Things to do in Phoenix

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Phoenix featuring mountains and tranquil scenes
Camelback Mountain featuring a sunset and landscape views
Fountain Hills Botanical Garden which includes desert views
Tempe showing night scenes and a city
Phoenix

Phoenix Attractions

Presiding just about exactly in the middle of nowhere, Phoenix is a desert city in Arizona with more to offer than cacti and mountain views. The landscape here is riddled with golf courses, trails, and lots of parkland. On top of outdoor activities, which can be difficult to enjoy in the summer heat, there are fun things to do in Phoenix indoors all year round. Go to the Phoenix Art Museum, spend your day at a rejuvenating spa, or savor some vino at a local winery. Any way you cut it, the attractions in Phoenix make a visit here worth the trek through the desert.


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What to do in Phoenix

Free Things to Do in Phoenix

A trip to Phoenix need not cost a fortune. You can leave your wallet at home if you check out:

Cutler Plotkin Jewish Heritage Center - Chat to the friendly staff or curator and learn more about the fascinating collections on exhibit here.

Arizona State University - Downtown Phoenix - This well-known local landmark is a wonderful backdrop for some selfies.

Phoenix City Hall - If you're intrigued by bygone eras, this is one attraction you really should visit.

Heritage Square - This busy spot is a popular rendezvous point for locals and tourists alike.

Burton Barr Central Library - If you'd love to explore some of the more important or interesting places in the community, start here.

Saint Mary's Basilica - Inject a bit of spirituality into your travels by checking out this sacred site.

Sunnyslope Mountain - Take your camera and let Mother Nature stimulate your imagination.

Patriots Square Park - Whether you can tell your geraniums from gerberas, you'll no doubt find beauty in this spectacular display.

Areas & Neighborhoods in Phoenix

Despite what some might consider a relatively homogeneous geographic landscape, consisting primarily of cacti and rocks, Phoenix has a diverse cultural landscape. Neighborhoods in the Valley of the Sun range from bustling to suburban, with a lot of Mexican influence and a diverse selection of food and art. Whether you’re in town on a family vacation, business trip, or getaway with friends, there is a neighborhood in PHX that is right up your alley.

Downtown — Downtown Phoenix is the commercial hub of the city, and it also hosts Phoenix’s major sports arenas and theatrical halls. Museum buffs should also head here for their choice of interesting exhibits.

Biltmore District — You can find high-end shopping in the Biltmore District. The neighborhood is also near the Arizona Biltmore Resort, which is practically a local institution and dates back to 1929.

Chandler — Shopaholics can also indulge in Chandler, which is a suburban city in the greater Phoenix community. Aside from a large shopping center, this area also hosts the Chandler Center for the Arts.

Scottsdale — Scottsdale is also a separate city, yet remains one of the top things to do in Phoenix as it is fewer than 12 miles away. Take time for a massage on Resort Row, and visit Old Town Scottsdale for fine restaurants and boutiques.

Day trips from Phoenix can land you in neighboring areas, such as Prescott and Sedona, in just a few hours.

Things to See in Phoenix

From the artsy to the athletic, there are plenty of things to see in Phoenix. When you seek air conditioning, or simply want to relax and be entertained, take in a show at a Phoenix theater. Venues like the Orpheum Theater put on musicals, dramas, and dance performances throughout the year. Walking through Heard Museum is another of the top things to do in Phoenix, AZ. This museum showcases art from Native Americans, paying tribute to cultures native to the southwest. The Arizona Science Center has hundreds of interesting exhibits. If you want a bit more excitement, head over to the University of Phoenix stadium for an Arizona Cardinals™ game, soccer match, or other event.

Sightseeing in Phoenix

Phoenix is filled with trails perfect for biking and hiking. Locals often hike Camelback Mountain or Piestewa Peak, though plenty of less rigorous trails are available. The Phoenix Zoo has a diverse array of animal habitats for a family-friendly outing, and adults can cap off the day with an ale tasting at local breweries like the Desert Eagle Brewing Company and San Tan Brewing Company. Adrenaline junkies can also find plenty of adventures in Phoenix, including hot air balloon rides, skydiving, and hang gliding.


 

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Discover the most popular places to visit in Phoenix

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Phoenix

Downtown Phoenix which includes signage and night scenes

Downtown Phoenix

3.5/5(2,458 area reviews)

A true urban neighborhood, Downtown Phoenix boasts major sports venues like Chase Field and Footprint Center, as well as cultural attractions such as the Arizona Science Center and Phoenix Art Museum. Easily accessible via Valley Metro Light Rail, enjoy walkable streets, friendly cafes, and local businesses.

Downtown Phoenix
Old Town

Old Town

Old Town is known for its popular shops, and you can see some sights in the area like Scottsdale Waterfront and Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West.

Old Town
Papago Park featuring desert views as well as a small group of people

Camelback East

4/5(1,116 area reviews)

Adjacent to Paradise Valley and Scottsdale, Camelback East Village boasts two main cores and sits between Piestewa Peak and Camelback Mountain. Explore the vibrant 24th Street and Camelback Road or 44th Street and Van Buren Street areas.

Camelback East
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East Mesa

4/5(563 area reviews)

While you're in East Mesa, take in top sights like Salt River Tubing and jump on the metro at Superstition Springs Transit Center to see more of the city.

East Mesa
Sunset in the desert #nofilter

Central Scottsdale

4.5/5(275 area reviews)

While visiting Central Scottsdale, you might make a stop by sights like Scottsdale Ranch Park and Cactus Park.

Central Scottsdale
North Mountain showing a small town or village, landscape views and mountains

North Mountain

3.5/5(1,948 area reviews)

If you're spending time in North Mountain, you might enjoy attractions like Castles N' Coasters and Metrocenter. You might also enjoy the neighborhood's ample dining options before hopping on the metro at 19th Avenue/ Dunlap Station to see more of the city.

North Mountain

 

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Popular day trips from Phoenix

Frequently asked questions

Is Phoenix worth visiting?
With a blend of golfing and nature, there are plenty of things to do in Phoenix. While you're here, visit Old Town, a top attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Phoenix?
Kick your day off with a visit to Phoenix Zoo and LEGOLAND® Discovery Center. Then, explore different parts of Phoenix for a bite to eat and some shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Phoenix?
Old Town is one of the top tourist attractions in Phoenix and deserves a place on every to-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Phoenix?
Three days will give you plenty of time to check out the leading city attractions, including Phoenix Convention Center, Phoenix Art Museum and Arizona Science Center. The average stay in Phoenix is two days. If you have the time to extend your break, Scottsdale isn't far away.
Is Phoenix a walkable city?
It all comes down to what you'd like to see and do in Phoenix. Several key attractions, like Phoenix Convention Center and Phoenix Art Museum, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a wander around some of Phoenix's best neighborhoods, Downtown Phoenix is 1 mile away from downtown, while Encanto is 2 miles away from the city center and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Phoenix with kids?
Deciding what to do in Phoenix with kids has never been so easy. Whether you have teenagers or little ones, there's a range of family-friendly sights to keep them entertained here.

What to do in Phoenix for adults?
GCU Arena and Mill Ave are just a few of the things to do in Phoenix. With plenty of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.
Are there free things to do in Phoenix?
From checking out parks to wandering around hip neighborhoods, it's a breeze to discover free things to do in Phoenix. If you need new ideas, ask a local tour guide for some tips. Carver High School is a must for anyone looking to save on their sightseeing adventures.