Best Places to Visit in Phoenix, Arizona: The Ultimate Guide
Welcome to your local guide
Traveling to Phoenix offers a captivating blend of natural beauty, urban vibrancy, and a thriving sports scene. Nestled in the heart of the Arizona desert, this city boasts a rich cultural tapestry, awe-inspiring desert landscapes, and an abundance of outdoor activities.
Sports enthusiasts enjoy the excitement of the Cactus League Spring Training, where Major League Baseball teams gather for preseason games or head to a Phoenix Suns basketball or an Arizona Cardinals football game.
From exploring the striking red rock formations of Papago Park to immersing yourself in the diverse exhibits of the Desert Botanical Garden and indulging in the city's burgeoning culinary delights, Phoenix promises a dynamic and memorable journey for every traveler.
Dining & Restaurants
The Phoenix culinary scene puts a twist on traditional flavors, infusing each dish with a sense of adventure and innovation. Chefs playfully experiment with indigenous ingredients and global inspirations, resulting in a captivating array of dishes that push the boundaries of taste. From quirky food trucks to eclectic fusion restaurants, Phoenix's culinary landscape radiates a distinct and vibrant energy that delights both locals and visitors seeking a unique gastronomic experience.
Central Phoenix + Downtown
BREAKFAST + COFFEE
La Grande Orange | chic bakery + cafe + market in arcadia
Lux Central | eclectic hipster cafe, midtown
Luci’s at The Orchard | uptown cafe + outdoor area + market, uptown
Ollie Vaughn’s | near downtown + brunch + coffee shop
Provision | huge ceilings + great food + outlets for laptops + loads of plants and light, midtown
LUNCH + CASUAL DINNER
Arizona Wilderness DTPHX | downtown brewery
Culinary Dropout - The Yard | uptown eclectic bar bites with yard games, midtown
The Parlor | gourmet pizza, near biltmore
Pizzeria Bianco | on netflix’s chef’s table: pizza, wood-fired, this one is near biltmore and easier to get into. another downtown
Taco Chelo | downtown taco joint
HIGHER END DINING + DRINKS
Chelsea’s Kitchen |american comfort food + fire pits in arcadia
LON’s at the Hermosa Inn | dinner + cocktails + southwest vibe + fireplaces in paradise valley
The Henry | “upscale-casual” eatery in arcadia
Valentine | hipster southwest “fine” dining + connected to vintage furniture shop in midtown
North Phoenix
BREAKFAST + COFFEE
Oink | bacon bacon bacon + other breakfast + coffee
Press Coffee | coffeehouse + great for working
32 Shea | cafe + bistro with cute outside seating
Scramble Breakfast Joint | standard breakfast
LUNCH + CASUAL DINNER
Buffalo Chip Saloon | cave creek saloon with rodeo
OHSO Brewery | neighborhood joint + yard games, large patio in paradise valley
Reign of Thai | family run thai takeout
HIGHER END DINING + DRINKS
Aftermath | craft food + drinks + seriously best burger in uptown
The Genuine | cocktails + wood fired things in uptown
Timo Wine Bar | wood fired pizzas + fire pits in sunnyslope
Meet our Favorite Vendors
Adventures in Phoenix
Phoenix offers a wealth of adventurous opportunities amidst its stunning desert backdrop. Outdoor enthusiasts can hike rugged mountain trails, explore breathtaking Sonoran Desert landscapes, and embark on thrilling hot air balloon rides. For a cultural adventure, the city's diverse neighborhoods, vibrant arts scene, and eclectic festivals provide endless avenues to explore, making Phoenix a dynamic destination for both nature lovers and urban adventurers.
Hiking Nearby
popular Hikes
Camelback Mountain Echo Canyon Trail | difficult hike in paradise valley
Camelback Mountain Cholla Trail | moderate hike in paradise valley
Piestewa Peak | moderate to difficult hike, several trails in phoenix
less crowded
Lookout Mountain | moderate to difficult hike depending on the route, in n. phoenix
North Mountain and Shaw Butte | easy to difficult hikes, in n. phoenix
Shadow Mountain | moderate hike due to small rocks, great views, in n. phoenix
Two Bit | 40th street trailhead, easy hike in paradise valley
Adventures
Desert Monsters Tours | ATV adventure
Lake Pleasant |rent boats + marina + inflated obstacle coarse in peoria, az
Rainbow Ryders Hot Air Balloon Co | hot air balloon rides
Saguaro Lake| marina + fishing + rentals
Salt River Tubing |float the salt river on a rented tube in the summer months
Tempe Town Lake | paddle boarding + bike/walking paths
Wild Horse Sightseeing and Kayak Tour | summer months, kayak the salt river + look for wild horses
Shopping + Boutiques
Explore Phoenix’s quirky shopping options in Midtown’s Melrose District, with vintage and hipster boutiques aplenty. Need something more upscale? Scottsdale’s shops are nearby.
Shopping Centers
Fashion Square Mall | old town Scottsdale indoor mall
Kierland Commons | n. Scottsdale outdoor mall
Old Town Scottsdale | galleries + boutiques outdoor shopping
Scottsdale Quarter | n. Scottsdale outdoor mall across from Kierland
Markets
Roadrunner Farmer’s Market | north phoenix every Saturday
Old Town Scottsdale Farmer’s Market | October thru may
Junk in the Trunk Vintage Market | n. Scottsdale, twice per year
Boutique Vintage Furniture Shops
ModDesert | mcm + retro furniture + decor
Modern Manor | High-end mid-century modern furnishings
Retro Bungalow | retro furnishings + decor
Soda Pop Vintage | mcm furnishings
Favorite Antique Malls
3 Vintage Chicks | n. phoenix shabby + farmhouse
Antique Gatherings | arcadia + higher end antique
Antique Trove | s. scottsdale + large antique mall
Call It New / Call It Antique | mesa + eclectic large mall
Everything Goes | n. phoenix + mix of home goods
Sweet Salvage | farmhouse + reclaimed, 3rd wknd/month
Pampering
Surrender to the blissful world of pampering in Phoenix and the surrounding areas, where luxurious spas offer an oasis of tranquility, delivering revitalizing treatments that restore mind, body, and soul.
Spas & Pampering & Massage
Face Foundrie | facial bar + group rentals + code “Wendy02CB” $10 off
Joya Spa | spa at Omni Montelucia Resort
The Phoenician Spa | luxury spa at the Phoenician resort
Michelle’s Forever | just want a massage without the fluff
Family-Friendly Activities & Restaurants
In Phoenix, family adventures await at attractions like OdySea Aquarium and Butterfly Wonderland, inviting young minds to explore, discover, and create cherished memories together.
Fun Activities
Bull Riding | buffalo chip saloon in cave creek
Phoenix Children’s Museum | downtown phx
McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park | trains to ride + jungle gyms
OdySea Aquarium |aquarium with exotic exhibits
Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary | reptile sanctuary
Phoenix Zoo | exhibits + children’s area
Tempe Town Lake | paddle boarding + bike/walking paths
Kid - Friendly Restaurants
Culinary Dropout - The Yard | central phx with yard games
Luci’s at The Orchard | uptown cafe + splash pad
Snakes + Lattes | tempe + cafe with board games
OHSO Brewery | neighborhood joint + yard games
Arts
Phoenix's art and museum scene is a vibrant tapestry of culture and creativity. The city is home to an array of world-class museums, including the Phoenix Art Museum and Heard Museum, showcasing everything from contemporary art to Native American heritage. With a mix of galleries, public installations, and cultural events, Phoenix offers a rich and diverse artistic experience that reflects both its modern spirit and historical roots.
Gardens + Museums + Art
Desert Botanical Gardens | desert gardens + dining
First Friday | art walk on the first friday of the month in downtown phoenix’s roosevelt row
Musical Instruments Museum | n. scottsdale, instruments from 200 countries
Heard Museum | central phx, Native American + Southwestern exhibits
ASU Gammage Auditorium | historic theater on the ASU campus
Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art | Multi-gallery museum
Taliesin West | n. scottsdale, tours of Frank Llo/yd Wright's winter home
Sports
Phoenix is a sports lover's haven with a dynamic sports scene that caters to diverse interests. Home to professional teams like the Phoenix Suns (NBA), Arizona Cardinals (NFL), and Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB), the city pulsates with energy during game seasons. Beyond mainstream sports, Phoenix also hosts golf tournaments, motorsports events, and outdoor adventures that capitalize on the region's favorable climate, making it a thrilling destination for sports enthusiasts.
Teams & Venues
Golf
Arizona Biltmore Golf Club - Central Phoenix - Biltmore
Gainey Ranch Golf Club - Scottsdale
Grayhawk Golf Club - N. Scottsdale
Lookout Mountain Golf Club - N. Phoenix
McCormick Ranch Golf Club - Scottsdale
Phoenician Golf Club - Phoenix - Arcadia
Scottsdale Silverado Golf Club - Old Town Scottsdale
Talking Stick Golf Club - Scottsdale
TPC Scottsdale - Champions Course, N. Scottsdale
Troon North Golf Club | N . Scottsdale
We-Ko-Pa Golf Club - Ft. McDowell
Whirlwind Golf Club at Wild Horse Pass - Chandler