Choose from 18 Fun Things to Do in Phoenix
ShowingFilter 1-18 of 18 listings.
Old Town Scottsdale
The city of Scottsdale sits adjacent to Phoenix, attracting visitors by the bus-load to Scottsdale Old Town. This older section of town is also its main cultural hub, thronged with dining, drinking, shopping and nightlife options.
Native American crafts, jewelry and artworks are sold in this downtown arts district, and galleries and outdoor sculptures add to the cultural feel. It’s also where you’ll find museums like Scottsdale’s Museum of Contemporary Art and the city’s historical museum.
Walking tours highlight the old town’s Old West character, with hitching posts from the days when horses were ridden through town and quaint stores selling Western gear.
Address: Scottsdale, USA
From $ 38
Salt River
Playing in or on Arizona’s Salt River is a great way to stay wet and cool any time of year. Just how you make a splash is entirely up to you.
Depending on conditions, whitewater rafting season typically runs winter through spring on the Upper Salt River. Its rafting rapids are rated class III and IV. Guided trips can run from just one days to five days in length.
Near Mesa, folks love to rent inner tubes and float down the lower Salt River. Not far from Scottsdale, you can paddle, or simply just float in the calm water. Be sure to be on watch for bald eagles and wild horses. A class 1 river, it’s also a great place for a stand up paddle board tour.
Practical Info
The Salt River is easily accessible from many of Arizona’s popular destinations including Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa and Tucson.
Address: Arizona, USA, USA
From $ 124
Sonoran Desert
Get away from it all in the breathtaking Sonoran Desert, a 100,000-square-mile (260,000-square-kilometer) region that spans Arizona, California, and parts of Mexico. Though it’s the hottest of four deserts in North America, its two rainy seasons sustain unique animals and plants, including the only remaining jaguar population in the United States.
The Basics
Explore the beauty of the Sonoran Desert by foot, vehicle, or hot-air balloon or small plane. Visitors will enjoy views of the mountains that span this region, as well as the local wildlife, including roadrunners, gila monsters, cactus wren, and desert bighorn sheep. Be sure to choose a tour that fits your interests; there are tours available for fans of hiking, off-roading, and Segways.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Book your tour in advance. You’ll benefit from a knowledgeable guide while enjoying your perfect desert adventure.
- As in any desert environment, be sure to bring enough water with you (drinking water is not available) and dress for the weather.
- Be on the lookout for cacti and snakes.
How to Get There
There are several points of entry to the Sonoran Desert. The Sonoran Desert National Monument is located about 40 miles (64 kilometers) south of Phoenix and 93 miles (150 kilometers) northwest of Tucson, Arizona. To get there from Phoenix, follow I-10 West. From Tucson, take I-10 West to I-8 West. Parking is available on-site.
When to Get There
There are five “seasons” in the Sonoran Desert: spring from February to April; dry summer in May and June; summer monsoon from July to mid-September; fall from mid-September to November; and winter in December and January. The spring and winter months can be a great time to visit; temperatures remain a bit cooler than the blazing heat of summer.
Indigenous Communities
There are several Native American tribes that have connections to the Sonoran Desert, including Pascua Yaqui, Tohono O’odham, Seri, Cocopah, and the Gila River Indian Community. Some tribes welcome visitors to religious ceremonies or other cultural events; just be respectful and refrain from using your camera or phone during these experiences.
Address: USA
From $ 130
South Mountain Park
You could think of Phoenix’s South Mountain Park as a large outdoor playground. Actually, a very large outdoor playground. With more than 16,000 acres to explore, according to the Trust for Public Land, South Mountain Park is one of the largest municipally operated parks in the United States.
With more than 50 miles of trails, South Mountain Park is a favorite among horseback riders, hikers and mountain bikers. But drivers can take in the scenery too. A little more than five miles up the Summit Road, there are Valley wide views to be had at Dobbins Lookout. If you’re inspired, keep going to the Gila Lookout for a view of the Gila River Valley. The drive is scenic, so take it slow to safely enjoy the view. There are many steep sections and blind curves and cars share the road with bikers and hikers.
Practical Info
Silent Sundays are a monthly event held in South Mountain Park and generally take place the fourth Sunday of each month. The park’s main access roadways are closed to motor vehicles for the entire day. On these days, bicyclists, skateboarders, wheelchair users and just about anything on wheels other than cars, own the roads. Trailhead access sites outside of the park remain open to cars.
Address: 10919 S Central Ave, Phoenix, Arizona 85042, USA
From $ 89
Arizona Science Center
As a non-profit organization, the Arizona Science Center‘s main goal is to entertain and educate people of all ages about science. They opened in 1984 as a small, 10,000 square feet (3,048 square meters) museum featuring select hands-on exhibits. Since its humble beginning, the Arizona Science Center has quickly grown into one of the most popular local attractions in Arizona. Today the Arizona Science Center stretches over 120,000 square feet (36,576 square meters) and is one of the most high-tech museums in the world. With over 40,000 square feet (12,912 square meters) of gallery space, they currently feature over 300 hands-on exhibits in five different themed galleries. There are daily shows in their multi-media Dorrance Planetarium as well as in the giant, five-story IMAX Theater.
The Arizona Science Center is designed around the concept of making learning fun. Exhibits are created to be interactive, encouraging visitors to learn from doing. In addition to the regular exhibitions, you can enjoy a variety of educational programs to help people of all ages have fun with science, such as summer camp programs, adult night outs, and even use of the facilities to host events such as high school proms and birthday parties.
Practical Info
The Arizona Science Center is located in downtown Phoenix within the Heritage and Science Park and sits towards the south end of the park, notably recognized by its unique futuristic architecture designed by Antoine Predock. In addition to the science center, the Heritage and Science Park features the Phoenix Museum of History and Historic Heritage Square, a historic location featuring a variety of old buildings, museums, shops, and restaurants.
Address: 600 East Washington Street, Phoenix 85004, USA
Hours: Open daily 10am - 5pm, closed Thanksgiving and Christmas
Admission: Adults: US$12, Children (3-17yrs): US$10
From $ 229
Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art
This iconic contemporary art museum is located on 21-acres of local park in the heart of Scottsdale and showcases between nine and 12 exhibitions each year. Visitors who venture to this popular attraction will find some of the best examples of art, design and architecture in the Southwest.
Travelers agree the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art is an ideal place to escape the city’s heat while taking in some fabulous pieces. But since the museum is relatively small, it’s good to check ahead to be sure it’s not between exhibits.
Practical Info
The museum is located at 7374 East 2nd Street in Scottsdale. It is open daily from noon until 5 pm., with extended hours on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Admission is $7 for adults and $5 or students. Admission is free after 5 pm on Thursdays.
Address: 7374 East 2nd Street, Scottsdale, Arizona 85251, USA
Hours: Open daily from noon until 5 pm., with extended hours on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Admission: Admission is $7 for adults and $5 for students
From $ 25
Camelback Mountain
Camelback Mountain is an iconic mountain visible throughout most of the Phoenix metropolitan area. Towering over the city at 2,704 feet (824 meters) above sea level, the mountain was named after its very obvious resemblance to a resting camel. Features include unique sheer red sandstone cliffs and a variety of desert wildlife, including rock squirrels, gila monsters, javelinas, coyotes and grey foxes. These natural wonders make the mountain a very popular spot for hiking and rock climbing.
Although it is possible to hike to the top of Camelback, both trails are a strenuous undertaking and are only recommended for advanced hikers. Echo Canyon Recreation Area does, however, offer two easier options. Near the camel’s “head” is another popular rock formation known as The Praying Monk. Like Camelback, this formation is made of red sheer sandstone rock and named after its appearance, as the 100-foot-tall (30-meter-tall) formation vaguely resembles the image of a man kneeling in prayer. The Praying Monk is popular among rock climbers and maintains permanent anchor bolts for belay rope.
Practical Info
Camelback Mountain is located in the Camelback Mountain Echo Canyon Recreation Area, toward the northern end of the Phoenix metropolitan area between the neighborhood of Arcadia and city of Paradise Valley.
Address: Paradise Valley 85253, USA
From $ 70
Canyon Lake
The smallest of the Salt River Projects lakes, Canyon Lake is just 10 miles long but offers 28 miles of shoreline.
Being wet is popular here. Water skiing, boating, swimming and fishing are how most folks spend their days when visiting. Along with a designated swimming area, there is also a pair of boating ramps. Motorboat and row boat rentals are available. On weekends and holidays from April through October, the lake usually reaches capacity in the morning. Lucky fisherman can hook walleye, largemouth bass, yellow bass, rainbow trout, bluegill, channel catfish and crappie.
Practical Info
Tortilla Campground is just a couple miles away from Canyon Lake. Open October through April, it has 77 spaces. Water and sewer hook-ups are also available. Canyon Lake is 45 miles east of Phoenix. The only way to get there is using the Apache Trail (Highway 88) from Apache Junction. The 15 miles to the lake are fully paved. There are many sharp turns, but the stretch includes colorful desert scenery.
Address: Tonto National Forest, Arizona, USA
From $ 137
Phoenix Art Museum
From the 1796 oil-painted image of George Washington by Gilbert Stewart featured on the dollar bill, to modern couture fashion, ancient Japanese samurai armor-wear and even works by Monet or special exhibits featuring drawings by the likes of Michelangelo, the Phoenix Art Museum is vast and varied in its collections. The 285,000-square-foot space spans four floors and has grown to become the largest art museum in the southwestern United States and a top Phoenix visitor destination since its 1959 opening. Days could be spent examining the 18,000 pieces of contemporary, fashion, modern and photographic art as well as traditional American, Asian, European and Latin American art in its regular collections. Out of state visitors will appreciate the region-evoking Western American collection in the upper level's north wing.
Live performances, festivals, lectures, independent art films shown in its 300-seat theater and the PhxArtKids Gallery"”which encourages families to think creatively and make art onsite"”make this an interactive, conversation-evoking space. The first Friday of each month, the museum stays open til 10 p.m. and a trolley connects it with other art and culture destinations downtown. The onsite Palette restaurant serves modern lunch and snack options featuring locally-sourced produce alongside Arizona-made wine and beer.
Practical Info
The museum is located at 1625 N. Central Ave and is accessible by Light Rail via the Number 10 station at McDowell and Central Streets. Paid visitor parking is one block north of the museum and can sometimes fill up. Water bottles and food are not permitted in gallery spaces. The Phoenix Art Museum is open Wednesdays from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m., Thursdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Sundays from 12 p.m. until 5 p.m. Admission is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors, $10 for students and $6 for children ages 6-17 (younger children are free). Docent-guided tours run three times during the day Wednesday through Sunday for an additional fee.
Address: 1625 N Central Ave, Phoenix, Arizona, USA 85004, USA
Hours: Open Wed 10am-9pm, Thurs-Sat 10am-5pm and Sun 12pm-5pm
Admission: Adults: $15; Seniors: $12; Students: $10
From $ 23
Wrigley Mansion
Designed as a 50th anniversary present for his wife, the Wrigley Mansion was constructed in 1932 by enterprising gum salesman William Wrigley Jr.
The mansion sits atop a hill, providing scenic views of the mountains and Phoenix landscape below. The Wrigley family sold the property in the early 1970s. After changing ownership several times, it looked as though the mansion was going to be demolished in 1992, until the Hormel family purchased the Mansion and restored it with the intention of sharing it with the public. The on-site restaurant is a popular spot to grab a bite to eat or celebrate a special occasion.
Guided tours of the Wrigley Mansion provide details about its history and fun tidbits like ghost stories that have been told over the years. Some tours include lunch at the Wrigley Mansion as well.
Practical Info
Because it is set in a residential neighborhood, the Wrigley Mansion is technically a private club. For out-of-town visitors, a $5 one-month trial membership will get you in the door. Guided tours run $15 to $25.
Address: 2501 East Telawa Trail, Phoenix, Arizona 85016, USA
Admission: $15-$25
From $ 70
Superstition Mountains
Located in Central Arizona’s Tonto National Forest -- within an hour of Phoenix -- the rugged 160,000 acre (64,750 hectare) Superstition Mountain Range is one of the state’s best hiking, rock climbing and outdoor activity attractions, especially for those with a true sense of adventure. Some popular treks in the Superstition Mountains include Miner’s Needle, Weaver’s Needle, Cave Trail and Peralta Canyon Trail (Peralta Canyon Area) and Treasure Loop Trail, Siphon Draw Trail and The Hand (Lost Dutchman Area). Those wanting to enjoy otherworldly desert scenery will love the mountain’s hoodoos and curving canyons, formed by volcanic eruptions that occurred over 15 million years ago.
Superstition Mountains is an apt name for the range, as it’s home to a number of legends. Its history dates back 9,000 years, with some of its many inhabitants including the Apache Indians, Spanish explorers, Mexican gold miners and American trappers. One story is of the “Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine,” about a man named Jacob Waltz (aka the Lost Dutchman) who supposedly knew where the world’s richest mine was -- somewhere in the Superstition Mountains -- and kept the secret even after he died in 1891. Additionally, Apache Indians believed there was a hole in the mountain that led to hell.
An interesting related attraction is the Superstition Mountain Museum in Apache Junction, where visitors can peruse artifacts, historical treasures and folklore objects from the Superstition Mountains and surrounding area. You’ll also find the Elvis Memorial Chapel, a chapel and movie museum showing films made at Apacheland. The museum is open 9am to 4pm daily (except Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day). Admission is $5 per adult, $4 for seniors 55 and over, and free for youths 17 and younger with a paid adult.
Practical Info
As the Superstition Mountains are located in the desert, it’s important to bring extra water, sunscreen and layers -- especially ones that can keep you cool -- to be prepared for the weather. The best time to visit is considered October through April, when the heat is less intense. There are two main areas when visiting (although these aren’t your only options): Peralta Canyon Area, located on Peralta Road off Highway 60, and Lost Dutchman State Park off Highway 88 toward Canyon Lake.
Address: Phoenix, Arizona, USA
From $ 137
Historic Heritage Square
Historic Heritage Square takes you back in time to Arizona’s Victorian past. The square is home to the only remaining residential structures of the original Phoenix town site. Heritage Square features eleven Victorian buildings, each with its own unique design, history, and purpose. Today, the buildings have been refurbished and reopened as museums, restaurants, and shops. Each building is designed to give visitors a taste of life back in the original Phoenix settlement. The Baird Machine Shop, for example, was built in 1929 as a commercial structure. Today it is home to Pizzeria Bianco, a local pizza place featuring a wood-burning brick oven, homemade mozzarella cheese, and locally grown vegetables.
The cornerstone of the square is the Rossen House, a 2,800 square feet (260 square meters), fully restored, Victorian home which is now regularly open for guided tours. Build in 1895, the home features ten rooms and five fireplaces. Exhibits such as “A Victorian Christmas” and “A Victorian Wedding” all help the museum capture and show life as it was in the early twentieth century.
Practical Info
The square is located within the Heritage and Science Park, which, in addition to Heritage Square, also includes the Arizona Science Center, the Phoenix Museum of History, and a variety of shops and restaurants. The park is located in downtown Phoenix on Northwest corner 6th Street and Monroe. Today, Heritage Square is run by Heritage Square Foundation and Guild, a non-profit organization which aims to preserve the historical value of the buildings while educating visitors through special exhibition, events, and activities.
Address: 115 North 6th Street, Phoenix 85004, USA
Hours: Hours vary for each building
Admission: Some attractions may have admission fees
From $ 15
Hard Rock Cafe Phoenix
The Hard Rock Cafe Phoenix was originally opened in 1995, and then relocated in 2002 to its present downtown location.
The new cafe has 8,000 square feet of space in which to welcome diners and guests, right in downtown Phoenix in Copper Square. It's close to the many sports venues as well as the Arizona Science Center and the convention center, making it an easy place to enjoy that famous Hard Rock food before or after an event.
The Hard Rock Cafe in Phoenix, like all Hard Rock Cafes, has a restaurant focusing on traditional American favorites, plus a full bar with a lively atmosphere. There's a shop at the same location selling all the Hard Rock Cafe memorabilia.
Practical Info
Phoenix's Hard Rock Cafe is in the Collier Center, and the restaurant, bar, and Rock Shop are all open Sunday-Thursday 11am-11pm, and Friday-Saturday 11am-12am.
Address: 3 S 2nd St, Phoenix, Arizona 85004, USA
Hours: Sun-Thurs 11am-11pm, and Fri-Sat 11am-12am
From $ 32
Scottsdale Fashion Square
Featuring some of the area’s top boutiques and shops, Scottsdale Fashion Square is Arizona’s largest shopping destination with miles of more than 250 stores, 40 of which cannot can be found elsewhere in the state. A range of different retailers can be found, including luxury brands such as Tiffany & Co., Prada, Neiman Marcus, Jimmy Choo, Burberry and Nordstrom.
The three-story mall features unique architecture, a food court, wine bar, several restaurants, and movie theater. There is also a free playground area for toddlers. The experience is highly stylized and mostly indoors, with an abundance of large windows letting in natural light. An onsite concierge can help with amenities, services, and transportation options, including a free trolley that runs throughout. There are also seasonal events held inside at the Scottsdale Fashion Square. It is one of the thirty largest shopping malls in the country.
Practical Info
Located at 7014 East Camelback Road in Scottsdale, the shopping area is open Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 9 pm and from 10 am to 6 pm on Sundays. Individual store hours may vary.
Address: 7014 E Camelback Rd, Scottsdale, Arizona, USA
From $ 25
SEA LIFE Aquarium Arizona
The SEA LIFE Aquarium near Phoenix is home to over 5,000 animals and is an excellent attraction for families. One major draw is you don’t simply look at animals, you interact with them. First of all, the aquarium hosts a number of educational talks as well as feeding demonstrations with rays and sharks. Additionally, a touch pool allows you to hold crabs, starfish, sea squirts and shellfish.
While there are many animals to explore at SEA LIFE Aquarium, there are some visitor favorites. One is a white tip reef shark -- especially interesting to watch during feeding time -- named Jr. residing in a 161,000 gallon (60,9451 liter) ocean tank. There’s also Loki the Giant Pacific Octopus, known as the trickster around the aquarium and a lover of shellfish and crustaceans. Then there’s Zival, Arizona’s first green sea turtle and an herbivore that lives in the water but breathes oxygen. Fun fact: Did you know female green sea turtles will swim thousands of miles just to lay their eggs in the same place they were born? These are just a few of the interesting resident creatures you’ll encounter at the SEA LIFE Aquarium.
Practical Info
Hours are 10am to 7:30pm Monday through Saturday; 10am to 6pm on Sunday; 10am to 6pm on December 24; and 10am to 5pm on December 25. Tickets are $18 for adults and $13 for kids.
Address: 5000 S. Arizona Mills Circle, Ste. 145, Tempe, Arizona 85282, USA
Admission: Adults: $18; Children: $13
From $ 17
National Geographic Grand Canyon Visitor Center
Sometimes the visitor center is nearly as grand as the actual destination. That’s definitely the case as the National Geographic Grand Canyon Visitor Center located at the South Rim entrance.
Travelers can gather plenty of free park maps, check out an IMAX movie about the Natural Wonder, get expert advice on planning the perfect Grand Canyon experience, books hotels and pick up park passes at this one-stop shop. Guests can also explore an extensive catalogue of sightseeing, self-guided and private tours and even get help with booking.
Travelers can gather plenty of free park maps, check out an IMAX movie about the Natural Wonder, get expert advice on planning the perfect Grand Canyon experience, books hotels and pick up park passes at this one-stop shop. Guests can also explore an extensive catalogue of sightseeing, self-guided and private tours and even get help with booking.
Practical Info
The visitor center is located at 450 State Route 64 at the park’s South Rim entrance. It is open March through October from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m. and November through February from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m.
Address: 450 Arizona 64, Tusayan, AZ, USA
Hours: Mar-Oct 8am-10pm; Nov-Feb 10am-8pm
From $ 14
Saguaro Lake
Located just outside of Phoenix, Saguaro Lake is the westernmost lake in the Salt River Project – a series of reservoirs on the Salt River, which include the famous Roosevelt Dam, built in order to sustain agricultural activities in the area and to provide drinking water to the Phoenix metropolitan area. Today, the lake is a recreational area famous for its fishing and its stunning scenery, characterized by Arizona’s signature cactus trees (the lake was, after all, named after the Saguaro Cactus) and dramatic landscapes of Stewart Mountain.
Saguaro Lake is the fourth reservoir of the Salt River Project, and is formed by the Stewart Mountain Dam. At 1264 hectares large and 90 feet deep, Saguaro Lake makes for a prime destination for fishing enthusiasts; rainbow and brown trout, several types of bass, crappie, sunfish, channel catfish and carp are found abundantly in the lake, which is regularly stocked by the Arizona Game and Fish Department. The lake is home to a quaint marina which includes the Lakeshore Restaurant and a boat concession, as well as picnic tables, boat ramps, narrated double-deck boat tours, restrooms and the Maricopa County Sheriff’s station.
Practical Info
The Stewart Mountain Dam as such is a 1,260-foot-long and 207-foot-high concrete, thin-arch dam built in 1928. It contains a hydroelectric generating unit mainly operated in the summer months. Saguaro Lake is located 41 miles outside Phoenix, Arizona in the municipality of Mesa. It can be reached in 50 minutes by car via routes 202 and 87. The area is open daily until 8pm from April through September. There are free, year-round camping facilities onsite.
Address: Tonto National Forest, Arizona, USA
Hours: Daily until 8pm from April through September
From $ 23
Apache Trail
Originally built as a copper trade route, the Apache Trail now guides travelers past steep desert mountains, cliff dwellings, lake shores, eroded canyons, and old mining towns. This scenic road winds 120 miles (193 kilometers) through Arizona’s Superstition Mountains, from the outskirts of Phoenix to the vast Theodore Roosevelt Lake.
The Basics
With activities for all types of travelers, the Apache Trail makes for a perfect day trip destination from Phoenix. Most Apache Trail tours last a full day and include vehicle transportation plus hiking, a cruise through Canyon Lake on a vessel like the old-fashioned Dolly Steamboat, and visits to historic sites. Travel along the road’s panoramic Sonoran Desert to find the eerie Tortilla Flat and Goldfield ghost towns, once-bustling mining outposts that are now 19th-century artifacts and attractions; Lost Dutchman State Park, where a legendary gold mine is said to be hidden among the red-rock hills; and the towering Roosevelt Dam. For more outdoor adventure, camp at Canyon Lake and Tonto National Forest or board a jeep for a guided desert tour of the area’s stunning geology, history, and wildlife.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Apache Trail Circle Route takes a full day to complete, although visitors can choose to stay overnight to spend more time hiking, camping, and exploring the desert.
- Take extra caution when driving, as portions of the road are unpaved and the desert’s terrain is rough and includes steep cliffs.
- Wear comfortable shoes and sun protection, and bring plenty of water.
How to Get There
Most guided tours provide transportation to and from hotels in downtown Phoenix. But, if you’re driving, start at Apache Junction, a city roughly 45 minutes from downtown Phoenix by road, where the 80-mile (129-kilometer) Apache Trail Circle Route begins. Then loop past Roosevelt Lake and head south to Globe and Miami, before turning back toward Apache Junction.
When to Get There
November through April is the best time to visit, when the weather is sunny and mild. In springtime, visitors to the Apache Trail can see wildflowers blooming throughout the desert landscape. Traffic is common during summer, when temperatures average above 100°F (38°C).
Exploring Goldfield Ghost Town
In this Old West outpost, try your luck at gold panning, explore historic shops and buildings, tour Mammoth Gold Mine, and peruse the Goldfield Museum. Satisfy your hunger with burgers and cold brews inside the saloon.
Address: USA
From $ 129