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Getting Social

12 Fun Things to Do in Phoenix

Published March 06, 2024

Two hours north of Tucson and south of Sedona and minutes from Glendale lies the desert landscape of Valley of the Sun, where the air is dry but the creativity is not. Join us as we uncover 12 must-do year-round activities in Phoenix, Arizona.

This zoological park, a family-friendly Phoenix attraction, is a showcase of interactive experiences. The zoo is divided into global habitats, allowing visitors to travel the world in a day. Get up close and personal with everything from giraffes and elephants to otters and Komodo dragons at the Phoenix Zoo.

Founded by renowned pizzaiolo Chris Bianco, this celebrated pizzeria consistently ranks among the best in the country, known for its simple, yet transcendent pies. With a commitment to quality ingredients, the menu features an array of signature pizzas like the Wiseguy and the classic Margherita.

This 140-acre garden in Papago Park is home to an impressive collection of over 50,000 plants, including rare and endangered species from around the world. A stroll through the garden's various themed trails reveals the delicate beauty and resilience of cacti, succulents, and wildflowers.

In the same vicinity that houses Heritage Square, the Arizona Science Center features more than 300 permanent, maker-orientated exhibits, including a giant-screen theater and a planetarium. Visitors can enjoy a host of experiences, from exploring the human body in the 'All About Me' exhibit to unraveling the mysteries of the universe in the 'Space' gallery.

The park is a hiker's delight, with miles of scenic trails that wind through sandstone buttes, rock formations, cactus-covered hills, and the Hole-in-the-Rock, an ancient geological formation with a window framing views of the city.

With a collection of over 15,000 instruments, the MIM takes visitors on an auditory journey through the history of music. Along with a vast selection of instruments, the museum hosts concerts that represent the music of different cultures and eras. If you’re looking for an air-conditioned musical break for the summer, this is your beat!

Nestled in the heart of Phoenix, the Heard Museum is a world-renowned institution dedicated to the art, culture, and history of American Indian tribes in the Southwest. The collection includes contemporary art and diverse materials reflecting the cultural richness of Native American people.

Walking distance from Roosevelt Row, the Phoenix Art Museum spans the Americas, Europe, and Asia, featuring an array of artistic styles and mediums. Notable highlights include works by acclaimed artists such as Diego Rivera, Frida Kahlo, and Claude Monet.

Replete with over 50 miles of trails for walking and horseback riding, the terrain of South Mountain Park offers a wilderness experience minutes from downtown Phoenix and Chase Field. A few hours south of the Grand Canyon and 30 minutes west of Scottsdale, the Park lets you witness stunning sunsets from Dobbins Lookout and explore the relics of the Hohokam people who once thrived in this valley.

With two main hiking trails – Cholla Trail and Echo Canyon – this landmark offers varying levels of difficulty and stunning views of Phoenix. The challenging Echo Canyon route attracts hikers in search of a high-intensity workout and offers a picture-perfect summit.

Embark on a guided tour of the Sonoran Desert led by naturalists and learn about the iconic saguaro cactus, which can live for more than 150 years. A variety of tour options are available, from scenic drives to more immersive experiences such as hot-air balloon rides.

A true ‘happy place’ for creatives, makers, DIY-ers and decorators, the Design Center inside Living Spaces offers a one-of-a-kind chance to chat with pro designers — for free. They’ll look at your home project or ideas, help with customizing fabrics, and guide you through how to complete your vision.
Design in Phoenix >

What is Phoenix best known for?

As the Valley of the Sun, you can expect sunshine and a lot of it. Phoenix is a great place to see landmark Sonoran desertland, a plethora of museums and their claim-to-fame sports team, the Suns. Great for families with suburban and safe neighborhoods, there's a reason this city is a popular travel destination.

Is there much to do in Phoenix?

There's a lot to do in Phoenix! See the Sonoran desert, visit the Musical Instrument Museum, see the botanical garden. For the grown-ups, try the nightlife in downtown and one of the many bars, restauraunts and clubs in Roosevelt Row.

What is the number one attraction in Arizona?

The number one attraction in Arizona is hard to say, but Camelback Mountain is surely up there. The hiker's dream, it offers various trails and a spectacular view at the top. Other top attractions include Chase Field and the arts district.

Is the Grand Canyon close to Phoenix?

Phoenix is about three and a half hours south of the Grand Canyon. If you're trekking to the national park on a family trip, consider extending your drive a few hours to the Valley of the Sun. World-class golf courses, the Zoo and a whole itinerary awaits in Phoenix!

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