The BEST Outdoor And Indoor Things To Do In Phoenix
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Phoenix is a city of personality and expression. Every corner of this scorching desert city is packed with sights and experiences that set this place apart from any other city in the country. The best things to do in Phoenix aren’t your usual group of activities. They’re different, full of flair, and strikingly beautiful. They take mundane locations and transform them into fantastic areas that bring this city to life.
In Phoenix, they’ve found a way to respect the natural surroundings and build with them as opposed to on top of them. From the stunning displays of street art to the Camelback Mountain overlooking the entire valley. From the awesome atmosphere of Roosevelt Row to the picturesque point of Hole in the Rock. Phoenix isn’t your average city; it’s an oasis among the desert that you simply must see.
So keep scrolling to see all the BEST OUTDOOR AND INDOOR THINGS TO DO IN PHOENIX!
1.) Desert Botanical Garden
Experience the whole desert in this surprisingly large and carefully crafted garden. With tons of walking trails, crazy cacti, and stunning succulents, the Desert Botanical Garden is one of the best things to do in Phoenix. Even if you’re not big into botany, it’s still a great place to relax, walk your dog, or take in one of the many events inside the garden.
Pro tip- You can take a short walk to get here as they open after watching the sunrise at Hole in the Rock.
2.) Phoenix Museums
Museums may not sound like one of the best things to do in Phoenix, but here they’re a great time well worth checking out. Classic museums like the Phoenix Art Museum and Arizona Science Center, or more powerful and original museums like the Heard Museum and the Musical Instrument Museum, are just a few of the broad range of topics, perfect for fueling your curiosity and knowledge.
Pro tip- The Heard Museum and Musical Instrument Museum are a must see for some of the most impressive collections of Native American art and musical instruments in the world!
3.) Butterfly Wonderland
The Butterfly Wonderland is an awesome and totally unique activity in Phoenix. Hundreds of butterflies flutter about a domed garden with full trees, tropical plants, and a coy pond. Flashes of colorful patterns dance all around you and throughout the dome, in an enchanting, peaceful experience you have to try. 🦋
Pro tip- Don’t forget to stop and see all the other tropical and aquatic exhibits within the building.
4.) Japanese Friendship Garden Phoenix
The Japanese Friendship Garden Phoenix is the perfect place of peace and tranquility. Here, you can unwind and take in the green and watery retreat found within the scorching city streets. Whether you’re looking to snap off some pictures of the well kept garden and small waterfall, or simply sit on one of the benches and admire the large coy pond, this garden is the place to go.
Pro tip- Head here right as they open to have the lovely, calm space all to yourself.
5.) Catch A Game
Calling all sports fans, this city is for you. Baseball, basketball, football, if it’s an entertaining sport, you can be sure to find it here. Maybe you’re looking for some quality baseball; try the Arizona Diamondbacks or the Arizona Fall League to see the best upcoming prospects. How about some exciting football? The Arizona Cardinals are always a good time. And you can’t forget about basketball with the Phoenix Suns. There is even the Arizona State Sundevils for all of the college sports. With so many stadiums in such close proximity, all offering a different experience, you can hit many stadiums in one well timed, sports filled trip!
Pro tip- Click here to see our full Phoenix sports guide! (Coming Soon)
6.) Day Trip To Sedona
If you’re in Phoenix, it’s hard to pass up the opportunity to explore one of the best areas in the country! Only a couple hours drive from downtown Phoenix, and not far from the Meteor Crater, Sedona is a red rocked wonderland full of pure natural bliss. Feel free to hike and explore stunning natural formations and immaculate landscapes in this gorgeous area, home to some of the best scenery in all of Arizona.
Pro tip- Try the Devil’s Bridge hike and exploring the parks at night for a star filled sky you have to see to believe!
7.) Take In Gorgeous Street Art
In Phoenix, they’ve adopted street art as more than just murals, but storytelling through the generations. These pieces strewn about the city showcase their connection to the past and their outlook for the future in powerfully beautiful ways. Phoenix isn’t usually thought of as an artistic city, but with this many creative pieces, it’s impossible not to be!
8.) Hole In The Rock
An overlooked gem among the Phoenix sights, this lookout point is a must for anyone looking to capture the beauty of the valley. Found right next to the Phoenix Zoo and Botanical Garden, Hole in the Rock is a short yet very rewarding hike. With an expansive view over the multiple trails, ponds to fish in, and the surrounding valley, this wind carved formation is the ideal place to watch a desert sunrise!
Pro tip- Check out our other article for everything you need to know to capture the perfect Hole in the Rock picture!
9.) Phoenix Symphony Orchestra
How about a touch of class? Phoenix isn’t just about visual and natural art. Musical expression is also a massive part of the city. Right in downtown Phoenix, you are treated to many different shows in a concert hall that are as elegant as the performances themselves. But don’t think it’s just classic performances; their movie accompaniment shows are also a delight to enjoy!
10.) Phoenix Bat Cave
Do you want to experience a city secret that most people in Phoenix don’t even know exists? Every night at dusk, between April and October, thousands of Mexican free-tail bats rush out of a flood control tunnel in a flurry unlike any other. Feel like Bruce Wayne as the cloud of bats dart around you in one of the best and most unique things to do in Phoenix! 🦇
Pro tip- Park at the nearby restaurant or gas station for a short walk to the “bat cave”.
11.) Day Trip To Tucson
Looking to escape the city while still having plenty to do? Then Tucson could be exactly what you’re looking for. Tucson is often overlooked when it comes to Arizona attractions, but the mountain of fun activities makes visiting Tucson one of the best things to do in Arizona. Areas like the diverse Biodome, the massive Titan Missile Museum, and the untouched Saguaro National Park are some of the many unique activities, all less than a 2-hour drive from Phoenix, so why not check it out?
Pro tip- Seeing a sunrise/sunset on the towering cacti in Saguaro National Park makes for one of the best sights in the state!
12.) The Fine Food Of Phoenix
If you want a true feel for a city, the culinary scene is your best bet and Phoenix is a spectacular example. Home to some of the best Mexican food in the United States, restaurants like Bacnora and Barrio Cafe, showcase the Mexican heritage and passion that flows throughout the city.
13.) Scenic Sunset/Sunrise Views
Phoenix can be a serene city, perfect for snapping off pictures, and when the day is just beginning, or the sun starts to set, the valley becomes even more picturesque. Incredible views like Camelback Mountain and Lookout Mountain make the Valley of the Sun live up to its name. Seeing the sun dance along the distant mountainous horizon is truly a sight to behold.
Pro tip- See all the best sunrise/sunset spots in Phoenix here!
14.) Her Secret Is Patience
When exploring a new city, you never know what you will find, and Her Secret Is Patience is a prime example. Above a small grassy park full of small trees and benches sits this true one of a kind attraction. A funnel like formation almost resembling a mini tornado floating just above the park. While it may look odd, this Art installation does offer a unique and peaceful bit of creativity among the cityscape.
Pro tip- Be sure to go at night when the piece is lit up like a giant floating jellyfish.🪼
15.) Camelback Mountain
Feel as though you left the suburbs and city streets and stumbled upon a mountain sprouting up seemingly out of nowhere. Take on an intense vertical hike over loose gravel and rock slides extending all the way to the peak of Camelback Mountain. While the trek is tiresome, the reward of reaching the summit, high above Phoenix, and seeing the best sunrise/sunset view expanding over the entire valley makes it all well worth it.
Pro tip- Be sure to get there early to avoid the midday heat and secure a parking spot, as the lot is small and fills up quickly. 👍
16.) Roosevelt Row
If great downtown Phoenix entertainment is happening, chances are it’s going down on Roosevelt Street. The energy is always high, and the vibes are always awesome, with delicious restaurants, fun bars, and stellar street art all in a convenient row on Roosevelt Street. Whether you’re looking for the great food at The Churchill, or the beautiful art of 1 1/2 street, Roosevelt Row is the place to go for some of the best of downtown Phoenix.
Pro tip- Head here on a weekend night if you’re looking for a whole street of a fun party like atmosphere… or avoid this street if you want a quieter night out.
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