In the United States, there are several major metropolitan areas that are well-known tourist destinations, including New York City, Washington D.C., Las Vegas, and Los Angeles. However, there are plenty of other cities in the U.S., especially in the southwest region of the country, that offer beautiful scenery and attractions that you might not know about or think to visit if you aren’t already familiar with them. One such city is Phoenix, Arizona. This highly populous city has plenty of great things to do and see if you’re looking for a fun trip to get away from your normal routine!
Palm Canyon Drive
Ever heard of Palm Canyon Drive? Most people haven’t. At one time, it was a very popular street for all types of entertainment, including restaurants, bars and nightclubs. Over time though, as Scottsdale rose to prominence in its own right, visitors began flocking north and many of them still never visit Downtown Phoenix. That’s unfortunate because Downtown is thriving with attractions and activities for locals and tourists alike. If you find yourself coming into town for a conference or a family event at Talking Stick Resort Arena but only have an afternoon free, hop on over downtown. We guarantee that after just one trip, Palm Canyon Drive will be on your radar. (You can also check out our complete list of 50 fun things to do in metro Phoenix!) You also call to Spirit Airlines Customer Service Number +1-888-678-0392 for checking.
Old Town Scottsdale
Scottsdale, Arizona is one of our favorite cities. From high-end shopping and fine dining to walking trails and historical landmarks, Scottsdale has it all. We’ve been hanging out in Scottsdale for years and we can’t wait to go back! Our must-do list has something for everyone…even our pet dog Chloe had a blast! We hope your trip is everything you hoped it would be. Enjoy! My new favorite thing to do in Scottsdale: Dog Trekking at McDowell Sonoran Preserve – One of my favorite pastimes when I visit Scottsdale is taking long, scenic walks with my dog through McDowell Sonoran Preserve on Camelback Mountain. They allow dogs off leash (on Saturdays only) as long as they’re under voice control and leashed when crossing roads or entering parking lots. The preserve allows leashed dogs year round on most trails, but remember that warm weather brings very hot temperatures so keep an eye on your pup’s comfort level—and water them often! It’s also important to note that they don’t allow dogs anywhere near playgrounds or picnic areas so stick with marked trails only.
Downtown Mesa
Downtown Mesa is a great place for weekend fun with interesting shops, restaurants and venues. The area provides a lot of free events from live music and festivals to art shows. There’s plenty of street parking available around downtown. Parking can be hard on weekends because of special events so try parking early if it’s important to you. The city also offers a free trolley that runs until 10pm every night making it easy to get back and forth between different venues on weeknights. Downtown Mesa is located just north of downtown Phoenix and close enough for an evening event or concert, but far enough away for an affordable outing for lunch or dinner during weekdays. Downtown Mesa tends to have less crowds than its more popular neighbor making it easier to walk down Main Street without bumping into everyone else who wants to grab a bite at Murphy’s. Make sure you take some time wandering through Talavera Street Market; shop for some Arizona souvenirs at Annabella or drop by Round-Up Saloon for happy hour. There are lots of quirky shops like Brim Coffee House, Little Saigon market, Su Teatro Cultural center and Barrio Queen. Oh – and don’t forget your Yelp app! You’re going to need it!
Deer Valley Rock Art Center
This is a great location for rock climbing enthusiasts and history buffs alike. The center offers guided tours through historical areas of rock paintings dating back more than 800 years. The tours are available on Saturdays from May-September and last from 2-4 hours. Although walking is required, there are no inclines or stairs required for those who have mobility issues. This site also has barbecue pits where visitors can enjoy light lunch and dinner as well as handicap accessible facilities including picnic tables, restrooms, and water fountains. There are many fun options while here such as hiking trails and a climbing wall. Admission: $8 adults; $6 seniors (65+); $5 children (7-12)
If you’re interested in flight or aeronautics, visit one of these attractions: Afterburner Climbing Gym : If you’re looking for an exciting way to exercise with your friends and family, consider going rock climbing at Afterburner Climbing Gym . The gym features 16 unique climbing obstacles that range from beginner friendly walls to professional level challenges . For those who like something different but aren’t interested in seeing how they stack up against others while still having some sort of safety net, bouldering may be what’s right for them.
Mercado San Agustin
It’s easy to forget San Agustin market is just a block from both Pizzeria Bianco and FnB—you’ll want to make sure you don’t miss it. The Mercado houses an impressive selection of locally made produce, artisan cheeses, meats, breads and drinks. Go out of your way for it—it’s worth it. After exploring, swing by Playground (San Agustin’s new neighborhood restaurant) next door. Grab lunch or dinner here while sitting at one of their fire pits on a beautiful day. Once you’ve tried everything else, don’t pass up a slice of pizza from Pizzeria Bianco and some handmade pasta at Frankie & Jo’s. Both spots serve food worth waiting in line for; if you’re smart, you’ll use that time to walk across Roosevelt Row to Garage downtown. In two short blocks you can tour four breweries: Thunder Canyon Brewery, Dragoon Brewing Company, Wren House Brewing Company and J Wakefield Brewing. Each place has something unique going on—from traditional stouts (Thunder Canyon) to experimental sour brews (Wren House). However long it takes to get there, definitely take advantage of it; all four places are top notch restaurants with beer brewed right behind glass windows where guests can watch them work.
Tovrea Castle Ruins
For a fun outing with kids, check out Tovrea Castle. The castle ruins were built as a private residence and are now home to more than 6,000 Arizona desert creatures. The grounds are usually open from dawn until dusk every day of the year and are an ideal place for a picnic lunch or games of hide-and-seek. It’s also located just minutes from downtown Phoenix. If you’re planning a longer stay in town, it’s worth a trip to nearby Encanto Park. With multiple playgrounds and shady trees throughout, Encanto Park is perfect for active children who aren’t ready to call it quits after checking out Tovrea Castle. And if your next stop is nearby Downtown Phoenix, there are plenty of other family-friendly attractions such as Heritage Square which offers hands-on history lessons and the chance to take part in old-fashioned parades and celebrations. Speaking of Downtown Phoenix, make sure everyone knows about its free daily art walks featuring live performances by local musicians intermingled with art galleries showcasing regional talent (think theater companies). Parking can be difficult when events are happening but there are some paid lots scattered around town.
Desert Botanical Garden
Many tourists visit Arizona for its hot and dry climate and take advantage of sightseeing opportunities at places like The Grand Canyon, Sedona or Jerome. While there are some fantastic sights to see in Arizona, don’t overlook one of its more unique gems—the Desert Botanical Garden. Located at 1201 N Galvin Parkway Phoenix, AZ 85008, it’s a must-see if you want a change from your standard vacation activities. If visiting during warmer months, be sure to check out their popular Music under the Stars concert series as well as various special events throughout spring and summer. For a break from scenic views and adventure-seeking tourists, head over to Desert Botanical Garden for an afternoon filled with wildlife and culture. There’s nothing else quite like it! What can we say? We love our great state and you should too… Give it a shot next time you find yourself here.
Heard Museum
Located within Papago Park, Arizona’s largest urban park, is a museum that gives Phoenix residents and visitors a unique look into Native American culture. Opened in 1952, Heard Museum has been educating local residents for over half a century. More than simply housing historic artifacts and providing an introduction to Native American culture, Heard Museum offers educational programs such as After School Adventures where students can work hands-on with native materials. Aside from school field trips there are various adult programs designed around exploration and personal development. The biggest offering at Heard Museum is its spectacular annual festivals like Thunderbird & High Tea and Ghost Dance & Kachina Ball. These events welcome locals as well as tourists and give them insight into how an ancient culture has survived by adapting to modern life on their own terms.
The Bean Tree Coffee Company
Hidden down a series of back alleys, we found a quirky little coffee shop called The Bean Tree Coffee Company. This hole-in-the-wall cafe has a quirky and bohemian feel with its mismatched chairs and wooden decor. Located close to downtown Phoenix, it’s an ideal spot for those looking for some peace and quiet away from city hustle and bustle. Be sure to try one of their exotic coffees! Whether it’s a blackberry lavender or spicy dragon fruit latte (they are pretty amazing), there is something for everyone. We were pleasantly surprised by how warm and welcoming they were at The Bean Tree – it really does offer everything from specialty beverages to friendly staff members. Also, did we mention that their Wi-Fi signal was super strong? In search of some prime study spots? This place is perfect for relaxing with friends and getting work done during finals season – don’t miss out on checking out Phoenix’s own ‘bean tree’ next time you’re here! Get lost in your studies here!
Pueblo Grande Museum and Archaeological Park
Many people drive right by Pueblo Grande without giving it a second thought, assuming it’s just another government building. But beyond its usual role as headquarters for U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Pueblo Grande is home to one of Arizona’s most fascinating museums: The Archaeology Park. Home to more than 200 ancient Hohokam dwellings, along with Native American artifacts dating back 3,000 years, it’s one of metro Phoenix’s best-kept secrets. Walk among centuries-old adobe structures, view cave paintings up close and take advantage of a number of tours led by trained archaeologists. And if you can tear yourself away from downtown Phoenix, make sure to visit at sunset—the setting sun illuminates what has been called the most visible landmark in Phoenix. If you go, don’t forget your camera!
The Arboretum at Flagstaff Urban Wildlife Refuge
Located at 2520 N. Scenic Drive, The Arboretum at Flagstaff is a sanctuary for birds and other animals as well as some of Arizona’s native flora. It features more than 50 species of wildlife and 110 different kinds of plants that thrive with little human interference. There are over 100 acres of trails throughout the park, but most visitors drive through to take pictures of some pretty cool statues; there’s a statue dedicated to Superman, Spiderman, SpongeBob SquarePants and many others right by entrance 6 along North Scenic Drive. A great place for families or lovers looking for some outdoor scenery and fun. Entry costs $3 per person. Enterprise Rent-A-Car Neighborhood Office Tours: If you’re heading out of town on a vacation or business trip soon, check out Enterprise Rent-A-Car’s neighborhood office tours! They offer tour information for each city where they have an office – if it’s too far away, visit them online to learn more about your hometown!
Invisible Light – Exotic Apparel Store: Located inside Downtown Shops on 1st Avenue & Washington Street in Phoenix AZ 85004 , Invisible Light is worth visiting just because it has such an interesting name (it also happens to be one of my favorite shops). This exotically named shop has something special inside – bikinis from all over the world.
Tempe Town Lake
There’s nothing quite like a leisurely paddle across Tempe Town Lake on a warm, sunny day. Afternoon cruises are most popular, but morning trips are an equally memorable experience—especially if you time it right and get there for sunrise. Whether you’re paddling your own boat or renting one from one of several local companies that offer water-based tours of Tempe (that also include live music and snacks), make sure to bring plenty of sunscreen and a hat so as not to get burned. You can find ample parking at various lots located along Apache Boulevard near Rio Salado Parkway, including Rio West Park & Ride just east of Loop 202 (Beeline Highway). The park itself is located at 1600 S. Rio Salado Parkway; exit westbound off either Loop 101 (Red Mountain Freeway) or Loop 202 via University Drive and go south (right). The best way to buy Cheap Spirit Airlines flights.
Gould Park
The most popular attraction at Gould Park is Hart Lake. Surrounded by a lush green forest, it is an excellent spot for hiking and jogging. It is also conveniently close to downtown Scottsdale. Families especially love its ample space for picnics and frisbee games as well as its large lake perfect for swimming, paddle boating and kayaking. The lake can get crowded during holidays and weekends, but during the week there are plenty of places where one can sit down with a good book or take a quiet break from life’s demands. This park is also home to many events including concerts, fishing tournaments and free movies on Friday nights during spring/summer months. It’s definitely one of our favorite parks here in Arizona!
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