Visiting Phoenix? Here’s 10 Things To Do

You’ll find Phoenix packed with desert adventures and cultural gems that won’t break the bank. Start with a sunrise hike up Camelback Mountain for stunning valley views, then cool off at the Desert Botanical Garden’s shaded trails. Explore the Phoenix Zoo, discover Native American art at the Heard Museum, and tour Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West. Don’t miss floating the Salt River past wild horses or taking a scenic drive to Sedona’s red rocks for an unforgettable desert escape with insider tips ahead.

Hike Camelback Mountain for Valley Views Worth the Sweat

Rising 2,700 feet above the Valley of the Sun, Camelback Mountain delivers Phoenix’s most iconic hiking experience—and you’ll earn every bit of those panoramic views.

Choose between two challenging trails: Echo Canyon (2.4 miles) features steep slickrock and metal railings, while Cholla Trail (2.6 miles) offers a slightly gentler grade.

Both pack serious elevation gain into short distances, creating intense workouts that’ll test your fitness.

Start at sunrise to beat crowds and desert heat—parking fills early at both trailheads.

You’ll need 2-3 hours for the round trip, proper hiking shoes, and plenty of water.

The trails are free but demanding, with hand-over-hand scrambling near the summit. This Sacred Mountain holds deep cultural significance for native peoples, including possible ceremonial sites of the ancient Hohokam civilization.

Skip summer months unless you’re comfortable with extreme heat.

Dogs aren’t allowed, so leave your furry friends behind.

Wander Through the Desert Botanical Garden’s Living Collection

While Camelback Mountain tests your physical limits, the Desert Botanical Garden offers a gentler way to explore the Sonoran Desert’s incredible diversity across 140 acres in nearby Papago Park.

You’ll discover over 50,000 plant displays featuring cacti, agaves, and desert flora from around the world. The garden houses two-thirds of all known cactus species globally and showcases 171 agave varieties—the most extensive collection in the U.S.

Follow five thematic trails that highlight desert adaptations and conservation. You’ll see rare endangered species, native Sonoran plants, and international desert collections from Australia and South America.

The shaded areas provide relief while protecting delicate plants. This Phoenix Point of Pride delivers an educational desert experience without the demanding hike. Beyond daytime exploration, the garden offers seasonal acoustic concerts and the beloved Las Noches de las Luminarias holiday celebration featuring thousands of glowing luminarias.

Explore Wildlife at Phoenix Zoo in Papago Park

Just steps away from the Desert Botanical Garden, the Phoenix Zoo transforms 125 acres of Papago Park into home for over 3,000 animals representing 400+ species. You’ll navigate four themed trails—Africa, Arizona, Tropics, and Children’s—each showcasing different wildlife.

Don’t miss the Bornean orangutans, Sumatran tigers, and native mountain lions.

Budget-conscious visitors can maximize value with the Safari Cruiser tram tour, which covers major exhibits efficiently. Kids love Stingray Bay’s touch tanks and the Endangered Species Carousel.

The Arizona Trail highlights local species like jaguars and bald eagles, while the Africa Trail features giraffes and lions. Exciting developments include the new Big Cats of Arizona exhibit, which will provide jaguars with double the habitat space compared to their current enclosure.

Visit during winter for ZooLights, when illuminated displays create magical evening experiences. Multiple cafés and shaded rest areas keep you comfortable throughout your wildlife adventure.

Discover American Indian Art and Culture at the Heard Museum

Since 1929, the Heard Museum has showcased American Indian art and culture from a first-person perspective, making it one of Phoenix’s most significant cultural destinations. You’ll explore 12 galleries featuring over 40,000 objects, from traditional pottery and textiles to cutting-edge contemporary art.

Don’t miss the Barry Goldwater collection of 430+ Hopi katsina carvings and the powerful boarding school exhibition that the New York Times praised for its compelling storytelling.

The museum’s outdoor sculpture courtyard offers impressive large-scale works in a Southwestern setting.

Browse the museum shop for authentic American Indian jewelry and crafts that directly support Indigenous artists. The museum spans over 130,000 square feet of gallery, classroom, and performance space, providing ample room for its extensive collections and educational programs.

With its research library containing 49,000+ cataloged items, you’ll gain deep insights into Indigenous cultures while supporting a institution that honors the ancestral Huhugam lands it occupies.

Experience Frank Lloyd Wright’s Vision at Taliesin West

Twenty-five miles northeast of Phoenix, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West stands as a masterpiece of organic architecture where desert and design merge seamlessly.

Built in 1937 as Wright’s winter home and studio, this UNESCO World Heritage Site showcases his revolutionary “desert masonry” technique using local rock, cement, and sand.

You’ll discover how Wright positioned buildings on the hillside’s “brow” rather than its peak, creating horizontal lines that echo the vast desert and McDowell Mountains.

The campus once housed 40 fellowship apprentices who learned architecture through hands-on construction and communal living. Wright’s love for music deeply influenced his design philosophy, with the site featuring five pianos that reflect his belief that architecture should embody musical textures and patterns.

Today, you can tour this National Historic Landmark and experience Wright’s vision of buildings that “grow from their environment like a nest in a tree.” The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation continues operating from this remarkable desert laboratory.

Stroll Roosevelt Row for Local Art and First Friday Walks

When you’re ready to learn about Phoenix’s vibrant street art scene, Roosevelt Row delivers one of the Southwest’s most dynamic walkable arts districts right in downtown’s heart.

You’ll discover murals on most blocks, including rotating works at the 1½ Street Mural Project near The Churchill featuring artists like La Morena and Ashley Macias.

Plan your visit around First Friday Art Walk—one of America’s largest self-guided art walks drawing 20,000+ monthly attendees.

You’ll find 150+ vendors at the A.R.T.S. Market alongside open galleries like The MonOrchid and Modified Arts.

Between art stops, grab coffee or dinner at independent restaurants lining the pedestrian-friendly corridors.

The district’s mix of street art, galleries, and nightlife creates an authentic creative hub you can explore affordably on foot. The area connects seamlessly to downtown via the Roosevelt/Central Ave station, making it easy to reach from other parts of the Valley Metro system.

Take the Easy Walk to Hole-in-the-Rock for Sunset Photos

If you’re looking for an effortless hike with spectacular payoff, Hole-in-the-Rock in Papago Park delivers one of Phoenix’s most accessible sunset viewpoints. This 0.1-mile trail involves climbing about 200 feet of man-made rock steps—like walking up a few flights of stairs.

The sandstone chamber frames downtown Phoenix’s skyline perfectly as the sun sets behind the city. You’ll get those Instagram-worthy shots with minimal effort and zero entrance fees. Arrive 20-30 minutes before sunset to claim your spot, as crowds gather during golden hour.

Watch your footing on loose scree inside the alcove, especially if you’re wearing sandals. The carved bench-like ledge provides comfortable seating while you wait for the light show. This site once served as part of a Hohokum calendar site, where ancient peoples used the rock formations to track seasonal changes.

Park near Phoenix Zoo’s north entrance—restrooms and water fountains are available nearby.

Drive South Mountain’s Summit Road to Dobbins Lookout

For Phoenix’s most spectacular city views without breaking the bank, Summit Road delivers a free scenic drive to Dobbins Lookout—the highest accessible point in South Mountain Park’s 16,000 acres.

The winding 6-mile route takes about 20 minutes, climbing to 2,330 feet where you’ll find panoramic views of downtown Phoenix, Camelback Mountain, and the Sonoran Desert.

You’ll share the narrow road with cyclists and hikers, so stick to the 15 mph speed limit.

The 1930s stone shelter provides shade while you soak in the scenery. The lookout features a stone ramada with an observation platform for enhanced viewing of the cityscape and local mountain ranges.

Arrive early for parking—sunset crowds fill up fast.

Note that motorized vehicles can’t access the road on the fourth Sunday monthly and Sunday mornings 5-10 a.m.

Plan a Day Trip to Sedona’s Red Rock Country

Just two hours north of Phoenix, Sedona’s famous red rock formations create one of Arizona’s most stunning day trip destinations. Take I-17 north then SR-179’s Red Rock Scenic Byway for continuous views of Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, and Courthouse Butte.

You’ll find plenty of pullouts for photos and short hikes along this seven-mile corridor.

Don’t miss Bell Rock’s easy loop trail or Airport Mesa‘s 360-degree sunset views.

For cooling off, head to Oak Creek’s swimming holes at Red Rock Crossing, where you can wade in shallow waters beneath Cathedral Rock’s towering spires. The area transforms into a spectacular display of fall colors during autumn months.

Remember to grab a Red Rock Pass at visitor centers for trailhead parking.

Plan extra time during weekends and spring/fall seasons when crowds peak.

Float the Salt River for Desert Scenery and Wild Horses

Forty minutes from downtown Phoenix, the Lower Salt River offers one of Arizona’s most unique tubing experiences where you’ll float past wild mustangs grazing along desert banks.

You’ll drift through Sonoran Desert scenery with saguaro-studded hills and canyon walls while spotting blue herons and bald eagles along the gentle Class I rapids.

Arizona’s Salt River Tubing operates May through September, charging around $28 per person for tube rental and shuttle service.

If you bring your own tubes, you’ll need two vehicles for shuttling and an $8 Tonto Daily Pass for parking.

Plan early morning floats to beat crowds, avoid peak heat, and increase wild horse sightings. These magnificent animals are descendants of 17th-century Spanish horses that have made this stretch of river their home.

Float durations range from two to six hours depending on your chosen route through this accessible desert adventure.

The Sum Up

You’ve got plenty to keep you busy in Phoenix without breaking the bank. Most of these activities won’t cost you much – hiking’s free, the zoo and museums offer discount days, and you can pack snacks for day trips. Don’t forget sunscreen and water for outdoor adventures. Whether you’re into culture, nature, or just want great photos for social media, Phoenix delivers without emptying your wallet.