Give up the routine and let Phoenix awaken your inner wanderer. Trek across cactus-covered terrain, take in historic ruins and turn into the Southwest’s Indiana Jones. Take in the Sonoran Desert’s living art museum, where the hues of nature erupt. Discover unique things to do in Phoenix, a kaleidoscope of cultures from world music to Native American customs, and stoke your adrenaline with experiences suitable for all thrill levels. Phoenix is a sensory extravaganza that provides unusual tastes and starry nights beneath the darkest skies. Explore the past of the city via oddball castles and historic museums. Whatever your budget or taste, a must-see in Phoenix provides a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Camelback Mountain
The different tourist destination is Camelback Mountain. It’s a tough test, a symbol of Phoenix, and a doorway into the heart of the Sonoran Desert. Unlike passive sightseeing, the two hikes in Camelback, Echo Canyon and Cholla, require work. Your muscles will scream as you negotiate stone scrambles and switchbacks. Still, the prize? Magnificent 360-degree views of Phoenix spread out under a vast desert sky. The timid should not attempt camelback. Hikers who want adventure and a relationship with nature are a special breed it draws.
Talk with other hikers and share your success tales (and maybe a few laments). There is hiking, sightseeing, and wildlife watching at Camelback Mountain to suit everyone. All skill levels of hikers can enjoy the two primary paths, Cholla Trail and Echo Canyon Trail, which provide an exciting challenge. The more well-liked and straightforward of the two, Echo Canyon Trail, offers hikers breathtaking sweeping vistas of Phoenix, Scottsdale, and the surrounding desert. On your journey, look for desert animals, including coyotes, lizards, snakes, and many bird species.
Cosanti
Cosanti is different from your run-of-the-mill tourist trap. It’s a portal into the visionary mind of architect Paolo Soleri, a place where art, architecture, and a dash of utopian dreaming collide. Forget sterile museums. Cosanti is a living, breathing testament to Soleri’s philosophy of “Arcosanti” – a future where architecture and ecology intertwine. Imagine buildings that mimic the curves of the desert itself, formed from the earth itself using innovative techniques like “earth-casting.” Stroll through these structures and feel the harmony between humanity and the natural world Soleri envisioned.
Beyond these highlights, here are unique things to do at Cosanti, Unleash Your Inner Artisan (Seasonally): Dive deeper by participating in a workshop. Learn the art of bronze casting, the delicate touch of ceramic work, or other techniques inspired by Soleri’s philosophy.
At Cosanti, the experience doesn’t end with the setting sun. As night falls, the landscape transforms. The absence of light pollution reveals a stunning tapestry of stars. Imagine reclining amidst the earth-formed structures, gazing at the Milky Way while the wind chimes provide a melodic backdrop – a truly one-of-a-kind way to connect with the cosmos.
Desert Botanical Garden
The Desert Botanical Garden is not just a typical garden, it’s an extraordinary open-air museum of the bizarre and fascinating desert life. Here, resilience takes the spotlight and the unexpected bursts into bloom. It’s a world where you can forget about delicate flowers and manicured lawns. Instead, you’ll find cacti with silhouettes resembling twisted sculptures and succulents clinging to rocky crevices, stealing the show. Imagine towering saguaro forests, some older than you! Experience the thrill of blooming cacti – prickly pears adorned with vibrant flowers, chollas exploding in a flurry of yellow blossoms. This is a celebration of the desert’s unique beauty, not despite its harshness, but because of it.
At the Desert Botanical Garden, there’s a wealth of knowledge waiting to be discovered. Hike the Thematic Trails: Explore the fun things to do near Phoenix’s five trails, each focusing on a specific aspect of the Sonoran Desert. Learn about desert living, plants and people of the region, the world’s deserts, and the magic of wildflowers. It’s an educational journey that will leave you feeling enriched and connected to the desert’s unique ecosystem.
Guided Tours: To learn more about the history, vegetation of the desert, and current conservation initiatives, take a guided tour.
Children’s Programs: Let the little ones explore the wonders of the desert through interactive programs designed to spark their curiosity about nature.
Heard Museum
The Heard Museum is different from your average history museum, which is filled with silent displays. It’s a vibrant powwow of Native American cultures, a kaleidoscope of artistic expression, and a defiant echo of enduring spirit. Forget static exhibits with hushed voices. The Heard Museum buzzes with stories.
Things to do at the Heard Museum
Become a Time Traveller: Embark on a self-guided adventure through the museum’s vast collection.
Uncover Hidden Gems: The Heard Museum frequently hosts captivating temporary exhibits that delve into specific themes or showcase the work of groundbreaking artists.
Immerse Yourself in Living Traditions: Go beyond the exhibits! The Heard Museum often hosts cultural events that bring traditions to life.
Find Your Treasure: The Heard Museum Shop isn’t your average gift shop. Imagine a marketplace overflowing with unique and beautiful pieces crafted by Native American artists themselves.
Unlock the Secrets: Join a guided tour led by a passionate docent. Gain deeper insights into the museum’s collection, the stories behind the art, and the enduring spirit of the Native American people.
Japanese Friendship Garden
The Japanese Friendship Garden isn’t your average patch of green. It’s a portal to serenity, a meticulously crafted escape where the desert surrenders to a world of tranquillity. Imagine pushing open the gates and leaving the Phoenix sun behind. Unlike sprawling city parks, the Japanese Friendship Garden invites you on an intimate exploration. Each section unfolds like a secret revealed. Imagine strolling past a traditional tea house; a world shrunk to perfection, where every stone and plant is placed with intention.
Become a Wanderer of Tranquillity: Embark on a self-guided exploration. Let your curiosity guide you along winding paths, discover hidden nooks perfect for meditation, and soak in the meticulous beauty of the garden at your own pace.
Unveil Cultural Gems: Throughout the year, the Japanese Friendship Garden transforms into a stage for cultural experiences. Witness the intricate beauty of a traditional tea ceremony, unfold the secrets of origami paper folding, or immerse yourself in the calming melodies of Japanese music.
Capture the Essence of Serenity: The Japanese Friendship Garden is a photographer’s dream. Frame the vibrant koi against the emerald backdrop, capture the cascading waterfalls in a burst of motion, and preserve the meticulous design for memories that last.
Musical Instrument Museum
The Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) in Phoenix offers a world of musical exploration for visitors of all ages and interests. You can Explore the five main galleries, each dedicated to a specific geographical region (Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East). can you Immerse yourself in the musical traditions of each area and discover the unique instruments that have shaped their sounds. You can also Travel through musical history by coming face-to-face with iconic instruments. See Elvis Presley’s legendary guitar, John Lennon’s harmonica, or even a violin crafted by the famed instrument maker Antonio Stradivari. The MIM frequently hosts captivating temporary exhibits that delve into specific themes or genres of music. Check the museum calendar to see what’s on display during your visit.
Phoenix Art Museum
The Phoenix Art Museum offers a vibrant exploration of art worldwide. People can immerse themselves in the museum’s vast collection, spanning centuries and continents. Explore galleries showcasing Western American art, fashion design, Asian art, Latin American art, modern and contemporary art, and more. The Phoenix Art Museum frequently hosts captivating temporary exhibits that delve into specific themes, artists, or movements. Check their calendar to discover what might spark your curiosity during your visit. Enjoy special programming designed for families with children every first Sunday of the month. Participate in interactive activities, story time sessions, and art-making workshops that spark creativity in young minds.
South Mountain Park
With its vastness and diverse offerings, South Mountain Park caters to various interests. South Mountain Park boasts over 58 miles of trails, ranging from easy, family-friendly paths to challenging hikes with breathtaking views. Popular options include the National Trail, Mormon Trail, and Siphon Draw Trail. The highest accessible point in the park, Dobbins Lookout, can be reached via scenic drive or trek. Reward yourself with breathtaking 360-degree vistas of the surrounding mountains and the Phoenix metropolitan region. It would help if you explored the quirky Mystery Castle, a whimsical structure built by Boyce Luther Gulley using found materials. Step back in time and delve into the fascinating story behind its creation. Pack a delicious spread and find a scenic spot for a relaxing picnic. Several ramadas with picnic tables and grills are scattered throughout the park, perfect for a family outing.
Taliesin West
This is an excellent option for first-time visitors. Please explore the most popular areas of Taliesin West, including Wright’s office with its slanted canvas roof, the grand stone-walled living room, and the half-sunken Cabaret Theater. A knowledgeable guide will explain Wright’s “Organic Architecture” design philosophy and how it’s reflected in the buildings and desert landscape. For architecture enthusiasts, Taliesin West offers more specialized tours. Explore the fun activities in Phoenix and Wright’s quarters, including his studio and drafting room, and gain insights into his creative process.
Other tours delve into the desert landscaping or the history of Taliesin West itself. Experience Taliesin West under the stars. Enjoy special events like docent-led twilight tours or lectures on Wright’s work, all under the magical desert sky. You can even Browse a curated selection of books on Frank Lloyd Wright, architecture, and desert living. Find the perfect souvenir or a thoughtful gift for the architecture lover in your life.
Mystery Castle
Ditch the stuffy museums and forget the predictable tourist traps. The Mystery Castle isn’t your grandma’s historical tour. It’s a rabbit hole into the mind of a creative maverick, Boyce Luther Gulley, a place where salvaged treasures become a whimsical wonderland. Explore the unique architecture of the castle. Built from salvaged materials like stone, cactus ribs, and even old bed springs, the castle is a testament to Gulley’s resourcefulness and artistic vision. Wander through rooms with unconventional shapes and sizes and marvel at the hidden nooks and crannies waiting to be discovered.
Take a guided tour to learn more about the guy who constructed the castle and its past. Hear stories about Gulley’s life, his motivations for creating the castle, and the secrets that may lie within its walls.
Hole in the Rock
Hole in the Rock is just one gem in Papago Park. After your hike, extend your adventure by exploring the park’s other offerings. Stroll through the desert botanical gardens, cast a line in the fishing lagoons, or visit the Phoenix Zoo. Papago Park offers minimal light pollution, making it a perfect spot for stargazing. Imagine lying on a blanket, gazing at a million twinkling stars – a magical end to your desert escape. The hike to Hole in the Rock is short, so you don’t need a lot of gear.
Bring sturdy shoes for the rocky terrain, Water to keep yourself hydrated in the desert heat, and sunscreen to shield yourself from the sun. Hole in the Rock provides breathtaking vistas, a brief dose of desert adventure, and an opportunity to interact with the natural beauties of the Phoenix area. Put on your trainers, take out your camera, and get ready to discover the splendor of the Sonoran Desert and conquer this little peak.
Odysea Aquarium
Dive into an underwater adventure at OdySea Aquarium! You can Witness the feeding frenzy of various creatures at scheduled times throughout the day. See playful otters devour their lunch, watch sleek sharks snatch their prey, or marvel at the mesmerizing feeding techniques of colorful fish. Commemorate your visit with a unique souvenir from the OdySea Aquarium gift shop. The cool things to do in Phoenix, Arizona: Find plush toys for your favorite aquatic animals, educational books and games, or unique ocean-themed jewelry.
After your underwater adventure, refuel at one of the on-site cafes or restaurants. Savor a range of cuisine alternatives, including sit-down meals and informal nibbles, all while overlooking the beauty of the aquarium exhibits.OdySea Aquarium can get crowded, especially on weekends and holidays. If you prefer a quieter experience, plan your visit for a weekday morning.OdySea Aquarium is a climate-controlled environment, so dress comfortably in layers. Given the walking involved, you might also want to pack comfortable shoes.
