Phoenix is like the mythical phoenix bird that comes from the ashes and has a close association with the sun.
It arose from the sunny-parched Northern fringes of the Sonoran desert. Phoenix is surrounded by mountains, captivating its citizens and visitors alike with its rich culture and beautiful scenery.
If you’re planning a visit, you will find a plethora of fun activities for adventure seekers.
Here is the list of the best things to do in Phoenix.
1. Learn some history at the Heard Museum
View of the Heard Museum | EQRoy, Shutterstock
Heard Museum | HeardMuseum, YouTube
The Heard Museum is known for its award-winning exhibits. It has been recognized for the quality of its collections, world-class exhibitions, educational programming and its unmatched festivals. Founded in 1929, Heard Museum aims to present the stories of American Indian people from a first-person perspective.
The 7 meter mural of the Yaqui people is one of its major attractions. It is open from 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday, and 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Sunday. Prices for Heard Museum admission and events are subject to change.
Heard Museum
2301 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004, United States
Admission: $22 for adults; $20 for senior (Ages 65+); $9 for student (College w/ID) and kids 6 to 17
Ph: +1 602-252-8840
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Poppy Restaurant and Bar (4.6/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• Giving Tree Cafe (4.8/5 stars, Vegetarian, $$)
• Nobuo at Teeter House (4.6/5 stars, Japanese, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Heard Museum.
The best hotel to stay near Heard Museum based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix (9/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
2. Interact with wildlife at the Phoenix Zoo.
The entrance to the Phoenix Zoo | Gregory E. Clifford, Shutterstock
The Phoenix Zoo has been open for nearly 60 years and is the largest non-profit zoo in the nation. You’ll see such animals as the Sumatran tigers, Asian elephants, Savannah giraffe, African lions, and wild dogs. It has nearly 3,000 animals and is home to many endangered species. The Phoenix Zoo is open daily year-round. For opening hours and tickets price please visit the zoo’s website.
Phoenix Zoo
455 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008, United States
Admission: $24.95 for adults, $14.95 for kids ages 3 to 13 and is free for children 2 and younger
Ph: +1 602-286-3800
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Al Rahma restaurant (4.8/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• Outta Bronx (4.6/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
• Pa’la (4.7/5 stars, Greek, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Phoenix Zoo.
The best hotel to stay near Phoenix Zoo based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Royal Palms Resort and Spa (9.2/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
3. Immerse yourself in science at the Arizona Science Center
Victoria the T. rex skeleton at Arizona Science Center | Arizona Science Center, Facebook
Arizona Science Center | Arizona Science Center, YouTube
The Arizona Science Center is a science museum in the Heritage and Science Park in downtown Phoenix. It has a worldwide reputation as a learning center and emphasizes innovation and collaboration. Opened in 1980, the center is dedicated to inspire, educate and engage curious minds through science. It houses over 350 permanent hands-on exhibits.
The center is open daily at 10 a.m.–5 p.m. General admission includes entry to Arizona Science Center and the 300+ hands-on exhibits. Access their website for tours and events info, and check for the price.
Arizona Science Center
600 E Washington St, Phoenix, AZ 85004, United States
Admission: $18 for adults, $13 for children (ages 3-17), and free for children 2; walk-up tickets are $19.95 for adults and $14.95 for children; free for members
Ph: +1 602-716-2000
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Green New American Vegetarian (4.7/5 stars, Vegan, $$$)
• Nobuo at Teeter House (4.6/5 stars, Japanese, $$)
• Switch Restaurant (4.5/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Arizona Science Center.
The best hotel to stay near Arizona Science Center based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• The Westin Phoenix Downtown (9.1/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
4. Enjoy music at the Musical Instrument Museum
Collections of the Carter Family at Musical Instrument Museum | Musical Instrument Museum
The Experience Gallery at Musical Instrument Museum | MIMphx, YouTube
The Musical Instrument Museum is the largest museum of its type in the world! Its instruments and associated objects are represented by 200 countries’ collections and masterpieces. The museum has 15,000 instruments and artifacts and permanent galleries organized by geography, containing items culled from collectors, instrument makers and musicians.
Enjoy your visit here and see the instruments from music icons such as John Lennon, Elvis Presley, Carlos Santana, and many more. Experience innovation through state-of-the-art video and audio technology. The museum is open daily, 9 am – 5 pm. Parking is free. For museum tours and exhibits feel free to visit their website.
Musical Instrument Museum
4725 E Mayo Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85050, United States
Admission: US$10–20
Ph: +1 480-478-6000
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Flower Child (4.6/5 stars, Health food, $$$)
• In-N-Out Burger (4.6/5 stars, Hamburger, $$)
• Top of the pot (5/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Musical Instrument Museum.
The best hotel to stay near Musical Instrument Museum based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Hotel Fairmont Scottsdale Princess (8.6/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
5. Inspire imagination at the Children’s Museum of Phoenix
Sock skating at Children’s Museum of Phoenix | Children’s Museum of Phoenix, Facebook
Children’s Museum of Phoenix | Children’s Museum of Phoenix, YouTube
The Children’s Museum of Phoenix in the heart of downtown is a great place for children, from toddlers to ten-year-olds! With the mission of engaging the minds, muscles, and imaginations of children, this museum helps children find joy in learning. The museum caters more than 300 play experience and interactive exhibits.
Help inspire the creativity and curiosity of your children at this magnificent museum of learning and fill their brains with fascinating brilliance. Opening hour is from 9 am to 4 pm Tuesday-Sunday.
Children’s Museum of Phoenix
215 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ 85034, United States
Admission: members and children below 1 year old are free; non-members: $14.95; seniors 62+: $13.95;
Ph: +1 602-253-0501
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Anhelo Restaurant (4.6/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• Centrico (4.7/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
• New Garden Restaurant (4.6/5 stars, Chinese, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Children’s Museum of Phoenix.
The best hotel to stay near Children’s Museum of Phoenix based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel (8.8/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
6. Hike at Camelback Mountain
Colorful Sunrise on Camelback Mountain in Phoenix, Arizona | Jeremy Janus, Shutterstock
Camelback Mountain is an icon and popular outdoor destination for hikers. It gets its name from its similarity to a kneeling camel. It resembles the hump of a camel’s back, affording 360-degree views of the surrounding city.
The mountain offers two hiking trails, the Echo Canyon Trail (1.14 miles) and the Cholla Trail (1.4 miles). Trails are open from sunrise to sunset (or around 7 p.m.) and entry is free. Please call 570-629-1661 Ext. 6 for detailed operating hours on the day of your visit.
Camelback Mountain
5700 N Echo Canyon PkwyPhoenix, AZ 85018, USA
Admission: Free
Ph: +1 602-261-8318
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• North Italia (4.6/5 stars, Italian, $$$)
• The Henry (4.6/5 stars, Fine dining, $$)
• Postino Arcadia (4.6/5 stars, Italian, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Camelback Mountain.
The best hotel to stay near Camelback Mountain based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• The Phoenician, a Luxury Collection Resort, Scottsdale (9.3/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
7. Explore the Phoenix Art Museum
Phoenix Art Museum | Phoenix Art Museum, Facebook
Legends of Speed exhibits at Phoenix Art Museum | Phoenix Art Museum, YouTube
The Phoenix Art Museum is the largest art museum for visual art. It displays international exhibitions alongside its comprehensive collection. The Phoenix Art Museum was founded in 1959 and is the center of modern art and learning in downtown Phoenix.
Tour your family to the museum’s exhibits and events featuring works from the Renaissance to the contemporary like “Legend of Speed” and the clay and bamboo art of Japan. All exhibitions and installations are included with general admission. The museum is closed on Mondays.
Phoenix Art Museum
1625 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004, United States
Admission: $12-$15 for adults, $10 for students and $6 for ages 6 and older; free every first Friday
Ph: +1 602-257-1880
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• El Chullo (4.6/5 stars, Peruvian, $$$)
• Durant’s (4.6/5 stars, Fine dining, $$)
• Forno 301 (/5 stars, Pizza, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Phoenix Art Museum.
The best hotel to stay near Phoenix Art Museum based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• The Camby, Autograph Collection (8.9/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
8. Enjoy amazing sunsets at the Hole in the Rock
People snap pictures of themselves in the mouth of Hole in the Rock | Gregory E. Clifford, Shutterstock
Hole in the Rock, Papago Park | Xplore More, YouTube
Hole in the Rock is a natural geological formation in Papago Park and is an excellent hiking destination. It has an amazing sunset and uninterrupted view of Phoenix from the top of the hill. The Hole in the Rock gets its name from the numerous openings or holes due to erosion created by water flow over the years.
Historians say that the Hohokam tribe used the hill to record the movement of the sun, thus marking the seasons. Hole in the Rock is located in Papago Park. Operation hours are from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Hole in the Rock
625 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008, United States
Admission: Free
Ph: +1 602-495-5458
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Al Rahma restaurant (4.8/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• Outta Bronx (4.6/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
• Pa’la (4.7/5 stars, Seafood, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Hole in the Rock.
The best hotel to stay near Hole in the Rock based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Royal Palms Resort and Spa (/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
9. Appreciate performing arts at Orpheum Theatre
The Tonight Show at Orpheum Theatre | Orpheum Theatre
The Orpheum Theatre is recognized as one of the West’s most significant theatre structures. The architecture is impressive, and the building features intricate moldings and eye-catching murals, recognized as one of the West’s most significant theater structures. This classic 1,364-seat space is home to touring Broadway musicals and stand-up comedy, offering a variety of shows for every visitor.
Orpheum Theatre offers free public tours daily. The theatre ticket office is open Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with extended hours during special events. Tickets may be purchased in person or you may visit their website for online reservation.
Orpheum Theatre
203 W Adams St, Phoenix, AZ 85003, United States
Admission: event costs usually starts at $126; with free tours
Ph: +1 602-262-6225
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• POMO Pizzeria – Downtown Phoenix (4.6/5 stars, Pizza, $$$)
• The Habit Burger Grill (Drive-Thru) (4.5/5 stars, Hamburger, $$)
• Nook Kitchen Downtown (4.6/5 stars, New American, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Orpheum Theatre.
The best hotel to stay near Orpheum Theatre based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• The Clarendon Hotel and Spa by GreenTree (8.3/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
10. Dine and shop at Old Town Scottsdale
Patio in Old Town Scottsdale | Old Town Scottsdale, Facebook
Old Town Scottsdale is a picturesque town just a short drive from Phoenix, and worth every mile! Visit art galleries, shop in adorable boutiques, and dine in exquisite eateries that offer multiple types of foods
Explore Scottsdale Segway tour for a two-hour exploration of the entire town. You will see historical sites as well as the Old Town in more detail as you maintain your balance on a fun, two-wheeled adventure.
Tourists with guide on Segway scooters touring downtown Scottsdale Arizona | Chris Curtis, Shutterstock
Old Town Scottsdale
Scottsdale, AZ 85251 USA
Admission: Free
Ph: 480-312-7177
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Original ChopShop (4.5/5 stars, Health food, $$$)
• Bourbon & Bones (4.6/5 stars, Chophouse, $$)
• BLVD Kitchen & Bar (5/5 stars, Southwestern, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Old Town Scottsdale.
The best hotel to stay near Old Town Scottsdale based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort (9.3/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
11. Fulfill your love for cars at the Penske Racing Museum
Indy racing cars on display at the Penske Racing Museum | Dan Wildhirt, Wikimedia Commons
The Penske Racing Museum is a racing museum with an amazing collection of cars, trophies and racing memorabilia chronicling the career of one of the most successful dynasties in all of sports. For over 50 years, the Penske racing team has earned over 500 wins and received 34 racing championships. Museum hours start at 8 am – 4 pm from Monday to Saturday, and 12 pm – 5 pm every Sunday.
Penske Racing Museum
7125 E Chauncey Ln, Phoenix, AZ 85054, United States
Admission: Free
Ph: +1 480-538-4444
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Bop and Roll (5/5 stars, Asian fusion, $$$)
• Saba’s Mediterranean Kitchen (4.7/5 stars, Mediterranean, $$)
• The White Chocolate Grill (4.5/5 stars, American, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Penske Racing Museum.
The best hotel to stay near Penske Racing Museum based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale (9.4/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
12. See dinosaurs at the Arizona Museum of Natural History
Colombian Mammoth and N. American Mastodon in lobby of Arizona Museum of Natural History | K. Neenan Photography, Wikimedia Commons
Arizona Museum Of Natural History | Boyd Harrington Cinematography, Youtube
The Arizona Museum of Natural History is the premier natural history museum of Arizona. It features fantastic exhibits of the now-extinct dinosaurs. It displays over 60,000 objects, 10,000 historic photos, and a range of exhibits and activities. Some of the skeletons displayed include those of the iguanodons and ceratopsians, among others.
Take your kids and family to the museum and see the main attractions like the Dinosaur Mountain, with animatronic dinosaurs, a 3-story indoor waterfall and flash flood that happens every 30 minutes. The museum’s regular hours are 10 am- 5 pm every Tuesday – Friday; 11 am – 5 pm every Saturday and; 1 pm – 5 pm on Sunday. It is closed every Monday and all federal and city holidays.
Arizona Museum of Natural History
53 N Macdonald, Mesa, AZ 85201, United States
Admission: $ 12 – Adults; $ 7 – Children 3-12; $ 10 – Seniors 65+; $ 8 – Students 13+ with ID; Free – Children 2 and under
Ph: +1 480-644-2230
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• The Original Blue Adobe Grille (4.5/5 stars, Mexican, $$$)
• Happy Bao’s (4.8/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
• Koreatown (4.5/5 stars, Korean, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Arizona Museum of Natural History.
The best hotel to stay near Arizona Museum of Natural History based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Sheraton Mesa Hotel at Wrigleyville West (8.5/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
13. Play Golf at Phoenix Golf Courses
Aerial view of Tournament of Players Club Scottsdale (TPC) | Tim Roberts Photography, Shutterstock
TPC Scottsdale | The Matheson Team RE/MAX Fine Properties, YouTube
Nearly 200 golf courses, all of which are stunningly landscaped with perfectly manicured greens, reside in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area. If you didn’t know, Phoenix is actually one of the most popular destinations for golf in the entire world! The weather is ideal for playing, and the desert course is especially challenging. Some of the top courses you must try include Troon North, The Boulders, Arizona Biltmore and TPC Scottsdale.
14. Celebrate firefighters at the Hall Of Flame Fire Museum
Hall Of Flame Fire Museum | Hall Of Flame Fire Museum, Facebook
National Firefighting Hall of Heroes at the Hall of Flame Fire Museum | YurView, YouTube
The Hall of Flame Fire Museum is a tribute to the heroism of firefighters, celebrating the bravery of those who have lost their lives in the line of duty. It is dedicated to the historical preservation of firefighting equipment used through the years around the world.
The museum has over 130 wheeled pieces in the collection and 10,000 smaller objects related to firefighting dating back to the 1700’s through the 1960’s. Operation is from Monday-Saturday at 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from Noon to 4 p.m.
Hall Of Flame Fire Museum
6101 E Van Buren St, Phoenix, AZ 85008, United States
Admission: $7 for adults, $6 for seniors, $5 for ages 6-17 and $2 for ages 3-5
Ph: +1 602-275-3473
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Rúla Búla Tempe Irish Pub and Restaurant (4.6/5 stars, Irish pub, $$$)
• Master taco Tempe (4.6/5 stars, Mexican, $$)
• Byblos Restaurant (4.6/5 stars, Middle Eastern, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Hall Of Flame Fire Museum.
The best hotel to stay near Hall Of Flame Fire Museum based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• AC Hotel by Marriott Phoenix Tempe/Downtown (9/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
15. Lose yourself in art at Roosevelt Row
Group of artists with family painting at the walls of Roosevelt Row | Roosevelt Row CDC, Facebook
Roosevelt Row, or Roro, is a non-profit organization established to further the unique cultural character and creative assets of the Roosevelt Row Artists’ District. It is dedicated to maintaining the arts in downtown Phoenix. It is a home to art galleries and studio spaces, restaurants, bars and boutique shops in a landscape dotted by colorful street art. View arts created by local and famous artists and take the self-guided First Friday Art Walk, which is very popular with tourist.
Roosevelt Row
333 E Roosevelt St, Phoenix, AZ 85004, United States
Admission: Free
Ph: 602.829.5259
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Dvina Modern Fare (4.6/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• Cheba Hut Toasted Subs (/5 stars, Sandwich, $$)
• Foxy Fruit Acai Bowls & Smoothies (4.7/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Roosevelt Row.
The best hotel to stay near Roosevelt Row based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Sheraton Phoenix Downtown (8.7/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
16. Appreciate America’s pastime at Chase Field
Marwin Gonzalez infielder for the Houston Astros at Chase Field in Phoenix,AZ | Keeton Gale, Shutterstock
Chase Field, formerly known as Bank One Ballpark, is the home of the Arizona Diamondbacks, the city’s Major League Baseball (MLB) franchise. It is the epicenter of downtown Phoenix sports scene. The park opened in 1998 and was the first stadium ever built to have a retractable roof and a natural grass field. The stadium is enormous, covering 1.3 million square feet and holding nearly 50,000 cheering fans.
Chase Field
401 E Jefferson St, Phoenix, AZ 85004, United States
Admission: single game ticket ranges from $10-$68
Ph: 514-8400, or (888)
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Anhelo Restaurant (4.6/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• Bri (/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
• Taco Boy’s (/5 stars, Mexican, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Chase Field.
The best hotel to stay near Chase Field based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Hyatt Regency Phoenix (8.7/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
17. Interact with nature at Papago Park
Beautiful bright afternoon time at Papago Park | Photo by Pritha_EasyArts via Shutterstock
Papago Park | Tempe Tourism Office via YouTube
Papago Park has been designated as a Phoenix Point of Pride. It is one of the most scenic and easily accessible desert areas in the Phoenix metro area. Its trails are typically smooth with little elevation gain making this 1,500 acres of land excellent for hiking, cycling, golfing and biking trails, picnic areas and lagoons.
Come and enjoy Papago Park attractions including the “Hole in the Rock” hike, Desert Botanical Garden, the Phoenix Zoo and AZ Heritage Center.
Papago Park
625 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008, United States
Admission: Free
Ph: +1 602-495-5458
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Gojo Restaurant (4.5/5 stars, Ethiopian, $$$)
• Adela’s Italian Restaurant (4.6/5 stars, Italian, $$)
• Tacos Sahuaro (4.6/5 stars, Mexican, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Papago Park.
The best hotel to stay near Papago Park based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Hotel Valley Ho (9.2/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
18. Embrace the culinary experience with Taste it Tours
Taste it Tours experience with friends | Taste it Tours, Facebook
Taste It Tours | Taste It Tours, YouTube
Taste it Tours is a culinary experience that offers two different delicious walking food tours in downtown Phoenix, run day and evening. Taste it Tours format is you’ll taste delicious food paired with cocktails at five of the top restaurants in town. During the walking tour, you will have a chance to taste signature cocktails and plenty of food from 5-6 unique locations in three hours.
Taste it Tours
4400 N Scottsdale Rd #11, Scottsdale, AZ 85251, United States
Admission: $65 + tax
Ph: +1 480-274-3569
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Cafe Monarch (4.8/5 stars, Fine dining, $$$)
• Karsen’s Grill (4.8/5 stars, American, $$)
• Koibito Poke – Waterfront (4.9/5 stars, Sushi, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Taste it Tours.
The best hotel to stay near Taste it Tours based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia (9.1/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
19. Fall in love with the past at Heritage Square
The famous Rosson House | Courtesy of Heritage Square
The Heritage Square is the oldest extant residential block in Phoenix. It is a collection of preserved 19th-20th century homes and commercial buildings now used as restaurants, as well as adjacent museums. The Square dates back to the 1800’s with a Victorian influence and is located in the original town site of Phoenix. Its attractions include the original 1895 Rosson House, Teeter House, Pizzaria Bianco, and The Rose and Crown and more.
Heritage Square
113 N 6th St, Phoenix, AZ 85004, United States
Admission: $5.00 – $10.00 regular tours
Ph: +1 602-262-5070
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Pane Bianco Van Buren (4.8/5 stars, Italian, $$$)
• Ahipoki (4.6/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
• Super Taco (5/5 stars, Taco, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Heritage Square.
The best hotel to stay near Heritage Square based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• The Westin Phoenix Downtown (9.1/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
20. Enjoy an architectural marvel at Taliesin West
Photo of visitors at Taliesin West | Taliesin West
Taliesin West | Experience Scottsdale, YouTube
Taliesin West is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a National Historic Landmark. It is the brainchild of Frank Lloyd Wright whose love for the Sonoran desert led him to set up a winter school and home right beneath McDowell Mountain in 1937.
The building embraced an organic architectural concept. The low tilting planes and local materials such as rocks and sand allow it to blend into the environment. Taliesin West possesses an almost prehistoric grandeur. Here you can have a panorama tour of the Cabaret Theater, Music Pavilion, and Wright’s Private Office, etc.
Taliesin West
12621 N Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85259, United States
Admission: $$ (depending on chosen tours)
Ph: (480) 860-2700
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Al Hamra Restaurant (4.9/5 stars, Indian, $$$)
• Flourish (4.5/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
• Khao Thai and Sushi (4.7/5 stars, Sushi, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Taliesin West.
The best hotel to stay near Taliesin West based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Scottsdale Marriott at McDowell Mountains (8.9/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
21. Learn about trains at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park | McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, Facebook
McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park is 30 acres of railroad ingenuity dating back over a century ago. A tour includes a visit to the Scottsdale Railroad Museum, where you will learn the history of trains and look at fascinating railroad memorabilia.
Make sure you see the most interesting exhibits, the 1907 Magma Arizona Railroad Engine No. 6, the Roald Amundsen Pullman Car, and the Charro Carousel.
McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
7301 E Indian Bend Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85250, United States
Admission: Free admission but there are payments on rides
Ph: +1 480-312-2312
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Karsen’s Grill (4.8/5 stars, American, $$$)
• Core Kitchen (4.8/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
• Roaring Fork (4.6/5 stars, American, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park.
The best hotel to stay near McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale (9.2/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
22. Experience the West at Goldfield Ghost Town.
Old saloon, gallery and jail in Goldfield Ghost Town | Nick Fox, Shutterstock
Goldfield Ghost Town | OfficialBestOfAmerica, YouTube
Goldfield Ghost Town is a reconstructed mining town designed to look like it was built in 1893. Tour the Mammoth Gold Mine as well as the Goldfield Museum. The Old West is brought to you through gunfight reenactments, and after panning for gold, make sure you take a trip on the narrow gauge train, the only one in Arizona.
Goldfield Ghost Town
4650 N Mammoth Mine Rd, Apache Junction, AZ 85119, United States
Admission: $10 adults, $9 seniors, $7 children ages 5-12, 4 and under free (depending on chosen tour)
Ph: +1 480-983-0333
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Momo Bowl (4.9/5 stars, Japanese, $$$)
• Tipsy Kow Smokehouse & Spirits (4.5/5 stars, Barbecue, $$)
• Goldfield Mine (4.8/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Goldfield Ghost Town.
The best hotel to stay near Goldfield Ghost Town based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Gold Canyon Golf Resort & Spa (8/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
23. Spoil yourself at the Scottsdale Fashion Square.
Scottsdale Fashion Square | BCFC, Shutterstock
Scottsdale Fashion Square is a fantastic place to spoil yourself. With over 225 tenants, Scottsdale Fashion Square is one of the largest malls in America. Your favorite brands, including Jimmy Choo, Prada, Tiffany and Co, Zara, H&M, and many more are located in one spot. And the delectable dining opportunities are to die for!
Scottsdale Fashion Square
7014 E Camelback Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251, United States
Admission: Free
Ph: +1 480-941-2140
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Metropolis (4.5/5 stars, American, $$$)
• Ocean 44 (4.8/5 stars, Seafood, $$)
• Cafe Monarch (4.8/5 stars, Fine dining, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Scottsdale Fashion Square.
The best hotel to stay near Scottsdale Fashion Square based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• W Scottsdale (8.8/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
24. Enjoy archaeology at Pueblo Grande Museum and Archaeological Park
Pueblo Grande Museum and Archaeological Park | Pueblo Grande Museum and Archaeological Park
Pueblo Grande Museum is an archaeological mound site once inhabited by the Hohokam culture. It’s considered as the largest preserved archaeological site in Phoenix. One of the museum’s main attractions is the fascinating story of sudden disappearance in 1450 of the ancient Hohokum people, who lived in the area beginning in 450. The museum is open Monday-Saturday: 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. and Sunday: 1 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.
Pueblo Grande Museum and Archaeological Park
4619 E Washington St, Phoenix, AZ 85034, United States
Admission: $6 adults; $5 seniors; $3 ages 6-17; free for kinds 5 and under
Ph: +1 602-495-0901
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• The Stockyards Steakhouse (4.6/5 stars, Meat dish, $$$)
• The Peppersauce Cafe (4.6/5 stars, American, $$)
• Tokyo Stop (4.6/5 stars, Japanese, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Pueblo Grande Museum and Archaeological Park.
The best hotel to stay near Pueblo Grande Museum and Archaeological Park based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix (9/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
25. Visit the Desert Botanical Gardens
A walk at Desert Botanical Gardens | Desert Botanical Gardens
Desert Botanical Garden is home to thousands of species of arid plants from deserts of the world in a unique outdoor setting. It has over 50, 000 desert plants, including agave, cactuses, and desert wildflowers. It was started in 1939 by a small group of passionate local citizens who saw the need to conserve the beautiful desert environment.
The garden’s five thematic trails that shows the visitors the beauty of the Sonoran Desert plant life, from towering cacti and alluring succulents to brilliant wildflowers and lush trees. The garden welcomes visitors daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. October through April and from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. May through September.
Desert Botanical Gardens
1201 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008, United States
Admission: $24.95 for adults and $12.95 for kids 3 to 17; children younger than 3 enjoy free admission
Ph: +1 480-941-1225
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Ruta 15 Mexican Grill (4.7/5 stars, Mexican, $$$)
• La Condesa Taqueria (4.6/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
• THE POST (4.8/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Desert Botanical Gardens.
The best hotel to stay near Desert Botanical Gardens based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• The Phoenician, a Luxury Collection Resort, Scottsdale (9.3/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
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