The Phoenix guide
Things to do in Phoenix
A local's starting point for the Valley — the desert spots, arts districts, dining neighborhoods, and day trips we'd send a friend to. As we feature more local businesses, you'll find them woven in right alongside these.
Desert & the outdoors
Phoenix is a desert city, and its best views are the ones you hike or drive into.
Camelback Mountain
The Valley's signature hike — steep, iconic, and worth the early start to beat the heat.
Desert Botanical Garden
Tens of thousands of desert plants in Papago Park; one of the prettiest spots in the city at golden hour.
Papago Park & Hole-in-the-Rock
Easy trails, red sandstone buttes, and a short scramble to a natural rock window with skyline views.
South Mountain Park
One of the largest municipal parks in the country — miles of trails and the Dobbins Lookout over the whole Valley.
Arts & culture
There's a real creative scene here, anchored downtown and worth a slow afternoon.
Roosevelt Row (RoRo)
Downtown's walkable arts district — murals, galleries, and the First Fridays art walk each month.
Phoenix Art Museum
The largest art museum in the Southwest, with rotating exhibitions and a strong modern collection.
Heard Museum
Internationally known for its American Indian art and Native voices — a Phoenix institution.
Musical Instrument Museum (MIM)
Instruments from around the world, with audio that plays as you walk — a surprise favorite for all ages.
Where to eat, drink & wander
Phoenix dining lives in its neighborhoods — pick a district and make an evening of it.
Downtown Phoenix
Restaurants, breweries, and patios clustered around the ballpark and arena — lively before and after events.
Old Town Scottsdale
Walkable blocks of dining, nightlife, and galleries just east of the city.
Arcadia & the Biltmore
Tree-lined streets with some of the Valley's most loved restaurants and cafés.
Mill Avenue, Tempe
The college-town strip by ASU — casual eats, music, and the lake just behind it.
Sports & big events
Phoenix is a major-league sports town, with most venues right downtown.
Chase Field
Home of the Arizona Diamondbacks — a downtown ballpark with a roof for those summer day games.
Footprint Center
Downtown arena for the Phoenix Suns and Mercury, plus concerts year-round.
State Farm Stadium
Out in Glendale — home of the Arizona Cardinals and host to major national events.
Day trips from the Valley
Some of Arizona's best scenery is a short drive from the city.
Sedona
Red-rock country about two hours north — hiking, views, and a complete change of landscape.
Saguaro Lake & the Salt River
Desert lakes and tubing in the Tonto National Forest, northeast of town.
Superstition Mountains
Dramatic peaks and trails east of Phoenix, with the historic Apache Trail nearby.
Know a top tier Phoenix spot?
We feature standout local businesses every month. Tell us about a favorite — or put your own business forward.
Nominate or get featured