Don’t let the blistering sun stop you from embracing all that the Phoenix area has to offer. While you may want to avoid a few of these activities in the middle of the summer, most of these activities can be enjoyed year-round. Here are 15 things to do when you visit Phoenix:
1. Go to The Phoenix Zoo
Walk around and see more than 3,000 animals, including species that are endangered.
Courtesy of Phoenix Zoo
2. Visit the Musical Instrument Museum
This one-of-a-kind museum has more than 6,800 instruments on display, and visitors can even play some of them.
Courtesy of Musical Instrument Museum
3. Go hiking
There are plenty of hiking trails in the Phoenix area, including popular ones like Echo Canyon Trail at Camelback Mountain.
Echo Canyon Trail
4. Visit the Desert Botanical Garden
Stroll through the garden and enjoy learning about many different plants.
Desert Botanic Garden
5. Go to Topgolf
Children and adults of all experience levels will have fun eating and drinking while hitting golf balls into targeted areas.
Topgolf Scottsdale
6. Stay at a resort
Many resorts in the Phoenix area have pools with water slides, lazy rivers, and hot tubs, making them a popular “staycation” destination.
JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa
7. Go golfing
There are countless golf courses throughout the valley that you can enjoy all year long.
8. Visit Odysea Aquarium
See penguins, interact with stingrays, or take a shark tour at the largest aquarium in the southwest.
Odysea Aquarium
9. Go horseback riding
Go on a trail ride and explore the desert — there are many places you can ride a horse in Phoenix.
10. Explore Downtown Phoenix
Take a walk along Roosevelt Row and you can visit art galleries, see murals, or go to a coffee shop.
11. Check out a local brewery
Grab a bite to eat and try a local beer at breweries like Four Peaks Brewing Company, Arizona Wilderness Brewing Company, or SanTan Brewing Company.
12. Take a day trip
Spend the day exploring popular day trip destinations like Sedona, Prescott, or Flagstaff.
Sedona: panoramic view from the Bell Rock
13. Ride a boat at Saguaro Lake
The Desert Belle Public Cruise is a 90 minute boat ride around Saguaro Lake.
14. Participate in a run
Challenge yourself to a 5K, half marathon, or even a full marathon by participating in one of the many runs held around the Phoenix area.
Pat’s Run
15. Tempe Town Lake
Check out events held here throughout the year, rent a paddleboard, or go for a run on the path along the lake.
Family fun at Tempe Lake: Arizona Dragon Boat Festival
