The BEST 10 Things To Do in Phoenix, Arizona in 2024

Steeped in history and full of stunning nature, Phoenix, Arizona truly has something for everyone. Known as the “Valley of the Sun,” Phoenix is warm and sunny almost year-round! This means there’s never a “bad” time to visit. Read on to learn about our favorite things to do in Arizona’s capital city!

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The 10 Top Activities To Do In Phoenix

Phoenix, Arizona is the largest city in the scenic Sonoran Desert. Given Phoenix’s desert surroundings, it’s full of epic hikes and gorgeous views! In addition, Phoenix is around 3 hours away from the beautiful Grand Canyon.

When hiking in Arizona, you’ll see the beautiful red rock formations the state is known for, as well as the gigantic saguaro cactus. Because of Arizona’s climate, this state is the only place in the world the saguaro cactus can grow! This cactus can grow to up to 40 feet – we told you it was gigantic! If you see one, take photos, but let it be – it’s illegal to cut down a Saguaro cactus, and if anyone does so, they could face jail time.

Please note that Phoenix can get very hot, and is frequently more than 105 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius) in the summer! Because of this, make sure to bring plenty of water, and limit your hiking activities to the cooler months, like November and December.

Despite being located in the desert, Phoenix boats many activities aside from hiking. For starters, the city is rich with Native American history and culture. Additionally, Phoenix is one of the top wellness destinations in the US. In short, there is something to do for everyone in this vibrant city! Keep reading for some of our favorite activities to do while in Phoenix, Arizona!

1. Hike Through One of the Biggest Municipal Parks in the U.S.

South Mountain Park and Preserve is one of the largest municipal parks in the U.S. Spanning for more than 16,000 acres, South Mountain Park is home to more than 50 miles of hiking trails! In addition, the park is free to enter, and is open from 5 a.m. until 7 p.m. when the park gates close. What’s more, South Mountain Park is also a great place to see saguaro cacti!

With 50 miles of hiking trails, we know it might be hard to pick which one. We like Holbert Trail, because it’s a great place to see petroglyphs, or ancient artistic rock carvings. However, Holbert Tail is a big tricky to hike. Therefore, for less advanced hikers, we recommend hiking Telegraph Pass. This trail spans around 1.5 miles and is a great place to see wildflowers in the spring.

Address: South Mountain Park and Preserve

2. Take a Tour of Arizona’s Amazing Natural Wonders

While you’re visiting Phoenix, you can’t miss Horseshoe Bend (pictured) and Antelope Canyon! Although both of these natural wonders are located around 4.5 hours from Phoenix, they are easy to reach with a guided tour. Located near Page, Arizona, the stunning Horseshoe Bend was formed more than six million years ago by erosion caused by the Colorado River. Isn’t nature amazing?! Horseshoe Bend is an awesome place for one-of-a-kind views. Don’t forget your camera!

Less than 10 minutes away from Horseshoe Bend lies Antelope Canyon. Made from Navajo Sandstone, this famous slot canyon was also formed by erosion. Caused by flash floods, the eroded sandstone has a wave-like appearance which looks absolutely amazing when hit by light beams from the hot Arizona sun!

Normally, you can only visit Antelope Canyon with a licensed guide. What’s more, you’ll need a reservation. However, when you book our tour of Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend, we take care of reservations and scheduling for you. In addition, we also pick you up from your hotel in Phoenix. Therefore, all you have to do is book the tour and then be ready for pickup at your hotel!

Address: Horseshoe Bend

3.  See More Than 50,000 Plants at the Desert Botanical Garden

The stunning Desert Botanical Garden spans for 140 acres and features 50,000 plant displays. When visiting the Desert Botanical Garden, you can even more than 544 rare and endangered plant species! In addition, the garden also hosts events, such as yoga classes.

Admission to the Desert Botanical Garden costs between $24.95 and $29.95 for adults and between 14.95 and $16.95 for kids ages 3 to 17. Because of long lines, we recommend getting tickets ahead of time!

Address: Desert Botanical Garden

4. Take a Tour of the Grand Canyon South Rim and Sedona

Known for its beautiful red rocks and stunning scenery, the town of Sedona is a must-see on your trip to Arizona. Once you see Sedona, you’ll understand why so many people have created artwork inspired by its beauty!

On this tour, you’ll stop in downtown Sedona for about 90 minutes to see awesome views and peruse local artwork in nearby shops. Then, you’ll move onto the Grand Canyon South Rim. Once you are there, you will immediately see why roughly 5 million people visit the Grand Canyon every year! 

Please note that Sedona is around a two hour drive from Phoenix. In addition, the Grand Canyon South Rim is around 2 hours away from Sedona. However, with a guided tour, you can see both of them in one day! We take care of the planning and transportation for you, as well as provide lunch with a stunning view of the Grand Canyon. In addition, admission to the Grand Canyon is included in the tour price. All you have to do is meet us at your hotel in the morning for pickup!

Address: Grand Canyon South Rim

Not ready to book a tour? Learn about what not to miss at the Grand Canyon!

5. Stay in the Iconic Arizona Biltmore Hotel

Since its grand opening in 1929, the Arizona Biltmore Hotel has been a favorite place to stay among the elite. A Waldorf Astoria property, the Biltmore has allegedly hosted guests such as Frank Sinatra and Elton John in the past. These days, you still never know who you might see while staying here!

Set in over 2 acres of beautiful gardens, the Biltmore Hotel is a true desert oasis. This iconic hotel is loved for its amazing location, comfortable beds, and top notch amenities. For example, it boasts 2 18-hole golf courses and 8 different pools. What’s more, one of the pools even has a water slide!

In addition, Arizona is known for its spas. What’s more, the Biltmore features one of the most luxurious ones in the state, Tierra Luna Spa. Treat yourself in style  – you deserve it. The architecture of the Biltmore is stunning as well! Guests have reported feeling like royalty during their stay. And we can see why!

Book your stay here.

Address: Arizona Biltmore Hotel

6. Eat Fry Bread

Fry bread is not only delicious, but also an important part of Arizona history. In the mid 1800s, the United States government forced thousands of Navajo people to leave their homelands and walk more than 300 miles to the Bosque Redondo reservation, which is located in what is now Arizona. This is referred to as the “Long Walk.”

During this event, the government gave the Navajo tribes food rations to attempt to prevent starvation. The tribes used some of the rations – specifically water, salt and lard – to create what is now called “fry bread.” The result is crispy fried deliciousness that’s still widely eaten around Arizona and is considered pivotal to the state’s history because of its origin.

In Phoenix, one of the best places to try fry bread is the James Beard Award Winning Fry Bread House. You can try it by itself, or in “taco” form, with an assortment of toppings to choose from, like beans, cheese, and more!

Address: Fry Bread House

7. Treat Yourself to a Spa Day

Because Arizona is a top wellness destination, there are lots of spas throughout the state – with a twist! Not only do spas in Phoenix overlook the beautiful surrounding Sonoran desert, but many spas use resources from the desert as well. In keeping with Arizona history, lots of spas in Arizona also take inspiration from Native American traditions, such as some of the treatments found at the Aji Spa. Located at the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort and Spa, Aji Spa features rejuvenating treatments using sacred prickly pear red clay, among other resources you will likely only find at a spa in Arizona.

We also mentioned Tierra Luna above, located in the Biltmore Hotel. This spa features luxury treatments such as a magnesium sugar scrub and a quartz massage, and also includes a wellness bar serving upscale healthy snacks. No matter which spa you decide to go to, definitely don’t miss out on pampering yourself Arizona-style while you’re in Phoenix!

8. Tee Up At One of Phoenix’s Many Golf Courses

Arizona is one of the most popular golf destinations in the world. Therefore, Phoenix and its surrounding areas feature roughly 200 golf courses! In addition, the famous golf tournament WM PHX Open is held at the beginning of every year in Scottsdale, which neighbors Phoenix. One big reason that golf is so popular in Arizona is that the state is warm and sunny most of the year, as we stated earlier. Because golf is played outside, warm weather is ideal.

Many hotels in Phoenix feature golf courses on the property. One example is the Arizona Biltmore Hotel, mentioned above. In addition, the Arizona Grand Resort and Spa has a golf course as well. Of course, there are many golf courses throughout the city if you want to try your hand at this sport. Please note that some golf clubs will be private, meaning you can only visit if you are a member of the club. This is something to check when you are selecting where to go!

9. Check out Native American Artwork at the Renowned Heard Museum

The highly acclaimed Heard Museum showcases Native American artwork and artifacts that originated in Arizona and other nearby places in the Southwest. This museum has artwork displayed both inside and outside! Inside, you can browse the museum’s 11 exhibit galleries, and outdoors, there are beautiful courtyards displaying art as well.

The Heard Museum features artwork from several different tribes. If you’re interested in learning more Native American history, definitely don’t miss this museum when you’re in Phoenix. Tickets to the museum range between $18 and $22.50, but admission for children and students is $9, and indigenous people always get free admission, according to their website!

Address: Heard Museum

10. Dine in Style With Sunset Views

If you’re looking for dinner with a view, we have just the spot! Different Pointe of View is one of the best spots in the city to watch the sunset. Perched on a knoll, the restaurant features a large patio you can sit out on while you enjoy your meal.

Even if you opt to eat inside, its floor to ceiling windows provide scenic views while you indulge in their delicious Mediterranean dishes. We especially like their balsamic-infused bistro steak. Yum! What’s more, the restaurant also earned a AAA Four-Diamond rating, which is only given to the most upscale restaurants. Enjoy a sunset in style!

Address: Different Pointe of View