Must Experience Things To Do In Phoenix

Soaring above the Sonoran Desert in a hot air balloon offers breathtaking views and tranquility. One of the best Phoenix AZ attractions, the sunrise ride allows you to witness the stunning desert come alive as the sun paints the sky with vibrant colors.

As you gain altitude, Phoenix unfolds beneath you like a miniature cityscape. You'll witness the McDowell Mountains and Camelback Mountain. Be prepared to be awestruck by the vastness and beauty of the Sonoran Desert landscape, dotted with saguaro cacti and other desert vegetation.

Just a 20-minute drive from Phoenix, Old Town Scottsdale has a charming atmosphere, cultural attractions, upscale shopping, and vibrant nightlife. The shopping scene in Old Town Scottsdale is characterized by a mix of boutique shops, art galleries, specialty stores, and upscale retailers.

You'll find fashion boutiques showcasing stylish clothing, accessories, and jewelry, featuring designs inspired by the Southwest aesthetic. Art enthusiasts will appreciate the abundance of art galleries. Visitors can browse Native American crafts, including pottery, rugs, jewelry, and traditional artworks.

Whether you're seeking adrenaline-pumping water sports, peaceful relaxation, or scenic hikes, Canyon Lake has something for everyone. Cast your line for largemouth bass, rainbow trout, catfish, and other species that thrive in the lake's clear waters.

Rent a boat, jet ski, or paddleboard and explore the lake's 28 miles of scenic shoreline. Cruise past towering cliffs, discover hidden coves and soak up the breathtaking views. Keep an eye out for bald eagles, bighorn sheep, and other wildlife that frequent the area.

The Desert Botanical Garden is a must-see attraction Phoenix Arizona. The garden is home to thousands of plant species, including a vast array of cacti, succulents, trees, and wildflowers native to desert regions.

Visitors can explore themed gardens that highlight different desert ecosystems, such as the Sonoran Desert, Australian Desert, and South American Desert. Guided tours led by knowledgeable docents provide insights into the garden's plants, history, and conservation efforts.

The Arizona Opera is one of the premier opera companies in the United States. They produce a variety of operas throughout the year, from classics to contemporary works.

In addition to its main stage productions, the Arizona Opera offers a variety of other performances and programs throughout the year, including Opera Outdoors, Studio Cabaret, NextGen/Pullin Opera Studio, and education and community engagement programs.

The Arizona Science Center spans over 164,000 square feet and features a variety of interactive exhibits, educational programs, and immersive experiences for visitors of all ages. It boasts a diverse range of exhibits that cover topics such as physics, biology, astronomy, chemistry, and more. 

In addition to its exhibits and programs, it provides visitor amenities such as a gift shop, café, and outdoor courtyard for relaxation and reflection. The museum is wheelchair accessible and offers accommodations for visitors with disabilities.

Towering over the Sonoran Desert landscape, Camelback Mountain is an iconic landmark. It offers two challenging hiking trails, each with its unique features and rewards. Echo Canyon Trail is a shorter and steeper trail, whereas Cholla Trail is a longer and less steep trail.

Both trails lead to the summit of Camelback Mountain, offering panoramic views of the Phoenix metropolitan area. On a clear day, you can see for miles, taking in the city skyline, the McDowell Mountains, and even the distant Superstition Mountains.

Discover a vast collection of musical instruments from around the globe, along with interactive exhibits and performances. Musical Instrument Museum houses a vast collection of over 6,000 instruments, representing the diverse musical traditions of over 200 countries and territories.

Visitors can explore the galleries, which are organized geographically and thematically, and learn about the history, culture, and science of music from around the globe. Take a guided tour of the museum or even attend a concert or lecture.

Explore the stunning red rock formations, go hiking, and soak in the picturesque scenery. Start your day early and drive to Sedona, which is about 1.5 hours north of Phoenix. Make your first stop at the Chapel of the Holy Cross, next, head to Bell Rock for a hike.

After your hike, grab lunch in Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village. In the afternoon, take a drive on the Red Rock Scenic Byway. End your day with a delicious dinner at one of Sedona's many restaurants.

Beat the heat at water parks like Big Surf Waterpark or Oasis Water Park at Arizona Grand Resort & Spa or Wet 'n' Wild Phoenix. These water parks provide a refreshing escape from the desert heat and offer a variety of attractions and amenities for visitors of all ages to enjoy.

Whether you're seeking adrenaline-pumping slides or a relaxing day by the pool, Phoenix's water parks have something for everyone. They feature lazy rivers, wave pools, multiple water slides, and even rides.

The McDowell Mountains are another great place in the USA to go hiking, biking, rock climbing, and outdoor activities. Hikers can choose from over 160 miles of trails, ranging from easy nature walks to challenging climbs.

Bikers can enjoy a variety of trails, including singletrack and doubletrack options. Rock climbers can find challenging routes on the many rock faces in the range. Horseback riders can explore the mountains on designated trails.

Phoenix is home to some of the darkest skies in the United States, making it a great place to go stargazing. There are several places in the Phoenix area where you can go stargazing, such as the White Tank Mountain Regional Park and the Boyce Thompson Arboretum.

The dark skies make it easier to spot these celestial phenomena, especially during major meteor showers like the Perseids in August or the Geminids in December. For the best stargazing experience, plan your visit during a new moon or when the moon is in its crescent phase.

The Sonoran Desert, with its towering saguaro cacti, vibrant wildflowers, and diverse wildlife, is a landscape begging to be explored. A jeep tour is the perfect way to do just that, allowing you to venture off the beaten path and experience the desert's raw beauty in an open-air vehicle.

Most Jeep tours last anywhere from 2 to 4 hours, with options for morning, afternoon, or even sunset tours. Hold on tight and enjoy the adrenaline rush as you traverse through sandy washes, climb rocky inclines, and conquer switchbacks.

The Phoenix Art Museum is home to a collection of over 20,000 works of art, from ancient Egyptian artifacts to contemporary paintings. Visitors can explore works by renowned artists such as Claude Monet, Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, Mark Rothko, and Georgia O'Keeffe, among many others.

The collection encompasses paintings, sculptures, photography, prints, and decorative arts, offering a comprehensive survey of artistic movements and styles.

Spend a day exploring the zoo's exhibits featuring animals from various habitats around the world. This 125-acre zoo cares for over 3,000 animals with nearly 400 species represented, including many threatened and endangered species.

It is divided into several themed areas, including The Arizona Trail, Monkey Village, Stingray Bay, Africa Savanna, Primate Bridge, Discovery Center, Waterfall Plaza, The Outback Trail, and The Tropics Trail.

Sample the diverse culinary scene in Phoenix, from Southwestern cuisine to international flavors. Whether craving sushi, pad thai, falafel, or tikka masala, there's no shortage of global flavors to discover in Phoenix.

From street tacos to hearty burritos, mole sauces, and sizzling fajitas, there's no shortage of delicious fare to indulge in. Phoenix is known for other iconic dishes such as green chili stew, Navajo fry bread, prickly pear margaritas, and saguaro fruit jams.

The Heard Museum is a great place to learn about the history and culture of the Native American tribes of the Southwest. The museum has a variety of exhibits, including basketry, pottery, and jewelry.

The permanent collection is organized into several thematic galleries, each showcasing a distinct aspect of Indigenous art. It offers more than just static displays. Visitors can participate in engaging programs and events that bring Indigenous cultures to life.

The Comerica Theatre is a historic theater that hosts a variety of concerts, plays, and musicals. Concerts by popular music artists across various genres, from rock and pop to country and hip-hop are frequent here.

While commonly referred to as the Comerica Theatre, the official name is currently the Arizona Financial Theatre. The theater features a variety of concession stands offering food, drinks, and snacks. Additionally, there are merchandise booths where attendees can purchase souvenirs and memorabilia from their favorite artists or events.

Visit the famous Hole-in-the-Rock formation, stroll through gardens, and hike or bike on the trails at Papago Park. Golf enthusiasts can enjoy a round of golf at Papago Golf Course, an 18-hole championship course located within the park.

A popular attractions in Arizona Phoenix, it is also home to several ponds and lakes, providing opportunities for fishing and picnicking amidst the desert landscape. Visitors can relax by the water, enjoy a leisurely picnic, or try their hand at catching fish such as bass, catfish, and trout.

Wander through this arts district filled with murals, galleries, boutiques, and trendy eateries. Step into Roosevelt Row, and you're greeted by a kaleidoscope of artistic expression. Murals by renowned and emerging artists adorn building facades, transforming the streetscape into an open-air art gallery.

Galleries showcase diverse artistic styles, from contemporary paintings and sculptures to photography and mixed media installations. Every corner beckons you to discover hidden gems and engage with the creative energy that permeates the district.