The Phoenix guide
Things to do in Phoenix
A local's guide to the Valley — the under-the-radar spots, not just the postcard ones. Explore the map, then dig into each area. Tap any place to open it in Google Maps.
North Phoenix
We're building this guide area by area — starting up north. These aren't the postcard spots; they're the ones locals actually send friends to.
Musical Instrument Museum
The only museum of its kind in the U.S. — instruments from every country, with audio that plays as you walk. Quietly one of the Valley's best.
Open in maps →Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve
1,500+ ancient petroglyphs on a desert hillside with an easy interpretive trail. Most Phoenicians have never been.
Open in maps →Pioneer Living History Museum
A restored 1800s Arizona village with costumed reenactors — part ghost town, part time machine, just off I-17.
Open in maps →Dreamy Draw Recreation Area
A quieter corner of the Phoenix Mountains Preserve — mellow trails without the Camelback crowds.
Open in maps →Reach 11 Recreation Area
A long ribbon of desert preserve along the canal — walking, biking, and birding trails locals love.
Open in maps →Desert Ridge Marketplace
Open-air shopping and dining with fountains, fire pits, and rotating local murals — an easy North Phoenix evening.
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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.
Open in maps →Desert Botanical Garden
Tens of thousands of desert plants in Papago Park; one of the prettiest spots in the city at golden hour.
Open in maps →Papago Park & Hole-in-the-Rock
Easy trails, red sandstone buttes, and a short scramble to a natural rock window with skyline views.
Open in maps →South Mountain Park
One of the largest municipal parks in the country — miles of trails and the Dobbins Lookout over the whole Valley.
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Arts & culture
There's a real creative scene here, anchored downtown and worth a slow afternoon.
Roosevelt Row
Downtown's walkable arts district — murals, galleries, and the First Fridays art walk each month.
Open in maps →Phoenix Art Museum
The largest art museum in the Southwest, with rotating exhibitions and a strong modern collection.
Open in maps →Heard Museum
Internationally known for its American Indian art and Native voices — a Phoenix institution.
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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.
Open in maps →Old Town Scottsdale
Walkable blocks of dining, nightlife, and galleries just east of the city.
Open in maps →Arcadia
Tree-lined streets with some of the Valley's most loved restaurants and cafés.
Open in maps →Mill Avenue, Tempe
The college-town strip by ASU — casual eats, music, and the lake just behind it.
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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.
Open in maps →Footprint Center
Downtown arena for the Phoenix Suns and Mercury, plus concerts year-round.
Open in maps →State Farm Stadium
Out in Glendale — home of the Arizona Cardinals and host to major national events.
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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.
Open in maps →Saguaro Lake
Desert lakes and tubing in the Tonto National Forest, northeast of town.
Open in maps →Superstition Mountains
Dramatic peaks and trails east of Phoenix, with the historic Apache Trail nearby.
Open in maps →Know a Top Tier Phoenix spot?
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