34 Greatest Issues To Do In Phoenix In 2023 (By A Native)


Phoenix is one in every of Arizona’s finest cities – there’s no doubting that. Phoenix has bustling metropolis life, artwork galleries galore, and a few world-class museums and day journey alternatives, together with the possibility to move out into the Sonoran Desert. The distinction between desert environment and vibrant metropolis tradition is a vacationer dream. And in case you are searching for issues to do in Phoenix, simply know you gained’t be dissatisfied. This metropolis has unimaginable leisure, from the Phoenix nightlife scene to its potential road-tripping day journeys by means of desert surroundings and past.

Greatest Issues to Do in Phoenix

Top things to do in Phoenix Sunrise from Piestewa Peak
Photograph Credit score Go to Phoenix/photograph by dspaz.com

This information will introduce you to the easiest issues to do in Phoenix, Arizona. Because the capital of its state, there’s simply a lot to do and see in Phoenix. It’s best to soak up as a lot inspiration as potential earlier than selecting a single itinerary. Within the area referred to as ‘Valley of the Solar’, Phoenix is understood for its desert setting and year-round sunshine. We may spend all day itemizing enjoyable details about this distinctive Arizonan vacation spot. Prepare for some critical Phoenix itinerary inspiration.

Planning Your Journey To Phoenix Proper Now?

Under are a number of the prime excursions in Phoenix. Don’t overlook to plan forward when visiting Arizona!

1. Arizona Capitol Museum

Best things to do in Phoenix Arizona Capitol Museum
Photograph Credit score Studio 616 Pictures

The Arizona Capitol Museum is likely one of the hottest issues to do in Arizona, and in the event you take pleasure in political historical past, it’s an absolute should. This Arizona Museum is about within the state capitol constructing and it’s solely free to go to. On set days – Monday to Friday between 9 am and 5 pm – you may tour the museum to study extra about Arizona and its state heritage. So far as free points of interest go, the museum is fairly spectacular, and it’s good to say that you just’ve ticked off visiting the State Capitol Constructing.

The US authorities’s historical past is at all times fascinating to find out about, and Arizona has some significantly gripping tales. As an additional bonus, that is additionally a prime indoor attraction in Phoenix, that means you may escape from the warmth whereas staying entertained.

2. Phoenix Artwork Museum

American Indian Art at the Phoenix Art museum

It’s good to wander by means of areas of road artwork and revel in smaller artwork galleries, however with regards to world-class museums, large-scale artwork museums simply supply a unique expertise altogether. Phoenix Artwork Museum is the most important artwork museum within the southwestern US. It’s a staggering assortment of worldwide items, together with greater than 20,000 artifacts. Phoenix Artwork Museum is mesmerizing, and you need to enable a minimum of a number of hours to scratch its assortment’s floor.

Best things to do in Phoenix Phoenix Art Museum Exterior
Photograph Credit score Airi Katsuta

In case you are an artwork fanatic, Phoenix Artwork Museum is a particular spotlight in your journey to the Arizona capital. However even artwork newbies will admire the number of the gathering and the common particular occasions that the museum holds. Preserve an eye fixed out for the schedule on-line, as you may attend particular occasions starting from workshops to movie screenings and lectures.

3. Legoland Discovery Middle Arizona

Best things to do in Phoenix Legoland Discovery Center
Photograph Credit score Go to Phoenix/Lesley Carter

Who doesn’t love Legoland? This attraction in Phoenix is closely catered in direction of youngsters. Nonetheless, we’re positive some dad and mom will likely be glad that they’ll attend as nicely. The Legoland Discovery Middle has a large indoor play space with two rides. Kids can play and create in ten totally different Lego construct zones. In distinction, older youngsters can take pleasure in screenings on the 4D cinema and even Lego manufacturing facility excursions. The entire expertise is tremendous area of interest, one of many prime family-friendly issues to do in Phoenix.

Touring to Phoenix with younger youngsters will be daunting in summer time when the climate is notoriously sizzling. The Legoland Discovery Middle is a perfect noon answer in your itinerary. Spend the most well liked a part of the day in Legoland with air-con, then head out for another sightseeing throughout cooler occasions. Seize your tickets right here.

4. Kids’s Museum of Phoenix

Best things to do in Phoenix Childrens Museum of Phoenix

If family-friendly issues to do in Phoenix are what you’re after, the Kids’s Museum of Phoenix is your subsequent most suitable choice. This museum affords leisure for kids aged 0 to 10 years of age, and it has particular rooms designed to immediate engagement and improve growth. Enjoyable and artistic, the Kids’s Museum is likely one of the prime three rated within the US. If you wish to escape the warmth with an indoor attraction whereas offering your youngster with instructional enjoyable, the Kids’s Museum of Phoenix is good. The museum has over 48,000 sq. toes of area and 300 play areas, so you’ve tons to discover collectively.

The Kids’s Museum of Phoenix is within the metropolis’s downtown space. For those who keep centrally, it’s simply accessible on foot or by public transport – exactly what you want with youngsters in tow.

5. Butterfly Wonderland

Best things to do in Phoenix Butterfly Wonderland
Photograph Credit score Butterfly Wonderland

Butterfly Wonderland is positioned simply outdoors of Phoenix, within the main metropolis of Scottsdale. It’s a breeze to succeed in by automotive, taking simply 25 minutes from Phoenix metropolis middle. This stunning attraction is a large indoor rainforest habitat that holds some critical aesthetic attract. You wander alongside little trails in an enormous conservatory-style constructing, with additional points of interest alongside the best way like aquarium and reptilian displays. The primary draw is the butterflies although. Butterfly Wonderland actually lives as much as its identify, and you’ll spot a whole lot and a whole lot of butterflies within the enormous enclosure.

Best things to do in Phoenix Butterfly Wonderland

This butterfly park is the most important within the nation, so get able to be actually wowed by the number of specimens and the size of the enclosure. Strolling by means of the butterfly enclosure is a extremely particular expertise, whether or not you’re visiting as a household or simply as adults. As soon as you’re achieved, you may go to the reward store and café. We’d advocate combining Butterfly Wonderland with a number of different Scottsdale points of interest too, like Scottsdale Previous City.

6. Sizzling Air Balloon Journey

Best things to do in Phoenix hot air balloon
Photograph Credit score Rainbow Ryders/Chris Banks

Sizzling air balloon rides are simply probably the most thrilling issues to do in Phoenix. There isn’t a lot dreamier than floating by means of the clouds at snail-pace, and in the event you haven’t sizzling air ballooned earlier than, know that the expertise is nearly hypnotic. You barely notice you’re rising, and the motion is extremely clean. And, after all, you get the very best views potential – particularly contemplating that Phoenix is surrounded by placing desert surroundings.

Best things to do in Phoenix Hot Air Balloon Ride Rainbow Ryders Phoenix
Photograph Credit score Arizona Workplace of Tourism

You possibly can ebook tons of sizzling air balloon experiences in Phoenix. The most well-liked expertise is a dawn sizzling air balloon journey with breakfast included when you hit the bottom once more. Typically, these packages additionally embrace a luxurious champagne breakfast. To deal with your self, a sizzling air balloon journey above Phoenix is the right method to splurge in your go to to Arizona. It is likely one of the most enjoyable issues to do in Phoenix and positively has a novel attract.

7. Phoenix Mountains Protect

Best things to do in Phoenix Phoenix Mountains Preserve
Photograph Credit score Brandon Sullivan

The Phoenix Mountains Protect is the place to move in your perception into Arizona’s desert panorama. That is your stereotypical southwestern expertise, with spiky cacti and the odd rattlesnake to be cautious of – all explorable through a community of mountaineering trails and mountain biking tracks. You possibly can select some mountains for summit hikes, and every thing is nicely signposted and marked. The Phoenix Mountains Reserve has some beautiful viewpoints, too.

Best things to do in Phoenix Phoenix Mountains Preserve evening
Photograph Credit score Go to Phoenix/Photographer Danny Upshaw

The reserve is only a 15-minute drive outdoors of Phoenix metropolis middle, which is virtually remarkable once you consider most main cities and their closest ‘wild areas’. We love how shut Phoenix is to its desert areas of pure magnificence, and you’ll see how spectacular that is when planning a go to to the Phoenix Mountains Reserve. The mountain park and protect is tremendous handy to go to from Phoenix metropolis middle, even in case you are dashing to cram a brief itinerary.

8. Paradise Valley

Best things to do in Phoenix Paradise Valley
Photograph Credit score Paradise Valley

Paradise Valley is a city simply 25 minutes outdoors of Phoenix metropolis middle by automotive, or simply below 2 hours on public transport. We’d counsel renting a automotive to benefit from the valley. The city is legendary for its luxurious golf programs, so any golf lovers ought to observe it down as an absolute should with regards to planning their Phoenix itinerary. The three major golf programs are Paradise Valley Nation Membership, the Brief Course at Mountain Shadows, and Camelback Golf Membership. You can also make bookings on-line for every separate course. Every has its personal guidelines and rules, however you’re assured to bag a spot for a minimum of one in the event you ebook inside satisfactory time.

The city is the very best place to go to in the event you love golf. You possibly can ebook classes or simply ebook a slot for a laidback sport. The surroundings is beautiful from these programs, as you’re simply within the wake of Camelback and Mummy Mountain.

9. Taliesin West

Best things to do in Phoenix Taliesin West
Photograph Credit score Rachel Bires

Taliesin West is a extra uncommon attraction in Phoenix however is momentous nonetheless. The museum was the winter dwelling of Frank Lloyd Wright, a famed architect, designer, educator, and author. There isn’t a lot Frank Lloyd Wright couldn’t do, and his legacy lives on with guided excursions of his outdated dwelling. Taliesin West additionally doubles up because the headquarters for the Frank Lloyd Wright Basis. It’s a campus for an structure faculty. It’s clear to see that Frank’s influence continues to be as nice in dying because it was in life. And this attraction is a thought-provoking and healthful perception right into a well-lived life.

Strolling the displays is a superb method to higher admire Frank Lloyd Wright’s influence on the architectural and design trade. It’s a designated UNESCO World Heritage Web site and is likened to a ‘desert laboratory’ on its official web site.

10. Grand Canyon

Things to do in Phoenix Arizona visit the Grand Canyon

Arizona is nicknamed the Grand Canyon state, and visiting the Grand Canyon is clearly among the best issues to do in Arizona – if not the US. The Phoenix to Sedona drive is routinely tackled as a day-long highway journey, taking you previous the Montezuma Citadel Nationwide Monument and quite a few almost-roadside points of interest. And whereas the full drive is 3.5 hours a technique, you’ll be well-entertained with a lot of potential stop-off factors to interrupt up the driving. For those who lease a automotive with a number of drivers on the insurance coverage, it’s a extremely possible, albeit formidable, day journey from Phoenix.

Things to do in Phoenix Grand Canyon Sunset

On the Grand Canyon, you may take pleasure in one of many rim hikes, try the very best viewpoints, and go to the customer middle. It’s an iconic attraction for a purpose. If in case you have a spare day in your itinerary, we advise carving out time for an all-day go to. You want a minimum of a number of hours on the Grand Canyon, so we’d set off as early as potential to maximise your time there. For those who don’t need to lease a automotive you may soar on this all-day tour which we predict is de facto price it.

11. Phoenix Raceway

Best things to do in Phoenix Phoenix Raceway
Photograph Credit score Phoenix Raceway

The Phoenix Raceway is a wonderful place to go to if there’s an occasion. The racetrack has a seating capability for as much as 65,000 folks, and in case you are fortunate, your go to to Phoenix will coincide with one of many automotive races. It’s exhilarating in the event you’ve by no means seen a automotive race earlier than. Regulate the schedule for one thing slightly extra thrilling and an ‘occasion’ expertise in Phoenix. You possibly can even splurge on tickets with pit entry for a extra unique expertise.

The Phoenix Raceway is simply half-hour away by automotive, a fairly handy distance from the town middle. Attempt to ebook tickets so far as potential upfront, because the races are tremendous common, and shortly ebook out.

12. Goldfield Ghost City

Best things to do in Phoenix Goldfield Ghost Town

Goldfield Ghost City is someplace to be thrust into Wild West-style historical past. You might be immersed in a reconstructed Eighteen Nineties city stuffed with actors, excursions, and lingering heritage with a gold mine you may enter. Goldfield Ghost City is the very best spot to embrace historical past in Phoenix, and it’s straightforward to remain engaged with a lot motion – together with Previous West gunfights. A historical past museum is onsite for anybody who desires a extra conventional historical past sightseeing expertise. Nonetheless, as an entire, it tackles historical past in a extra partaking, radical method.

Goldfield Ghost City is simply 50 minutes from Phoenix metropolis middle by automotive. It’s simply squeezed right into a Phoenix itinerary. You’ll simply want to arrange a automotive rental. We’d counsel permitting half a day or a full day to completely admire this spectacular attraction. As a Nationwide Historic Landmark, Goldfield Ghost City is outstanding and deserves a considerable chunk of time. You may also soar on at the present time tour if you wish to save slightly time.

13. Sonoran Desert

Best things to do in Phoenix Arizona Sonoran Desert Museum
Photograph Credit score AOT

The Sonoran Desert is an enormous space, and lots of the points of interest we’ve coated or will cowl are already within the desert area – even Phoenix itself is classed as positioned throughout the Sonoran Desert. To have a ‘actual’ desert expertise, you might want to embark on a guided day journey to see the area’s highlights and get way more distant. Taking a particular Sonoran tour might help you perceive the realm significantly better. As an example, studying in regards to the desert’s significance in Native American historical past, tradition, and wildlife.

14. Sahuaro Ranch Park

Best things to do in Phoenix Sahuaro Ranch Park
Photograph Credit score Arizona Workplace of Tourism

Sahuaro Ranch Park is an absolute gem of an attraction in Phoenix. The outdated ranch has historic grounds which were protected and remodeled into play areas and enjoyable inexperienced areas. Kids can benefit from the playpark gear, whereas adults can wander the rose gardens and spot the peacocks that strut all through the property in daring blue. There are additionally tons of sports activities services. The ranch park is a superb all-rounder if you’d like a enjoyable place to go to in Phoenix. It’s onerous to not love, and its historic component provides a bit extra pleasure than your commonplace park expertise.

15. Arizona Heritage Middle

The Arizona Heritage Middle is a bitesize style of Phoenix’s and Arizona’s story. The museum covers every thing in regards to the 5 Cs and the way they influenced the event of Phoenix as we now understand it. The Cs embrace copper, citrus, cattle, local weather, and cotton, and are the foundation of what boomed the Phoenix financial system. The Heritage Middle strips again all of the twists and turns of the story of Phoenix and offers you a brief, candy, and easy introduction. If you wish to study in regards to the metropolis’s historical past with out dreary, drawn-out displays, the Arizona Heritage Middle is the right historic snapshot. Plus, it’s positioned proper subsequent to Papago Park, so you may head there instantly for refreshments, mountaineering, and totally different points of interest.

16. Arizona Diamondbacks

Best things to do in Phoenix Arizona Diamondbacks
Photograph Credit score Ryan McCarble/Arizona Diamondbacks

In case you are searching for simply plain enjoyable when visiting Phoenix, locals and guests alike love heading right down to Chase Subject to see the Arizona Diamondbacks. The long-lasting baseball staff performs in Main League Baseball, and seeing a sport is likely one of the finest issues to do in Phoenix. The baseball season runs from late March to early October, that means in the event you go to on this interval, there’s an opportunity that your go to coincides with a Diamondbacks sport.

Watching any sporting sport is a superb method to get that ‘occasion’ expertise and in addition embrace an influential tradition throughout the metropolis you’re visiting. Phoenix and the Diamondbacks are not any totally different. Watching a sport is likely one of the most enjoyable issues to do in Phoenix.

17. Penske Racing Museum

Best things to do in Phoenix Penske Racing Museum
Photograph Credit score Penske Racing Museum

Penske Racing Museum homes greater than a dozen Penske staff automobiles. For anybody obsessed with automotive racing, this little museum is greater than price a go to. Fully free to enter, you may stand up near precise race automobiles who’ve deservedly retired from motion to spend the remainder of their lives admired and well-polished. There’s additionally a wealth of memorabilia, together with trophies and awards. The entire museum is simply an homage to the racing heritage in Phoenix. And, after all, getting near automobiles like Lamborghinis and Aston Martins is terrific. The classic race automobiles are brightly coloured and have that actual wow issue, even for non-car lovers.

Reaching the museum is a straightforward drive to North Phoenix. Permit half-hour to drive to the museum from Phoenix metropolis middle or simply over 2 hours by public transport.

18. Rosson Home Museum at Heritage Sq.

Best things to do in Phoenix Rosson House Museum at Heritage Square
Photograph Credit score Go to Phoenix/An Pham

Rosson Home Museum at Heritage Sq. is a shocking native historical past museum with a extremely placing exterior. The Victorian dwelling dates again to 1895 and has a dramatic gold roof with turrets, actually standing out within the Phoenix suburbs. The home museum preserves the historical past and life-style of early colonizers in Phoenix, showcasing what life throughout the dwelling would have been like for these Phoenix households. The museum runs common excursions of round 60 minutes to let guests take a more in-depth take a look at the home’s inside and give you extra perception into Phoenix’s historical past.

You’ll need to ebook a guided tour, as unbiased exploration will not be permitted – it is a optimistic, as you’ll get far more from the expertise with a information. The museum is barely off the first vacationer radar however most positively definitely worth the go to.

19. Papago Park

Papago Park in Phoenix, Arizona

Visiting Papago Park is an absolute top-tier addition to your must-do issues to do in Phoenix. The park covers 1,500 acres in a spectacular inner-city greenspace space. You’ll discover every thing from Phoenix Zoo to crimson rock formations, scenic mountaineering trails, and the basic Gap within the Rock attraction. It’s equally weird and exquisite that Papago Park is so near the town middle, and no matter which you assume it’s, you need to take full benefit of it.

Papago Park is free to enter and opens day by day. It’s best to carve out a time to go to, primarily as a result of it incorporates so many points of interest Phoenix has to supply.

20. Lake Nice Regional Park

Best things to do in Phoenix Lake Pleasant Regional Park
Photograph Credit score Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Division

The Lake Nice Regional Park is an exquisite place to chill off within the Valley of the Solar. It’s a hotspot for fishing, swimming, and boating, and mainly a haven for avoiding overheating in Phoenix metropolis middle. You pay a single entrance charge per automobile and might simply spend an entire day at Lake Nice. For those who plan on swimming, go to a delegated swimming space. Two swim seashores can be found, that are extremely popular in summer time amongst native residents. The park opens extraordinarily early: 5 a.m. from Could to October and 6 a.m. from November to April.

To achieve Lake Nice, it’s a 45-minute drive from central Phoenix. It’s nicely definitely worth the drive, although, and since Phoenix is an inland metropolis, you’ll admire the promise of freshwater seashores. As a fast aspect observe, you’ll move the Pioneer Arizona Residing Historical past Museum in your method, so think about combining the 2 points of interest.

21. Pueblo Grande Museum

Best things to do in Phoenix Pueblo Grande Museum entrance
Photograph Credit score Pueblo Grande Museum

Pueblo Grande Museum is now formally named the S’edav Va’aki Museum. It’s an open-air museum devoted to preserving the Hohokam folks’s former dwelling. The pre-Columbian website incorporates the stays of a village and irrigation canals, marking Phoenix’s largest preserved archaeological website. The archaeological website itself dates again over 1,500 years, and it’s an unimaginable feat of each early humanity and archaeological preservation. It’s astounding to view the positioning, and the historical past of the Hohokam folks – often known as the Ancestral Sonoran Desert Folks – is fascinating to find out about.

S’edav Va’aki Museum has three galleries and a theatre, promising a wealth of data and historic immersion. The archaeological website is then accessed from the S’edav Va’aki Museum as an adjoining onsite attraction, accessible through a brief path. On the precise website, you may view a combination of ruins and replicated homes to get perception into how the Hohokam folks lived. Unsurprisingly, it’s listed as a Nationwide Historic Landmark.

22. Thriller Citadel

The story of Thriller Citadel is essentially the most healthful in Phoenix. A father constructed the fort for his daughter, however it’s way over the treehouse-style building you’re seemingly imagining. The Thriller Citadel has a grand whole of 18 rooms and 13 fireplaces, and it’s constructed out of stone – the last word fort for a father’s princess.

The princess in query, Mary Lou Gulley, ultimately handed away in 2010 after a long time of giving excursions of her father’s magical creation and residing within the fort full-time. Nevertheless, the Thriller Citadel Basis continues to run the fort as a vacationer attraction in her and her father’s reminiscence. It’s a touching Phoenix attraction and a must-visit for anybody who loves a healthful story.

It’s price noting that the fort was present process repairs following in depth vandalism in 2022. You possibly can ring forward to substantiate opening occasions and building standing.

23. Previous City Scottsdale

old Town Scottsdale outside of Phoenix Arizona

Scottsdale is a metropolis simply east of Phoenix, and proper in its middle is the gorgeous Previous City Scottsdale neighborhood. This is likely one of the finest day journeys from Phoenix and solely takes half-hour to succeed in by automotive or 1.5 hours by public transport. It’s completely drenched in historical past, and the outdated city is solely pedestrian-friendly and stuffed with museums and exquisite unbiased eating places and retailers. Subsequent to chaotic inner-city Phoenix, Previous City Scottsdale is simply the place to go to take a deep breath and reconnect with a quieter tempo of life in Arizona.

We love Previous City Scottsdale’s assortment of points of interest and the way simply you may simply stroll between them. It’s price noting that the ‘quiet tempo of life’ additionally switches up within the evenings when the Previous City turns into a hub of nightlife.

24. Tempe City Lake

Best things to do in Phoenix Tempe Town Lake NYE celebration
Photograph Credit score Go to Phoenix

Tempe City Lake is serene. There’s no denying it. The large reservoir is about within the close by metropolis of Tempe. It’s well-known as a neighborhood space of pure magnificence inside a residential neighborhood. You possibly can take a leisurely stroll across the perimeter or go fishing. Tempe City Lake is an exquisite place to relax and loosen up outdoors the hecticness of Phoenix metropolis middle. It’s particularly common throughout sundown and dawn when the pink sky seems beautiful towards the town skyline and Mill Avenue Bridge.

Tempe City Lake is simply 20 minutes away from Phoenix by automotive, so it’s a brief journey. You may also take two buses and the rail service in simply over an hour in the event you don’t drive or gained’t be driving in Phoenix. It’s a straightforward place to succeed in in the event you simply need a while in nature after spending some time within the busy metropolis.

25. Camelback Mountain

Camelback Mountain near Phoenix Arizona

Camelback Mountain is likely one of the most scenic locations close to Phoenix. For those who can hack an early morning begin, you need to make a summit climb for dawn. The height will get its identify from its camel hump look, however it’s also well-known for its stunning views over the town. There are two trails to select from if you wish to attain the summit: the two.5-mile Echo Canyon Path or the two.6-mile Cholla Path. Each tracks take 2-3 hours to finish, with Echo Canyon Path involving extra ‘mountain climbing’ in its ascent and counting on handrails. On the summit, you’re rewarded with 360-degree views of Phoenix and its surrounding views.

Camelback Mountain is a difficult feat and never a hike for newbies. It’s best to really feel snug with steep climbs and strenuous ascents over uncovered rock surfaces. It’s handy to succeed in from Phoenix, although, taking simply 20 minutes by automotive to succeed in the trailhead. For those who like out of doors adventures, Camelback Mountain is likely one of the finest issues to do in Phoenix.

26. Corridor of Flame Fireplace Museum

Best things to do in Phoenix Hall of- Flame Fire Museum, Phoenix
Photograph Credit score An Pham

The Corridor of Flame Fireplace Museum is one other area of interest however extremely impactful museum in Phoenix. The museum exhibits hearth engines and historical past relationship from 1725 to 1969 – a considerable interval. Figuring out this firefighter historical past in Phoenix is important, primarily as many firefighters are generally known as native heroes. It additionally will get you up to the mark on how firefighting expertise has modified quickly through the years. And you may reap the benefits of hearth security coaching and applications. The museum runs an grownup model, which incorporates planning and preparation, whereas youngsters get extra age-appropriate hearth security coaching.

The Corridor of Flame Museum is simply 20 minutes from the town middle by automotive. It’s subsequent to Papago Park, so it’s simply mixed with a go to to the Desert Botanical Backyard or Gap within the Wall. Who is aware of, possibly you’ll choose up lifesaving expertise?

27. Heard Museum

Best things to do in Phoenix Heard Museum Entrance
Photograph Credit score Heard Museum

Heard Museum is an artwork museum solely devoted to preserving Native American artwork. The museum doesn’t simply deal with one tribe’s artwork and heritage, as a substitute aiming to protect all the tribes’ paintings and heritage within the US. The gorgeous assortment is massively essential for the preservation of tradition and historical past. If you wish to embrace and help indigenous historical past and endeavors whereas visiting Phoenix, then the Heard Museum is a superb place to start out. You possibly can find out about Native American historical past and admire all the numerous artifacts on present.

There are guided excursions which you can take across the Heard Museum. After you’ve loved shopping the artifacts and realized extra about America’s Native American heritage, there’s a café onsite. You possibly can sit down and seize some refreshments earlier than heading off in your subsequent exercise. Heard Museum is a extremely high-quality and insightful addition to the very best issues to do in Phoenix.

28. Enchanted Island Amusement Park

Best things to do in Phoenix Enchanted Island Amusement Park ticket booth
Photograph Credit score Heard Museum

The Enchanted Island Amusement Park is essentially the most enjoyable of all this stuff to do in Phoenix. The theme park is family-friendly to its core, providing many video games and rides, together with a carousel and splash pad. If in case you have younger youngsters accompanying you once you go to Phoenix, hold the Enchanted Island Amusement Park up your sleeve. There are additionally seasonal occasions, like Easter egg hunts, that are a candy contact and extremely popular amongst youngsters.

The park is only a 10-minute drive from Phoenix metropolis middle, or alternatively, 40 minutes by bus. It’s straightforward to succeed in and supplies actually lighthearted, family-friendly enjoyable. If that appears like what you want, you may simply flip as much as purchase entrance tickets – no on-line tickets required.

29. Japanese Friendship Backyard

Best things to do in Phoenix Japanese Friendship Garden pond
Photograph Credit score Japanese Friendship Backyard of Phoenix

The Japanese Friendship Backyard is small however mighty. Protecting simply 3.5 acres, this conventional Japanese backyard is likely one of the most cultural, out of doors areas and issues to do in Phoenix. The backyard has a substantial 12-foot waterfall and an exquisite koi pond, and its ample water options add to its serene ambiance. As if that wasn’t sufficient, there’s additionally a teahouse and tea backyard. You possibly can stroll by means of the Japanese Friendship Backyard earlier than heading for a soothing tea ritual expertise.

The backyard opens Tuesday to Sunday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., and it prices round $10 to enter. It is likely one of the most budget-friendly out of doors actions in Phoenix. And it’s a breeze to get to, positioned in Downtown Phoenix. For a chilled method to begin your day, a stroll within the Japanese Friendship Backyard is an exquisite selection and among the best issues to do in Phoenix.

30. Arizona Science Middle

The Arizona Science Middle is a superb indoor attraction and factor to do in Phoenix. The entry value might sound steep at round $20 per particular person. Nevertheless, when you see the variety of displays you entry for that value, it’s clear that that is glorious worth for cash. You possibly can simply spend three or 4 hours visiting the Arizona Science Middle, and the a number of flooring and classes of displays are actually numerous. You possibly can soak up every thing from a planetarium to an IMAX theater and attend demos or browse displays on lasers and even mummies.

The Arizona Science Middle is an thrilling Phoenix attraction in your itinerary; there’s little question that it ticks lots of packing containers with regards to exhibit classes.

32. Musical Instrument Museum

Best things to do in Phoenix Musical Instrument Museum
Photograph Credit score Musical Instrument Museum

The Musical Instrument Museum is a distinct segment museum in Phoenix. This attraction has musical devices from roughly 200 international locations and has greater than 6,800 particular person devices on present. For those who love music and even simply worldwide tradition, the Musical Instrument Museum is likely one of the finest choices with regards to the world-class museums in Phoenix. It’s truly often ranked as the highest Phoenix attraction on TripAdvisor. And there are even particular devices which you can try to play.

This museum is each partaking and interactive. The huge number of devices on show makes it an interesting place to cease by, and including a little bit of music to your itinerary is a dreamy method to boost your Phoenix journey. The Musical Instrument Museum is in North Phoenix, so that you’ll catch a number of buses or drive half-hour to succeed in this attraction.

31. Phoenix Bat Cave

The Phoenix Bat Cave is tremendous cool. The pure phenomenon that this attraction will get its fame is the flock of bats that fly out en masse at nightfall. Folks collect close to a footpath and fencing to see on the bats as they burst out. Over 5,000 Mexican free-tailed bats stay below the tunnel – which is artifical reasonably than truly being a ‘cave’ cave. And you may benefit from the designated bat-watching space whereas snapping photographs, simply so long as you keep quiet sufficient to not misery them. The bats are protected, so don’t do something to upset them until you’re glad to be met with official backlash from native authorities. Consider them as having celeb standing.

The Phoenix Bat Cave is positioned simply outdoors of the town middle, and it’s finest to go to in case you have a automotive. It’s free to take pleasure in and probably the most distinctive issues to do in Phoenix.

33. South Mountain Park and Protect

Best things to do in Phoenix South Mountain Park and Preserve
Photograph Credit score Go to Phoenix/photograph by dspaz.com

South Mountain Park and Protect is likely one of the prime locations to enterprise if you’d like some wild area. The park and protect covers over 16,000 acres, and the dusty, rugged terrain is an aesthetic mixture of desert meets mountainous scrubs. For cacti and mountain surroundings – plus beautiful views of the Phoenix skyline – you actually can’t beat South Mountain Park and Protect. Discover by going horseback driving with the Arizona Horse Firm, by strolling, or biking. Both method, enable a minimum of half a day to actually get a style of South Mountain.

For these with accessibility considerations, understanding there’s a highway you may drive to succeed in a viewpoint instantly is sweet. Dobbin’s Lookout is an exquisite place to drive to for dawn or sundown, and it has expansive views over Phoenix. For simply accessible views, Dobbin’s Lookout is likely one of the prettiest issues to do in Phoenix.

34. Desert Botanical Backyard

Best things to do in Phoenix Desert Botanical Garden Cactus Blooming
Photograph Credit score Desert Botanical Backyard

What’s to not love a couple of Desert Botanical Backyard? This botanical backyard spreads over 140 acres and has 50,000 crops on present – making it among the best locations to go to to style the desert in inner-city Phoenix. The backyard is related by a community of lovely little mountaineering trails. You possibly can simply spend a few hours strolling the Desert Botanical Backyard’s grounds, and it’s a beautiful place to go to within the early morning earlier than it will get too sizzling. It opens at 7 a.m. daily, so why not head down for a pre-breakfast stroll after which deal with your self to meals on the onsite restaurant or café?

Technically, the Desert Botanical Backyard is a part of Papago Park. However it’s such an unimaginable place to go to that we needed to embrace it as a standalone attraction. It’s simply reached too, taking simply 20 minutes by public transport.

Issues to Do in Phoenix: FAQs

Fun things to do in Phoenix Arizona

As you may see, there are such a lot of enjoyable issues to do in Phoenix. Earlier than you intend your itinerary, although, try these prime FAQs on visiting Phoenix, Arizona. You need to make sure you get all very important snippets of data that may make or break your journey.

Find out how to Get to Phoenix

Best things to do in Phoenix How to get there Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
Photograph Credit score Go to Phoenix

The simplest method to get to Phoenix for many guests is to fly. Phoenix Worldwide Airport is exceptionally well-connected to Downtown Phoenix by public transport and simply 10 minutes away by automotive. Phoenix is related on to a whole lot of world cities and is served by common American Airways, Delta Airways, and Southwest Airways flights.

In case you are already within the US, think about reaching Phoenix by rail. Whereas Phoenix will not be on the Amtrak strains, it’s on the Thruway Connecting Companies. This implies you may soar on Amtrak connections at Flagstaff or Maricopa, making the most of Las Vegas, San Diego, San Francisco, Chicago, and even New York routes. The choices are virtually infinite. You may also buy snug rail cabins for an additional luxurious step– like a resort on wheels.

One other choice to get to Phoenix is, after all, by coach. Greyhound providers are top-rated for attending to all main US cities, and Phoenix is not any exception. Equally, it’s also possible to select to highway journey to Phoenix in case you have additional time. That is ultimate if you wish to maximize your sightseeing time. You possibly can try our full information on the last word Arizona highway journey right here.

The place to Keep in Phoenix

Best things to do in Phoenix Where to stay JW Desert Ridge Slide
Photograph Credit score JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa

The place to remain in Phoenix is a good query; many stunning resorts and neighborhood decisions exist. To your first go to to Phoenix, you need to intention to remain in Downtown Phoenix or Midtown. This may give you essentially the most accessible entry to the principle points of interest in Phoenix.

Finances:

Surestay Lodge By Western Phoenix Airport is essentially the most budget-friendly lodging selection for a resort that charges over 7.0 on Reserving.com. It’s a little farther from the town middle, however definitely worth the location sacrifice if you’d like extra snug funds lodging.

Mid-Vary:

Hampton Inn and Suites Phoenix Downtown is a superb mid-range selection. It has every thing from a health middle to parking and is positioned conveniently within the coronary heart of the downtown space.

Luxurious:

This luxurious condominium is the perfect luxurious base in Phoenix. You get the entire self-catered expertise, with all of the comforts of your personal dwelling, plus an excellent location in Midtown Phoenix.

The place to Eat in Phoenix

Best things to do in Phoenix Where to Eat Eden Rooftop Bar
Photograph Credit score Kimpton Lodge Palomar Phoenix

You could not understand it, however Arizona’s best-known meals is the Apache trout. Additionally it is excellent for Mexican delicacies, particularly chimichangas – a burrito-style dish. The checklist of dishes and drinks you need to attempt is a critical problem to finish, together with Route 66 beer, Sonoran sizzling canines, and fried bread. It’s best to go away an enormous chunk out of your itinerary simply to think about foods and drinks tasting.

On the lookout for the very best locations to eat in Phoenix? Try our prime suggestions.

Carolina’s Mexican Meals: Tasty Mexican delicacies the place you may attempt specials like chimichangas.

Fry Bread Home: A much-loved restaurant serving dishes primarily based on Native American fry bread.

Wrigley Mansion & Geordie’s: A mansion meets restaurant based by William Wrigley JR.

Greatest Time to Go to Phoenix

Best things to do in Phoenix Best Time to visit Westgate Tree Lighting Holiday Celebration
Photograph Credit score Mark Skalny Pictures

The very best time to go to Phoenix, Arizona, is a sizzling subject – no pun meant. Due to the extraordinary warmth in Phoenix, winter is the height time to go to, with summer time because the off-season. That is the reverse of what most individuals count on peak seasons to seem like. Individuals who need to benefit from the desert, out of doors actions, or visiting locations just like the Wildlife World Zoo head to Phoenix from October to Could. Whereas June to September is when most individuals steer clear, it’s ultimate for these eager to keep away from the crowds and preferring indoor (i.e., air-conditioned) points of interest anyway.

We’d advocate Could or September. These shoulder seasons are the closest you’ll get to a compromise and steadiness fewer crowds with fairly gentle temperatures. It does rely upon what issues to do in Phoenix you have an interest in.

Best things to do in Phoenix Best Time to visit Western Rawhide Event Night time
Photograph Credit score Pictures by Casey James

As you may see, Phoenix is fairly particular. The capital undoubtedly has a number of the finest issues to do in Arizona. Whether or not you cease by the Desert Botanical Backyard or the Musical Instrument Museum, you’ll have an exquisite time.

Are you touring to see extra of the US after? Right here’s the place to remain in San Francisco in the event you love boutique resorts and the place to remain in San Diego. There are numerous enjoyable issues to do in Phoenix, however heading off on a highway journey or a fast flight to different main locations is the right method to spherical off your US journey.

Plan your Subsequent Journey To Arizona With these Assets

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