20 Best Things to Do in Phoenix, AZ

Phoenix in Maricopa County, Arizona, is a city full of history and culture.

In 1868, Jack Swilling founded the city, and Dr. A.J. Chandler named it after the mythical bird that rises from its ashes.

Phoenix is the capital of Arizona and the most populous city in the state, with a population of over 1.6 million people.

The city's economy relies on tourism and transportation, with major industries including aerospace, defense, technology, and manufacturing.

From the ancient ruins at Pueblo Grande to the modern marvels of Chase Field, there is something for everyone in this desert metropolis.

Here's a list of the 20 best things to do in Phoenix, Arizona:

Explore Ancient Ruins at the Pueblo Grande Museum and Archaeological Park

The Pueblo Grande Museum and Archaeological Park is a must-see for anyone visiting Phoenix.

It's a great place to learn about the history and culture of the Hohokam people.

The Hohokam lived in the Phoenix area for over 1,000 years.

The museum has exhibits on the Hohokam's history, art, and technology, as well as replicas of their homes and villages.

The park also features an archaeological preserve with excavated ruins from the Hohokam people's settlements.

There are also trails through the desert landscape that offer amazing views of the Phoenix area.

Get Inspired by Scientific Discovery at Arizona Science Center

The Arizona Science Center is a world-class museum with astronomy, physics, chemistry, and mathematics exhibits.

The science center has something for everyone, from the young child learning about the solar system for the first time to the adult exploring the mysteries of the universe.

Some of the exhibits at the science center include the Discovery Room, where you can explore things like optical illusions and gravity, and the Human Body exhibit, which takes you on a tour of the human body from head to toe.

Likewise, the Planetarium shows you the night sky and teaches you astronomy.

It has an IMAX theater and an outdoor science park with exhibits on renewable energy and water conservation.

The Arizona Science Center also has a small gift shop where you can buy souvenirs to remember your visit.

The gift shop has a wide selection of items, including books, stuffed animals, toys, magnets, and keychains.

Check Out the Architecture at the Heard Museum

The Heard Museum is home to one of the world's largest collections of Native American art.

The museum has a wide variety of art on display, including paintings, pottery, textiles, and jewelry.

One of the most popular exhibits at the Heard Museum is the "Spirit of the Southwest" exhibit.

This exhibit features traditional costumes, jewelry, and artwork from Native American cultures throughout the Southwest.

You can see examples of art from the Apache, Navajo, Pueblo, and Zuni cultures.

There are also interactive exhibits where you can learn more about the history and culture of the Native Americans who lived in the American Southwest.

Stroll through Downtown Phoenix

Downtown Phoenix is full of unique boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants.

Many boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants are located in Downtown Phoenix.

One of them is the MonOrchid, a contemporary art gallery that features the work of local and national artists.

The gallery has a rotating exhibition schedule, so there's always something new to see.

Another remarkable must-see in Downtown Phoenix is Roosevelt Row Arts District, the home to several independent art galleries and studios.

It's a great place to find unique pieces of artwork that you won't find anywhere else.

The district also has many restaurants and cafes, so you can take a break from browsing the art galleries and have something to eat or drink.

Lose Yourself in the Cactus Gardens at Desert Botanical Garden

Desert Botanical Garden is a 140-acre oasis in the middle of the desert.

The garden contains over 12,000 plants worldwide, including cacti, succulents, and desert trees.

It's a great place to relax in nature while getting a break from the city heat.

Some things you can see at the Desert Botanical Garden include the Cactus Gardens, where you can see a variety of cacti and succulents, and the Butterfly Pavilion, a butterfly exhibit with free-flying butterflies from all over the world.

Then, you have the Ramada Garden, which features a pond with fish and turtles, and gardens with flowers from all over the world.

Admire the View from the South Mountain Park & Preserve

South Mountain Park & Preserve is the largest mountain park in the world, and it offers some of the best views of Phoenix.

There are several hiking and driving trails at the South Mountain Park & Preserve.

One of the most popular hiking trails is the strenuous ten-mile trail to the summit of South Mountain.

The summit offers some of the best views of Phoenix. If you're looking for a more leisurely hike, several shorter trails can choose from.

The park also has a scenic drive that takes you to the mountain.

The drive is about eight miles long and is a great way to see the park's wildlife and vegetation.

Learn about the Wild West at the Phoenix Zoo

The Phoenix Zoo is one of the largest zoos in the United States, and it's home to over 1,400 animals worldwide.

The zoo has exhibits on African wildlife, the Australian outback, desert life, and more.

It's also home to the Wild West Town, where you can learn more about American history.

The Wild West Town at the Phoenix Zoo is a recreation of an Old West town.

You can see many typical buildings in the Old West, including a general store, blacksmith, and jail.

There are also exhibits on the history of the American frontier, including how people lived, worked, and traveled in the Old West.

Channel Your Inner Musician at the Musical Instrument Museum

The Musical Instrument Museum is a world-renowned museum with over 15,000 musical instruments and artifacts worldwide.

The museum exhibits various topics, including music history, the evolution of instruments, and the music of different cultures.

As one of the most popular exhibits at the Musical Instrument Museum, the exhibit comprehensively looks at the history of music from around the world.

It features instruments from all over the world and artifacts and recordings from different eras in music history.

It's a great place to learn about the origins of music and the different cultures that have contributed to its development.

The museum also has a theater where you can see musical performances worldwide.

Sample Local Culture at Phoenix Art Museum

Phoenix Art Museum is one of the largest art museums in the United States, and it's home to over 18,000 pieces of art.

The museum has a wide variety of exhibits, including American art, European art, contemporary art, and Asian art.

One of the most popular exhibits at Phoenix Art Museum is the American art exhibit.

It features various paintings, sculptures, and other artwork from America's history.

It includes pieces from some of America's most famous artists, such as Georgia O'Keeffe and Jackson Pollock.

It's a great place to learn more about America's art history and offers a unique perspective on American culture.

The museum also has a cafe where you can taste the local cuisine.

Shop Till You Drop at Biltmore Fashion Park

Biltmore Fashion Park is an upscale shopping mall with over 100 stores and restaurants.

Biltmore Fashion Park isn't just a place to shop.

It's also a place to eat, drink, and be entertained.

The mall has many restaurants, from fast food to fine dining choices.

There are also several bars and lounges.

The mall also has a movie theater so that you can catch the latest Hollywood blockbuster.

If you need to get some shopping done, the mall has over 100 stores to choose from.

Take a Hike through Papago Park

Papago Park is a 1,200-acre park home to desert plants, cacti, and wildflowers.

The park has several hiking trails, a golf course, a zoo, and an amphitheater.

Papago Park is an excellent place for a day hike.

It has several hiking trails that take you through the park's desert landscape.

The park is also home to a zoo and an amphitheater.

The zoo exhibits various animals, including lions, tigers, and bears.

The amphitheater has shown throughout the year, including concerts, plays, and magic shows.

Have Some Fun with the Family at Castles N' Coasters

Castles N' Coasters is an amusement park that's perfect for families.

It features a wide variety of rides and attractions for all ages.

Castles N' Coasters is the perfect place to spend a day with the family.

The park has several roller coasters, including the Diamondback and the Scorpion.

It also has a water park, an arcade, and various food options.

Enjoy a Serene Afternoon at the Japanese Friendship Garden

The Japanese Friendship Garden is a three-acre oasis in the desert.

The garden is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

The garden features a wide variety of Japanese plants and trees, a koi pond, and a tea house.

The tea house has a wide variety of tea and traditional Japanese snacks.

It's a great place to relax and enjoy the peace and tranquility of the garden.

Tour the Splendid Wrigley Mansion

The Wrigley Mansion is a historic mansion called "the most beautiful home in Arizona."

The mansion was built in the 1920s by chewing gum magnate William Wrigley Jr.

It's open for public tours.

It features various unique amenities, including a bowling alley and a movie theater.

The Wrigley Mansion is a must-see for anyone visiting Phoenix.

See the Sights at the Tres Rio Wetlands

The Tres Rios Wetlands is an artificial wetland home to various plant and animal life.

It means "three rivers" in Spanish, which pertain to the Salt, Gila, and Agua Fria Rivers joined together near Avondale Boulevard in Phoenix, Arizona.

It's a great place to take a walk or go bird-watching.

If you're not in a hurry, you can take some time to enjoy the scenery.

The wetlands are also home to various plant and animal life, so it's a great place to learn about the local ecosystem.

Experience the Local Cuisine at Pizzeria Bianco

Pizzeria Bianco is a local pizzeria that's been voted one of the best pizzerias in the country.

The pizzeria only uses fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and offers a wide variety of unique pizzas.

There are a variety of unique pizzas at Pizzeria Bianco, but some of the most popular ones include the Rosa, the White, and the Margharita.

Pizzeria Bianco is a must-try for anyone visiting Phoenix.

Honor the Firefighters at the Hall of Flame Fire Museum

The Hall of Flame Fire Museum is a museum dedicated to firefighting history.

It's also a great place to see some interesting historical artifacts.

The museum has various exhibits, including a replica of a 19th-century firehouse, a collection of fire engines, and a 9/11 memorial.

The Hall of Flame Fire Museum is a great place to learn about the brave men and women who have dedicated their lives to fighting fires.

Soak up the Sun at Encanto Park

Encanto Park is a 300-acre park perfect for a day of relaxation.

The park has various amenities, including a golf course, a swimming pool, and a lagoon.

Encanto Park is a great place to spend a day in the sun.

It's also a great place to spend a day with the family.

Encanto Park is also home to Encanto Pool, one of Phoenix's largest public pools.

The pool has water slides and other attractions for the whole family.

Encanto Park is an ideal place to spend a hot day in Phoenix.

Catch a Show at the Arizona Opera

The Arizona Opera is one of the leading opera companies in the United States.

The opera company produces a wide variety of operas, and it's a great place to learn about the art of opera.

The Arizona Opera offers public tours of its facility.

This tour includes a visit to the costume shop, the rehearsal studio, and the administrative offices.

It's a great way to learn about the inner workings of an opera company.

Catch Baseball at Chase Field Stadium

Chase Field is a baseball stadium that's home to the Arizona Diamondbacks.

It's the perfect place to catch a game while you're in Phoenix.

The stadium offers a variety of fan amenities, including a batting cage, a playground, and a concourse with field views.

You can visit the team store, go to the concession stands, or take a walk around the stadium.

The team store is a great place to buy Arizona Diamondbacks gear, and the concession stands offer a variety of food and drinks.

If you want to explore the stadium, there are several things that you can see.

The outfield wall is covered in murals of Arizona legends, and the upper deck offers a great view of downtown Phoenix.

Final Thoughts

If you're looking for things to do in Phoenix, then you'll find that this list only scratches the surface.

There are plenty of tourist attractions and historical landmarks to explore in this vibrant city.

Try the best things to do in Phoenix for an exciting vacation!