Best & Fun Things To Do + Places To Visit In Phoenix, Arizona. #Top Attractions

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Phoenix, Arizona will surely surprise you with its many wonders! For the best travel experience in Phoenix, Arizona, check out our curated list of things to do in Phoenix, Arizona, and the best places to visit in Phoenix, Arizona, below. Wondrous Drifter is a Web 3 travel company that brings the best travel ideas to travelers.

Arizona Science Center

Arizona Science Center, Phoenix, Arizona
Arizona Science Center is one of the best places to go in Gulf Phoenix, Arizona

In downtown Phoenix, this science museum is a hub for science and discovery among visitors.

This science museum features many things, from live demonstrations to 300 hands-on exhibits and more to spark interest in science.

Arizona Science Center initially opened in 1984 as a small museum of around 10,000 square feet. Since then, it has grown to eventually become one of the most popular tourist attractions in Arizona that it has become at present.

It has over a hundred interactive exhibits spread over seven halls, each with different subjects. Watch and enjoy through their IMAX cinema inside a 200-seat planetarium.

It hosts six hallmark events during the year, such as the Weird Science Halloween, Science with a Twist, and Snow Week, which are all significant to engage, inspire and educate its visitors through science.

Expect the exhibits to involve frequent interaction, exhibiting friction, aviation information technology, and much more.

Explore the science and wonders with Arizona Science Center.

Address: 600 E Washington St, Phoenix, AZ 85004, United States

Camelback Mountain

Camelback Mountain Phoenix
Camelback Mountain Phoenix / midiman / Flickr

From 2,700 feet above the ground, the Camelback Mountian is one iconic mountain spot to see and hike.

It is located in Echo Canyon Park as a beautiful, prominent landmark and is accessible to the public.

However, it is still a mystery to geologists, for it has granite set in its mountain head since 1.5 billion years ago. They say Camelback mountain used to be created out of sandstone, considered 30 million years old.

People say that the best time to walk there is during the early morning or late afternoon when it is not too hot in the Phoenix desert.

The Echo Canyon Trail is considered its most famous place within the mountain for people to get to run up to, which runs for 1.2 miles up to Camelback Mountain’s peak.

People can even take beginner-friendly paths such as the Cholla Trail, Bobby’s Rock Trail, etc.

Therefore, take up the challenge and go up the mountain.

Address: Phoenix, AZ 85018, United States

Canyon Lake and the Dolly Steamboat

Canyon Lake and the Dolly Steamboat Phoenix
Canyon Lake and the Dolly Steamboat Phoenix / ksblack99 / Flickr

Looking for the perfect getaway? Take a cruise with Dolly Steamboat.

Located at Tortilla Flat, Dolly Steamboat is approximately fifty miles east of Phoenix. 

The daytime cruises usually begin at midday. While evening tours start around sunset, with slightly shifting schedules during the year.

People can have dinner on boat cruises and do some sightseeing on the boat to take a moment and enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the Canyon lake.

It originally opened its doors in 1983, with Dolly and Paul Kennedy as the founding owners. In 1987, the Grimh family then bought the steamboat and continued the tradition of exploring the isolated inner waterways of Canyon lake to visitors and tourists.

It has three types of cruises for anyone to choose from and that suits them. It has cruises such as the scenic nature cruise, the twilight dinner cruise, and the astronomy dinner cruise to enjoy and take the luxurious moment around the beautiful lake.

Ride and go experience around the Canyon lake.

Address: 16802 AZ-88, Tortilla Flat, AZ 85119, United States

Preparing to visit Arizona? You are on the right page! Hop over to our travel guides Scottsdale and Flagstaff. Look over for more wonderful things to do in Scottsdale, Arizona, and the best things to do in Flagstaff, Arizona.

Castles N’ Coasters

Castles N' Coasters Phoenix
Castles N’ Coasters Phoenix / Martin Lewison / Flickr

Looking for excitement and thrill, be prepared for Castles N’s Coasters to immerse in its range of local attractions. 

It is a theme park located in the northwest corner of Phoenix, Arizona, for the young and old to enjoy. 

The size of this theme park is as big, approximately 10 acres. It is an ideal theme park for those thrill-seekers and families with children.

It has various fascinating rides to explore, such as riding carts, roller coasters, ziplines, obstacle courses, and many more to keep your heart pounding per ride. 

Some of Castles N’ Coaster’s famous attractions to ride include the two steel roller coasters, Patriot and Desert Storm, the old-fashioned carousel ride, the 3-story ropes obstacle course, and many more.

Besides the rides, explore lots of fun, excitement, and food that its offers. It includes video game arcades, an 18-hole miniature golf course, several snack bars on-site, and many more to enjoy and keep yourself entertained the whole day.

Tag along and have an action-packed day at Castles N’ Coasters.

Address: 9445 N Metro Pkwy E, Phoenix, AZ 85051, United States

Desert Botanical Garden 

Desert Botanical Garden Phoenix
Desert Botanical Garden Phoenix / G. Lamar / Flickr

The Desert Botanical Garden is one of the top attractions in Arizona.

Intrigued with art and nature, try visiting the lovely complex of the Desert Botanical Garden.

This 140-acre facility is in Papago Park. It has various plants and vegetation displays from deserts globally. 

It even has stunning areas to view the wildlife nature of hummingbirds and butterflies in their fantastic garden.

The tranquil beauty of its 50,000 desert plants is a sight worth seeing, nestled among the red cliffs of the Papago Buttes.

They have extensive pathways around the property for any visitor to spend time walking and exploring the garden.

If visitors walk their five thematic pathways, they may discover the Sonoran Desert’s incredible beauty. It has various things to showcase, from the towering cacti and enticing succulents to vivid wildflowers and verdant trees.

The Desert Botanical Garden also has specialty tours, special events, seasonal exhibitions, and more to please and intrigue visitors’ love of art and nature. 

As a place full of art and nature, Desert Botanical Garden is a place worth visiting!

Address: 1201 North Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, 85008, United States

Get a glimpse of the marvels of Arizona! Use our travel guides to see and do more in Tucson! For the best travel experience, check out the awesome things to do in Tucson, Arizona.

Goldfield Ghost Town

Goldfield Ghost Town Phoenix
Goldfield Ghost Town Phoenix / Cindy Devin / Flickr

Within the eastern outskirts of Phoenix lies Goldfield Ghost Town, which is known as a gold mining town.

It is around 35 miles southeast of Phoenix and outside Apache Junction, Arizona. It is even called the gateway of the Superstition mountain.

In fact, Goldfield Ghost Town was a bustling mining town founded in 1893 when neighboring mountains had discovered gold. Then, the place became abandoned twice when there was not much gold vein left.

But now, this site is recognized and recreated as a tourist spot to be a family-friendly and fun site for visitors and tourists to explore and tour the mines and surrounding area of Goldfield Ghost Town.

Aside from roaming around its expansive grounds, people can do other activities such as panning for any gold, participating in gunfights, zip lines, and many other exquisite spots to keep you busy the whole day.

In any case, the town ensures to be a delightful place to visit.

Address: 4650 N Mammoth Mine Rd, Apache Junction, AZ 85119, United States

Hall of Flame Fire Museum

Hall of Flame Fire Museum Phoenix
Hall of Flame Fire Museum Phoenix / Alan Wilson / Flickr

In tribute to the heroic firefighters, The Hall of Flame Fire Museum has showcased the heroism and homage of those who risked their own lives for others.

George F. Getz, Jr. established the museum in 1961 and became sponsored by the National Historical Fire Foundation.

It is the world’s largest museum dedicated to firefighting history, with hundreds of steamers, fire trucks, hand pumpers, and many other artifacts globally from 1725 to the early 2000s. 

Their primary focus is on refurbished fire vehicles ranging from horse-drawn fire carriages Type 700 rigid-frame trucks from 1865 to the late 1950s. 

The museum has a significant feature: “The National Firefighting Hall of Heroes,” an exhibit where they mention the names of all firemen who have died in the line of duty since 1800. Visitors and tourists can see them either etched on the walls or stored in the database via computer terminals.

It is a notable place dedicated to commemorating the fallen firefighters.

Address: 6101 E Van Buren St, Phoenix, AZ 85008, United States

Heard Museum

Heard Museum Phoenix
Heard Museum Phoenix / Dale Cruse / Flickr

Since 1929, Heard Museum in Phoenix has dedicated itself to sharing the American Indian culture, art, and history.

It has various collections of 40,000 Native American art pieces.

Their main collections involved artifacts such as katsina dolls, Navajo textiles, ceramics of different ages, and many more.

With a strong influence in Phoenix, the Heard Museum opened to showcase, educate, and share the art of culture of these people. 

They include everything from the earliest times in history to the most recent and modern masterpieces.

When touring in and out of the Heard Museum, check out their beautiful jewelry, clothes, and other traditional art from numerous Native American tribes’ artifacts.

It has a lovely café with courtyard seating and a menu for pleasing its visitors during their stay in the exhibit.

They also have a norm for cooperating with American Indian artists and tribal communities to present visitors’ unique perspectives on Native American art, particularly in the Southwest.

To learn more about the American Indian tribe, you better stop and check out the Heard Museum.

Address: 2301 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004, United States

Japanese Friendship Garden

Japanese Friendship Garden Phoenix
Japanese Friendship Garden Phoenix / chrisinphilly5448 / Flickr

If you’re looking for a stunning site to visit in Arizona, this charming garden could be worth checking out.

This garden was a joint project with the help of Phoenix and Himeji to reignite the friendship bond between the United States and Japan.

It is a Japanese stroll garden located at the heart of downtown Phoenix.

The Japanese Friendship Garden was built, sitting over 3.5 acres, including a tea house and garden. 

This gorgeous and tranquil spot has different features, from around 1,500 tons of granite, lanterns, stone footbridges, and 50 various plants.

It may be enjoyable to look at the garden’s stunning 12-foot waterfall and Koi pond with 300 fishes as you look around.

The Japanese Friendship garden usually hosts events involving Tai Chi, Yoga and tea ceremonies, and many more. People can rent the garden or tea house for photography, weddings, or hosting other events.

If you’re looking for something nice and soothing, you have to go here.

Address: 1125 N. 3rd Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85003, United States

Mesa Arts Center

Mesa Arts Center
Mesa Arts Center, Phoenix / David Crummey / Flickr

Want to go out and enjoy? The Mesa Arts Center has a lot in-stored to make your day.

Here is a place to experience fun and entertainment from music, concerts, performing arts, events, dance, shows, and many more. 

The Mesa Arts Center opened its doors to the public in 2005. 

It is a visual art and performing complex built over 212,755 square feet.

It is considered Arizona’s largest arts center and received an award-winning international venue.

This aesthetic and spectacular, one-of-a-kind building has four distinct theaters, studios, galleries, workshops, and schools and offices.

The Mesa Art Center has various scheduled events featuring orchestras, plays, and more across multiple pricing ranges, so there is something applicable for everyone.

It offers many events to the public, such as the regular concerts by the Sonoran Desert Chorale, the Metropolitan Youth Symphony, and other touring performing arts organizations.

Expect, feel, and enjoy the music vibe in Mesa Arts Center.

Address: 1 E Main St, Mesa, AZ 85201, United States

Musical Instrument Museum

Musical Instrument Museum
Musical Instrument Museum, Phoenix / DebMomOf3 / Flickr

The saying “music is the language of the soul” was an inspired motto from a museum showing iconic instruments and the world of music.

This unique museum opened in April 2010 and is known as “the world’s only global musical instrument museum.” It has various collections from over 200 nations of over 8,000 instruments.

This museum is a 200,000-square-foot structure with two levels of galleries, a music theater, and Café Allegro for visitors to explore and discover this world’s music.

In 2012, they expanded the gallery space by 20 percent to 80,000 square feet to please visitors.

The museum has exhibitions sharing the past of other cultures, workmanships, and traditions of instrument makers to the present.

Visiting this museum is an opportunity to be acquainted with the sensory nature of music and how it impacts human emotions.

So check out and visit the Musical Instrument Museum to learn about the world of music.

Address: 4725 E Mayo Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85050, United States

OdySea Aquarium

OdySea Aquarium
OdySea Aquarium, Phoenix / OdySea Aquarium / Flickr

The OdySea Aquarium is one of the best things to do in Arizona.

Intrigued with marine wildlife, OdySea Aquarium may bring you the best wild maritime experience.

This facility is over 200,000 square feet with massive aquariums to escape the dry atmosphere and immerse yourself in the marine life in the water.

It is known as the largest of its type in Arizona with its various unique aquariums.

There are fascinating exhibits to explore around per building. Expect 70 displays lined over at the walkways, giving it an interactive experience for visitors from start to finish.

They care for and preserve over 6,000 aquatic animals, particularly penguins, sharks, stingrays, otters, and octopuses. Besides having sea animals, OdySea has other animals being taken care of, such as sloths and some tropical birds.

It even has educational shows hosted around the building of an OdySea Aquarium, such as presentations and animal encounters, and other activities to immerse and please visitors.

Come and get immersed in the marine life at OdySea Aquarium.

Address: 9500 East Vía de Ventura Suite A-100, Scottsdale, AZ 85256, United States

Old Town Scottsdale

Old Town Scottsdale Phoenix
Old Town Scottsdale Phoenix / Phil Sexton / Flickr

Looking for something fun and vibrant? Old Town Scottsdale is one top spots to visit in Phoenix.

Old Town Scottdale has a diverse range of things to explore, from shops, restaurants, art galleries, nightclubs, etc. It has modern public art installations, world-class museums, and historic structures dating to the late 1880s. 

The neighborhood of Old Town Scottdale is easily accessible by foot and located near East Main Street and North Scottsdale Road.

It has a blended combination of modern style and Old West charm that gives its unique flair and makes Old Town Scottdale a must-see trip for tourists.

They have unique Western-style stores offering things from souvenirs, trinkets, and other various goods to tourists walking in the walkways.

You can check their streets for stunning displays, galleries, and other works made by prominent painters.

Old Town Scottsdale is a must-go spot in Phoenix to sightsee and explore.

Address: Main Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85251, United States

Papago Park

Papago Park Phoenix
Papago Park Phoenix / Gage Skidmore / Flickr

One park you have to visit is Papago Park, for its stunning natural area to walk, explore, and enjoy.

It is a municipal a few minutes from downtown where people can go hiking and other recreational activities.

People can do various things, from walking, hiking, cycling, and even golfing on different routes around Papago Park.

The park has several trails to explore; however, the Elliot Ramada and Double Butte Loop routes are the most popular.

These two pathways have unusual rock outcroppings that are significant features when going to this park. 

On rare occasions, you can also come across some wildlife, predominantly rabbits, including bighorn sheep.

It is also popular when people walk early in the morning before it gets hot during the day and residents try to take full advantage of this urban paradise.

Here is a park to consider seeking activities and enjoyable things to do in Phoenix.

Address: 625 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008, United States

Phoenix Symphony

Phoenix Symphony Phoenix
Phoenix Symphony Phoenix / Jimmy Baikovicius / Flickr

Do you want to hear something spectacular tonight? Listening to the Phoenix Symphony may be a place worth visiting.

It offers musical plays such as pops, chamber, classical, and family performances. It is the only full-time symphony orchestra and performing art group in Arizona, making it the main staple in Phoenix.

Note that Symphony Hall, Mesa Arts Center, Pinnacle Presbyterian Church, Orpheum Church, and ASU Gammage are the five venues where the Phoenix Symphony performs.

It started in 1947 initially as a part-time orchestra over less than 100,000 people. Its first performance was at Phoenix Union High School for the first 25 years of its existence. 

Soon later, the Phoenix Symphony employed Tito Muoz as its 11th music director in February 2014, and the orchestra has continued to gain recognition and possibilities due to his leadership and vision.

Thus, the Phoenix Symphony’s events now feature world-class conductors and guest performers offering classical, chamber, and pop concerts and family and children’s performances. 

If ever you can come to any of their upcoming performance, don’t miss it.

Address: 75 N 2nd St, Phoenix, AZ 85004, United States

Phoenix Zoo

Phoenix Zoo Phoenix
Phoenix Zoo Phoenix / Kenneth Hagemeyer / Flickr

If you love animals, make sure to stop by and visit the Phoenix Zoo. 

It was open to the public on November 21, 1962, and more caring for more than 1,400 animals. 

It is well known for taking care of its Sumatran tigers and orangutans. They also handle endangered species in their facility.

The zoo has four trails leading to various facilities for visitors to explore and enjoy, such as the Africa Trail, Arizona Trail, Children’s Trail, and Tropics Trail. It even provides programs and events for children to enjoy, such as splash pads and play areas.

Animal encounters are a for visitors as they visit the Phoenix Zoo. It usually involves featuring goats, lambs, and horses to excite visitors, particularly children.

Other facilities, such as Red Barn and Monkey Village, help entertain guests by allowing them to take photos and ignite a shriek with joy.

So come and see your favorite animal at Phoenix Zoo.

Address: 455 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008, United States

South Mountain Park

South Mountain Park Phoenix
South Mountain Park Phoenix / Martin Ely / Flickr

The South Mountain Park is one of the best places to visit in Arizona.

If you plan to stop by in Arizona, South Mountain Park and Preserve in Phoenix is one of the country’s largest municipal parks with beautiful scenery.

It has a spectacular view to sightsee the desert and what’s beyond the city. 

With more than 16,000 acres, it is an excellent place for hiking, equestrian riding, and mountain biking. One of its famous spots is the Mormon Trail.

The most challenging trail known in the South Mountain Park and Preserve would be the Pyramid Trail for has more remote trails and is one of the steepest hikes to park. 

If you are looking for activities, try to go to South Mountain Park at night to glimpse the spectacular city lights in the dark.

Other activities in this urban part include horseback riding, checking out petroglyphs, seeing chuckwallas, and many more.

And yes, there is more than meets the eyes in what to do here.

Address: 10919 South Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85042, United States

Taliesen West

Taliesen West Phoenix
Taliesen West Phoenix / Dr Bob Hall / Flickr

Fascinated with houses built around the 19th century, check out this one-of-a-kind house of art.

It is a national historic landmark built by Frank Lloyd Wright and his apprentices. 

Frank Lloyd Wright and his apprentices initially built the Taliesin West as a winter home from them from 1937 until 1959. 

The Taliesin West is still the active home of the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation and the traditions of the Fellowship.

It is open to tourists and serves as the leading site for the Taliesin School of Architecture and the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation. 

As architects, they got inspiration from the surrounding environment to design the house when building this historic landmark.

 It has walls made of local stones, and many of the angles and flows of the rooms became inspired by the surrounding area.

Built in a desert environment, Wright integrated and maintained as much of the desert ecosystem as possible.

Be sure to check out this iconic prehistoric grandeur in Phoenix.

Address: 12621 N Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85259, United States

Tempe Town Lake

Tempe Town Lake Phoenix
Tempe Town Lake Phoenix / Nick Bastian / Flickr

To those craving the outdoors, Tempe Town Lake is the place for fun and tranquility.

This two-mile lake is located at the heart of the Phoenix Metropolitan Area.

Tempe Town Lake is Arizona’s second-most famous spot to visit and one of the most beautiful spots in Phoenix, Arizona, especially within such dry surroundings.

This lake has existed since the 1990s as the waters originated from the Colorado River and Upper Salt River.

There are several enjoyable ways to circle Tempe Town Lake’s five-mile circumference, such as running, fishing, bike riding, and many more.

It has a network of routes for people to walk, jog, ride, and do other activities within the lake. 

The Tempe Town Lake is the focal point for holding fireworks, Valley celebrations, anglers, sunbathers, team rowers, and kayakers. 

It is also an ideal location to get electricity, wind, and human-powered boats within that vicinity.

The Tempe Town Lake is a must-go-to lake to go outdoors. 

Address: 550 E Tempe Town Lake, Tempe, AZ 85281, United States

Wrigley Mansion

Wrigley Mansion Phoenix
Wrigley Mansion Phoenix / Vegan Feast Catering / Flickr

Looking for a spectacular view of the mountain, The Wrigley Mansion is an iconic Phoenix landmark perched on a hill and has a stunning.

In 1932, a chewing gum personality named Willian Wringley Jr. built this magnificent home. It was a 50th-anniversary gift for his wife.

Though it was used as a winter cottage for them when stopping on their way to Catalina Island. It was considered their most miniature mansion despite having 24 rooms, 12 bathrooms, and around 17,000 square feet.

In 1992, the city planned to demolish it to make way for condominiums. However, the late Geordie Hormel and his wife Jamie bought and restored it to its former glory.

It is now a spectacular spot where tours are available for people who want to learn more about history and ghost stories.

It is now a place for premier fine dining and a unique event venue to spend quality time, like Jamie’s Wine Bar, Geordie’s Restaurant and Lounge, and Christopher’s at Wrigley Mansion.

Get a reservation and enjoy viewing this marvelous mansion.

Address: 2501 E Telawa Trail, Phoenix, AZ 85016, United States

Volunteer At Animal Shelters

Animal Shelters in Phoenix, Arizona
Animal Shelters in Phoenix, Arizona

Volunteer at an animal shelter. Due to the general economic insecurity that so many families with pets are experiencing, the number of animals needing help has increased.

Volunteering to aid animals allows individuals to have a positive and animal-friendly effect on their communities. It will enable them to see firsthand the great impact they can have on their community and animals in need.

Volunteer opportunities include: walking dogs at a local shelter, fostering kittens with a rescue organization, doing administrative work for a worthy cause, helping collect funds or planning events for local animal charities, and participating in local events that raise awareness about animal care.

Check out the volunteer opportunities at animal shelters in Phoenix, Arizona. Aid animals in distress!

Traveling and having fun in the USA? You have to check out this page – the best states to visit in USA for the most fun and unusual travel ideas.

You haven’t decided to go to Phoenix, Arizona, yet, have you? Check out reasons to visit Phoenix, Arizona, at least once in your lifetime here.

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