When you imagine Phoenix, AZ, you’re probably picturing an arid desert landscape dotted with towering cacti and wide open sky. And while you might be right on the nose about the climate and topography, that doesn’t mean Phoenix is an old Western ghost down with nothing but a few lonely tumbleweeds! On the contrary, this fascinating city has dozens of unique attractions and experiences. Whether you want to embrace the breathtaking beauty of nature or take a break from the punishing heat in the AC, this list can help you find some activities to enjoy.
Here are 20 fun things to do in Phoenix, AZ to inspire you on your next trip.
1. See 1,400 different types of cacti at The Desert Botanical Garden.
Possibly the most well-known attraction in Phoenix, The Desert Botanical Garden is popular for good reason.
The garden was initially founded by the Arizona Cactus and Native Flora Society in 1937 and established in Papago Park in 1939, so its history is truly intertwined with Phoenix. The garden today has more than 50,000 plants, and one-third of them are native to the area. There is so much to see that I’d recommend allocating a half day of your visit to Phoenix here and spending the other half checking out The Phoenix Zoo and Papago Park nearby.
Read more details about the garden here.
2. Monkey around at The Phoenix Zoo
As mentioned above, The Phoenix Zoo is located in the same area as The Desert Botanical Garden and Papago Park. The zoo includes 2.5 miles of walking paths and their website recommends allowing about 3 hours to see all of the exhibits, a perfect combination to the Desert Botanical Garden above.
3. Visit the famous “Hole in the Rock” at Papago Park.
After an eventful day visiting The Desert Botanical Garden and the Phoenix Zoo, head over to Papago Park just before sunset. Hike up the short 0.3-mile out-and-back trail to the famous “hole in the rock,” which is exactly what it sounds like: a giant hole eroded into a rock formation. Sit in the bowl of the hole and take in beautiful views of the desert and city as the sun sets.
4. Hike or drive up to Dobbins Lookout for ancient petroglyphs and beautiful city views.
Take in views of the bustling city of Phoenix with distant mountains and desert sprawling in the background from atop Dobbins Lookout. You can hike or drive the 4 miles up to this stone structure, but either way make sure you don’t miss the ancient indigenous petroglyphs carved into the rocks near the trail entrance!
Check out this guide before you hit the trails.
5. Embrace peaceful meditation at The Japanese Friendship Garden.
The Japanese Friendship Garden was built in the 1980s as a joint project between sister cities Phoenix, AZ and Himeji, Japan. The grounds include a stroll garden, tea garden, and a dry garden and embrace the traditional miegakure “hide-and-reveal” design where the entirety of the garden is never visible at once. Instead, the viewer is led to uncover intentionally hidden features by strolling along the paths. The gardens are an excellent place to meditate, enjoy nature, and even take some beautiful pictures.
Get tickets to explore the garden here.
6. Experience local culture at the Roosevelt Row Arts District.
Roosevelt Row, often called RoRo, is a dynamic arts district in downtown Phoenix that has become a cultural hub for creativity and innovation. This vibrant area is filled with galleries, murals, and street art, offering a unique blend of modern and historical influences. The district is a haven for local artists, entrepreneurs, and creatives, with its eclectic mix of art studios, boutique shops, trendy bars, and locally-owned restaurants.
Roosevelt Row also hosts First Fridays, a popular monthly event that brings together art lovers, musicians, and food vendors for a celebration of local culture. With its lively atmosphere and ever-evolving arts scene, Roosevelt Row is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the creative pulse of Phoenix.
7. Visit Yayoi Kusama’s Fireflies room at The Phoenix Art Museum.
The Phoenix Art Museum has many impressive collections to explore and enjoy, especially if you’re visiting on a rare rainy day or an all too frequent scorching hot day. This first stop I’d recommend inside the museum is Yayoi Kusama’s immersive room, “You Who Are Getting Obliterated in the Dancing Swarm of Fireflies.” There are only a handful of permanent Yayoi Kusma exhibits in the United States, so it’s a rare treat to experience one firsthand!
Get tickets to the museum here.
8. Take a joyride or play a round of mini golf at Castles N’ Coasters.
Castles N’ Coasters is a family-friendly amusement park in Phoenix offering a variety of thrilling rides and attractions. Visitors can enjoy roller coasters, bumper cars, go-karts, mini-golf, and an arcade, all set against a whimsical castle-themed backdrop.
Get tickets to the theme park here.
9. Travel back in time for a sweet treat at Sugar Bowl Ice Cream Shop.
This adorable pastel pink wonderland has been serving up sundaes and sodas since 1958. Grab a treat and some cute photos at Sugar Bowl while you explore the Scottsdale area of the Phoenix suburbs.
10. Go peach picking, pumpkin partying, or ice skating (depending on the season) at Schnepf Farms.
Schnepf Farms in Queen Creek, just outside Phoenix, offers fun seasonal activities year-round. In the spring, you can pick juicy, fresh peaches from their orchards. In the fall, the Pumpkin & Chili Party brings hayrides, pumpkin patches, and a corn maze to life. And during the winter months, the farm transforms into a festive wonderland with ice skating, holiday lights, and Santa visits. It’s the perfect spot for family fun and seasonal festivities.
11. Cuddle with cows at Aimee’s Farm Animal Sanctuary.
For animal lovers, Aimee’s Farm Animal Sanctuary is a must-visit. Located in nearby Gilbert, this heartwarming sanctuary offers visitors the chance to connect with rescued farm animals, including cows, pigs, goats, and chickens. You can even schedule a cuddle session with a cow! It’s an educational and therapeutic experience for anyone who wants to get up close with these gentle creatures and learn more about animal welfare.
12. Step into the rainforest at Butterfly Wonderland.
Escape the desert heat and immerse yourself in the lush, tropical environment of Butterfly Wonderland, located in Scottsdale. This incredible indoor rainforest is home to thousands of butterflies fluttering freely around visitors. The interactive exhibits also include a honey bee observation hive, an underwater aquarium, and educational shows in the 3D theater. It’s a magical experience for all ages.
13. Watch the wild horses roam on the Salt River banks.
One of the most magical experiences in the Phoenix area is spotting the wild horses that roam freely along the banks of the Salt River. These iconic animals are descendants of horses brought to the region by Spanish settlers hundreds of years ago. To see them in their natural habitat, head to spots like Coon Bluff, Granite Reef, or Phon D Sutton recreation areas, especially during the early morning or late afternoon. Bring binoculars or a camera for a chance to capture these majestic creatures grazing, drinking from the river, or galloping through the desert landscape. It’s a peaceful, unforgettable glimpse into Arizona’s wild beauty.
14. Ride a hot air balloon over
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Phoenix’s Sonoran Desert from a unique vantage point with a hot air balloon ride. Choose between a sunrise or sunset flight and take a serene journey above the desert, witnessing native wildlife, majestic mountain ranges, and the iconic saguaro cacti. Sunrise flights are available year-round, while sunset flights are offered seasonally from November through March.
15. Glide across Canyon Lake on the Dolly Steamboat.
Experience the stunning beauty of Canyon Lake aboard the iconic Dolly Steamboat. This narrated boat tour takes you through the breathtaking scenery of the Superstition Mountains, where towering canyon walls meet sparkling blue waters. Keep an eye out for wildlife such as bald eagles, bighorn sheep, and coyotes as you cruise along the serene lake. The Dolly Steamboat offers daytime nature cruises as well as twilight dinner cruises, where you can enjoy a meal while watching the desert sunset paint the cliffs in brilliant hues. It’s a relaxing and scenic way to explore one of Arizona’s hidden gems.
Tips for Planning an Arizona Road Trip
After we returned from our Arizona road trip, Austin and I agreed that it was one of our favorite vacations we have ever taken as a couple. There was so much natural beauty around every corner in Arizona, and we hope to visit again someday and see even more of this incredible state.
If you’re planning your own Arizona road trip, check out these blog posts with more helpful ideas!
The Ultimate Arizona Road Trip
Arizona Road Trip Packing List
Grand Canyon National Park Guide
Petrified Forest National Park Guide
If you want to learn more details about some of our favorite trips, check out our Blog. If you’re looking for more travel inspo and photography, follow along on our Instagram page.