phoenix arizona tourist spot

Phoenix   Travel Guide

Courtesy of tonda | Getty Images

20 Best Things to Do in Phoenix, Arizona

Begin your introduction to the Valley of the Sun with a visit to downtown Phoenix, home to some of the city's top attractions, including the Phoenix Art Museum , Heritage Square and the Heard Museum . Travelers on the hunt for a more laid-back

• All Things To Do

Desert Botanical Garden Desert Botanical Garden

U.S. News Insider Tip:  Springtime is a particularly colorful season to visit the Desert Botanical Garden. Visitors who arrive mid-February through mid-June will see an abundance of blooming cactus just begging for attention. – Jill Schildhouse

The desert may seem like the last place you'd expect to find flora. Yet the Desert Botanical Garden is home to thousands of species of cacti, trees and flowers from all around the world. The garden's brightly colored plants sharply contrast the Sonoran Desert's cinnamon-red buttes, and numerous hiking trails – like the Plants and People of the Sonoran Desert and the Harriet K. Maxwell Desert Wildflower Loop trails – allow you to experience the region's natural wonders the way early settlers once did. The Desert Botanical Garden also hosts numerous events, including culinary demonstrations and outdoor concert series.

Camelback Mountain Camelback Mountain free

As one of the highest peaks in Phoenix, Camelback Mountain is among the most scenic hiking spots in the city. Soaring more 2,700 feet in elevation, Camelback's summit offers spectacular views of Phoenix and Scottsdale and can be reached from the 2.5-mile (incredibly steep) out-and-back Echo Canyon Trail. If you're looking for a slightly easier trek, the 2.6-mile out-and-back Cholla Trail on the east side of the mountain offers a more gradual incline, at least until you near the summit. You can also try one of the several beginner-friendly trails that circle Camelback's base, such as the Bobby's Rock Trail. Hiking Camelback Mountain is best attempted earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon when the desert heat is bearable (in fact, it's closed from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on days with excessive heat warnings). But no matter when you decide to climb, make sure you have plenty of water and sunscreen. For a unique perspective of the mountain, consider a sunrise hot air balloon ride (one of the best Arizona tours ).

Recent travelers who scaled the mountain said the arduous journey is well worth the incredible views, though they do warn this experience is not for the faint of heart. Reviewers also suggested bringing your camera, as the views at the summit and along the way are photo-worthy. Visitors also warn that you should be prepared to share the trails with lots of other hikers.

Musical Instrument Museum Musical Instrument Museum

U.S. News Insider Tip: When hunger strikes, visit the on-site Café Allegro, which tantalizes customers' taste buds with a seasonal menu showcasing local produce, regional dishes and cuisines from around the world. There are plenty of vegan, vegetarian and kid-friendly options, too. – Jill Schildhouse

The Musical Instrument Museum, located about 20 miles north of downtown Phoenix, invites visitors to check out its collection of more than 8,000 instruments from around the world. Travelers will find instruments, concert footage, clothing of renowned musicians and more. Visitors can even see how instruments are preserved and restored in the Conservation Lab before actually playing instruments in the Experience Gallery. Many parents said their children especially enjoyed experimenting with the instruments in the Experience and Encore galleries (the latter of which is geared toward kids who are prekindergarten to second grade), advising future visitors to make it the last stop in the museum because the kids will not want to leave.

Popular Tours

Morning Hot Air Balloon Flight Over Phoenix

(1767 reviews)

from $ 236.52

Guided Arizona Desert Tour by ATV

(1174 reviews)

from $ 107.74

Grand Canyon with Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon Van Tour

(953 reviews)

from $ 198.00

Heard Museum Heard Museum

If you're a history buff or an art aficionado (or both), take advantage of the spectacular exhibits – and air conditioning – housed in the Heard Museum. According to many, the Heard Museum is one of the country's finest Native American museums and offers a comprehensible introduction to Arizona's original residents. With the help of pre-Colombian to contemporary art and a variety of traditional artifacts, the Heard Museum conveys the life and culture of Native Americans in the Southwest. On-site facilities include a gift shop, a cafe and outdoor sculpture gardens. 

Recent visitors recommend setting aside at least half a day to see the exhibits housed here. Many also praised the docents and suggested joining a free tour to get the most out of your time here. You'll also want to take a spin through the gift shop, according to reviewers.

Phoenix Art Museum Phoenix Art Museum

Housed within a notable example of Modernist architecture (it was partially designed by Frank Lloyd Wright) is the largest art museum in the Southwest United States (with more than 20,000 works of art, some of them dating as far back as the Renaissance). From Diego Rivera to Frederic Remington, Georgia O'Keeffe to Frida Kahlo, the Phoenix Art Museum's permanent collection caters to a wide variety of tastes, and often welcomes top-notch traveling exhibits. Be sure to check out the popular Thorne Miniature Rooms, and if you're traveling with kids, take advantage of the museum's youth-oriented activities; you can pick up a guide for navigating the museum with kids (which includes a scavenger hunt) at the front desk.

Recent visitors praised the museum's size and layout, and its ability to appeal to a variety of age groups. Reviewers also offered kudos for the on-site restaurant and gift shop, and say this is a great place to beat the heat on hot summer days. Those without a taste for modern art may not enjoy their visit as much; despite its diverse collections, expect to see a lot of more recent artworks. If you'd like a little guidance navigating the museum's collection, consider signing up for one of its docent-led public tours, which are offered every day that the museum is open.

South Mountain Park South Mountain Park free

Arizona offers a seemingly endless array of outdoor experiences. And Phoenix's South Mountain Park is no exception. The park, which spans more than 16,000 acres and is one of the country’s largest municipally managed parks, boasts three mountain ranges and more than 50 miles of trails. Hikers should consider the Dobbins Lookout summit, which is accessible by major hiking trails and Summit Road. Standing at 2,330 feet, the lookout provides panoramic valley views. If your feet need a break, the park's trails are also open to horseback riding and mountain biking. Along with its hiking trails, the park is also home to an education center that interpretive exhibits. From the center, you can embark on the Judith Tunnell Accessible Trail, which comprises two barrier-free, half-mile loops. Mystery Castle is another must-see. This 18-room home was built in 1945 by Boyce Gulley for his daughter Mary Lou. It's open for tours between October and May.

Recent visitors loved the scenic trails at South Mountain Park. The views and plant life were popular. Some travelers also praised the beautiful drives. Note that the roads are very popular with cyclists – drivers should prepare to share the road and keep an eye out for two-wheeled transport.

Papago Park Papago Park free

Home to the Desert Botanical Garden and the Phoenix Zoo , Papago Park is popular with locals and visitors alike thanks to its proximity to downtown Phoenix (less than 10 miles east) and its massive red butte formations. There are options for all activity levels, from the west side trails to the east side trails to the popular Hole-in-the-Rock trail . Dogs are welcome, too.

Before it was a park, this land served many purposes. It was a reservation for Indigenous tribes, a fish hatchery during the Great Depression, a prisoner-of-war camp during World War II and a veterans affairs hospital.

Hole in the Rock Hole in the Rock free

Papago Park features several hikes – perhaps the most distinctive is Hole in the Rock. Nestled in and among the red butte formations of the park, this short but spectacular hike (it is only 0.3 miles out and back) features a dramatic endpoint. After hiking up 200 feet of steps, visitors arrive at a lookout onto nearby lagoons and the more distant city. Historians believe the Hohokam civilization, which was present in this area, may have used the rock formation to track the position of the sun through a hole in the top of the rock.

Recent visitors raved about the views from the hike’s summit. Many recommended timing your visit to appreciate a beautiful Arizona sunset. Several noted that the hike is busy with visitors, but well-appointed. There are public restrooms, picnic areas and a nearby parking lot. What's more, the trail is just a half-mile from the Phoenix Zoo .

Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride in Phoenix with Breakfast

(484 reviews)

from $ 199.00

Small-Group or Private Grand Canyon with Sedona Tour from Phoenix

(2009 reviews)

from $ 235.00

Sunrise Sonoran Desert Hot Air Balloon Ride from Phoenix

(213 reviews)

from $ 200.00

Phoenix Zoo Phoenix Zoo

The Phoenix Zoo is a great place to enjoy nature without your little ones dying of boredom. There are four trails that wind through the numerous habitats populated by more than 3,000 animals living east of downtown Phoenix. The zoo houses a variety of animals, including cheetahs, monkeys, Asian elephants, three-toed box turtles and Mexican gray wolves. Take younger tots to the Red Barn petting zoo or to the giraffe encounter where they can get some face time with the animals. When their little legs start to tire, consider the 25-minute narrated safari cruiser tour, which only costs a few extra dollars and provides a good orientation of the zoo.

Recent visitors (especially those with kids in tow) had fun at the zoo, and praised the clean grounds and abundant activities. However, some travelers were disappointed with the added costs for activities, as well as the high admission price overall. Those who visited in the hot summer months warned that some of the animals may not be as active/visible due to the heat. However, if you visit in the summer you'll be able to take advantage of the zoo's water features (it's home to multiple splash pads).

Taliesin West Taliesin West

U.S. News Insider Tip:  While the audio tour is nice, taking a guided tour with a passionate docent reveals more intimate stories about Frank Lloyd Wright and provides exclusive access to his private living spaces. These tickets often sell out in advance, so plan ahead. – Jill Schildhouse

Renowned American architect Frank Lloyd Wright loved the Sonoran Desert, and he used these nearly 500 acres at the base of the McDowell Mountains as his winter home and school. With the help of his art and architecture students, Wright constructed apartments, studios and theaters using local materials to help the camp blend with its natural surroundings. This National Historic Landmark and UNESCO World Heritage Site is still used as an educational space for budding artists and architects. What's more, it's considered one of the top things to do in Arizona .

Tee off at one of Phoenix's golf courses Tee off at one of Phoenix's golf courses

Despite its desert surroundings, Phoenix is emerging as a premier golf destination. In fact, the Valley of the Sun is home to nearly 200 courses with difficulty levels ranging from beginner to expert.

Finding the right course may be a feat in itself, thanks to all of the options. For an authentic Phoenician golf experience, follow in the footsteps of movie stars and politicians and head to the Arizona Biltmore Golf Club. Constructed in 1928 and known as "the granddaddy" of Phoenix country clubs, the Arizona Biltmore is home to two 18-hole PGA Championship courses, as well as a driving range, a putting green, a pro shop and a full-service restaurant. Because of its reputation, you'll want to reserve tee times well in advance, plus, you should plan your tee time for early morning or later in the evening to avoid the Arizona heat. The club is part of the Arizona Biltmore Resort in downtown Phoenix. Reserve your tee times online at the course's website . Prices and availability may vary.

Indulge in a spa treatment Indulge in a spa treatment

U.S. News Insider Tip: The world-renowned Sisley-Paris Spa resides within Well & Being Spa at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess — there are only three U.S. locations and this is the largest. These ultra-luxe European-style facial treatments and body rituals are a highly sensorial experience. – Jill Schildhouse

If hiking or golf isn't really your cup of tea, consider a day spent wrapped in seaweed or soaking in mud. Alongside its luscious green golf courses, Phoenix is also known for its outstanding day and resort spas , which are often set among jaw-dropping desert scenes. When winter strikes or everyday life becomes too overwhelming, many weary travelers head to the Valley of the Sun for hot rock massages and salt scrubs. And since many spas incorporate botanicals sourced from the Sonoran Desert (like prickly pear and cactus flower) into their treatments, a visit to the spa can be as educational as it is restorative. 

Arizona Science Center Arizona Science Center

Seek refuge from the broiling Phoenix weather in the Arizona Science Center, one of the top things to do in Arizona . Here, interactive displays teach kids about everything from electricity to weather patterns to outer space. Other topics covered across the center's four levels of exhibits include sound, gravity and psychology, among others. An Imax theater also offers family-friendly, educational entertainment.

Recent visitors were pleased with the activities offered here, especially the temporary exhibits. However, some felt the tickets were pricey, especially for families. Reviewers also suggested purchasing your tickets online in advance to avoid having to wait in long admission lines. 

Guided Arizona Desert Tour by UTV

(983 reviews)

Salt River Kayaking Trip

(2025 reviews)

from $ 57.27

Phoenix Hot Air Balloon Ride at Sunrise

(595 reviews)

from $ 209.00

Pueblo Grande Museum Pueblo Grande Museum

History and archaeology buffs should put a trip to Pueblo Grande, a National Historic Landmark and the largest preserved archaeological site within Phoenix, at the top of their list of things to do. This site features the ruins of an ancient Hohokam village, which was occupied for more than 1,000 years until around A.D. 1450. Walk among what's left of houses, storage facilities, play areas and cemeteries on a short, accessible trail. You can also view artifacts found during the site's excavation at the small on-site museum.

Recent visitors called this site a "hidden gem" and praised the well-maintained grounds, as well as the small museum. Reviewers recommend setting aside at least an hour to enjoy the attraction, though some reported spending more than two hours here. Though there are a few interactive exhibits in the museum for children, most said this attraction is best enjoyed by adults.

Children's Museum of Phoenix Children's Museum of Phoenix

Boasting more than 300 play experiences across three floors, the Children's Museum of Phoenix is a hit with kids. Spanning more than 48,000 square feet, the museum offers a range of exhibits suitable for infants and kids up to age 10. Exhibits include a miniature grocery store, a noodle "forest" made from suspended pool noodles, a climbing structure and a fort-building area, among other activities.

Recent visitors loved the museum, saying it was a great place for kids to burn off energy. Many families said they spent several hours here thanks to the variety of exhibits. Others appreciated the museum's efforts to cater to infants and toddlers with designated spaces. Some reviewers said it was the best children's museum they'd ever been to.

Heritage Square Heritage Square free

Visitors to Arizona may not associate the southwest with Victorian-era history and architecture. Heritage Square will change that. Located downtown, this walkable area dates back to the 1800s. Fans of delicate Queen Anne architecture will enjoy the restored Rosson House Museum, which features period decor, while others will delight in the tasty restaurants and attractive views in the area. Note that the 1895 Rosson House Museum is accessible exclusively by guided tour. Tours visit all areas of the home, including several bedrooms, a nursery, a bathroom and a doctor's office (the home's original owner was a doctor who occasionally saw patients at the house).

Recent visitors enjoyed this trip back in time, praising the historic preservation of Heritage Square and the many eateries. Many were intrigued by the history of the square, but some noted that it could be easily seen in a short period of time. Consider adding a stop at the Arizona Science Center as the two attractions sit within walking distance of each other.

Butterfly Wonderland Butterfly Wonderland

U.S. News Insider Tip:  Want to increase the chances of having butterflies land on you? Wear brightly colored clothing – reds, yellows and oranges are more likely to attract them. Just don't reach out for them or handle them in any way, as they are fragile. – Jill Schildhouse

Unbeknownst to most visitors and even some locals, there's a rainforest in the Scottsdale desert – and it's home to the largest butterfly conservatory in the United States. Here, visitors will find some of the only humid terrain in the state (around 80% humidity and 80 degrees year-round), making this enclosure the perfect habitat for thousands of butterflies across up to 70 different species. Before entering the conservatory, visitors begin with a viewing of "Flight of the Butterflies" in the 3D theater to gain a better appreciation for a monarch butterfly's intense annual migration. Next, stop by the Butterfly Emergence Gallery, where live chrysalis morph into beautiful butterflies right before your eyes. Once inside the conservatory, be sure to look at all the foliage high and low, because the magical butterflies flit about everywhere.

Wrigley Mansion Wrigley Mansion

Back in 1932, chewing gum magnate William Wrigley Jr. designed the Wrigley Mansion as a winter getaway home and a 50th anniversary gift to his wife. Set atop a hill overlooking 360-degree views of the entire Phoenix Valley, this property is a stunning mixture of Spanish, California Monterey and Mediterranean architectural styles. Today, it's been lovingly restored into a premier fine dining and special event venue. Docent-led tours of the mansion, which take about 45 minutes to an hour, cost $20 per person; advance reservations are recommended. Between the grand staircase, the Switchboard Room and the hand-painted ceiling, you'll definitely feel as though you've stepped back in time.

In 2021, the property became the much-anticipated site of James Beard Award-winning chef Christopher Gross' latest concept, Christopher's at Wrigley Mansion. The all-glass space features an eight-course tasting menu (think: wagyu carpaccio, foie gras soup and scallops with caviar) with optional wine pairings. For a less grand, but equally delicious experience, enjoy small plates (such as escargot, smoked salmon BLT and Moroccan lamb sausage with couscous) and cocktails on the patio, overlooking the city (especially impressive near sunset). Another on-site restaurant, Geordie's by Chef David Brito, is the ideal spot to enjoy a special Sunday brunch or live jazz with dinner. Wine enthusiasts will be impressed by the Wrigley Mansion's wine program, which has earned the "Best of Award of Excellence" from Wine Spectator magazine for multiple consecutive years.

Guided 2 Hour Sunset / Night or Sunrise Hike at Piestewa Peak

(13 reviews)

from $ 67.00

Guided Desert Sunrise or Evening / Sunset 2-Hour Hike at South Mtn

(19 reviews)

3-Hour UTV and Shooting Combo

(62 reviews)

from $ 229.84

McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park free

In the heart of Scottsdale lies the 30-acre McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park. Part municipal park, part railway museum and part kid-friendly fun zone, this unique site brings together a functional railroad, carousel, shops and even quintessential park space. There are a variety of activities offered here, from traditional playgrounds to an enormous model railroad building – not to mention frequent special events like a holiday lights display and summer concert series.

Recent visitors enjoyed their time at the park. Many noted it was a family-friendly destination, and budget-friendly to boot. Often some attraction or area is closed on a given day, but most travelers found that there were still enough activities available to happily pass a few hours. This attraction appealed to everyone from solo adult travelers to families visiting town.

Chase Field Chase Field

Watching the Arizona Diamondbacks play at Chase Field is a worthwhile experience, even if you aren't a die-hard baseball fan, according to recent visitors. Reviewers appreciated the kid-friendly atmosphere, air conditioning and retractable roof, and the park's unique amenities, including the lifeguard-staffed pool and hot tub that sits 415 feet from home plate. Even if you aren't in town for a game, you can still see the ballpark on a tour, which are available three times a day Monday through Saturday throughout the year. Tours, which last 75 minutes, visit the press interview room, the 20th Anniversary Experience (which features artifacts and memorabilia), the dugout and more. Note: The tour does not go on to the field. After, grab a bite to eat or a cold one at the Four Peaks Draft Room.

Chase Field is located one block south of the Arizona Science Center in the downtown area. Tours cost approximately $20 for adults, $16 for seniors and $14 for children 12 and younger.

Things to Do in Phoenix FAQs

Explore more of phoenix.

Best Hotels

When To Visit

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

Recommended

30 Fun Fall Weekend Getaways for 2024

Holly Johnson August 29, 2024

The 19 Best Fall Family Vacations for 2024

Amanda Norcross August 27, 2024

The 28 Best Water Parks in the U.S. for 2024

Holly Johnson|Timothy J. Forster May 8, 2024

The 18 Best Napa Valley Wineries to Visit in 2024

Lyn Mettler|Sharael Kolberg April 23, 2024

The 25 Best Beaches on the East Coast for 2024

Timothy J. Forster|Sharael Kolberg April 19, 2024

The 50 Best Hotels in the USA 2024

Christina Maggitas February 6, 2024

The 32 Most Famous Landmarks in the World

Gwen Pratesi|Timothy J. Forster February 1, 2024

9 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in Florida for 2024

Gwen Pratesi|Amanda Norcross January 5, 2024

24 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in the U.S. for 2024

Erin Evans January 4, 2024

26 Top Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resorts for 2024

Zach Watson December 28, 2023

19 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Phoenix, AZ

Written by Lana Law Updated Dec 25, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Author Lana Law has spent many winters in Arizona and Phoenix is one of her favorite cities.

Phoenix's warm, dry climate attracts sun lovers and those looking to escape the snow and cold during the winter months. The city offers abundant arts and cultural attractions, historic neighborhoods, as well as shopping, dining, and an outstanding selection of resorts and hotels .

Many people come here simply to enjoy the outdoors. Golfing is one of the top things to do in Phoenix, but you'll also find opportunities for hiking, biking, camping , and climbing.

If you are spending more than just a few days here, you may want to consider doing some day trips from Phoenix to nearby towns and tourist attractions. Within easy reach are communities like Sedona, Prescott, and Jerome. If you're up for a big day, you can even do a trip to the Grand Canyon.

The Phoenix Metropolitan Area, which includes the cities of Phoenix, Mesa, and Scottsdale, is spread out and covers a large area. Plan your sightseeing in advance to save time with our list of the best things to do in Phoenix.

See also: Where to Stay in Phoenix

Desert Botanical Garden

Musical instrument museum, taliesin west, hiking trails around phoenix, heard museum, old town scottsdale, south mountain park, hall of flame fire museum, papago park, phoenix art museum, phoenix zoo, odysea aquarium, arizona science center, arizona state capitol museum, north mountain & shaw butte, phoenix children's museum, phoenix symphony, enjoy the rides at castles n' coasters, pueblo grande museum, where to stay in phoenix for sightseeing, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to phoenix, map of attractions & things to do in phoenix, az.

Located in Papago Park, the Desert Botanical Garden is a beautiful complex that combines art and nature. Art installations dot the gardens , adding another dimension to this beautiful space.

The 140-acre complex is home to tens of thousands of plants and displays examples of vegetation from deserts around the world. This is also a good place to spot hummingbirds and butterflies, with designated gardens designed to attract these creatures.

Extensive trails wind their way around the property, and you should plan on spending a significant amount of time walking. Spring is a particularly good time to visit, as the plants come to life and bloom in an array of colors.

Address: 1201 North Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, Arizona

The Musical Instruments Museum is one of the largest of its kind in the world , with a collection of more than 8,000 instruments from almost 200 countries.

Housed in a spectacular building are five permanent galleries, including the Geographic Gallery; the Artists Gallery; the Mechanical Music Gallery; the STEM Gallery; and the Experience Gallery, where you can play some of the instruments. You can also see master craftsmen at work restoring instruments in the Conservation Lab.

The museum hosts special traveling exhibits and has a variety of Signature Events, showcasing instruments and live music from countries around the world. Catch a concert in the facility's 300-seat theater.

Address: 4725 E. Mayo Boulevard, Phoenix, Arizona

Located in Scottsdale, Taliesin West was the winter home of the celebrated architect Frank Lloyd Wright . Situated in the foothills of the McDowell Mountains, this property is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and also the international headquarters of the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation.

Even if you have only the smallest interest in architecture, this is a worthwhile addition to your Phoenix itinerary. The tours offer detailed information on the architecture and Wright's life.

The buildings here were constructed out of native materials, such as rubblestone and redwood, and built entirely by Wright and his apprentices from 1937 to 1959.

Address: 12345 North Taliesin Drive, Scottsdale, Arizona

Looking for something to do outdoors? A walk through the desert is always a pleasant way to spend a morning or a day, and Phoenix offers a full range of hiking trails for all levels of hikers.

At one extreme are the trails for the adventurous hiker, like the hike up Camelback Mountain , and at the other end of the spectrum are short, easy trails, perfect for birders and nature lovers. You'll find some of these at Papago Park or the Lost Dog Wash Trailhead .

Somewhere in between these are Mormon Trail and Pinnacle Peak , which offer a bit of a challenge and elevation, along with beautiful views.

For a more comprehensive look, see our list of the top hikes in the Phoenix area to plan your outing.

The renowned Heard Museum in Phoenix, dating from 1929, is devoted to the art and culture of the Indian peoples of the Southwest . The Heard is noted for its amazing displays of basketwork, pottery, jewelry, textiles, and a large collection of kachina dolls.

The museum's exhibit galleries and outdoor courtyards feature traditional and contemporary Native American art. This is a great place for families to learn about native history and see traditional arts.

Outside, you can wander through the outdoor sculpture garden or take a garden tour of the museum. The museum also has a very pleasant outdoor café with courtyard seating and a menu that changes regularly and features special dishes to complement the featured exhibit.

Address: 2301 North Central Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona

For fun and quirky, one of the best places to visit around Phoenix is Old Town Scottsdale. Unique shops housed in buildings with Western-style covered walkways sell a variety of trinkets and other goods, primarily aimed at tourists.

Just up the street from the kitschy shops are some of the city's finest galleries featuring spectacular work by famous artists. Downtown Scottsdale is a fun place to see and be seen.

Old Town also has a good selection of restaurants, some with delightful patio seating, perfect for people-watching. The area is easily walkable and can be found at the intersection of East Main Street and North Scottsdale Road.

A fun way to tour the area and see the sites is on a two-hour Scottsdale Segway Tour . This will take you along the waterfront, past some of the historic sites, and through Old Town.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions & Things to Do in Scottsdale

South Mountain Park/Preserve in Phoenix is one of the largest city parks in the United States , covering over 16,000 acres of desert landscape. The miles of trails running through the park are ideal for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking . One of the most popular trails is the Mormon Trail.

Views out over the desert and beyond to the city are fabulous. If you are looking for things to do at night in Phoenix, come here after dark for an incredible look at the city lights.

The highest point in the park is Mount Suppoa at 2,690 feet, but the highest lookout, which can be reached by trail or road, is Dobbins Lookout at 2,330 feet.

Every fourth Sunday is Silent Sunday, where the park's main thoroughfare, Summit Road, is closed from 5am to 7pm to all motorized traffic. On these special days, the wide-open roadway is reserved for those human-powered activities, including walking, jogging, and cycling. On the first, second, and third Sundays, the same roadway is closed, but only to the one-mile marker.

Address: 10919 South Central Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona

The Hall of Flame Fire Museum is both a historical look at the profession and a tribute to firefighters who have been killed in the line of duty, or noted for their heroism.

On display at the museum are exhibits dating back to 1725, including old fire engines and some very curious types of fire extinguishers. While most of the focus is on the history of firefighting in America, you'll also see exhibits from Europe and Japan, offering a more international perspective on the profession.

The National Firefighting Hall of Heroes displays the names of those killed since 1981. There is also a memorial to the firefighters and police officers killed at the World Trade Center in 2001.

Address: 6101 East Van Buren Street, Phoenix, Arizona

Papago Park is a wonderful natural area in the southeast part of the city. If you're looking for activities and fun things to do in Phoenix, this park is a good place to start. Here you you can enjoy hiking along nature trails, scrambling up the red rocks that dominate the park, cycling the extensive routes, and even golfing.

This is a popular place to come for a walk, particularly in the morning before the heat of the day, and you'll see the citizens of Phoenix taking full advantage of this urban oasis.

Papago Park has a multitude of trails, but the two most popular are the Elliot Ramada and the Double Butte Loop trail . Both these trails take you up to the weird rock outcroppings that are a key feature of the park. You can sometimes see wildlife, primarily rabbits but occasionally bighorn sheep.

Also located in Papago Park are the Phoenix Zoo and the Desert Botanical Garden .

Address: 625 North Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, Arizona

The Phoenix Art Museum has a permanent collection covering the art of the European Renaissance and Baroque periods, the Far East, and the American West. The museum also presents modern and contemporary works, fashion design, live performances, and films.

The classically progressive look of its 203,000-square-foot building is a work of art in itself. Designed by New York architects Tod Williams/Billie Tsien & Associates in the mid-1990s and expanded by them in 2006, it integrates art and architecture with the southwestern landscape.

The museum's founding in 1959 and eventual development into one of the leading art museums in the American Southwest reflects the constant commitment from the community and mirrors the growth of Phoenix from a small desert town to the current metropolis it has become.

Address: 1625 North Central Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona

While the Phoenix Zoo is home to more than 3,000 animals, including numerous endangered species, it's especially well known for its Sumatran tigers and orangutans.

The four different trails leading through the facility are the Africa Trail, Tropics Trail, Arizona Trail, and Children's Trail. The zoo also offers children's programs and events, splash pads, and play areas, so pack your bathing suits and towels.

Animal encounters are a special part of any visit and truly a highlight at the Phoenix Zoo. The Monkey Village will have you snapping pictures as your kids walk through an open exhibit with monkeys swinging by.

Another encounter that will generate squeals of delight is the Red Barn. It's a petting zoo with goats, sheep, and horses all happy to engage with little people. Other experiences include the gentle giraffe encounter, Stingray Bay encounter, and the ever-popular camel rides.

If you've had enough of the animals, take a ride on the Endangered Animals carousel, where each animal is unique.

Address: 455 North Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, Arizona

Although it may seem odd to find a giant aquarium in the middle of the parched desert, somehow it all comes together in an enjoyable maritime learning experience. The OdySea Aquarium at 200,000 square feet is the largest of its kind in the Southwest and a wonderful place to step out of the arid environment into a water-based world.

The concept is that you are a raindrop falling from the sky into freshwater and then you make your way through streams and rivers before finding your way to the ocean. Over 70 exhibits, many of them interactive, line the pathway from start to finish.

Just follow the pathway through the facility, around each corner, and on each level, you'll find new and interesting exhibits along with three different touch pools including the world's only Russian Sturgeon exhibit. Over 6,000 aquatic animals exist here, ranging from penguins through to sharks, stingrays, otters, and octopuses. The Odysea even has a sloth, along with tropical birds.

Educational shows take place throughout the facility, one of the most unique being the Voyager a presentation making you feel you are in a submarine. For an additional fee, you can experience the SeaTREK® indoor, underwater helmet diving, where you descend into a pool filled with fish in a special diving suit or have an animal interaction with the penguins.

Although it may sound strange to highlight Odysea's restrooms, be sure you check them out for the glass ceiling above the sinks, complete with sharks and other aquatic creatures casually swimming by.

Address: 9500 E Via De Ventura, Scottsdale, Arizona

The Arizona Science Center has hundreds of interactive exhibits in seven galleries, each with a unique theme. Also on-site are an IMAX theater and a 200-seat planetarium . This is the perfect thing for families to do in Phoenix, especially on a day when the weather doesn't cooperate.

The Science Center holds six signature events throughout the year, including Weird Science Halloween; Science with a Twist; and Snow Week, where Science Park hill becomes a mountain of white, covered with 75 tons of real snow.

Address: 600 East Washington Street, Phoenix, Arizona

Set among beautiful gardens is the old State Capitol, built in 1900, which was the seat of government until 1974. The imposing state building is now a free museum focusing on the history of Arizona.

The exhibits are spread over four floors, and one of the must-see displays is the unique Arizona flag, made of 113,998 Lego bricks. Each Lego brick represents one mile in the state.

Other notable highlights include the Arizona Takes Shape exhibit, showcasing the state's development, from when it was a territory through to the present day, along with the USS Arizona exhibit.

For a thought-provoking experience, be sure to check out the Capitol Mall and Wesley Bolin Plaza memorial monuments.

Address: 1700 West Washington Street, Phoenix, Arizona

North Mountain Preserve is a popular recreational area with all kinds of hiking trails . North Mountain stands at an elevation of 2,104 feet, and Shaw Butte, the tallest mountain in the preserve, stands at 2,149 feet. Together these mountains are a landmark feature in Phoenix.

The more advanced hiking trails in the preserve lead to the summit, but easier hikes offer access to all levels of abilities. This is a lovely way to experience the local flora and fauna, with many plant species, including saguaro cactus.

Be sure to stop in at the North Mountain Visitors Center to get the latest updates on the trails, learn about the local history, get some insight on the flora and fauna, and top up your water bottles.

Address: 12950 North 7th Street, Phoenix, Arizona

The Phoenix Children's Museum opened in 2008 and has been going strong ever since. Today it's one of the city's most popular family attractions. The 14 galleries full of fun and interesting displays are designed to engage growing minds.

Some of the galleries include the Noodle Forest, Blockmania, Pedal Power, and the Texture Café, among others. Attentive staff, called Playologists, are always on hand to help.

The Phoenix Children's Museum is just around the corner from the Arizona Science Center in downtown Phoenix; combining trips to both is easily accomplished.

Address: 215 N. 7th Street, Phoenix, Arizona

The Phoenix Symphony , led by the talented conductor Matthew Kasper, performs classical, pop, chamber, and family programs throughout the year. As Arizona's only full-time symphony orchestra, this is a staple in Phoenix's cultural scene. If you're looking for a night out while in town, check their online calendar for a list of upcoming performances.

Be sure to note the performance venues. The Phoenix Symphony performs at five different locations: Symphony Hall, Mesa Arts Center, Pinnacle Presbyterian Church, Orpheum Church, and ASU Gammage.

Address: 75 North 2nd Street, Phoenix, Arizona

A great outing that everyone in the family can agree on is Castles-N-Coasters . The 10-acre park is a mix of roller coasters, mini golf, water rides, bumper boats, bumper cars, go-carts, and arcades. No matter your age, you'll be sure to find something that gets your heart racing.

The most intense ride is the double-looped Desert Storm roller coaster. A little less frightening but still a thrill is the Skydiver, where you free-fall from 120 feet in the air. For something a bit different, head into the completely crazy Stranger Stuff Fun House. If the Phoenix heat is starting to wear you down, head on over to the Splashdown log flume water ride.

If you still have energy, wander on over to the Indy Carts, and race against your friends, or take in a nutty game of mini golf. If after that you still want to keep going, head to the bumper cars or the Sea Dragon ride, or the XD Dark Ride; the list goes on and on.

Address: 9445 North Metro Parkway East, Phoenix, Arizona

Phoenix, with its non-stop highways and modern infrastructure, may leave you pining for something historical. A stop at the Pueblo Grande Museum is the solution. Here, you'll find the well-preserved ruins of a Hohokam village dating from 500 BCE.

Tour the site along a two-thirds-of-a-mile trail and discover the remains of this once-thriving settlement, including irrigation canals, a ballcourt, and replicas of the homes these ancient people used to live in.

The museum has done a good job of providing information on the former inhabitants using display panels strategically located throughout the site. Be sure to climb to the main lookout for a bird's-eye view of the entire site.

The Pueblo Grande Museum is located in the southern part of Phoenix near the airport.

Phoenix has a vibrant downtown with many tourist attractions, and this is one of the best places to stay if you're interested in sightseeing. Another option is to stay in downtown Scottsdale, near Old Town. Below are a number of highly rated hotels in convenient locations.

Luxury Hotels:

• One of the new luxury hotel options in downtown Phoenix is the Kimpton Hotel Palomar , located at the new CityScape development. This contemporary hotel features large rooms and suites and a beautiful rooftop pool.
• For hip and sophisticated, look to the Found:Re Phoenix . Located in the heart of Phoenix near numerous attractions, this boutique hotel offers 104 unique rooms featuring industrial-chic décor.
• For a quaint, luxury experience in the desert, you can't beat the comfort and hospitality of the Four Seasons Scottsdale at Troon North . In the foothills of Pinnacle Peak and next to the Troon North Golf Club, this is the perfect place for a relaxing escape.
• Another Scottsdale option is the ultra-cool, mid-century modern Hotel Valley Ho . This unique restored hotel, once the haunt of Hollywood celebrities, maintains a 1950s theme, from the music to the décor. Walking distance to Old Town Scottsdale, the location here is hard to beat, with shopping, dining, and numerous things to do in the vicinity.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• A consistently good choice in downtown Phoenix is the Hilton Garden Inn . Housed in a restored 1932 Art Deco building, the hotel offers modern, comfortable rooms and is within easy walking distance of the Convention Center.
• In the heart of the city center, the Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel is an upper-end mid-range option with a heated rooftop pool.
• The Fairfield Inn and Suites Phoenix Midtown is within walking distance of the Heard Museum and the Phoenix Art Museum and offers free parking, unlike many downtown hotels.

Budget Hotels:

• Budget-minded travelers can find some deals in the city, although prices can vary depending on what is going on in Phoenix during your stay. Near downtown is the Comfort Inn West Phoenix at 27th Ave And I-10. This hotel provides decent rooms and good prices, and breakfast is included.

Sightseeing Tour:

• See the sights in four hours with this Half-Day Phoenix Highlights Tour . This tour will take you to the State Capitol, Old Town Scottsdale, Camelback Mountain, South Mountain Park, and more. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation, a guide, and free time to explore on your own.

Day Trip to Sedona and the Grand Canyon:

• One of the greatest attractions in Arizona and America is just a day trip away from Phoenix. If you haven't seen the Grand Canyon, taking a tour from Phoenix should be on your to-do list. The Small-Group Deluxe Grand Canyon Day Trip offers the perfect opportunity to see some of the incredible Arizona landscape. This tour includes transportation in a luxury van to the Grand Canyon, including a stop in the picturesque town of Willams along famous Route 66.
• If flying over the Grand Canyon is on your wish list, the Grand Canyon Helicopter and Ground Tour from Phoenix is a must-do. This tour offers a scenic drive to the Grand Canyon and includes a 45-minute helicopter ride over the canyon.

Day Trip to Tombstone:

• For a glimpse of the Old West, take a Day Trip to Tombstone and San Xavier Mission , where you can see this historic town, including the OK corral, and stop at the beautiful mission at San Xavier de Bac.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Day Trip Destinations: If you only have time for one trip outside of Phoenix, consider heading out to see the red rocks and top sites of Sedona , just two hours away. Here, you can hit some of the top hiking trails or ride the mountain biking trails .

Explore the Best of Arizona: To get you started planning your trip, see our list of top attractions and places to visit in Arizona . If you know you want to get active and see some of the state's most beautiful scenery, have a look at our recommendations for the best hiking trails in Arizona . Campers looking for ideas should browse through our list of top campgrounds in Arizona . Other recommended hot spots that may not be on your radar but should be, include Prescott and Flagstaff .

More on Arizona

60 Best & Fun Things To Do In Phoenix (Arizona)

By: Author Jerric Chong

Posted on Last updated: August 27, 2024

Being one of the most beautiful places in America , Phoenix is a charming capital city of Arizona.

Throughout the year, it boasts beaming sun and delightfully warm temperatures, and its expanses of dry desert are among the reasons it is so well-loved.

If you’re traveling to this city, you’d be hard-pressed to narrow down all the points of interest into a concise list.

There are so many places to see, so how are you meant to pick where to go?

To help you out, here is our travel guide for the 60 best and fun things to do in Phoenix, Arizona!

Table of Contents

1. Phoenix Zoo

Phoenix Zoo

The Phoenix Zoo in Arizona’s Papago Park is a fantastic place to head to if you’re an animal lover, or if you’re coming with kids.

The well-maintained grounds are home to many different animals, located across four trails on 125 acres.

With all there is to do, it’s no wonder it’s among the city’s top 10 tourist locations!

Animals such as Asian elephants, Komodo dragons, baboons, giraffes, Galápagos tortoises, and Sumatran tigers all prowl enclosures and exhibits.

Visitors have the chance to engage in more up-close fun with animals through the Red Barn petting zoo, and they can enjoy a narrated safari tour if they like!

Other spots of note in the zoo are the 4D theater, the carousel ride, eateries, picnic spots, and a gift shop.

Expect to spend $24.95 for adult admission and $14.95 for child admission (with free entrance for kids aged two and below).

Some attractions will require additional prices.

Buy tickets in advance for a discount!

Address:  455 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008, United States

2. Arizona Science Center

Arizona Science Center

The Arizona Science Center is a public science museum and is widely considered the greatest in the state, so the fact that it’s in Phoenix – and right close to Heritage Park – makes it a great source of excitement for tourists!

It is a very hands-on science center that spans four floors.

Exhibits are often provided in interactive manners, demonstrating friction, gravity, the solar system, biology, weather, magnetism, electricity, aviation IT, and much more!

Children will love the learning hub, designed to be kid-friendly, and there’s a lot they can pick up and discover in the center.

Not coming with kids? Don’t fret!

Check out the special Science With a Twist program hosted by the center that provides science programming, drinks, dancing, and a great time for those over 21 only!

And, of course, many exhibits have no age limit – the planetarium is up to world-class standards, and you’re never too old to learn about any aspect of science, either.

Regardless, there’s no doubt that a trip to the science center is among the things to do in downtown Phoenix that isn’t to be missed.

Address:  600 E Washington St, Phoenix, AZ 85004, United States

3. Castles N’ Coasters

Castles N’ Coasters

Phoenix may not be necessarily known for having the top theme parks in the country, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t some fun points of interest that match that description!

In the northwestern part of the city lies Castles N’ Coasters , packed with enough exciting rides and spots to fill a whole day of time!

A number of great rides are available.

Water rides, like the log flume Splashdown, add a rush with a blast.

Roller coasters, like the Desert Storm packed with loop-de-loops, will send your heart racing.

The XD Dark Ride gets adrenaline rushing with fearful zombies in a horror-themed fiesta.

The Patriot offers a less extreme ride that still gets you going.

And of course, there’s much more than just that to do – a swinging Viking ship, bumper boats and cars, go-karts, a giant arcade, a drop tower, and even miniature golf!

Address:  9445 N Metro Pkwy E, Phoenix, AZ 85051, United States

4. Desert Botanical Garden

Desert Botanical Garden

Few people take a trip to the desert with the goal of finding flowers, plants, and other flora.

With just how hot Arizona and its deserts get, you might think the very idea is quite strange!

But the Desert Botanical Garden offers all of that and more in a little oasis in the middle of the harsh Sonoran Desert.

The Desert Botanical Garden is packed with a shocking 50,000 species of flora, ranging from flowers to trees to cacti, and they come from all around the world to brighten a visitor’s day with vibrant colors.

A garden shop, eatery, and many tours add to the appeal.

Apart from just being one of the best and prettiest tourist attractions in Phoenix, the Desert Botanical Garden also occasionally hosts events, including outdoor concerts and even demonstrations of a culinary variety.

The gardens are open from 8 in the morning to 8 at night from October to April, and from 7 in the morning to 8 at night from May to September.

Expect to pay $24.95 per adult to enter, and $12.95 per child (while children aged 2 and younger enter for free).

Address:  1201 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008, United States

5. Hall of Flame Fire Museum

Hall of Flame Fire Museum ( Jack / flickr )

The Hall of Flame Fire Museum has a pretty fun name, so it’s no wonder that it’s among the cool places to check out in Phoenix, Arizona.

The fascinating museum is dedicated to showing firefighters in all their glory, ranging from notable advancements in modern firefighting, the history of technology in the field, and all sorts of information dating back centuries to 1725.

Most visitors to this museum find that the restored fire trucks are the Hall of Flame Fire Museum’s best offerings.

These fire trucks are rich in history, with some fire carriages from 1865 that were horse-drawn all the way up to 2950s Type 700 firetrucks with rigid frames.

These vehicles aren’t all American, either, as the museum showcases some from across the globe!

Another much-loved section is the antique fire helmet collection, salvaged from a wide range of eras in history and many nations.

There is also the National Firefighting Hall of Heroes that celebrates and lists all the firefighters who bravely passed away while working in service since the year 1800.

They’re available to view through a computer database, but they’re also listed beautifully on the wall.

A special section is dedicated to firefighters who passed away on 9/11.

Address:  6101 E Van Buren St, Phoenix, AZ 85008, United States

6. Musical Instrument Museum

Musical Instrument Museum

One of the most fun things to do in Phoenix is to visit the MIM, known also as the Musical Instrument Museum .

It’s not just a spot individual to Phoenix, Arizona – it’s a one-and-only attraction!

This is the only musical instrument museum on the planet, and it displayed over 15,000 instruments, exhibits, and artifacts.

Visitors to this special museum in Phoenix will get to enjoy lots of activities.

They can observe each instrument, which is showcased in modern, high-tech display cases complete with video and audio features.

This means you can genuinely hear how the instruments originally sounded!

Some of the collected instruments include great famous ones, such as instruments of John Lennon, Elvis Presley, Taylor Swift, Carlos Santana, Johnny Cash, and more.

For a more historical twist, you can also view music instruments of folk, ethnic, or tribal variety and listen to their music in their original, authentic contexts!

The most notable instruments to remember to check out are the Steinwig piano, which is the first Steinway instrument ever assembled, the incredible 11-foot octobass that plays tones so low humans can’t detect it, and virtually everything in the Experience Gallery, where you get to play instruments yourself!

Address:  4725 E Mayo Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85050, United States

7. Taliesin West

Taliesin West

Taliesin West was once the school and winter home of Frank Lloyd Wright.

Built at the bottom of the majestic McDowell Mountains, these 600 acres of land were chosen purely due to Wright’s love of the Sonoran Desert.

The camp’s natural appearance, from its studios to its apartments and from its theaters to its amenities, used local materials and the aid of art and architecture students to blend in with the environment around and near it.

Taliesin West’s status as a National Historic Landmark is part of what makes it such a great visit for guests to Phoenix.

Its architectural aesthetic makes it a fun gem to explore in the middle of what, at first, appears to be stretches of monotonous Phoenix dessert.

Special events are often held, including concerts and art shows, to further brighten up the site.

Tours and guides are available to further explain the location’s intricacies and Wright’s life.

Tours range from one to three hours and focus on different aspects of Taliesin West.

There is also, of course, a gift shop to explore.

Do note that visitors can’t enter the property without booking a tour, and some tours need a prior reservation!

Address:  12621 N Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85259, United States

8. Old Town Scottsdale

Old Town Scottsdale

The town of Scottsdale was once a real town in the 1920s, but just because it no longer exists as it once did doesn’t mean you can’t experience it in a way while you’re in Phoenix, Arizona today!

Old Town Scottsdale is the oldest part of the suburb and still lives on within the original site of the town, but is currently a bustling neighborhood full of activities.

There’s no end to options for guests in Old Town Scottsdale.

There are art galleries, design stores, boutiques, restaurants, bars, and nightclubs to peruse and enjoy.

In the summer, a farmers’ market is set up on Saturdays.

For history and culture enthusiasts, Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West is a great place to visit, showcasing historical facts and art from the 19 Western American states.

There are also plenty of events showcasing the Native American heritage of Scottsdale, traditions of the West, and contemporary local art.

Not sure where to begin in one of the best of the Phoenix attractions you can enjoy?

Start on Main Street to check out the indie shops and work your way from there!

Address: Main Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85251, United States

9. Camelback Mountain

Camelback Mountain

Camelback Mountain , rising 2,700 feet above the ground, is among the most beautiful and most scenic site seeing and hiking spots in Phoenix.

Located in Echo Canyon Park, it offers free entry to all.

The mountain is a mystery to many geologists, as granite is set on the mountain head that dates back 1.5 billion years while the rest of the mountain is made from 30-million-year-old sandstone.

How that is possible, no experts know yet, but it makes this location all the more enticing.

There are a number of different trails to try.

The most popular is likely the Echo Canyon Trail, which spans 1.2 very steep miles up to the summit of Camelback Mountain.

While the view is breathtaking, the trek is notably difficult.

An easier climb is the Cholla Trail, which has an easier 1.5-mile climb that only gets steep as you approach the summit, but unlike the Echo Canyon Trail, the Cholla Trail has no facilities or amenities.

Neither of these climbs is for the faint of heart, though!

Need something less arduous?

There is also Bobby’s Rock Trail, which is great for beginners and essentially simply circles the mountain’s base.

There are also some other beginner-friendly trails to consider and inquire about!

The most opportune time to hike the mountain is in the early morning or late afternoon, as this is when the heat is less scorchingly difficult to manage in this Phoenix desert.

Address: Phoenix, AZ 85018, United States

10. Mesa Arts Center

Mesa Arts Center

The Mesa Arts Center first opened its doors in 2005.

It spans 212,755 square feet and boasts an impressive four different theaters, as well as fun spots like studios, galleries, and workshops, and even classrooms and offices.

You can expect many of the most loved performances to be held here.

The Sonoran Desert Chorale, the Metropolitan Youth Symphony, and other traveling performing arts groups put on performances regularly.

A number of scheduled performances involving orchestras, dramas, and more, in many different price ranges, so there’s something for everyone.

The Mesa Arts Center Store offers many special and rare items that make fantastic collectibles and gifts.

Address:  1 E Main St, Mesa, AZ 85201, United State

11. Goldfield Ghost Town

Goldfield Ghost Town

Near the city of Phoenix is a fun little tourist destination you might be interested in adding to your list of attractions to visit.

Established in 1893, the town of Goldfield was founded on the eastern flank of the Valley of the Sun when prospectors found gold in the Superstition Mountains.

It was later abandoned when the gold vein ran dry.

These days, Goldfield Ghost Town is a reconstructed tourist town located in Phoenix, Arizona.

Crammed full of western buildings and talented re-enactors, the town gives visitors a chance to enjoy a taste of the Old West in its heyday via the various activities it offers.

If you’re not interested in checking out the tours the town offers, consider checking out the museum sticking around for a free gunfight show.

Or try saddling up and go horse riding for the complete cowboy experience!

Either way, the town promises itself to be a fun trip for the whole family.

Address:  4650 N Mammoth Mine Rd, Apache Junction, AZ 85119, United States

12. Arizona Museum of Natural History

Arizona Museum of Natural History

There’s no denying the amount of archeological history Phoenix is packing, so it only makes sense that one of the best Phoenix attractions in the location is the Arizona Museum of Natural History .

Located in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area, the museum was founded in 1977 in what was previously Mesa City Hall.

The Arizona Museum of Natural History is famous for its dinosaur exhibits – which shouldn’t come as a surprise, considering how Phoenix and its surrounding lands are a prime source of archeological discoveries.

Visitors can check out the museum’s multilevel Dinosaur Mountain, a Mesozoic Era exhibit that features a three-story waterfall!

Children will definitely appreciate being able to see and touch life-sized casts of the dinosaur skeletons, and budding archeologists have a chance to even try their hand at unearthing their own fossils and bones in the museum’s Paleo Dig Pit!

Also worth checking out are the various exhibits and galleries dedicated to ancient Mesoamerican cultures and history as well.

Address:  53 N Macdonald, Mesa, AZ 85201, United States

Looking for some more fun? Check out some of the coolest things to do in Arizona !

13. Heard Museum

Heard Museum

With just how many amazing things you must see in Phoenix, it makes no sense for you to skip this incredible museum.

When it comes to Native American history and artifacts, the Heard Museum is one of the country’s top museums on the subject – and for a very good reason.

Located north of the city of Phoenix, the Heard Museum was founded in 1929 by Maie Bartlett Heard and her husband a few years after they had both acquired the La Ciudad Indian Ruin.

These days, visitors will find that it is full of award-winning exhibits featuring both pre-Colombian and modern Native American art and artifacts.

Visitors should put aside at least half a day to fully appreciate and explore the museum’s exhibits and galleries, before checking out the gift shop.

It’s best to join one of the free tours if you want to maximize your trip as well.

Address:  2301 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004, United States

14. Pueblo Grande Museum and Cultural Park

Pueblo Grande Museum and Cultural Park

Don’t let the desert fool you – one of the best things Arizona has to offer is its view.

The state is packed full of amazing sights that will blow the mind, and you can see some of them in the Pueblo Grande Museum and Cultural Park .

This National Historic Landmark is home to the largest archaeological site in Phoenix – the preserved ruins of an ancient abandoned Hohokam village.

These days, visitors driving in from Phoenix will find the grounds of this small museum to be a well-maintained spot that is chock full of historical sites.

Visitors can wander down an interpretive trail that leads you through reconstructed and furnished buildings, giving modern tourists a chance to step back into the past.

Once it gets too hot, visitors can also duck into the museum to check out the recovered artifacts.

The museum is also home to many other activities, such as workshops, demonstrations, talks, markets, and even auctions!

Address:  4619 E Washington St, Phoenix, AZ 85034, United States

15. Roosevelt Row

Roosevelt Row

If you’re wandering through Arizona and looking for some fun to be had in downtown Phoenix, give Roosevelt Row a try.

This walkable arts district stretches from 7th Avenue to 16th Street and is famously known to be the home of the arts community in Phoenix.

Drop by to check out all the murals that adorn the buildings, or the various sculptures that decorate the pavements.

You can even enjoy the art in the form of geometric benches you can sit on!

This isn’t the only thing that’s available here, either – visitors can check out local artisanal wares at the open-air market, or enjoy the various performances that align the streets.

Either way, this part of Phoenix is just perfect for those looking to enjoy a fundamentally Bohemian vibe.

Address:  918 N 2nd St, Phoenix, AZ 85004, United States

16. Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix

Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix

For those asking what to see while visiting Arizona, you might want to consider this tea garden.

This 3.5-acre large tea garden is a Japanese-themed sea of tranquility in the otherwise busy city of Phoenix.

As the namesake implies, the Japanese Friendship Garden was established in 1987 to connect Phoenix with Himeji, its sister city.

Visitors to this calm oasis will find it filled with lush plants and koi fish decorating its handcrafted landscape – all designed by the Himeji architects.

If you’re looking for a genuine Japanese tea ceremony, this is also the place to go!

In addition to tea ceremonies, you can also check out the various tai chi and flower arrangement classes arranged by the garden, alongside craft workshops and summer jazz nights.

There are also plenty of other events that feature various Japanese dancers, artists, and food, giving visitors a chance to experience Japanese culture!

Address:  1125 N 3rd Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85003, United States

17. Tovrea Castle

Tovrea Castle

A castle is the last thing you’d expect to find in a desert, but Arizona aims to surprise its visitors every time.

Located within easy reach of the Airport Gateway District of Phoenix, the Tovrea Castle was originally a high-end hotel built by Alessio Carraro and his son.

The hotel, unfortunately, never opened to the public.

It was sold to Ambrose Tovrea, who turned it into a private residence until the death of his widow in 1969, where it fell into ruin.

It has since been restored and is rarely opened to the public for the occasional tour.

As you can imagine, this makes it perfect if you’re looking for unique things to do in Phoenix!

This two-hour tour gives you access to the cactus garden, with its 5,000 plants, and a look into the 1930s palace.

It’s best to reserve a ticket in advance in advance since tours are only occasionally available every couple of months.

Address:  5025 E Van Buren St, Phoenix, AZ 85008, United States

18. Phoenix Mountains Preserve

Phoenix Mountains Preserve

No travel guide to Arizona is complete without showing you one of the best places to visit – the Phoenix Mountains Preserve .

The preserve covers several locations including some of the most beautiful views you’ll find in the location and contains a plethora of things that are sure to attract any hiking buff.

Mountains like the Piestewa Peak and Lookout Mountain are both incredibly accessible locations that offer some of the best views you can find.

If you’re not interested in taking photos, then you might prefer trying out the Summit Trail.

It’s 1.2 miles long for a round trip and is the only way for visitors to make their way all the way to the top.

It’s not a trip to be taken lightly, however – the trail is a difficult climb.

Making your way to the summit tip is worthwhile, though, since it gives you a complete panorama view of Phoenix!

Address: 1431 E Dunlap Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85020, United States

19. Mystery Castle

Mystery Castle

For those who are looking for something fun to do this weekend, try checking out the Mystery Castle .

It was built over the course of 15 years by Boyce Luther Gulley, who had first abandoned both his family and his job, before vanishing for three years.

After three years, he returned to Phoenix to build his castle.

When Gulley’s wife and daughter inherited the castle in 1945, they discovered it to be a strange building made out of both conventional materials like adobe and stone, and weirder materials like telephone poles, rail tracks, and automobile parts.

The whole thing is held together by a combination of cement, mortar, and goat’s milk.

These days, Mystery Castle and its various rooms and parapets are open to the public for tours that are led by Gully’s great-granddaughter.

Make sure to bring some cash, since the tickets can only be paid for in cash.

Address:  800 E Mineral Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85042, United States

20. Hole in the Rock

Hole in the Rock

Considering Arizona’s beautiful and fascinating landscape, it should come as no surprise that one of the best things to do in Phoenix is to go checking out some of the geological wonders the desert has to offer.

Among those top attractions in Phoenix is the Hole in the Rock .

Located south of the Desert Botanical Garden in Papago Park, Hole in the Rock is a small sandstone hill that is covered in all sorts of openings.

The open ceiling and the space inside this strange hill were likely used by the ancient Hohokam culture as a calendar to mark the season – something you can walk into to explore yourself!

If that’s somehow not enough to convince you, then perhaps the beautiful view Phoenix itself during sunset may be something you would prefer!

The Desert Botanical Garden itself is also worth checking out as well!

Address:  625 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008, United States

21. Orpheum Theater

Orpheum Theater

Built in 1929 in Phoenix, Arizona is the Spanish Baroque-style Orpheum Theatre .

It was originally a venue for silent cinema and still carries that history with it in the form of a playable Wurlitzer organ.

Visitors dropping by the building may even get to hear it in action every now and then!

These days, the Orpheum Theatre is the place to be in Phoenix for ballet, family shows, live music shows, podcast recordings, and Broadway musicals.

This makes the theatre perfect for those who need a fun night out – though you might find yourself wanting to visit the building itself just to admire its unusual appearance and history.

And it certainly has the former in spades.

The building itself is an opulent masterpiece featuring intricate moldings, Solomonic columns, and beautiful murals meant to evoke the view of the sky from a Spanish villa.

So if you would rather just explore the building, consider joining one of the tours available every other Tuesday!

Address:  203 W Adams St, Phoenix, AZ 85003, United States

22. Paolo Soleri’s Cosanti

Paolo Soleri’s Cosanti ( Norman Walsh / flickr )

Built in 1955 in Phoenix, Arizona, Cosanti was the studio and home of the architect Paolo Soleri – a student of Frank Llyod Wright up till his death in 2013.

These days, it is an unexpected entry into the list of Phoenix attractions available close to the city – and it’s easy to see why.

The design of these buildings was ahead of its time, combining both experimental earth-casting techniques with the architect’s own creativity to create unique, semi-buried buildings made of concrete.

Fans of Star Wars will likely be reminded of the houses on Tattooine!

The result is a complex that is full of sustainable elements, such as its south-facing apses.

It’s position halfway in the ground also provides the entire complex a natural form of insulation – impressive, given the time of its constructions.

Visitors can not only enjoy a guided tour of the place but can also buy one of Soleri’s signature ceramic and bronze bells as a souvenir!

Address:  6433 E Doubletree Ranch Rd, Paradise Valley, AZ 85253, United States

23. Rosson House Museum

Rosson House Museum

Originally constructed for surgeon and physician Dr. Roland Rosson in 1895, the Rosson House Museum is a Queen Anne-styled Victorian house that is one of the earliest examples of non-adobe construction in Phoenix, Arizona.

These days, visiting it is a must do while you’re in Heritage Square in Phoenix.

Visitors will find this top destination to be a source of fun for any and all history buffs, thanks to the home being a time capsule preserving 18th-century furniture, wallpaper, woodwork, and even decorative art.

You might think there’s not much to know about this historical home and the time period it was built in, but the 60-minute tour led by knowledgeable guides will convince you otherwise!

And all that for only $9 per adult!

Address:  113 N 6th St, Phoenix, AZ 85004, United States

24. Lake Pleasant Regional Park

Lake Pleasant Regional Park

For a fun sightseeing trip in Phoenix, Arizona, consider checking out Lake Pleasant Regional Park .

Originally dammed in 1927, Lake Pleasant is now a 10,000-acre reservoir that takes up about half of the Northwest Valley.

On hot days, you can find both tourists and locals from Phoenix alike cooling off in the waters of the dam.

You can rent out paddleboards and kayaks from a service on the south-east shore of the lake, or just laze about on tubes.

If you rather spend your time exploring, consider swimming in popular spots like Humbug Cove, Fireman’s Cove, and Coles Bay.

Nature lovers also take note – Lake Pleasant is also surrounded by a protected location full of scenic trails and native wildlife, both along its shores and in its water.

You can try hunting them down on hiking trails, or simply learn about them in the dam’s educational Visitor Center!

Address: 41835 N Castle Hot Springs Rd, Morristown, AZ 85342, United States

Want to visit museums, planetariums, and observatories? Here are some amazing things to do in Flagstaff !

25. Eisendrath House

Eisendrath House

You may not have expected this, but one of the best places to visit in Phoenix is a paradise built in response to antisemitism.

After being refused entry into an Arizona resort, wealthy Chicagoan Rose Eisendrath purchased 44 acres and constructed her own private desert oasis in Phoenix.

The home was a beautiful place to visit, featuring a citrus grove, a swimming pool in the desert, and a living space spanning an impressive 5,500 square feet.

After Eisendrath’s passing in 1936, the 1930s winter getaway changed hands several times and eventually fell into disrepair.

It has since been fully restored to its former glory – now as a center for water conservation studies.

Visitors to this beautiful place will find all sorts of conservation classes, exhibits, and galleries – all geared towards educating the public about the water crisis Phoenix is currently dealing with as the desert region’s population keeps growing.

There are also plenty of tours of this historic place as well!

Address:  1400 N College Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281, United States

26. Chase Field

Chase Field

Looking for stuff to do while exploring Phoenix?

If you’re hoping to squeeze in some sports during your trip, then Chase Field might just be your best bet.

Located just a block away from the Arizona Science Center in Phoenix, the field is familiar to any baseball fan as the home of the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Even if you’re not a baseball fan, there’s still plenty to do here.

The retractable roof ensures that the field itself is safe from the desert sun and summer storms, and you can get some swimming in with the park’s pool and hot tub.

The latter two are just 415 feet away from the home plate!

Address:  401 E Jefferson St, Phoenix, AZ 85004, United States

27. Wrigley Mansion

Wrigley Mansion

Wrigley is a name that most people will be familiar with, seeing that it is the name attached to the world-famous chewing gum brand.

As it turns out, William Wrigley Jr was not only a chewing gum industrialist, he was also the owner of the mansion overlooking the metropolis of Phoenix.

Visitors will find it appearing more Californian than Arizonian – possibly due to its incredible tile-work, featuring tiles that were originally crafted at Wrigley’s tile factory on Catalina Island .

Mules then transported the tiles across the hundred of miles separating the mansion and the Californian factory.

These days, it’s one of the many fun tourist attractions Phoenix has to offer and is one of the top fine dining and event venues in the vicinity.

If you’re not planning to have an upscale brunch or a wedding here, try joining one of the 45-minute tours that take you through the mansion.

Address:  2501 E Telawa Trail, Phoenix, AZ 85016, United States

28. Curious Nature

Curious Nature

As it turns out, the dry, hot deserts of Arizona are home to all sorts of cool things – though depending on your definition of what is cool and fun, you might disagree.

Still, it can’t be denied that this taxidermy and natural history emporium promises a fascinating and informative afternoon!

Located in an art district in Phoenix, Curious Nature is full of all sorts of strange nature-related things, from tanned bison scrotum to taxidermied ducklings and owl pellet dissection kits.

The menagerie of preserved and taxidermied animals aren’t limited to just desert creatures you’ll find in Phoenix either – like octopi in jars!

Aside from its collection of the deceased, you can find all sorts of other unorthodox knick-knacks here, from unusual jewelry and animal skulls to strange books and geodes.

Visitors can also join their classes, and learn about topics like taxidermy and how to preserve wet specimens!

Address:  5032 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85012, United States

29. Phoenix Symphony

Phoenix Symphony ( brewbooks / flickr )

Looking for some of the best entertainment available in Phoenix tonight?

If you’re the more classy sort, then Phoenix Symphony may just be up your alley.

Originally a part-time orchestra, the Symphony has since grown from its humble roots in 1947 to be a full-time symphony orchestra and the biggest performing arts organization in Arizona.

Armed with the goal of educating and inspiring, the Symphony offers all sorts of performances and shows – from chamber and classical, to family and pop programs.

They also offer a variety of musical events and educational programs, all aimed at encouraging and developing musical skills and participation in school-going children and the community at large.

Interested visitors should first check out their online calendar.

There, you’ll find the list and corresponding dates of all their upcoming performances, so you can be sure to catch their shows in time!

Address: 75 N 2nd St, Phoenix, AZ 85004, United States

30. Biltmore Fashion Park

Biltmore Fashion Park

Biltmore Fashion Park is an unexpected addition to the list of fun things to do in Phoenix, but it is still a good one with a fair bit of history.

During its establishment in 1963, this mall was the best place to spot all sorts of celebrities and A-listers visiting Phoenix, like John Wayne and Princess Grace.

Despite its age, the open-air mall never truly lost its status as an upscale place to visit in Phoenix – although it did become a nicer place to visit after the addition of some trees, lawns, and fountains in the 1990s.

Visitors here will find a shopper’s paradise, with brands like Ralph Lauren, L’Occitane, and Sephora sitting side by side – all within easy reach!

Address:  2502 E Camelback Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85016, United States

31. Arizona State Capitol Museum

Arizona State Capitol Museum

The Arizona State Capitol Museum is yet another good place to head to if you’re in Phoenix.

After all, it’s a tourist spot for not just the city, but the whole state.

The State Capitol building here was built back in 1900 and used for its titular governmental purposes until the year 1974.

Now, the State Capitol Museum has been converted into a historical site that is completely free to enter.

It focuses on documenting and showcasing the rich history of the state, with multiple exhibits across an impressive 4 floors.

Some of the most loved exhibits in the museum are the very fun Arizona flag made from a whopping 113,998 pieces of Lego, specifically chosen in that number to represent the number of miles across the state.

There is also the amazing Arizona Takes Shape showcase, which exhibits the development of this state, from its presence as a mere territory to what it is currently.

Other spots to stop by near to these exhibits are the Wesley Bolin Plaza memorial monument as well as the monument for Capitol Mall.

The USS Arizona exhibit provides the history of its life at Pearl Harbor, and the Merci Train shows off all the gifts from France following the assistance granted to them for rebuilding purposes post-World War 2.

Address:  1700 W Washington St, Phoenix, AZ 85007, United States

32. McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park

McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park

Train enthusiasts will love the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park , but you don’t have to be an aficionado for the rails to have fun at this interesting tourist spot.

The railroad park was built on a piece of land once part of a ranch owned by Fowler and Anne McCormick.

The McCormicks donated the land to Scottsdale in the 1960s, and it can be enjoyed these days as one of the top most fascinating Phoenix attractions.

Their stepson – Guy Stillman – constructed a full-fledged railroad (of a narrow gauge variety, for the train nerds out there!) and named it the Paradise and Pacific Railroad.

Eventually, the park used that as a theme and built all sorts of showcases and exhibits based on the rail theme.

The train also still runs right now, with a journey through tracks spanning over 1.1 kilometers.

If you’re not too keen on moving attractions, consider instead the Roald Amundsen Pullman Car, which has been used by famous individuals such as Harry Truman, Franklin Roosevelt, and Dwight Eisenhower since its creation in 1928.

There is also the Magma Arizona Railroad Engine #6, built in 1907, and the Charro Carousel, which dates back to 1950.

Address:  7301 E Indian Bend Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85250, United States

33. Tempe Beach Park

Tempe Beach Park

Tempe Town Lake itself is a great recreational spot in Phoenix, Arizona, but it’s Tempe Beach Park that really takes the cake as the best the place has to offer.

Its expanse covers 25 acres along the south of the shore across from Papago Park, and it’s known for beautiful sunsets.

If you’re wondering what to do in this beach park, don’t work, for there are plenty of options.

Visitors to this park near Phoenix can rent water vehicles such as paddleboards, rowboats, kayaks, and pedal-boats to explore the water or rent scooters and bikes to make the most of the available trail, which spans five miles.

Kids will be able to enjoy an exciting splash playground.

Adults and others interested can also take a trip to the amphitheater, which often hosts shows and concerts, accommodating 5,000 people at a time.

Address:  80 W Rio Salado Pkwy, Tempe, AZ 85281, United States

34. MacAlpine’s Diner & Soda Fountain

MacAlpine’s Diner & Soda Fountain

One of the most loved eateries in Phoenix is MacAlpine’s Diner and Soda Fountain – and it’s also among the oldest that still stands in Phoenix.

The building started out as a pharmacy in the 1920s before adding a soda fountain in 1938 – and even then, it was a soda fountain and pharmacy until 1991 before becoming a diner!

If a diner can be fun and provide entertainment, MacAlpine’s certainly does just that.

Enjoy old-fashioned meals that still hold up now, with classics such as phosphates, egg creams, malts, and a whopping 99 different flavors of soda!

This includes basic cola and fruit flavors to more exotic and unusual offerings, like red velvet and bubblegum.

Address:  2303 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ 85006, United States

35. Heritage Square

Heritage Square

Wonder what Phoenix, Arizona looked like years ago?

Head on down to Heritage Square in downtown Phoenix and you’ll get a pretty good idea – and it’s a fun destination for guests to the city, too.

Heritage Square allows you to feast your eyes on a rather delightful mix of old buildings, from businesses and residences dating all the way back to the era between 1881 and 1923.

This includes stunning sites like the Hughes-Stevens Duplex and the Forest Burgess Carriage House.

Among the old buildings, which are repurposed today, you’ll find restaurants, bars, museums, and shops.

36. Children’s Museum of Phoenix

Children’s Museum of Phoenix

The Children’s Museum of Phoenix is one of the absolute best among things to see and experience in this city, with all sorts of activities designed to occupy, educate, and entrance kids.

The museum spans three floors and a surprisingly 48,000 square feet, with all sorts of exhibits and 300 play experiences for children between the ages of infancy and ten years old.

Examples of some exciting exhibits are a noodle forest, a place for fort-building, a miniature market, a kiddie cafe, Pedal Power, the Schuff-Perini Climber, and BlockMania.

Guests are also welcome to bring their own food and eat at a designated dining space.

Admission into the museum is free for children below the age of 12 months, and for everyone else, it’s $12 per individual.

Address:  215 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ 85034, United States

Apart from seeing the biggest attraction known as Devil’s Bridge Trail, here are some more things to do in Sedona !

37. i.d.e.a. Museum

Kirs10 at English Wikipedia / CC BY-SA

Yet another one of the most fun and kid-friendly attractions to visit in the city of Phoenix, Arizona, the i.d.e.a Museum is a great option for younger children.

It provides exciting play for young kids while making sure each activity is full of education regarding basic concepts, including those for practical, motor, and scientific skills.

Exhibits at this Phoenix museum are largely interactive, and some appeal directly to many different children, such as a showcase of cartoon monsters (delivered in a friendly, non-frightening way), plenty of hands-on bits and bobs, and a look into comic book characters of history.

Kids aged below one year old get to go in for free to the i.d.e.a Museum, while everyone else only needs to pay $8 per person for admission.

Address:  150 W Pepper Pl, Mesa, AZ 85201, United States

38. Her Secret Is Patience

Her Secret Is Patience ( Irwin Scott / flickr )

The beautiful work of art known as “ Her Secret Is Patience ” is among the best public sculptures you’ll find in Phoenix, Arizona.

Its name is taken from a Ralph Waldo Emerson quote which you may have heard before: “Adopt the pace of nature; her secret is patience.”

The installation is shown off in the Phoenix Civic Space Park and was created by Janet Echelman.

It is an aerial artwork that reaches an imposing 145 feet in height, and even more shockingly, it’s suspended, so it exists 100 feet in the air away from land.

In the day, the structure moves, casting shadows in shapes.

At night, it is brightly lit, and its colors rotate seasonally.

What, exactly, is it made of? And how was it made?

Well, the cumulative result is thanks to a big team of planners, fabricators, engineers, lighting designers, and architects, working together with colored lights, galvanized steel, and polyester twine netting to shape this huge work of art.

Address: 424 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004, United States

39. MacDonalds’ Ranch

For a good, old-fashioned fun time for the whole family, head over to McDonald’s’ Ranch near Phoenix, Arizona.

Essentially, the ranch offers programs and schedules where you get to ride through the harsh Phoenix desert or other places.

You’re taught how desert and wilderness survival works, including how to find water and food, how to tell which way is north and south, and of course, how horseriding works!

There are a variety of different tour lengths, and you get a lot of information and education for your time.

You also get to sort of bond with the horse you’re riding, which is always a great bonus!

Reserving a tour in advance is highly recommended so you get a time slot!

Address:  26540 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85255, United States

40. Butterfly Wonderland

Butterfly Wonderland

If you’re looking for the top things to do in Phoenix for whimsical insect-lovers, look no further than Butterfly Wonderland .

Though it sounds like a fun butterfly amusement park, it’s actually much, much more than that: a tropical conservatory that features and helps more than just the beautiful insects in its title.

This interesting Phoenix, Arizona location has its main attraction: the Butterfly Pavilion, which is a huge indoor enclosure that features thousands upon thousands of butterflies that happily and freely fly about.

Some lucky visitors who get there at the right time even get to see some of these vibrant and pretty insects break free from a chrysalis.

But there’s much more to be seen here, too!

Butterfly Wonderland features a sideshow of poisonous critters from the desert, like scorpions and spiders.

There is also a freshwater aquarium called OdySea in the Desert, a honey bee showcase, an exhibit of reptiles, and a 3D theater!

Address:  9500 East Vía de Ventura F100, Scottsdale, AZ 85256, United States

41. Superstition Mountain Museum

Superstition Mountain Museum

With a name like Superstition Mountain Museum , you’d think that this attraction would be on the top of the list of activities to do, especially given how close it is to Goldfield Ghost Town!

Strangely enough, it’s not a particularly famous location, though it does deserve to be.

The Superstition Mountain Museum primarily contains information about the mysterious Lost Dutchman Mine, which no one has been able to locate since the passing away of the Dutchman.

Many have studied maps drawn by the Dutchman himself and have even gone on expeditions across Phoenix to find it, but none have succeeded.

While you’re at the museum, don’t forget to check out Apacheland, which is right behind it and was once used to film many different movies!

Address:  4087 N Apache Trail, Apache Junction, AZ 85119, United States

42. Anthem Veterans Memorial

Anthem Veterans Memorial

One of the more somber Phoenix attractions and a top option for the patriotic, the Anthem Veterans Memorial is only visible in its complete glory once a year – and for only one minute a year, at that!

At 11:11 on the 11th of November, all five pillars of this beautiful memorial will align at the exact angle to form a shadow in the shape of America’s seal.

The five pillars are representative of an arm of the military of the United States.

Within the Circle of Honor on the Phoenix, Arizona monument, you can read the many names of the brave men and women who have served their country.

The closed circle of the Circle of Honor is a representation of an unbreakable border.

The pavers on the Circle of Honor, made from brick, are colored in red, while the pillars are white, and the sky above is blue to symbolize the colors of the American flag.

How exactly did this structure come to be?

Well, it was created with something known as a fixed azimuth, which is essentially a horizontal angle noted down at the correct time, according to Jim Martin, the chief engineer behind the memorial.

The monument itself can thank Renee Palmer-Jones for its lovely design!

It is also a copyrighted work, meaning it cannot be reproduced anywhere else.

Address:  41703 N Gavilan Peak Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85086, United States

43. Phoenix Fan Fusion

Phoenix Fan Fusion ( Gage Skidmore / flickr )

It’s not exactly a tourist “location”, but Phoenix Fan Fusion is among the most fun and exciting things you can check out if you’re at this Arizona city at the right time.

Originally called the Phoenix Comic Fest, this comic convention is definitely at the peak of the list of what to do for pop culture nerds!

This event saw its beginnings back in 2002 when it was just a small gathering held at the Ahwatukee branch of the Best Western Hotel.

Now, it needs a whole convention center and brings in famous guests and speakers and over 100,000 fans per year!

Address:  100 N 3rd St, Phoenix, AZ 85004, United States

44. South Mountain Park and Preserve

South Mountain Park and Preserve

Looking for some fun sightseeing options in Phoenix, Arizona?

The South Mountain Park and Preserve is a great urban park to do the trick, and it’s officially considered a Phoenix Point of Pride while being among America’s largest parks of its kind.

South Mountain Park and Preserve first began being plotted back in the 1920s, and it now has more than 16,000 acres to its name, consisting of 60 trails and plenty of stunning desert panoramas to take in.

There are a few options for things to check out in the preserve.

You can bike, ride a horse, or hike through the trails, head out on one of Ponderosa Stables’ Wild West horseback tours, check out some petroglyphs, keep an eye out for chuckwallas, gaze at the elephant trees, or even head to the South Mountain Environmental Education Center.

And yes, there is a lot more to do besides that, as well!

Address:  10919 S Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85042, United States

45. World Championship Hoop Dance Contest

World Championship Hoop Dance Contest

The World Championship Hoop Dance Contest is an extremely fascinating event that is basically the top competition of its kind across the globe.

Audience members get to see an interesting form of art where dancers use hoops in order to make various symbols, backed by upbeat and thematic music.

Judgment is made based on creativity, speed, rhythm, showmanship, and precision.

The competition lasts for two days and has five different age categories.

Those under five and over 40 are on the far end of each spectrum.

More importantly, the World Championship Hoop Dance Contest honors traditions from Native Americans and First Nation Canadian tribes.

In those cultures, these hoop dances are big parts of healing ceremonies.

Sure, it’s not technically something you can consider among the places to visit in Phoenix, as it’s an event that happens in February at the famous Heard Museum, but that’s no reason it shouldn’t be on this list!

Address: 2301 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004, United States

46. Tempe Town Lake

Tempe Town Lake

We briefly mentioned the Tempe Town Lake before this, and now it’s time to bring it up again!

The two-mile lake is located in the middle of the Phoenix Metropolitan Area, formed as a result of the damming of the Salt River.

Its waters now flow in from the Colorado River, and the lake has been around since the 1990s.

This Phoenix, Arizona spot is one of the most beautiful places to see, especially within such arid desert.

There are lots of fun ways to circle the five-mile circumference of the Tempe Town Lake.

The road is paved for all manners of travelers, and you can walk, jog, cycle, or skate your way through – or, perhaps, you could sign up for a segway tour!

Address: 620 North Mill Avenue, Tempe, AZ 85281, United States

47. Governor Hunt Tomb

Governor Hunt Tomb

The bright white pyramid in the middle of Papago Park in Phoenix stands out rather significantly, and it’s a bit confusing as to why it’s there.

The truth isn’t too odd, though – it’s the final resting place of George W. P Hunt, the first governor of Arizona.

He was in office from 1912 to 1933 and was nicknamed Old Walrus.

He was widely known as a “good man”, as he supported equality for women and women’s suffrage, and he is said to have had a very good heart.

Of course, as someone from that era, Hunt was a freemason.

This is likely why he decided that his final resting place would be this luxuriously white-tiled pyramid, true to the symbol of the freemasons.

His wife, his parents-in-law, and his sister-in-law are also buried here.

The Governor Hunt Tomb is a true sight to behold and requires only a short walk up Phoenix’s Papago Park.

It’s undoubtedly one of the best of this city’s places to visit, especially for history buffs!

48. Penske Racing Museum

Penske Racing Museum

For fans of cars and the fun, competitive sport of racing, the Penske Racing Museum of Phoenix, Arizona is nothing short of a must see.

The museum is centered on the beautiful and rich history of Penske Racing’s automobile racing dynasty, with a huge collection of memorabilia, trophies, and even cars to show off.

Penske Racing has been a player in the field for more than four decades, and they’ve won 300 major races.

It’s no surprise that they’re not just the most famous racing dynasty in Phoenix but in the entire world!

You can find the Penske Racing Museum at the Scottsdale 101 Auto Collection.

Address:  7125 E Chauncey Ln, Phoenix, AZ 85054, United States

Have you ever been to the Sabino Canyon? Well, apart from that, here are some awesome things to do in Tucson !

49. Enchanted Island Amusement Park

Enchanted Island Amusement Park

If you’re looking for something exciting to do in Phoenix, Arizona this weekend, you might not consider that some of your best options may be amusement parks!

The Enchanted Island Amusement Park , located in the middle of Encanto Park, is a small and simple theme park that has a decent selection of things that a family can enjoy.

The Enchanted Island Amusement Park is not a big park and only has 9 rides, not including a C.P. Huntington train and a carousel, and a small but reasonable number of snack and game stalls.

In the summer, there is a splash zone, too, and there are pedal-boats that you can hop onto in order to view the rest of Encanto Park.

Most importantly, admission to Phoenix’s Enchanted Island Amusement Park is completely free!

Address:  1202 W Encanto Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85007, United States

50. Bondurant High Performance Driving School

Bondurant High Performance Driving School

The Bondurant High Performance Driving School is an interesting spot when it comes to educational activities in Phoenix, Arizona.

If you’re willing to spend the cash, you’ll be able to learn about Grand Prix Racing techniques or even simple defensive driving.

It can be odd to think about a school specifically for driving, but since its conception in the year 1990, the Bondurant High Performance Driving School has received nothing but impeccable praise.

The school was opened by Bob Bondurant and now contains over 200 different vehicles that are all race-ready.

Those who get a chance to try out their racing skills at the Bondurant High Performance Driving School will be able to rush around a 1.6-mile track.

For those who prefer a slower pace, they can tour the facility, which spans 60 acres and meet multiple world-class teachers.

Sure, it’s unorthodox, but it’s undoubtedly one of the most fun things to do around Phoenix!

Address:  20000 S. Maricopa Rd., Gate #3, Chandler, AZ 85226, United States

51. Talking Stick Resort

Talking Stick Resort

Arizona has a history of being a winter getaway for the rich, and Talking Stick Resort owes its existence to that history.

Located on the border of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Reservation, the resort is a luxurious escape only a short drive away from the city of Phoenix.

The resort itself combines a luxury hotel, two golf courses, and a massive casino filled with over 50 table games and hundreds of slot machines.

And that’s before considering the complex’s 650-seater showroom and Grand Ballroom, the latter already an impressive event venue in its own right.

Guests to this hotel will have the entrance privilege to an entertainment schedule that includes celebrity names like Foreigner and Jay Leno.

Though if that’s not quite your cup of tea, the 14th floor is home to one of the best open-air spas in the vicinity, where the height gives you an incredible view of the surrounding valley.

At the very least, consider dropping by the hotel lobby to check out a cultural center and exhibition dedicated to the Pima and Maricopa peoples’ heritage.

The incredible exhibition pieces alone will certainly be worth the trip!

Address:  9800 Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, AZ 85256, United States

52. Scottsdale Fashion Square

Scottsdale Fashion Square

Phoenix is a fun city to be in – but considering its location in the desert, it should come as no surprise that it gets incredibly hot.

So why not beat the heat by ducking into a shopping mall that happens to be one of the city’s many tourist attractions?

With three floors and over 255 tenants, Scottsdale Fashion Square makes its name in Phoenix as the largest shopping mall in Arizona.

Despite its age, the shopping mall hasn’t remained stagnant in its design.

The last 60 years have seen it undergo several expansions and renovations, allowing it to keep up with the times in both size and design.

Shopaholics will be pleased to find mid-level entry brands like H&M, Zara, and Gap sitting comfortably next to premium brands like Burberry, Gucci, and Jimmy Choo.

There’s also food outlets and a movie theatre here to check out if you just want to enjoy a casual afternoon outing!

Address:  7014 E Camelback Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251, United States

53. Navajo Code Talkers Tribute

Navajo Code Talkers Tribute

It only makes sense for history aficionados sightseeing in Arizona to visit this Native American tribute to the tribal members who were responsible for the United State’s successful wartime communication.

While both World Wars saw the contributive efforts of many Native American tribal members, the encryption specialists are well known now as the Navajo Code Talkers.

Dedicated to the Code Talkers and their invaluable service, the Navajo Code Talkers Tribute is a giant sculpture of a young boy in traditional grab situated prominently in midtown Phoenix.

In the sculpture’s hand is a flute – a traditional Navajo communication symbol of peace.

Designed and sculpted by Vietnam War veteran Doug Hyde, the sculpture is a quiet reminder of the sacrifices made by Native peoples during the World Wars.

It’s certainly worth a stop at Phoenix to see, especially if you wish to understand history a little better.

Address: 22 E Thomas Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85012, United States

54. Desert Ridge Marketplace

Desert Ridge Marketplace

Arizona is undoubtedly full of beautiful sights, but its desert landscapes can get unbearably hot – especially during summer afternoons.

So it only makes sense to try ducking out of the blazing midday heat into someplace cool and shady – like the Desert Ridge Marketplace !

Filled with shady palm trees, this outdoor mall doesn’t just offer all sorts of stores – it also offers all sorts of entertainment and dining options for everyone.

After a shopping spree, visitors can check out the 18-screen cinema, or dine in at one of the 30-plus options available at the shopping mall.

If you drop by on a weekend, you may be able to enjoy one of the many street performances in the general location!

Still looking for more fun?

The place is home to a bustling nightlife too, with live comedy shows, band performances, and nightly DJ sets.

All you have to do is just drop on by to enjoy yourself!

Address:  21001 N Tatum Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85050, United States

55. Phoenix Art Museum

Phoenix Art Museum

Located in downtown Phoenix is the Phoenix Art Museum – a world-class establishment best known for its dedication to the preservation and exhibition of both classical and contemporary art.

The art museum traces its history back to 1912, just after Arizona joined the fledgling United States.

At the time, the Phoenix Art Museum was a community art collection.

It has grown since then, and finally saw inauguration in 1959 as a proper museum and is now renowned for its art collections.

The real star of its collections, however, is their Latin American cache containing works, decorative pieces, and furniture from artists like Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo.

That’s not to say that this will be a dreary visit for families, however – the museum plays hosts to some high-quality temporary exhibitions, some of which are interactive.

Families can also enjoy the Thorne Miniature Rooms, which are meticulously period-accurate rooms scaled down to 1:12 their original size.

Regardless of your age, it is certainly a feast for the eyes!

Address:  1625 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004, United States

56. FilmBar

FilmBar ( Sean Davis / flickr )

There aren’t a lot of art-house theatres anymore, so it’s easy to see why FilmBar is on top of the list of things to see while in Phoenix.

So if you happen to be traveling through Arizona and are close to Phoenix, consider dropping by the coolest art house theatre in the city to watch all sorts of indie films on your list of activities!

Here, film buffs can munch on a tamale or some popcorn while watching documentaries and indie films.

Or join in one of the venue’s Sing-A-Long event nights – the perfect chance for wannabe singers to belt along to all sorts of famous musicals!

Address:  815 N 2nd St, Phoenix, AZ 85004, United States

57. Phoenix Bat Cave

On the hunt for some fun points of interest in Arizona?

The Phoenix Bat Cave may just be the answer you seek.

Despite its name, the cave is not an actual, natural cave.

Rather, it is a flood control tunnel that is regularly taken over by 10,000 to 20,000 Mexican Free-Tailed bats in need of a temporary home.

Visitors dropping by during the months of May to October will find this bat “cave” to be a resting point for bats migrating south to Mexico.

Arriving at dusk is ideal, as it is when these bats fly out and fill out the sky as they feed on bugs and insects.

It is certainly a sight to behold, especially considering how close it is to Phoenix!

For the most part, the bats are seemingly unafraid of humans – so do watch out for some near misses as they swoop right past you!

Just make sure to keep quiet while watching these spectacular creatures in action, and to follow the instructions laid out on signboards in the vicinity.

You wouldn’t want to disturb their echolocation, after all!

Address:  3698-3694 E Colter St, Phoenix, AZ 85018, United States

58. Taste It Tours

Taste It Tours

A must do while in Phoenix is certainly the Taste It Tours .

This food-based tour takes its participants on a gastronomical adventure through the city, where you will be introduced to a memorable experience – some of the greatest culinary hotspots in the local food scene!

The tours are owned and run by a local named Jessica Combest, who is more than happy to show visitors why this city is considered a food mecca in Arizona.

Tour participants will be taken to 4 or 5 different hidden gems spread throughout Scottsdale and Phoenix, where they get to experience what the neighborhood culinary experience is like.

Food may be the highlight of this tour, but it isn’t the only one either.

Participants will also get a chance to see and learn about the rich heritage and beautiful architecture the city has to hold.

All in all, this tour promises to provide foodies a culinary experience they won’t forget!

Address:  4400 N Scottsdale Rd #11, Scottsdale, AZ 85251, United States

59. The Hive

If you’re exploring Arizona this weekend and are taking an obligatory stop in Phoenix, why not make it a fun stay?

Located in central Phoenix is The Hive – a special collective that aims to bring both purveyors of the arts (both visual and performing) and enterprising entrepreneurs under a single roof.

This is the place to go in Phoenix if you’re on the hunt for the interesting, the handmade, or even just the artisanal.

Independent businesses like The Bee’s Knees offer a dizzying selection of vintage clothes, while Wasted Ink Zine Distro offers both rotating exhibitions, art galleries, and magazines from across the globe.

When you’re done checking out the incredible amount of DIY and handmade merchandise on sale, why not get yourself some coffee from Buzz Beans?

Either way, The Hive promises its visitors a wonderful cultural experience!

Address:  2222 N 16th St, Phoenix, AZ 85006, United States

60. Pioneer Living History Museum

Pioneer Living History Museum

Considering just how much history Arizona has bleeding out of its landscape, it should come as no surprise that one of the best things to do in Phoenix is to visit its many museums.

Young fans of the Old West in particular will find the kid-friendly Pioneer Living History Museum to be an especially fun experience – and it isn’t hard to see why!

Located in North Phoenix, the outdoor museum is a slightly kitschy replica of an Old West pioneering town, scaled down for children.

Children will get a chance to live out an exciting version of what it must have been like to live in a pioneering frontier town that sprawls out across a massive 90 acres!

Address:  3901 W Pioneer Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85086, United States

Start Planning Your Trip To Phoenix

Now that you’ve seen our list of all the tourist attractions and places to go in Phoenix, Arizona, hopefully, you’ve got some of the best vacation spots !

Whether you’re going today, tonight, tomorrow, this week, this weekend, or next weekend, you can bet your bottom dollar that you’ll never run out of what to do in Phoenix.

All you have to do is plan your trip and pick the spots that are best for you!

🙌 Awesome, you're subscribed!

Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon!

Get us in your inbox

Sign up to our newsletter for the latest and greatest from your city and beyond

By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions.

Awesome, you're subscribed!

The best things in life are free.

Sign up for our email to enjoy your city without spending a thing (as well as some options when you’re feeling flush).

Déjà vu! We already have this email. Try another?

Love the mag?

Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox. Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news, events, offers and partner promotions.

• Things to do
• Attractions
• Restaurants
• Los Angeles

The 20 best attractions in Phoenix

One of the best attractions in Phoenix is the Phoenix zoo: home to 3,000 animals, it first opened in 1962

The hundreds of beautiful sunny days per year certainly lend a hand when exploring the best attractions in Phoenix. From the nationally acclaimed Phoenix Zoo (the largest privately owned, non-profit zoo in the country) to Camelback Mountain, which gets its name from its shape when seen from a distance, you'll notice that some of the best things to do in town involve the outdoors—and why not? When in Phoenix, you'll want to revel in the weather as much as possible.

Lovers of the indoors, worry not: we've got you covered (no pun intended). Our list of top attractions includes a bunch of must-see restaurants and bars, outstanding in both décor and offerings. 

And, yes, at the top of our ranking is a hotel —but not just any hotel. The Phoenician is stunning, has been visited by Presidents and shares property with the Jokake Inn, a private home from the 1900s that is now used for special events. That is surely attractive now isn't it?

RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best   things to do in Phoenix

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

Best attractions in Phoenix

1.  phoenician hotel.

• Monterey Arcadia

One of the first luxury resorts in town, the Phoenician is a gem that has been visited by past Presidents, famous performers and professional athletes. It boasts spectacular views, both casual and fine dining culinary delights and incredibly comfortable room. The space has undergone a major transformation recently that has added a slew of new amenities to the destination. Attention to detail is what makes this resort special. While on the property, see the Jokake Inn, a private home from the 1900s now used for special events. Don’t miss out on the meditation and yoga classes on offer.

Photograph: Courtesy Yelp/ The Phoenician

2.  Musical Instrument Museum

• Paradise Valley

The Musical Instruments Museums displays over 6,000 objects and is the world’s only global instrument museum, representing 200 of the world’s countries and territories. An award-winning Smithsonian Affiliate, it uses state-of-the-art technology to allow guests to see the instruments, hear their sounds and watch them being played in their original contexts. Founded in 2010 by Robert Ulrich, the CEO emeritus of Target Corporations, the venue displays many instruments on loan from current musicians. Expect contraptions used by John Lennon, Carlos Santana and Taylor Swift.

Photograph: Courtesy Yelp/ Ed U.

3.  T. Cook's

• Camlback Corridor

T. Cook’s, an iconic Mediterranean restaurant, is the centerpiece of the Royal Palms Resort and Spa. The resort was once a 65-acre private property owned by Delos Cooke, a New York-based financier who moved to Phoenix with his wife in need of warmer weather. The restaurant is warm and inviting, making guests feel immediately at home, yet very sophisticated at the same time and serving exceptional food. Established in 1997, the restaurant’s offerings are made with plenty of fresh ingredients imported from Spain, France and Northern Italy.  

Photograph: Courtesy Yelp/ Rochelle M.

4.  Doughbird

• Camelback East

Doughbird is a new concept restaurant created by Arizona restauranteur Sam Fox. Its menu includes a variety of homemade pizzas prepared in wood-burning ovens. Located in a 5500-square foot bright and open space, the creative culinary mashup serves classic comfort foods and a thought-out drink menu. Patrons can try over a dozen pizzas adorned with creative toppings—think Brussels sprouts, charred corn and shishito peppers. Or order one (or all) of the four slow-roasted rotisserie options with unique sauces, like chipotle barbeque or jalapeño pesto. The gluten free pizza is excellent and the dessert is definitely worth the calories.

5.  Roaring Fork

Roaring Fork is known for its flavorful cuisine, cooked in wood fire and an open flame grill. Created over two decades ago by Guy and Larry Restaurants Inc., it is still owned by the duo (Guy Villavaso is from Arizona). Given its excellent happy hour deals and overall low price point, the space is always packed. With choice like the Huckleberry frozen margarita and the guava mojito, the drink menu is uniquely exciting.

Photograph: Courtesy Yelp/ Dan F.

6.  Butterfly Wonderland

Leave the Arizona desert behind when you walk into the largest indoor butterfly pavilion in the U.S. Thousands of floaty creatures from all over the world take over the conservatory, which boasts rainforest temperatures, flowing waterfalls, tropical plants and a large Koi pond. Guests may also visit the emergence gallery, home to butterflies in various states of life—many even undergoing metamorphosis. Also stop by the fresh quarter aquariums on premise, filled with exotic fish a honeybee colony.

Photograph: Courtesy Yelp/ Ann G.

7.  McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park

• Resort Corridor

About a million people visit the 30-acre McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park each year. The perfect destination for a day spent with young kids, visitors have fun aboard the vintage Allan Herschell carousel and the mini train with three steam locomotives, two diesel and one electric engine. Go see the 10,000-square-foot model railroad building where trains zip by and don’t miss the museum, which houses the Roald Amundsen Pullman car, best known for being used by every president from Herbert Hoover through Dwight Eisenhower.

Photograph: Courtesy Yelp/ Bekah S.

8.  Phoenix Zoo

• Minnesota Court

The Phoenix Zoo first opened its gates in 1962. Founded by Robert E. Maytag, the grandson of the founder of the Maytag appliance company, it’s the largest privately owned, non-profit zoo in the United States and is home to over 3,000 animals. Get close to nature with interactive exhibits like the monkey village, where you can walk into an open area filled with squirrel monkeys that scamper through bushes and trees just inches away. Ride on a camel if you dare or take a guided tour.

9.  Desert Botanical Garden

Founded in 1939, the Desert Botanical Garden boasts the world's biggest outdoor desert plant collection. A beautiful place to discover desert flora and fauna, it was created to protect, research and conserve the various organisms. Visitors can check out five thematic trails featuring towering cacti, alluring succulents and colorful wildflowers. Wildlife abounds in the garden, from the butterfly exhibit hosted yearly to hummingbirds and the occasional snake slithering by.

10.  Camelback Mountain

• Cinco Soles

Camelback Mountain is smack in the middle of Phoenix, Scottsdale and Paradise Valley, within the Camelback Mountain Echo Canyon recreation area. The mountain owes its name to its silhouette, which looks like a camel’s back when seen from a distance. Visiting hikers have two options, a challenging trail and an easier, yet longer, one. Opt for the steep Echo Canyon trail, the front side of the 2,704-feet mountain, or the Cholla trail, which winds around the area. Just don’t forget to brings lots of water with you.

11.  Roosevelt Row

Downtown Phoenix boasts an artsy district known as Roosevelt Row that is walkable and is known for its art galleries, award-winning restaurants and live music events. Hundreds of people turn out for the aptly named “First Friday” self-guided art walk on the first Friday of every month. Galleries, restaurants, bookstores and shops are all open from 6 to 11pm and artists and street performers turn out to entertain the crowds.

12.  OdySea Aquarium

Check out the relatively new OdySea Aquarium, the largest aquarium in the Southwest, home to over 30,000 animals, 50 exhibits and an aquatic presentation that involves guests sit in a theater and rotating around an enormous tank filled with sharks, sea turtles, seals and sea lions. See African penguins swim in a water tank, watch the otters get fed, walk through the “Great Barrier Reef” tunnel filled with ocean life and take the kids to touch starfish in an open pool of water.

Photograph: Courtesy CC/Flickr/ Raquel Baranow

13.  AZ/88

One of the hippest restaurants in town, AZ88 offers a patio, restaurant area and bar that attract a fashionable and trendy crowd. Known for its excellent drinks, the eatery also serves fresh food in generous portions. Make sure to order the St. Petersburg potatoes, house chips topped with Scottish smoked salmon, sour cream, radish, cream cheese, onion and cucumber.  

Photograph: Courtesy Yelp/ Ken F. </em<

14.  Heard Museum

A visit to Phoenix is not complete without a day spent learning about the city’s history at the Heard Museum. Founded in 1929, the venue hosts over 200,000 visitors a year and is dedicated to the advancement of American Indian art. There are 11 exhibit galleries that showcase Hopi katsina dolls, Navajo and Zuni jewelry, Navajo textiles and Southwestern ceramics from pre-history to the present. Go see the outdoor courtyards, which feature traditional and contemporary American Indian art.

15.  Taliesin West

• Greater Phoenix

Taliesin West, located in the foothills of the McDowell Mountains, was originally Frank Lloyd Wright’s winter home, studio and architectural campus. Wright and his students created theaters, apartments and studios with the goal to utilize and maximize the natural surroundings of the Sonoran Desert. When visiting this National Historic Landmark, guests will walk into buildings made of rock and sand. There are a few guided tours to choose from, each focusing on different aspects of the location.

16.  Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West

The spirit of the Wild West comes to life at Scottsdale Museum for the West. The museum honors the men and women who built 19 states of the American West with hard work and vision. It showcases historical artifacts, such as saddles, guns and poker chips, as well as paintings and sculptures. Go see the sculpture garden and notice how the heating and air conditioning systems are used to preserve the environment.

Photograph: Courtesy Yelp/ Gregory P.

17.  The Phoenix Art Museum

The Phoenix Art Museum is home to more than 18,000 works of art from all around the globe. The permanent exhibits include paintings, fashion pieces, sculptures and photographs. Make sure to visit the Thorne miniature rooms, which are tiny replicas of rooms from different time periods. The European section boasts works of art by Rodin, Delacroix, Courbet and Monet, while the American section showcases pieces by Picasso and Cocteau, to name just a few. Eat at the museum restaurant, Palette, where both the service and food are excellent. 

18.  Deseo

• Desert Ridge

Located in the luxurious Westin Kierland Resort is the Nuevo Latino restaurant Deseo. It’s where the connoisseurs go for the ceviche and caipirinhas. The menu is filled with delicious dishes that combine flavors from Mexico, Central and South America and the Caribbean. Tapas are a big draw, as are the muddled drinks, which are creative, flavorful and can be made sans alcohol as well.

Photograph: Courtesy Yelp/ Pepper T.

19.  The Horny Toad

• Desert View

The Wild West is alive and kicking at The Horny Toad restaurant, the oldest original restaurant in Cave Creek, Arizona. Owned by the same family for over 40 years, it is where diners dig into BBQ beef ribs, fried chicken and fries. Drink a sarsaparilla root beer while sitting on the covered outdoor patio or enjoy one of the many dining rooms. While the clientele is often made of tourists, plenty cowboys and bikers also permeate the premise, which, of course, makes the entire experience that much more authentic.

Photograph: Courtesy Yelp/ Gloria E.

20.  Chase Field

• Sports and fitness

Do take a tour, but don’t even think of stepping on the carefully guarded grass at Chase Field, home to the Major League Arizona Diamondbacks. The stadium is best known for its retractable roof, which allows for the games to be air conditioned during the hot summer months. Oh, and if fans aren’t cool enough, they can take a dip in the right field pool.

Getting hungry?

The 20 best restaurants in phoenix.

What makes the best restaurants in Phoenix truly great is their scope: from ethnic treasures to James Beard award-winning spots, hole-in-the-wall family joints and fancy hotel eateries, the capital of Arizona is home to a food scene that is, to put it simply, very underrated. 

[image] [title]

Discover Time Out original video

• Press office
• Investor relations
• Work for Time Out
• Editorial guidelines
• Privacy notice
• Do not sell my information
• Cookie policy
• Accessibility statement
• Terms of use
• Copyright agent
• Modern slavery statement
• Manage cookies
• Advertising
• Time Out Market

North America Chevron

United States Chevron

Arizona Chevron

Phoenix Chevron

10 Best Things to Do in Phoenix

The list of best things to do in Phoenix is an expansive one. There’s no place quite like this city—a rapidly growing, 517-square-mile sprawl in the middle of the Sonoran Desert with Apache street art, 150-year-old cacti, ultra-fresh  Mexican seafood , and giant sunsets. Many people come to the Valley of the Sun for golf, work, nightclubs, or sports, but those who leave the usual bubbles are rewarded. More so than other American cities of similar size (Phoenix has 1.6 million people, making it the fifth-most populous city in the U.S.), you need to know where to look.

On the gastronomic end, Phoenix is an example of a destination that excels when its chefs embrace local producers. Growers benefit from 300-plus days of annual sun to produce incredible citrus, beans, squash, and flour. It's so good that Arizona exports to Italy, fueling incredible tortillas and pizza. The art scene is everywhere, most visibly manifested as murals swirling across downtown facades. Casual galleries and refreshingly original museums—like the Heard and its Native American collection—are ever-evolving and always worth (re)visiting. 

And despite the urban sprawl, the wonders of the world’s most vibrant desert are never far. Here’s where to get started if you really want to taste, see, feel, and experience the best of what the rising city has to offer today. 

Musical Instrument Museum Arrow

This expansive museum in the desert right off of the North Phoenix highway is a paean to world music. Inside the Musical Instrument Museum's tall sandstone walls, 8,000-plus instruments from some 200 countries await, all packed into galleries forking from a central corridor. As you stroll through wearing headphones, you hear the sounds of the instruments you pass. Videos play, too, showing how people play instruments in their countries of origin. Other highlights: The museum has rooms for kids, displays instruments actually played by artists like Johnny Cash, and hosts concerts. 

Century Grand: Platform 18 Arrow

This bar is in a long room designed to resemble a luxury railroad cabin from a century ago. Thanks to strategically spaced TVs playing synchronized footage of a passing snowy landscape, you might feel like you’re in motion, actually winding through the Rocky Mountains. The cocktails made on the “train” are among the most progressive and celebrated in Arizona. Tailored to adventurous drinkers with lofty cocktail standards, Century Grand uses all kinds of outlandish ingredients in cocktails, like smoked tea and kefir. One cocktail that conjures flavors of a peanut-butter-and-jelly sandwich comes with a sleeve of Campari cotton candy. Sip thoughtful punch or dig into boozy ice cream. Bartenders use a wide range of spirits, liqueurs, and fortified wines. Flavors are carefully considered and often balanced on a tightrope. 

South Mountain Park and Preserve Arrow

In a famously sprawling city, the 16,000 acres of South Mountain Park allow people to disappear into the natural world. Hiking, running, biking, and even driving, you might see roadrunners and loping coyotes. And oftentimes the trail will bend, and there rises the towers of downtown Phoenix, rising from its bowl of mountains. Keep your eyes peeled for petroglyphs. These are rock carvings etched by ancient desert communities, like the Hohokam. There are hundreds of petroglyphs scattered through the park: spirals, animals, and suns—all incredible to witness and ponder. 

Pizzeria Bianco Arrow

Chris Bianco is a giant in the pizza world and his handiwork hasn’t slipped an inch over the decades. Famously, he says he doesn’t do much, delegating praise to the farmers, ranchers, and other producers. But he truly excels at giving premier local ingredients—flour, pistachios, cheeses, herbs, citrus—the exact touches they need to express themselves as ideally as pizza, salad, and pasta dishes can. Bianco’s pizza defies category, embracing hard-way methods like blending select local flours. The Rosa, a white pie crowned with pistachios, red onion, rosemary, and Parmigiano Reggiano, is his Mona Lisa. His simple marinara is a dark horse that showcases his technique. Too many people often overlook the pasta specials at the Town & Country location, so be sure to consider them when you make your inevitable pilgrimage.

Heard Museum Arrow

This central Phoenix museum showcases pieces from Indigenous people all over the world, but with a focus on the American Southwest. The goal: to allow Indigenous people from across time to tell their stories through their own words, art, and artifacts. Founded in 1929, the Heard has earned a global reputation and should be a  must  on any visitor’s to-do list. The museum has some 44,000 objects in 12 exhibit galleries, including more than 1,200 Hopi Katsina dolls. 

Valley Bar Arrow

Raw and grungy with nothing to distract from the flow of canned beers and music, this low-slung underground hall packs 250 people—mostly standing room. The bands that take the minimal stage tend to be local standouts. Many of the people in the crowd know them well, for this is a pillar of Phoenix’s homegrown music scene. Come here for sweat and sound. In addition to the music room, Valley Bar has others spreading below the downtown streets. Play billiards in one and eat taquitos or sip a cocktail named after an Arizona politician in another. Don’t miss the Rose Room—an intimate half-hidden library stocked with couches and vintage reading material. 

Desert Botanical Garden Arrow

The Sonoran Desert is often called the world’s most vibrant desert, and this garden’s 140 acres of wondrous plants show why. Sure, visitors know the Sonoran’s wavy-armed signature—the Saguaro cactus—but what about the dozens of other Seussian species: the organ pipe cactus, the barrel, the hedgehog? The house restaurant, Gertrude’s, is far better than any botanical garden eatery should be. Gertrude’s cooks higher-end seasonal dishes using local ingredients: House cocktails prioritize Arizona spirits, like Tucson whiskey smoked with mesquite and Sedona gin made with foraged juniper. 

Bacanora Arrow

his Grand Avenue nook has heart and vibe unlike any other downtown Phoenix restaurant. That’s thanks to Rene Andrade, whose Sonoran roots shape an electric menu of Sonoran Mexican specialties, many of them charred on a smoky, giant Santa Maria-style grill in the music-packed room’s corner. Bacanora is a cool spot. People drink agave spirits out of bone luges, tuck into Flinstonian steaks ringed with flour tortillas and salsas, and enjoy bracing raw seafood plates like limey shrimp aguachiles. Flavors are huge and uncompromising. The fruity heat of chiltepin pepper scorches nearly everything, even cocktails and desserts. Andrade plays by no rules but his own, and that’s what makes this young-but-now-classic Phoenix restaurant so great.

Since 1975, Xico has elevated Latinx and Indigenous artists, who are the backbone of Phoenix’s art and culture scene. The gallery relocated to a handsome century-old brick building with original walls and a high exposed industrial ceiling in 2020. Pieces displayed in the humble, intimate space span local, national, and international. It's also practically on Roosevelt Row, downtown Phoenix’s bustling enclave of new bars and eateries. And if you get thirsty, Xico Gallery abuts Barcoa , a watering hole that pours a dizzying range of tequilas, mezcals, and other Mexican spirits. 

Palabras Bilingual Bookstore Arrow

Palabras is an independent bookstore that rigorously curates its vibe and selection to elevate under-represented voices. Just about all communications from the bookstore are in English and Spanish, right on down to the text on its website. Within Palabras’ shared space, there are also a few other literary businesses, including a micro publisher and literary zine purveyor. The rigorously curated selection of books alone makes this one of the coolest small bookstores in the country. Try to time your visit with one of many incredible workshops, maybe an open mic session, a Diné creation story, or an author leading a multi-lingual reading. A reading area out back of the shop is little more than a patio, fostering an intimate environment. Owner Chawa Magaña has won a strong following of regulars—he customer base is diverse, with plenty of Latin and Indigenous representation. It’s a place where anyone who loves books and has an open mind can feel at home.

Recommended

By signing up you agree to our User Agreement (including the class action waiver and arbitration provisions ), our Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement and to receive marketing and account-related emails from Traveller. You can unsubscribe at any time. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Home » Travel Guides » United States » Arizona (AZ) » 55 Best Things to Do in Phoenix (AZ)

55 Best Things to Do in Phoenix (AZ)

Decking the Valley of the Sun is an unending grid system that bleeds into contiguous cities like Scottsdale , Glendale , Tempe , and Mesa .

Abrupt rocky clumps at Papago Park, Camelback Mountain, South Mountain Park, and Piestawa Peak break up Phoenix’s sprawl and bring a Western-style desert scape to the middle of the city.

The appeal of Greater Phoenix lies in these pockets of desert wilderness, the year-round sunshine, and the many chances to study Arizona’s indigenous cultures. You can indulge every whim at Phoenix’s opulent resorts, tee off at innumerable golf courses, watch big sporting moments at heavyweight arenas, and brush up on America’s greatest architect at Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West architecture lab.

I am a travel enthusiast and a resident of Arizona who has visited the City of Phoenix several times. Visiting this vibrant city can be overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time. So to help, I recommend you these 54 best things to do in Phoenix.

1. Desert Botanical Garden

If you want to be near nature and discover a myriad of plant species you’ve never seen before,  I think visiting the Desert Botanical Garden of Phoenix is worth it.

At the north end of the sprawling Papago Park is a glorious botanical garden collecting desert species from around the world. Of the 4,000 taxa represented at the Desert Botanical Garden, one-third are native to the Sonoran, around Phoenix. There are 50,000 plants in all, counting large collections of cactuses and agave.

There are also desert plants from Australia , South America, and California , while species that grow in more moderate conditions are kept under shade houses. You can also witness a butterfly exhibit in a special pavilion where you can find out about their lifecycle from the Start of March to the end of May.

During my visit, I walked a series of themed trails, presenting brilliant desert wildflowers, delving into the topic of conservation, and revealing the plants and people of the Sonoran Desert. I was also able to witness the flowers that bloom after dark when the cactuses are also given atmospheric lighting.

2. Heard Museum

If you want something educational and worthwhile, visit the Heard Museum, one of the top museums for American Indian art in the country. The best way to learn about the many indigenous tribes native to Arizona is by visiting this great place.

The Heard Museum is famed for its award-winning exhibits, both permanent and temporary. It was founded in 1929 by the collector and philanthropist Maie Bartlett Heard and her husband Dwight, who a few years before had acquired Phoenix’s La Ciudad Indian Ruin, which yielded many of the pieces in their collection.

When I visited there, I marveled at the seven-meter mural serving as a cultural portrait of the Yaqui people or the full-sized Navajo hogan. I also admired the collection of more than 2,000 works, among them textiles, jewelry, pottery, basketry, beadwork, and ritual items.

The Heard Museum has also made a name for its events, like the Hispanic El Mercado de Las Artes in February and the Indian Fair and Market in early March, showcasing hundreds of Native American artists and drawing thousands of visitors, which I hope I can witness again next year.

3. Taliesin West

Posted on a mesa above Paradise Valley is Frank Lloyd Wright’s winter home and architecture school, now also the headquarters for the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation.

Taliesin West was built in 1937, and much of the construction cost came from the deep well needed to provide the campus with water. In line with his philosophy for organic architecture, Wright used low, tilting planes and materials like local desert sand and rocks so the complex could coexist with its environment.

Wright also oversaw the finest details, designing the furniture to measure and even taking a hammer to parts that he wanted to change when he arrived each year after a summer in Wisconsin .

Before my visit to this historic and revolutionary place, I booked in advance as the only way to visit Taliesin West was by guided tour. I took the standard 90-minute Insights Tour, visited the drafting studio, music pavilion, and Wright’s personal quarters, and chose a more in-depth experience like the three-hour Behind the Scenes Tour.

4. Camelback Mountain

An official Phoenix Point of Pride, the 825-meter Camelback Mountain looks like the hump and head of a kneeling camel and soars over the Phoenix Metropolitan Area. This reddish granite and sandstone mass rises between Arcadia and Paradise Valley to the northeast of downtown.

It lies within the Camelback Mountain Echo Canyon Recreation Area and attracts a steady stream of hikers, despite the steep, rugged ascents. The two ways to the top are the Echo Canyon Trail and the Cholla Trail, and both paths are less than 1.5 miles but aren’t for the faint of heart.

The Echo Canyon Trail has handrails to help you up and benches for hard-earned breaks; while the Cholla Trail is smoother, it requires some scrambling over large boulders towards the end.

I chose the Echo Canyon Trail, which was steeper, but thankfully, I was able to rest and chat with some fellow hikers from time to time. By the trails, I witnessed some mesquites and prickly pears. All my efforts paid back tenfold with the 360° views from the top.

If you decide to visit, I advise bringing your camera as you might come across a desert tortoise, cottontail rabbit, or chuckwalla lizard. You also have to be careful as rattlesnakes occupy the area. I also recommend going early in the day and packing lots of water as it can be hot.

5. Phoenix Zoo

I recommend this place for a nice and unforgettable bonding with your loved ones. The highly-rated zoo in Papago Park opened in 1962 and has been oriented towards conservation since it opened. As you’d hope, the zoo only keeps species that are comfortable in Phoenix’s hot desert climate.

The main areas are organized along four different “trails”: Arizona Trail, Africa Trail, Tropics Trail, and Children’s Trail. Arizona Trail has animals native to the Sonoran Desert, like coyotes, bobcats, cougars, and turkey vultures.

On the Africa Trail, I encountered lions, giraffes, cheetahs, and gazelles, while the Tropics Trail brought me close to jaguars, Asian elephants, orangutans, Sumatran tigers, and spider monkeys.

Moreover, the Children’s Trail introduces younger zoo-goers to smaller animals from across the globe, like wallabies, an ocelot, and golden-mantled tamarins.

One of my most unforgettable moments at Phoenix Zoo is its 4D theater, with shows using scent, wind, and other ambient effects. I also took a glimpse of its marvelous water play areas. And, of course, I never missed the chance to participate in some great animal interaction activities they have, like feeding giraffes, walking among squirrel monkeys, and touching the backs of stingrays at Stingray Bay.

Book online : Phoenix Zoo Tickets

6. Phoenix Art Museum

Are you looking for something creative and inspirational? Then you don’t have to go far, as the Phoenix Art Museum, which houses modern masterpieces by renowned artists around the world, will satisfy your creative side.

The origins of Phoenix’s art museum can be traced back to a community art collection established just after Arizona became the 48th state in 1912. The museum itself was inaugurated in 1959 to house a myriad of masterpieces made by world-renowned artists.

I witnessed its wealth of modern art by the likes of Picasso, Alexander Calder, Georgia O’Keeffe, Henry Moore, and Henri Rousseau. I also contemplated the European collections of Renaissance and Impressionist paintings.

And, of course, I completed my visit by going into the museum’s fabulous cache of Latin American art, which includes works by Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, but also exceptional decorative arts and furniture.

I’m also sure families will love the Thorne Miniature Rooms, as dozens of meticulously decorated interior scenes are pieced together using antique furniture on a 1:12 scale. Also, temporary exhibitions are often high quality at the Phoenix Art Museum.

7. Papago Park

Almost 1,500 acres of desert landscape across Phoenix and Tempe, Papago Park contains golf courses, trails, seven acres of stocked fishing lagoons, picnic areas, sports facilities, rugged hills, mesmerizing sandstone formations, and a few of the attractions on this list, like the Desert Botanical Garden and Phoenix Zoo.

In places, the vistas are awe-inspiring, like at Hunt’s Tomb, a pyramid built by Arizona’s first governor, George W.P. Hunt, for his wife in 1931 and also his final resting place when he passed away in 1934.

As I have an Arizona fishing license, I was able to try my luck at landing tilapia, carp, rainbow trout, catfish, and largemouth bass in its lagoons.

And while this may be desert terrain, I assure you that the natural diversity is immense on trails lined with mesquite, Fremont thorn bush, desert tobacco, and the giant saguaro cactus.

Related tour : Tempe Town Lake & Papago Park Tour

8. Hole-in-the-Rock

One of the most rewarding hikes in Papago Park will deposit you at this natural wonder, not far south of the Desert Botanical Garden on the east side.

Visiting this place brought me to a whole new world. I felt like I was on another planet, surrounded by unique boulders of rock. What’s more incredible is the valuable lessons I obtained from my tour. I have learned that the Hole-in-the-Rock is a low sandstone hill perforated with openings created by the flow of water over millions of years.

There’s a chamber with a wide entrance and an aperture in the ceiling. This space and its ceiling’s opening are known to have been used by the Hohokam culture (300 to 1500 CE) as a kind of calendar to mark the seasons, recording the position of sunlight on annual landmarks like the solstices and equinox. The light at sunset is out of this world, and the views of downtown Phoenix in the distance warrant the short but stiff climb.

9. Musical Instrument Museum (MIM)

If you’re a music enthusiast, I assure you that your visit to Phoenix’s Musical Instrument Museum will be worth it. You will have a musical trip around the world as the MIM has instruments from almost 200 different countries.

The galleries at this grand building opened in 2010 and display more than 6,800 pieces from Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Europe, Oceania, Latin America, and the United States/Canada, accompanying them with multimedia so you can explore the cultures that produced them and hear the instruments in action.

One outstanding piece I witnessed here is the “Steinweg” piano, officially the first ever Steinway, assembled by the Steinweg family in their house in Seesen in 1936.

The Experience Gallery was also a treat, as it allowed me to play many of the instruments that I’ve seen in those globe-trotting galleries, like a theremin, gong, and Peruvian harp.

I also visited the Artist Gallery that houses the instruments belonging to the likes of Elvis, Tito Puente, John Lennon, Santana, Taylor Swift, Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, and Ravi Shankar. The MIM is also a performance venue, booking artists from around the world

See also :  15 Best Romantic (Weekend) Getaways in Arizona

10. Orpheum Theater

Built for vaudeville in 1929, the sumptuous Orpheum Theatre has a Spanish Baroque style and can seat 1,364 for touring Broadway musicals, ballet, stand-up comedy, family shows, live music, podcast recordings, and much more. What will strike you right away is just how opulent this building is, especially following a $14m restoration in the 90s.

My trip was awe-inspiring as the  Orpheum Theater abounds in intricate moldings on the frieze and balcony outside and inside on the fan pattern over the beautiful Peacock Staircase, the proscenium arch, and the gilded Solomonic columns lining the auditorium’s walls.

The murals are also glorious and intended to evoke a shifting sky as if you’re watching a show in the courtyard of a Spanish villa. The venue was a cinema for most of its history, and there’s still a playable Wurlitzer organ for silent movies.

11. Arizona Museum of Natural History

If you want to travel back in time, it would be great to visit the Arizona Museum of Natural History . This is the only natural history museum in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area and is a little way east of downtown Phoenix in the city of Mesa.

Founded in 1977, the museum is in what used to be Mesa City Hall, a building raised in 1934 and expanded to house extra galleries in the 80s and 90s.

The dinosaurs are the stars at the Arizona Museum of Natural History, not least at Dinosaur Mountain, where there’s a three-story waterfall and where you can see and hear the beasts of the Mesozoic Era.

I satisfied my curiosity in the Dinosaur Hall, which is filled with skeletons of theropods, sauropods, ceratopsians, and iguanodonts, while the outdoor Paleo Dig Pit lets children play the role of paleontologists, unearthing fossilized bones and eggs.

Arizona Through Time presents a complete chronology of the state’s natural history via the formation of rocks and minerals, Palaeozoic seas, Triassic forests, and Cretaceous seas. Also fascinating are the galleries devoted to the native cultures of the Ancient Americas and Western North America.

12. Grand Canyon Day Tour from Phoenix, Scottsdale, & Tempe

When the most celebrated natural wonder in the United States is a few short hours away, I advise that you don’t miss this day trip. You could make the whole experience much more convenient by booking a tour through GetYourGuide.com .

During my  Grand Canyon Day Tour, we cruised along the historic Route 66, through the town of Williams, before skirting the south rim of the canyon.

I also had three hours to spend in the National Park and had plenty of time to marvel at this iconic mile-deep chasm. I think it would be great to take as many photos as possible, shop for souvenirs, and check out some of the man-made landmarks like Hopi House (1904) and El Tovar Lodge (1905).

Your van on this tour will be air-conditioned and equipped with captain’s seats for all passengers, while bottled water is included in the fee.

One of Phoenix and Scottsdale’s great draws, especially in the winter, is the 200 golf courses within reach of the metropolitan area. This is a region with 300 days of sunshine and a golf industry that has gone into overdrive in the last three decades.

Award-winning 36-hole resorts accompanied by spas have infused this otherwise forbidding environment with real luxury. The dessert course is king here, at courses like Troon North at We-Ko-Pa, where you’ll play through a romantic Sonoran landscape of saguaro cactuses, prickly pear, cholla, and giant granite outcrops.

As the name might tell you, the two courses at The Boulders are even rockier, while for high luxury, the Arizona Biltmore has been played by U.S. presidents and a roll-call of Hollywood celebrities.

We can’t leave out TPC Scottsdale, of course, the venue for the PGA’s Phoenix Open. There’s a piece of history here at the 13th where the one-ton boulder moved for Tiger Woods by fans in 1999 is the heaviest loose impediment in the history of golf.

14. Scottsdale Fashion Square

It’s appropriate that a city of casinos, nightspots, and luxury spas should have the largest mall in Arizona and among the most visited in the United States.

I was struck by the size of the mall, which has three floors and more than 225 tenants. Scottsdale Fashion Square is almost 60 years old but has constantly evolved with expansions, the most recent in 2018.

I witnessed a neat balance here between premium brands like Prada, Jimmy Choo, Gucci, Burberry, and Tiffany & Co. and midmarket stores like Gap, H&M, Zara, and Foot Locker.

Furthermore, the six anchors are Dick’s Sporting Goods, Dillard’s, Macy’s, Neiman Marcus, and Nordstrom, while if you’re up for a movie there’s a branch of Harkins Theatres. For food, you’ve got fast casual big guns like Five Guys, Chipotle, Johnny Rockets, Shake Shack, and Panda Express.

15. Chase Field

One of the two most recent MLB franchises, the Arizona Diamondbacks, was formed in 1998. Their home ballpark is the unique Chase Field, completed in time for the Diamondbacks’ first season and a venue that needs to be visited even outside the baseball season (April-autumn). The Diamondbacks won the World Series just three years later, becoming the fastest expansion team in the major leagues to claim a championship.

Chase Field holds 48,686 fans and has a retractable roof to cope with Phoenix’s blazing heat and sudden summer storms. A new touch I witnessed during my visit is the APS Solar Pavilion over the plaza by the ballpark’s west entrances, providing needed shade and 75 kilowatts of solar power for the stadium.

There is also a hallmark, an open-air pool in right-center field, rented as a suite for any group of Diamondbacks fans with extra money to burn.

You can take a tour of Chase Field Monday to Saturday all year round to check out that pool, one of the largest high-definition scoreboards in MLB, and to find out about that retractable roof.

I once visited the Spa at Camelback Inn for some relaxation after an exhausting hike or trip in Phoenix. No sooner had the city been founded in the late-19th century the Phoenix area became a honeypot for health tourists, particularly tuberculosis sufferers, for the restorative desert climate.

By the first half of the 20th century, there were health spas across the city and neighboring desert communities; these have been succeeded by a slew of high-luxury resorts, many welcoming day visitors for a few blissful hours of steaming, massages, pampering, and beauty treatments.

A few premium picks I would like to recommend to you based on my experience are Spa Avania at Hyatt Regency, Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch, The Spa at JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn, Joya Spa at the InterContinental Montelucia Resort & Spa, and the Arizona Biltmore Spa.

One harking back to the 1920s is the Mediterranean-style Alvadora Spa at Royal Palms, still among the most indulgent for its in-house herbalist crafting botanical treatments, as well as Vichy showers, hot stone massages and a watsu pool for in-water massages.

17. Pueblo Grande Museum and Cultural Park

If you want a captivating glimpse of Phoenix’s distant past, visiting the Pueblo Grande Museum and Cultural Park preserves the largest archaeological site in the city, should be on your itinerary.

Belonging to the Hohokam culture and occupied from 450 CE to 1450 CE, Pueblo Grande is a sophisticated network of irrigation canals, a platform mound, and the remnants of ballcourts on the north bank of the Salt River. There’s an interpretive trail, 2/3 of a mile long, winding around the site and taking in these remains, as well as reconstructed and furnished houses.

During my visit here, I had a stroll in its three galleries showing off artifacts like pottery and tools recovered from this site and more than 350 other prehistoric settlements in the region.

The museum also puts on a lively schedule of workshops, talks, markets, demonstrations, tours, and auctions, shedding light on Hohokam and other local indigenous cultures.

18. Arizona Science Center

Like all the best science museums, the Arizona Science Center is as hands-on as possible. I experienced its four levels of fun exhibits demonstrating natural forces like gravity, magnetism, friction, and electricity, Earth’s relationship with the sun, information technology, and the science behind the human mind and body.

Forces of Nature meanwhile uses immersive technology to synthesize tornados, wildfires, a monsoon, and volcanic eruptions. Also located here is the Dorrance Planetarium, one of the largest and most advanced in the United States.

19. McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park

A wonderland for any train aficionado, the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park is on a piece of a ranch donated to the City of Scottsdale by Anne and Fowler McCormick in the 1960s.

Anne’s son, and Fowler’s stepson, Guy Stillman, was a rail enthusiast and had constructed a complete narrow gauge railroad, the Paradise & Pacific Railroad, on the property.

This ridable line was the basis for the park’s array of rail-themed attractions and exhibits and is still running today, with more than 1.1 kilometers of track, a tunnel, and six locomotives (three steam and three diesel).

One static attraction that I think deserves your attention is the Magma Arizona Railroad Engine #6, built in 1907, as does the Roald Amundsen Pullman Car, dating to 1928 and used by Herbert Hoover, Franklin Roosevelt, Harry Truman, and Dwight Eisenhower. Also charming is the working Charro Carousel, built by the Allan Herschell Company in 1950.

20. Children’s Museum of Phoenix

A trip should not just be fun for the adults but for the children as well. It would be great to bring your kids to the Children’s Museum of Phoenix , where they can learn through play. It is opposite Heritage Square and the Arizona Science Center

The museum’s highly interactive exhibits are designed to engage little ones’ minds, imaginations, and muscles for open-ended, creative play. My visit here reminded me of the i.d.e.a Museum I once visited.

Kids can scramble to new heights and gain physical confidence on the Schuff-Perini Climber, build something extraordinary at BlockMania, have fun with grownup interactions at The Market, negotiate the wacky wilderness of the Noodle Forest, go to work at the Texture Cafe and ride tricycles to their hearts’ content at Pedal Power.

21. Goldfield Ghost Town

On the east flank of the Valley of the Sun is the old mining town of Goldfield, where you can take a day trip back to the Old West.

The town was established in 1893 when gold was discovered in the surrounding Superstition Mountains, which look like a backdrop from a John Ford Western.

It wasn’t long before the gold vein faulted, and Goldfield slipped into a slow death. The reconstructed town is a bit touristy, but anyone enchanted by the history of the Southwest will be caught up in the joy of the Superstition Narrow Gauge Railroad, a tour of the historic Mammoth Gold Mine, and an Old West gunfight with talented re-enactors.

Included in (top-rated tour) : Apache Trail Small Group Tour with Canyon Lake Cruise

22. Tempe Town Lake

A desert oasis at the heart of the Phoenix Metropolitan Area, the two-mile Tempe Town Lake was formed in the 1990s by damming a section of the dry Salt River and replenishing it with water from the Colorado River.

For recreation, people flock to Tempe Beach Park, which has been around since the 1920s and was renovated when the reservoir was filled in 1999. Tempe Town Lake’s circumference is about five miles, and the way is paved for cyclists, walkers, rollerskaters, and joggers.

I highly recommend you sign up for a Segway tour if you’re in the mood. Since I had an Arizona fishing license, I was able to cast a line for sunfish, catfish, bass, tilapia, and trout. And after dark, I marveled at the Tempe Town Lake Bridge’s little LED light show every time a Valley Metro train passed over.

23. Tempe Beach Park

The recreation base for Tempe Town Lake is a grassy 25-acre park on the south shore, opposite Papago Park, and a lovely spot to watch the sun go down.

My visit here at Tempe Beach Park was filled with fun-filled bicycle rides within the five-mile trail and hitting the water on kayaks, rowboats, pedal boats, and paddleboards.

There’s also a splash playground in the park for smaller children and an amphitheater holding 5,000 people and hosting all sorts of concerts and shows throughout the year, like the Independence Day celebrations on 4 July. On the west side, the Tempe Center for the Arts is a modern venue for plays, live music, dance, and live comedy. Also, the baseball diamond at Tempe Beach Park harks back to the 1930s and hosts little league and softball games.

24. Roosevelt Row

Do you want an outdoor art exhibit where you can take great selfies and memories? I highly suggest you visit Roosevelt Row Mural. This walkable arts district in downtown Phoenix is on Roosevelt Street, from 7th Avenue in the west to 16th Street in the east. It’s an area of head-turning murals, thriving local restaurants, bars, intriguing one-of-a-kind shops, artists’ studios, and galleries.

The concrete for some of the sidewalks on Roosevelt Row was poured in 1909 before Arizona had become the 48th state, and for much of Phoenix’s history, this strip has been a hub for local businesses.

Re-zoning in the 1970s brought about a steep decline, but the neighborhood has bounced back since the 1990s as artists moved into the cheap boarded-up buildings and former crack houses.

Something else I loved about Roosevelt Row is the line-up of quirky gatherings and festivals, like the Chile Pepper Festival in September and the Pie Social in November.

25. First Friday

Over 80 galleries and studios in downtown Phoenix’s various arts districts throw open their doors on the first Friday of the month for an art extravaganza. More than a simple art walk, First Friday involves lots of live music, street performers, and outdoor vendors while all sorts of quirky boutiques join in the fun.

When I went here, the official event took place from 6 pm to 10 pm, but there were lots of after-hours happenings at bars and restaurants. Artlink, the organizers, encourage people to leave their cars at home with free hop-on/hop-off shuttles that run three routes linking Roosevelt Row, Grand Avenue, the Warehouse District, and Mid-town Phoenix.

Also check out my guide on the best day trips from Phoenix .

26. State Farm Stadium

A monumental piece of sports architecture and the home of the Arizona Cardinals, Glendale’s State Farm Stadium is one of the top NFL venues in the country and the stage for Super Bowl XLII (2008), XLIX (2015), and LVII (2023). This $500m stadium can seat 64,400 for regular season games and has no obstructed seats, while the capacity can be boosted by another 8,800 for the biggest events.

The State Farm Stadium is one of the few in the NFL with a retractable roof and the only one with a roll-out grass field. You may find it tricky to get to one of the Cardinal’s eight regular season home games, but there are three tours a day from Wednesday to Saturday, outside of game days.

The Behind the Scenes tour guide took me to the press box, the visiting team’s locker room, and out onto the field to gauge the amazing dimensions of this marvel of engineering and design.

27. Tovrea Castle

This theatrical stuccoed building off the southwest corner of Papago Park went up in the middle of the Great Depression in the early-1930s and was supposed to be the anchor for a desert resort that never followed.

It was then bought by Della Gillespie Tovrea, wife of cattle magnate Edward Ambrose, and would be her home until she passed away in 1969. For decades Tovrea Castle nicknamed the “wedding cake house,” was left to decay but is now part of the Phoenix Parks System and was restored along with its terraced cactus gardens in the 2000s.

Since 2012 it’s been possible to take tours of this curiosity perched atop a granite outcrop. I was able to savor the Art Deco interiors decorated by the same Italian artisans who worked at the Orpheum Theater and took a glimpse at Della’s possessions. One that fascinated and scared me a bit was a bullet hole in the ceiling created during an armed robbery when Della was 80 years old.

28. Castles N’ Coasters

Right by the Metrocenter Mall, where scenes from Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure (1989) were shot, there’s an endearing theme park with lots to keep the family on board.

The headline ride is Desert Storm, a double-looping rollercoaster, while the smaller Patriot is a gentler ride around a massive Stars and Stripes, and Splashdown is a log flume with two sharp splashdowns. There’s a small world of other amusements, like a huge video arcade, bumper cars, bumper boats, a swinging Viking shop, a 40-meter drop tower, a go-kart track, and four fun-packed miniature golf courses.

29. Japanese Friendship Garden (Ro Ho En)

This is one of the most memorable places I would recommend to you. This is a collaborative project between Phoenix and its sister city, Himeji, in Japan. The Japanese Friendship Garden is a peaceful escape just north of Downtown Phoenix.

This 3.5-acre garden, rich with birdlife, was laid out by landscape architects from Himeji starting in 1987. On a rambling path, you’ll stroll past 50 plant varieties, lanterns, and more than 1,500 tons of rock shaped by human hands.

There are bubbling streams crossed by little footbridges, as well as a four-meter waterfall and a large pond with more than 300 koi. Every third Saturday of the month outside summer, there’s an authentic Japanese tea ceremony at the Musoan tea house, while the garden hosts regular craft workshops, tai chi sessions, and flower arrangement classes, as well as a summer jazz night in June.

30. South Mountain Park

First plotted in 1920s, South Mountain Park is one of the largest urban parks in the United States and is listed as an official Phoenix Point of Pride. The park boasts more than 16,000 acres of unadulterated desert terrain, navigable by almost 60 miles of trails for hiking, cycling, and horseback riding.

I highly recommend this for your Wild West adventure. On my visit, I enjoyed my horseback tour with Ponderosa Stables (10215 S. Central Ave), which arranges special trips to see petroglyphs on Saturdays.

The desert environment at South Mountain Park is noted for its elephant trees and unusual abundance of chuckwallas (large lizards). You may be curious about the Sonoran desert as a habitat, in which case South Mountain Environmental Education Center (10409 S. Central Ave) is full of information about its plants, animals, and human history, as well as tips for recreation in the park.

31. Dobbins Lookout

The highest accessible point in South Mountain Park is this heart-lifting vantage point at 710 meters. The Dobbins Lookout is named for J.C. Dobbins, a member of the three-strong park committee and chairman of the Phoenix planning commission.

Equipped with a toposcope to identify the many visible landmarks, the Dobbins Lookout faces north, with a clear line of sight to downtown Phoenix and the city’s surrounding ranges like Camelback to the northeast. There’s also a stone ramada that allowed me to marvel at the views out of the glaring desert sun.

32. Talking Stick Resort

South-east Scottsdale borders the Salt River Pima–Maricopa Indian Reservation. There’s a high-end casino right here, within an easy trip of downtown Phoenix.

Talking Stick Resort incorporates a luxury hotel, a 650-seater showroom, a capacious Grand Ballroom, two golf courses, and a casino with hundreds of slot machines and more than 50 table games.

On the 14th floor, I had a great time at one of the best spas in Scottsdale, set in the open air and graced by invigorating views of The Valley. I also felt a sense of the heritage of the Pima and Maricopa people at a cultural center in the hotel lobby with an exhibition of paintings, jewelry, and photography.

Being a big-hitting resort, there’s a big helping of entertainment, and Jay Leno and Foreigner were a couple of the names on the bill in the summer of 2019.

33. Heritage Square

To have the best trip in Phoenix, I suggest you don’t miss out on the grandeur of Heritage Square Phoenix.  In this place, you’ll get an idea of what Phoenix looked like in its earliest days.

Ensconced in greenery, Heritage Square has an assortment of residences and business properties raised between 1881 (Forest Burgess Carriage House) and 1923 (Hughes-Stevens Duplex). This is the last surviving set of buildings from the original Phoenix town site, and these interesting pieces of heritage have been put to use as bars, restaurants, gift shops, and museums.

I once went to the Visitor Center in the Carriage House, and it has a worthwhile exhibit on Phoenix’s history, while the Stevens-Haustgen Bungalow hosts the Heritage Gallery, showing how early Phoenix’s original 98 blocks became the dynamic downtown of today.

34. Rosson House Museum

This elegant Queen Anne-style Victorian house on Heritage Square is an early example of a building constructed in Phoenix with fired bricks rather than adobe. Rosson House , dated 1895, was built for physician and surgeon Dr. Roland Rosson and designed by San Francisco architect A.P. Petit.

This place has long been on my list.  Paying a visit and admiring its period woodwork, furniture, decorative art, wallpaper, and curtains on a guided tour was all worth the wait and saving. I assure you that your guide is well-versed in both the history of this residence and Phoenix at the turn of the 20th century, sharing facts that might even surprise long-term Phoenicians.

35. Old Town Scottsdale

On Scottsdale’s original town site, dating back to the 1920s, Old Town Scottsdale is an exciting neighborhood of bars, restaurants, nightclubs, design shops, fashion boutiques, and art galleries.

For a bit of culture, I dropped by the Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West, exploring the art and history of 19 states in the American West. The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art is in a minimalist concrete building and puts on temporary exhibitions that also branch out to design and architecture.

There’s a farmers’ market on Saturdays outside the summer months and lots of events that celebrate Scottsdale’s Native American heritage and Western traditions but also show off the city’s contemporary side, like a Thursday Art Walk.

The best way to start an evening is under the stars on a patio with a prickly pear margarita in hand, while if you’re on the hunt for something unique to take home, you’ll surely find it at the scores of independent shops and art galleries on Main Street.

36. Piestawa Peak

The mountains on Phoenix’s horizons hold an undeniable allure for walkers, and you may find your eye drawn to the Phoenix Mountain Preserve, a brief drive along the Piestawa Parkway from downtown Phoenix.

In this small massif is Piestawa Peak, which at 796 meters is the second highest point in the Phoenix Mountains after Camelback. The only route to the top is the Summit Trail, which is 1.2 miles to the top and down again.

That might sound short, but this is not a climb to take lightly. I attest that the trail can be rocky, and the calf-shredding path is as steep as they come. Despite this, I’m still happy to brave the hike and be compensated with a complete panorama of Phoenix down to South Mountain Park.

Piestawa Peak is named in honor of Lori Ann Piestawa (1979-2003), the first Native American woman to be killed in combat in the U.S. Military.

Related tour : Sonoran Desert Guided Hiking Adventure

37. Wrigley Mansion

The chewing gum industrialist and owner of the Arizona Biltmore Hotel, William Wrigley Jr. (1861-1932), ordered this labyrinthine Italianate mansion just south of Piestawa Peak. Despite having 24 rooms, this was actually the smallest of Wrigley’s properties and was only used for a few weeks of the year.

It rests atop a 30-meter knoll gazing over the Phoenix Metropolitan Area, which sweeps out to the south. The mansion, now an event and fine dining venue, is lauded for its tile work, which was produced at Wrigley’s tile factory on Catalina Island off the coast of California, and then carried hundreds of miles by mules. You can learn the story of its construction and the lifestyle of the Wrigley Family on your tour.

38. Cosanti Originals

In 1955 the Italian-American architect Paolo Soleri (1919-2013) set up his studio and home on a plot in Paradise Valley. Solieri had been a student under Frank Lloyd Wright at Taliesin West and created his own headquarters just a few miles away.

Looking like the houses on Tattooine in Star Wars, Cosanti is a complex of experimental, earth-cast concrete structures, all imbued with Soleri’s sense of creativity and positioned partly underground for natural insulation.

Well, I think this is ahead of its time. Cosanti has lots of sustainable elements, like south-facing apses to collect sunlight in the winter and deflect it when the sun is higher in the sky in summer.

Soleri also used a modified earth-casting technique to craft his popular ceramic and bronze wind bells, which helped fund his architectural projects and are still produced and sold at Cosanti.

39. Arizona Capitol Museum

The oldest wings of the Arizona State Capitol building are maintained as a museum telling the story of the state and presenting artifacts from Arizona’s state-owned collections. The Neoclassical statehouse was completed in 1900, 12 years before the territory became a state.

My visit here helped me learn about the sinking of the USS Arizona battleship at Pearl Harbor in 1941 and view the silver service from the ship. There’s a detailed timeline explaining how Arizona became a state, and you can enter the Governor and Secretary of State’s original offices or take a seat at the Historic House Chamber.

One captivating exhibit deals with the “Merci Train,” a trove of objects gifted by the people of France in return for a shipment of fuel and food during the country’s reconstruction following the Second World War.

40. Mystery Castle

Blending with the northern foothills of South Mountain Park, Mystery Castle is a bizarre 18-room, three-story mansion, like a cross between a Gothic castle and a hacienda. The story behind this monument, a Phoenix Point of Pride, is fascinating.

On learning that he had tuberculosis in the 1930s, the Seattleite Boyce Luther Gulley fled his family for Phoenix without telling them, purchasing a mining stake and spending the next 15 years constructing this property on it.

Mystery Castle was built with whatever Boyce could get his hands on, be it stone, adobe, rail tracks, automobile parts, or telephone poles. When his family received news of his death in 1945 they were shocked to discover that he had built this castle for his daughter, Mary Lou Gulley.

In his will, Boyce stipulated that if his family lived there for three years they could open a trap door in the house. This was revealed to contain two $500 bills, a gold nugget, and a Valentine’s Day card Mary had made for her father years earlier.

My visit to Mystery Castle allowed me to hear its wonderful story, tour its premises made with love, and enjoy the supreme views of downtown Phoenix.

41. Desert Belle Cruise Sightseeing Cruise on Saguaro Lake

Saguaro Lake is walled by the steep, rust-colored slopes of the Tonto National Forest and high on the Salt River. One unforgettable way to soak up this evocative desert scenery is on the Desert Belle (1964), a restored sightseeing boat making gentle 90-minute cruises on the lake.

I once traveled in a shaded upper deck with an air-conditioned cabin and had lots of time to view the cactus-strewn desert terrain and catch sight of some of its wildlife.

You may also see bald eagles swooping overhead or bobcats, bighorn sheep, and coyotes in the brush. There’s also live narration by the captain, calling your attention to landmarks and animals you might have missed, and a concession stand if you get thirsty.

Also read :  25 Amazing Hidden Gems in Arizona

42. Hall of Flame Fire Museum

This attraction on the west side of Papago Park chronicles the history of firefighting but is also the setting for the National Firefighting Hall of Heroes, which pays tribute to firefighters who have died in the line of duty or have been decorated for feats of heroism.

In the museum’s galleries, I witnessed more than 90 preserved pieces of antique firefighting equipment, the oldest dating back to 1725. These pieces come from as far afield as Japan, Germany, and England and include beautiful horsedrawn carts and motorized engines up to 1969.

There’s also an absorbing collection of arms patches and a gallery documenting the history of firefighting in the wilderness in the United States.

43. Desert Ridge Marketplace

I also recommend following up a visit to the Musical Instrument Museum with a shopping expedition at this palm-shaded outdoor mall in North Phoenix.

Desert Ridge Marketplace is as much about entertainment and dining as stores. There’s a plush, 18-screen AMC cinema, street performers on weekends, and upwards of 30 dining options, from In-N-Out Burger to Islands and Dave & Buster’s.

CB Live blends dining with entertainment as a full-service eatery and bar combined with a stage for nightly DJ sets, live comedy, and up-and-coming bands.

As for shops, there’s a broad selection, including H&M, Target, Old Navy, Kohl’s, Hot Topic, Barnes & Noble, and other major chains. When things heat up in summer there’s a water feature in front of the cinema where kids can play and cool off, while an outdoor fireplace takes the edge off the cool desert nights in winter.

44. Sahuaro Ranch Park

The finest public park in Glendale is a reminder of the city’s agricultural beginnings. Set up as a commercial operation by the rich Illinois businessman William H. Bartlett in 1886, Sahuaro Ranch was planted with pecan and citrus orchards and raised cattle, horses, and hogs.

Bartlett constructed an ensemble of buildings for the workers employed here, many of which are still standing. There’s an authentic 1890s outhouse, a smithy, a wagon and early automobile garage, a pump house, a good house, along with the handsome Main Mansion.

The ranch was bought up by the City of Glendale in the 1970s, which preserved these structures, as well as the orchards and historic irrigation ditches. Peacocks wander the grounds, while there are picnic areas, playgrounds for youngsters, sports fields and courts, and a dog park.

Related reading :  15 Best Things to Do in Downtown Phoenix

45. Talking Stick Resort Arena

Not far from Chase Field in downtown Phoenix, Talking Stick Resort Arena is the home court for the NBA’s Phoenix Suns and a stage for some of the city’s top concerts.

The arena was completed in 1992 and has been renovated a couple of times, with more work announced in 2019. One thing you say about the Suns, formed in 1968, is that they are normally competitive: Remembered for the likes of Charles Barkley, Steve Nash, Paul Westphal, and Dan Majerle, this franchise has the second-highest win percentage of a team never to win an NBA Championship.

The arena holds 18,422 and is also the home of the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury. In summer, the major recording artists play a date or two at the Talking Stick Arena on nationwide tours. Some performers who have been here are Jennifer Lopez, Ariana Grande, Paul McCartney, and Queen + Adam Lambert.

46. Phoenix Fan Fusion

Like all the top comic conventions, Phoenix Fan Fusion (formerly Phoenix Comic Fest) has widened its scope to encompass a big swathe of pop culture from the worlds of movies, video games, television, anime, horror, or fantasy novels.

Phoenix Fan Fusion started out as a humble gathering at the Best Western Hotel in Ahwatukee in 2002 and has grown year after year into a massive event at the Phoenix Convention Center, pulling in upwards of 100,000 fans and inviting ever more famous guests.

Stan Lee was a regular in the late-2000s, and the past few editions have welcomed William Shatner, Will Wheaton, George Takei, Jeff Goldblum, Jason Momoa, Elijah Wood, and Christopher Lloyd.

Visiting Phoenix Fan Fusion was so thrilling for me as there were celebrity panels, photo ops, signings, and a multitude of workshops by industry experts in everything from costuming and cosplay to writing.

47. Luhrs Tower

This gorgeous 56-meter Art Deco tower on West Jefferson Street made an appearance at the beginning of Psycho (1960) when Marion Crane gets ready to take flight with the deposit she was supposed to make for her boss.

The Luhrs Tower was commissioned by George Luhrs Jr., a member of a family whose past is entwined with Phoenix’s early years. The tower opened in 1929, was designed by El Paso’s Trost & Trost architects, and may have been a template for El Paso’s O.T. Bassett Tower, completed in 1930 and designed by the same firm.

48. Luhrs Building

The Luhrs Tower’s neighbor on West Jefferson is this handsome L-shaped Beaux-Arts-style block completed five years earlier in 1924. At that time, the Luhrs Building, ten stories high with a brick facade, was the tallest building in the city and believed to be the largest building between El Paso and Los Angeles. From the streets, I marveled at the fine marble moldings on the upper floors, with a corbelled balustrade, rosettes, cornice, and garlands.

49. Salt River Fields

It’s not just the snowbirds who fly to Phoenix for its warmer climes. Half of Major League Baseball’s 40 teams are based in the Greater Phoenix area for Spring Training before the start of the new season in April.

During this time, teams compete in the Cactus League, usually beginning around the end of February and lasting for a month. Talking Stick’s Salt River Fields, the first MLB park to be built on Native American land, opened in 2011 and is the spring base for the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Colorado Rockies.

There’s a game scheduled every day at Salt River Fields for these four weeks at a time when the big MLB fields are still painting their lines. The stadium broke its attendance record in March 2019 when 14,030 people came to watch the Diamondbacks against the Cubs.

More on Arizona : 15 Amazing Waterfalls in Arizona

50. SEA LIFE Center Arizona

As I always wanted to explore the sea, visiting Sea Life Center and having an easy day out with its 2,415-cubic-metre aquarium, keeping sharks, rays, green sea turtles, and all sorts of colorful tropical fish was a memorable experience.

The stars at SEA LIFE Arizona might be the seahorses, which have their own exhibit, Temple of the Seahorse, and are bred at the aquarium as part of a worldwide breeding program.

The Shoaling Ring is impressive, with hundreds of barred flagtails in one silvery mass, while the Interactive Tidepool lets you touch rockpool species like starfish and sea urchins. Try to catch one of the many talks and feeding times, especially at Ocean View, for a better look at the whitetip reef sharks, rays, and sea turtles.

Book online : SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium Tickets

51. Casa Grande Ruins National Monument

If Phoenix has piqued your interest in the Ancient Puebloan Hohokam culture, you could make the comfortable drive to this riveting adobe archaeological site to the southeast of the Metropolitan area.

The Casa Grande Ruins National Monument was preserved as a walled farming compound established around 1350 CE and abandoned about a century later.

As for my experience, the most substantial portion of the ruins is the Great House or Casa Grande, protected under a large canopy. It is not known whether this monolithic structure was a gathering place or simply a waymarker in a vast network of irrigation canals.

The surrounding desert is rich with ironwood, mesquite, and palo verde, as well as barrel, prickly pear, and hedgehog cactuses. I advise you to go carefully, and you may see round-tailed squirrels, cottontails, and even great horned owls, which are huddled in ruins.

52. Lake Pleasant Regional Park

Almost half of this mountainous landscape in the Northwest Valley is taken up by the 10,000-acre Lake Pleasant reservoir, which was dammed in 1927. On the southeast shore sits Go Paddle AZ, which rents out kayaks and paddleboards and arranged experiences on the water like paddleboard yoga.

When things get really hot in Phoenix you’ll see people lazing in the water on tubes and rafts around Fireman’s Cove, Humbug Cove, and Coles Bay. If you plan on swimming, a life vest is recommended, as the water temperature can fluctuate suddenly.

There’s an educational Visitor Center outlining the history of the reservoir and the wildlife on the shores and in the water. You can also walk a light half-mile interpretive trail from the Visitor Center or take the more challenging but very scenic Roadrunner Trail to lookouts on the shore.

53. Biltmore Fashion Park

In the district of the same name, the Biltmore Fashion Park is a snazzy open-air shopping plaza with roots going back to 1963. In those early days, A-listers like Princess Grace, Sophia Loren, and John Wayne would shop here, and all sat for photographs at the Gittings Portrait Studio.

The mall was redeveloped in the 1990s when it gained its lawns, fountains, and trees. Saks Fifth Avenue has been around since the 1960s and is accompanied by Macy’s and brands like Ralph Lauren, Sephora, L’Occitane, and J. Crew.

To dine, you’ve got a choice of full-service restaurant chains like Cheesecake Factory, True Food Kitchen, and the Capital Grille.

54. Security Building

If you’re yearning for another historic visit, checking out Phoenix’s Security Building will be worth it. A property magnate Dwight B. Heard (1869-1929) of the Heard Museum, was the president of the Security Improvement Company, which commissioned this distinguished landmark in downtown Phoenix.

On the National Register of Historic Places, the Security Building is in the Second Renaissance Revival style and is composed of copper and hand-molded bricks on a steel frame with marble hallways.

It was designed by Claude Beelman, who conceived a wealth of landmarks in Los Angeles, like the Board of Trade Building and the Garfield Building. Look up, and you’ll see the loggia-style arches of the penthouse on the ninth floor, added in 1958.

To sum it all up, my travels in Phoenix were filled with adventures, humbling moments, and lessons. I was able to meet great people, discover places, and learn more about myself.

55 Best Things to Do in Phoenix (AZ):

• Desert Botanical Garden
• Heard Museum
• Taliesin West
• Camelback Mountain
• Phoenix Zoo
• Phoenix Art Museum
• Papago Park
• Hole-in-the-Rock
• Musical Instrument Museum (MIM)
• Orpheum Theater
• Arizona Museum of Natural History
• Grand Canyon Day Tour from Phoenix, Scottsdale, & Tempe
• Scottsdale Fashion Square
• Chase Field
• Pueblo Grande Museum and Cultural Park
• Arizona Science Center
• McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
• Children's Museum of Phoenix
• Goldfield Ghost Town
• Tempe Town Lake
• Tempe Beach Park
• Roosevelt Row
• First Friday
• State Farm Stadium
• Tovrea Castle
• Castles N' Coasters
• Japanese Friendship Garden (Ro Ho En)
• South Mountain Park
• Dobbins Lookout
• Talking Stick Resort
• Heritage Square
• Rosson House Museum
• Old Town Scottsdale
• Piestawa Peak
• Wrigley Mansion
• Cosanti Originals
• Arizona Capitol Museum
• Mystery Castle
• Desert Belle Cruise Sightseeing Cruise on Saguaro Lake
• Hall of Flame Fire Museum
• Desert Ridge Marketplace
• Sahuaro Ranch Park
• Talking Stick Resort Arena
• Phoenix Fan Fusion
• Luhrs Tower
• Luhrs Building
• Salt River Fields
• SEA LIFE Center Arizona
• Casa Grande Ruins National Monument
• Lake Pleasant Regional Park
• Biltmore Fashion Park
• Security Building

34 Best Things To Do In Phoenix In 2024 (By A Local)

Written By: The Planet D

United States

Updated On: June 11, 2024

Phoenix is one of  Arizona’s best cities  – there’s no doubting that. Phoenix has bustling city life, art galleries galore, and some world-class museums and day trip opportunities, including the chance to head out into the Sonoran Desert. The contrast between desert surroundings and vibrant city culture is a tourist dream. And if you are looking for things to do in Phoenix, just know you won’t be disappointed. This city has incredible entertainment, from the Phoenix nightlife scene to its  potential road-tripping  day trips through desert scenery and beyond.

Table of Contents

Best Things to Do in Phoenix

This guide will introduce you to the very best things to do in Phoenix, Arizona. As the capital of its state, there’s just so much to do and see in Phoenix. You should take in as much inspiration as possible before settling on a single itinerary. In the region called ‘Valley of the Sun’, Phoenix is known for its desert setting and year-round sunshine. We could spend all day listing  fun facts  about this unique Arizonan destination. Get ready for some serious Phoenix itinerary inspiration.

Planning Your Trip To Phoenix Right Now?

Below are some of the top tours in Phoenix. Don’t forget to plan ahead when  visiting Arizona!

• Morning Hot Air Balloon Flight Over Phoenix (Most Popular)
• Centipede Tour – Guided Arizona Desert Tour by ATV (Do Not Miss)
• Salt River Kayaking Trip (Likely to Sell Out)
• Small-Group or Private Grand Canyon with Sedona Tour from Phoenix (Best Deal)
• Half Day Phoenix Brew Tour (Top Fan Favorite)

1. Arizona Capitol Museum

The Arizona Capitol Museum is one of the most popular things to do in Arizona, and if you enjoy political history, it is an absolute must. This Arizona Museum is set in the state capitol building and it is entirely free to visit. On set days – Monday to Friday between 9 am and 5 pm – you can tour the museum to learn more about Arizona and its state heritage. As far as free attractions go, the museum is pretty impressive, and it’s nice to say that you’ve ticked off visiting the State Capitol Building.

The US government’s history is always fascinating to learn about, and Arizona has some particularly gripping tales. As an extra bonus, this is also a top indoor attraction in Phoenix, meaning you can escape from the heat while staying entertained.

2. Phoenix Art Museum

It is nice to wander through areas of street art and enjoy smaller art galleries, but when it comes to world-class museums, large-scale art museums just offer a different experience altogether. Phoenix Art Museum is the largest art museum in the southwestern US. It is a staggering collection of international pieces, including more than 20,000 artifacts. Phoenix Art Museum is mesmerizing, and you should allow at least a few hours to scratch its collection’s surface.

If you are an art enthusiast, Phoenix Art Museum is a definite highlight for your trip to the Arizona capital. But even art newbies will appreciate the variety of the collection and the regular special events that the museum holds. Keep an eye out for the schedule online, as you can attend special events ranging from workshops to film screenings and lectures.

3. Legoland Discovery Center Arizona

Who doesn’t love Legoland? This attraction in Phoenix is heavily catered towards children. Still, we are sure some parents will be happy that they can attend as well. The Legoland Discovery Center has a massive indoor play area with two rides. Children can play and create in ten different Lego build zones. In contrast, older children can enjoy screenings at the 4D cinema and even Lego factory tours. The whole experience is super niche, one of the top family-friendly things to do in Phoenix.

Traveling to Phoenix with young children can be daunting in summer when the weather is notoriously hot. The Legoland Discovery Center is an ideal midday solution for your itinerary. Spend the hottest part of the day in Legoland with air-con, then head out for some other sightseeing during cooler times. Grab your tickets here.

4. Children’s Museum of Phoenix

If family-friendly things to do in Phoenix are what you are after, the Children’s Museum of Phoenix is your next best option. This museum offers entertainment for children aged 0 to 10 years of age, and it has special rooms designed to prompt engagement and enhance development. Fun and creative, the Children’s Museum is one of the top three rated in the US. If you want to escape the heat with an indoor attraction while providing your child with educational fun, the Children’s Museum of Phoenix is ideal. The museum has over 48,000 square feet of space and 300 play areas, so you have tons to explore together.

The Children’s Museum of Phoenix is in the city’s downtown area. If you stay centrally, it is easily accessible on foot or by public transport – precisely what you need with children in tow.

5. Butterfly Wonderland

Butterfly Wonderland is located just outside of Phoenix, in the major city of Scottsdale. It is a breeze to reach by car, taking just 25 minutes from Phoenix city center. This beautiful attraction is a massive indoor rainforest habitat that holds some serious aesthetic allure. You wander along little trails in a huge conservatory-style building, with extra attractions along the way like aquarium and reptilian exhibits. The main draw is the butterflies though. Butterfly Wonderland really lives up to its name, and you can spot hundreds and hundreds of butterflies in the huge enclosure.

This butterfly park is the largest in the country, so get ready to be really wowed by the variety of specimens and the scale of the enclosure. Walking through the butterfly enclosure is a really special experience, whether you are visiting as a family or just as adults. Once you are done, you can visit the gift shop and café. We’d recommend combining Butterfly Wonderland with a few other Scottsdale attractions too, like Scottsdale Old Town.

6. Hot Air Balloon Ride

Hot air balloon rides are easily one of the most exciting things to do in Phoenix. There isn’t much dreamier than floating through the clouds at snail-pace, and if you haven’t hot air ballooned before, know that the experience is almost hypnotic. You barely realize you are rising, and the movement is incredibly smooth. And, of course, you get the best views possible – especially considering that Phoenix is surrounded by striking desert scenery.

You can book tons of  hot air balloon experiences in Phoenix . The most popular experience is a sunrise hot air balloon ride with breakfast included once you hit the ground again. Sometimes, these packages also include a luxury champagne breakfast. To treat yourself, a hot air balloon ride above Phoenix is the perfect way to splurge on your visit to Arizona. It is one of the most fun things to do in Phoenix and definitely has a novel allure.

7. Phoenix Mountains Preserve

The Phoenix Mountains Preserve is where to head for your insight into Arizona’s desert landscape. This is your stereotypical southwestern experience, with spiky cacti and the odd rattlesnake to be wary of – all explorable via a network of hiking trails and mountain biking tracks. You can choose some mountains for summit hikes, and everything is well signposted and marked. The Phoenix Mountains Reserve has some stunning viewpoints, too.

The reserve is just a 15-minute drive outside of Phoenix city center, which is practically unheard of when you think of most major cities and their closest ‘wild spaces’. We love how close Phoenix is to its desert areas of natural beauty, and you can see how impressive this is when planning a visit to the Phoenix Mountains Reserve. The mountain park and preserve is super convenient to visit from Phoenix city center, even if you are rushing to cram a short itinerary.

8. Paradise Valley

Paradise Valley is a town just 25 minutes outside of Phoenix city center by car, or just under 2 hours on public transport. We’d suggest renting a car to enjoy the valley. The town is famous for its luxury golf courses, so any golf enthusiasts should note it down as an absolute must when it comes to planning their Phoenix itinerary. The three main golf courses are Paradise Valley Country Club, the Short Course at Mountain Shadows, and Camelback Golf Club. You can make bookings online for each separate course. Each has its own rules and regulations, but you are guaranteed to bag a spot for at least one if you book within adequate time.

The town is the best place to visit if you love golf. You can book lessons or just book a slot for a laidback game. The scenery is stunning from these courses, as you are just in the wake of Camelback and Mummy Mountain.

9. Taliesin West

Taliesin West is a more unusual attraction in Phoenix but is momentous nonetheless. The museum was the winter home of Frank Lloyd Wright, a famed architect, designer, educator, and writer. There isn’t much Frank Lloyd Wright couldn’t do, and his legacy lives on with guided tours of his old home. Taliesin West also doubles up as the headquarters for the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation.

The Taliesin Institutet attracts students and scholars to study at Taliesin West through a program created by the  Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation  to educate future architects, designers and thought leaders on the principles of organic architecture. The program takes place at the two Taliesin properties:  Taliesin  in Spring Green, Wis., and  Taliesin West  in Scottsdale, Ariz. 

Walking the exhibits is a brilliant way to better appreciate Frank Lloyd Wright’s impact on the architectural and design industry. It is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and is likened to a ‘desert laboratory’ on its official website.

10. Grand Canyon

Arizona is nicknamed the Grand Canyon state, and visiting the Grand Canyon is obviously one of the best things to do in Arizona – if not the US. The  Phoenix to Sedona drive  is routinely tackled as a day-long road trip, taking you past the Montezuma Castle National Monument and numerous almost-roadside attractions. And while the total drive is 3.5 hours one way, you’ll be well-entertained with lots of potential stop-off points to break up the driving. If you rent a car with multiple drivers on the insurance, it is a highly feasible, albeit ambitious, day trip from Phoenix.

At the Grand Canyon, you can enjoy one of the rim hikes, check out the best viewpoints, and visit the visitor center. It is an iconic attraction for a reason. If you have a spare day in your itinerary, we suggest carving out time for an all-day visit. You need at least a few hours at the Grand Canyon, so we’d set off as early as possible to maximize your time there. If you don’t want to rent a car you can jump on this all-day tour which we think is really worth it.

11. Phoenix Raceway

The Phoenix Raceway is a fabulous place to visit if there’s an event. The racetrack has a seating capacity for up to 65,000 people, and if you are lucky, your visit to Phoenix will coincide with one of the car races. It is exhilarating if you’ve never seen a car race before. Keep an eye on the schedule for something a little more exciting and an ‘event’ experience in Phoenix. You can even splurge on tickets with pit access for a more exclusive experience.

The Phoenix Raceway is just 30 minutes away by car, a reasonably convenient distance from the city center. Try to book tickets as far as possible in advance, as the races are super popular, and quickly book out.

12. Goldfield Ghost Town

Goldfield Ghost Town is somewhere to be thrust into Wild West-style history. You are immersed in a reconstructed 1890s town full of actors, tours, and lingering heritage with a gold mine you can enter. Goldfield Ghost Town is the best spot to embrace history in Phoenix, and it is easy to stay engaged with so much action – including Old West gunfights. A history museum is onsite for anyone who wants a more traditional history sightseeing experience. Still, as a whole, it tackles history in a more engaging, radical way.

Goldfield Ghost Town is just 50 minutes from Phoenix city center by car. It is easily squeezed into a Phoenix itinerary. You’ll just need to organize a car rental. We’d suggest allowing half a day or a full day to fully appreciate this impressive attraction. As a National Historic Landmark, Goldfield Ghost Town is exceptional and deserves a substantial chunk of time. You can also jump on this day tour if you want to save a little time.

13. Sonoran Desert

The Sonoran Desert is a vast area, and many of the attractions we’ve covered or will cover are already in the desert region – even Phoenix itself is classed as located within the Sonoran Desert. To have a ‘real’ desert experience, you may wish to embark on a guided day trip to see the region’s highlights and get much more remote. Taking a  specific Sonoran tour  can help you understand the area much better. For instance, learning about the desert’s importance in Native American history, culture, and wildlife.

14. Sahuaro Ranch Park

Sahuaro Ranch Park is an absolute gem of an attraction in Phoenix. The old ranch has historic grounds that have been protected and transformed into play areas and relaxing green spaces. Children can enjoy the playpark equipment, while adults can wander the rose gardens and spot the peacocks that strut throughout the property in bold blue. There are also tons of sports facilities. The ranch park is a brilliant all-rounder if you want a fun place to visit in Phoenix. It is hard not to love, and its historical element adds a bit more excitement than your standard park experience.

15. Arizona Heritage Center

The Arizona Heritage Center is a bitesize taste of Phoenix’s and Arizona’s story. The museum covers everything about the 5 Cs and how they influenced the development of Phoenix as we now know it. The Cs include copper, citrus, cattle, climate, and cotton, and are the root of what boomed the Phoenix economy. The Heritage Center strips back all the twists and turns of the story of Phoenix and gives you a short, sweet, and simple introduction. If you want to learn about the city’s history without dreary, drawn-out exhibits, the Arizona Heritage Center is the perfect historical snapshot. Plus, it is located right next to Papago Park, so you can head there immediately for refreshments, hiking, and different attractions.

16. Arizona Diamondbacks

If you are looking for just plain fun when visiting Phoenix, locals and visitors alike love heading down to Chase Field to see the Arizona Diamondbacks. The iconic baseball team plays in Major League Baseball, and seeing a game is one of the best things to do in Phoenix. The baseball season runs from late March to early October, meaning if you visit in this period, there’s a chance that your visit coincides with a Diamondbacks game.

Watching any sporting game is a brilliant way to get that ‘event’ experience and also embrace an influential culture within the city you’re visiting. Phoenix and the Diamondbacks are no different. Watching a game is one of the most fun things to do in Phoenix.

17. Penske Racing Museum

Penske Racing Museum houses more than a dozen Penske team cars. For anyone passionate about car racing, this little museum is more than worth a visit. Entirely free to enter, you can get up close to actual race cars who have deservedly retired from action to spend the rest of their lives admired and well-polished. There’s also a wealth of memorabilia, including trophies and awards. The whole museum is just an homage to the racing heritage in Phoenix. And, of course, getting close to cars like Lamborghinis and Aston Martins is terrific. The vintage race cars are brightly colored and have that real wow factor, even for non-car enthusiasts.

Reaching the museum is an easy drive to North Phoenix. Allow 30 minutes to drive to the museum from Phoenix city center or just over 2 hours by public transport.

18. Rosson House Museum at Heritage Square

Rosson House Museum at Heritage Square is a stunning local history museum with a really striking exterior. The Victorian home dates back to 1895 and has a dramatic gold roof with turrets, certainly standing out in the Phoenix suburbs. The house museum preserves the history and lifestyle of early colonizers in Phoenix, showcasing what life within the home would have been like for these Phoenix families. The museum runs regular tours of around 60 minutes to let visitors take a closer look at the house’s interior and provide you with more insight into Phoenix’s history.

You’ll have to book a guided tour, as independent exploration is not permitted – this is a positive, as you’ll get way more from the experience with a guide. The museum is slightly off the primary tourist radar but most definitely worth the visit.

19. Papago Park

Visiting Papago Park is an absolute top-tier addition to your must-do things to do in Phoenix. The park covers 1,500 acres in a spectacular inner-city greenspace area. You’ll find everything from Phoenix Zoo to red rock formations, scenic hiking trails, and the classic Hole in the Rock attraction. It is equally bizarre and beautiful that Papago Park is so close to the city center, and regardless of which you think it is, you should take full advantage of it.

Papago Park is free to enter and opens daily. You should carve out a time to visit, mainly because it contains so many attractions Phoenix has to offer.

20. Lake Pleasant Regional Park

The Lake Pleasant Regional Park is a beautiful place to cool off in the Valley of the Sun. It is a hotspot for fishing, swimming, and boating, and basically a haven for avoiding overheating in Phoenix city center. You pay a single entrance fee per vehicle and can easily spend a whole day at Lake Pleasant. If you plan on swimming, visit a designated swimming area. Two swim beaches are available, which are very popular in summer amongst local residents. The park opens extremely early: 5 a.m. from May to October and 6 a.m. from November to April.

To reach Lake Pleasant, it is a 45-minute drive from central Phoenix. It is well worth the drive, though, and since Phoenix is an inland city, you’ll appreciate the promise of freshwater beaches. As a quick side note, you’ll pass the Pioneer Arizona Living History Museum on your way, so consider combining the two attractions.

21. Pueblo Grande Museum

Pueblo Grande Museum is now officially named the S’edav Va’aki Museum. It is an open-air museum dedicated to preserving the Hohokam people’s former home. The pre-Columbian site contains the remains of a village and irrigation canals, marking Phoenix’s largest preserved archaeological site. The archaeological site itself dates back over 1,500 years, and it is an incredible feat of both early humanity and archaeological preservation. It is astounding to view the site, and the history of the Hohokam people – also known as the Ancestral Sonoran Desert People – is fascinating to learn about.

S’edav Va’aki Museum has three galleries and a theatre, promising a wealth of information and historical immersion. The archaeological site is then accessed from the S’edav Va’aki Museum as an adjoining onsite attraction, accessible via a short trail. At the actual site, you can view a mixture of ruins and replicated houses to get insight into how the Hohokam people lived. Unsurprisingly, it is listed as a National Historic Landmark.

22. Mystery Castle

The story of Mystery Castle is the most wholesome in Phoenix. A father built the castle for his daughter, but it is far more than the treehouse-style construction you are likely imagining. The Mystery Castle has a grand total of 18 rooms and 13 fireplaces, and it is built out of stone – the ultimate castle for a father’s princess.

The princess in question, Mary Lou Gulley, eventually passed away in 2010 after decades of giving tours of her father’s magical creation and living in the castle full-time. However, the Mystery Castle Foundation continues to run the castle as a tourist attraction in her and her father’s memory. It is a touching Phoenix attraction and a must-visit for anyone who loves a wholesome story.

It is worth noting that the castle was undergoing repairs following extensive vandalism in 2022. You can ring ahead to confirm opening times and construction status.

23. Old Town Scottsdale

Scottsdale is a city just east of Phoenix, and right in its center is the beautiful Old Town Scottsdale neighborhood. This is one of the best day trips from Phoenix and only takes 30 minutes to reach by car or 1.5 hours by public transport. It is absolutely drenched in history, and the old town is entirely pedestrian-friendly and full of museums and beautiful independent restaurants and shops. Next to chaotic inner-city Phoenix, Old Town Scottsdale is just where to go to take a deep breath and reconnect with a quieter pace of life in Arizona.

We love Old Town Scottsdale’s collection of attractions and how easily you can just walk between them. It is worth noting that the ‘quiet pace of life’ also switches up in the evenings when the Old Town becomes a hub of nightlife.

24. Tempe Town Lake

Tempe Town Lake is serene. There’s no denying it. The massive reservoir is set in the nearby city of Tempe. It is famous as a community area of natural beauty within a residential neighborhood. You can take a leisurely walk around the perimeter or go fishing. Tempe Town Lake is a beautiful place to kick back and relax outside the hecticness of Phoenix city center. It is especially popular during sunset and sunrise when the pink sky looks stunning against the city skyline and Mill Avenue Bridge.

Tempe Town Lake is just 20 minutes away from Phoenix by car, so it is a short journey. You can also take two buses and the rail service in just over an hour if you don’t drive or won’t be driving in Phoenix. It is an easy place to reach if you just want some time in nature after spending a while in the busy city.

25. Camelback Mountain

Camelback Mountain is one of the most scenic places near Phoenix. If you can hack an early morning start, you should make a summit climb for sunrise. The peak gets its name from its camel hump appearance, but it is also famous for its beautiful views over the city. There are two trails to choose from if you want to reach the summit: the 2.5-mile Echo Canyon Trail or the 2.6-mile Cholla Trail. Both tracks take 2-3 hours to complete, with Echo Canyon Trail involving more ‘rock climbing’ in its ascent and relying on handrails. At the summit, you are rewarded with 360-degree views of Phoenix and its surrounding views.

Camelback Mountain is a challenging feat and not a hike for beginners. You should feel comfortable with steep climbs and strenuous ascents over exposed rock surfaces. It is convenient to reach from Phoenix, though, taking just 20 minutes by car to reach the trailhead. If you like outdoor adventures, Camelback Mountain is one of the best things to do in Phoenix.

26. Hall of Flame Fire Museum

The Hall of Flame Fire Museum is another niche but highly impactful museum in Phoenix. The museum shows fire engines and history dating from 1725 to 1969 – a substantial period. Knowing this firefighter history in Phoenix is essential, primarily as many firefighters are known as local heroes. It also gets you up to speed on how firefighting technology has changed rapidly over the years. And you can take advantage of fire safety training and programs. The museum runs an adult version, which includes planning and preparation, while children get more age-appropriate fire safety training.

The Hall of Flame Museum is just 20 minutes from the city center by car. It is next to Papago Park, so it is easily combined with a visit to the Desert Botanical Garden or Hole in the Wall. Who knows, maybe you’ll pick up lifesaving skills?

27. Heard Museum

Heard Museum is an art museum entirely dedicated to preserving Native American art. The museum does not just focus on one tribe’s art and heritage, instead aiming to preserve all of the tribes’ artwork and heritage in the US. The beautiful collection is massively important for the preservation of culture and history. If you want to embrace and support indigenous history and endeavors while visiting Phoenix, then the Heard Museum is a brilliant place to start. You can learn about Native American history and admire all the varied artifacts on show.

There are guided tours that you can take around the Heard Museum. After you’ve enjoyed browsing the artifacts and learned more about America’s Native American heritage, there’s a café onsite. You can sit down and grab some refreshments before heading off for your next activity. Heard Museum is a really high-quality and insightful addition to the best things to do in Phoenix.

28. Enchanted Island Amusement Park

The Enchanted Island Amusement Park is the most fun of all these things to do in Phoenix. The theme park is family-friendly to its core, offering many games and rides, including a carousel and splash pad. If you have young children accompanying you when you visit Phoenix, keep the Enchanted Island Amusement Park up your sleeve. There are also seasonal events, like Easter egg hunts, which are a sweet touch and very popular amongst children.

The park is just a 10-minute drive from Phoenix city center, or alternatively, 40 minutes by bus. It is easy to reach and provides really lighthearted, family-friendly fun. If that sounds like what you need, you can just turn up to buy entrance tickets – no online tickets required.

29. Japanese Friendship Garden

The Japanese Friendship Garden is small but mighty. Covering just 3.5 acres, this traditional Japanese garden is one of the most cultural, outdoor spaces and things to do in Phoenix. The garden has a considerable 12-foot waterfall and a beautiful koi pond, and its abundant water features add to its serene atmosphere. As if that wasn’t enough, there’s also a teahouse and tea garden. You can walk through the Japanese Friendship Garden before heading for a soothing tea ritual experience.

The garden opens Tuesday to Sunday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., and it costs around $10 to enter. It is one of the most budget-friendly outdoor activities in Phoenix. And it is a breeze to get to, located in Downtown Phoenix. For a calming way to start your day, a walk in the Japanese Friendship Garden is a beautiful choice and one of the best things to do in Phoenix.

30. Arizona Science Center

The Arizona Science Center is a brilliant indoor attraction and thing to do in Phoenix. The entry price might seem steep at around $20 per person. However, once you see the number of exhibits you access for that price, it is clear that this is excellent value for money. You can easily spend three or four hours visiting the Arizona Science Center, and the multiple floors and categories of exhibits are really diverse. You can take in everything from a planetarium to an IMAX theater and attend demos or browse exhibits on lasers or even mummies.

The Arizona Science Center is an exciting Phoenix attraction for your itinerary; there’s no doubt that it ticks a lot of boxes when it comes to exhibit categories.

32. Musical Instrument Museum

The Musical Instrument Museum is a niche museum in Phoenix. This attraction has musical instruments from approximately 200 countries and has more than 6,800 individual instruments on show. If you love music or even just international culture, the Musical Instrument Museum is one of the best options when it comes to the world-class museums in Phoenix. It is actually frequently ranked as the top Phoenix attraction on TripAdvisor. And there are even specific instruments that you can try and play.

This museum is both engaging and interactive. The vast variety of instruments on display makes it a fascinating place to stop by, and adding a bit of music to your itinerary is a dreamy way to spice up your Phoenix trip. The Musical Instrument Museum is in North Phoenix, so you’ll catch a few buses or drive 30 minutes to reach this attraction.

31. Phoenix Bat Cave

The Phoenix Bat Cave is super cool. The natural phenomenon that this attraction gets its fame is the flock of bats that fly out en masse at dusk. People gather near a footpath and fencing to peer at the bats as they burst out. Over 5,000 Mexican free-tailed bats live under the tunnel – which is manmade rather than actually being a ‘cave’ cave. And you can enjoy the designated bat-watching area while snapping photos, just as long as you stay quiet enough to not distress them. The bats are protected, so don’t do anything to upset them unless you are happy to be met with official backlash from local authorities. Think of them as having celebrity status.

The Phoenix Bat Cave is located just outside of the city center, and it’s best to visit if you have a car. It is free to enjoy and one of the most unique things to do in Phoenix.

33. South Mountain Park and Preserve

South Mountain Park and Preserve is one of the top places to venture if you want some wild space. The park and preserve covers over 16,000 acres, and the dusty, rugged terrain is an aesthetic mix of desert meets mountainous scrubs. For cacti and mountain scenery – plus stunning views of the Phoenix skyline – you really can’t beat South Mountain Park and Preserve. Explore by going horseback riding with the Arizona Horse Company, by walking, or cycling. Either way, allow at least half a day to really get a taste of South Mountain.

For those with accessibility concerns, knowing there’s a road you can drive to reach a viewpoint directly is good. Dobbin’s Lookout is a beautiful place to drive to for sunrise or sunset, and it has expansive views over Phoenix. For easily accessible views, Dobbin’s Lookout is one of the prettiest things to do in Phoenix.

34. Desert Botanical Garden

What is not to love about a Desert Botanical Garden? This botanical garden spreads over 140 acres and has 50,000 plants on show – making it one of the best places to visit to taste the desert in inner-city Phoenix. The garden is connected by a network of beautiful little hiking trails. You can easily spend a couple of hours walking the Desert Botanical Garden’s grounds, and it is a lovely place to visit in the early morning before it gets too hot. It opens at 7 a.m. every day, so why not head down for a pre-breakfast walk and then treat yourself to food at the onsite restaurant or café?

Technically, the Desert Botanical Garden is part of Papago Park. But it is such an incredible place to visit that we had to include it as a standalone attraction. It is easily reached too, taking just 20 minutes by public transport.

Things to Do in Phoenix: FAQs

As you can see, there are so many fun things to do in Phoenix. Before you plan your itinerary, though, check out these top FAQs on visiting Phoenix, Arizona. You want to ensure you get all vital snippets of information that  could  make or break your trip.

How to Get to Phoenix

The easiest way to get to Phoenix for most visitors is to fly. Phoenix International Airport is exceptionally well-connected to Downtown Phoenix by public transport and just 10 minutes away by car. Phoenix is connected directly to hundreds of global cities and is served by regular American Airlines, Delta Airlines, and Southwest Airlines flights.

If you are already in the US, consider reaching Phoenix by rail. While Phoenix is not on the Amtrak lines, it is on the Thruway Connecting Services. This means you can jump on Amtrak connections at Flagstaff or Maricopa, taking advantage of Las Vegas , San Diego, San Francisco, Chicago , and even New York routes. The options are almost endless. You can also purchase comfortable rail cabins for an extra luxury step– like a hotel on wheels.

Another option to get to Phoenix is, of course, by coach. Greyhound services are top-rated for getting to all major US cities, and Phoenix is no exception. Similarly, you can also choose to road trip to Phoenix if you have extra time. This is ideal if you want to maximize your sightseeing time. You can check out our complete guide on the ultimate Arizona road trip  here .

Where to Stay in Phoenix

Where to stay in Phoenix is a great question; many beautiful hotels and neighborhood choices exist. For your first visit to Phoenix, you should aim to stay in Downtown Phoenix or Midtown. This will provide you with the most accessible access to the main attractions in Phoenix.

Surestay Hotel By Western Phoenix Airport  is the most budget-friendly accommodation choice for a hotel that rates over 7.0 on Booking.com. It is a little further from the city center, but worth the location sacrifice if you want more comfortable budget accommodation.

Hampton Inn and Suites Phoenix Downtown  is a brilliant mid-range choice. It has everything from a fitness center to parking and is located conveniently in the heart of the downtown area.

This  luxury apartment  is the ideal luxurious base in Phoenix. You get the whole self-catered experience, with all the comforts of your own home, plus a brilliant location in Midtown Phoenix.

Where to Eat in Phoenix

You may not know it, but Arizona’s best-known food is the Apache trout. It is also superb for Mexican cuisine, especially chimichangas – a burrito-style dish. The list of dishes and drinks you should try is a serious challenge to complete, including Route 66 beer, Sonoran hot dogs, and fried bread. You should leave a huge chunk out of your itinerary just to factor in food and drink tasting.

Looking for the best places to eat in Phoenix? Check out our top recommendations.

Carolina’s Mexican Food: Tasty Mexican cuisine where you can try specials like chimichangas.

Fry Bread House : A much-loved restaurant serving dishes based on Native American fry bread.

Wrigley Mansion & Geordie’s : A mansion meets restaurant founded by William Wrigley JR.

Best Time to Visit Phoenix

The best time to visit Phoenix, Arizona, is a hot topic – no pun intended. Because of the intense heat in Phoenix, winter is the peak time to visit, with summer as the low season. This is the reverse of what most people expect peak seasons to look like. People who want to enjoy the desert, outdoor activities, or visiting places like the Wildlife World Zoo head to Phoenix from October to May. While June to September is when most people steer clear, it is ideal for those wanting to avoid the crowds and who prefer indoor (i.e., air-conditioned) attractions anyway.

We’d recommend May or September. These shoulder seasons are the closest you’ll get to a compromise and balance fewer crowds with pretty mild temperatures. It does depend on what things to do in Phoenix you are interested in.

As you can see, Phoenix is pretty special. The capital undoubtedly has some of the  best things to do in Arizona.  Whether you stop by the Desert Botanical Garden or the Musical Instrument Museum, you’ll have a wonderful time.

Are you traveling to see more of the US after? Here’s  where to stay in San Francisco if you love boutique hotels  and  where to stay in San Diego . There are many fun things to do in Phoenix, but heading off on a road trip or a quick flight to other leading destinations is the perfect way to round off your US trip.

Plan your Next Trip To Arizona With these Resources

• Phoenix to Sedona Drive: What to See and Do on Your Day Trip
• 13 Best Hotels in Sedona, Arizona
• 10 Best Cities in Arizona To Visit
• 33 Best Things to Do in Arizona
• Arizona Road Trip – The Ultimate 10 Day Itinerary

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Book Your Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner. We have used them for years and have found that they have the best flight deals.

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor.

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Safety Wing - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Book Your Activities: Looking for walking tours, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more? Then we recommend Get Your Guide.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

You May Also Like

20 Best Things to Do in San Antonio, Texas in 2024

23 Incredible Things To Do In Southern California in 2024

Where To Stay In San Diego – Best Neighborhoods & Areas (2024)

About The Planet D

Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil are the owners and founders of The Planet D. After traveling to 115 countries, on all 7 continents over the past 13 years they have become one of the foremost experts in travel. Being recognized as top travel bloggers and influencers by the likes of Forbes Magazine , the Society of American Travel Writers and USA Today has allowed them to become leaders in their field.

Join thousands of others who get our monthly updates!

Leave a comment cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

2 thoughts on “34 Best Things To Do In Phoenix In 2024 (By A Local)”

This guide provides an exciting overview of the best things to do in Phoenix, Arizona. Phoenix offers a diverse range of attractions for visitors to enjoy. From the stunning sunrise views at Piestewa Peak to exploring the rich political history at the Arizona Capitol Museum, there’s something for everyone.

Superb blog and images are looks so good.

14 Things To Do In Phoenix: Complete Guide To Exploring Arizona's Capital

Your changes have been saved

Email is sent

Email has already been sent

Please verify your email address.

You’ve reached your account maximum for followed topics.

Read update

The Crown Jewel Of AZ: Everything To Consider Doing In Phoenix

Thinking about visiting Phoenix? The Valley of the Sun is one of the most iconic travel destinations in the Southwest region of the United States and a must-visit spot in Arizona. Brimming with beautiful culture, stunning mountains, and spectacular sandy deserts with many things to see , including gorgeous desert animals.

Many people often overlook Phoenix, asking themselves if it's worth it to come here. However, after just being here for a short time, they'll almost always fall in love. There's a certain ambiance to the city that gives visitors a new perspective on the West and desert living.

UPDATE: 2023/11/17 12:12 EST BY NOAH STAATS

This article has been refreshed with four new things to do in Phoenix, Arizona, including checking out the nearby city of Scottsdale.

Things To Do

Phoenix city offers luxury resorts , cultural and historical attractions, an incredible dining scene, and endless opportunities for outdoorsy travelers. Phoenix has everything one would need to have an unforgettable vacation experience, no matter their interests and age.

Here is the complete travel guide to Phoenix.

1 Do Some Shopping On High Street

High Street is the perfect choice for those after an upscale shopping afternoon or evening while in Phoenix. Here, people can enjoy lit-up streets filled with food, comedy clubs, shopping, and residential buildings, all with a community feel.

High Street has long been a local hot spot, with many new places to eat and drink opening by the year. From sunglasses, clothing, and cocktails galore, this shopping area is a must-do in the Grand Canyon State!

• Address : 5415 E High St, Phoenix, AZ 85054
• Hours : Open daily between 11 AM to 12-2 AM

2 Walk Through The Ever Charming Kierland Commons

The next idea for people in the Phoenix, Arizona, area is to check out Kierland Commons . With half the shopping district in Scottsdale and the other in Phoenix, this is a fun way to jump the city line, all without driving or taking a bus. Kierland Commons boasts many stores, including luxury brands like Chanel, and plenty of trendy restaurants and bars.

There are also quite a few interior design stores in Kierland, making it a one-stop shop for all things home, garden, and fashion.

• Address : 15205 N Kierland Blvd Suite 150, Scottsdale, AZ 85254
• Hours : Open daily from 10 AM to 8 PM (closes at six on Sundays)

3 Heritage & Science Park/Historic Heritage Square

Another destination worth exploring in the Phoenix area is the Heritage & Science Park/Historic Heritage Square . This is a long-time cultural hub in the city, offering tourists a glimpse into the history of the city and Arizona State as a whole.

The Square dates back to the late 1800s, as well as buildings boasting old-school design and interior intact. The area is between East Monroe, East Washington, North 5th, and North 7th Streets in the downtown corridor of Phoenix.

• Address : 113 N 6th St, Phoenix, AZ 85004
• Hours : Wednesday through Sunday from 10 AM to 4 PM (12-4 Sundays)

Traffic may be intense during the Monday-Friday work week at 7/8 AM and then 5/6 PM.

4 The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

For those wanting to get festive and fancy in Phoenix, heading up to Scottsdale and visiting the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is a must. This is one of the many luxury resorts in the area, offering food, entertainment, spas, pools, and shopping.

• Address : 7575 E Princess Dr, Scottsdale, AZ 85255

5 Hike In Papago Park

One of the best things to do in Phoenix is to visit Papago Park . Here, visitors to the area can hike through rocky terrain, getting some of the best views in the city. This public area allows visitors and residents to enjoy the desert sun together, making it a more authentic experience in the valley.

• Address : 625 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008
• Hours : Open daily from 5 AM to 11 PM

6 Explore The Desert Botanical Garden

Situated in Papago Park, the Desert Botanical Garden covers 140 acres and is home to several plants from different corners of the planet. At this garden, vacationers can spot hummingbirds in the special gardens dedicated to attracting them. Spring brings the beautiful plant to life, making it a great time to explore the garden.

• Address : 1201 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008
• Hours : Open daily from 8 AM to 8 PM
• Tickets : $16.95 per guest

7 The Japanese Friendship Garden Of Phoenix

One of the best spots in Phoenix is The Japanese Friendship Garden . This peaceful location is smack-dab in downtown Phoenix, providing an escape from the hustle and bustle. One of the standout features of this garden is that it's a joint project of the sister cities Phoenix and Himeji.

There is also a tearoom and a store, so there are opportunities to browse and bring something back home!

• Address : 1125 N 3rd Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85003
• Hours : Tuesday through Sunday from 9 AM to 4 PM
• Tickets : $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, $7 for students

8 Check Out The Heard Museum

Another place to hit up while in Phoenix is the Heard Museum . This location is a private, not-for-profit museum dedicated to Native American art and the progression of their community in the state/world.

The Heard Museum has a sense of pride and power, often keeping people the entire day. Between the displays, seasonal shows, and outdoor spaces, the Heard Museum is one of the better spots to spend an afternoon in the city.

• Address : 2301 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004
• Hours : Open daily from 10 AM to 4 PM
• Tickets : $22.50 per guest

9 Catch A Game At Chase Field

Another unique outdoor experience in Phoenix, Arizona, is the famous Chase Field . Here, people can watch Major League Baseball throughout the year in one of Arizona's premier fields.

The property features a retractable roof and is home to the Arizona Diamondbacks.

• Address : 401 E Jefferson St, Phoenix, AZ 85004

10 Unleash Your Wild Side At The Phoenix Zoo

Of all the things to do in Phoenix, visiting the zoo is ideal for families. At the Phoenix Zoo , visitors can experience the largest privately owned, non-profit zoo in the United States, as well as a favorite among Arizona residents.

The property opened in 1962 and has since become a staple of animal conservation for the state. It's also worth noting that this zoo sits in Papago Park, so people can experience both on the same day!

• Address : 455 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008
• Hours : Open daily from 9 AM to 4 PM
• Tickets : $37.95 for adults and $27.95 for children.

11 Children’s Museum Of Phoenix

At the Children's Museum , travelers can explore a museum with more than 300 interactive play areas for kids aged 10 and under. This is the perfect spot to spend a few hours with the kids, all within a safe, air-conditioned space.

Most people spend 2–3 hours here, as it's a fairly large complex.

• Address : 215 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ 85034
• Tickets : $17.00

12 Visit The Musical Instrument Museum

Boasting an incredible collection of over 6,800 musical instruments from different parts of the world, The Musical Instrument Museum is one of the top five best and the only global musical instruments in the world.

Time spent at this well-curated museum will be thrilling, as it allows vacationers to learn about different musical instruments and watch them being played. It offers an unforgettable cultural experience while giving the tourist a great music lesson at the same time.

• Address : 4725 E Mayo Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85050
• Hours : Open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM
• Tickets : $20 per guest

13 Have Fun At Taliesin West

There is a fascinating history to catch at Taliesin West , a former winter home of Frank Lloyd, one of the world's most celebrated architects. It was Frank's home from 1937 until he passed away in 1959. The facility is located on the foothills of the McDowell Mountains, just outside Scottsdale, and is open to tourism.

This place is worth exploring, even for vacationers with the slightest interest in architecture. Vacationers visiting the site must experience at least one guided tour, and there are numerous options to choose from, depending on one's interests and time.

• Address : 12621 N Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85259
• Hours : Open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM

14 Explore Arizona’s Amazing Wine Culture

Arizona is home to two large award-winning wine regions and is reachable in less than three hours from the capital. Vacationers can go wine tasting in these two regions and have a taste of the locally crafted drinks.

Eating and drinking plenty of water is important, which travelers can do in some of the tasting rooms. Some of the best wineries to explore include LDV Winery , Aridus Vineyards , and Salvatore Vineyards .

Best Must-Do Activities In Arizona Only Known By Locals

Arizona is home to some unusual and fascinating visitor stops, and, according to locals, these are the most worth your time.

While the city has a vast desert landscape, there is more to it than that. With several fun outdoor adventures and cultural, dining, and arts scenes, Phoenix guarantees a beautiful trip for all travelers.

Plus, several hotels and resorts cover various budgets that vacationers can choose from. Exploring Arizona's capital is definitely worth it.

15 Best Time To Visit Phoenix, Arizona

For a perfect blend of good weather and incredible outdoor opportunities, visit in winter or spring. This is typically between March and May and from December to February. During these times, the temperature is warm enough, and the bloom in the city's adorable desert landscape creates a spectacular sight.

Since sunny days are always present in Phoenix, vacationers should come prepared and pack sunscreen.

The city’s peak tourist season is between December and February (winter) and March through May (spring). These months are the most common time to travel because they coincide with the rainiest and coldest months everywhere else in the country, making the city a perfect choice for many tourists trying to escape the cold. Being the busiest months, travelers can expect higher prices in hotels, flights, restaurants, and even excursions. Plus, there will be road traffic, long queues, and higher fees to access local activities.

18 Scenic Drives Near Phoenix, Arizona

Ready to explore Arizona by road? These scenic drives near Phoenix show you the right way.

If you are trying to visit Phoenix on a budget , visit in summer. It gives vacationers an incredible chance to experience the city’s extreme temperatures, which can be harsh but beautiful to experience.

Restaurants and hotels offer the best deals at this time, making it a great option for travelers looking to avoid the hefty prices that come with visiting in winter and spring.

Summer is full of beautiful activities, including some of the most interesting sports.

For foodies, fall is an amazing time to explore Phoenix, thanks to the Arizona Restaurant Week that occurs in September. The festival sees more than 100 eateries participating, offering incredible menu items at reasonable prices.

• Best time for good weather and outdoor adventures : Winter and spring
• Best time for budget travelers: Summer
• Best time for foodies: Fall

16 Best Ways To Get Around Phoenix

Renting a car is the best way to get around Phoenix, especially when planning to explore attractions located away from the city and on day trips. Phoenix consists of some of the most scenic drives that travelers would want to explore. The city is easy to navigate through, and there is plenty of parking.

Another option is using the bus. Operated by Valley Metro, Phoenix's buses mainly run along the main traffic routes, so it may not be convenient for travelers planning to explore most parts of the city. But it is a perfect option for vacationers on a budget.

• Cost of a bus: $2 per ride, $ for a full-day pass

The Scottsdale Trolley is a great option for tourists getting around the downtown area of Old Town Scottsdale. The Downtown Area Shuttle (DASH) offers transportation services in downtown Phoenix, and the FLASH (Free Local Area Shuttle) in Tempe provides services in the area around the Arizona State University Area.

If you are planning to explore the incredible nightlife scene of Phoenix, then taxis are a perfect option for getting back to the hotel. The prices can be hefty, but they are an excellent choice if going out. Rideshare services, including Uber and Lyft, are a great alternative to taxis if traveling on a budget.

Biking around Phoenix is great, and while travelers can’t rely on it to get around the whole city, there are certain areas that it’s well suited for. The Roosevelt Row Arts District is one of the top places to explore on a bike.

• Cost of renting a bike: $7 per hour

17 Best Neighborhoods In Phoenix For Tourists

Downtown phoenix: best option for first-timers.

Downtown Phoenix gives incredible access to some of the best sights in the city , several reliable transportation options, restaurants, and a perfect nightlife experience.

There are plenty of choices for accommodation. Some of the best places to visit downtown Phoenix include the Children's Museum of Phoenix, the Arizona Science Center, and the Arizona Capitol Museum.

Old Town Scottsdale: Best option For A Romantic Getaway

This neighborhood features several open-air malls, vibrant nightlife, restaurants, and some of the most beautiful boutiques. Vacationers going on romantic getaways can explore the beautiful romantic trails at the famous Desert Botanical Garden, located a short drive away.

Other places to explore are the Scottsdale Civic Center and the Museum of Contemporary Art.

Encanto: Best For Families And Budget Travelers

Encanto offers several pocket-friendly accommodation options for vacationers, making it an excellent choice for budget travelers. It is one of the safest neighborhoods, boasting some of the friendliest locals. The area has incredibly spectacular surroundings, and visitors get to enjoy downtown views and historic homes.

Paradise Valley: Best For Families

Paradise Valley also gives incredible access to top-rated attractions in the city. Thanks to the scenic natural surroundings, the place is full of fun outdoor activities. Paradise Valley hosts some of the finest resorts, offering a wide range of pampering services.

18 Where To Eat In Phoenix

The Original Breakfast House : This restaurant is a perfect choice for an American breakfast. Some of the items on the menu include bacon & potato omelet, hog heaven, Popeye, and El Paso, mostly starting at $16. The eatery’s pancakes are mostly prepared with lemon, giving them an incredibly delicious taste.

Cocina Madrigal : Offering an incredible mix of Mexican, Southwestern, and American cuisines, Cocina Madrigal is a perfect lunch option for vacationers. The menu includes Al Pastor and Oaxaca Shrimp. Tropical fish, Achiote Braised Chicken, wild mushroom enchiladas, and more.

Rusconi's American Kitchen : Voted as one of the best restaurants, this restaurant doesn’t disappoint with an amazing dining experience. Dinner menu items include braised beef short ribs, roasted natural chicken, natural sea scallops, grilled sustainable salmon, and more.

The Brill Line is a swanky car in Phoenix, serving cocktails, craft beers, wine, and tapas in an open-air concept structure. This is a fun spot for weekend outings and tends to be rowdier into the early hours. Menu items include Bee's Knees, Brill Old Fashioned, Freddy's Little Prick, Mojitos, Puff Puff Paloma, and more.

19 Where To Stay In Phoenix

Looking for a place to stay in Phoenix? There are many options at various price points.

22 Chelsea Place On The Park (Budget Option)

• Address: Downtown Phoenix, Arizona
• Amenities: City view, kitchen terrace/patio, outdoor dining area, air-conditioned, coffee machine, washing machine, tumble dryer, clothes dryer, and linens.

Travelers Inn (Budget Option)

• Address : 5102 West Latham Street, Phoenix, AZ 85043
• Amenities : Outdoor pool, Free Wi-Fi, Free parking, Business center, Wi-Fi available in all areas, Flat-screen TV

Hyatt Place Phoenix/Downtown (Mid-Tier Option)

• Address : 150 West Adams Street, Phoenix, AZ 85007
• Amenities : Fitness center, Restaurant, Bar/Lounge, Free Wi-Fi, Tea/coffee maker, Valet parking

Hilton Garden Inn Phoenix Airport North (Mid-Tier Option)

• Address: 3838 East Van Buren Street, Phoenix, AZ 85008
• Amenities: Outdoor pool, fitness center, restaurant, bar/lounge, free Wi-Fi, tea/coffee maker, coffee machine, free parking, airport shuttle, and business center.

Sheraton Phoenix Downtown (Luxury Option)

• Address : 340 North 3rd Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004
• Amenities : Outdoor pool, Fitness center, Restaurant, Bar/Lounge, Room service, Tea/coffee maker

Royal Palms Resort & Spa (Luxury Option)

• Address: 5200 East Camelback Road, Phoenix, AZ 85018
• Amenities: Outdoor pool, spa & wellness center, fitness center, restaurant, bar/lounge, room service, bicycle rental, free Wi-Fi, and tea/coffee maker.

10 Spas In Arizona That Were Made For Zen & Relaxation

Ready for some serious relaxation in Arizona? Then check out these incredible spas located near Scottsdale ASAP!

20 Tips For Visiting Phoenix, Arizona

• Expect long, hot summers and mild winters . Boasting a vast desert landscape, Phoenix's climate is mostly arid, and summers are usually hot and long. Actually, the city's summer temperatures are the highest in the U.S., and winters are not as harsh as in other metropolitan cities.
• There are several cultural sites in Phoenix . The city is known to have several cultural heritage sites. There are more than 22 Native American tribes in the state. Some of the tribal areas are found in Phoenix and are a perfect place to experience the beautiful cultures and customs of different people. It is important to observe the rules and customs guiding the cultures.
• The best way to get around is by car . Renting a car is the best way to navigate the city as the public transportation system does not cover all the areas in the city.
• Stay safe when exploring the areas around the Grand Canyon . Beware of thunderstorms and flash flooding. If visiting in summer, tourists must wear sunscreen, hats, and light clothing. Being mostly deserted, suffering dehydration is common, so travelers must ensure they have enough water when hiking.

Underrated, But Scenic: This Small Town In Arizona Is A Great Alternative To Phoenix

Peoria is a city near Phoenix, and while it doesn't get as much hype as the bigger city, it is a perfect alternative for many reasons.

10 Things To Do In Lake Havasu City: Complete Guide To This Desert Oasis

West coast usa: complete travel guide, travel to tempe: the ultimate travel guide & things to do there.

• Things To Do & Travel Guides

We hope you like the items we recommend and discuss! TheTravel has affiliate and sponsored partnerships, so we receive a share of the revenue from some of your purchases. This won’t affect the price you pay and helps us offer the best product recommendations.

Your browser is not supported for this experience. We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari.

Shop Visit Phoenix's Salt River Merch Drop

Get your Salt River drip on with our Salt River t-shirt and reversible bucket hat! Perfect for your next river adventure 🏞️👕      Check it out

Travel Guide

Email signup, trail guide, book your next meeting in greater phoenix, downtown phoenix.

Culture, commerce and college life coalesce in the epicenter of Phoenix. This is where you’ll find indie restaurants, live music, pro sports, craft brews and cocktail culture. Historic neighborhoods like Roosevelt Row and Grand Avenue share an urban footprint with modern marvels like CityScape and the Phoenix Convention Center. No car is required here, thanks to Valley Metro Rail. 

Downtown Districts

Roosevelt row arts district, heritage square, historic grand avenue, warehouse district, things to do in downtown phoenix.

When the business day ends, the fun begins in downtown Phoenix.

This is where you’ll find sports arenas, live music, rooftop lounges, museums, theaters, art galleries and more than 200 restaurants. Downtown is also home to the Phoenix Convention Center and Arizona State University’s downtown campus. And it’s all served by one of the newest light rail systems in the nation.

Pro sports are almost always afoot at Footprint Center (home of the Phoenix Suns  and Phoenix Mercury ), or Chase Field (home of the Arizona Diamondbacks ), and Roosevelt Row is the place to go for coffee shops, craft beers and First Friday Art Walks .

To learn more about getting around DTPHX, reach out to a DTPHX Ambassador. They are on duty seven days a week, 365 days a year to help you — whether that means walking you to your car, handing out free water and sunscreen, or simply offering directions or recommendations. Ambassadors are on-foot or bike in areas of high pedestrian activity. Look for the folks wearing orange shirts with “ASK ME” on the back.

Things to Do in downtown Phoenix

Things to do in downtown phoenix, first friday art walk, larger-than-life mural walls in phoenix, late-night eats in (and around) downtown phoenix, phoenix public market, phx stories: japanese friendship garden, cobra arcade bar, bitter & twisted cocktail parlour, downtown phoenix pizzerias.

USPS suggests the address below

Arizona map, time to upgrade your browser.

If you're reading this, you're surfing using Internet Explorer 6, an eight-year-old browser that cannot cope with the demands of the modern, secure internet. For the best web experience, we strongly recommend upgrading to Firefox , Opera , Safari , Google Chrome , or a more recent version of Internet Explorer .

• Phoenix Links
• Phoenix Introduction
• Nearby Destinations
• Statewide Links
• Arizona Destinations
• Visit Other States
• Visit Other Countries

A summary of what Phoenix has to offer.

Red ochre mountains flank the man-made expanse of Lake Mead, a dam-fed lake that reaches into Arizona catching houseboaters, land-based hikers, sun-seekers and water-sports enthusiasts in its sweep.

• Tour Companies
• Tourist Attractions
• Sightseeing Opportunities
• Recreational Activities
• Things To Do - Overview
• Attractions
• Scenic Drives
• Scenic Flights
• Sightseeing Tours
• Free Travel Planners
• Adventure Trips
• Balloon Flights
• Bird Watching
• Horseback Riding
• Houseboating
• Offroad - ATV
• Climbing / Canyoneering
• RV Parks Camping
• Scuba - Snorkel
• Skiing - Boarding
• Snowmobiling
• White Water Rafting
• X-Country Skiing
• Spas & Wellness

Searchable list of Phoenix tour companies, guides and outfitters, rental companies and more.

Full information on Phoenix Tourist Attractions, Scenic Drives and other easy vacation activities…

• Hiking-Canyoneering
• Whitewater Rafting

• Lodging - Hotels, Resorts, etc.
• RV Parks - Campgrounds
• Restaurants

Searchable listings of Phoenix hotels, motels, resorts, bed & breakfast, and more.

Searchable listings of Phoenix RV parks and campgrounds.

Experience the best that Phoenix has to offer. Rent a motor home or RV and explore.

Searchable listings of Phoenix restaurants, bars, diners, and more.

Use our easy Lodging Search to find exactly the type of accommodation you are looking for at the right price.

• Free Visitor Guides!
• Transportation
• Tourism Resources
• State Facts

Request Free Travel brochures for Phoenix.

Travel articles related to Phoenix…

Transportation companies, driving directions and more for Phoenix.

Phoenix weather report, historic temperatures and climate info,…

Searchable lists of Phoenix tourism offices and other helpful government agencies.

Explore destinations near Phoenix.

• Phoenix Photo Gallery
• Phoenix Video Gallery
• Arizona Photo Gallery Arizona Video Gallery

Below are the Free Visitor Guides for Phoenix Area. Click here to view all the guides avialable for Arizona.

Select All General Interest Guides

Glendale Phoenix Area - Central Arizona

Tempe Phoenix Area - Central Arizona

Arizona - The Grand Canyon State Arizona

Arizona - the grand canyon state.

Chandler Phoenix area - Central Arizona

Catalina Island Southern California

Catalina island.

Discover Gilbert Phoenix Area

Discover gilbert.

Discover Salt River Scottsdale Area

Discover salt river.

Superior Southeastern Arizona

Town of Clarkdale North-Central Arizona

Town of clarkdale.

Arizona State Parks State of Arizona

Arizona state parks, select all specialty guides.

Maverick Helicopters Nevada, Arizona, Hawaii, and California

Maverick helicopters.

To request a free visitor guide from Phoenix, Arizona Tourist Attractions , please fill out the form below and click "Submit".

Your request has been processed, thank you!

We also have the following visitor guides in Arizona. Click on any additional guides you would like to receive. Your submissions were successful, thank you! ' )); tpsButtonClicked.closest( 'div.popup' ).hide( ); $('#before-Dest-State-Travel-Planners').hide();$('#after-Dest-State-Travel-Planners').show(); } ); ">Request these additional visitor guides selected below

Zion National Park - North Rim Grand Canyon Southern Utah

Zion national park - north rim grand canyon.

San Juan County Southeast Utah

San juan county.

Capitol Reef Country Central Utah

Capitol reef country.

Sierra Vista Southern Arizona

Sierra vista.

Wickenburg Central Arizona

Bisbee Southern Arizona

Lake Havasu City Western Arizona

Lake havasu city.

Bryce Canyon Country Southern Utah

Bryce canyon country.

Benson Southeast

Utah - Life Elevated Statewide

Utah - life elevated.

Prescott: An Arizona Gem Central Arizona

Prescott: an arizona gem.

Town of Clifton Southeastern

Town of clifton.

Cottonwood Central Arizona

Douglas, Arizona Southern Arizona

Douglas, arizona, specialty guides.

We also have visitor guides available in states highlighted in blue below. Click on any state to see what's available.

• Connecticut
• Development
• Massachusetts
• Mississippi
• New Hampshire
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Washington D.C.
• West Virginia

Phoenix, Arizona Tourist Attractions

Parks, museums, sightseeing, ....

• Free Visitor Guides
• Introduction
• Sightseeing Overview
• Attractions >
• Recreation Overview
• Offroad - ATV - UTV
• Photo Gallery
• Video Gallery

Parks and tourist attractions to consider in the Phoenix, Arizona area are listed below. Click on the name of any sightseeing attraction or park for more information.

Phoenix Attractions

Search phoenix attractions, 842 attraction result s, more info official website 12 west main.

• 12 W Main St, Mesa
• 480 600 8679

More Info 59th Avenue Residential Historic District

More info 9/11 memorial (arizona), more info a balloon experience hot air balloon company.

• 480 502 6999

More Info Official Website A Child's Joy

• 480 820 8030

More Info Official Website A Taste of Old Town Scottsdale

• 7353 E INDIAN SCHOOL RD, Scottsdale

More Info Official Website Across Arizona Tours, L.l.c.

• 3213 E Rosemonte Dr, Phoenix
• 888 533 1813

More Info Official Website Actors Theatre of Phoenix

• Performing Arts
• 602-253-6701

More Info Official Website Adobe Dam Family Golf Center

• 3847 W Pinnacle Peak Rd, Glendale
• 623 581 2800

More Info Adobe Mountain Railroad Museum & Desert Park

• 8601 N. 103rd Ave. #75, Sun City
• 623 974 0125
• Advertising
• Privacy Policy
• Report a Problem
• Make A Suggestion

• Go Travel Sites
• Houseboating.org

Email Page Link

Below are the Free Visitor Guides for Phoenix. More Visitor Guides are available in Arizona. Click here to view them all! Select All

Switch to Mobile Browser Mode

We offer a compact version of Go-Arizona for mobile users, allowing you to access just the information you need on the road. Of course, you can still use the full version of Go-Arizona on your mobile device just as you can on your desktop.

Continue to Mobile Site Return to Main Site