10+ BEST Things to do in Phoenix Az (For First Timers!)

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Contributed by Sam of My Flying Leap

  GENERAL TRAVEL INFO FOR VISITORS TO THE USA

Visa: Travelers from countries that are members of the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA) do not require a visa when visiting the USA. However, it is recommended to check up-to-date visa entry requirements before your visit regardless of what country you are coming from to avoid issues and concerns on the date of your travel.

Currency: The official currency in the United States is the U.S. dollar or American dollar ($, USD, US$).
You can withdraw currency from ATMs using your local bank card or a designated travel card. If you are visiting from another country, be sure to check any fees and charges from your bank prior to using it and carry a second source of payment/cash in case your primary card gets ‘eaten’ by an ATM.

Language: English is the primary and most widely spoken language in the USA (although not the official one at the Federal level!). There are 350 other languages spoken, the main ones after English are Spanish, Chinese, French, and Vietnamese.

WiFi/Internet Access: Depending on your length of stay, you can either purchase a local sim card (in advance or on arrival) – to swap out with the one in your own phone to avoid roaming charges. OR, grab a pay as you go portable Wifi Devices which means you can keep your sim active and connect wirelessly. Just remember to turn off data roaming so you don’t incur any hefty charges.

Ocotillo

Ocotillo Ahi Tuna Bowl, courtesy of Ocotillo

Address: 3243 N 3rd St, Phoenix, AZ 85012

Locally-sourced American fare with a touch of Arizona is what Ocotillo offers in a modern industrial location. If you’re looking for food that is lovingly and creatively prepared and impeccably served, this is the place for you.

Cibo

Address: 603 N 5th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85003

Located in a restored bungalow in a historic downtown district, Cibo is a popular local neighborhood-style hangout. It features brick-oven pizzas made with ingredients imported from Italy and sandwiches made with the most incredible bread. The restaurant is serious about its ingredients, offering the most flavorful and freshest choices as well as handmade pasta, nutella crepes, homemade burrata, and incredible gluten-free options. This is high on the local’s list and a great option when you visit the city.

Rice Paper Vietnamese Restaurant

Address: 2241 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ 85006

There are quite a few Vietnamese restaurants in the valley so it’s hard to pick just one! Rice Paper offers some traditional dishes along with some creative ones, including their many hand rolls. The convenient downtown location bubbles it up towards the top. It’s a modern place with great food. There’s nothing more comforting than a steaming bowl of pho rice noodle soup on a cool day. (And laughable as it may be, “cool” for a local is anything under 70°F/21°C!)

Top Things to Do in Phoenix Az & The Surrounding Area

Desert Botanical Garden

Address: 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, AZ 85008

If you want to fall in love with the desert, the Desert Botanical Garden is your kind of place! Debunk the myth of the desert being only shades of brown at this beautiful garden.

Heard Museum

Courtesy of the Heard Museum

Address: 2301 N. Central Ave, Phoenix, Arizona AZ, 85004

Though the western flavor of history is fairly recent in the Phoenix area, going back around the last 100 years or so, it actually is much older than that with the Native American population in the area. There is a strong Native-American influence in Phoenix and this museum is a great way to appreciate these amazing people.

Japanese Friendship Garden

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

Where the Desert Botanical Garden celebrates the desert, the Japanese Friendship Garden is an oasis that transports you out of it. It’s a serene and beautiful place and great for relaxing outdoor activities. 

Wrigley Mansion

Address: 2501 E. Telawa Trail, Phoenix, AZ, 85016 (Image c/o Wrigley Mansion)

Remember Wrigley gum? Well, this stunning mansion was built in 1932 by the chewing gum magnate, William Wrigley Jr. It’s a Phoenix landmark located on a hilltop with incredible views of the mountains and the city.

Wildlife World Zoo

Address: 16501 W. Northern Ave, Litchfield Park, AZ 85340

This non-traditional zoo specializes in South American and African animals and has the largest group of exotics in Arizona. It’s a zoo and aquarium and does a great job of providing a natural habitat for the animals.

Taliesin West

Taliesin West, courtesy of Taliesin West

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

Wander the former winter home of the esteemed architect, Frank Lloyd Wright. Built in the foothills of the McDowell Mountains, this home was inspired by, and built of the natural surroundings. Local stones were used for the construction and the angles and shapes of the rooms were inspired by local nature as well.

Hiking in the Phoenix-Area Mountains

There are mountains all around, and in, the Phoenix valley. Hiking in the many parks is a great way to gain an appreciation for the beauty of the desert while taking in some amazing views of the city. Here are a couple of favorites.

South Mountain Park and Preserve: 

Address: There are a number of entrances to South Mountain Park, the main entrance leading to the Visitor’s Center and Dobbins Lookout is at 10919 S. Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85042.

South Mountain Park is one of the largest municipal parks in the United States. There are more than 51 miles of trails through the park with hikes ranging in difficulty offering something for everyone. A highlight is the Dobbins Lookout, a scenic observation point with some of the best views of Phoenix.

Musical Instrument Museum

Address: 4725 E. Mayo Boulevard, Phoenix, AZ 85050

This unique museum is the only global musical instrument museum in the world and it’s a must-see thing to do in Phoenix. It brings the music of the world to life in the most interesting way. Wearing a headset, you wander the rooms representing the continents and get to experience the music from each country. See the instruments, watch a video, and listen to them. It’s an incredible, immersive experience. 

See The Desert from Above in a Hot Air Balloon Ride

Get views of Phoenix – and the desert – like you have never seen before and tick off an epic hot air balloon flight off your bucket list. If you get their early you even have the opportunity to become part of the crew in helping inflate the hot air balloons prior to their flights. Make sure you book in advance so you don’t miss out!

Hall of Flame Fire Museum

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

The Hall of Flame Firefighting Museum is home to the National Firefighting Hall of Heroes and has almost an acre of fire history exhibits dedicated to the historical preservation of firefighting equipment used through the years around the world.

Mill Ave and Tempe Beach Park

Address: Mill Ave in Tempe is South off of Route 202. A great landmark is Rúla Búla, a fantastic Irish Pub located on one end of the Mill Ave strip just a minute’s walk from Tempe Town Lake. It’s located at 401 S. Mill Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281.

The home to Arizona State University (ASU) offers some great experiences. Visit Tempe Town Lake for some fun festivals and events or go sailing, kayaking, or fishing. Stroll Mill Ave. to people watch, enjoy some great restaurants, or shop in the fun and quirky boutiques. If you’re an ethnic restaurant lover, there are some amazing places here offering Ethiopian, Irish, Lebanese, and other cuisines.

Mystery Castle

Address: 800 E. Mineral Road, Phoenix, AZ 85042

This off-the-beaten-path place is quirky and has quite an interesting history! It was built in the 1930s by Boyce Luther Gulley, who moved to Phoenix as he had tuberculosis. He built this huge 18-room home from found and inexpensive materials. You’ll see plates, cups and other things embedded in the walls and floors. It’s a place not everyone knows about which makes it all the more fun to visit.

Fun Day Trips from Phoenix

Sedona

This small city is one of the most popular destinations in the entire state of Arizona. It’s known for its craggy and striking red-rock buttes. Hike the many trails and look for as many of the named rocks as you can find like Snoopy Rock, Coffee Pot Rock, and Bell Rock. There are some incredible art galleries and restaurants in what was once a small artist enclave.

Veer off the tourist path to enjoy the beautiful and serene Oak Creek. Or, visit a vortex, a spiritual energy center to connect with your inner woo. You can find it all in beautiful Sedona. 

Flagstaff

This small college town isn’t far from Sedona but couldn’t be more different. There is a quaint historic town center with lots of fun little shops and restaurants. Or, hike Mount Humphrey, the tallest mountain in the state and the only 14,000-footer in Arizona.

For something a little different and uniquely Arizonan, visit the nearby Native American ruins. Wupatki is a large complex made of striking red rock and Walnut Canyon is a cliff dwelling. In the winter, the Arizona Snowbowl offers fresh powder and some great ski trails. 

Grand Canyon

One of the most famous tourist attractions in the whole of the United States – and considered one of the seven natural wonders of the world, if you have some extra time in Phoenix, you can’t go wrong with a Grand Canyon day trip.

Jerome

When Sedona became such a popular tourist destination, many of the artists moved to nearby Jerome. This town was once a thriving mine and nearly became a ghost town when the mine closed. It’s located on some steep switchbacks and offers a number of different galleries including a glass-blowing shop, a ceramic potter, a painter, and more. Visit the haunted Jerome Grand Hotel and get a room, if you dare!