September 22, 2023

Phoenix is certainly one 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 on the lookout for issues to do in Phoenix, simply know you gained’t be disenchanted. This metropolis has unbelievable leisure, from the Phoenix nightlife scene to its potential road-tripping day journeys by desert surroundings and past.

Finest Issues to Do in Phoenix

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

This information will introduce you to the perfect issues to do in Phoenix, Arizona. Because the capital of its state, there’s simply a lot to do and see in Phoenix. You must absorb as a lot inspiration as doable earlier than deciding on a single itinerary. Within the area referred to as ‘Valley of the Solar’, Phoenix is thought for its desert setting and year-round sunshine. We might spend all day itemizing enjoyable information about this distinctive Arizonan vacation spot. Prepare for some critical Phoenix itinerary inspiration.

Planning Your Journey To Phoenix Proper Now?

Beneath are among the prime excursions in Phoenix. Don’t neglect 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 among the hottest issues to do in Arizona, and in the event you get pleasure from political historical past, it’s an absolute should. This Arizona Museum is ready 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’ll be able to tour the museum to be taught extra about Arizona and its state heritage. So far as free sights go, the museum is fairly spectacular, and it’s good to say that you simply’ve ticked off visiting the State Capitol Constructing.

The US authorities’s historical past is at all times fascinating to study, and Arizona has some notably gripping tales. As an additional bonus, that is additionally a prime indoor attraction in Phoenix, which means you’ll be able to 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 areas of road artwork and luxuriate in smaller artwork galleries, however in relation to world-class museums, large-scale artwork museums simply provide a distinct expertise altogether. Phoenix Art 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 at the least a couple of hours to scratch its assortment’s floor.

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

If you’re an artwork fanatic, Phoenix Artwork Museum is a particular spotlight to your journey to the Arizona capital. However even artwork newbies will recognize the number of the gathering and the common particular occasions that the museum holds. Hold a watch out for the schedule on-line, as you’ll be able to attend particular occasions starting from workshops to movie screenings and lectures.

3. Legoland Discovery Heart 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 the direction of youngsters. Nonetheless, we’re certain some mother and father will likely be completely satisfied that they will attend as properly. The Legoland Discovery Heart has an enormous indoor play space with two rides. Youngsters can play and create in ten completely different Lego construct zones. In distinction, older youngsters can get pleasure from 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 could be daunting in summer season when the climate is notoriously scorching. The Legoland Discovery Heart is a perfect noon answer to your itinerary. Spend the most popular a part of the day in Legoland with air-con, then head out for another sightseeing throughout cooler instances. Seize your tickets right here.

4. Youngsters’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 might be after, the Youngsters’s Museum of Phoenix is your subsequent best choice. This museum presents leisure for kids aged 0 to 10 years of age, and it has particular rooms designed to immediate engagement and improve improvement. Enjoyable and artistic, the Youngsters’s Museum is among 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 Youngsters’s Museum of Phoenix is right. The museum has over 48,000 sq. toes of area and 300 play areas, so you may have tons to discover collectively.

The Youngsters’s Museum of Phoenix is within the metropolis’s downtown space. When you 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 exterior of Phoenix, within the main metropolis of Scottsdale. It’s a breeze to succeed in by automotive, taking simply 25 minutes from Phoenix metropolis heart. This stunning attraction is an enormous indoor rainforest habitat that holds some critical aesthetic attract. You wander alongside little trails in an enormous conservatory-style constructing, with additional sights alongside the best way like aquarium and reptilian reveals. The primary draw is the butterflies although. Butterfly Wonderland actually lives as much as its title, and you may 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 the butterfly enclosure is a extremely particular expertise, whether or not you might be visiting as a household or simply as adults. As soon as you might be performed, you’ll be able to go to the reward store and café. We’d suggest combining Butterfly Wonderland with a couple of different Scottsdale sights too, like Scottsdale Outdated City.

6. Scorching Air Balloon Trip

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

Scorching air balloon rides are simply one of the vital thrilling issues to do in Phoenix. There isn’t a lot dreamier than floating by the clouds at snail-pace, and in the event you haven’t scorching air ballooned earlier than, know that the expertise is sort of hypnotic. You barely notice you might be rising, and the motion is extremely clean. And, after all, you get the very best views doable – 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’ll be able to ebook tons of scorching air balloon experiences in Phoenix. The most well-liked expertise is a dawn scorching air balloon experience with breakfast included when you hit the bottom once more. Generally, these packages additionally embody a luxurious champagne breakfast. To deal with your self, a scorching air balloon experience above Phoenix is the right method to splurge in your go to to Arizona. It is among the most enjoyable issues to do in Phoenix and undoubtedly 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 to 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 by way of a community of mountain climbing trails and mountain biking tracks. You’ll be able to select some mountains for summit hikes, and the whole lot is properly signposted and marked. The Phoenix Mountains Reserve has some gorgeous 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 exterior of Phoenix metropolis heart, which is virtually remarkable whenever 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 may 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 heart, even in case you are speeding 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 exterior of Phoenix metropolis heart by automotive, or simply underneath 2 hours on public transport. We’d recommend renting a automotive to benefit from the valley. The city is known for its luxurious golf programs, so any golf fans ought to observe it down as an absolute should in relation to planning their Phoenix itinerary. The three most important 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 laws, however you might be assured to bag a spot for at the least one in the event you ebook inside sufficient time.

The city is the very best place to go to in the event you love golf. You’ll be able to ebook classes or simply ebook a slot for a laidback sport. The surroundings is gorgeous from these programs, as you might be 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 house 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 previous house. 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 affect continues to be as nice in demise because it was in life. And this attraction is a thought-provoking and healthful perception right into a well-lived life.

Strolling the reveals is an excellent method to higher recognize Frank Lloyd Wright’s affect on the architectural and design business. 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 finest issues to do in Arizona – if not the US. The Phoenix to Sedona drive is routinely tackled as a day-long street journey, taking you previous the Montezuma Fortress Nationwide Monument and quite a few almost-roadside sights. And whereas the full drive is 3.5 hours a method, you’ll be well-entertained with numerous potential stop-off factors to interrupt up the driving. When you lease a automotive with a number of drivers on the insurance coverage, it’s a extremely possible, albeit bold, day journey from Phoenix.

Things to do in Phoenix Grand Canyon Sunset

On the Grand Canyon, you’ll be able to get pleasure from one of many rim hikes, take a look at the very best viewpoints, and go to the customer heart. It’s an iconic attraction for a cause. In case you have a spare day in your itinerary, we advise carving out time for an all-day go to. You want at the least a couple of hours on the Grand Canyon, so we’d set off as early as doable to maximise your time there. When you don’t wish to lease a automotive you’ll be able to bounce on this all-day tour which we expect is basically price it.

11. Phoenix Raceway

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

The Phoenix Raceway is a superb place to go to if there’s an occasion. The racetrack has a seating capability for as much as 65,000 individuals, 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. Keep watch over the schedule for one thing somewhat extra thrilling and an ‘occasion’ expertise in Phoenix. You’ll be able to 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 town heart. Attempt to ebook tickets so far as doable prematurely, because the races are tremendous fashionable, and rapidly 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 Nineties city stuffed with actors, excursions, and lingering heritage with a gold mine you’ll be able to enter. Goldfield Ghost City is the very best spot to embrace historical past in Phoenix, and it’s simple to remain engaged with a lot motion – together with Outdated 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 means.

Goldfield Ghost City is simply 50 minutes from Phoenix metropolis heart by automotive. It’s simply squeezed right into a Phoenix itinerary. You’ll simply want to arrange a automotive rental. We’d recommend permitting half a day or a full day to completely recognize this spectacular attraction. As a Nationwide Historic Landmark, Goldfield Ghost City is phenomenal and deserves a considerable chunk of time. You can even bounce on today tour if you wish to save somewhat time.

13. Sonoran Desert

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

The Sonoran Desert is an unlimited space, and most of the sights we’ve lined or will cowl are already within the desert area – even Phoenix itself is classed as positioned inside the Sonoran Desert. To have a ‘actual’ desert expertise, it’s possible you’ll want to embark on a guided day journey to see the area’s highlights and get far more distant. Taking a particular Sonoran tour may also help you perceive the realm a lot better. As an illustration, 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 previous ranch has historic grounds which have been protected and reworked into play areas and stress-free inexperienced areas. Youngsters can benefit from the playpark tools, 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 an excellent all-rounder if you need 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 customary park expertise.

15. Arizona Heritage Heart

The Arizona Heritage Heart is a bitesize style of Phoenix’s and Arizona’s story. The museum covers the whole lot in regards to the 5 Cs and the way they influenced the event of Phoenix as we now realize it. The Cs embody copper, citrus, cattle, local weather, and cotton, and are the foundation of what boomed the Phoenix economic system. The Heritage Heart strips again all of the twists and turns of the story of Phoenix and provides you a brief, candy, and easy introduction. If you wish to be taught in regards to the metropolis’s historical past with out dreary, drawn-out reveals, the Arizona Heritage Heart is the right historic snapshot. Plus, it’s positioned proper subsequent to Papago Park, so you’ll be able to head there instantly for refreshments, mountain climbing, and completely different sights.

16. Arizona Diamondbacks

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

If you’re on the lookout for simply plain enjoyable when visiting Phoenix, locals and guests alike love heading all the way down to Chase Discipline to see the Arizona Diamondbacks. The long-lasting baseball crew performs in Main League Baseball, and seeing a sport is among the finest issues to do in Phoenix. The baseball season runs from late March to early October, which 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 an excellent method to get that ‘occasion’ expertise and likewise embrace an influential tradition inside the metropolis you’re visiting. Phoenix and the Diamondbacks aren’t any completely different. Watching a sport is among 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 crew vehicles. For anybody enthusiastic about automotive racing, this little museum is greater than price a go to. Fully free to enter, you’ll be able to stand up near precise race vehicles 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 vehicles like Lamborghinis and Aston Martins is terrific. The classic race vehicles are brightly coloured and have that actual wow issue, even for non-car fans.

Reaching the museum is a straightforward drive to North Phoenix. Permit half-hour to drive to the museum from Phoenix metropolis heart 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 house dates again to 1895 and has a dramatic gold roof with turrets, definitely standing out within the Phoenix suburbs. The home museum preserves the historical past and way of life of early colonizers in Phoenix, showcasing what life inside the house would have been like for these Phoenix households. The museum runs common excursions of round 60 minutes to let guests take a better take a look at the home’s inside and offer you extra perception into Phoenix’s historical past.

You’ll should ebook a guided tour, as impartial exploration isn’t permitted – this can be a constructive, as you’ll get far more from the expertise with a information. The museum is barely off the first vacationer radar however most undoubtedly well 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 the whole lot from Phoenix Zoo to purple rock formations, scenic mountain climbing trails, and the traditional Gap within the Rock attraction. It’s equally weird and delightful that Papago Park is so near town heart, 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. You must carve out a time to go to, primarily as a result of it incorporates so many sights 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 a lovely 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 heart. You pay a single entrance charge per automobile and may simply spend an entire day at Lake Nice. When you plan on swimming, go to a delegated swimming space. Two swim seashores can be found, that are highly regarded in summer season amongst native residents. The park opens extraordinarily early: 5 a.m. from Might 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 properly well worth the drive, although, and since Phoenix is an inland metropolis, you’ll recognize the promise of freshwater seashores. As a fast aspect observe, you’ll go the Pioneer Arizona Dwelling Historical past Museum in your means, so contemplate combining the 2 sights.

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 individuals’s former house. The pre-Columbian web site incorporates the stays of a village and irrigation canals, marking Phoenix’s largest preserved archaeological web site. The archaeological web site itself dates again over 1,500 years, and it’s an unbelievable feat of each early humanity and archaeological preservation. It’s astounding to view the location, and the historical past of the Hohokam individuals – also referred to as the Ancestral Sonoran Desert Folks – is fascinating to study.

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

22. Thriller Fortress

The story of Thriller Fortress is probably the most healthful in Phoenix. A father constructed the fort for his daughter, however it’s way over the treehouse-style building you might be probably imagining. The Thriller Fortress has a grand whole of 18 rooms and 13 fireplaces, and it’s constructed out of stone – the final 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. Nonetheless, the Thriller Fortress 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’ll be able to ring forward to verify opening instances and building standing.

23. Outdated City Scottsdale

old Town Scottsdale outside of Phoenix Arizona

Scottsdale is a metropolis simply east of Phoenix, and proper in its heart is the gorgeous Outdated City Scottsdale neighborhood. This is among 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 previous city is solely pedestrian-friendly and stuffed with museums and delightful impartial eating places and retailers. Subsequent to chaotic inner-city Phoenix, Outdated 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 Outdated City Scottsdale’s assortment of sights and the way simply you’ll be able to simply stroll between them. It’s price noting that the ‘quiet tempo of life’ additionally switches up within the evenings when the Outdated 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 huge reservoir is ready within the close by metropolis of Tempe. It’s well-known as a neighborhood space of pure magnificence inside a residential neighborhood. You’ll be able to take a leisurely stroll across the perimeter or go fishing. Tempe City Lake is a lovely place to relax and chill out exterior the hecticness of Phoenix metropolis heart. It’s particularly fashionable throughout sundown and dawn when the pink sky appears gorgeous towards town skyline and Mill Avenue Bridge.

Tempe City Lake is simply 20 minutes away from Phoenix by automotive, so it’s a quick journey. You can even 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 among the most scenic locations close to Phoenix. When you can hack an early morning begin, you need to make a summit climb for dawn. The height will get its title from its camel hump look, however it’s also well-known for its stunning views over 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 might be rewarded with 360-degree views of Phoenix and its surrounding views.

Camelback Mountain is a difficult feat and never a hike for novices. You must really feel comfy 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. When you like out of doors adventures, Camelback Mountain is among 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 Hall of Flame Fire Museum is one other area of interest however extremely impactful museum in Phoenix. The museum reveals fireplace engines and historical past courting from 1725 to 1969 – a considerable interval. Realizing this firefighter historical past in Phoenix is crucial, primarily as many firefighters are often called native heroes. It additionally will get you on top of things on how firefighting know-how has modified quickly over time. And you may benefit from fireplace security coaching and applications. The museum runs an grownup model, which incorporates planning and preparation, whereas youngsters get extra age-appropriate fireplace security coaching.

The Corridor of Flame Museum is simply 20 minutes from town heart 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, perhaps you’ll choose up lifesaving abilities?

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 concentrate on one tribe’s artwork and heritage, as a substitute aiming to protect the entire tribes’ art work 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 assist indigenous historical past and endeavors whereas visiting Phoenix, then the Heard Museum is an excellent place to start out. You’ll be able to study Native American historical past and admire all the numerous artifacts on present.

There are guided excursions that you would be able to take across the Heard Museum. After you’ve loved looking the artifacts and discovered extra about America’s Native American heritage, there’s a café onsite. You’ll be able to sit down and seize some refreshments earlier than heading off to 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 probably 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. In case you have younger youngsters accompanying you whenever you go to Phoenix, preserve the Enchanted Island Amusement Park up your sleeve. There are additionally seasonal occasions, like Easter egg hunts, that are a candy contact and highly regarded amongst youngsters.

The park is only a 10-minute drive from Phoenix metropolis heart, or alternatively, 40 minutes by bus. It’s simple to succeed in and gives actually lighthearted, family-friendly enjoyable. If that appears like what you want, you’ll be able to 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. Overlaying simply 3.5 acres, this conventional Japanese backyard is among the most cultural, out of doors areas and issues to do in Phoenix. The backyard has a substantial 12-foot waterfall and a lovely koi pond, and its considerable water options add to its serene ambiance. As if that wasn’t sufficient, there’s additionally a teahouse and tea backyard. You’ll be able to stroll by 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 among the most budget-friendly out of doors actions in Phoenix. And it’s a breeze to get to, positioned in Downtown Phoenix. For a relaxing method to begin your day, a stroll within the Japanese Friendship Backyard is a lovely selection and among the finest issues to do in Phoenix.

30. Arizona Science Heart

The Arizona Science Heart is an excellent indoor attraction and factor to do in Phoenix. The entry value may appear steep at round $20 per individual. Nonetheless, when you see the variety of reveals you entry for that value, it’s clear that that is wonderful worth for cash. You’ll be able to simply spend three or 4 hours visiting the Arizona Science Heart, and the a number of flooring and classes of reveals are actually numerous. You’ll be able to absorb the whole lot from a planetarium to an IMAX theater and attend demos or browse reveals on lasers and even mummies.

The Arizona Science Heart is an thrilling Phoenix attraction to your itinerary; there’s little question that it ticks lots of packing containers in relation 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. When you love music and even simply worldwide tradition, the Musical Instrument Museum is among the finest choices in relation to the world-class museums in Phoenix. It’s truly ceaselessly ranked as the highest Phoenix attraction on TripAdvisor. And there are even particular devices that you would be able to try to play.

This museum is each partaking and interactive. The huge number of devices on show makes it an enchanting place to cease by, and including a little bit of music to your itinerary is a dreamy means to boost your Phoenix journey. The Musical Instrument Museum is in North Phoenix, so that you’ll catch a couple 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 look on the bats as they burst out. Over 5,000 Mexican free-tailed bats stay underneath the tunnel – which is artifical somewhat 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 might be completely satisfied to be met with official backlash from native authorities. Consider them as having movie star standing.

The Phoenix Bat Cave is positioned simply exterior of town heart, and it’s finest to go to if in case you have a automotive. It’s free to get pleasure from and one of the vital 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/picture by dspaz.com

South Mountain Park and Protect is among the prime locations to enterprise if you need 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 gorgeous views of the Phoenix skyline – you actually can’t beat South Mountain Park and Protect. Discover by going horseback using with the Arizona Horse Firm, by strolling, or biking. Both means, enable at the least half a day to actually get a style of South Mountain.

For these with accessibility considerations, realizing there’s a street you’ll be able to drive to succeed in a viewpoint instantly is nice. Dobbin’s Lookout is a lovely place to drive to for dawn or sundown, and it has expansive views over Phoenix. For simply accessible views, Dobbin’s Lookout is among 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 few Desert Botanical Backyard? This botanical backyard spreads over 140 acres and has 50,000 crops on present – making it among the finest locations to go to to style the desert in inner-city Phoenix. The backyard is related by a community of gorgeous little mountain climbing trails. You’ll be able to 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 scorching. It opens at 7 a.m. on daily basis, 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 unbelievable place to go to that we needed to embody 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’ll be able to see, there are such a lot of enjoyable issues to do in Phoenix. Earlier than you intend your itinerary, although, take a look at these prime FAQs on visiting Phoenix, Arizona. You wish to make sure you get all very important snippets of data that might make or break your journey.

The way 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 best 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 worldwide cities and is served by common American Airways, Delta Airways, and Southwest Airways flights.

If you’re already within the US, contemplate reaching Phoenix by rail. Whereas Phoenix isn’t on the Amtrak strains, it’s on the Thruway Connecting Companies. This implies you’ll be able to bounce 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 limitless. You can even buy comfy 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 companies are top-rated for attending to all main US cities, and Phoenix is not any exception. Equally, you can too select to street journey to Phoenix if in case you have additional time. That is best if you wish to maximize your sightseeing time. You’ll be able to take a look at our full information on the final word Arizona street journey right here.

The place to Keep in Phoenix

Best things to do in Phoenix Where to stay JW Desert Ridge Slide
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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 goal to remain in Downtown Phoenix or Midtown. This can offer you probably the most accessible entry to the principle sights in Phoenix.

Funds:

Surestay Lodge By Western Phoenix Airport is probably the most budget-friendly lodging selection for a resort that charges over 7.0 on Reserving.com. It’s a little farther from town heart, however well worth the location sacrifice if you need extra comfy price range lodging.

Mid-Vary:

Hampton Inn and Suites Phoenix Downtown is an excellent mid-range selection. It has the whole lot from a health heart to parking and is positioned conveniently within the coronary heart of the downtown space.

Luxurious:

This luxurious condominium is the best luxurious base in Phoenix. You get the entire self-catered expertise, with all of the comforts of your personal house, plus a superb location in Midtown Phoenix.

The place to Eat in Phoenix

Best things to do in Phoenix Where to Eat Eden Rooftop Bar
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You could not realize it, however Arizona’s best-known meals is the Apache trout. It’s also very good for Mexican delicacies, particularly chimichangas – a burrito-style dish. The record of dishes and drinks you need to attempt is a critical problem to finish, together with Route 66 beer, Sonoran scorching canine, and fried bread. You must depart an enormous chunk out of your itinerary simply to think about food and drinks tasting.

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

Carolina’s Mexican Food: Tasty Mexican delicacies the place you’ll be able to attempt specials like chimichangas.

Fry Bread House: 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.

Finest Time to Go to Phoenix

Best things to do in Phoenix Best Time to visit Westgate Tree Lighting Holiday Celebration
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One of the best time to go to Phoenix, Arizona, is a scorching subject – no pun supposed. Due to the extraordinary warmth in Phoenix, winter is the height time to go to, with summer season because the off-season. That is the reverse of what most individuals count on peak seasons to appear to be. Individuals who wish to benefit from the desert, out of doors actions, or visiting locations just like the Wildlife World Zoo head to Phoenix from October to Might. Whereas June to September is when most individuals steer clear, it’s best for these eager to keep away from the crowds and preferring indoor (i.e., air-conditioned) sights anyway.

We’d suggest Might or September. These shoulder seasons are the closest you’ll get to a compromise and steadiness fewer crowds with fairly delicate temperatures. It does rely on 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
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As you’ll be able to see, Phoenix is fairly particular. The capital undoubtedly has among 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 where to stay in San Diego. There are various enjoyable issues to do in Phoenix, however heading off on a street 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 Sources