining Room delivers elegant, canyon-side dining in a rustic, historic lodge setting. Reservations are strongly recommended, as it’s one of the most sought-after dining spots in the park. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the menu features regional specialties and fine wines—all served with stunning views and timeless charm.
Stay on the Rim for the Full Experience
If you can, stay in one of the lodges inside the park. It’s worth every penny to wake up, walk outside, and be right on the canyon rim.
We stayed in a cabin at Bright Angel Lodge and absolutely loved it. From stepping out the front door to watch the sunrise, to stargazing under the clearest sky, it was a dream. Being able to explore without the need to drive in and out each day made the trip feel more immersive and relaxed.
Final Thoughts
The South Rim of the Grand Canyon offers so much more than just a quick photo op. Between the viewpoints, historical stops, hikes and mule rides, bike rides, museums, and rim-side lodging, our trip felt rich, balanced, and surprisingly family-friendly.
Whether you’re traveling with kids or just looking for a slower, more meaningful way to experience one of the world’s most iconic natural wonders—the Grand Canyon South Rim delivers.
