Phoenix, Arizona’s vibrant capital city, offers an incredible blend of outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and urban attractions.
This guide to things to do in Phoenix helps visitors discover the best desert hiking trails, world-class museums, and authentic Southwestern cuisine, covering everything you need to know about exploring the Valley of the Sun.
Understanding Phoenix’s Unique Climate and Best Time to Visit
Phoenix has a scorching desert environment and gets more than 300 days of sunshine every year. The weather in the city is very important when you plan your trip:
The best temperatures are usually between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit during the day in the winter months (November through March).
This is the best time of year for tourists to do things outside. In the spring, the Sonoran Desert is full of magnificent wildflowers.
In the summer, temperatures often get above 100°F, so it’s best to do things in the morning or evening.
From July to September, the monsoon season delivers heavy rain and relatively cooler nights compared to the scorching daytime temperatures. This makes for beautiful desert vistas and temporary waterfalls along hiking trails.
Top Things to Do in Phoenix for First-Time Visitors
Hiking Phoenix’s Iconic Mountain Peaks
Camelback Mountain is Phoenix’s most famous sight. It looks like a camel lying down against the skyline.
The Echo Canyon Trail and the Cholla Trail are both hard hikes that lead to the top. Both paths go up around 1,200 feet over a roundtrip distance of 2.4 miles.
Hikers are rewarded with vistas of the whole city and the mountains that surround it. The Echo Canyon Trail features steep sections with handrails and requires good physical condition.
Start early during warmer months, bring plenty of water, and check trail conditions before departing. The trailhead parking fills quickly, especially on weekends.
Piestewa Peak, which used to be called Squaw Peak, is another popular hike to the top of the Phoenix Mountains Preserve.
The steep and rocky trail climbs 1.2 miles to the summit (2.4 miles roundtrip), but the views of the city from the top are just as rewarding.
There are more than 200 miles of trails in the preserve that are good for all ability levels.
Exploring Desert Parks and Preserves
South Mountain Park and Preserve encompasses 16,000 acres of pristine Sonoran Desert landscape, making it one of the largest municipal parks in the United States.
The preserve features 50+ miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. The Summit Road offers a scenic drive to Dobbins Lookout, providing breathtaking views without the hike.
You can find ancient petroglyphs created by the Hohokam people hundreds of years ago all across the preserve. The Mormon Trail and the National Trail are two of the most popular ways to see these old rock sculptures.
Papago Park has unique red sandstone buttes and trails that are easier for families to use.
The Hole-in-the-Rock Trail is a short, easy hike that leads to a natural opening in the rock formation where you can see across the park. The Desert Botanical Garden and the Phoenix Zoo are located in this neighborhood.
Cultural Attractions and Museums
Musical Instrument Museum
The Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) is a one-of-a-kind place with more than 15,000 instruments from about 200 countries.
As you get closer to each display, wireless headsets automatically play music. This lets you hear how the instruments sound while you look at them. Famous musicians’ instruments are on display at the Artist Gallery. For example, Elvis Presley’s piano and Taylor Swift’s guitar.
The museum’s Experience Gallery lets visitors try playing various instruments themselves.
The MIM Music Theater hosts live performances throughout the year, showcasing diverse musical traditions from around the world.
Desert Botanical Garden
This 140-acre botanical garden within Papago Park showcases the incredible diversity of desert plants from around the globe.
Walking trails wind through themed gardens featuring towering saguaro cacti, colorful wildflowers, and rare desert species. The garden emphasizes conservation and education about arid environment adaptation.
Special events throughout the year include Las Noches de las Luminarias, where thousands of luminaria bags illuminate the trails during winter evenings, creating a magical atmosphere.
Spring wildflower season transforms the garden into a vibrant display of colors.
Heard Museum
The Heard Museum is the best place to study about the civilizations of American Indians in the Southwest.
There are a lot of Native American art pieces on display, like pottery, textiles, jewelry, and modern works.
Interactive displays give stories about the histories, customs, and modern-day Indigenous communities of tribes.
The museum has frequent cultural events, including storytelling, traditional dances, and producing crafts.
The gift shop has real Native American art straight from the artists, which supports Indigenous craftspeople and keeps the culture alive.
Phoenix Art Museum
As the Southwest’s largest art museum, this institution houses over 20,000 works spanning multiple continents and time periods.
Collections include European masterpieces, American Western art, Asian art, fashion design, and contemporary works. Rotating exhibitions bring international collections to Phoenix throughout the year.
Free admission is offered on Wednesday evenings and the second Sunday of each month, making fine art accessible to all visitors.
Best Things to Do in Phoenix with Family
Phoenix Zoo
The Phoenix Zoo is one of the largest privately owned, non-profit zoos in the US. It has more than 3,000 animals from over 400 species.
The Arizona Trail recreates habitats in the area that are home to natural animals like desert tortoises, javelinas, and other reptiles.
The Africa Trail lets people see lions, giraffes, and other African animals up close.
Interactive experiences include giraffe feeding, stingray bay, and behind-the-scenes tours.
The zoo emphasizes wildlife conservation and participates in numerous breeding programs for endangered species.
OdySea Aquarium
Located in nearby Scottsdale, OdySea Aquarium is the Southwest’s largest aquarium, featuring over 6,000 animals across 65 exhibits.
The two-story ocean tank houses sharks, rays, and sea turtles, with a unique rotating walkway providing 360-degree views.
Interactive touch pools, penguin exhibits, and daily presentations make this an engaging destination for all ages.
Children’s Museum of Phoenix
This children’s museum has 48,000 square feet of interactive play areas for kids up to 10 years old. There are three floors of displays that enable kids to play creatively, solve problems, and explore.
The building itself is an ancient schoolhouse that has been turned into something new, with old architecture and modern interactive exhibits.
Exploring Downtown Phoenix
Roosevelt Row Arts District
Roosevelt Row represents Phoenix’s creative heart, featuring colorful street art murals, independent galleries, and trendy coffee shops.
The neighborhood hosts First Fridays, one of the nation’s largest self-guided art walks, occurring on the first Friday evening of each month.
Local artists display work, food vendors line the streets, and live music fills the air.
Many art galleries feature both new and veteran artists, and many of them also hold artist presentations and workshops.
The public art works in the district vary often, so each visit is different.
Heritage Square
This collection of restored Victorian-era houses represents Phoenix’s original townsite. The area includes the Rosson House Museum, offering guided tours of an 1895 mansion furnished in period style.
The square also hosts award-winning restaurants, including the nationally renowned Pizzeria Bianco, consistently rated among America’s best pizza establishments.
Scottsdale Adventures
Old Town Scottsdale
Just 20 minutes from central Phoenix, Old Town Scottsdale blends Western heritage with upscale shopping and dining.
The Fifth Avenue shopping district features over 100 boutiques, art galleries, and specialty shops.
Native American jewelry, Southwestern art, and designer fashions attract shoppers from around the world.
The area maintains its Western character with wooden sidewalks, bronze sculptures, and Southwestern architecture.
Numerous tequila bars, rooftop lounges, and nightclubs make this a popular evening destination.
Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art
This museum shows cutting-edge modern art, architecture, and design in a strikingly modern edifice.
Rotating exhibitions show works by artists from throughout the world, with a concentration on works made in the last five years.
The museum’s outdoor sculpture garden is a quiet place to think about modern art.
Unique Phoenix Experiences
Hot Air Balloon Rides
Take a hot air balloon flight at sunrise to see the Sonoran Desert from above. Several organizations provide flights over the desert, giving you a bird’s-eye view of the huge city below, saguaro forests, and mountains.
The flights themselves last about an hour, but the whole thing, including setting up before the trip and celebrating afterward, takes 3 to 4 hours.
The peaceful morning air and beautiful desert dawn make memories that will last a lifetime. Many companies offer breakfast and champagne toasts after the flight.
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West
The legendary architect’s winter home and school showcases his philosophy of organic architecture blending structures with natural surroundings.
Tours reveal how Wright incorporated desert materials and responded to the harsh climate through innovative design.
The complex continues operating as an architecture school, maintaining Wright’s educational legacy.
Various tour options range from basic introductions to in-depth architectural explorations.
The grounds feature desert gardens, Wright’s personal living spaces, and studios where his students worked.
Water Activities and Recreation
Salt River Tubing
Floating down the Salt River through Tonto National Forest is a great way to cool off in the desert.
This fun summer pastime involves riding inflatable tubes down a beautiful length of river that has both quiet pools and tiny rapids.
The experience lasts 2 to 4 hours, depending on water release schedules from the upstream dam.
Kayaking and paddleboarding are other options besides tubing that let you explore side canals and see additional wildlife.
The river corridor has a lot of different riparian habitats that attract more than 200 bird species.
Canyon Lake
Located in the Superstition Mountains about an hour east of Phoenix, Canyon Lake offers stunning scenery with towering cliff walls surrounding the reservoir.
Boat rentals, including kayaks, paddleboards, and pontoon boats, allow exploration of hidden coves and dramatic rock formations.
The lake is popular for fishing, with bass, crappie, and catfish present.
Dining and Culinary Experiences
Authentic Mexican Cuisine
Phoenix’s proximity to Mexico ensures abundant authentic Mexican restaurants serving regional specialties.
Sonoran-style Mexican food is particularly prominent, featuring flour tortillas, carne asada, and unique preparations like cheese crisps.
Many establishments offer margaritas with Tajín seasoning on the rim, adding a spicy-tangy kick.
Popular spots range from casual taco shops to upscale Mexican fusion restaurants.
The city’s diverse Latino communities contribute cuisines from various Mexican states, offering culinary exploration beyond typical Tex-Mex.
Farm-to-Table Dining
The cuisine scene in Phoenix is getting better and better, with an emphasis on using local ingredients and changing menus with the seasons.
A lot of restaurants work with farms nearby to show off Arizona-grown fruits and vegetables, grass-fed cattle, and heirloom grains.
The moderate winter weather means that plants can thrive all year round, which gives cooks a steady supply of fresh ingredients.
Japanese Cuisine
Surprisingly, Phoenix boasts exceptional Japanese restaurants, including sushi bars consistently ranked among the nation’s best.
Fresh fish flown in daily and skilled chefs create memorable dining experiences. Small, intimate venues often provide the highest quality, with omakase tasting menus showcasing seasonal ingredients.
Shopping Destinations
Biltmore Fashion Park
This outdoor mall has high-end stores, boutiques, and fine restaurants in a beautifully landscaped area.
Palm palms, fountains, and gardens make the shopping area nice. The facility has seasonal events and often has live music.
Farmers Markets
Multiple farmers markets operate year-round, with expanded offerings during winter months.
The Phoenix Public Market operates downtown on Saturdays and Wednesdays, featuring local produce, artisan foods, handmade crafts, and prepared meals.
These markets connect visitors with local food producers and craftspeople.
Nightlife and Entertainment
Live Music Venues
There are a lot of places in Phoenix where you can see both traveling musicians and local bands.
The Crescent Ballroom is a small music space with a restaurant and bar that hosts indie, rock, and alternative bands.
Nationally touring bands play at bigger places like The Van Buren and Marquee Theatre.
Symphony Hall presents classical performances by the Phoenix Symphony, Broadway touring productions, and guest artists throughout the season.
Sports and Sporting Events
Phoenix serves as home to professional teams across all major sports leagues. The Phoenix Suns (NBA), Arizona Cardinals (NFL), Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB), and Phoenix Mercury (WNBA) all call the Valley home.
Spring Training brings 15 MLB teams to the area for Cactus League games from late February through March.
Major sporting events include the WM Phoenix Open golf tournament and numerous college football bowl games.
Practical Visitor Information
Transportation Options
Sky Harbor International Airport is easy to get to because its terminals are only a few minutes from downtown.
There is light rail service that connects key attractions, but most visitors find that renting a car is the easiest way to get around the city because it is so spread out.
Rideshare services are available all throughout the metro region, and Phoenix has started testing self-driving car services in several neighborhoods.
This gives us a look at what transportation might be like in the future.
Safety Considerations
Desert environments require specific precautions. Always carry abundant water when hiking, with recommendations of one gallon per person for full-day hikes.
Avoid hiking during peak afternoon heat in summer months. Watch for wildlife including rattlesnakes, scorpions, and Gila monsters, though encounters are rare on maintained trails.
Apply sunscreen liberally and wear protective clothing, as the intense desert sun causes burns quickly, even in winter.
Stay on designated trails to avoid damaging fragile desert ecosystems and encountering dangerous terrain.
Cost-Saving Tips
Many attractions offer free admission days or discounted evening hours. Several parks and preserves charge no entrance fees.
Happy hour specials at restaurants provide opportunities to sample acclaimed dining at reduced prices.
Visiting during summer’s extreme heat brings significantly lower hotel rates, though outdoor activities become limited.
The Phoenix Attractions Pass bundles admission to multiple top attractions at discounted rates, offering substantial savings for visitors planning to see several paid sites.
Day Trip Opportunities
Sedona
Two hours north, Sedona’s famous red rock formations create a dramatically different landscape from Phoenix’s desert floor.
Popular activities include hiking to Cathedral Rock, exploring ancient cliff dwellings, and visiting art galleries in the charming downtown area.
The scenic drive through Oak Creek Canyon provides spectacular views.
Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon is one of the most amazing natural wonders on Earth, even though it takes a full day (four hours each way) to get there.
The South Rim has the best visitor amenities and viewpoints. The canyon’s stratified rock formations look their best when the sun rises and sets.
Goldfield Ghost Town
This rebuilt mining town from the 1890s in the Superstition Mountains gives you a taste of Arizona’s Old West history.
People can look around historic buildings, go on tours of the subterranean mines, or ride a narrow-gauge railroad across the desert.
You may also go horseback riding and panning for gold in the town.
Final Thoughts
Phoenix offers remarkable diversity, from challenging mountain trails to world-class cultural institutions, authentic culinary experiences to unique desert ecosystems.
Places to Visit in Chile have beautiful scenery and one-of-a-kind things to do for tourists who want to have more adventures abroad.
The city’s perpetual sunshine, welcoming atmosphere, and abundance of activities make it an ideal destination year-round.
Whether seeking outdoor adventure, cultural enrichment, family fun, or simply warm winter weather, Phoenix delivers memorable experiences against the backdrop of the beautiful Sonoran Desert.
