Phoenix: what's actually worth it
The Salt River’s ancient Hohokam canals still whisper through the concrete, reminding you that this arid valley was always a place of careful cultivation and community resilience. Today, that spirit feels less like a desert outpost and more like a sun-drenched creative hub where art deco meets modern innovation. It is a city defined by its people’s warmth rather than just its heat, offering a vibrant mix of culinary scenes and outdoor adventures that invite you to linger in the shade of century-old mesquite trees while exploring its evolving urban heart.
Top things to do in Phoenix
Desert Botanical Garden
Botanical Garden · ★ 4.8 (23,084 reviews)
Desert garden with 50,000 plants spread over 140 acres, also offering dining, a gift shop & library.
Check tours & tickets →Musical Instrument Museum
Museum · ★ 4.9 (10,255 reviews)
Expansive display of instruments from roughly 200 countries, including some that guests can try out.
Check tours & tickets →Papago Park
Park · ★ 4.7 (12,939 reviews)
Expansive hiking & picnicking area that includes the Phoenix Zoo & famed Hole-in-the-Rock formation.
Check tours & tickets →OdySea Aquarium
Aquarium · ★ 4.5 (18,532 reviews)
Huge aquarium featuring dramatic exhibits of marine life, plus a 3D movie & interactive experiences.
Check tours & tickets →Hole in the Rock
Hiking Area · ★ 4.7 (7,286 reviews)
Landmark rock formation with multiple cavelike holes in the sandstone created by erosion.
Check tours & tickets →Dobbins Lookout
Tourist Attraction · ★ 4.8 (5,672 reviews)
Scenic observation point with an elevation of 2,330 feet, accessible by hiking or driving.
Check tours & tickets →Butterfly Wonderland
Tourist Attraction · ★ 4.6 (7,512 reviews)
Indoor, interactive rainforest habitat housing thousands of butterflies, plus a cafe & gift shop.
Check tours & tickets →Encanto Park
Park · ★ 4.6 (7,009 reviews)
Big outdoor recreation spot with a fishing pond, 2 golf courses, a swimming pool & ball fields.
Check tours & tickets →Heard Museum
Art museum · ★ 4.7 (5,647 reviews)
Exhibits devoted to Native American civilizations, including a big collection of Southwestern art.
Check tours & tickets →Arizona Museum of Natural History
Museum · ★ 4.7 (5,260 reviews)
Southwest life & art exhibits including dinosaur displays, a Hohokam village & gold panning.
Check tours & tickets →Where to eat
Miel De Agave Phoenix
Steak House · ★ 4.8 (8,651 reviews)
Website →The Henry
American Restaurant · ★ 4.6 (4,932 reviews)
Elegant eatery with a patio, offering an American menu all day, along with a full bar.
Website →Matt's Big Breakfast
Brunch Restaurant · ★ 4.5 (5,617 reviews)
Contemporary American cafe serving daytime fare, including breakfast, burgers & sandwiches.
Website →Fry Bread House
American Restaurant · ★ 4.6 (4,310 reviews)
Unpretentious spot serving savory & sweet creations made from Native American fry bread.
Website →Cornish Pasty Co
British Restaurant · ★ 4.5 (4,742 reviews)
Down-to-earth stopo crafting traditional & vegan Cornish pasties, plus other English favorites.
Website →The Arrogant Butcher
American Restaurant · ★ 4.4 (5,605 reviews)
Buzzy steakhouse turning out upscale New American comfort food in a stylish setting.
Website →Chelsea’s Kitchen
American Restaurant · ★ 4.6 (3,817 reviews)
Bustling, industrial-chic eatery featuring American comfort fare & a patio overlooking the canal.
Website →Pizzeria Bianco
Pizza Restaurant · ★ 4.4 (4,893 reviews)
Trendy Italian eatery known for serving handcrafted wood-fired pizzas in rustic-chic quarters.
Website →Tours worth booking ahead
AZ UTV Adventures, ATV Tours, Offroad
point_of_interest, establishment · ★ 5 (2,175 reviews)
Check tours & tickets →Get outside
Papago Park
Park · ★ 4.7 (12,939 reviews)
Expansive hiking & picnicking area that includes the Phoenix Zoo & famed Hole-in-the-Rock formation.
Website →South Mountain Park and Preserve
Park · ★ 4.8 (10,110 reviews)
16,000-acre area with many trails, wildlife & a drivable road to a lookout with sweeping city views.
Website →Phoenix Mountains Preserve
Nature Preserve · ★ 4.8 (6,204 reviews)
Group of parks with mountain & desert hiking trails, plus an abundance of cacti & native wildlife.
Website →Hole in the Rock
Hiking Area · ★ 4.7 (7,286 reviews)
Landmark rock formation with multiple cavelike holes in the sandstone created by erosion.
Website →Echo Canyon Trailhead
Hiking Area · ★ 4.9 (2,832 reviews)
Trailhead featuring a parking lot, restrooms & the start of a trail leading up Camelback Mountain.
Website →After dark
The Vig
Restaurant · ★ 4.4 (3,101 reviews)
Cool tavern offering Southwestern spins on pub grub, plus cocktails & regular live music.
Website →Valley Bar
Bar · ★ 4.4 (3,056 reviews)
Music, film, spoken word & comedy showcased in an intimate venue with a game room & cocktail lounge.
Website →Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour
Cocktail Bar · ★ 4.5 (1,886 reviews)
This stylish haunt with an extensive craft-cocktail menu also features innovative bar bites.
Website →Lookout Tavern
Restaurant · ★ 4.2 (2,622 reviews)
Spacious option for pub eats including weekend brunch, sports on numerous TVs & bar games till late.
Website →More guides
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