Phoenix is known for its lavish hotel resorts, exquisite dining establishments, and championship golf courses. It also has several nightclubs and restaurants.
One of the area’s highlights is the Desert Botanical Garden, which features various native plants and cacti. There are two interesting things about Phoenix; one is its sunshine, and the other is its vibrant nightlife.
Phoenix is famous for being the home to professional sports teams and various museums and restaurants. Although winter is a popular time of year for visitors to Phoenix, there are plenty of other things to do in the warmer seasons.
There are also some fantastic deals on hotel accommodations during the off-season. The article highlights all the best and fun things to do in Phoenix, Arizona.
Where is Phoenix, Arizona?
Phoenix is Arizona’s most populous city. It has a population of over 1,600,000 as of 2020; It is also one of the most densely populated cities in the country.
The city of Phoenix is also known as the Valley of The Sun, and it is part of a bigger metropolitan area known as the Phoenix Metropolitan Area.
As of 2020, the metro area has a population of approximately 4.85 million people.
According to the US Census Bureau, the city of Phoenix has an area of 517.9 square miles, which includes 516.7 square miles of land and 1.2 square miles of water.
If you’re planning to visit Arizona, we suggest you also check out the beautiful things to do in Yuma.
Fun Things to Do in Phoenix, Arizona
There are lots of activities to do in Phoenix, Arizona, as it is home to some of the most prominent museums in the country. Phoenix is famous for its unique architecture and beautiful desert landscape.
These are the numerous best and fun things to do in Phoenix, AZ:
1. Taliesin West
An exciting location to visit in Phoenix is Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West, his winter home from 1937 to 1959.
It is currently the main campus of the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation and School of Architecture.
The home’s walls were made from local stones, and the area’s natural beauty inspired the various rooms and features.
Wright often returned to the property to oversee the home’s renovation. He would also work with his students to complete the design. As a result, the house is considered one of the country’s unique buildings.
Address: This Beautiful Attraction is at 12621 N Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85259.
2. Desert Botanical Garden
When people think of the desert, sand and shades of brown come to mind.
However, the Desert Botanical Garden is located in the desert of Phoenix and debunks the myth that there is no green in the area.
This 140-acre garden features over 50,000 plants. It is one of the most exciting things in Phoenix, Arizona.
Address: This Attraction is at 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, AZ, 85008.
3. Phoenix Mountain Parks
There are plenty of hiking trails in and around Phoenix. It is one of my favorite activities in the area, and it doesn’t get better than this. Getting a good view of the valley from the peaks is very satisfying.
One of the most exciting things about Phoenix is its many mountains. Getting active and fit is also very easy.
One of the most rewarding things about visiting Phoenix is taking in the panoramic view of the area from the peaks.
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4. Tempe, Mill Ave, and Tempe Beach Park
The college town of Tempe is home to Arizona State University. It also has a lot of fun things to do and is close to Phoenix.
One of the most popular areas to visit in this area is Mill Avenue, which is full of great restaurants and boutiques.
There are different ethnic restaurants on this street, including those serving food from other countries.
People can enjoy various activities at Tempe Town Lake, such as kayaking, sailing, and fishing. In addition, the beach park in Tempe Beach Park is also a popular area for different events.
Address: This Beautiful Attraction is at 80 W Rio Salado Pkwy, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA
5. Phoenix Art Museum
One of the most exciting tourist attractions in Phoenix, Arizona, is to visit the Phoenix Art Museum.
It was one of my first suggestions for the best things to do in the area, but I am not sure why it didn’t make it to my list.
This museum features various great art pieces. It is not a big museum, but it contains many great works. The regular exhibits are as good as the temporary ones.
Address: The Phoenix Art Museum is at 1625 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ, 85004.
6. Musical Instrument Museum
One of the most exciting things to do in Phoenix, Arizona, is to visit the Museum of Musical Instruments.
This museum is known for its beautiful and thoughtfully curated collection. In addition, it is the only place in the world that features instruments from all around the world.
When you buy your ticket, you will get a headset for walking around the museum and learning more about the instruments.
It’s a great cultural experience that everyone can enjoy. You can enjoy the instruments being played while you discover about the people from different countries.
Address: This Beautiful Museum is at 4725 E. Mayo Boulevard, Phoenix, AZ, 85050.
7. Dobbins Lookout South Mountain
The South Mountain Observation Point is one of the best places to see the Phoenix area. It is also a part of South Mountain Park and Preserves.
Address: The Mountain is at 10919 S Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85042.
8. Golfing
As a golf lover in Phoenix, there are over 200 golf courses, which are trendy among sports people.
Phoenix has over 300 days of sunshine, and it’s no surprise that Phoenix is the ideal place for people who play golf.
The Phoenix Open is a popular event held each year. It’s also a great gathering for non-golfers and enthusiasts alike.
9. Japanese Friendship Garden
The Japanese Friendship Garden is ideal for taking a break from the Phoenix desert. This garden features a variety of plants that remind you of Japan.
The park features a large pond with over 300 fish, a waterfall, and various other attractions. It is part of a joint project between Himeji, a sister city of Phoenix, and the city.
Address: This Beautiful Garden is at 1125 N. 3rd Avenue, Phoenix, AZ, 85003.
10. Wrigley Mansion
The Wrigley mansion was constructed in 1932 and is a historical landmark in the Phoenix area.
It was a gift built for the wife of William Wrigley Jr., who was a chewing gum personality.
In 1992, the city of Phoenix decided to demolish the mansion and build condominiums. The late Geordie Hormel and his wife, Jamie, purchased and restored the estate.
Address: This Attraction Mansion is at 2501 E Telawa Trail, Phoenix, AZ 85016, USA
11. Canyon Lake and the Dolly Steamboat
Since 1983, the Dolly Steamboat has been providing tours on the beautiful Canyon Lake. The Grimh family has owned and operated this business since 1987.
This company offers sightseeing and dinner boat trips on the lake. They also provide private tours.
These are unique experiences that you should not miss. The Dolly Steamboat has various packages that people can choose from.
Address: This Beautiful Attraction is at 16802 AZ-88, Tortilla Flat, AZ 85117.
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12. Tres Rio Wetlands
The Tres Rios wetlands are located near the Salt River. During the 1800s, the area was restored to its original condition. This region has over 150 different bird species.
Various animals live in this area, such as coyotes, bobcats, beavers, muskrats, and skunks. It’s also an excellent place for wintering songbirds, consisting of cottonwood and willow trees.
Address: The Tres Rio Wetlands is in Estrella Village, ; AZ 85353, ; USA.
13. Goldfield Ghost Town
If you’re planning on visiting Canyon Lake and Superstition Mountains, you should stop by the Goldfield Ghost Town. This area was once a mining town but was eventually vacated in 1926.
It’s a great place to walk through the old mining town and visit some of its old buildings. You can also take a train ride to explore the mine.
Address: This Attraction is at 4650 N Mammoth Mine Rd, Apache Junction, AZ 85119, USA
14. Heard Museum
The Heard Museum is a great place to visit if you’re interested in learning more about American Indian art.
It has a massive collection of over 40,000 pieces of art. Some of the most prominent items that the museum has are Navajo textiles, Zuni jewelry, and woven baskets.
Visiting this museum is one of the best things to do in Phoenix, Arizona.
Address: TheHeard Museum is at 2301 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004.
15. The Local Wine
In addition to art, Arizona has a vast wine region less than three hours away from Phoenix.
This region is known for its award-winning wines. Many of the establishments in this area have tasting rooms in either Phoenix or Scottsdale.
Before visiting a local winery, ensure you have plenty of water and eat properly. Some of the establishments in this area have small plates served with various food.
Other establishments have full menus designed to keep the appetites satisfied.
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16. Mystery Castle
A primary historical site in Phoenix is the Mystery Castle, which was constructed in 1930 by Gulley. He moved to Phoenix after he learned that he had tuberculosis.
He used various inexpensive materials to build his home, which was an 18-room structure. After he died in 1945, his daughter lived in it until she died in 2010.
Address: This Attraction is at 800 E Mineral Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85042.
17. Bat Cave
Thousands of Mexican bats live in Phoenix during the migration season, which runs from May to October. They spend the day sleeping and then come out to fill the skies at night.
18. First Fridays
Every month, the Arts District of Phoenix hosts an art walk known as First Fridays. This event features various art galleries and restaurants.
During this time, the galleries extend their hours and can provide a more festive atmosphere for the visitors. It is an excellent way to explore the area and see its various attractions.
19. Roosevelt Arts District
In addition to art, there are also murals all around Phoenix. One of the best places to see these is in the Arts District of Phoenix, where there is a large mural of David Bowie. It’s fun to drive around that area and see these murals.
Address: This District is at 1755 N 7th St., Phoenix, AZ 85006.
20. Wildlife World Zoo
Another famous attraction in Phoenix is the Wildlife World Zoo, which features over 200 animals.
It’s an excellent place for people interested in learning more about African and South American animals.
The Wildlife World Zoo is located in the city of Litchfield Park, Arizona. It costs $41.50 for a ticket, but you can also get various discounts through various organizations. The aquarium is open daily from 9 until 7.
Address: This Beautiful Attraction is at 16501 W Northern Ave, Litchfield Park, AZ 85340, USA
21. Hall of Flame Fire Museum
The Hall of Flame Fire Museum is the perfect place for people interested in learning more about fire-fighting history.
This museum features various fire-fighting equipment used all around the world.
Address: This Attractive Museum is at 6101 E Van Buren Street, Phoenix, Arizona, 85008.
Best Time to Visit Phoenix, Arizona
The best time to visit Phoenix is during the spring and late fall. During these months, the weather in the area is ideal for outdoor activities and pool time.
Cost of a Trip to Phoenix, Arizona
Averagely, the cost of a 7-day trip to Phoenix is around $1607 for single people, and a couple $2,886, while a family of four would spend an estimated $5,411.
There are various hotels in Phoenix, and the average night cost is around $70.