Apart from its epic landmarks, what travelers love about Arizona is its alluring natural landscape. Yes, the famous Grand Canyon considers the state its home. Likewise, aside from these awe-inspiring canyons, Arizona is also characterized by vast deserts and rugged mountain ranges. The blend of natural wonders here is remarkable. Everything in Arizona converges in its capital, Phoenix. If you are traveling to this city, there are several things to do in Phoenix. 

Phoenix is one of the busiest cities in the United States. You’ll want to start your trip to Arizona visiting the beautiful (and warm) city of Phoenix. It is home to the top attractions, such as the Phoenix Art Museum and the Japanese Friendship Garden. Those looking for a relaxing trip can engage in some retail therapy at the city’s various shopping malls, or tee off at its wide range of golf courses. If you are traveling with the kids, they will love it at the Arizona Science Center, Musical Instrument Museum, and more. Those looking for a more adventurous tour may visit Phoenix’s natural landmarks. Here’s a closer look at these things to do in Phoenix. 

10 Best And Most Delightful Things To Do In Phoenix

Traveling to Phoenix, Arizona is unlike any other. Here are the best things to do in Phoenix. 

1. Take A Look At Thousands Of Artworks At Phoenix Art Museum

Whenever you travel, and you search online for the best things to do in your destination, you can’t help but to bring your feet to museums. Museum tours have already been part of a traveler’s itinerary, and here in Phoenix, you might want to start this at the Phoenix Art Museum.

Housed within a fine example of Modernist architecture, the Phoenix Art Museum is the biggest art museum across southwestern United States. From Diego Rivera to Georgia O’Keeffe, and from Frida Kahlo to Frederic Remington, this museum houses more than 20,000 artworks, with some even dating as far back as the Renaissance era. 

While you’re here, don’t forget to visit the Thorne Miniature Rooms, and be prepared to be amazed by miniature models of rooms created from 1932 to 1940 under American artist Narcissa Niblack Thorne’s direction. Meanwhile, if you are traveling with your kids, the museum also offers activities for them, such as scavenger hunts.

2. Play A Round Of Golf, Then Pamper Yourself In A Spa

Phoenix’s warm climate is one of the reasons why golf is famous in this city. The Greater Phoenix area itself offers almost 200 golf courses for you to choose from. So, if you are looking for the best things to do in Phoenix, playing a round of golf is one.

The city has transformed many of its lush greeneries into golf courses. Once you are in the game, you can choose the level of difficulty depending on your expertise. 

A popular golf course is Troon North if you are looking to play a game in tranquility, as this place is away from the hustle and bustle of the city. If you are looking at enjoying a game of golf with nature’s abundance before you, you can head over to the Raven Golf Club. Or, if you want to pamper yourself in a spa after a game, then Gainey Ranch should be where to go. But really, the choice is yours.

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3. Hike At Camelback Mountain, The Highest Peak In Phoenix

If you brought your hiking gear with you in your luggage, there is a destination for you in Phoenix. Hike at the Camelback Mountain, the highest peak in the city, and witness the breathtaking sunrise or sunset. 

Camelback Mountain is a famous spot for hikers, even offering an easier trek option spanning only 1.5 miles, the Cholla Trail on the east side, for beginner hikers. 

Those visiting Camelback Mountain are recommended to get up early in the morning, and catch the pleasing sunrise here. Or, if you don’t want the desert heat, you can head over here in the late afternoon, just in time for the beautiful sunset.

4. See Arizona’s Desert’s Plant Life At Desert Botanical Garden 

When you think of a desert, you’ll think that plant life is rare here. But in Arizona, the Desert Botanical Garden will prove you wrong. This botanical garden is home to thousands of cacti species, as well as flowers and trees from all over the world. 

The place also offers numerous hiking trails where you can experience the region’s natural wonders the same way its early settlers did. Be sure to check the official website of the Desert Botanical Garden as it hosts various events throughout the year, such as culinary demonstrations and an outdoor concert series. Certainly one of the things to do in Phoenix that you don’t want to miss. 

5. Ride A Hot Air Balloon During The Morning And See Gorgeous Views Of Phoenix

You’ve heard about seeing views of a place from a tower, or while cruising a river, but one of the most unique travel experiences where you’ll also be in a good perspective to see the city is a hot air balloon flight. 

Here, one of the things to do in Phoenix is riding a hot air balloon in the morning to see gorgeous views of the Sonoran Desert and other sights in the city while you’re floating on a cloud. After the flight, the tour also offers a champagne breakfast, the perfect way to start your day. 

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6. Join A Tai Chi Class And Try Pottery At The Japanese Friendship Garden

The charming Japanese Friendship Garden lies just to the northern area of downtown Phoenix, and there are several things to do in Phoenix in this scenic space. For one, it has a cute koi pond with paths and plants for you to wander around, as well as stone lanterns and a traditional teahouse, among others. 

This tranquil garden was opened to the general public in 1996 after almost a decade spent perfecting its design. The Japanese Friendship Garden is a collaboration between Phoenix and its sister city in Japan, Himeji. 

Other things to do in Phoenix while you’re here at the Japanese Friendship Garden are attending cultural events, tea ceremonies, tai chi classes, wabi sabi pottery workshops, and ikebana art demonstrations.

7. Treat Yourself With A Retail Therapy

Phoenix citizens love shopping. From nostalgic antique stores to chic boutiques to some of the country’s most fashionable shopping districts, Greater Phoenix can offer shoppers some of the best retail therapies in southwestern United States. 

Basically, the breakdown of your shopping escapade while you’re here in Phoenix would go like this: Scottsdale for high fashion, Downtown Glendale for antiques, Uptown Phoenix for hipster items, and Central Phoenix for vintage finds. 

Head over to these shopping destinations for the ultimate shopping experience in Phoenix: Desert Ridge Marketplace, Tanger Outlet Center, Uptown Farmers’ Market, Downtown Phoenix Farmers Market, Roadrunner Park Farmers Market, Biltmore Fashion Park, and Desert Sky Mall. 

8. Watch An IMAX Show With The Kids At Arizona Science Center

If you are traveling with your kids, the first things that will come to your mind are perhaps taking them to Disneyland and Universal Studios. But if they’ve already been to these places, Phoenix has a lot to offer for child travelers. There are so many things to do in Phoenix for the kids, such as visiting the Arizona Science Center. 

This place carries an interactive setup where kids can gain knowledge about everything from electricity to outer space. The exhibit also teaches about the weather, gravity, and so much more. Plus, there is an IMAX theater that presents shows for children’s education. 

Can’t get enough of this “things to do in Phoenix” guide? Be sure to check out more stories from our website. 

9. Visit A Museum Exclusively Dedicated To Musical Instruments 

What other museums can go as unique as Arizona’s? In Phoenix, there’s literally a museum exclusively dedicated to musical instruments. 

The Musical Instrument Museum is a must-visit museum if you are here in this Arizona city. This place invites you to see its collection of over 8,000 musical instruments from across the globe. What’s more, visitors will also find concert footage, and clothing of renowned musicians displayed here. 

In the Conservation Lab, you can see how musical instruments are preserved and restored. In the Experience Gallery, you can go ahead and play those instruments. 

Don’t forget to drop by the Geographic Galleries that showcases a collection of instruments from Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. Plus, the museum also hosts around 200 concerts every year in its theater. There will always be something for you here whenever you visit. 

10. Witness An ‘Architectural Gem’ In The Middle Of Sonoran Desert 

There are more things to do in Phoenix such as visiting Taliesin West, where you can find architectural masterpieces. Highly celebrated American architect Frank Lloyd Wright fell in love with the Sonoran Desert, so he used its nearly 500 acres at the McDowell Mountains’ base as his winter residence and school. 

With the help of his art and architecture students, he built apartments, theaters, and studios using local materials so the camp could blend in with nature. Taliesin West is both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and National Historic Landmark. Until this very day, it is utilized as an educational space for aspiring artists and architects. 

Those are basically it about the best things to do in Phoenix right now. If you like this guide, be sure to check out more stories from our blog. 

Things To Do In Phoenix: Find Out The Best Hotels In The City

This time, let’s get to know the best hotels you can stay at in the Valley of the Sun, so you can make the most out of the several things to do in Phoenix. 

• Drury Inn & Suites Phoenix Airport
• Royal Palms Resort and Spa
• Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort
• Hilton Phoenix Airport
• Arizona Grand Resort & Spa
• Hyatt Regency Phoenix
• Embassy Suites by Hilton Phoenix Scottsdale
• Fuego at The Clarendon

Phoenix Will Warmly Welcome You

Phoenix is more than just its warm weather. This Arizona city is set in the sun-scorched Sonoran Desert, and is a great place to enjoy things to do in Phoenix, outdoor-style. Aside from being a popular spot for golf, Phoenix also offers hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing trails that will set you with the scenery of its natural landscape. 

The city is not only Arizona’s economic and cultural center, but also a hub for the entire southwestern United States. Aside from the outdoors, you’ve learned that Phoenix also has several museums that you must visit. Moreover, it takes pride in its sumptuous culinary scene through its wide range of restaurants and bars. Come and visit Phoenix. 

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