Top Attractions in Phoenix
With its near-perfect weather and lots of great attractions, Phoenix has long been a golf destination.
But planning a trip to explore Phoenix also means experiencing the city’s stunning natural beauty.
You will find world-class and almost endless outdoor adventure possibilities outside its famous courses.
There are so many great things to see in Phoenix.
Learn, explore, and have some fun under Arizona’s brilliant blue skies and year-round sunshine.
What You Need to Know About Phoenix
Sitting in the valley of the sun, Phoenix is surrounded on all sides by two mountain ranges.
The city itself is relatively flat, however, making for easy walking and exploring.
But as the sunniest city on earth that is also on the edge of the Sonoran Desert, a day in Phoenix is almost guaranteed to be sunny and warm all year round.
There are so many tourist attractions to see in Phoenix like the famous Camelback Mountain and the Phoenix Botanical Gardens.
But Phoenix sightseeing is not just for tourists – even locals love to visit many of the attractions that make Phoenix so popular.
Best Places to visit in Phoenix
Camelback Mountain
The views of Camelback Mountain are stunning from all over the city, but the hike is more of a climb.
Visiting Camelback Mountain for a challenging hike is one way to see the landmark.
Tours that showcase the landscape from a hot air balloon are, however, a popular and of course less strenuous option.
Sightseeing tours lift off regularly at sunrise and sunset to capture the majesty of one of the most recognizable places to visit in Phoenix.
Papago Park
Just a few minutes from downtown Phoenix, Papago Park features both paved and natural trails that are favorites of runners and walkers since the elevation is fairly consistent.
Home to the Phoenix Botanical Gardens as well as the Phoenix Zoo, Papago Park also hosts fishing ponds, an archery range, and even a golf course.
Wrigley Mansion
However, not all of the tourist attractions in Phoenix require exercise, and Wrigley Mansion is one of the popular places to see that visitors of all ages will love.
We love hearing about the infamous Hormel and Wrigley family’s histories on the mansion tour.
Stay for dinner or drinks with a sweeping view of the city in one of the mansion’s restaurants or patios for a spectacular trip experience.
Best Attractions in Phoenix
Phoenix Botanical Gardens
Located inside Papago Park, Phoenix Botanical Gardens is one of the top tourist attractions in Phoenix.
The park itself is full of the vibrant desert colors of the southwest.
Inside the park, you’ll find five different walking trails to explore on foot.
However, it is also fully accessible, making it a perfect option to explore Phoenix for visitors of all generations and abilities.
Heard Museum
For an unmatched educational and cultural experience, the Heard Museum is one of the things to see in Phoenix.
Offering tours guided by the Heard Museum Guild volunteers, the museum is an internationally recognized home to collections and exhibitions of American Indian art and artifacts.
The yearly Indian Fair & Market provides an in-person opportunity to meet artists while the Museum shop, open daily, is a great option to bring home some pieces of art from your trip to Phoenix.
Musical Instrument Museum
One of the more unique places to visit in Phoenix, the Musical Instrument Museum is the only museum in the world that focuses on instruments.
View different instruments in the gallery areas or visit the hands-on locations to try out the unusual to the common instruments.
You can also visit the museum when live musical performances are planned.
The Musical Instrument Museum is perfect, especially for music lovers of all ages.
Phoenix Like a Local
Phoenix Art Museum
A favorite of the places to visit in Phoenix for locals and visitors alike is the Phoenix Art Museum.
With an art-research library as well as collections like Asian art, European masterpieces, and even Fashion Design, the Phoenix Art Museum is one of the tourist attractions in Phoenix that regularly draws as many locals as visitors.
Piestewa Peak
Locals love to hit Piestewa Peak for its short distance but challenging hike.
To explore Phoenix like a local, choose one of the multiple nature trails for gorgeous views of the peak.
For advanced hikers, the Peak Summit Trail offers 365-degree views of the Phoenix metropolitan area.
Definitely a great reward for making it to the top of this double-diamond, steep climb.
Mystery Castle
Every Phoenician knows about the Mystery Castle, so to explore Phoenix like a local, a visit here is a must.
Hand-built, this eclectic landmark was lovingly created by a father for his daughter in the Foothills of South Mountain Park.
A relaxed tour of the grounds uncovers charming spots for pictures and exploring this one-of-a-kind structure.
Phoenix with Kids
Phoenix Zoo
Located inside Papago Park, the Phoenix Zoo is full of exotic and familiar animals ready for a close-up encounter.
Visit the giraffe experience, ride a camel, or pet a stingray on your visit.
The Phoenix Zoo definitely is one of the biggest attractions in Phoenix and a great place to go if you have children.
Arizona Science Center
One of the cooler places to see in Phoenix is the Arizona Science Center, located downtown.
The hands-on exhibits, IMAX theater, and planetarium make the Arizona Science Center one of the fun attractions in Phoenix.
OdySea Aquarium Phoenix
No Phoenix sightseeing trip would be complete without a visit to the OdySea Aquarium Phoenix.
The OdySea Aquarium Phoenix displays over 65 exhibits in 2 million gallons of water.
Watch the fish swim right in front of you when you sit in the Voyager theater and experience the only revolving aquarium experience in the world.
Hurricane Harbor Water Park
A visit to a water park in steamy Phoenix is a great way to stay cool.
Hurricane Harbor is Arizona’s largest water park.
Here, visitors can stay cool as they play at over 30 rides and attractions in this huge park.
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