Even after living in the Valley of the Sun for more than 20 years we can still find things to do in Phoenix. Phoenix is the capital city of Arizona and is part of the Sonoran Desert. It’s central location within the state makes it a great place to start your vacation in Arizona. There are plenty of things to do and see in Arizona’s urban center.
Often referred to as “The Valley of the Sun” or just “the Valley,” Phoenix has quickly grown into an urban metropolis and a top vacation destination. Despite the tremendous growth in the region, Phoenix has retained a laid back atmosphere. Dress is casual in most restaurants. After all it is the desert. There is still an old west influence in this sprawling metropolitan city.
Exploring the Metro Area
Unlike other areas of the United States, Arizona has large counties. The Phoenix metro area is Maricopa County and cities within this county blend together so unless you are paying attention you may not know when you leave one city and enter another one.
From the surface all of the suburbs seem to be entangled, which is probably why some critics say Phoenix is one huge suburb. Despite this, each city does have a unique atmosphere. The Phoenix metro area includes (but not limited to) the cities of:
- Apache Junction
- Avondale
- Carefree
- Cave Creek
- Chandler
- Fountain Hills
- Gilbert
- Glendale
- Goodyear
- Mesa
- Peoria
- Phoenix
- Queen Creek
- Scottsdale
- Surprise
- Tempe
To give an idea of distance the city of Fountain Hills to Goodyear is around 50 miles. If you drove from the city of Surprise to Queen Creek it is about 65 miles. Residents of all of these cities would say they are part of the Phoenix metro area. The Phoenix metro covers a large area and this is easiest to see from the air.
Some of the best attractions in Phoenix can be found outdoors. The mountains surrounding the city provide endless opportunities for outdoor adventures. Phoenix was voted as having some of the best urban hikes in the country.
50+ Things to Do in Phoenix
- Hike Camelback Mountain
- See petroglyphs at the White Tank Mountains
- Tube down the Salt River
- Hike South Mountain
- Cool off at the Lake
- Explore Native American history and visit Indian Ruins
- Hike Papago Park
- See exhibits at the Phoenix Art Museum
- Explore ghost towns
- Hike Piestewa Peak
- Be a kid again at the Children’s Museum of Phoenix
- See the best display of Native American Art at the Heard Museum
- Lay on a bed of nails at the Arizona Science Center
- Hike at McDowell Mountain
- See the animals at the Phoenix Zoo
- Learn about desert plants at the Desert Botanical Garden
- Learn about firefighters at the Hall of Flame Fire Museum
- Tour the Rosson House in Heritage Square
- Tour the Mystery Castle by South Mountain
- Have brunch at the Wrigley Mansion
- Stop to smell the roses at Sahuaro Ranch Park
- Play a round of golf
- Hit the driving range at Top Golf in Glendale or Scottsdale
- Take a self-guided art tour on Roosevelt Row
- Feed the lorikeets at the World Wildlife Zoo
- Watch butterflies emerge from chrysalides at Butterfly Wonderland
- Go for a ride or a walk at Encanto Park
- Feed the Koi fish at the Japanese Gardens
- Cool off at one of the waterparks
- Take the kids for a train ride at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
- Gamble at one of the Valley’s casinos
- Rent a paddleboard at Tempe Town Lake
- Take a walk around Scottsdale’s waterfront
- Have a picnic at Steele Indian School Park
- Tour Tovrea Castle
- Take a behind-the-scenes tour of the oldest theatre in Phoenix
- Explore Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesen West
- Listen to the wind chimes at Cosanti’s
- Visit the Musical Instrument Museum has a collection of instruments from over 200 countries
- See the fishes at OdySea Aquarium
- Pick your own fruit and veggies at one of Arizona’s Farms
- Visit the dinosaurs at the Museum of Natural History
- Have a picnic by the tallest fountain
- Attend one of the many annual events in Phoenix
- Soar over the desert in a Hot Air Balloon Ride
- Take a scenic ride on Apache Trail
- Watch a Spring Training game
- Visit a Farmers’ Market
- See wildflowers at Boyce Thompson Arboretum
- Go antique shopping in Glendale
Visit Phoenix Arizona
Phoenix is a great place to explore Native American history, visit museums and art galleries, or get a taste of the old west. Cool off in the summer and tube down the Salt River or visit one of the many nearby lakes.
The spring and winter months offer a variety of popular annual events. Some of the most well attended events include: Spring Training games, Waste Management Phoenix Open, and the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show to name a few.
