I might only be a snowbird in the Valley of the Sun, but Phoenix, Arizona, has been my home away from home, my shelter from emotional storms, and my warm blanket from the bitter Canadian winters ever since I was a child. My grandparents lived here, and we would visit them often. As I grew up, I loved travelling here as a winter escape because I genuinely believe it is one of the coolest places in the USA. (Sorry, I had to for the temperature pun.) Maybe I’m biased, but Phoenix is so often overlooked when people look at the enormous map of the USA and decide where to go.
I’ve loved sharing my favourite things to see and do here with my friends for years, slowly converting them to honorary Phoenicians. But this year, I wanted to make this list to show all the amazing things there are to do in this city. Not just for visitors but locals who want to see their city from a new perspective!
Camelback Mountain, early in the morning before or just after sunrise, is one of the most incredible places in Phoenix. And as a bonus, it is a great place to come to get a sense of the city’s layout. You have this incredible 360° view across the valley. Camelback Mountain is just 20 minutes from downtown Phoenix. Although the trail is more difficult to climb than other hikes in the city, this one is well worth the effort. I am far from being an expert hiker, and aside from the last portion of the trail, this one is definitely something almost anyone can at least climb a portion of. Give yourself plenty of time and water, and don’t be afraid to sit down and rest. While catching your breath or taking a break, you can enjoy the awe-inspiring views across the desert valley.
Frank Lyold Wright is one of the most prolific American architects. But only a few people know that he called Arizona his winter residence for many years and even started up an architecture school here in the McDowell Mountains just outside Scottsdale. The architecture school is still in session to this very day and is one of the most sought-after programs for aspiring architects. You can tour the entire residence, view some new students at work, and be entertained and educated by the incredible guides who will lead you around this stunning, desert-inspired property.
The flora, which is so integral to the design, is also an important part of the city’s landscape. This tour is a great place to learn about desert plants and their contribution to the ecosystem. The views across the valley are stupendous from atop the mountains, so try to book a visit that will end around sunset to amp up the tour.
Mesa is a vibrant and artistic neighbourhood in the East Valley section of the Phoenix Metropolitan Area. In such a small area, there is a wealth of activities and attractions that are sure to delight visitors of all ages. But my absolute favourite thing to do in Mesa is their self-guided walk art along Main street. Along this one stretch of roadway, you can explore some amazing sculptures and murals created by local artisans. Plus, Main Street is home to some foodie favourites like Proof Bread, Tacos Chiwas and Jarrod’s Coffee, Tea, & Gallery.
As one of the most vibrant cities in the USA, it is no surprise that the downtown area of Phoenix has an ever-growing street art scene. But when your canvas is the city itself, the artworks are ever-changing and ever-moving. A guided tour is the best way to explore the best street art scene in Phoenix. The guides at Arizona ING Tours are always looking for new and impactful artworks in the popular Roosevelt Row neighbourhood. The guides lead you throughout this trendy district to find gorgeous works of art from the leading graffiti artists and explain the hidden meanings behind the paint.
The Desert Botanical Gardens might not jump out to you immediately but trust me, this place is more than it seems. The gardens are spread over 140 acres outside Papago Park. It was founded by the Arizona Cactus and Native Flora Society in 1937 to preserve, document and educate. Over 21,000 local plants and 139 rare, threatened, or endangered species live inside the garden. If you’ve never been to a desert environment before, you might imagine it without any greenery or plant life, but this couldn’t be further from the truth.
The gardens really come alive during the various events thrown throughout the year. Their annual ‘Day of the Dead celebration is one of the most memorable events I’ve ever attended in Phoenix. They are constantly finding ways to make the gardens new and exciting for visitors and their long-term members. This year, bold and lyrical large-scale sculptures from artist Rotraut enliven the garden trails.
It wouldn’t be a top 10 list from me without including at least one art museum. Visiting the Phoenix Art Museum is a great opportunity to see some amazing southwestern artists and some incredible paintings and exhibits from world-known artists. American southwestern art has its own style and influences unique to this part of the country. Currently on display is a collection from artist Philip C. Curtis that explores his relationship with the landscapes of Arizona.
In their permanent collection, my favourite gallery is their Latin American collection. This collection features over 1,000 works across North, Central and South America. From Spanish Colonial to contemporary works by living artists, the collection explores artistic traditions and themes from shared between the southwest and Latin America. The best piece for me is ‘El Suicidio De Dorothy Hale‘ (The Suicide Of Dorothy Hale) by Frida Kahlo. In the Modern Art collection, you’ll find a treasure from renowned artist Yayoi Kusam. ‘You Who Are Getting Obliterated In The Dancing Swarm Of Fireflies‘ (Tú Que Estás Siendo Obliterado Por Una Multitud De Luciérnagas Danzantes) is such a unique and ethereal experience and one you might be surprised to find hidden away in this gallery.
The Melrose District in Phoenix, on 7th Avenue between Camelback and Indian School road, is one of the coolest shopping areas to explore. Along this strip, you’ll find some of the best thrift and vintage shops, delicious restaurants and hipster coffee shops.
Along the strip, stop in at Retro Ranch, my fave place to score colourful vintage t-shirts and nifty knick-knacks. Melrose Kitchen is one of the swishest diners along the strip and a great place to grab a delicious breakfast in style. Copper Star Coffee serves up some of the valley’s best brews. Across the road, you’ll find Rollover Doughnuts, the perfect combo with your coffee! Rust & Roses is one of those antique furniture shops which is so much fun to explore, even if you’re not looking to buy anything.
Sidewalk Saturdays is a weekly event where local businesses and vendors showcase their products on the sidewalk along North 1st Street. You can find dozens of shops selling unique gifts, delicious food, gorgeous hand-made jewellery and chic clothes.
The event occurs outside Churchill, a locally focused community gathering space and home to four restaurants, two bars, one wine shop, and three retail shops. Inside Churchill, you can listen to live music and weekly performers and participate in the lively atmosphere. This event is a great way to explore Phoenix’s vibrant culture and community. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, Sidewalk Saturdays is a fun and exciting event that should not be missed.
If you’re lucky enough to visit Phoenix during the Spring, you can catch a Cactus League Baseball Game! Spring Training baseball takes place from February to March. Hundreds of baseball games occur with all your favourite players spread across the city. There are ten different Spring Training Stadiums to visit, each with its unique flavour, style, events and, of course, teams to watch. All before the official baseball season begins. But Spring Training baseball is more than just the game; there are themed events, great chances to meet the players and get autographs, and explore the various food offerings unique to each stadium. Tickets are cheap, even for the best seats in the house, so if you’re a sports fan, it’s a great opportunity.
If you miss the Spring Training season, do not fear! Chase Field, where the Arizona Diamondbacks play year-round, is also a great place to catch a game. It’s one of the nicer stadiums in the US, and in case you’re wondering – yes, it’s air-conditioned in the spring and summer!
One of my favourite places to take new visitors for a relaxing and delicious afternoon is the Queen Creek Olive Mill. This is Arizona’s only operating olive mill that produces high-quality olive oil and other products made with the oil. You can tour the mill and see the olive trees, learn how the oil is processed and even see how it’s used in the kitchen to make great gourmet meals. Tours cost $7/adult or $10 with a glass of Prosecco. The tour lasts 45 minutes and runs from midday to midafternoon on the half hour.
After the tour, you can relax in their marketplace cafe and enjoy a bite to eat. Or, sit down in their outdoor bistro for an elegant dinner under the stars. All the dishes combine, in some format, the olive oils from the very trees surrounding you. On a hot day in Phoenix, anyone knows that the best thing to beat the heat is a cold sweet treat! And the gelatos from Angelo’s ice cream bar are the best around!
Phoenix is changing daily. More and more people are moving into the downtown area and revitalizing previously uninhabited parts of the city. There is always a new restaurant or local shop opening up. The town is literally yours to discover, but hopefully, this guide helped you make a start at planning your next trip to Phoenix! Let me know what your favourite things to do in Phoenix are. Hopefully, the next time you plan a trip, you’ll consider exploring this fantastic city!
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Thanks for this great list of things to do in Phoenix! I especially liked that you included a mix of outdoor activities and cultural attractions [S3]. I've been thinking of visiting Phoenix for a while now, and this article has given me some great ideas.
Have you been to the Desert Botanical Gardens recently? I'm curious to know what time of year you recommend visiting [S3]. Thanks again for the informative post!