Show Low offers many year-round recreational opportunities and points of scenic interest. The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, with 58 campgrounds, trails and pristine lakes, surrounds the city. The scenic White Mountain and Mogollon Rim areas are also nearby for campers and fishermen. Arizona's only covered bridged is located in Pinedale, 15 miles west of Show Low. Apache, Navajo, Hopi and Zuni Indian Reservations are nearby.

The city has a new indoor aquatic center, five 18-hole golf courses within 20 miles, and numerous motel and RV accommodations. Boating and fishing are popular in many lakes and streams in the area, including Rainbow Lake, Show Low Lake, White Mountain Lake and Fools Hollow Lake Recreation Area. Snow skiing is available at Sunrise Park Resort on the White Mountain Apache Indian Reservation with eight lifts, one T-bar and three Mighty-Mites tows serving 65 runs.