20 Things to Do in Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix, Arizona, is a vibrant desert city brimming with outdoor beauty, cultural treasures, and a blend of modern attractions and historic landmarks. The capital of the Grand Canyon State offers endless opportunities for adventure seekers, history buffs, and those looking to unwind under the desert sun. With its warm climate and diverse attractions, visitors can explore everything from panoramic mountains to impressive art collections and Native American history. This comprehensive guide will dive into the 20 best things to do in Phoenix, ensuring you won’t miss out on any must-visit spots.
1. Visit the Desert Botanical Garden
The Desert Botanical Garden is a feast for the senses, featuring over 50,000 desert plants sprawled over 55 acres. Located within Papago Park, the garden showcases one of the largest collections of arid plants in the world, making it a must-see for nature lovers. Visitors can meander along winding paths filled with towering saguaro cacti, unique succulents, and blooming wildflowers.
The garden is known for seasonal rotating exhibits, such as Chihuly in the Desert, a mesmerizing collection of large glass sculptures integrated into the natural desert landscape. Spring and fall are the best times to visit when the desert plants come alive with colorful blooms. Be sure to check out various walking trails and take a guided tour to enhance your understanding of the flora.
Pro tip: Visit early in the morning to avoid the midday heat and enjoy the garden’s serene atmosphere. There are water stations throughout the garden, but carrying your own hydration pack is recommended during hot months.
2. Hike Camelback Mountain
One of Phoenix’s most iconic landmarks, Camelback Mountain, offers a thrilling challenge for hikers. This vigorous hike is not for the faint of heart but rewards adventurers with stunning 360-degree views of the city. The mountain provides two primary trails—the Echo Canyon and Cholla Trail. The Echo Canyon Trail is 1.14 miles long but ascends a steep 1,200-foot incline, while the Cholla Trail covers 2.6 miles with slightly less elevation gain.
Though the trails are relatively short, the steep rocky terrain makes the hike moderate to difficult. Prepare with plenty of water, sunscreen, and sturdy shoes because footing can be tricky. Camelback Mountain peaks at 2,707 feet, and the summit offers panoramic views perfect for photo ops.
Safety Tip: Avoid hiking during the peak midday heat, especially in the summertime. It’s best to go early in the morning or late in the afternoon when temperatures are cooler.
3. Explore Papago Park
Just minutes from downtown Phoenix, Papago Park is a dreamy desert experience for outdoor enthusiasts. Known for its distinct red rock formations, the park is home to several free activities, including hiking, fishing, and picnicking.
One of the most unique formations within the park is Hole-in-the-Rock, an easy 0.3-mile trail that takes you through a large sandstone cavity, offering sweeping views of the park and Phoenix’s cityscape. Aside from hiking, Papago Park also has biking trails, and it’s an ideal spot for photographers thanks to its scenic red rock landscapes.
Papago Park is also host to some major attractions like the Desert Botanical Garden and the Phoenix Zoo, making it a great central location for a day trip in Phoenix. The park’s Governor Hunt’s Tomb is a historic point and offers additional vistas of the surrounding area.
4. Discover the Musical Instrument Museum
Have you ever wanted to travel the world through music? The Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) in Phoenix allows you to do just that with its vast collection of over 15,000 instruments from around the globe. This museum is unique and captivating, immersing you in the sounds and stories of music throughout world history.
The museum’s Experience Gallery lets you try your hand at playing different instruments, making it a hit with both children and adults. Exhibits include instruments played by famous musicians such as John Lennon and Elvis Presley, and special galleries feature rotating exhibitions that focus on different aspects of music traditions.
Tip: Plan to spend at least 2–3 hours exploring the museum. Don’t miss the museum’s live music performances and events, which frequently feature international musicians.
5. Wander Around Old Town Scottsdale
A short drive from Phoenix, Old Town Scottsdale is the perfect blend of Southwestern charm and modern allure. The district offers quaint streets lined with galleries, shops, and restaurants, all in the cozy, walkable heart of Scottsdale.
Old Town is where you’ll find original Southwestern art and Native American jewelry in its shops, featuring detailed silver work and turquoise. It’s also a foodie hub, with restaurants ranging from chic bistros to casual eateries. Don’t miss visiting Cavalliere’s Blacksmith Shop, one of the oldest businesses in the town, or the Scottsdale Historical Museum.
Pro tip: Wander the streets in the evening when the district comes alive with vibrant nightlife, ideal for an after-dinner stroll or discovering chic local bars.
6. Visit the Heard Museum
The Heard Museum in Phoenix is one of the country’s top attractions for Native American art and culture. With countless displays of artifacts, pottery, textiles, and more, the museum honors the history of Native populations, particularly the Hohokam, Navajo, and Pueblo peoples. The museum also showcases contemporary Native American artists, keeping cultural traditions alive in a modern context.
One standout feature of the Heard Museum is the immersive Away From Home exhibit, which tells the often untold story of Native American boarding schools. From the annual World Championship Hoop Dance contest to pottery exhibits, the museum offers events that highlight indigenous arts.
Fun Fact: The museum is a perfect place to purchase authentic Native American jewelry, textiles, and art directly from the artists.
7. Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride Over Phoenix
There’s no better way to see the Sonoran Desert than from the sky. A hot air balloon ride provides a breathtaking experience, offering views of the sprawling desert landscape, saguaros, and the Phoenix skyline. Several companies, such as Hot Air Expeditions and Rainbow Ryders, operate throughout the area and often offer sunrise and sunset flights to give you the most picturesque lighting.
Flights typically last about an hour and are followed by a champagne toast, making it a romantic and serene experience. Sunset hot air balloon rides are the most popular during the cooler months from November through March when the desert takes on a warm, golden hue.
Prices: Expect to pay between $150 and $250 per person. Reservations are a must, particularly during tourist season (October to April).
8. Explore Roosevelt Row Arts District
For a splash of color and creativity, head to Roosevelt Row Arts District, one of the most active and vibrant arts neighborhoods in Phoenix. Known for its incredible street murals, interactive galleries, and bustling cafes, Roosevelt Row is a must-visit for art lovers.
This area regularly hosts First Friday Art Walks, one of the nation’s biggest self-guided art walks. Every month, galleries open their doors, and the streets come alive with local artists, musicians, and food trucks showcasing the best of Phoenix’s art scene. Whether you’re popping into galleries or snapping pictures of the ever-changing street art, Roosevelt Row is a dynamic area to explore.
Be sure to check out murals like those at Mural Alley near The Churchill, a trendy hangout offering popular bites and beverages.
9. Visit South Mountain Park and Preserve
As the country’s largest municipal park, South Mountain Park and Preserve in Phoenix is a massive outdoor recreation area offering stunning nature and history in equal parts. Covering over 16,000 acres, the park boasts 50 miles of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the native desert plants, animals, and ancient Hohokam petroglyphs etched into the rocks.
One of the absolute highlights of South Mountain is Dobbins Lookout, located at 2,330 feet. The panoramic view of the Phoenix metro area from this vantage point is breathtaking, especially around sunset.
Tip: Keep an eye out for petroglyphs along your hike, leftover signs of the ancient Hohokam people who resided here centuries ago.
10. Spend Time at the Phoenix Zoo
A family favorite, the Phoenix Zoo is home to more than 3,000 animals, including some endangered species like Sumatran tigers, orangutans, and Komodo dragons. Nestled within Papago Park, the zoo spans 125 acres and offers fantastic experiences for children and adults.
Highlights include the Giraffe Encounter and seasonal events like ZooLights, which transforms the zoo into a dazzling winter wonderland. You’ll also find interactive exhibits like a petting zoo and stingray touch tanks, which keep children engaged throughout the day.
Pro tip: Plan for an early morning visit during summer months when temperatures are cooler, and animals are more active.
11. Check Out Goldfield Ghost Town
The Goldfield Ghost Town at the base of the Superstition Mountains is a step back in time to Arizona’s gold mining days. Once a booming mining settlement in the late 1800s, today, it’s a tourist favorite, offering a unique glimpse into the Old West.
The town features historic buildings, a mine tour, gold panning, and the Superstition Narrow Gauge Railroad which offers scenic rides. There’s a saloon for grabbing a bite, and reenacted cowboy gunfights provide entertainment reminiscent of the town’s rough-and-tumble days.
Good news: Exploring the town is free, but specific attractions like the mine tour or train ride come with modest fees.
12. Hike Piestewa Peak
Another challenging summit hike near the city, Piestewa Peak (formerly known as Squaw Peak), is a top choice for fitness enthusiasts and hikers alike. The Summit Trail is one of the most popular, stretching a bit over two miles round trip with plenty of rock steps and steep sections.
Once you reach the summit at 2,608 feet, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of the Phoenix metro area and the surrounding desert. If you’re not up for rigorous climbing, there are several other trails around the base of the mountain that offer easier options for hiking and walking.
Pro Tip: Early risers catch the best views at sunrise when the desert’s golden light glows beautifully over the mountains.
13. Visit Arizona Science Center
Bring the whole family to explore the wonders of science at the Arizona Science Center. This massive complex offers more than 300 hands-on exhibits, making learning fun for all ages. Highlights include the IMAX theater, the interactive Forces of Nature exhibit, and the Dorrance Planetarium, one of the largest in the country.
With four floors of interactive displays and science exhibits, it’s easy to spend several hours engaging with the science of everything from human biology to outer space. The Arizona Science Center also hosts regularly rotating exhibits, ensuring even repeat visitors have something new to explore.
Tip: Bring the kids—and unleash their curiosity!
14. Tour Taliesin West – Frank Lloyd Wright’s Winter Home
Located in nearby Scottsdale, Taliesin West was the winter home and architectural school of the renowned Frank Lloyd Wright. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, this home and studio is an architectural masterpiece designed with strong influences from the surrounding desert landscape.
Visitors can embark on guided tours that detail Wright’s design principles and showcase how the home was built using only materials found in the desert. The home’s interplay with light and desert setting provides a visually stunning experience.
Tip: Book tours in advance as this attraction is in high demand. The home is especially lovely to see during sunset tours when the desert and architecture harmonize under golden light.
15. Explore Encanto Park & Enchanted Island Amusement Park
One of America’s Top 10 City Parks according to the Travel Channel, Encanto Park is an oasis in the heart of Phoenix. This 222-acre park offers numerous tranquil activities such as boating, fishing, basketball courts, a golf course, and picnic areas.
For families with young children, the Enchanted Island Amusement Park offers delightful fun with carousels, miniature rides, and train rides, providing hours of entertainment. Encanto Park serves as a relaxing alternative to some of Phoenix’s more rugged outdoor adventures.
Pro Tip: Pack a picnic and enjoy lunch under the shade of palm trees by the lagoon.
16. Visit Pueblo Grande Museum & Archaeological Park
If you’re interested in history, a visit to Pueblo Grande Museum & Archaeological Park will give you fascinating insights into the Hohokam culture, a prehistoric community that inhabited the Phoenix area over 1,500 years ago. The park includes ancient ruins, including remnants of a 1,500-year-old Hohokam village, irrigation channels, and ball courts.
This family-friendly museum brings history to life with educational exhibits that showcase the culture, technology, and life of the ancient Hohokam people. Outdoor trails lead through reconstructed adobe houses, giving visitors a sense of what it might have been like to live in an ancient village.
Tip: The museum’s trails are relatively flat and accessible, making them perfect for a leisurely walk through history.
17. Spend a Day at OdySea Aquarium
Take a break from the desert heat and escape into a blue world at OdySea Aquarium. Located in Scottsdale, it is the largest aquarium in the Southwest, encompassing over 2 million gallons of water featuring animals ranging from colorful tropical fish to playful sea lions.
Interactive exhibits include touch pools where you can feel stingrays and sea stars, and the Penguin Point exhibit that lets you watch penguins up close in an arctic-like environment. The Odysea Voyager experience offers a one-of-a-kind “rotating theater” that takes guests on a virtual oceanic journey.
Tip: OdySea is a perfect rainy day (or hot summer day) retreat, as it’s all indoors and climate-controlled.
18. Take a Day Trip to Sedona or Grand Canyon
Phoenix offers an excellent launching pad for exploring Arizona’s famous natural wonders. Two of the most popular day trips include Sedona and the Grand Canyon.
- Sedona, about a two-hour drive north, is famous for its red rock formations, ancient ruins, and mystical vortexes. Whether you’re hiking the red rocks or shopping in town, Sedona offers a peaceful retreat from the city.
- A longer (but entirely doable) excursion is the Grand Canyon National Park, one of the natural wonders of the world. Only three and a half hours north of Phoenix, you can up your game by booking a helicopter tour or guided hike along the Southern Rim.
Pro Tip: If you’re tight on time, opt for Sedona, where you’ll find equally spectacular scenery, but slightly less travel time.
19. Enjoy a Relaxing Spa Day at One of Phoenix’s Resorts
Phoenix is known for its luxury spa resorts, where relaxation is elevated to an art form. After all the hiking, activities, and exploration, a spa day is the perfect way to unwind and rejuvenate. The city boasts numerous world-class spa resorts offering everything from massages and facials to desert-inspired treatments like hot stone therapy using river rocks or desert clay wraps.
Some top resorts to consider are the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa and the Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort. Spa packages often include access to pools, steam rooms, and outdoor relaxation areas.
Tip: Many resorts offer day passes to non-guests, so book in advance for a day of pure indulgence, even if you’re not staying overnight.
20. Catch a Sports Game in Phoenix
For sports enthusiasts, Phoenix is home to several professional sports teams, offering year-round excitement. Depending on the season, you can cheer on the Phoenix Suns (NBA), Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB), or Arizona Cardinals (NFL). Phoenix also hosts the Arizona Coyotes (NHL), Phoenix Rising FC (soccer), and Arizona Rattlers (arena football), giving sports fans diverse options.
Games are held at Footprint Center (for the Suns) and Chase Field (for the Diamondbacks), both of which are conveniently located in the downtown area. The Cardinals play at the State Farm Stadium, which is in nearby Glendale.
Tip: If you’re visiting during the off-season of your favorite sports, many stadiums offer behind-the-scenes tours, including the opportunity to walk on the field and check out the players’ locker rooms.
FAQs About Phoenix
What is there to do in Phoenix besides hiking?
While Phoenix is a hiker’s paradise, the city is also filled with cultural, historic, and family-friendly attractions. Museums such as the Heard Museum, the Arizona Science Center, and the Pueblo Grande Museum delve into history and science, while leisure seekers can enjoy spa treatments, sports events, or the vibrant art scene in downtown districts like Roosevelt Row. Families can have their fill of fun with the Phoenix Zoo, Encanto Park, the OdySea Aquarium, and harvest festivals at local farms.
What are some free things to do in Phoenix?
If you’re on a budget, Phoenix offers an array of free activities. Hiking the scenic Papago Park or South Mountain Park, exploring downtown’s Roosevelt Row Arts District, admiring the ancient history at Governor Hunt’s Tomb, or wandering the Old Town Scottsdale are all excellent options. Parks, trails, and self-guided art walls ensure an exciting itinerary without breaking the bank.
What is the best time to visit Phoenix?
The best time to visit Phoenix is during the fall, winter, or early spring (October to April). During this time, temperatures are mild, making outdoor activities like hiking or golfing more enjoyable. Summer months can reach scorching temperatures in excess of 100 degrees, so outdoor activities are generally reserved for the early morning or evening.
Is it worth visiting Phoenix with kids?
Yes, absolutely! Many kid-friendly attractions, such as the Phoenix Zoo, OdySea Aquarium, Arizona Science Center, and Enchanted Island Amusement Park, make it an ideal destination for families. Phoenix also offers various hands-on museums, interactive exhibits, and animal encounters that will keep children entertained and educated.
How many days should I spend in Phoenix?
Depending on what interests you, Phoenix can be enjoyed in three to five days with a mix of outdoor adventures, cultural landmarks, and restful resort time. Outdoor enthusiasts might focus on hiking and scenic drives to places like Camelback Mountain or Sedona, while others can immerse themselves in downtown arts, cuisine, and museums over a long weekend. Plan for extended stays if you wish to take multiple day trips to surrounding desert towns and geological wonders like the Grand Canyon.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking for thrilling outdoor hikes, world-class museums, immersive cultural experiences, or a day of pampered relaxation, Phoenix has it all. Its diverse offerings ensure that every traveler can find something memorable to do, from leisurely strolls in botanical gardens to adrenaline-pumping mountain climbs. With so much to explore, Phoenix is a destination where you can truly experience the best of the Southwest. Don’t limit your trip—take in as much of this beautiful desert city as you can, and remember to bring along plenty of sun protection and an adventurous spirit!
