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Things to do in Phoenix

Things to do in  Phoenix

Welcome to Phoenix

Phoenix’s fair skies and warm temps draw winter-weary travelers to this sun-drenched corner nicknamed the Valley of the Sun. The capital of Arizona, Phoenix serves as home to a variety of cultural institutions. Join a small-group or private tour to experience the Phoenix Art Museum, the Heard Museum, and the unique Museum of Musical Instruments. Or follow your guide to the Desert Botanical Garden, which showcases the abundant flora of the Southwest, which thrives in the hot, arid climate. Check out plentiful golf courses and ballparks that serve as baseball spring training facilities and home to the Arizona Diamondbacks. Foodies will find plenty to love: Book a culinary tour that tempts with Southwestern fare and wine and beer tastings. Beyond the metropolitan city, discover the dry, rugged desert landscape on an all-terrain vehicle tour, a hiking tour via one of the many trails, or on a horseback excursion. Or reach for the skies with a hot-air balloon ride over the Sonoran Desert at sunrise or sunset, with just a splash of Champagne. Phoenix makes a great departure point for forays to see the Grand Canyon’s Painted Desert. Or venture to points north, such as Sedona for its magnificent Red Rocks and nearby American Indian ruins.

Top 15 attractions in Phoenix

Camelback Mountain

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Visible throughout most of Phoenix, Camelback Mountain rises 2,704 feet (824 meters) above the Sonoran Desert. The red sandstone formation gets its name from its resemblance to a resting camel, and it’s one of the metro area’s most popular spots for hiking, rock climbing, and other outdoor adventures.More

Old Town Scottsdale

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Old Town Scottsdale ranks among the Southwest’s top retail destinations, particularly for shoppers looking for Southwestern and Native American art and jewelry. The area is also home to the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Museum of the West, and the Scottsdale Historical Museum.More

Apache Trail

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Originally built as a copper trade route, the Apache Trail now guides travelers past steep desert mountains, cliff dwellings, lake shores, eroded canyons, and old mining towns. This scenic road winds 120 miles (193 kilometers) through Arizona’s Superstition Mountains, from the outskirts of Phoenix to the vast Theodore Roosevelt Lake.More

Montezuma Castle National Monument

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One of the most well-preserved ruins in North America, the 1,000-year-old Montezuma Castle was once home to ancient farmers known as the Sinagua Indians. Although the majestic ruins were given a “castle” title, they were actually a multi-family cliff dwelling. In 1906, the site was declared one of the United States’ first national monuments.More

Sonoran Desert

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Get away from it all in the breathtaking Sonoran Desert, a 100,000-square-mile (260,000-square-kilometer) region that spans Arizona, California, and parts of Mexico. Though it’s the hottest of four deserts in North America, its two rainy seasons sustain unique animals and plants, including the only remaining jaguar population in the United States.More

McDowell Sonoran Preserve

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If there’s a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, McDowell Sonoran Preserve just might be it. With more than 30,000 acres, including the McDowell Mountains, visitors can hike it, bike it or even climb it.With more than 120 miles of trails, picking which way to go can be tough, so ask the experts. Most mornings McDowell Sonoran Conservancy Pathfinders are on duty at the Brown's Ranch Trailhead, Gateway Trailhead, Lost Dog Wash Trailhead, Sunrise Trailhead and Tom’s Thumb Trailhead. Pathfinders have all sorts of information and suggestions to insure a fun, safe day on the trails.Fit families will enjoy the way the Family Passport keeps everyone moving together. Scavenger hunts for animal tracks, rocks and other nature provided attractions can provide inspiration for hours of exploring. When you visit five Preserve trailheads (Gateway, Lost Dog, Sunrise, Tom’s Thumb and Brown’s Ranch) and get your passport stamped you’ll win a Preserve bandana.More

Tonto National Forest

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From pine-clad valleys to lakeside beaches; rocky mountain canyons to cacti-dotted desert—the Tonto National Forest boasts a diversity of natural landscapes to tempt any adventurer. Stretching over 3 million acres (1.2 million hectares and reaching altitudes of up to 7,900 feet (2,408 meters, it’s the largest national forest in Arizona.More

Mission San Xavier del Bac

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With its snow-white adobe bell towers and ornate facade rising out of the cacti-studded Sonoran Desert, Mission San Xavier del Bac embodies its nickname—the “White Dove of the Desert.” Founded by Jesuit missionaries in 1626, it’s among the oldest Catholic sites in the US, renowned for its unique architecture and rich iconography.More

Superstition Mountains

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Surrounded by the cacti-dotted valleys of the Sonoran Desert, the jagged peaks and sheer cliffs of the Superstition Mountains are one of Arizona’s most photographed natural wonders. Hugging the southern borders of the Tonto National Forest and reaching heights of 6,266 ft (1,910 meters, the mountains are a firm favorite among hikers and rock climbers.More

Tuzigoot National Monument

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One of the largest pueblos built by the pre-Columbian Sinagua people, the Tuzigoot National Monument crowns a desert ridge above the Verde Valley. Less known than Montezuma Castle, a similar monument built by the Northern Sinagua, Tuzigoot holds some of the largest ruins in the area, highlighted by petroglyphs and pithouses once accessed via ladders through doors cut into the roofs.More

Wrigley Mansion

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An Italian-style mansion set in the Arizona desert, the Wrigley Mansion was the vacation home of wealthy chewing-gum entrepreneur William Wrigley, Jr. and his wife Ada in the 1930s. Now a historic landmark and a fine restaurant, the mansion is a popular destination for special occasions, historical tours, and wine tastings.More

Phoenix Zoo

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Founded by Robert E. Maytag in 1962, the Phoenix Zoo is one of the largest non-profit zoos in the United States—home to some 3,000 animals living across 125 acres (51 hectares of naturalistic exhibit space. Thirty of the zoo’s resident species are considered endangered or threatened.More

South Mountain Park

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One of the largest urban parks on the planet, South Mountain Park straddles a swath of south Phoenix from South Mountain Village to Ahwatukee Foothills Village. A local point of pride, the park and desert nature preserve has popular hiking, biking, and horseback trails. Inside the park, visitors will find multiple lookouts, the Mystery Castle stone mansion, and an environmental education center.More

Heritage Square

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Occupying one of the oldest residential areas in Phoenix, Heritage Square comprises 10 fully restored Victorian buildings dating back to the original townsite in the 19th and 20th centuries. Visitors can tour house museums, dine at award-winning restaurants, or even catch a ballgame at Chase Field next door.More

Scottsdale Fashion Square

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Featuring some of the area’s top boutiques and shops, Scottsdale Fashion Square is Arizona’s largest shopping destination with miles of more than 250 stores, 40 of which cannot can be found elsewhere in the state. A range of different retailers can be found, including luxury brands such as Tiffany & Co., Prada, Neiman Marcus, Jimmy Choo, Burberry and Nordstrom.The three-story mall features unique architecture, a food court, wine bar, several restaurants, and movie theater. There is also a free playground area for toddlers. The experience is highly stylized and mostly indoors, with an abundance of large windows letting in natural light. An onsite concierge can help with amenities, services, and transportation options, including a free trolley that runs throughout. There are also seasonal events held inside at the Scottsdale Fashion Square. It is one of the thirty largest shopping malls in the country.More
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Trip ideas

How to Beat the Heat in Phoenix

How to Beat the Heat in Phoenix

Grand Canyon Tours from Phoenix

Grand Canyon Tours from Phoenix

Top activities in Phoenix

Morning Hot Air Balloon Flight Over Phoenix
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Grand Canyon with Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon Van Tour
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Sedona and Grand Canyon Single Day Tour
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Salt River Kayaking Trip
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Salt River Kayaking Trip

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HK$435.18
Custom Grand Canyon Day Trip
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Custom Grand Canyon Day Trip

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From
HK$1,886.49
Sedona Day Trip from Phoenix
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Sedona Day Trip from Phoenix

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Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride in Phoenix with Breakfast
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Apache Trail Day Trip Including Dolly Steamboat
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Operators have paid Viator more to have their experiences featured here

What people are saying about Phoenix

Great Tour, just wish it allowed solo bookings
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Christopher_A
, May 2023
Great Tour, just wish it allowed solo bookings
A great way to see Sedona from Phoenix if you only have a day.
A Tale of Two Cities?
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Sherry_J
, Apr 2023
A Tale of Two Cities?
In my view, there is not much to see in Tempe and it could be eliminated with a focus on just Phoenix and Scottsdale and more time in both.
Spooky fun with creepy surprises!
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Tawn_K
, Mar 2023
Spooky fun with creepy surprises!
Family friendly and informative, this tour is full of spooky surprises you have to see to believe!
Fun afternoon
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Mary_C
, Mar 2023
Fun afternoon
Would like to see more City interest in Phoenix Tour guide was excellent.
Sedona day trip
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Thomas_D
, Mar 2023
Sedona day trip
Didn’t know Montezuma Castle existed so fun to see .
Perfect round trip from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon
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Raquel_B
, Feb 2023
Perfect round trip from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon
This is a great tour if you are in the Phoenix area for a long weekend and have limited time to visit the Grand Canyon.
Grand Canyon 2023
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Erica_D
, Feb 2023
Grand Canyon 2023
Our tour guide, Mark, was very informative and pleasant and we got a chance to see spectacular views of the Grand Canyon from various areas along with South Rim.
Exceptional Service and Clean Car
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Jayashree_V
, Jan 2023
Exceptional Service and Clean Car
Very knowledgable about Phoenix attractions and landmarks.
The entire experience...
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Markus_H
, May 2023
The entire experience...
This was a great way to see the canyon and Sedona while on a vacation in Phoenix.
Grand Canyon with Sedona tour-MUST DO!!!
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Amy_L
, Apr 2023
Grand Canyon with Sedona tour-MUST DO!!!
This tour is great if you are first-timers and don't want to risk not knowing where to go or what to do when there.
Beautiful Experience!
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Sharon_G
, Apr 2023
Beautiful Experience!
I went in the late spring and the desert was in full bloom.
Perfect tour for first-time visitors in Sedona
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Kyuho_H
, Nov 2021
Perfect tour for first-time visitors in Sedona
This tour provides you a perfect path to visit the most famous sites in Sedona.
Stars o ertje desert
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Bob_R
, May 2020
Stars o ertje desert
We really enjoyed getting out into the Sonoran desert away from Phoenix to see the stars.
Great Experience
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Ashley_L
, Feb 2020
Great Experience
Mike was an amazing guide, and this was a great way to see the Grand Canyon in a single day from Phoenix.
fabulous experience
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Eley_G
, Oct 2019
fabulous experience
if you are in phoenix, do not miss this tour to see sedona and the grand canyon.
Great Tour by an Amazing Guide!!!
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Deborah_V
, May 2023
Great Tour by an Amazing Guide!!!
As a first time visitor to Phoenix, Allie ensured that I got to see and learn about the history and highlights of the three cities.
I would recommend this tour to...
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Jacks
, Nov 2017
I would recommend this tour to...
I loved every minute of this tour and got to see things i would have missed if i had just explored on my own.
Truly outstanding. What a fantastic...
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Michael B
, Aug 2017
Truly outstanding. What a fantastic...
The trip from Phoenix gave a great opportunity to see the interesting parts of northern AZ.
This is a must trip for anyone...
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Linda G
, Feb 2017
This is a must trip for anyone...
We were lucky enough to see bald eagles and mountain goats.
A must do!
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jillzarend
, Jan 2023
A must do!
I feel like I saw all of Arizona and our driver, Kim knew all the best areas to visit.

All about Phoenix

Currency
US Dollar ($)
Time Zone
MST (UTC -7)
Country Code
+1
Language(s)
English

People Also Ask

What is Phoenix known for?

Phoenix is known for its year-round sunny weather, expansive desert landscapes, and baseball spring training headquarters. A hub for outdoor enthusiasts, Phoenix makes a great base for exploring the Sonoran Desert and landmarks like Camelback Mountain. Culture seekers can get their fill at Heritage Square or nearby Scottsdale.

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What to do when it's hot in Phoenix?

When temps rise past the triple digits in Phoenix, stay cool at some of the city’s indoor attractions, like the Arizona Science Center or Phoenix Art Museum. Take the kids to the SEA LIFE® Aquarium or LEGOLAND® Discovery Center, or head to nearby Scottsdale for air-conditioned shopping at Fashion Square mall.

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Is Phoenix worth visiting?

Yes. Phoenix is a popular destination for outdoor adventurers and visitors seeking refuge from cold winter climates, though summers can be scorching. It's at the doorstep of the Sonoran Desert and Tonto National Forest for easy access to hiking, mountain biking, and ATV tours.

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What is there to do in Phoenix for a day?

If you have just one day in Phoenix, explore local history at the Arizona Capitol Museum, or enjoy a meal in style at historic estates like the Wrigley Mansion and Arizona Biltmore. Get outdoors with a hike up Camelback Mountain or along the scenic Apache Trail in the Superstition Mountains.

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What activities do people do in Arizona?

Wide-open desert landscapes like the Sonoran Desert and Monument Valley make Arizona a popular destination for hiking, mountain biking, scenic drives, and ATV tours. A rim walk along the Grand Canyon is a must for first-time visitors, while stylish Sedona and Scottsdale are havens for shopping, dining, and wellness.

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What is the number 1 attraction in Arizona?

Drawing more than 6 million visitors annually, the Grand Canyon is Arizona's top attraction. Carved over millions of years by the Colorado River, this natural wonder is a staggering gorge that runs a mile (1.6 km) deep into the desert’s sandstone bluffs.

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Phoenix information

Number of Attractions

32

Number of Tours

184

Number of Reviews

13,455

Currency

USD
Frequently Asked Questions
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