Things to do in Phoenix & Scottsdale

140 acres of cactus, wildflowers, and desert trails in the heart of Papago Park.

Phoenix's signature red-rock peak and toughest close-in hike, with sweeping valley views from the top.

One of the world's foremost collections of Native American art and culture, in a Spanish Colonial building.

Western-themed storefronts, art galleries, and patio bars packed into a walkable historic district.

Wireless headsets bring instruments from every country on Earth to life, gallery by gallery.

One of the largest municipal parks in the country, laced with more than 50 miles of desert trails.

Frank Lloyd Wright's winter home and architecture studio, built into the desert foothills he loved.

More than 3,000 animals across exhibits themed on four continents, run without public funding.

Red sandstone buttes and an easy scramble up to a natural window with views over the whole valley.

Arizona's largest aquarium, with a rotating tunnel that carries visitors right through the shark tank.

A gentle 3.5-mile out-and-back through saguaro-studded desert, with one of the Valley's best sunsets.

Home of the Arizona Diamondbacks, with a retractable roof and a swimming pool beyond the outfield fence.

James Beard Award-winning wood-fired pizza that put Phoenix on the national food map.

A former saddle shop turned honky-tonk, with live country music and sawdust on the floor every night.

A restored 1929 Spanish Colonial movie palace that now hosts touring Broadway shows and concerts.

Sunrise hot air balloon rides over the Southwest, with year-round flights in Phoenix.

Phoenix-area city known for the Westgate Entertainment District, State Farm Stadium and historic antique shopping.

215-acre zoo, aquarium and safari park in Litchfield Park with Arizona's largest collection of exotic animals.

Official tourism office for Tempe, Arizona, home to Arizona State University and Tempe Town Lake.

Guided and self-drive ATV and UTV desert tours and off-road rentals near Phoenix, plus a shooting range.

A large firefighting museum across from the Phoenix Zoo, with over 130 restored fire trucks, pumpers and gear.

Phoenix-area Arizona city with over 300 days of sunshine, golf, ballooning and a lively downtown arts scene.

Guided day and multi-day tours from Phoenix and Scottsdale to the Grand Canyon, Sedona and Antelope Canyon.

Hand-feed ostriches and other ranch animals, then ride a guided desert Monster Truck tour near Picacho Peak.

Tandem skydive from 13,000 feet over the Sonoran Desert at one of the world's largest drop zones.

Arizona's desert capital and convention hub, with resorts, museums, hiking trails and year-round sunshine.

Sunrise hot air balloon flights over the Sonoran Desert near Phoenix, with a champagne toast after landing.

Family owned tandem skydiving center about 30 minutes west of Phoenix with USPA certified instructors.

Visitor information office for Casa Grande, Arizona, promoting the city's shopping, dining, and desert attractions.

Narrated steamboat cruises on Canyon Lake through the Sonoran Desert, with wildlife and dinner cruise options.

Multi-generational family band performing live country, bluegrass, gospel, and pop music at their winter theater in Mesa.

Desert horseback riding on the Gila River Indian Community near Chandler, with group, private, and kids sessions.

A roughly two-mile Dobson Road corridor of Asian-owned markets, restaurants and shops promoted by the City of Mesa.

An 80-minute narrated sightseeing cruise on Saguaro Lake aboard a historic two-level tour boat.

A rebuilt 1890s gold-mining town near Apache Junction with mine tours, a narrow gauge train and staged Old West gunfights.

Family entertainment center in Mesa with a seasonal water park, mini golf, go-karts and arcade games.

Family-owned Scottsdale ranch offering guided horseback trail rides, hayrides, stagecoach tours and a petting zoo.

Zipline course at Goldfield Ghost Town near Apache Junction with mountain and desert views.

Open-air outlet shopping center in Glendale with more than 90 designer and name-brand stores.

Arizona town known for its landmark fountain, public art walk and desert hiking trails near Phoenix.

Narrated sightseeing, sunset, dinner and brunch boat cruises on Lake Pleasant near Phoenix.

Nonprofit collection of over 170 classic cars, hot rods and automobilia in Glendale.

Boat and RV rentals for a day out on Lake Pleasant near Phoenix.

Guided open-air Jeep tours through the Sonoran Desert and Superstition Mountains along the historic Apache Trail.

Arizona's largest botanical garden, with desert plant collections, a new 13-acre garden and 1.5 miles of trails.

Sonoran Desert resort city known for upscale resorts, Old Town galleries, golf, and desert recreation.

Small-group day tours from the Phoenix area to Sedona, the Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, and other Arizona sights.

Arizona's state tourism marketing agency, producing the official Arizona travel guide from its Phoenix office.

State history museum at Papago Park covering Arizona from the frontier era through statehood.

County tourism guide to Pinal County's state parks, historic sites and outdoor recreation between Phoenix and Tucson.

Kayak and paddleboard rentals on Canyon Lake near Phoenix, including sunrise and full moon paddles.

Jet ski, paddleboard, and boat rentals at Scorpion Bay Marina on Lake Pleasant, Arizona.

Phoenix's urban core of offices, stadiums, museums, and dining, served by the Downtown Phoenix Partnership's ambassador program.

Smithsonian affiliate museum in Old Town Scottsdale devoted to Western American art, history and culture.

Guided ATV, Hummer and stargazing tours through the Sonoran Desert near Phoenix.

Guided horseback rides through the Sonoran Desert near Cave Creek Regional Park.

Annual Renaissance era fair with jousting, artisan vendors and live entertainment near Phoenix.