75+ Things to Do in Phoenix, Arizona (2026 Guide)

It's not just seniors who have all the fun in the Valley of the Sun! Phoenix is a great place for people of all ages. Whether you want to spend time with your family or friends or explore solo, there are tons of things to do in Phoenix, and the city just keeps getting better. Some exciting new venues have opened recently, and I've made sure this guide is fully up to date so you don't waste a trip on something that's closed.

First, let's get real. Phoenix has three good weather seasons: fall, winter, and spring. But don't worry, I've got you covered for things to do in Phoenix in the summer, too! This is a great destination for family travel, girlfriend getaways (guys too!), and couples travel. In an effort to make this as comprehensive as possible, I've flagged activities that are especially good for kids, seasonal, or summer-friendly so you can plan smart.

Also, since Phoenix is so spread out and encompasses several other cities, I've included anything within a 1-hour radius. For 65+ things to do within 1-4 hours away, check out my day trips from Phoenix post!

Phoenix Museums Worth Visiting

Phoenix punches well above its weight when it comes to museums, and they're not just good for rainy days. These are some of the most interesting, interactive, and well-curated museums I've come across in any US city. They're also a fantastic escape from the summer heat, since they're fully air-conditioned.

1. Arizona Science Center

Best for: Families, kids | Summer-friendly | All ages

Arizona's largest hands-on science center, and honestly one of the best in the country for families. The museum is home to more than 300 interactive exhibits, an IMAX theater, and a planetarium. Saturday is Kids' Day, so bring the little ones and plan to spend a few hours.

Don't miss the Challenger Learning Lab, an awesome STEM program where kids can build rockets and explore robotics, and the laser shows at night. The center recently renovated its planetarium into the Dorrance DOME (opened in October 2025), now one of the most technologically advanced in North America, a 60-foot LED dome with 8K resolution. A full upgrade on an already-great institution.

Address: 600 E Washington St, Phoenix

2. Arizona Museum of Natural History

Best for: Families, kids | Summer-friendly

If you're looking for a great place to go with kids, this is a winner. More than 60,000 objects spanning natural history, anthropology, and art. Your kids will love learning about dinosaurs, panning for gold, and watching a flash-flood simulation in the gallery.

Address: 53 N. Macdonald, Mesa

3. Children's Museum of Phoenix

Best for: Young children (ages 0-10) | Summer-friendly

More than 300 play exhibits are in the heart of downtown Phoenix, spread across 48,000 square feet. I don't have kids, but every parent I know who has visited raves about how long their children are entertained here. Kids can touch, climb, and explore to their heart's content while parents (finally) get to sit down.

Address: 215 N 7th St, Phoenix

4. Heard Museum

Best for: Adults, history lovers | Summer-friendly

The Heard Museum is a must. It's the largest museum in the United States dedicated solely to American Indian art and culture, and its permanent collection, including paintings, textiles, architectural elements, masks, and jewelry, is extraordinary. The way it contextualizes Native American culture as a living, present tradition rather than just a historical artifact makes this place genuinely meaningful.

Address: 2301 N Central Ave, Phoenix

5. i.d.e.a. Museum

Best for: Families, kids | Summer-friendly

The i.d.e.a. Museum (imagination, design, experience, art) has art-inspired activities for the whole family focused on creativity, design thinking, and STEM. Genuinely fun for adults too, even if you don't have kids in tow.

Address: 150 W Pepper Pl, Mesa

6. Musical Instrument Museum

Best for: Music lovers, curious travelers, adults, older kids | Summer-friendly

I almost missed this place, and I am so glad I didn't. The Musical Instrument Museum is the only museum of its kind in the world, a collection of 8,000+ instruments from 200+ countries and territories, all under one roof. What makes it genuinely magic is the wireless headset system: as you walk through each gallery, your headset automatically syncs, and you hear instruments being played in their cultural context. It's completely immersive.

The MIM Music Theater hosts 200+ live performances per year, and there's a rotating special exhibition that changes every 10 months, exploring a specific musical tradition in depth. Don't skip the Artist Gallery, which features instruments played by famous musicians.

Address: 4725 E Mayo Blvd, Phoenix

7. Phoenix Art Museum

Best for: Adults, art lovers | Summer-friendly

The Phoenix Art Museum is the largest art museum in the Southwest, with collections spanning painting, sculpture, photography, mixed media, and fashion design from around the world. Mr. Misadventures and I visited regularly when we lived nearby; there's always something new to see.

If you can, time your visit to check out the museum's famous Black Cloud installation by Carlos Amorales in the lobby, a swarm of thousands of black butterflies that makes for a genuinely unforgettable (and very Instagram-worthy) moment. The museum store is excellent.

Address: 1625 N Central Ave, Phoenix

8. Arizona Capitol Museum

Best for: History buffs | Summer-friendly | Free admission

The Arizona Capitol Museum is a genuine hidden gem. It walks visitors through five interactive galleries covering Arizona's history from territorial times to today. My favorite exhibit the last time I visited was the Merci Trains display, French trains filled with gifts sent to thank the US for help during WWII. As someone with a French husband, that hit differently.

Address: 1700 W Washington St, Phoenix

9. Hall of Flame Fire Museum

Best for: Adults, history lovers | Summer-friendly

The world's largest collection dedicated to firefighting, with interactive exhibits tracing the history of the profession. Open year-round for self-guided tours, with extended hours in summer.

Address: 6101 E Van Buren St, Phoenix

10. Pueblo Grande Museum and Archaeology Park

Best for: History lovers | Outdoors (partial)

An extensive collection of pottery, baskets, and tools from the Hohokam people, the ancient civilization that built Phoenix's canal system more than 1,000 years ago. The on-site archaeological park is one of the few places in the Valley where you can walk the actual ruins.

Address: 4619 E Washington St, Phoenix

11. Pioneer Living History Village

Best for: Families, kids | Check hours ahead, mainly on weekends

A 90-acre open-air living history museum in North Phoenix with nearly 30 historic original and reconstructed buildings from the 1880s and early 1900s. It's run by a non-profit, and the mission, bringing the story of westward expansion to life, is done well. Note: check their current schedule before visiting, as operating days can be limited.

Address: 3901 W Pioneer Rd, Phoenix

12. Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA)

Best for: Adults, art lovers | Summer-friendly

Ranked one of the top ten museums in Arizona by Phoenix New Times, and I'd agree. SMoCA specializes in contemporary and modern art, architecture, and design, with 9 to 12 exhibitions per year and around 2,000 works in its permanent collection. The venue itself is beautiful.

Address: 7374 E 2nd St, Scottsdale

13. Scottsdale's Museum of the West

Best for: Adults | Summer-friendly

Located in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale, the Museum of the West houses almost every imaginable Western artifact, cowboy culture, Native American art, and yes, a large John Wayne memorabilia collection. The History of the West permanent exhibit covers over 450 items from Arizona's past. Guided tours and lectures are also available.

Address: 3830 N Marshall Way, Scottsdale

14. ASU Art Museum

Best for: Adults, art lovers | Summer-friendly | Free

Tucked on ASU's Tempe campus right across from Papago Park, the ASU Art Museum has a strong ongoing gallery of contemporary work by Arizona artists. It's free, newly renovated, and also supports international exhibitions. Perfect to bundle with a walk in Papago Park.

Address: 51 E 10th St, Tempe

Family Entertainment & Indoor Activities

When the thermometer is flirting with 115°F, you want a solid indoor game plan. Here's the good news: Phoenix has plenty of creative, fun ways to spend the day in the AC, and not all of them involve a mall.

15. OdySea Aquarium

Best for: Families | Summer-friendly | One of the Southwest's best

The largest aquarium in the Southwest at 200,000 square feet, OdySea gives you a serious amount of ocean to explore. Sharks, penguins, otters, and stingrays: the diversity of sea life on show is impressive. There are tank feedings throughout the day, and the touch tanks are genuinely interactive.

It's excellent for families and, honestly, a great date night, too. They sometimes have live music in the evenings. Located at the same complex as Butterfly World (Arizona Boardwalk), so it's easy to bundle both into one day.

Address: 9500 E Vía de Ventura, Scottsdale

16. Taliesin West

Best for: Adults, architecture lovers | Evening tours in summer

Visiting Taliesin West, Frank Lloyd Wright's desert winter home in Scottsdale, was one of the most enlightening experiences I've had in the Phoenix area. The organic architecture is so different from Wright's commissioned work like the Guggenheim; it feels almost grown from the desert rather than placed on top of it.

The tour guides (docents) are phenomenal. You can sit on the furniture, touch the walls, and really inhabit the space. In summer, they offer evening tours to avoid the worst of the heat; highly recommended over midday visits, since a portion of the tour is outdoors.

Address: 12621 N Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd, Scottsdale

17. Butterfly Wonderland

Best for: Families | Summer-friendly

I generally don't go out of my way for zoos, but Butterfly Wonderland is different. It's interactive, informative, and genuinely beautiful; you get up close to hundreds of butterflies in their habitat and learn about the death-defying feats of monarch migration. The monarch butterfly documentary they screen is worth watching even if you've heard it all before.

Address: 9500 E Vía de Ventura, Scottsdale, adjacent to OdySea Aquarium, both are a part of Arizona Boardwalk

18. LEGOLAND Discovery Center

Best for: Young families | Summer-friendly

The go-to indoor spot in Tempe for families with younger kids. More than 50 interactive rides, games, and activities, plus the MINILAND area where famous world landmarks are recreated in miniature LEGO form. Kids go absolutely wild.

Address: 5000 S Arizona Mills Circle, Tempe

19. Sea Life Arizona

Best for: Families | Summer-friendly

The aquarium inside the Arizona Mills shopping center has more than 5,000 animals across 30 displays, including rays, jellyfish, and octopuses. There's a 360-degree ocean tunnel that the kids love. A great backup if OdySea feels overwhelming.

Address: Interstate 10 and Baseline Rd, Tempe

20. Great Arizona Puppet Theater

Best for: Young families

This Phoenix company produces wonderful shows for children, with multiple productions running at a time and a constantly rotating schedule, and is still going strong in 2026, with shows throughout the year. Check the website for what's on during your visit.

Address: 302 W. Latham St., Phoenix

21. Organ Stop Pizza

Best for: Families | Nostalgia lovers | Summer-friendly | Year-round

Home of the Mighty Wurlitzer since 1972, Organ Stop Pizza is one of just two “pizza and pipes” restaurants left in the entire country — and it's a Valley institution. Its centerpiece is the largest Wurlitzer theater pipe organ in the world: more than 6,000 pipes (the biggest are 32 feet tall and roomy enough to fit four people inside) commanded from a console of over 1,000 keys, buttons, and switches that trigger xylophones, glockenspiels, gongs, and cymbals for a full-orchestra sound.

Organists rise up from below the floor and take requests, rolling from classical showpieces to Disney sing-alongs to pop and rock hits, all set off by dancing cat puppets, disco balls, and clouds of bubbles. Hundreds of thousands of guests pack in every year for the pizza — but they come back for the show.

Address: 1149 E. Southern Avenue, Mesa

22. Ice Skating at AZ Ice

Best for: Families | Summer-friendly | Year-round

The desert might seem like a strange place for an ice rink, but when it's 110°F outside, sitting on the ice sounds like a perfect afternoon. All three AZ Ice locations offer public skating year-round:

• AZ Ice Arcadia, 3853 E Thomas Rd, Phoenix (one ice surface, restaurant and bar)
• AZ Ice Gilbert, 2305 E Knox Rd, Gilbert (two ice surfaces, restaurant)
• AZ Ice Peoria, 15829 N 83rd Ave, Peoria (two ice surfaces, restaurant)

Admission is around $11 per person, plus $4 skate rental. Public skating times vary, so check each location's website before you go.

23. Roller Skating

Best for: Families | Summer-friendly

If blades aren't your thing, USA Skateland has three classic roller rinks across the Valley, complete with arcade games, themed nights, and the full nostalgia package:

• USA Skateland Chandler, 1101 W Ray Rd, Chandler
• USA Skateland Mesa, 7 E. Southern Ave, Mesa
• Great Skate Glendale, 10054 N 43rd Ave, Glendale

24. Crayola Experience

Best for: Families, kids | Summer-friendly

A genuinely creative afternoon for kids, they get to explore the history of crayons and color while making their own works of art. There are events for adults too (popcorn, drinks, movies), so it's not just for the under-10 crowd.

Address: 3111 W Chandler Blvd, Chandler

25. Wonderspaces Arizona

Best for: Adults, older kids | Summer-friendly

Wonderspaces is a rotating interactive art experience that's part gallery, part playground for adults. The exhibits change regularly, which means return visits always offer something new. It's one of the more creative ways to spend a few hours in Phoenix and works well as a date or group activity.

Still open at Scottsdale Fashion Square (confirmed 2026). Admission: $28 adults / $18 children. Worth checking the current exhibit before booking.

Address: 7014 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale Fashion Square

26. Cerreta Candy Co. Tours

Best for: Families, kids

Cerreta's is a genuine gem: a family-owned candy factory that's been operating in Glendale for over 55 years. Visitors can tour the factory floor and watch old-fashioned candy being made by hand, no fancy computerized machines here. The basic tasting tour ($7 per person, includes samples and a coupon) runs Monday to Friday at 10 am, 11 am, 12 pm, and 1 pm. The VIP tour, which includes a hands-on chocolate activity, runs $13 to $16.

Pro tip: call ahead to make sure the machines will be running on the day you visit. The chocolate pizza is worth the upgrade.

Address: 5345 W. Glendale Ave., Glendale

27. Activate, Scottsdale

Best for: Adults, teens | Summer-friendly

The world's first active gaming facility has landed in Scottsdale. You choose a room, pick a game, and the interactive technology reacts to your physical movements in real time. Think fitness meets escape room meets arcade. Great for groups or a different kind of date night.

Address: 4848 E Cactus Rd, Scottsdale (Paradise Valley)

28. Taroko Sports

Best for: Families, teens, sports fans | Summer-friendly

A Taiwanese entertainment company is bringing batting cages, HitTrax swing suites, electronic darts, miniature bowling, and arcade games to the Valley. Two locations, Mesa (opened July 2025) and Chandler (opened November 2025).

Address: Mesa: 1738 W Rio Salado Pkwy | Chandler: 865 N 54th St

29. See the Suns, Diamondbacks or Cardinals

Best for: Sports fans | Seasonal

Phoenix is a proper sports city now, with several professional teams worth catching live:

• Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB baseball), Chase Field, downtown Phoenix. One of the most fan-friendly ballparks in the league, with a retractable roof, which means summer baseball is perfectly air-conditioned.
• Phoenix Suns (NBA basketball), Footprint Center, downtown Phoenix. Fun atmosphere and easy access.
• Arizona Cardinals (NFL football), State Farm Stadium, Glendale. The Cards have a rich history dating back to 1898. Look it up!
• Arizona Coyotes are no longer based in Phoenix (relocated to Salt Lake City in 2024). Hockey fans should check out the Fire ‘n' Ice Sports Arena, opening in North Phoenix in Fall 2026, with two full NHL-regulation ice surfaces, plus restaurants, a fitness center, and a hotel.

Parks, Gardens & Green Spaces

The desert may be hot, but it's beautiful, and Phoenix has done a remarkable job creating parks, gardens, and outdoor spaces that make the most of the landscape. From sculptural botanical gardens to geological wonders to shaded riverside parks, here's where to get outside.

30. Desert Botanical Garden

Best for: Everyone | Year-round | Especially magical at dusk

The Desert Botanical Garden is one of the best botanical gardens I've been to anywhere in the world, not just in the US. It has 140 acres of grounds, over 20,000 plants, and a world-class cactus collection. There's always a rotation of new artists exhibiting, and the plants bloom at different times throughout the year, so no two visits are the same.

The seasonal events are worth planning around: the holiday luminaria light show (fall/winter) is stunning, and Flashlight Nights in the summer offer a completely different atmosphere. The restaurant and shop are both excellent. There's also a regular food festival.

Address: 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix

31. Japanese Friendship Garden

Best for: Everyone | Year-round | Budget-friendly

Contributed by Sam of My Flying Leap

If you're looking for a break from the Phoenix desert, the Japanese Friendship Garden is the place. As soon as you enter, it feels like you've been transported to an authentic Japanese garden, a lush 3.5-acre setting with a koi pond housing 300+ fish, stone footbridges, lanterns, and a tea house offering tea ceremonies. A 12-foot waterfall anchors the middle of the space.

The garden was created through a cultural exchange between Phoenix and its Japanese sister city, Himeji. Educational tours are available. Now you know where to find me when I need a breather from the desert.

Address: 1125 N 3rd Ave, Phoenix

32. McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park

Best for: Families | Year-round

Take the kids for a ride on a vintage train at this 475-acre park in Scottsdale. It's home to the world's largest operating steam locomotive, a train museum, and playgrounds. Classic Phoenix family outing.

Address: 7301 E Indian Bend Rd, Scottsdale

33. Heritage Square

Best for: History lovers, families | Year-round

One of Phoenix's most photogenic spots, the historic district features buildings, shops, and restaurants that recreate different periods in Phoenix's early history. Well-maintained and pleasant to wander, especially in cooler weather.

Address: 113 N 6th St, Phoenix

34. Tempe Beach Park

Best for: Families, dog lovers | Year-round

A versatile park along Tempe Town Lake with great playgrounds, picnic areas with grills, fitness equipment, covered tables, and one of the best dog parks in Phoenix for off-leash time. In summer, check out Glow Kayaking Fridays; paddling on the lake after dark with illuminated kayaks is surprisingly fun.

Address: 80 W Rio Salado Pkwy, Tempe

35. Boyce Thompson Arboretum

Best for: Nature lovers | Best in spring

The oldest botanical garden in Arizona (open since 1928), about an hour east of Phoenix near Superior. Home to plants from around the world, with themed hikes, summer concerts, and more. Worth the drive if you're spending a few days in the region.

Address: 37615 E Arboretum Way, Superior

36. Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch

Best for: Nature lovers, birders | Year-round | Free

When you walk into the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch, the dry desert suddenly gives way to 110 acres of lush green trees, a lake, and seven ponds. It's a genuine oasis and a fantastic place to bike, trails and sidewalks are all bike-friendly. On Friday and Saturday evenings in the summer, the Gilbert Rotary Centennial Observatory in the park opens up for public telescope viewing.

Address: 2757 E. Guadalupe Road, Gilbert

37. San Tan Mountain Regional Park

Best for: Hikers, bikers, families | Night biking on Wednesdays in summer

A popular park for hikers, bikers, and equestrian trail riders, with open meadows, lakes perfect for waterfowl viewing, and beautiful Sonoran Desert scenery. Wednesday evenings in summer feature nighttime biking adventures, a great way to enjoy the trails in cooler temperatures.

Address: 6533 W Phillips Rd, Queen Creek

38. Cave Creek Regional Park

Best for: Camping, hiking | Reserve in advance

Contributed by Jessica of Unearth the Voyage.

One of the best things to do right outside of Phoenix is to go camping at Cave Creek Regional Park. What makes it special? Every single campsite has at least one Saguaro cactus. Waking up next to a 200-year-old Saguaro is a genuinely moving experience. Ranger-led hikes, native seed collection events, and bird walks happen regularly. There are also sunset horseback rides at nearby ranches.

Reservations are required and fill up fast, especially on weekends. Book as soon as you know your dates.

Address: 37019 N Lava Ln, Cave Creek

39. Papago Park

Best for: Everyone | Free | Year-round | Geological wonder

Papago Park spans both Phoenix and Tempe and is one of my favorite free things to do in the entire city. The geological formations are extraordinary, especially the Hole-in-the-Rock, a naturally eroded sandstone formation that the Hohokam people used as a calendar device (the ray of sunlight through the opening marks the summer and winter solstices). It's both a geological feature and an archaeological site.

The park also contains the Phoenix Zoo, the Desert Botanical Garden, and Papago Park's own Hunt's Tomb, a small white pyramid where Arizona's first governor is buried.

Popular trails: Hole-in-the-Rock (short, easy), Double Butte Loop (2.3 miles). Less than 10 minutes' walk from the main parking area.

Address: 1000 N College Ave, Tempe (main trailhead)

Outdoor Activities in Phoenix

Beyond the parks and trails, Phoenix has a fantastic variety of outdoor activities and experiences. From catching spring training baseball to hunting murals on Roosevelt Row, here's what to do outside.

40. Phoenix Zoo

Best for: Families | Year-round (better in cooler months) | Best privately-owned zoo in the US

Contributed by Debbie Fettback of  WorldAdventurists.com.

The Phoenix Zoo is the largest privately owned, non-profit zoo in the United States, running entirely on admissions, memberships, and donations. It has 125 acres of natural habitat and more than 1,200 animals across four main trails: Africa, Arizona, Tropics, and Children's.

Go beyond the trail-wandering and do some of the add-on activities: camel rides, giraffe feeding, stingray touching at Stingray Bay, and petting barn animals at the Red Barn. The 25-minute narrated safari cruiser tour is also worth it for first-timers.

Phoenix summers are brutal, so aim for a fall-through-spring visit. The Zoo opens at 7 am during the summer for early-morning visits before the heat sets in.

Address: 455 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix

41. Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park

Best for: Families | Year-round

I drove past Wildlife World hundreds of times on the 303 before I finally stopped, and I could always see the bison from the highway! The park has 600 animal species, a baby-animal nursery, amusement-park rides, big-cat exhibits, and a kangaroo walkabout.

If you go, have a meal at Dillon's KC BBQ inside the park; it has a shark tank right there in the dining room. And here's a secret: you don't have to pay park admission to eat at the restaurant.

Address: 16501 W. Northern Ave., Litchfield Park

42. Spring Training (Cactus League)

Best for: Baseball fans | Seasonal: February to March

Spring training is the heart and soul of Phoenix in March. From Mesa to Peoria, Surprise to Salt River Fields, 15 professional MLB teams play across the Valley in the Cactus League. Cheaper tickets, more intimate stadiums, and genuine player access, I love it. My very skeptical French husband, who has sat through more than a few baseball games without ever being converted, actually enjoyed spring training.

Address: Various stadiums across the Greater Phoenix area. Check the Cactus League website for schedules

43. Mural Hunting in Roosevelt Row

Best for: Everyone | Year-round | Free

There are hundreds of murals in Phoenix, and Roosevelt Row is the epicenter. The neighborhood's history is rich; originally cotton fields in the 1880s, it became an arts district in 2002 and now houses galleries, live music venues, independent boutiques, and some of the best street food in the city.

Spend an afternoon wandering and see how many murals you can find. The area around Roosevelt Street and 3rd Street is where most of the concentration is, but the art spills out for several blocks in every direction.

Address: 333 E Roosevelt St, Phoenix

44. First Fridays Art Walk

Best for: Everyone | Monthly, first Friday, 6 to 9 pm | Free

Downtown Phoenix's monthly First Fridays Art Walk is one of the best free events in the city. On the first Friday of every month from 6 to 9 pm, the streets around the Central Arts District come alive with live performances, food trucks, art galleries, and artists showcasing their work. Three main areas: Civic Space Park, Steele Indian School Park, and the Central Arts District.

Address: Downtown Phoenix, multiple locations

45. Roosevelt Row Sidewalk Saturdays

Best for: Everyone | Weekly, Saturdays 10 am to 3 pm | Free

A new weekly artisan market has set up in Roosevelt Row every Saturday from 10 am to 3 pm, with 30+ vendors. A great complement to First Fridays, or its own reason to visit the neighborhood.

Address: Roosevelt Row, downtown Phoenix

46. Agritopia

Best for: Families | Year-round

Agritopia is a unique sustainable urban agricultural park in Gilbert, part living museum, part neighborhood, part working farm. Learn about renewable energy and solar power at the Historic Farmstead, or pick up local produce at the on-site Market at Agritopia. A calming, grounding afternoon when the city gets overwhelming.

Address: 3000 E Ray Rd, Gilbert

47. Queen Creek Olive Mill

Best for: Families, foodies | Year-round

Arizona's only working olive farm and mill, they grow and cold-press their own olives into extra virgin olive oil, which you can buy on-site along with balsamic vinegar, table olives, and more. There's a constant calendar of events including live music, food trucks, and farm-to-table food tours.

Address: 25062 S Meridian Rd, Queen Creek

48. The Pemberton

Best for: Adults, food lovers | Year-round

A creative food, retail, art, and entertainment hub built inside a collection of vintage trailers, with themed zones including an Italian beach club, Tokyo Alley, and a 1960s Palm Springs resort-inspired section. Think of it as a curated outdoor market meets a social hangout. A genuinely fun afternoon.

Address: Downtown Phoenix, check website for current location and hours

49. Adobe Dam Recreation Area

Best for: Families, outdoor lovers | Year-round

A versatile recreation area with hiking, camping, fishing, and mountain biking. Two lakes, Lake Pleasant (2,000+ acres) and Adobe Reservoir (1,800+ acres), both with excellent fishing. Wildlife here includes deer, javelina (AKA peccary), coyotes, and wild donkeys.

Address: 23280 N 43rd Ave, Glendale

Hiking Near Phoenix: Best Trails for All Levels

Hiking in Phoenix is unlike hiking anywhere else; you're moving through one of the most visually dramatic desert landscapes on earth, with towering Saguaro cacti, red rock formations, and mountain panoramas that turn gold at sunset. Just plan around the heat: early morning is ideal for most of the year, and in summer, night hiking is genuinely popular (and sensible).

50. Camelback Mountain

Best for: Fit hikers | Strenuous | Best in fall to spring | Morning start essential in summer

Contributed by Eden of Rock a Little Travel

Camelback Mountain is iconic in Phoenix. The views from the 2,706-foot summit are extraordinary, desert landscape for miles, Scottsdale below, and on a clear day, you can see the entire Valley. It's a genuine workout: both trails involve serious boulder scrambling and sustained elevation gain.

• Echo Canyon Trail, 1.14 miles, very strenuous
• Cholla Trail, 1.4 miles, very strenuous

Both trails take 90 minutes to 3 hours, depending on fitness level. Proper hiking shoes are non-negotiable. Bring far more water than you think you need. The mountain has a strict water requirement enforced in summer.

51. South Mountain Park

Best for: All levels | 20+ miles of trails

South Mountain Park is an outdoors lover's paradise with more than 20 miles of trails ranging from easy walks to challenging scrambles. One of the most popular hiking spots in Phoenix, it offers scenic views from multiple peaks, through cactus forests, and over rolling desert terrain.

Address: Park East Entrance, 10919 S. Central Ave; Pima Canyon, 9004 S. 48th St

52. Pinnacle Peak Park

Best for: Moderate hikers | Great views

A popular Scottsdale hiking destination, Pinnacle Peak offers dramatic desert views with significantly less trail traffic than Camelback. The summit views are comparable, and the trail is more accessible for moderately fit hikers.

Address: 26802 N 102nd Way, Scottsdale

53. Phoenix Mountains Preserve

Best for: All levels | 1,400+ acres | 63 trails

More than 1,400 acres of desert landscape with 63 moderate trails perfect for morning or afternoon walks. My personal favorite is the Piestewa Summit Trail (2 miles), a manageable challenge with big payoff views.

Address: 2701 E Squaw Peak Dr, Phoenix

54. McDowell Sonoran Desert Preserve

Best for: All levels | Spectacular scenery

Situated in Scottsdale's northeastern corner, the McDowell Mountains are a spectacular environment for hiking and wildlife spotting. The tranquil beauty of the preserve makes it one of the more meditative hikes in the Valley. Also excellent for golden hour and moonrise photography.

• Gateway Loop Trail, 4.4 miles
• Tom's Thumb Trail, 4.0 miles (my favorite)

Address: 18333 N Thompson Peak Pkwy, Scottsdale

55. Thunderbird Conservation Park

Best for: All levels | Also great for cycling

More than 2,000 acres of desert landscape in Glendale with hiking, wildlife viewing, and scenic valley views. There are paved walking and bike paths for those who want outdoor activity without a strenuous hike. My favorite: the Cholla Loop (3.5 miles).

Address: 22800 N 59th Ave, Glendale

56. Superstition Mountains

Best for: Experienced hikers | Early in the morning for summer

When Mr. Misadventures and I were full-time RVing, we spent a month near the Superstitions, and it's one of the most visually dramatic mountain ranges in Arizona. Beyond hiking, the area includes Goldfield Ghost Town and the Apache Trail scenic drive.

• Lost Dutchman Trail, the most famous, with steep switchbacks and challenging terrain
• Goldfield Trail, Remote and rugged, winding through two mountain ranges
• Bumble Bee Canyon Trail, Options for easy walks up to challenging scrambles

Address: 4650 N Mammoth Mine Rd, Apache Junction

57. Usery Mountain Park

Best for: All levels | 29 miles of trails | Also equestrian and biking

A 3,648-acre park with 29 miles of multi-use trails, including wind caves and the beautiful Saguaro Lake, a serene body of water surrounded by centuries-old saguaros. Hiking, biking, horseback riding, and rock climbing are all available.

Address: 3939 N Usery Pass Rd, Mesa

More Trail Suggestions

• South Mountain Trails, Several locations on 19th and Central Ave, 0.5 to 3 miles, easy to difficult
• North Mountain & Shaw Butte, N 7th Street, 1 to 4 miles, easy to moderate
• Hayden Butte Preserve (“A” Mountain), Near ASU, 0.7 miles, steep but great city views (Mill Ave & 5th St, Tempe)
• Phoenix Sonoran Preserve Apache Wash Loop, Several trails 0.5 to 5 miles, easy to difficult

Night Hiking Trails

Night hiking is a Phoenix rite of passage in summer; the temperature drops significantly after dark, and the desert takes on an entirely different character. These are some of the best trails for evening adventures:

• Cave Creek Regional Park
• Estrella Mountain Regional Park
• Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area
• Usery Mountain Regional Park
• White Tank Mountain Regional Park: Don't miss the ranger-led scorpion hunts!

Free Things to Do in Phoenix

Phoenix is not a cheap destination when you factor in resorts and restaurants, but there are genuinely excellent ways to spend a day for little or no money. Here are my favorites:

• South Mountain Park, 50+ miles of hiking trails, free entry
• Papago Park, Free entry, includes the Hole-in-the-Rock, Hunt's Tomb, and geological formations
• Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch, Free, beautiful nature oasis in Gilbert
• Roosevelt Row murals, Free self-guided mural walk, anytime
• First Fridays Art Walk, Free monthly event, first Friday, 6 to 9 pm
• Arizona Capitol Museum, Free entry
• ASU Art Museum, Free entry
• Japanese Friendship Garden, Small admission fee, but one of the most peaceful places in Phoenix
• Tempe Beach Park, Free access, great dog park

Water Activities in the Phoenix Area

Year-round sunshine and warm weather mean there's always something water-related on offer, and in summer, it's practically a survival strategy. From resort pools to wild horse kayaking to proper water parks, here's how to cool down.

58. Cannon Beach, Mesa

Best for: Families, everyone | Year-round

This is the biggest new attraction to open in the Phoenix area in years. Cannon Beach in Mesa is a massive 37-acre entertainment complex built around a water experience that doesn't exist anywhere else in Arizona:

• Revel Surf wave pool, a 650,000-gallon surf park with professional-grade waves
• 17-foot cliff-diving lagoon
• Skate park, beach volleyball courts, and splash pad
• Aloft Hotel on-site if you want to make a proper stay of it

This is a completely new category of attraction for the Valley and absolutely worth planning around if you're visiting with family or a group.

Address: 4503 S Power Rd, Mesa

59. Kayaking

Best for: Everyone | Year-round

Kayaking is one of the best ways to experience Phoenix, and the wild horse sighting on the Lower Salt River is genuinely unforgettable. Here are the best spots:

• Lower Salt River, watch for wild horses! (My absolute favorite)
• Canyon Lake
• Saguaro Lake
• Lake Pleasant
• Tempe Town Lake, urban paddling, very accessible
• Bartlett Lake

60. WaterWorks at Arizona Falls

Best for: Everyone | Free to visit

Arizona Falls is a genuinely fascinating spot, a natural 20-foot drop along the Arizona Canal that's been restored as a hydroelectric plant. You can sit in the ‘water room' and experience what it feels like to be behind a waterfall. Free to visit, with a cool history dating back to the 1800s.

Address: 56th Street and Indian School Road, Phoenix

61. Six Flags Hurricane Harbor

Best for: Families | Seasonal summer

A water-based amusement park in Glendale with more than 30 rides and attractions, the classic summer splash day out.

Address: 4243 W. Pinnacle Peak Road, Glendale

62. Golfland Sunsplash

Best for: Families | Seasonal

A wave pool, Caribbean Water Works, water slides, and more in Mesa. Check the website for seasonal opening dates and hours.

Address: 155 W Hampton Ave, Mesa

63. Kiwanis Wave Pool

Best for: Families | Summer-friendly | Budget-friendly

A great value option for a summer day, indoor wave pool in Tempe with water slides and artificially generated waves.

Address: 6111 S. All-America Way, Tempe

64. Tempe Marketplace Splash Pad

Best for: Young families | Free | Summer-friendly

A splash pad at the Tempe Marketplace shopping center where kids can run through water jets, chase water-gun targets, and cool down for free. There's also a giant slide.

Address: Tempe Marketplace, Loop 202 and McClintock

65. Resort Pools

Phoenix resort pools deserve their own category; they're genuinely spectacular, and many offer day passes to non-guests through ResortPass. A few of my personal favorites and recommendations:

• Hilton Phoenix Resort at the Peak, River Ranch Water Park with lazy river and water slide. Day passes are available via ResortPass. (7677 N. 16th St, Phoenix)
• Oasis Water Park at Arizona Grand Resort, 8-story slide and wave pool. (8000 Arizona Grand Pkwy, Phoenix)
• Hyatt Regency Scottsdale at Gainey Ranch: 10 pools, 45 waterfalls, a three-story-high-speed water slide. Day passes available. (7500 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd, Scottsdale)
• Westin Kierland Resort & Spa, Gorgeous resort pool in Scottsdale. (6902 E Greenway Pkwy, Scottsdale)
• The Phoenician, a beautiful spa with a rooftop pool. Buy a spa service for pool access. (6000 E Camelback Rd, Scottsdale)
• REMI Scottsdale (Autograph Collection), Scottsdale's tallest rooftop pool with panoramic views.

Pool Parties

If pool parties are more your style (they’re not mine), then head to:

• The OH Pool at the Valley Ho Hotel (6850 E Main St, Scottsdale) is open to the public every day but Saturday
• Maya Day & Nightclub (7333 East Indian Plaza, Scottsdale) a Vegas-style party pool
• The Release pool party, which is 21 and up, at the Talking Stick Resort (9800 Talking Stick Way)

Rooftop Pools

• Lustre, the poolside bar at the Hotel Palomar in downtown Phoenix, has lots of action this summer. There are DJs on Saturday nights and live music on Sunday afternoons. Cabanas and day beds are available to rent. (2 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix
• Fairmont Scottsdale Princess has a gorgeous spa, and if you purchase a spa service, you get access to the rooftop pool! (7575 E Princess Dr, Scottsdale). I spent 36 hours at the hotel and enjoyed the pool!
• The Phoenician Resort also has a beautiful spa with a rooftop pool. I went to an invite there and the pool is lovely.

Nightlife, Arts & Culture

Phoenix's nightlife and arts scene has grown enormously in recent years. Downtown Phoenix especially has become a genuinely exciting place to spend an evening, and a few new venues have opened that are worth seeking out.

66. Century Grand, Platform 18

Best for: Adults | Craft cocktail lovers

Named the Best U.S. Cocktail Bar in 2023, Century Grand is built inside a reimagined 1928 building in Phoenix. Three distinct bar concepts under one roof, each with its own identity and cocktail program. It's a genuinely special night out; make a reservation.

Address: 1326 N Central Ave, Phoenix

67. BARCOA Agaveria

Best for: Adults | Spirits and cocktail lovers

One of the best agave spirits bars I've come across, with a curated selection of mezcal, tequila, and sotol, a cantina-style food program, and a moody basement lounge below. Consistently named one of Phoenix's top bars.

Address: 829 N 1st Ave, Phoenix

68. Wrigley Mansion

Best for: Adults | History + dining

One of Phoenix's most beautiful historic buildings, the old Wrigley family winter estate on Camelback Mountain. Jazz nights on Thursdays, Christopher's tasting menu, and Geordie's restaurant with some of the best Camelback views in the city. A properly special evening.

Address: 2501 E Telawa Trail, Phoenix

69. Pablo's

Best for: Adults | Nightlife

Highly anticipated (re-opened July 2026): a multi-room immersive nightlife destination opening in a reimagined 1952 building in downtown Phoenix. Three distinctive bars, intimate lounges, and the Night Tiger nightclub. The cocktail program is by the team behind Century Grand. Worth watching for the opening.

Address: 800 N 1st Ave, Phoenix

A Few More Quintessential Phoenix Experiences

A few classic Phoenix experiences do not fit neatly into a single category, but no things-to-do list is complete without them. These are the ones visitors ask me about again and again.

70. Hot Air Balloon Ride over the Sonoran Desert

Best for: Couples, bucket-list travelers | Seasonal, mornings year-round

Floating over the Sonoran Desert at sunrise is one of the most magical things you can do in the Valley. You drift silently above saguaro forests and mountain ridges as the light comes up, then toast the landing with a glass of champagne. Most flights last about an hour, with roughly three hours for the full experience.

Morning launches run year-round, while afternoon flights are seasonal from November to mid-March. Established operators like Hot Air Expeditions and Rainbow Ryders fly out of the Phoenix and Scottsdale area, and prices generally run around $200 to $260 per person. Book ahead, especially in the busy winter and spring months.

Address: Various operators across the Phoenix and Scottsdale area

71. Desert Jeep or UTV Off-Road Tour

Best for: Adventure seekers, families | Year-round, early or evening in summer

For a faster desert adventure, a guided Jeep or UTV tour takes you deep into the Sonoran backcountry that you cannot reach on foot. Professional guides take you over rugged trails through the Bradshaw Mountains and the desert around Fort McDowell and the Tonto National Forest, with real chances to spot coyotes, deer, and bobcats. It is a fun, low-effort way to experience the landscape if hiking in the heat is not your thing, and outfitters run trips year-round, with early-morning and evening departures in summer.

Address: Guided tours depart from Scottsdale, Fort McDowell, and north of Phoenix

72. Play a Bucket-List Round of Golf

Best for: Golfers | Best fall through spring

Greater Phoenix is one of the great golf destinations in the country, with more than 200 courses and enough winter sunshine to play a comfortable round in January. Scottsdale alone is worth the trip for TPC Scottsdale, home of the WM Phoenix Open, the world's most-attended golf tournament. Whether you want a famous championship layout or an affordable municipal round, you will find it here. Tee times fill up fast in the mild months, so reserve early if you are visiting between November and April.

Address: Courses across Scottsdale, Phoenix, and the East Valley

73. Take a Sonoran Food Tour

Best for: Foodies, first-time visitors | Year-round

Phoenix is one of the most underrated food cities in the Southwest, and the local specialty is Sonoran cuisine, a delicious blend of Mexican and Arizona desert traditions. The signature bite is the Sonoran hot dog, a bacon-wrapped dog piled with pinto beans, tomatoes, and onions, topped with a drizzle of mayo and mustard, famously served at spots like El Guero Canelo.

A guided food tour is the easiest way to taste your way across the city in one afternoon, from Sonoran hot dogs and street tacos to local craft beer and Mexican pastries. Tours run through downtown Phoenix, Old Town Scottsdale, and the historic Grand Avenue district. If you would rather explore on your own, start with a Sonoran hot dog and go from there.

Address: Food tours depart from downtown Phoenix and Old Town Scottsdale

Mesa, Scottsdale, Cave Creek & Beyond

The Phoenix metropolitan area is enormous, and some of the best things to do aren't strictly “in Phoenix” at all. Here are a few nearby areas and activities that deserve their own mention.

74. Things to Do in Mesa

Contributed by Ashley of Wild Hearted:

Mesa is the third-largest city in Arizona and only 15 miles east of Phoenix, a 30-minute ride on the Valley Metro Light Rail for $2 each way. It's absolutely worth a day trip in its own right.

Head downtown for street art, vintage stores, and unique shops like Mezona Market. Drive out to Schnepf Farms to pick your own produce, eat at the restaurant, or attend one of their many seasonal events. Agritopia (mentioned above) is also in Gilbert, just outside Mesa.

Mesa is now also home to Cannon Beach, possibly the most exciting new water and entertainment venue in the entire Valley.

75. Antique Shopping in Cave Creek

Best for: Adults | Weekends especially

Cave Creek is a small, characterful Arizona town about 40 minutes north of Phoenix and one of the better spots for antique hunting in the region. Saguaro Peddler and Antique Trove have been around for decades. Don't miss the Town Dump, one of the world's most unusual shops, packed with Southwestern knick-knacks and specialties.

In the summer, the Grotto Cafe is a great shaded breakfast spot with WiFi if you want to get some work done before browsing.

Address: Cave Creek, downtown area near Easy St and Cave Creek Rd

76. Old Town Scottsdale

Best for: Everyone | Year-round

Old Town Scottsdale has a wonderful mix of cool antique shops, art galleries, restaurants, and bars. It's family-friendly, walkable, and reliably enjoyable, whether you're gallery-hopping, trying restaurants, or just wandering and people-watching. A classic Phoenix-area afternoon.

Address: Main St & Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale

77. Activate Scottsdale / Taroko Sports

Best for: Active groups | Summer-friendly

Already listed above in the Indoor section, but worth mentioning here as alternatives to Old Town if you're looking for something more active in Scottsdale.

Coming Soon: Worth Watching

A couple of major venues are scheduled to open before the end of 2026, worth knowing about if you're planning a trip later in the year:

78. International Dark Sky Discovery Center, Fountain Hills

★ NEW: Opening Late 2026

A 22,000-square-foot science facility with the largest telescope in Metro Phoenix, a Hyperspace Planetarium, and a full exhibit hall. Fountain Hills is about 30 minutes northeast of downtown Phoenix and is actually part of the Dark Sky Community designation, making this a genuinely significant astronomy destination.

Address: 13001 N La Montana Dr, Fountain Hills

79. The Rush Funplex

★ NEW: Goodyear Q2 2026 | Laveen December 2026

Two 75,000-square-foot indoor family entertainment centers are coming to the Valley, with go-karts, bowling, laser tag, bumper cars, foam pits, rock-climbing walls, and arcade games.

Address: Goodyear (Yuma Rd and Estrella Pkwy) and Laveen (Loop 202 and Dobbins Rd)

FAQ: Your Phoenix Questions Answered

However you spend your time in Phoenix, there is always something new to discover. The city keeps growing and improving, so every visit brings something you haven't seen before. If you have something to add to my list, please share it in the comments!

More Phoenix & Arizona Stories from Misadventures with Andi & Friends

• Things to do in Phoenix in the summer
• Day Trips from Phoenix (60+ options!)
• Frank Lloyd Wright's Winter Home: Taliesin West
• Best tamales in Phoenix
• Best ice cream in Phoenix
• Scottsdale with Kids Guides
• Things to do with teens in Northern Arizona
• A Weekend in Tempe

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