Phoenix may be justly renowned as a gateway to the Grand Canyon, but Arizona’s fabulous city gem has so much more to discover. With sprawling desert gardens, incredible mountain vistas and a thriving cultural scene, Phoenix is the perfect destination for those looking to quench a thirst for adventure.
From outstanding national parks and dining to Wild West history and a thriving arts scene, we’ve rounded up the best things to do in Phoenix to give you a great starting point for an unforgettable trip.
Grand Canyon National Park
Undoubtedly a key reason to head to the state of Arizona, the Grand Canyon National Park is perhaps Phoenix’s most famous attraction. As one of the natural wonders of the world, at up to 29 km wide, 445 km long, and almost 1,900 meters deep, beholding the canyon in all its glory is an experience not to be missed.
Explore the canyon by foot, raft along the Colorado River, or admire the sensational views from above when you take a helicopter ride.
Getting to the Grand Canyon Park from Phoenix takes around four hours along the I-17 North, with mesmerising views to be enjoyed along the way.
Drive through the picturesque Kaibab National Forest on Highway 64 to reach the South Rim of the canyon. With more than 6,400 square km of pine forest to enjoy, there’s ample wildlife spotting opportunities, with plenty of places to stop off along the way. Deer, antelopes, owls, eagles and bears all dwell in parts of the forest.
The North Rim is much less-travelled and rugged, and with high elevation it’s sometimes inaccessible due to heavy snow in the winter months. It’s open from around mid-May to mid-October for those looking for a quieter canyon experience, and reachable via Highway 67.
Camelback Mountain
With its rusty red cliffs and rugged rock formations, the remarkable Camelback Mountain is located just 20 minutes away from Downtown Phoenix.
Named after its two famous summits, one resembling the head of a kneeling camel and the other the hump, its distinctive form looms large and spectacularly over the city. By far the highest peak in the Phoenix area at 824 meters, the mountain is a challenging climb, even for experienced adventurers. However, reaching the summit has become a rite of passage for many visitors to the area.
For those who’re feeling less ambitious, there are many less-strenuous hiking trails to be enjoyed across the mountain, each offering astonishing views of Phoenix below. Once a sacred place for Native Americans, explore the many caves found along the trails, hidden among the red, pink and orange blurs of the stunning sandstone formations.
Keep your eyes peeled for plenty of wildlife, too, as the area is home to everything from snakes and squirrels to foxes and coyotes.
Get there early to watch the incredible sunrise, or stay late for a magnificent, crimson-tinged sunset.
Desert Botanical Gardens
Hosting regular exhibitions and activities, the Desert Botanical Gardens are a must-visit for nature lovers. A one-of-a-kind celebration of desert life, the gardens feature more than 21,000 plants to admire. It’s a great way to find out about the region’s hidden beauty and learn how plants can survive in such harsh conditions. Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes, as there are so many different areas to explore.
Embark on the Desert Discovery nature trail to discover desert plants from across the world. The Plants & People of the Sonoran Desert trail is also incredibly educational, exploring the relationship between native communities and plants, and how desert vegetation was used in medicine, food and building materials across the region.
Located in Papago Park, you’ll find the Desert Botanical Gardens next to the Phoenix Zoo.
Roosevelt Row
Fondly known as Phoenix’s most vibrant art district, Roosevelt Row is the creative hub of the city, buzzing with art exhibitions, pop-up boutiques and amazing local cafes. A dynamic and cultural community, the walkable area in Downtown Phoenix was once boarded up and neglected before local galleries seized the low rent properties for large studio spaces.
Discover painted murals, street vendors and locally-owned businesses, from bars to theatres and independent museums. Be sure to head there on the first Friday of the month to experience the A.R.T.S Market. This open-air fair gives local artists an area to showcase their work, with handmade and vintage crafts available to buy. A food and local produce farmers market also takes place every Saturday morning if you’re interested in sampling some of the local delicacies – the sweet potato sesame balls are particularly good!
The first Friday of the month is also the day to visit if you want to experience Artlink’s Friday Art Walk, a tour of over 70 different galleries and art spaces in the area. Here you’ll get to see everything from new and upcoming street art to established fine works displayed in the Phoenix Art Museum.
Old Town Scottsdale
Famous for its western-themed rodeos and Native American heritage, Old Town Scottsdale also has a surprisingly modern edge.
Situated to the east of Phoenix, the town is a hotspot for gastronomic delights. From underground eateries to incredible nachos at the McFate Brewing Company, there’s a lot to get your teeth into. Scope out happy hour hotspots to enjoy an early evening cocktail, and treat yourself to dinner at one of the glitzy restaurants – the Michael Mina’s Bourbon Steak is a popular spot for delicious dining.
Together with a blend of traditional Native American delicacies and Mexican specials, here the menus are diverse with influences from many different cultures, and whatever dish you order, it’s sure to be a wild ride for your taste buds.
April is a great time to visit, as this is when the annual Scottsdale Culinary Festival takes place – offering live cooking demos, food tasting opportunities and meet-and-greets with nationally acclaimed chefs.
Whatever you plan to do on your trip, Phoenix car rental is the first step to exploring this incredible part of the world. With convenient Hertz locations across the city, and other key sites across Arizona, book in advance to start your desert adventure, and discover the best things to do in Phoenix.