50 Things To Do In Phoenix Arizona
Phoenix, Arizona, is a city brimming with activities and attractions that cater to all interests. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a history buff, a foodie, or someone looking for family-friendly entertainment, Phoenix has something for everyone. In this article, we will explore 50 exciting things to do in Phoenix, covering everything from natural wonders and cultural experiences to unique local attractions.
1. Hike Camelback Mountain
Camelback Mountain is one of Phoenix’s most iconic natural landmarks. The challenging hike to the summit offers breathtaking views of the city and surrounding desert. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just looking for a good workout, Camelback Mountain is a must-do.
2. Explore the Desert Botanical Garden
The Desert Botanical Garden showcases the unique beauty of the Sonoran Desert. With over 50,000 plants, this 140-acre garden offers trails, exhibits, and events that highlight desert flora from around the world.
3. Visit the Heard Museum
Dedicated to Native American art and culture, the Heard Museum is one of Phoenix’s cultural gems. The museum features extensive collections of art, artifacts, and interactive exhibits that provide insight into the indigenous cultures of the Southwest.
4. Wander Through the Phoenix Art Museum
The Phoenix Art Museum is the largest art museum in the Southwestern United States. It offers an impressive collection of contemporary, modern, and classic art from around the world, along with traveling exhibitions and educational programs.
5. Take a Scenic Drive Through South Mountain Park
South Mountain Park and Preserve is the largest municipal park in the United States, offering over 16,000 acres of natural beauty. A scenic drive through the park provides stunning views of the desert landscape and the city below.
6. Enjoy a Day at the Phoenix Zoo
The Phoenix Zoo, located in Papago Park, is one of the largest non-profit zoos in the country. It features over 3,000 animals, including endangered species, and offers interactive exhibits, educational programs, and seasonal events.
7. Discover the Musical Instrument Museum
The Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) is a world-renowned museum that houses more than 15,000 musical instruments from nearly every country. Visitors can explore exhibits, watch live performances, and even try their hand at playing some of the instruments.
8. Relax at the Japanese Friendship Garden
The Japanese Friendship Garden, also known as RoHoEn, is a tranquil oasis in the heart of Phoenix. The garden features traditional Japanese landscaping, a koi pond, and tea ceremonies, offering a peaceful retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle.
9. Shop and Dine at Old Town Scottsdale
While technically outside Phoenix, Old Town Scottsdale is a must-visit destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment. This historic area is known for its Western charm, art galleries, boutique shops, and vibrant nightlife.
10. Visit the Arizona Science Center
The Arizona Science Center in downtown Phoenix offers hands-on exhibits and interactive displays that make learning fun for visitors of all ages. The center also features a planetarium and an IMAX theater for an immersive educational experience.
11. Explore the Arizona State Capitol Museum
Learn about Arizona’s history and government at the Arizona State Capitol Museum. The museum, housed in the historic state capitol building, features exhibits on Arizona’s political history, state symbols, and more.
12. Stroll Through the Roosevelt Row Arts District
Roosevelt Row, or “RoRo,” is Phoenix’s vibrant arts district, known for its colorful murals, galleries, and unique shops. First Fridays, a monthly art walk, is a popular event that showcases the area’s creative community.
13. Catch a Game at Chase Field
Chase Field is home to the Arizona Diamondbacks, Phoenix’s Major League Baseball team. The stadium features a retractable roof and air conditioning, making it a comfortable place to watch a game even in the summer heat.
14. Experience Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West
Taliesin West in Scottsdale was the winter home and architectural studio of Frank Lloyd Wright. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it offers guided tours that showcase Wright’s innovative designs and ideas.
15. Visit the Phoenix Children’s Museum
The Phoenix Children’s Museum is a fun and educational destination for families. With interactive exhibits designed to engage and inspire young minds, the museum is a place where kids can learn through play.
16. Explore Papago Park
Papago Park is home to several of Phoenix’s top attractions, including the Phoenix Zoo, Desert Botanical Garden, and Hole-in-the-Rock. The park’s unique red sandstone formations and scenic trails make it a favorite spot for outdoor activities.
17. Visit the Arizona Biltmore Hotel
The Arizona Biltmore Hotel, a historic luxury resort, is an architectural masterpiece designed by a student of Frank Lloyd Wright. Visitors can explore the beautiful grounds, dine at the hotel’s restaurants, or enjoy a spa day.
18. Attend a Performance at the Orpheum Theatre
The Orpheum Theatre in downtown Phoenix is a beautifully restored venue that hosts a variety of performances, including Broadway shows, concerts, and ballet. The theater’s Spanish Baroque architecture adds to the charm of any event held there.
19. Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride
Experience the beauty of the Arizona desert from above with a hot air balloon ride. Several companies in Phoenix offer sunrise or sunset flights that provide stunning views of the landscape and a serene floating experience.
20. Visit the Hall of Flame Fire Museum
The Hall of Flame Fire Museum is dedicated to the history of firefighting. The museum features an extensive collection of firefighting equipment and vehicles, as well as exhibits that honor the bravery of firefighters past and present.
21. Discover the Pioneer Living History Museum
Step back in time at the Pioneer Living History Museum, a 90-acre open-air museum that recreates life in Arizona during the 1800s. The museum features historic buildings, costumed interpreters, and live demonstrations of pioneer crafts and skills.
22. Experience the Herberger Theater Center
The Herberger Theater Center is a premier performing arts venue in downtown Phoenix. The theater hosts a wide range of performances, including plays, dance, and musical productions, featuring local and national talent.
23. Explore the Tempe Town Lake
Tempe Town Lake is a popular spot for outdoor activities, including boating, paddleboarding, and fishing. The lake is surrounded by parks and paths, making it an ideal location for a leisurely walk or bike ride.
24. Visit the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium
Catch an NFL game and cheer on the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium in Glendale. The stadium’s unique retractable roof and field make it one of the most innovative sports venues in the country.
25. Hike Piestewa Peak
Piestewa Peak, located in the Phoenix Mountains Preserve, offers challenging hiking trails with rewarding views of the city and surrounding desert. The summit trail is popular among locals and visitors alike.
26. Explore the Mystery Castle
The Mystery Castle, located at the base of South Mountain, is a quirky and fascinating structure built by Boyce Gulley in the 1930s. Made from recycled materials, the castle is filled with eclectic treasures and offers guided tours.
27. Visit the Phoenix Public Market
The Phoenix Public Market is a year-round open-air market that features local vendors selling fresh produce, handmade goods, and artisan products. The market also hosts food trucks and live music, making it a lively community gathering spot.
28. Take a Day Trip to Sedona
A short drive from Phoenix, Sedona is famous for its stunning red rock formations and spiritual vortex sites. The town offers hiking, shopping, art galleries, and a variety of outdoor activities.
29. Discover the Arizona Falls
Arizona Falls is a unique public art project and historic water site located along the Arizona Canal. The site features a waterfall, shaded seating areas, and interpretive displays that explain the history and engineering of the canal system.
30. Explore the Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park
Located just outside Phoenix in Litchfield Park, the Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park is home to Arizona’s largest collection of exotic animals. Visitors can see a wide variety of species, enjoy animal shows, and explore the park’s aquarium and safari exhibits.
31. Visit the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art
The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA) is a cutting-edge museum that focuses on modern and contemporary art, architecture, and design. The museum offers rotating exhibitions and a variety of educational programs.
32. Tour the Wrigley Mansion
The Wrigley Mansion, built by chewing gum magnate William Wrigley Jr., is a historic landmark in Phoenix. Visitors can take guided tours of the mansion, enjoy fine dining at its restaurant, or attend special events hosted on the property.
33. Explore the Arizona Military Museum
The Arizona Military Museum, located in the Papago Park Military Reservation, offers exhibits on the history of the U.S. military in Arizona. The museum covers everything from the state’s involvement in the Civil War to its role in modern conflicts.
34. Attend the Phoenix Film Festival
The Phoenix Film Festival is an annual event that celebrates independent cinema from around the world. The festival features film screenings, workshops, and panel discussions with filmmakers and industry professionals.
35. Discover the Mystery of the Rosson House
The Rosson House Museum is a fully restored Victorian home located in downtown Phoenix’s Heritage Square. Built in 1895, the house offers guided tours that provide insight into the lives of Phoenix’s early residents.
36. Visit the Arizona Opera
The Arizona Opera is known for its world-class productions and talented performers. The opera company presents a variety of classic and contemporary works each season, making it a key player in Phoenix’s cultural scene.
37. Explore the Salt River Tubing
Cool off during the summer by floating down the Salt River on an inner tube. Salt River Tubing is a popular activity for locals and tourists alike, offering a fun and relaxing way to enjoy the natural beauty of the desert.
38. Visit the Pueblo Grande Museum
The Pueblo Grande Museum and Archaeological Park preserves the ruins of a 1,500-year-old Hohokam village. The museum offers exhibits, educational programs, and interpretive trails that explore the history and culture of the ancient inhabitants of the Phoenix area.
39. Attend a Concert at the Ak-Chin Pavilion
The Ak-Chin Pavilion is an outdoor amphitheater that hosts major concerts and events throughout the year. With a capacity of 20,000, the venue is one of Phoenix’s premier spots for live music.
40. Experience the Phoenix Symphony
The Phoenix Symphony is Arizona’s largest performing arts organization, offering a diverse range of classical and contemporary concerts. The symphony performs at the Symphony Hall in downtown Phoenix and is a cultural highlight of the city.
41. Discover the Japanese American Museum of Arizona
The Japanese American Museum of Arizona in Phoenix explores the history and contributions of Japanese Americans in the state. The museum features exhibits on internment during World War II, as well as cultural and historical displays.
42. Take a Tour of the Arizona Brewery Trail
Phoenix is part of the Arizona Brewery Trail, a self-guided tour that takes visitors to some of the best craft breweries in the state. Sample local brews, meet the brewers, and enjoy the vibrant craft beer scene in Phoenix.
43. Visit the Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West
Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West celebrates the art, history, and culture of the American West. The museum features rotating exhibitions, artifacts, and art that tell the story of the West’s diverse heritage.
44. Explore the Wildlife at the Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary
The Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary is home to one of the largest collections of reptiles and amphibians in the United States. The sanctuary offers educational tours and programs, allowing visitors to learn about and interact with these fascinating creatures.
45. Attend the Arizona Taco Festival
The Arizona Taco Festival is an annual event in Phoenix that celebrates all things taco. The festival features taco competitions, live music, tequila tastings, and a variety of taco vendors offering their best creations.
46. Visit the Arizona Capitol Museum
The Arizona Capitol Museum, located in the original state capitol building, offers exhibits on Arizona’s history, government, and culture. The museum provides a fascinating look at the state’s political and social evolution.
47. Explore the Shops at Biltmore Fashion Park
Biltmore Fashion Park is an upscale shopping center in Phoenix that offers a mix of high-end retailers, restaurants, and boutiques. The open-air mall is a popular destination for both shopping and dining.
48. Hike the Trails at the Phoenix Mountains Preserve
The Phoenix Mountains Preserve offers a variety of hiking trails for all skill levels. Trails like the Piestewa Peak Summit Trail and the North Mountain National Trail provide stunning views and a chance to explore the natural beauty of the desert.
49. Attend the Phoenix Fan Fusion
Phoenix Fan Fusion is an annual pop culture convention that attracts fans of comics, movies, TV shows, and more. The event features celebrity guests, panels, cosplay, and a variety of vendors, making it a must-attend for geeks and pop culture enthusiasts.
50. Take a Ghost Tour in Downtown Phoenix
Discover the haunted history of downtown Phoenix with a guided ghost tour. These tours explore the city’s spooky past, including haunted buildings, ghostly legends, and mysterious happenings.
