As the fifth largest city in the U.S., Phoenix hails supreme as the “Valley of the Sun.” This desert city has more to offer than just towering saguaros and 300 sunny days a year. Here’s our round up of things to do in Phoenix, Arizona.
On your visit to the Phoenix, there’s lots of Best Western® Hotels & Resorts to choose from. For instance, the Vīb Hotel by Best Western Phoenix-Tempe in Tempe is ideal if you want to explore Mill Ave. With delicious fresh lobster rolls from Cousins Maine Lobster in the lobby, a rooftop lounge, a coffee bar to wake up your senses. Vīb Hotel by Best Western Phoenix-Tempe will revitalize you before you go adventure in ASU Sun Devils territory. In addition, the Aiden by Best Western at Scottsdale North is perfectly located if you want to explore Old Town Scottsdale. The hotel boasts poolside cabanas, outdoor games and a bar/cocktail lounge, so you may not ever want to leave!
If you want to get by as a local in Phoenix, get familiar with a few phrases, and while we’re on it, get familiar with the summer. The Phoenix desert combined with summer days can be scorching hot, reaching triple-digit temps, but locals learn to get by with A.C., staycations and the vibrant nightlife. The phrase, “It’s a dry heat!” is often touted in local conversations during the summer. Unlike other states whose hot temps are coupled with humidity, the dog days of summer are filled with desert dryness that keeps residents cool when you can find shade. With any outdoor activity during the summer, be sure to bring plenty of water and try not to go out when the sun peaks. Locals are known to become night owls, going out after the sun sets, around 7pm during summer months.
Googling where to get a taco in Phoenix will yield hundreds of results, but luckily, we have the inside scoop. For overall best tacos, go to La Santisima. They’ve got plenty of combinations of tacos for every palette, including a protein taco wrapped in fried cheese. Street tacos reign supreme at Taco Chiwas while crispy, fish tacos at Joyride Taco House are not to be missed. For experiential tacos, go get tacos in a church at Taco Guild, tacos at a beach theme at The Beach House, and native fry bread tacos at The Fry Bread House.
If you need a cold beer to go with your tacos, check out the bustling brewery scene. Woman-owned brewery, Greenwood Brewing, makes beer with women in mind, but everyone can enjoy a pint or two. Huss Brewing Co., another popular local brewery, has Koffee Kolsch, Papago Orange Blossom and Scottsdale Blonde, which are all local favorites.
You’re not local to Phoenix unless you’ve hiked Camelback Mountain and visiting this camel-shaped mountain will delight nature-lovers of all ages. Though there are various hiking trails, for an easy hike and scenic views of the city, try Hole-in-the-Wall at Papago Park, it is just what it sounds like. For those looking for a challenge, Piestewa Peak reaches almost 3,000 feet in elevation and is not for the faint of heart.
If you’re lucky enough to travel during the first week of the month, you’ll be able to attend First Friday’s, an art walk on Roosevelt Row in Downtown Phoenix. You can stroll from artist stand to artist stand, learning the stories of the local artists and their work, while listening to live music and sampling from food vendors. You can even peruse many of the art galleries on Grand Ave., to get more of your art culture fill.
Visits to the Desert Botanical Garden, the Heard Museum and the Musical Instrument Museum must be checked off. The Desert Botanical Garden has over 50,000 plant displays over 140 acres, and they’re all stunningly beautiful. The Heard Museum showcases Native American Indian art, and the Musical Instrument Museum has over 8,000 instruments from more than 200 countries. A hidden gem is the Japanese Friendship Garden, tucked away in Downtown Phoenix, which hosts tea ceremonies on a regular basis. The Phoenix Art Museum also offers pay-what-you-wish on Wednesdays, making art accessible to all. Each of these cultural spaces is unique to Phoenix and are a few of our favorite things to do in Phoenix.
Going to a game is a must-do in Phoenix. In 2021, the Phoenix Suns made the NBA Finals for the first time since the 1993 season, and the Phoenix Mercury has gone to the championships three times. In 2017, the City of Phoenix celebrated the living WNBA legend, Diana Taurasi, by naming “Taurasi Way” after her in downtown Phoenix. Catch a basketball game at the revamped Footprint Center for some action. On the other side of town, in Glendale, is State Farm (Cardinals) Stadium, which incorporates the first retractable natural grass surface and retractable roof and is home to the Arizona Cardinals. The Stadium has been named “Best NFL Facility” and it’s no surprise to have hosted two NFL Super Bowls; State Farm Stadium is set to host another NFL Super Bowl in 2023 – topping our list of things to do in Phoenix.