Location: Phoenix
Top Things to do in Phoenix
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10 Things to Do in Phoenix That You Shouldn't Miss
Nearly perfect year-round weather and several impeccably designed championship courses have made Phoenix one of the top golf destinations in the world. But there's more to this mild-mannered metropolis than pristine greens and tee times. The greater Phoenix area also offers visitors an array of impressive cultural attractions. Visit the internationally renowned Heard Museum for an in-depth look at Native American history or peruse the fine collection at the Phoenix Museum of Art. Enjoy a ballet performance at the ornate Orpheum Theater or or catch a concert at the state-of-the-art Comerica Theatre. In addition to golf, the city offers access to numerous outdoor endeavors including rock climbing, hot-air ballooning, desert jeep tours and more. Family-friendly attractions, first-rate shopping, dining and entertainment, and spectacular recreational activities make Phoenix a must-visit destination.
Restaurants in Phoenix
1. Arizona State University
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 259 reviews
With an undergraduate student body of nearly 34,000, ASU is the state's largest institution of higher learning.
Reviewed By California_Wine - Central Coast California
Let me see....Arizona "STATE" University gets its money from Arizona taxpayers, but everywhere I look Tempe is full of foreign students who most likely are paying double or triple tuition. Nothing against foreign students I think they're great, but I thought this was a state funded university? I think I even saw ASU run a wasteful local TV ad during the Superbowl in 2017 and I'm pretty sure enrollment has always been up and that ad was to just wave their flag around at taxpayer expense. Has anyone noticed the expansion of this school? It is not only growing outward, it is going upward too. Where is all this money coming from? Hmmm. Very interesting.
2. Musical Instrument Museum
Overall Ratings
5 based on 5 reviews
The World's Only Global Musical Instrument Museum. Home of the MIM Music Theater--a 300-seat acoustically superb performance space--as well as the award-winning Café Allegro (open 11 am - 2 pm daily) and the MIM Museum Store. The average guest spends nearly four hours at MIM. Please allow plenty of time to fully enjoy MIM's galleries and exhibits. Open daily, 9 am - 5 pm; Closed Thanksgiving; Open Christmas, 11 am - 5 pm. General Admission: $20; Teens (ages 13-19): $15; Children (ages 4-12): $10; Children 3 and under: Free. Hours and prices are subject to change.
Reviewed By sherry R
This is not a boring museum but rather a hands on museum of fun, educational and loads of history from countries around the world for display of their culture of music. for the kids, there is a room with instraments to play hands on as well as for adults with fascinating countries displayed in all their music and culture.3 Stories and plan on spending the entire day as it is quite reasonably priced and there is a lovely café with large windows and the desert nature on full display while you eat. It has rock and roll memoriablia, country, pop, you name ,.this place has it all!
3. Desert Botanical Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7 reviews
Located in Papago Park, these gardens offer visitors an opportunity to learn about desert flora.
Reviewed By Aundrea H - Fitchburg, Massachusetts
We decided to spend our last day in Phoenix here 3/18. We were a bit apprehensive with the price at first. I am so glad we spent the money to walk through this place. First off being only March a lot was not in bloom but it still didn't disappoint. The butterfly exhibit was lovely! The many different kind of cacti and the walk through different areas was amazing. Loved the wild Prairie dogs and rabbits everywhere. It was just such a serene peaceful place. I will definitely be back on my next visit!!
4. Phoenix Theatre
Overall Ratings
5 based on 113 reviews
The largest producing regional theatre company in the Valley, Phoenix Theatre offers more programs and experiences than any other. With over 400 performances on multiple stages and thriving education and outreach programs, we inspire more than 100,000 citizens every year.
Reviewed By BJMM - Phoenix AZ
Just attended PT's production of Mama Mia. Having lived near NYC for years with the opportunity to attend Broadway musicals on a regular basis, I can say Phoenix Theatre can hold its own with the big boys. Talented actors with impressive credentials and even more impressive energy, flawless sound and lighting, excellent musicians and a comfortable, intimate setting combine to create a theatrical experience of the highest caliber. Come early to enjoy a glass of wine in the spacious, recently remodeled cocktail lounge/lobby or attractive outdoor patio. Add in the free and easy parking and you have one of our city's best entertainment venues.
5. McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Climb aboard the miniature replica of a Colorado narrow gauge railroad to explore this park that features famous railroad cars and an antique carousel.
Reviewed By etp3 - Baraboo, Wisconsin
Great place to take kids. It's inexpensive ($2/ticket for each attraction like train ride, model train exhibit, and museum). There's a small-scale train ride around the park, an extensive model train exhibit, and an interesting museum with a rail car used by four of our past Presidents. It only takes an hour or two to see everything.
6. Heard Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
The foremost showcase of Native American art and culture in the U.S., the Heard Museum reveals the cultures of tribes in the region through exhibits, demonstrations and live performances and displays the work of contemporary Native American artists. Artists demonstrate their work during the week and musicians perform on most weekends.
Reviewed By GEDLosAngeles_CA - Los Angeles, CA
Although we intended to visit the museum, our arrival with only one hour remaining caused us to change our plans. Instead of trying to race through the place, we resolved to return another time and, instead, opted for Plan B, which was to spend the remaining hour in the gift shop.
And what a shop! Top of the line collection of American Indian jewelry, pottery, rugs, music CD’s. No tax charged since the museum is non-profit. Plenty of pleasant (not on comision) salespeople around to help you decide what to purchase from among the hundreds of choices. When you visit the Heard, leave some time for this place, too.
7. Camelback Mountain
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By Christirdh - Port washington, NY
This has many rocky areas, and is not an easy hike. It takes about 2 hours round trip. Our teenage boys loved this hike. You definitely need a lot of water, and appropriate shoes. We went in the late afternoon, and it was a bit crowded. The mountain requires you to be off by sunset.
8. Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 414 reviews
Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West celebrates the art, history and unique stories of the 19 states comprising the American West. The rotating exhibitions feature hundreds of Western artworks and rare historic artifacts on loan from some of the world's foremost collectors and institutions. The contemporary, 43,000-square-foot building is an architectural gem that meets the highest standards for sustainability and conservation of natural resources. Visitors also will enjoy the informative video kiosks, beautiful outdoor sculpture courtyard,museum store, and inspirational film "Spirit Is." Located in downtown Scottsdale's arts district, Western Spirit is within easy walking distance of numerous art galleries and restaurants. Nearby attractions include Old Town Scottsdale,Scottsdale Fashion Square, Scottsdale Stadium (Cactus League Spring Training home of the San Francisco Giants baseball team), the Scottsdale Waterfront, Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts and the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art. Scottsdale's Museum of the West is a Smithsonian Affiliate museum, and was selected 2016 Best Western Museum in the nation by True West magazine.
Reviewed By activenretired - Chicago
There is so much to see here u can’t describe all of it. Bronze sculptures, paintings done by early explorers, western artifacts such as vintage Winchester rifles, Colts and Derringers, original Hollywood posters from early Western films and more. Admission is reasonable with discounts for seniors and children. Building is wonderfully divided into different displays. This is worth your time and money!
9. Echo Canyon Trail and Recreation Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 226 reviews
Reviewed By kidsrgr8
Difficult but views are well worth it! A bit hard on the knees given there is not smooth path. Trail was not too crowded- we started at 7:30 and back by 9:45. Short 10min walk from our hotel saved the problem of having to find a parking space.
10. Piestewa Peak
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 597 reviews
Reviewed By BevoBurn96 - Houston, Texas
A very strenuous hike up the side of what was previously known as Squaw Peak. Parking is hard to find, but there are unbeatable views of the valley from the top. Be sure to be well prepared with a bottle of water for going up and a second one for coming down. It takes about one hour to make the summit and your bag should have some snacks in it as well. The peak is at 2600ft and the car park is around 1600ft, so the entire hike up is effectively stairs to the top. There are lots of ramadas in the parking lot for picnic lunches.
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