Welcome to the best things to do in Phoenix, Arizona!
Known for its beautiful desert landscape, easy access to the outdoors, and a vibrant resort scene, there’s something for everybody in this city.
If you’re traveling to Phoenix, you’ll need all the best recommendations!
On today’s post, I’ve rounded up all the best things to do in Phoenix.
Let’s dive in.
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Phoenix Essentials
Top Experiences & Tours In Phoenix
- Phoenix: Guided Self-Drive ATV/UTV Tour
- Phoenix: Hot Air Balloon Flight With Champagne
- From Phoenix: Grand Canyon Tour With Sedona And Oak Creek
- Phoenix Zoo: One Day General Admission Ticket
- Box Canyon and Pinal Mountains Half-Day ATV Tour
Where To Stay In Phoenix
- Rise Uptown Hotel
- Hyatt Regency Phoenix
- Hampton Inn & Suites Phoenix Downtown
- Sonesta Select Phoenix Camelback
- AC Hotel by Marriott Phoenix Downtown
How To Get Around Phoenix
Make sure to reserve your rental car in advance on RentalCars.com.
1. Visit Desert Botanical Garden
Desert Botanical Gardens is a 140-acre botanical garden housing over 50,000 plants, a cafe, and a gift shop.
Visiting this garden is one of the best ways to experience the vibrant tranquility of the desert, without having to leave the city.
The walking paths are family and stroller-friendly, making it the perfect place to bring kids.
The garden’s lush atmosphere also makes it a great, laidback date spot.
You can often find fun events going on here, like dog-friendly days and live music.
Pro tip: Admission to Desert Botanical Garden is free on the second Tuesday of every month.
Related: Phoenix Instagram Captions
2. Explore Papago Park
Papago Park actually houses Desert Botanical Garden, along with a few other attractions.
If you have time, exploring the rest of Papago Park is also one the best things to do in Phoenix.
This 1,500-acre park is home to the popular Hole In The Rock hike, which offers spectacular views of downtown Phoenix and Tempe, especially at sunset.
You’ll also find more beautiful walking paths throughout the park, along with the Phoenix Zoo and the famous Governor Hunt Tomb.
3. Explore Roosevelt Row Arts District
Roosevelt Row is downtown Phoenix’s walkable arts district.
This neighborhood is home to art galleries, restaurants, bars, and boutique shops.
Stop by Phoenix General or MADE Art Boutique to pick up locally-made souvenirs.
Then, grab a bite to eat at any one of the amazing cafes and eateries.
Try the giant pancakes at the iconic Matt’s Big Breakfast, or the tacos at Taco Chelo.
Afterwards, grab a craft beer at Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co. or a cocktail with rooftop views at From The Rooftop.
Roosevelt Row is also dotted by some of Phoenix’s best, and most Instagrammable, street art.
Near The Churchill, an awesome dining hall, lies Phoenix’s unofficial “mural alley,” called 1 1/2 Street.
Vibrant artwork from local artists covers the entire length of this alley.
Related: Arizona Instagram Captions
4. Explore Scottsdale
For a luxurious getaway set against the backdrop of the Sonoran Desert, look no further than Scottsdale.
Scottsdale is only about a 20 minute drive from downtown Phoenix, so it’s totally worth exploring while you’re in the city.
This town is famous for its high-end resorts, world-class golf courses, and chef-driven culinary scene.
Here, you can cool off in the pool, enjoy a spa day, then take a stroll through historic Old Town Scottsdale.
While you’re in Old Town, browse its beautiful art galleries and shops, then grab dessert at the famous retro diner Sugar Bowl.
If you’re a fan of architecture, stop by Taliesin West, which is the former home and studio of renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright.
Related: 20 Best Things To Do In Arizona
5. Hike in South Mountain Park & Preserve
If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, without driving too far, South Mountain Park is the place to go.
This is the largest municipal park in the US, spanning over 16,000 acres with 50 miles of hiking trails.
Not only that- it’s only a 20 minute drive from downtown Phoenix, and it’s totally free to visit.
One of the park’s highlights is Dobbins Lookout, the highest point in the park.
From here, you can enjoy awesome panoramic views of the Valley of the Sun.
You can either hike or drive to the top, except on certain Sundays when the park closes the area to vehicles.
Related: Travel Instagram Captions
6. Relax at a spa
Relaxing at a spa is one of the best things to do in Phoenix.
It claims its own spot on this list, because all of the high-end resorts (especially in nearby Scottsdale) have really put Phoenix on the map as a wellness destination.
The Aji Spa (at Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass) is a Forbes Four Star-rated spa, and one of Arizona’s top Native American spas.
The spa menu offers authentic treatments inspired by ancient indigenous cultures.
Another luxurious option is The Phoenician Spa (at The Phoenician), a wellness destination that features a peaceful, modern atmosphere.
Don’t miss the French-Celtic mineral pool and other relaxing treatments at Spa Avania (at Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort).
7. Hike Camelback Mountain
Camelback Mountain is one of the most popular hikes near Phoenix.
The mountain is just a quick drive away from downtown, and resembles the hump and head of a kneeling camel.
Hence, its name!
There are two different trails that lead to the top, Echo Canyon and Cholla Trail.
Both hikes are rated challenging on Alltrails, with some rock scrambling and steep sections.
But, the view of Phoenix and the surrounding desert that you’re rewarded with is totally worth it.
Just know that the trails can get crowded later in the day and on weekends, so start out early to beat the crowds and the heat.
Related: Hiking Instagram Captions
8. Follow the Fresh Foodie Trail
For food lovers, one of the best things to do in Phoenix is follow along the Fresh Foodie Trail.
From wineries and craft breweries, to farm-to-table restaurants, this is the ultimate culinary road trip.
And several of the trail’s best stops are in the Phoenix area.
Make sure to take a tour of Queen Creek Olive Mill, a Tuscany-inspired working olive farm.
Here, you can tour the olive grove, enjoy garden-sourced foods at the eatery, and shop at the adorable market.
Another highlight on the Fresh Foodie Trail is Agritopia, a sustainable community centered around an urban farm.
You’ll find a selection of local restaurants and shops here, including Joe’s Farm Grill, which was even featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.
You can find out more about the Fresh Foodie Trail on their website.
9. Visit a museum
If you’re looking for something fun to do on a sizzling hot day in Phoenix, head to one of the city’s best museums.
The Heard Museum showcases Native American art, culture, and history, and aims to educate people in how Native heritage helped shape the Southwest.
The Musical Instrument Museum is also widely regarded as one of the best things to do in Phoenix, especially if you love music.
Here, you’ll find a collection of more than 8000 instruments from 200 different countries.
The museum’s different galleries are separated by type of instrument, era, and region of the world.
Nearby in Scottsdale, visiting the Western Spirit Museum is a must if you’re interested in learning more about the American West.
You’ll also find the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art here, which is dedicated to presenting exhibitions of modern art, architecture, and design.
And although this isn’t technically a museum, consider visiting Wonderspaces, an interactive art installation.
Wonderspaces presents an ever-changing lineup of immersive art exhibits, along with a full bar with signature cocktails.
The Wonderspaces concept is so popular, there are also locations in San Diego, Austin, and Philadelphia.
Related: Desert Instagram Captions
10. Take a day trip
If you have some extra time in your Phoenix itinerary, you should definitely consider venturing out a little further.
Some of Arizona’s best sights are just a day trip away from Phoenix.
Read more: 20 Best Things To Do In Arizona
Sedona
Distance from Downtown Phoenix: 2 hours
One of the best things to do in all of Arizona is visit Sedona.
Sedona is famous for its stunning red rocks and being located in a spiritual vortex.
There are some really beautiful (and instagrammable) hikes in the area, like Devil’s Bridge.
There’s also a charming downtown, with shops like the historic Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village.
For a unique way to explore the gorgeous landscape, try taking one of the famous pink jeep tours.
Although Sedona is best explored in a weekend or more, you can definitely get a taste in a day trip from Phoenix.
Related: Sedona Instagram Captions
Saguaro National Park
Distance from Downtown Phoenix: 1 hour 45 min
One of the defining plants of the Sonoran desert, saguaro cacti can grow up to 50 feet tall and live more than 200 years!
One of the best places to see these iconic plants in their natural habitat is in one of Arizona’s three official national parks.
Saguaro National Park is the perfect place to take a scenic drive or hike amongst these towering cacti.
One of the best hikes in the park is the Valley View Overlook Trail.
It’s flat and easy, making it great for all ages, and winds through a high density of saguaro.
Fun fact: “saguaro”is actually pronounced “suh-wah-row!”
Related: Sun Instagram Captions
Lower Salt River
Distance from Downtown Phoenix: 45 minutes
Water activities probably aren’t what you typically associate with Phoenix.
But if you’re looking for some unexpected adventure, I highly recommend kayaking the Lower Salt River.
There are a variety of tours that will provide the equipment and guides, and drive you out to the location.
You’ll definitely feel like you’re in an old Western movie, as you paddle down the river framed by cliffs, cacti, and even elusive wild horses.
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