If you have an idea to visit Phoenix, we’ll tell you the most attractive places in Phoenix, Arizona, as well as the most interesting things you can do in there. Phoenix is a city that has a warm and dry climate. Tourists who love sunlight and like to escape the snow and cold during winter usually visit there. There are many cultural attractions and historic landmarks located there.
As well as there are dozens of outdoor activities you can do like hiking, biking, camping, golfing, and climbing. If you like spending more than a few days in Phoenix, you can easily visit Sedona, Prescott, and Jerome. You can even have a trip to the Grand Canyon. Then, let’s start our tour of Phoenix.
1. Botanical Garden
The Desert Botanical Garden is located in Papago Park. It is a 140-acre beautiful complex that combines nature and art. If you visit there you can see thousands of plants. It also displays examples of plants from deserts around the world. There are beautiful gardens designed to attract creatures like hummingbirds and butterflies. Spring is the best time to visit there. Because plants come to life and bloom in different colors in this season. If you have an idea to visit Phoenix, don’t forget to visit Desert Botanical Garden and have some time walking through the garden.
- Visit: 1201 North Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, Arizona
- Official website: www.dbg.org
2. Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix
The Musical Instruments Museum is a popular place among the most attractive places in Phoenix. It has a collection of more than 6,800 musical instruments from about 200 territories and countries. The museum includes five main galleries and they are the Artists Gallery, the Mechanical Music Gallery, the Geographic Gallery, Experience Gallery the STEM Gallery.
The Experience Gallery allows visitors to play some of the instruments. if you visit Conservation Lab, you can see master craftsmen at work restoring instruments. The instrument museum hosts traveling exhibits, Signature Events, live music from countries around the world, and showcasing instruments. It has a 300-seat theater and you can catch a concert.
- Visit: 4725 E. Mayo Boulevard, Phoenix, Arizona
- Official website: mim.org
3. Taliesin West
Taliesin West is located in Scottsdale. It was the architecture school and the winter home of architect Frank Lloyd Wright. This building is situated in the foothills of the McDowell Mountains. This building was built entirely by Wright and his apprentices, out of native materials, like rubblestone and redwood. At the moment, it serves as the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation’s global headquarters. As well as it is home to the Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture. If you like to learn about architecture, the school, or Wright’s life, you can visit there and they will give you information. You can see students at work in the main drafting studio as well.
- Visit: 12345 North Taliesin Drive, Scottsdale, Arizona
- Official website: www.franklloydwright.org/about/TaliesinWestTours.html
4. Hiking Trails
If you are for something to do outdoors like hiking, Phoenix is a great place for it. It offers a full range of hiking trails. If you are an adventurous hiker, you can hike up Camelback Mountain. If you are a nature lover, you can go to Papago Park or the Lost Dog Wash Trailhead. They offer short, easy trails. If you visit Mormon Trail or Pinnacle Peak, you can have a bit of a challenge and elevation. As well as some beautiful views.
5. Heard Museum
Heard Museum is popular among tourists who love to visit the most attractive places in Phoenix. This building was founded in 1929 and it is devoted to the culture and art of the Indian peoples of the Southwest. There are many exhibits are displayed there. Basketwork, pottery, jewelry, and textiles take a main place among them.
It has a large collection of kachina dolls as well. The museum is a great place to see traditional arts and learn about native history. Because its outdoor courtyards and exhibit galleries feature traditional and contemporary Native American art. You can take a garden tour of the museum as well. The Heard Museum has an outdoor cafe. It offers special dishes to complement the featured exhibit. Therefore the menu changes regularly.
- Visit: 2301 North Central Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona
- Official website: http://heard.org/
6. Old Town Scottsdale
Old Town Scottsdale is among the most attractive places in Phoenix. You can find the Old Town at the intersection of East Main Street and North Scottsdale Road. There are unique shops and they sell different kinds of trinkets and other goods to tourists. You can also visit galleries that feature spectacular work by famous artists and have fun. Old Town has good restaurants as well. Some of them offer delightful patio seating and it is good for people-watching. This area is easily walkable and if you like you can have a two-hour Scottsdale Segway Tour. It will take you along some of the historic sites, waterfront, and Old Town.
7. South Mountain Preserve
South Mountain Park covers over 16,000 acres of the desert landscape and it is one of the largest city parks in the United States. There are a bunch of activities you can do in there like hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. Many trails are running through the park and Mormon Trail is popular among them. You can have a beautiful view of the desert and beyond the city. The night view of the city is even incredible. The highest place in the park is Mount Suppoa. The height of Mount Suppoa is 2,690 feet. But the highest lookout, which you can reach by road or trail, is Dobbins Lookout. The height of the Dobbins Lookout is 2,330 feet.
- Visit: 10919 South Central Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona
- Official website: www.phoenix.gov/parks/trails/locations/south-mountain
8. Flame Fire Museum
The Hall of Flame Fire Museum is created as a tribute to firefighters who have been killed during their duty. As well as you can take a look at the historical side of the profession. Many exhibits date back to 1725. For example, old fire engines and some types of fire extinguishers are displayed there.
Many of the exhibits focus on the history of firefighting in the United States. There are some exhibits from Europe and Japan as well. You can take a look at the international perspective of firefighting. If you visit the National Firefighting Hall of Heroes, you can see the list of firefighters who lost their lives since 1981. As well as there is a memorial to commemorate the police officers and firefighters who were killed at the World Trade Center in 2001.
- Visit: 6101 East Van Buren Street, Phoenix, Arizona
- Official website: www.hallofflame.org
9. Papago Park
Are you looking for fun things and activities to do in Phoenix? If yes, you can start it from Papago Park. It is a wonderful natural area in the southeast part of Phoenix and one of the most attractive places in Phoenix. There are dozens of things you can do. For example, you can do golfing, cycling the extensive routes, scramble up the red rocks, and enjoy hiking along nature trails.
As well as this area is a great place to come for a walk especially in the morning before the heat of the day. The park has a few trails. The Elliot Ramada and the Double Butte Loop trail are the most popular among them. They will take you up to the weird rock outcroppings. During these trials, you can see wildlife, especially rabbits and bighorn sheep. You can also visit the Phoenix Zoo and the Desert Botanical Garden.
- Visit: 625 North Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, Arizona
- Official site: https://www.phoenix.gov/parks/trails/locations/papago-park
10. Art Museum
The Phoenix Art Museum is a 203,000-square-foot building that was designed by New York architects Tod Williams/Billie Tsien and Associates in the mid-1990s. It is one of the main art museums in the American Southwest. It has a permanent art collection that covers the European Renaissance and Baroque periods. As well as the museum presents some modern and contemporary artworks and fashion designs. It features some live performances and films as well.
- Visit: 1625 North Central Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona
- Official website: www.phxart.org
11. Phoenix Zoo
Phoenix Zoo is among the most attractive places in Phoenix. It is popular, especially among children. The Zoo is home to more than 1,400 animals. There are different kinds of endangered species as well. The most popular ones are Sumatran tigers and orangutans. The zoo offers four different trails. They are Arizona Trail, the Africa Trail, the Tropics Trail, and Children’s Trail. They also host some splash pads, play areas, children’s programs, and events.
You have the opportunity to walk through the Monkey Village, an open area with monkeys swinging by. This will be a great experience for kids. Your kids will love the Red Barn, a petting zoo with sheep, goats, and horses. You can also have a camel ride. The gentle giraffe encounter and the Stingray Bay encounter will be great experiences as well. The zoo features film with water, smells, and wind effects in their 4D theater. When the temperature outside is uncomfortably hot, you can get this indoor experience.
- Visit: 455 North Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, Arizona
- Official website: https://www.phoenixzoo.org/
12. OdySea Aquarium
Do you think it’s hard to find an aquarium in the middle of the desert? You are wrong. You have the opportunity to enjoy a maritime learning experience in the OdySea Aquarium. It is a 200,000 square feet aquarium with interesting exhibits. It is the largest aquarium in Arizona as well. The OdySea Aquarium has three different touch pools. The concept of the aquarium is also interesting.
In the beginning, you are a raindrop falling from the sky into freshwater. Then you have to make your way through streams and rivers. Finally, you can find your way to the ocean. You can see more than 6,000 aquatic animals there. For example, you can see penguins sharks, stingrays, octopuses, and otters.
The OdySea Aquarium performs many educational shows. One of them are being a presentation making visitors feel like they are in a submarine. The OdySea Aquarium gives you the opportunity to helmet diving. You can dive in a pool that is filled with fish wearing a special diving suits. Also, you have the opportunity to interact with the penguins. But you will have to pay some additional fee.
- Visit: 9500 E Via De Ventura, Scottsdale, Arizona
- Official website: https://www.odyseaaquarium.com/
13. Science Center
The Arizona Science Center is a popular place among the most attractive places in Phoenix. It has hundreds of interactive exhibits. The Science Center has seven galleries and each of them has a unique theme. The Science Center hosts six events throughout the year as well. Some of them are Snow Week, Weird Science Halloween, and Science with a Twist. If you visit the museum during Snow Week, you will see Science Park hill is covered with 75 tons of real snow and becomes a mountain of white.
- Visit: 600 East Washington Street, Phoenix, Arizona
- Official website: www.azscience.org
14. State Capitol Museum
This building was built in 1900. It was the seat of government until 1974 and now it is a free museum. The state museum focuses on the history of Arizona and if you visit there you can see exhibits that are spread over four floors. There is a unique Arizona flag made of 113,998 Lego bricks. Arizona Takes Shape exhibit is another popular exhibit in the museum. It showcases the state’s development from when it was a territory through today. You can also visit Wesley Bolin Plaza memorial monuments and Capitol Mallas well.
- Visit: 1700 West Washington Street, Phoenix, Arizona
- Official website: https://azlibrary.gov/azcm
15. North Mountain
North Mountain Preserve is a recreational area. Shaw Butte is the tallest mountain in the preserve. It stands at an elevation of 2,149 feet. North Mountain stands at an elevation of 2,104 feet and both of them together is a landmarks of Phoenix. You can find all kinds of hiking trails there. Also, easier hikes offer access to all levels of abilities. You have the opportunity to experience local flora and fauna, with many plant species. You can get the latest updates on the trails from the North Mountain Visitors Center. As well as you can learn about the local history and get some insight into the fauna and flora.
- Visit: 12950 North 7th Street, Phoenix, Arizona
- Official website: www.phoenix.gov/parks/trails/locations/north-mountain
16. Children’s Museum
The Phoenix Children’s Museum is among the most attractive places in Phoenix. It is opened in 2008. There are 14 galleries and they display full of interesting and fun things. Some of the galleries include Pedal Power, the Noodle Forest, Blockmania, and Texture Café. There is an attentive staff called Playologists to help you. The Phoenix Children’s Museum is located around the corner from the Science Center.
- Visit: 215 N. 7th Street, Phoenix, Arizona
- Official website: https://childrensmuseumofphoenix.org
17. Phoenix Symphony
The Phoenix Symphony performs classical, chamber, pop, and family programs throughout the year. It is led by conductor Tito Muñoz. It is Arizona’s only full-time symphony orchestra. You can check their online calendar and find a list of upcoming performances. You need to check the performance venue as well. Because it performs at five different locations. They are Mesa Arts Center, Orpheum Church, ASU Gammage, Pinnacle Presbyterian Church, and Symphony Hall.
- Visit: 75 North 2nd Street, Phoenix, Arizona
- Official website: http://www.phoenixsymphony.org/
18. Castles N’ Coasters
Those are the most attractive places in Phoenix, Arizona. If you plan to tour Phoenix, don’t forget to visit these places. You will be able to get an amazing experience in Phoenix.
Hotels to stay in Phoenix
If you visit Phoenix, you can stay in the below highly-rated hotels. They are close to the most attractive places in Phoenix.
Luxury hotels
- Kimpton Hotel Palomar: Located at the new CityScape development, features large rooms, and a beautiful rooftop pool.
- Found: Re Phoenix: Located in the heart of Phoenix, 104 unique rooms, feature industrial-chic décor
- Four Seasons Scottsdale at Troon North: Next to the Troon North Golf Club
- Hotel Valley Ho: A unique restored hotel, that maintains a 1950s theme, once the haunt of Hollywood celebrities, within walking distance to Old Town Scottsdale, and easy access to shopping, dining, and other things to do in the vicinity
Mid-Range Hotels
- Hilton Garden Inn: Situated in a restored 1932 Art Deco building, offers modern, comfortable rooms, easy walking distance of the Convention Center
- Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel: In the heart of the city center, an upper-end mid-range option, a heated rooftop pool
- The Fairfield Inn and Suites Phoenix Midtown: Within walking distance of the Phoenix Art Museum and Heard Museum, Free parking
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Phoenix attract tourists?
Sun lovers and people trying to escape the snow and cold in the winter are attracted to Phoenix by its warm, dry climate. The city offers a wide variety of artistic and cultural activities, historic buildings, as well as dining, shopping, and a superb choice of resorts and hotels.
What features of Phoenix are the best?
Due to its closeness to well-liked hiking trails, cutting-edge modern cafes, and fancy shopping malls like the Biltmore and Scottsdale Fashion Square, Arcadia is one of the hippest areas in the Phoenix area. With Camelback Mountain so close by, there is no shortage of natural beauty either.
Is a trip to Phoenix worthwhile?
The Phoenix Metropolitan Area, sometimes known as the “Valley of the Sun,” is a popular travel destination in Arizona and the American Southwest. It is famous for its expansive desert scenery, the mountains that surround the city, the luxurious resorts, and a strong Native American and Mexican influence.
Is Phoenix, Arizona, a nice city to live in?
The fifth-most populous city in the country is one of the greatest big cities in the U.S. to live in because of the availability of outdoor activities, the employment opportunities at five Fortune 500 companies and other places, and the amazing art and architecture.
Does Phoenix, Arizona get snow?
yes, snow really has fallen in Phoenix. Phoenix has only ever experienced one inch of snow, which fell on January 20, 1933, and again in January 1937. Around an inch of rain fell in parts of downtown Phoenix in 1937, and several inches fell in parts of the Valley that were yet developing at the time.
