Today, that spirit feels less like a desert outpost and more like a sun-drenched creative hub where art deco meets modern innovation. It is a city defined by its people’s warmth rather than just its heat, offering a vibrant mix of culinary scenes and outdoor adventures that invite you to linger in the shade of century-old mesquite trees while exploring its evolving urban heart.
Do Phoenix the way locals do: start slow at Papago Park, eat where the regulars do at Miel De Agave Phoenix, let the evening run long at The Vig.
Top things to do in Phoenix
Ranked by rating and review volume. These earn their hype. Booking links may earn Roam a commission, at no cost to you.
1
Desert Botanical Garden
Desert garden with 50,000 plants spread over 140 acres, also offering dining, a gift shop & library.
Check tours & tickets2
Musical Instrument Museum
Expansive display of instruments from roughly 200 countries, including some that guests can try out.
Check tours & tickets3
Papago Park
Expansive hiking & picnicking area that includes the Phoenix Zoo & famed Hole-in-the-Rock formation.
Check tours & tickets4
OdySea Aquarium
Huge aquarium featuring dramatic exhibits of marine life, plus a 3D movie & interactive experiences.
Check tours & tickets5
Hole in the Rock
Landmark rock formation with multiple cavelike holes in the sandstone created by erosion.
Check tours & tickets6
Dobbins Lookout
Scenic observation point with an elevation of 2,330 feet, accessible by hiking or driving.
Check tours & tickets7
Butterfly Wonderland
Indoor, interactive rainforest habitat housing thousands of butterflies, plus a cafe & gift shop.
Check tours & tickets8
Encanto Park
Big outdoor recreation spot with a fishing pond, 2 golf courses, a swimming pool & ball fields.
Check tours & tickets9
Heard Museum
Exhibits devoted to Native American civilizations, including a big collection of Southwestern art.
Check tours & tickets10
Arizona Museum of Natural History
Southwest life & art exhibits including dinosaur displays, a Hohokam village & gold panning.
Check tours & ticketsWhere to eat
Local favorites, not tourist traps.
11
Miel De Agave Phoenix
Website12
The Henry
Elegant eatery with a patio, offering an American menu all day, along with a full bar.
Website13
Matt's Big Breakfast
Contemporary American cafe serving daytime fare, including breakfast, burgers & sandwiches.
Website14
Fry Bread House
Unpretentious spot serving savory & sweet creations made from Native American fry bread.
Website15
Cornish Pasty Co
Down-to-earth stopo crafting traditional & vegan Cornish pasties, plus other English favorites.
Website16
The Arrogant Butcher
Buzzy steakhouse turning out upscale New American comfort food in a stylish setting.
Website17
Chelsea’s Kitchen
Bustling, industrial-chic eatery featuring American comfort fare & a patio overlooking the canal.
Website18
Pizzeria Bianco
Trendy Italian eatery known for serving handcrafted wood-fired pizzas in rustic-chic quarters.
WebsiteHungry for more? Book a food tour or tasting in Phoenix
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Tours worth booking ahead
These sell out, so lock them in early.
19
Rainbow Ryders Hot Air Balloon Co.
Check tours & tickets20
AZ UTV Adventures, ATV Tours, Offroad
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Arizona Party Bike Scottsdale
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Desert Belle Cruises
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Desert Wolf Tours
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Scottsdale Segway Tours
Check tours & ticketsGet outside
25
Papago Park
Expansive hiking & picnicking area that includes the Phoenix Zoo & famed Hole-in-the-Rock formation.
Website26
South Mountain Park and Preserve
16,000-acre area with many trails, wildlife & a drivable road to a lookout with sweeping city views.
Website27
Phoenix Mountains Preserve
Group of parks with mountain & desert hiking trails, plus an abundance of cacti & native wildlife.
Website28
Hole in the Rock
Landmark rock formation with multiple cavelike holes in the sandstone created by erosion.
Website29
Echo Canyon Trailhead
Trailhead featuring a parking lot, restrooms & the start of a trail leading up Camelback Mountain.
WebsiteAfter dark
30
The Vig
Cool tavern offering Southwestern spins on pub grub, plus cocktails & regular live music.
Website31
Valley Bar
Music, film, spoken word & comedy showcased in an intimate venue with a game room & cocktail lounge.
Website32
Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour
This stylish haunt with an extensive craft-cocktail menu also features innovative bar bites.
Website33
Lookout Tavern
Spacious option for pub eats including weekend brunch, sports on numerous TVs & bar games till late.
WebsiteEverything above is live data. Real ratings, opening hours, and photos, not AI guesswork. The planner turns it into your day, hour by hour.
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