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Phoenix is a bustling multi-cultural metropolis with a various foodie scene and unimaginable pure magnificence and surroundings. It additionally has an amazing combine between city dwelling and nature.
Being the capital metropolis comes with some main perks. There are some unimaginable purchasing alternatives There are at all times dwell occasions and leisure, so there’s by no means a scarcity of Phoenix issues to do.
For nature lovers, the Phoenix space has numerous hiking trails and countless pure magnificence. The desert panorama is the right place to mountain bike or trip an ATV. And don’t overlook to deliver your digicam together with you in your desert adventures.
The Phoenix Metropolitan space additionally consists of the cities of Scottsdale, Tempe, and Mesa. I’d extremely suggest trying out these cities whereas visiting Phoenix for their very own distinctive landmarks and sights.
The finest time of yr for touring Phoenix is November by April, when the temperature ranges from the higher 60s to the low 80s. Summer will get fairly heat, often within the mid-90s and above, however if you happen to can stand the dry warmth, you could find superb offers on stunning luxurious resorts like The Hermosa Inn.
Keep on studying to find our checklist of the very best issues to do in Phoenix. Whether you’re on the lookout for pure landscapes, thrilling metropolis life, or fascinating museums, you’ll be able to certainly discover one thing on this checklist to spark your curiosity.
TLDR
- Most important landmark – Phoenix Art Museum
- Best park – South Mountain Park
- Best free exercise – Camelback Mountain
- Best exercise for teenagers – Children’s Museum of Phoenix
- Best exercise for adults – Papago Park
- Best meals – La Santisima
- Best nightlife – Central Avenue, Downtown Phoenix
- Best all-around lodging – Hyatt Regency Phoenix
Fun & Best Things to do in Phoenix, Arizona
1. Desert Botanical Garden
Address: 1201 North Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, Arizona 85008
The Desert Botanical Garden is likely one of the finest Phoenix sights to expertise the flora of southwestern North America. The backyard covers 140 acres and options a number of trails, artwork reveals, and an interactive butterfly pavilion.
Start your go to on the butterfly pavilion, which is bound to be a deal with if you happen to’re touring with youngsters. Over 2,000 butterflies move by the open-air constructing yearly, all of that are native southwest butterfly species. Visitors can see butterflies in all levels of life, from caterpillar to chrysalis to fully-grown grownup butterflies.
The Desert Botanical Garden provides 5 loop trails ranging in size from 0.1 miles to 0.3 miles, so you’ll be able to undoubtedly slot in multiple path throughout your go to. The Sonoran Desert Nature Loop Trail takes you on a cactus-lined path with beautiful views of the mountains that encompass Phoenix.
The Harriet Ok. Maxwell Desert Wildflower Loop Trail is likely one of the longer trails however definitely well worth the stroll. The path is lined with stunning native wildflowers and infrequently attracts three native species of hummingbirds.
This charming one-story home is situated simply outdoors the Desert Botanical Garden in Old Town Scottsdale. It’s a beautiful, quiet place to base your self if you happen to’re touring with your loved ones or a gaggle.
2. South Mountain Park
Address: 10919 South Central Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona 85042
South Mountain Park is the biggest municipal park within the United States and has the good designation as a Phoenix Point of Pride.
The Phoenix Points of Pride are 33 landmarks all through the Phoenix space which can be imagined to signify the very best locations for each guests and residents to go to. You will discover many extra of them on our checklist.
As one of many largest city parks, it covers over 16,000 acres and consists of over 58 miles of trails that undergo the Phoenix mountains. The park is the right place if you happen to’re seeking to do some mountaineering, mountain biking, and even horseback using.
Trails within the park vary from simple to tough and are simple to seek out. Make positive to cease at a ranger station or the training middle for a map of the paths. The Judith Tunell Accessible Trail is paved and accessible for all ranges of hikers. Water stations, benches, and coated areas can be found on this 0.5-mile-long path.
If it’s your first time visiting South Mountain Park, I like to recommend occurring a guided hike like this one. This 3-hour guided hike occurs within the night, the right time to catch the sundown over the horizon. It’s a good way to discover countless mountaineering trails and work out which of them you’d prefer to return to.
Your educated information also can inform you about native vegetation and the geology of the world.
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3. Mystery Castle
Address: 800 East Mineral Road, Phoenix, Arizona 85040
Located inside the South Mountain Park is the uniquely-designed Mystery Castle. The one-of-a-kind mansion was constructed by Boyce Gulley for his daughter, Mary Lou. He was impressed by their time constructing sand castles on the shores of Seattle.
Sadly, Boyce left his household in 1927 after contracting tuberculosis. He didn’t need to infect them nor permit them to witness his demise, so he left Seattle for Phoenix and made the Mystery Castle his primary goal.
His household didn’t discover out this data till they obtained a telegram notifying them of his dying in 1945. Unfortunately, he handed away proper earlier than the fortress was full.
The Mystery Castle took 20 years to construct. When the mansion was accomplished in 1945, Mary Lou moved to Arizona to present excursions of the unconventional dwelling and did so up till she handed away in 2010.
The three-story mansion consists of 18 bedrooms, 13 fireplaces, a chapel, and a dungeon, amongst many different funky options. The design of the inside and exterior offers a nod to southwestern fashion whereas incorporating downright unusual belongings you’d by no means dream of getting in your personal dwelling.
Some components of the outside wall are manufactured from wagon wheels, outdated glass plates, and mirrors held collectively by mortar made with goat’s milk. Inside, a number of partitions have been manufactured from blackboards from an outdated schoolhouse and different unusual objects.
Overall, the Mystery Castle is an especially fascinating place to go to and excessive on the checklist of must-dos in Phoenix. Pictures merely can’t do it justice; you simply need to see it in individual.
For a aspect journey, verify different high cities in Arizona. Book the Sedona Sights, History, and Shopping Open-Bus Tour.
See Related: Best Things to do in Arizona & Places to Visit
4. Phoenix Art Museum
Address: 1625 North Central Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona 85004
The Phoenix Art Museum is the biggest artwork museum within the Southwestern United States. The museum has a revolving door of non permanent reveals, so there’s at all times one thing new to see and admire.
The museum has 20,000 artworks and historic artifacts in its belief starting from the Renaissance to the current day. Works embody work, sculptures, vogue design, and pictures, primarily from North America, Latin America, Asia, and Europe.
If you propose to go to the Phoenix Art Museum, you could take a look at the Fireflies Infinity Mirror Room, one of many everlasting interactive reveals on the museum.
Created by world-renowned artist Yayoi Kusama, the exhibit’s official identify is definitely “You Who Are Getting Obliterated within the Dancing Swarm of Fireflies,” which actually sums up the illuminating expertise.
The museum is open on Wednesdays from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm and Thursdays to Sundays from 10:00 am to five:00 pm. I extremely suggest benefiting from their “pay what you would like” admission coverage which occurs on Wednesdays from 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
The Phoenix Art Museum is within the central hall of Downtown Phoenix, which is a good place to base your self if you happen to’re seeking to keep within the coronary heart of town.
Check out the hip Cambria Hotel Downtown Phoenix, which is situated only a ten-minute stroll away from the museum. This resort options trendy artwork in every room and the widespread areas.
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5. Arizona Science Center
Address: 600 East Washington Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85004
The Arizona Science Center is a science museum situated in Downtown Phoenix. There are so many everlasting reveals on quite a lot of topics, together with astronomy, pure historical past, know-how, and extra. It’s an amazing place to take a look at if you happen to’re visiting Phoenix with youngsters.
Though this attraction is great for children of all ages, adults also can be taught a factor or two whereas visiting.
The All About Me exhibit teaches youngsters about how our organs operate collectively to make our physique work daily. You can stroll by a “working” abdomen that lets guests expertise the digestive expertise or hear your precise heartbeat translated into sound on a bass drum.
Another everlasting exhibit to not miss is the American Airlines Flight Zone, the place youngsters can turn into engineers and take a look at to determine find out how to enhance airplane and helicopter designs. There is an precise fuselage within the exhibit that guests can stroll by and discover.
Plan to spend round three to 4 hours right here on the museum to essentially expertise every little thing the Arizona Science Center has to supply.
The Arizona science middle is open every day from 10:30 am to 4:00 pm, with the final entry at 2:45 pm.
Note that entry to the Flinn Giant Screen Theater and the Dorrance Planetarium aren’t included within the basic admission ticket and have to be bought individually.
6. Papago Park
Address: 625 North Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, Arizona 85008
Papago Park is a municipal park and is included in Phoenix’s checklist of Points of Pride. It’s free to enter and discover the a number of trails that run by the park. It’s an amazing place to view and take images of Saguaro cacti, that are solely present in Arizona’s Sonoran desert.
Stunning sandstone rock formations will be discovered all through the park and are glorious topics for pictures lovers. The trails in Papago park are a lot simpler than those present in South Mountain Park, so that you may go for this space if you happen to’re on the lookout for extra accessible mountaineering trails.
The most scenic spot in Papago Park is Hole-in-the-Rock, which is a sizeable cave-like rock formation that appears over a gorgeous lagoon. The path to get right here is simply 0.3-miles ranging from the principle parking zone, and the views are spectacular.
Many of Phoenix’s high sights are situated close to Papago Park, together with the Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix Zoo, and the Hall of Flame Fire Museum.
If you’re seeking to solely spend a brief period of time right here, take a look at this enjoyable Private Photography Tour that features stops in Papago Park, Camelback Mountain, outdated city Scottsdale, and Phoenix. You also can discover Papago Park on a Scottsdale Greenbelt E-Bike Tour.
This tour consists of transportation, and the information can also be a photographer who will take nice images of you and your group in these beautiful spots.
See Related: Fun & Best Things to do in Page, Arizona
7. Hall of Flame Fire Museum
Address: 6101 East Van Buren Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85008
Just a brief stroll throughout the road from Papago Park, you will see the Hall of Flame Fire Museum. It is the world’s largest museum of firefighting historical past and consists of outdated firefighting artifacts from everywhere in the world, together with England, France, Peru, and Japan.
Artifacts within the museum’s assortment date again to as early as 1725 and have been fantastically restored to their former glory.
The museum has over 10,000 artifacts which can be divided into six galleries. Each gallery is organized by kind, together with hearth alarm programs, hearth extinguishers, helmets, horse-drawn apparatuses, and motorized hearth automobiles.
The Hall of Flame Fire Museum additionally features a National Hall of Heroes that’s devoted to firefighters everywhere in the nation. The Hall of Heroes comprises a touching tribute to the 343 FDNY firefighters and NYPD officers who died within the line of obligation throughout 9/11.
The museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 am to six:00 pm.
8. Nightlife in Downtown Phoenix
Phoenix is simply teeming with superb bars, nightclubs, and eating places which can be nice for unwinding after an extended day. Whether you’re on the lookout for nice meals, nice drinks, or to bop the night time away, Downtown Phoenix has one thing for you.
You can take pleasure in a Party Bike Pub Crawl and Downtown Phoenix Food Tour.
I believe it could be felony to go to the Southwest and never strive some southwestern-style meals. La Santisima is understood for its tacos that pack a flavorful punch!
There are over 50 completely different flavored fillings to select from on your tacos, together with al pastor mahi mahi and avenue carne asada. The restaurant is embellished with artwork by modern Mexican artists.
For distinctive cocktails and craft beer, take a look at Little Rituals within the middle of Downtown Phoenix. Go for aperitivo (a.ok.a. glad hour) from 5:00 pm to six:00 pm daily for 20 p.c off cocktails and 50 p.c off small plates. I extremely suggest the crunchy asparagus and a honeysuckle spritz.
If you’re seeking to get on the dance ground, DWNTWN is Phoenix’s #1 Latin membership dance membership. It’s open each Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday night time with two dance flooring and two dwell DJs. Each room has its personal bar and completely different music types.
If you’re planning to party in Phoenix, I like to recommend staying near Central Avenue, the place many of the high eating places, bars, and golf equipment are situated. The Hyatt Regency Phoenix is only one block away from Central Avenue and options its personal nice bar.
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9. Musical Instrument Museum
Address: 4725 East Mayo Boulevard, Phoenix, Arizona 85050
The Musical Instrument Museum first opened its doorways in 2010 and is the biggest museum of its type. It’s dwelling to over 15,000 musical devices and associated artifacts sourced from each inhabited continent.
The Experience Gallery is certainly one of a number of interactive reveals inside the Musical Instrument Museum. Visitors can play enjoyable and fascinating devices from all around the globe.
The household middle is simply close by and provides an amazing house for teenagers to play and loosen up all through your time on the museum.
The Conservation Lab is a singular expertise the place you’ll be able to watch a grasp instrument restorer restore and restore fragile devices. It’s essential to protect these devices that will in any other case be misplaced in historical past. In the lab, professionals additionally carry out checks on devices to seek out out extra about their previous.
The Musical Instrument Museum is open daily from 9:00 am to five:00 pm. In addition to the musical instrument assortment, the museum additionally has a 300-seat theater that hosts many performances all year long.
10. Japanese Friendship Garden
Address: 1125 North third Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona 85003
If you’re on the lookout for a tranquil spot to loosen up in the course of town, take a look at the Japanese Friendship Garden. In 1987, the backyard was proposed as a present by the mayor of Himeji, Japan, which is Phoenix’s Japanese sister metropolis, as a option to strengthen the bond between the 2 cities.
The Japanese identify for the backyard is RoHoEn. Ro is the Japanese phrase for Heron, a logo of Himeji, Ho is the phrase for the fictional Phoenix fowl, and En is the phrase for backyard.
The backyard was accomplished in 1996 and contains a tea home with a stunning tea backyard. The friendship backyard covers 3.5 acres and has one steady path that goes all through all the space.
At the middle of the backyard is a peaceable lake with pebble shores. Pavilions encompass the lake with benches, making it a stunning spot to cease and soak up your environment.
One Saturday of every month, guests can expertise a standard Japanese tea ceremony on the tea home. It’s a stunning 30-minute expertise and undoubtedly a singular factor to do. Reservations are required for the tea ceremony; obtainable dates will be discovered on the Japanese Friendship Garden’s web site.
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11. Tempe Beach Park
Address: 80 West Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe, Arizona 85281
The city of Tempe is situated simply quarter-hour from the center of Phoenix. It’s so simply accessible by automobile and the Valley Metro Rail and ideal for a day journey. The Tempe Town Lake is a artifical reservoir and Arizona’s second most-visited attraction.
There are so many nice outside actions at Tempe Town Lake, like fishing, boating, biking, and paddle boarding. If you’re on the lookout for an amazing place to chill off, take a look at Tempe Beach Park.
The seaside park is a 25-acre space good for picnicking and stress-free. Several live shows and occasions are held at Tempe Beach Park all year long, just like the Tempe Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade, so you’ll be able to at all times discover one thing enjoyable and thrilling to do.
This Tempe Town Lake E-bike Tour is an ideal option to see the lake and surrounding areas. Your information provides you with numerous helpful data and fascinating details in regards to the Phoenix Metropolitan space.
Tempe Beach Park is open every day from 5:00 am to 12:00 am.
12. Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West
Address: 12621 North Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard, Scottsdale, Arizona 85259
Frank Lloyd Wright was a well-known American architect who designed over 1,000 constructions throughout his superb seven-decade profession. His life mission was to make the world a extra stunning place and to present that means to life. He is taken into account to be the best American architect of all time.
Taliesin West was Lloyd Wright’s desert winter dwelling and is now the headquarters of the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation. It additionally as soon as served as a campus for artwork and structure college students who labored instantly below the famed architect.
Some of probably the most well-known buildings within the United States have been designed right here, such because the Guggenheim Museum of New York City. Taliesin West was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1982 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019.
Today, the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation offers public excursions of the grounds and residential. It’s the most effective Phoenix sights for these serious about structure and historical past.
Public excursions can be found Thursday by Monday from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, with the final tour starting at 10:40 am.
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13. Phoenix Zoo
Address: 455 North Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, Arizona 85008
The Phoenix Zoo is the biggest privately-owned, non-profit zoo within the United States. It’s dwelling to over 400 species and three,000 particular person animals, a lot of whom are threatened or endangered.
There are 4 completely different trails that divide the park into 4 giant exhibit areas: Arizona, Africa, Tropics, and Children’s. The youngsters’s path is the shortest and permits youngsters to stand up near many small animals, together with sloths, gibbons, and emus.
At the tip of the path, you’re going to get to Harmony Farm, which options many livestock and the Red Barn petting zoo. It’s definitely the most effective Phoenix actions for teenagers.
The Arizona path is designed to seem like the natural landscape of the Sonoran desert and options many animals discovered within the state, together with coyotes, mountain lions, turkey vultures, and the Mexican grey wolf.
The zoo spans over 125 acres, so I’d plan a minimum of three hours to benefit from the zoo if you happen to’d prefer to see each exhibit. You could probably need extra time if you happen to’re planning to cease on the petting zoo, cease by the present store, or seize a chunk to eat at certainly one of a number of cafes and snack bars situated all through the zoo.
The zoo is open every day from 9:00 am to five:00 pm, with lowered hours from June 1st to August thirty first from 7:00 am to 1:00 pm because of excessive afternoon temperatures.
Interested?
Purchase your general admission ticket here.
14. Heard Museum
Address: 2301 North Central Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona 85004
The Heard Museum is a non-profit museum that primarily options American Indian artwork. It’s situated proper within the coronary heart of Downtown Phoenix, making it a handy cease throughout your journey to Phoenix.
There are over 40,000 objects within the museum’s everlasting assortment, together with 4,000 items of superb artwork.
Many items on the Heard Museum are from tribes situated within the larger Southwest space, together with the Navajo tribe and the Zuni tribe. There are 12 exhibit galleries, a beautiful outside sculpture backyard, and a buying and selling post-style store.
Besides the same old superb artwork, pottery, and textiles, the museum options stunning beadwork, baskets, vogue items, and jewellery.
I discovered the jewellery to be probably the most fascinating show on the Heard Museum, as you’ll be able to actually see the exhausting work that has gone into all of the intricacies and supplies used to make them.
I extremely suggest visiting the Heard Museum to really get a way of the every day lifetime of the American Indian folks and their stunning wealthy cultures and historical past.
The Heard Museum is open Tuesday by Sunday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, and your admission ticket features a guided tour of the museum.
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15. Camelback Mountain
Camelback Mountain is called one of many most scenic spots in all of Phoenix and the very best place to go for a day trip on the mountaineering trails. Trails all through the mountain vary from beginner-friendly to tough.
If you’re on the lookout for a beginner-friendly path, I like to recommend Bobby’s Rock Trail. The path is a 1.1-mile loop path and is appropriate for teenagers. It’s a enjoyable and simple option to take pleasure in beautiful mountain views with out the problem of different trails within the space.
Echo Canyon Trail and the Cholla Trail are the 2 primary trails on Camelback Mountain. These trails are tough and must be achieved by skilled hikers solely. However, the views are value it as each trails will lead you to the summit of the mountain, the place you’ll have beautiful views of town.
Whichever path you select, don’t overlook to pack numerous water, a hat, and sunscreen. The trails are finest early within the morning earlier than the warmth of the day units in. On days with extreme warmth warnings, the paths will likely be closed from 11:00 am to five:00 pm.
At the bottom of Camelback Mountain, you’ll discover The Phoenician, a Luxury Collection Resort, in all probability probably the most beautiful resort in Arizona. It options an astounding 9 swimming pools and is an unimaginable place to loosen up and unwind below the Southwest solar.
16. Echo Canyon Trail
Address: 5700 North Echo Canyon Way, Phoenix, Arizona 85018
As we talked about earlier, Echo Canyon Trail is likely one of the primary trails inside Camelback Mountain. It deserves its personal spot on this checklist as a result of it’s the preferred path to get to the summit of the mountain. It’s an amazing cease for nature lovers and avid hikers within the Phoenix desert.
The 1.2-mile-long Echo Canyon Trail is brief however steep. In this brief hike, you’ll ascend 1,280 toes, and on the high of the summit, you may be 2,704 toes above sea stage.
The path begins off as a well-marked path earlier than you’ll hit the primary of two units of railroad ties. The first set of railroad ties is steep, so make sure you take your time and focus in your foot placements.
After the second set of railroad ties, there will likely be a steep, rocky incline that lasts about 0.7 miles till you might be on the summit. While the trail could also be tough, the views are past value it. Don’t overlook to deliver a digicam to seize this glorious reminiscence!
Make positive to deliver numerous water and solar safety. Though the path is brief, most hikers take about two to a few hours to go up and again down.
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17. Pueblo Grande Museum Archaeological Park
Address: 4619 East Washington Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85034
The great Pueblo Grande Museum Archaeological Park is an amazingly-preserved 1,500-year-old archaeological website. It is believed to have been inhabited by the Ancestral Sonoran Desert folks often called the Hohokam folks.
The prehistoric village website is totally accessible and features a 0.66-mile strolling path. Along the path, you’ll be able to see excavated areas of actual prehistoric buildings together with replicas of what homes and every day life would have regarded like throughout the time of the Hohokam folks.
A duplicate backyard stuffed with corn, beans, squash, and cotton exhibits what kind of farming the folks would’ve achieved. It is believed the Hohokam folks lived within the space from 450 AD to 1450 AD. They have been additionally identified for his or her in depth canal programs that ran all through what’s now modern-day Phoenix.
The museum additionally provides many occasions and hands-on actions all year long, together with an archaeology class for teenagers and a local artwork & rug public sale.
The Pueblo Grande Museum Archaeological Park is open Monday by Saturday from 9:00 am to 4:45 pm and Sundays from 1:00 pm to 4:45 pm. Reduced hours go into impact throughout the summer time months, with the museum closed on Sundays and Mondays from May to September.
Book a Historic Oatman Mining Town Tour for extra historical past adventures in Arizona.
18. Enchanted Island Amusement Park
Address: 1202 West Encanto Boulevard, Phoenix, Arizona 85007
The Enchanted Island Amusement Park is situated inside Downtown Phoenix in Encanto Park. It options 13 primary sights for youngsters and adults of all ages. Some of the most popular attractions embody the C.P. Huntington Train, Encanto Carousel, Parachute Tower, and Pedal Boats.
The C.P. Huntington Train is a mini-replica of the unique prepare by the identical identify. This prepare performed an necessary function in constructing the western section of the primary Trans-Continental Railroad in North America.
Today, the unique steam engine prepare is on show on the California State Railroad Museum, however Phoenix guests can trip this mini-version on a seven-minute tour of Encanto Park.
The pedal boats are a private favourite of mine. This trip permits guests to go on a scenic pedal boat trip by 7.5 acres of waterways that circulation by the park. The lagoon is kind of peaceable, and you’ll take pleasure in wildlife like swans, geese, and geese.
The Enchanted Island Amusement Park is open Friday by Sunday from 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm. Admission is free, however you could pay for every particular person trip or purchase an all-day trip move.
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19. USS Arizona Memorial Gardens
Address: 7455 North Pima Road, Scottsdale, Arizona 85258
The USS Arizona Memorial Gardens is a shocking show of remembrance created by the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian group. It’s undoubtedly a cease so as to add to your must-do checklist in Phoenix.
The backyard spans the precise size and width of the USS Arizona and is printed by vibrant, white columns. Each lit-up column represents a soul that perished throughout the assault on Pearl Harbor, whereas every column that isn’t lit represents people who survived.
The relic room is a complete USS Arizona Exhibit. The exhibit contains a detailed timeline of the occasions that occurred earlier than, throughout, and after the Pearl Harbor assault. There is even a chunk of the USS Arizona’s boathouse that’s a part of the exhibit.
The USS Arizona Memorial Gardens at Salt River is free to go to and open daily from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm.
The Tru By Hilton Scottsdale Salt River is a good close by resort to base your self at. Salt River is a good, vigorous district of Scottsdale and the resort features a pretty pool and breakfast.
20. Wildlife World Zoo
Address: 16501 West Northern Avenue, Litchfield Park, Arizona 85340
The Wildlife World Zoo is situated simply half-hour to the west of Phoenix and close to Luke Air Force Base. The zoo has an expansive assortment of unique animals and in addition consists of an aquarium and safari park.
The zoo boasts the biggest assortment of unique and endangered animals in Arizona, with over 600 completely different species.
My private favourite factor to do on the Wildlife World Zoo is to take a look at the child animal nursery. Here, you’ll be able to see the cutest child animals starting from lions to hyenas.
The new residents on the nursery change month-to-month, so you’ll be able to virtually at all times catch a unique cute animal on the nursery.
There are additionally numerous animal feeding stations all through the zoo, together with giraffes, parrots, and stingrays.
The 15-acre safari park can also be a must-do on the zoo. Visitors can select to stroll by the safari park or take a tram trip to see all of the animal reveals.
The zoo is open every day from 9:00 am to six:00 pm, and the aquarium is open every day from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm.
See Related: Best Things to Do in Scottsdale, Arizona
21. Children’s Museum of Phoenix
Address: 215 North seventh Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85034
If you’re on the lookout for the very best exercise in Phoenix for teenagers, look no additional! The Children’s Museum of Phoenix options over 300 interactive experiences for teenagers ranging in age from below one yr to age ten.
Activities within the museum vary from artwork to textures and from meals preparation to dam play. All reveals are open-ended, permitting youngsters to make use of their creativeness and have significant experiences.
I like the idea of the kids’s backyard, situated proper outdoors the doorway of the museum. It’s stuffed with seasonal flowers, herbs, and greens. Children are free to discover the backyard independently or be taught from a program facilitator.
The museum is actually an enriching expertise for teenagers of all ages and must be on the high of your checklist if you happen to’re touring to Phoenix with your loved ones.
The Children’s Museum of Phoenix is open every day from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.
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22. Phoenix Fan Fusion
Address: Phoenix Convention Center, 100 North third Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85004
Looking to find your interior nerd?
Check out Phoenix Fan Fusion! Formerly often called the Phoenix Comic Fest, Phoenix Fan Fusion is an annual occasion held to have a good time popular culture.
Phoenix Fan Fusion started as a one-day comedian e book conference and has now grown to a four-day occasion held each summer time, often on the finish of May.
The popular culture occasion options an exhibition corridor, fandom actions, panels, and meet and greets.
In the exhibition corridor, you’ll be able to meet a whole bunch of distributors and artists together with a few of your favourite characters. It’s an amazing place to buy merch and memorabilia out of your favourite exhibits and flicks.
Many attendees select to decorate as their favourite characters and heroes, so don’t be afraid to do the identical! Events like Phoenix Fan Fusion can typically be one of the simplest ways to fulfill your favourite actors and get an inside take a look at a few of your favourite exhibits, films, and books.
If you’re on the town particularly for Phoenix Fan Fusion, you’ve a number of close by resort choices. I like to recommend the Holiday Inn Express & Suites – Phoenix Dwtn. I like the Holiday Inn Express model as a result of they at all times have pleasant employees and a free breakfast.
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23. Tonto National Forest
Address: Chandler, Arizona 85224
The breathtaking Tonto National Forest is situated simply half-hour away from Phoenix in Chandler, Arizona. It is the ninth largest forest within the United States and the biggest nationwide forest within the state of Arizona.
The forest encompasses over 600,000 acres of the wild west and is arguably probably the most rugged however stunning panorama within the nation. Here, you will see lakes, dense pine forests, and seemingly countless deserts.
It’s really an unimaginable place to expertise the uncooked, pure great thing about the Southwestern United States.
This is unquestionably the place if you happen to’re seeking to have superb outside adventures. Mountain biking, tenting, and mountaineering are all nice issues to do on this nationwide forest.
One of the most scenic spots on this nationwide forest is the Fossil Creek Wild and Scenic River. The river is 17 miles lengthy and has probably the most extremely clear water you’ve ever seen.
Along the river, you might also see a number of various native species of vegetation and animals.
The Four Peaks Wilderness Area is one other common spot inside the nationwide forest. The Four Peaks is likely one of the most recognizable landmarks in central Arizona and will be seen from miles away.
24. Penske Racing Museum
Address: 7125 East Chauncey Lane, Phoenix, Arizona 85054
The Penske Racing Museum hosts an enormous assortment of Penske race vehicles and different racing memorabilia. The Penske Racing staff has had over 500(!) lifetime wins over 50 years, so you’ll be able to think about how in depth the gathering is.
There are 13 race-winning vehicles on show, together with a number of winners of the Indy 500.
The Indy 500 is an annual race held in Indianapolis, Indiana. As its identify suggests, the closed-course race goes on as drivers compete to turn into the primary to drive 500 miles on the course. The occasion is likely one of the largest and hottest sporting occasions on the planet.
The Penske Racing Museum is a great place to visit for all automobile fanatics and people within the sport of automobile racing.
The Penske Racing Museum is open daily. The hours on Monday by Saturday are 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, and on Sundays, it’s open from 12:00 pm to five:00 pm.
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25. Old Town Scottsdale
Scottsdale is likely one of the smaller cities situated inside the Phoenix Metropolitan Area. It’s an amazing space to go to and in addition a spot that many individuals within the space select to dwell, because of its low crime fee and nice college system.
Scottsdale is most well-known for its pretty outdated city, vibrant artwork scene, and superb golf programs. Old Town Scottsdale is actually harking back to the wild west and embodies that rugged western spirit. This a part of city is situated close to East Main Street.
While the buildings could seem like they’re straight out of a rustic western film, they’re dwelling to some superb eating places, enjoyable bars, and exquisite artwork galleries.
When strolling by Old Town Scottsdale, you could cease to admire the Old Adobe Mission.
The mission was constructed by Mexican settlers in 1937 utilizing adobe, which is a mix of earth and different natural supplies. The mission options beautiful stained glass home windows, which is definitely a sight to behold.
I extremely suggest occurring a small group tour of Old Town Scottsdale with an skilled and educated information who may give you lots of the background and historical past of the world.
If you’re on the lookout for slightly extra enjoyable, take a look at this Party Bike Pub Crawl of Old Town Scottsdale. This is such a singular and enjoyable option to see a brand new metropolis, and also you’ll be capable of cease at a minimum of three completely different bars throughout your tour.
If the great thing about Scottsdale has you hooked, contemplate basing your self on this stunning desert city. The Saguaro Scottsdale is a gorgeous resort situated proper in Old Town Scottsdale. The property boasts two superb outside swimming pools and is lower than one mile from the Continental Golf Course.
26. McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
Address: 7301 East Indian Bend Road, Scottsdale, Arizona 85250
The McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park is a 30-acre park that options a number of completely different railroads and trains for guests to trip and discover. In addition to the trains, the park additionally options the Scottsdale Railroad Museum.
Within the museum, there are a number of fascinating everlasting reveals. My favourite exhibit is the merci prepare automobile, which was given to Arizona from France in 1948 after the conclusion of World War II.
When the battle was over, France despatched over a prepare automobile stuffed with donated objects to every state to thank the US for its participation and assist within the battle.
Another common exhibit within the museum is the Magma, Arizona Railroad Engine. This engine was used to maneuver copper ore between Superior and Magma, Arizona. It was in service for 54 years earlier than being retired.
There are a number of trains that take guests all through the park. The Arboretum Train takes riders all through the park’s two-acre desert space and is a great hidden gem inside the railroad park.
The McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park is open daily from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm.
See Related: Useful Tips for Long Distance Train Travel
27. Hot Air Balloon Flight over Phoenix
Address: 702 West Deer Valley Road, Phoenix, Arizona 85027
Looking for a singular option to see Phoenix?
Try a Hot Air Balloon Flight!
The stunning panorama of the Sonoran Desert is finest appreciated from above, the place you’ll be able to see simply how far the desert stretches. A sizzling air balloon is an exhilarating option to get the very best views of the desert, no mountaineering required.
In the air, you’ll be capable of see famous landmarks comparable to Camelback Mountain, the Sonoran Desert Preserve, and Downtown Phoenix. It’s really a magical expertise and undoubtedly one that you just’ll look again on and keep in mind fondly for years to come back.
This tour takes off within the morning whereas the air continues to be cool and crisp. It’s the right time to benefit from the surroundings earlier than the solar warms up the day.
The flight will final about one hour and is managed by an FAA-certified licensed pilot.
Once you’re again on the bottom, you’ll be handled to a superb breakfast full with champagne. Really, might there be something higher?
28. The Phoenix Symphony
Address: 75 North 2nd Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85004
If you’re serious about some stunning dwell music, take a look at The Phoenix Symphony.
The Phoenix Symphony is town’s solely full-time, skilled symphony and orchestra and the biggest performing arts group in all the state of Arizona.
The symphony was first based in 1947 as a small, part-time symphony practising and performing within the city’s highschool and has since grown to a full-time symphony full with its personal symphony corridor.
Throughout the yr, the symphony hosts world-renowned visitor conductors and artists. The symphony primarily performs classical, chamber, and pop live shows but in addition sometimes performs particular exhibits for households and kids.
The Phoenix Symphony performs a number of live shows every month, so there’s virtually at all times one thing to see at Symphony Hall.
This is a good exercise if you happen to’re on the lookout for superb dwell music performances within the night or only a nice indoor exercise in the course of the afternoon.
See Related: Best Music Festivals to Attend This Summer
29. Heritage Square
Address: 115 North sixth Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85004
Heritage Square is a stunning place to go to to find the Victorian previous of Downtown Phoenix. The sq. dates again to the late 1800s and is dwelling to a museum, eating places, and a science park.
The Rosson House Museum is the crown jewel of Heritage Square. It is a fantastically restored Victorian dwelling that was initially inbuilt 1895. The museum particulars the wealthy historical past of Phoenix and is simply accessible on a guided tour.
Tours of the Rosson House Museum final roughly 60 minutes and consists of all areas of the house. The customer middle is open on Fridays and Saturdays from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm and Sundays from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm; excursions occur each hour on the hour.
There are 5 different primary buildings inside Heritage Square, together with the Baird Machine Shop, Thomas House, Teeter Carriage House, Silva House, and Bouvier-Teeter House. Each constructing has its personal distinctive fashion typical to the time it was constructed.
This is likely one of the finest historic neighborhoods within the Southwest to go to and to get a really feel of what life was like again within the late 1800s and early 1900s. The Heritage Square Foundation does a beautiful job at preserving artifacts and educating guests in regards to the space.
30. Canyon Lake
Located simply 45 minutes outdoors of Phoenix, the gorgeous Canyon Lake is an excellent place to flee the bustling metropolis and loosen up on the water. The lake is extraordinarily giant, spanning over 900 acres, so there’s definitely quite a bit to see and discover within the space.
Start off by trying out Canyon Lake Marina and Campground, which rents out an assortment of water toys, together with canoes, kayaks, and jet skis. The lake is superb for all kinds of water actions, however jet snowboarding is unquestionably certainly one of my favorites.
Fishing can also be an amazing exercise to do at Canyon Lake. The lake is teeming with numerous species of fish, together with rainbow trout, bluegill, catfish, and smallmouth bass. There are locations on the marina that can lease out fishing poles and promote bait.
If you get hungry, take a look at Tortilla Flat Saloon within the small close by city of Tortilla Flat. They serve traditional all-American dishes, together with burgers and chili.
There aren’t any lodging close by until you might be touring in an RV or planning to camp out in a tent. For this purpose, it could be finest to lease a automobile if you need to go to Canyon Lake.
If your on the lookout for extra water-related actions, take a look at Willow Beach Emerald Cave and Lake Mead Kayaking Tour.
See Related: Best Day Trips from Phoenix, Arizona
31. Go on an ATV Tour of the Bradshaw Mountains
Riding an ATV will be probably the most thrilling methods to discover a brand new place. An ATV is a good mode of transportation to discover the desert panorama of Arizona with out lots of mountaineering.
The Bradshaw Mountains are situated simply north of Phoenix and are identified for his or her excessive magnificence. The surroundings right here is completely wild, with lush mountains contrasting towards vibrant desert flora.
This Guided Arizona Desert Tour by ATV is a good choice if you happen to’d like to go to the world. Your extremely educated information will take you on rugged rocky trails by the Arizona desert.
You’ll be capable of benefit from the surrounding pure magnificence and wildlife with out having to hike for hours and hours below the new solar.
Don’t overlook to pack your digicam, sunscreen, and sun shades since you’ll undoubtedly want them. The tour will present water, however I’d additionally suggest bringing your personal as a result of you’ll be able to by no means have sufficient water whilst you’re within the solar.
32. Goldfield Ghost Town and Mine
Address: 4650 North Mammoth Mine Road, Apache Junction, Arizona 85119
The Goldfield Ghost Town and Mine is a enjoyable and funky means for the entire household to expertise life within the wild west. Located simply 45 minutes away from Phoenix, the city of Goldfield was as soon as a bustling city for these seeking to make a fairly penny on the encircling gold mines.
The city was at its peak within the Nineties however slowly turned a ghost city over the following few many years, when the grade of the ore turned too poor to be value a lot.
Of course, the preferred factor to do in Goldfield is to go to the deserted gold mines. Tours go each 10 minutes and final roughly 25 minutes.
The tour takes place underground inside the mine, the place you’ll be taught in regards to the historical past of mining from a educated tour information whereas observing actual mining artifacts.
Another nice activity for the whole family is to take a trip on the Superstition Narrow Gauge Railroad. The 1.5-mile lengthy observe takes roughly 20 minutes to tour. While on the prepare, the engineer will inform you the historical past of Goldfield and the close by Superstition Mountains.
After these two superb excursions, take a look at the saloon, retailers, and bakery, that are all open daily with various hours.
See Related: Best Museums in the US You Need to Visit
33. Apache Trail
Address: Arizona State Route 88
The well-known Apache Trail is likely one of the most important sights in all of Arizona.
The breathtaking path will get its identify because it was initially utilized by the Apache tribe to maneuver all through the Superstition Mountains. Today, the “path” is 40 miles lengthy and is formally often called Arizona State Route 88.
The street begins in Apache Junction and ends on the Theodore Roosevelt Dam. Once you get to the tip of the path, you’ll be able to select to return the way in which you got here or proceed on the loop route, which can take you thru the city of Globe.
Along the street, there will likely be many scenic locations to cease. Some locations like Canyon Lake, Tortilla Flat, and the Goldfield Ghost Town will in all probability be longer stops. Lost Dutchman State Park is a good place to get out of your automobile and stretch your legs on a number of mountaineering trails.
The winding street consists of lots of sharp turns and switchbacks, so if you happen to aren’t comfy doing this type of driving, I like to recommend this Apache Trail Day Tour. This tour encompasses a number of actions all through the 7-hour tour.
Besides driving the Apache Trail, you’ll be capable of take a steamboat ride through Canyon Lake, make a cease in Goldfield, and tour the Lost Dutchman Museum.
34. Roosevelt Row Arts District
Address: East Roosevelt Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85004
As we talked about earlier, Phoenix has a incredible artwork scene. The finest place to expertise that is within the downtown space of the Roosevelt Row Arts District.
Not solely will you discover amazing murals and distinctive artwork galleries, however the district can also be dwelling to among the finest eating places in Phoenix. If you’re on the lookout for the right brunch spot, take a look at Matt’s Big Breakfast, identified for its iconic big pancakes.
You will typically discover native artists creating intricate avenue artwork on Roosevelt Row. Stroll by The Churchill to seek out the 1 1/2 avenue mural mission, which is stuffed with a ton of avenue artwork made by a number of native muralists.
Feeling thirsty? Pop into Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co. for some refreshing artisanal beer.
Each month, Artlink hosts the First Friday Art Walk, which is a good way to get conversant in Phoenix’s thriving artwork scene. The occasion occurs every first Friday of the month from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm and is free and open to all ages.
If you’re on the lookout for someplace hip in Phoenix to base your self on, take a look at this great one-bedroom apartment proper within the arts district!
See Related: Best Places to Travel in December on a Budget
35. Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West
Address: 3830 North Marshall Way, Scottsdale, Arizona 85251
Located in Old Town Scottsdale, the Western Spirit Museum highlights life within the Old West in addition to how the historical past of the Western United States has formed the lifestyle within the area in the present day.
The museum consists of art work from all 19 states throughout the West. Exhibits embody work, drawings, sculptures, pottery, clothes, and jewellery. Each artifact tells a narrative of the place the place it was created and the individual or individuals who created it.
One of probably the most eye-opening everlasting reveals, in my view, is the “Women of the West” exhibit. It focuses on feminine artists within the late 1800s and early 1900s who lived and labored in Arizona.
Art assets and training alternatives have been few and much between presently, so these girls really persevered to make their ardour a actuality. These girls thrived and had a serious impression on the artwork tradition of the Southwest.
Visitors are free to do their very own self-guided tour or be a part of a docent-led tour. Self-guided audio excursions can be found to obtain on to your telephone.
The museum is open from Tuesday by Saturday from 9:30 am to five:00 pm and Sundays from 11:00 am to five:00 pm.
36. Castles N’ Coasters
Address: 9445 North Metro Parkway East, Phoenix, Arizona 85051
If you’re on the lookout for a enjoyable option to spend the day with the whole family, take a look at Castles N’ Coasters! The park provides so many sights, together with rollercoasters and 4 18-hole mini golf programs.
The hottest rollercoaster within the park is Desert Storm, which options large vertical drops and several other 360 loops. The Splashdown combines the fun of a rollercoaster with the enjoyable of a water trip. Watch out for the water cannons!
Other common rides embody the Patriot, Skydiver, Skywire, and the On the Ropes Challenge ropes course.
If coasters and mini golf aren’t your issues, the enormous arcade provides over 150 video games spanning three ranges. Or take a look at some amusement park classics like go-karts and the enjoyable home.
The amusement park has seven eating places and snack bars situated all through the park. Food choices vary from pizza to churros to shave ice. Check out Coaster Cakes for certainly one of my all-time favourite amusement park classics: funnel truffles!
Castles N’ Coasters is open daily from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm.
See Related: Best Places to Travel Alone in the World
FAQ
What is Phoenix identified for?
Phoenix is understood for its year-round heat climate and desert panorama. It’s the fifth largest metropolis within the United States.
What is Phoenix nightlife like?
Phoenix has nice nightlife! Check out Central Avenue in Downtown Phoenix to seek out the very best golf equipment and bars like DWNTWN and Little Rituals.
What are some enjoyable issues to do in Phoenix when it’s too sizzling?
Temperatures soar into the excessive 90s and 100s throughout the summer time months in Phoenix. If it’s too sizzling out, take a look at the Phoenix Art Museum and the Arizona Science Center.
What’s one of the simplest ways to get across the Phoenix Metropolitan Area?
Renting a automobile is my most popular means of getting round Phoenix. There is ample parking at many of the vacationer sights. However, the Valley Metro Rail (additionally referred to easily because the Light Rail), is a good and dependable option to get round inside Phoenix and among the surrounding cities.
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