The capital and most populous city of Arizona, Phoenix, got its name from pioneer Darrell Duppa, who wanted to give it a name that reflected its rebirth from the ruins of a former civilization. Whether you’ve found a place to stay, or you’re only visiting Phoenix, aka the Valley of the Sun, you will always have something to do when here. So, read on to discover the best things to do in Phoenix. And don’t worry, we’re confident there’s something on this list for everyone!
Related: Find Rooms For Rent In Phoenix
Explore the Outdoors in Phoenix
1. Desert Botanical Garden
If you’re a nature lover, head to this 140-acre living museum with over 50,000 desert plants of more than 4,000 different species! The Desert Botanical Garden offers research, education, and conservation facilities, along with its many exhibits of desert plants from the Sonoran desert.
Costs: $12–25 Timings: May – September, 7am – 8pm
(6 am for members on Wednesday & Sunday)
2. South Mountain Park
South Mountain Park is one of the largest municipally managed parks in the US, containing three mountain ranges called the Ma Ha Tauk, Gila, and Guadalupe. With more than 50 miles of trails, you can enjoy hiking, biking, and horse riding when here. Moreover, Dobbins Lookout, the highest point (23,000 feet) in the park, will give you a beautiful, panoramic view of the valley.
Costs: Free entry Timings: 5am – 7pm (entrance); 5am – 11pm (trails)
3. Roosevelt Row
In the mood for art? Head to the Roosevelt Row Arts District downtown when looking for artsy places to visit in Phoenix. On display, you’ll find impressive murals, galleries, rehabilitated bungalows, and more.
Costs: Free entry Timings: Fridays: 6pm – 11pm
Enjoy Sports in Phoenix
4. State Farm Stadium
Sports lovers will always find the best things to do in Phoenix at the State Farm Stadium. Home to the Arizona Cardinals of NFL and the annual Fiesta Bowl, this is one of the main stadiums in Phoenix.
5. Salt River Fields
Spread across 140 acres of scenic landscape with views of the Camelback, McDowell, Four Peaks, Red and Superstition mountains, the stadium is an architectural wonder with facilities for the ultimate Spring Training experience for its visitors. It also offers a peek into the daily lives and training routines of the players.
6. Moon Valley Park
If you’re heading to Phoenix with family or friends and you’re looking to play some sports or just spend time outdoors, head to the Moon Valley Park. With open fields for golf, soccer, hikes, tennis and more, there are many things to do in Phoenix at Moon Valley.
Costs: Free entry Timings: 5:30am – 10pm
Take a Tour of Museums in Phoenix
7. Musical Instrument Museum
With instruments from all over the world on display, the Musical Instrument Museum features a global collection of over 8,000 instruments from more than 200 countries. On view is the rich diversity and history of cultures from around the world. So, if you’re looking for places to visit in Phoenix, this one is a must visit.
Costs: $10 – $20 Timings: 9am – 5pm
8. The Phoenix Police Museum
If you’re interested in law and order, head to the Phoenix Police Museum to find out more about the history of the police department and its relationship with the community.
Costs: Free entry Timings: Monday – Friday: 9am – 3pm; Saturday & Sunday: Closed
9. Pioneer Arizona Living History Museum
Also known as Pioneer Village, the Living History Museum has 30 historic buildings built in the 1880s and 1900s. When looking for things to do in Phoenix, you could head to the 90-acre open-air museum and see the original homes of people who helped tame the Wild West.
Costs: $10 Timings: Wednesday – Sunday: 7am – 11am; Monday & Tuesday: Closed
Soak in the Culture in Phoenix
10. Cosanti Originals
Beautiful, otherworldly structures and dwellings await you in Cosanti, if you’re looking for different things to do in Phoenix. Original structures built by Italian architect, Paolo Soleri, dating back to the late 1950s and 1960s, have made this one of Arizona’s Historic Places.
Costs: Donation based Timings: Summer tour: Monday – Saturday at 9:15am and 10:30am
11. Mystery Castle
Built in the 1930s by Boyce Luther Gulley for his daughter, the mystery castle’s origin story is very bittersweet! After being told he had tuberculosis, Gulley moved from Seattle to the Phoenix area and began building the house from found or inexpensive materials. And when he passed, his daughter Mary Lou and her mother moved in with an inheritance notice.
Now, you can go visit the castle and see the mystery unfold inside!
Costs: $5 – $10 Timings: October – May, Thursday – Sunday: 11am – 3:30pm
12. Old Town Scottsdale
In need of some retail therapy? Here’s one of the coolest places to visit in Phoenix: Old Town Scottsdale! With boutique shops, selling everything from souvenirs to jewelry and art, there’s something for everyone here. And yes, there are bars, restaurants and plenty of nightlife here, too.
Costs: Free entry Timings: Art walk – Thursdays: 7 – 9pm
Eat, Drink and Shop in Phoenix
13. Greenwood Brewing
A woman owned brewing company that makes the best beer, Greenwood Brewing has handcrafted ales for everyone to enjoy. So, this is one of the best places to visit in Phoenix when looking to chill with friends over a fresh pint of beer!
Timings: Monday – Thursday: 11am – 12am; Friday – Saturday: 11am – 2am; Sunday: 11am – 10pm
14. Aloha Kitchen
With 35 years’ of experience, and using only the freshest ingredients, this Hawaiian cafe is a must-visit when you’re looking for somewhere to eat in Phoenix. From plate lunches to eclectic island cuisine, you’ll love the food and the ambience here.
Timings: Tuesday – Saturday: 11am – 8pm; Sunday: 11am – 5pm; Monday: Closed
15. Biltmore Fashion Park
Malls not your thing? Head straight to Biltmore Fashion Park, then! High-end department stores, retailers, and of course, delicious food at some of the best restaurants in Phoenix! There’s something for everyone here in this open-air shopping district.
Timings: Monday – Saturday: 10am – 8pm; Sunday: 10am – 7pm
D’you know what else Roomi does outside of helping its readers find things to do in Phoenix? With our ever-increasing lists of rooms and roommates across the world, we help you find your perfect match!
