The 19 best things to do in Phoenix
From music venues to museums and tours of castles, these are the best things to do in Phoenix.
By Amy Young
Phoenix may be known for the whopping temperatures that dominate the conversations (and outfits) every summer, but there is plenty more to gab about here. For starters, the local restaurants, which include a broad mix of hole-in-the-wall family joints, fancy hotel eateries and James Beard award-winning spots. Next up: the music scene, which thrives on all sounds old and new, with spots that overflow with local and touring acts every night of the week. Residents also pride themselves on local comedic talents, theater offerings and the art scene. Let’s put it this way: there are oh-so-many things to do in Phoenix and we hereby help you tackle them all by listing the very best ones.
1
The Breadfruit & Rum Bar
What is it: This seafood restaurant features an island-inspired bar that serves over one hundred types of rums. There is also a cigar lounge on premise.
Why go: To drink the Wix Bang. The signature drink is a blend of five-year-aged Real McCoy rum, lime, guava reduction, coconut, nutmeg and a horehound tincture.
Why go: To drink the Wix Bang. The signature drink is a blend of five-year-aged Real McCoy rum, lime, guava reduction, coconut, nutmeg and a horehound tincture.
2
First Fridays Monthly Art Walk
What is it: Various neighborhoods in downtown Phoenix get extra artsy on the first Friday of each month. Thousands gather to see artworks in galleries, retail venues and on the street.
Why go: Happening for more than 20 years, this is a great way to take in the city’s diverse art scene. The monthly events feature rotating exhibitions by artists working with all mediums. Also expect to see live street performers and nosh on goodies from area eateries and food trucks.
Why go: Happening for more than 20 years, this is a great way to take in the city’s diverse art scene. The monthly events feature rotating exhibitions by artists working with all mediums. Also expect to see live street performers and nosh on goodies from area eateries and food trucks.
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3
Cobra Arcade Bar
What is it: A fun destination for the 21 and over crowd who like to mix drinking and gaming.
Why go: Show off your video gaming prowess while you maneuver Ms. Pac-Man around the screen, gobbling dots for points. That’s just one of the classic games you’ll find here. There’s a slew of others available to play with, including Centipede, Donkey Kong and Super Mario Bros. Signature cocktails like the Krazy Kong and Death Star keep up with the venue’s theme.
Why go: Show off your video gaming prowess while you maneuver Ms. Pac-Man around the screen, gobbling dots for points. That’s just one of the classic games you’ll find here. There’s a slew of others available to play with, including Centipede, Donkey Kong and Super Mario Bros. Signature cocktails like the Krazy Kong and Death Star keep up with the venue’s theme.
4
Desert Botanical Garden
What is it: This is the prime spot to peep desert plants and learn about the area’s landscape.
Why go: To take a flashlight tour, a group tour of self-paced trails where attendees are armed with flashlights to see and hear what dwells in the desert after dark.
Why go: To take a flashlight tour, a group tour of self-paced trails where attendees are armed with flashlights to see and hear what dwells in the desert after dark.
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5
Nogales Hot Dogs
What is it: Featured on the Travel Channel's Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern, the local destination serves the Sonoran Dog, a popular Phoenix late-night, post-party snack.
Why go: Because you absolutely must eat these grilled, beefy hot dogs wrapped in bacon. Oh, they’re topped with pinto beans, cheese, onions, tomatoes and mayo. They’re as sloppy as they are delicious and they are well worth the mess.
Why go: Because you absolutely must eat these grilled, beefy hot dogs wrapped in bacon. Oh, they’re topped with pinto beans, cheese, onions, tomatoes and mayo. They’re as sloppy as they are delicious and they are well worth the mess.
6
Tovrea Castle
What is it: A four-story castle, viewable from the freeway, that stands out like a beacon amidst the desert landscape. Make sure to schedule a tour.
Why go: Once you catch sight of this interesting structure, you’ll want to tour it right away, which is the only way to see the inside of the 5,000-square-foot landmark. As you make your way through, learn about the three different families responsible for this feat of architecture coming to fruition.
Why go: Once you catch sight of this interesting structure, you’ll want to tour it right away, which is the only way to see the inside of the 5,000-square-foot landmark. As you make your way through, learn about the three different families responsible for this feat of architecture coming to fruition.
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7
Valley Bar
What is it: One of downtown’s best spots for live music and fun events is actually below street level. Adding to the intrigue is the fact that you’ll have to enter the premise from a back-alley door.
Why go: On most nights of the week, this is where to find the coolest bands playing all sorts of genres, from punk and garage to indie rock and honkytonk. On non-music nights, there’s plenty to do, from trivia competitions to comedy. You can also just hang out in the Rose Room, chatting and sipping drinks with pals.
Why go: On most nights of the week, this is where to find the coolest bands playing all sorts of genres, from punk and garage to indie rock and honkytonk. On non-music nights, there’s plenty to do, from trivia competitions to comedy. You can also just hang out in the Rose Room, chatting and sipping drinks with pals.
8
La Santisima
What is it: This Mexican restaurant strives to stay away from the Tex-Mex style, focusing on healthier regional fare from Baja and Cancun. Dining in finds you surrounded by an array of paintings by contemporary Mexican artists.
Why go: The food is ridiculously delish but the salsa bar is what ups the ante. Expect all kinds of red and green varieties—boasting different levels of heat, of course—but may we suggest opting for out-of-the-box options like a fruity strawberry salsa or a creamy pecan one?
Why go: The food is ridiculously delish but the salsa bar is what ups the ante. Expect all kinds of red and green varieties—boasting different levels of heat, of course—but may we suggest opting for out-of-the-box options like a fruity strawberry salsa or a creamy pecan one?
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9
Roosevelt Row
What is it: This walkable area features a mix of indie shops, restaurants, bars and galleries.
Why go: Visual art is a big draw. Long-running art galleries like Modified Arts and Eye Lounge share the ‘hood with street art, pop-up galleries and festival events. Make sure to check the sides of buildings and wander the alleys, that’s where you’ll see the awesome murals that originally turned this area into a destination.
Why go: Visual art is a big draw. Long-running art galleries like Modified Arts and Eye Lounge share the ‘hood with street art, pop-up galleries and festival events. Make sure to check the sides of buildings and wander the alleys, that’s where you’ll see the awesome murals that originally turned this area into a destination.
10
Castles N’ Coasters
What is it: This is an amusement park smack dab in the heart of northwest Phoenix.
Why go: If you love thrill rides, make a day of it. There are roller coasters, water rides and an enormous arcade for all sorts of heart-pumping fun.
Why go: If you love thrill rides, make a day of it. There are roller coasters, water rides and an enormous arcade for all sorts of heart-pumping fun.
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11
The Hive
What is it: The DIY vibe thrives at the Hive, a central Phoenix collective that brings together independent businesses and visual and performing arts purveyors.
Why go: There’s just so much to do (and buy) here. Shoppers who love vintage clothes and goods will find it hard to walk out of The Bee’s Knees empty handed. There’s also an art gallery with rotating exhibitions and Wasted Ink Zine Distro, where you can get ‘zines from around the globe. Buzz Beans, also on premise, will keep you properly caffeinated.
Why go: There’s just so much to do (and buy) here. Shoppers who love vintage clothes and goods will find it hard to walk out of The Bee’s Knees empty handed. There’s also an art gallery with rotating exhibitions and Wasted Ink Zine Distro, where you can get ‘zines from around the globe. Buzz Beans, also on premise, will keep you properly caffeinated.
12
Japanese Friendship Garden
What is it: Named Ro Ho En, this 3.5-acre tea garden and tea house is a nest of calm and beauty so unassuming that it’s easy to miss even though it’s located in the heart of central Phoenix.
Why go: It’s a tranquil and gorgeous getaway where you can admire lush plants, take part in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony or convene with koi fish. Regular events that feature Japanese artists, dancers, food and musicians are great ways to mingle with other garden dwellers.
Why go: It’s a tranquil and gorgeous getaway where you can admire lush plants, take part in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony or convene with koi fish. Regular events that feature Japanese artists, dancers, food and musicians are great ways to mingle with other garden dwellers.
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13
Phoenix General
What is it: This north Phoenix boutique for men and women blends a mom-and-pop feel with a chic vibe, offering clothing items, home goods and more.
Why go: A relaxed desert vibe threads through the product offerings here, whether it’s a cool cactus T-shirt or copper earrings by an innovative designer, or a fancy candle ready to release its smoky, earthly scents. Get shopping.
Why go: A relaxed desert vibe threads through the product offerings here, whether it’s a cool cactus T-shirt or copper earrings by an innovative designer, or a fancy candle ready to release its smoky, earthly scents. Get shopping.
14
Heard Museum
What is it: The central Phoenix museum was founded in 1929 and is dedicated to the advancement of American Indian art. Browse through rotating exhibitions, a permanent collection and signature events that are both fun and educational.
Why go: To get educated on all things American Indian, with a special focus on artists from the Southwest. Learn about artistic traditions and evolutions through paintings, sculptures and textiles.
Why go: To get educated on all things American Indian, with a special focus on artists from the Southwest. Learn about artistic traditions and evolutions through paintings, sculptures and textiles.
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15
Phoenix Comic Fest
What is it: In May, the Phoenix Convention Center is taken over by geeks and nerds in a glorious celebration of all things comic-related.
Why go: Because unlike any other day aside from Halloween, you can feel right at home as you rock that Deadpool costume or sport your version of the Gauthier dress Milla Jovovich donned in The Fifth Element. Plenty of celebs are always in attendance, meeting and greeting or participating in panels. This is possibly the single best people-watching event of the year.
Why go: Because unlike any other day aside from Halloween, you can feel right at home as you rock that Deadpool costume or sport your version of the Gauthier dress Milla Jovovich donned in The Fifth Element. Plenty of celebs are always in attendance, meeting and greeting or participating in panels. This is possibly the single best people-watching event of the year.
16
Mary Coyle
What is it: This old-school ice cream shop has been building an ever-growing fan base since first opening back in the 1950s.
Why go: The black-and-white tile floors and old-fashioned vibe are indeed charming, but the homemade ice cream is what will keep you coming back. Flavors like black licorice and salted caramel cashew are on the hefty menu. Take it to the next level and get yours served in a homemade waffle cone.
Why go: The black-and-white tile floors and old-fashioned vibe are indeed charming, but the homemade ice cream is what will keep you coming back. Flavors like black licorice and salted caramel cashew are on the hefty menu. Take it to the next level and get yours served in a homemade waffle cone.
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17
FilmBar
What is it: Phoenix’s coolest art house theater, where you can watch indie cinema while sipping on a cold brew and munching on some popcorn or a tamale.
Why go: Whether you’re looking to catch a riveting documentary or you’re joining your friends to belt out tunes from musicals like Moulin Rouge or Sebastian during one of the Big Gay Sing-A-Long nights, this is the spot for film fanatics to converge at.
Why go: Whether you’re looking to catch a riveting documentary or you’re joining your friends to belt out tunes from musicals like Moulin Rouge or Sebastian during one of the Big Gay Sing-A-Long nights, this is the spot for film fanatics to converge at.
18
Space 55
What is it: Space 55 joined the local theater scene 12 years ago. Since then, the staff has been gloriously unafraid to present challenging, absurd and downright weird theatrical performances to audiences of all stripes.
Why go: Whether catching Paul Auster’s Laurel and Hardy go to Heaven or one of the venue’s no-holds-barred variety shows, you’re in for a unique experience.
Why go: Whether catching Paul Auster’s Laurel and Hardy go to Heaven or one of the venue’s no-holds-barred variety shows, you’re in for a unique experience.
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19
Papago Park
What is it: The beautiful park is known for its trails and its big buttes.
Why go: This is a great starting point for those new to hiking in Phoenix. The dirt and sandstone trails are easy-to-moderate and offer scenic surroundings and captivating views. Don’t feel like walking? Kick it up a notch and jog or bring your mountain bike—you won’t be alone.
Why go: This is a great starting point for those new to hiking in Phoenix. The dirt and sandstone trails are easy-to-moderate and offer scenic surroundings and captivating views. Don’t feel like walking? Kick it up a notch and jog or bring your mountain bike—you won’t be alone.
