You know I couldn't resist.

As we explored Arizona we found so much to do. There is rich ancient peoples history, native American history, mining history, and railroad history. Throw in cowboys, pioneers national parks and you've got the makings for a lot of interesting weekends!

While Mr. Misadventures was doing research for some photo scouting he stumbled upon the Verde Canyon Railroad near Jerome and Clarkdale. During the same week, I read a tiny blurb in a regional magazine about this regional train being one of the best in the country. It was kismet and we planned a day trip from Phoenix.

You board the train in Clarkdale, a few minutes past the Jerome turnoff on 89A. From our house in the Phoenix area, it is an hour and 45-minute drive. The train operates year-round, usually with one 4-hour trip a day leaving at 1:00 pm.

However, there are special events, special trips, and even some days when the train leaves at noon, so it's best to check the schedule. They do sell out nearly every day, so it is also good to plan ahead and book your tickets in advance.

Given that Mr. Misadventures and I are morning peeps, we decided to take the morning and explore the local area before the afternoon departure.

Ee have a national park pass, so we headed to Tuzigoot National Monument, just 5 minutes down the road. This national monument, like Wupatki near Flagstaff, is preserved remains of 12th-century high desert Sinagua Indian dwellings right next to the Verde River.

Between 1100 and 1425 AD, the Verde Valley was occupied by the Sinagua. They built pueblos up and down the river, traded with each other, and banded together in defense for 300 years. Then they disappeared. And nobody knows why.

We walked the short trail from the visitor center to the 3-story dwelling which had great views of the valley. I spoke with a volunteer ranger for a bit who shared a little bit of the Sinagua history and other spots in Verde Valley where you can see ruins.

The best time to visit is in the fall when the foliage is turning, it is very brief, but according to the ranger, exceptionally beautiful. I think it is pretty interesting any time of year, but we will be back in the autumn to check it out.

Mr. Misadventures was frustrated that he couldn't get far enough distance to get all the ruins in the frame. We spoke with the rangers who didn't have a clue how to access the hills surrounding the park, so we took off on the hunt to gain elevation to access the site at a better angle.

After driving around a bit and striking out, we headed back to the train depot to eat lunch before the trip got underway.

Verde Canyon Railroad does sell snacks and drinks on the train, and even ice cream on the return trip. But given our low-carb lifestyle, we packed our own lunch and picnicked at the depot. The depot has nice outdoor tables, a store, a museum, a full restaurant, and a snack bar.

We purchased a coach class ticket (there are first class, caboose, and locomotive ride-along tickets as well). When you pick up your Verde Canyon Railroad tickets you are assigned to a climate-controlled railway car (ours was the Tucson, which is cool because we love Tucson).

We boarded the passenger cars and were introduced to our docents for our trip. We did a little safety talk on train travel and were then let loose.

The interior of the train cars is well maintained with comfortable seating. The trains began running in 1912 as a means to link the copper smelter at Clarkdale with the copper mines in Jerome.

Jerome is another fun place to visit in the hills above Clarksdale (and a great spot for activities with teens). It is a historic mine that has been well preserved for the sake of tourism and is quite popular to visit. You can see it in the hills here:

The Santa Fe Railway owned the tracks and trains until 1988 when it was bought by a private citizen David L. Durbano who re-opened the line between Clarkdale at milepost 38 and Perkinsville at milepost 18. So the route is 40 miles round trip.

The Verde Canyon railroad tour takes 2 hours to get to Perkinsville, the FP7 locomotive car is turned around and the train returns to Clarkdale, the entire route through the Verde Valley.

The area that the train traverses is practically untouched and absolutely gorgeous. Besides the unusual rock formations and historic trestles, the open-air viewing cars are just a cool way to travel!

The only way to access the area is by train or by foot. On the train, you get to see it all. Every train car has its own outdoor car connected to it. It's really great because there is plenty of room for everyone and you don't have to fight for space.

Mr. Misadventures had enough room to use his big lens amongst everyone using their own cameras and cell phones. During our trip, we saw eagles and hawks as well as javelinas. Late winter/early spring is the perfect time to go because the vegetation is just starting to bloom and you can see the wide expanse of trees along the river without obstructing your view.

Late spring, summer, and even into the fall the foliage covers the river – that is not to say that fall foliage is not gorgeous, I've seen the photos to prove it, but it is just different. If you are local, it behooves you to go more than once! Also, the route covers more than just the river, your views of rock formations and other parts of the canyon will still be awesome.

I'm not sure I would love to be in the outdoor car in the height of summer, but the indoor cars are air-conditioned with panoramic windows, so if you aren't interested in photography, the summer is still a good time to ride.

One thing I can say for sure is that the docents are fabulous! We had Michael and he was so knowledgeable about the history of the area. We pummeled him with questions about things to visit, his recommendations, and his native American drumming. He plays every week in Sedona at Oak Creek Brewery and we hope to check it out.

Speaking of ales, the Verde Canyon train goes all out in the fall with Ales on Rails. On Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays in late September and October, the railroad offers an ale tasting and optional lunch that takes place at the depot. You can try local ales and craft beers from Arizona right before hopping on the train – fun!

When we got to Perkinsville it took a few minutes to reverse the locomotive car. And this is where I think there is a missed opportunity. It looks like there used to be a station here. There are abandoned buildings as evidence.

Why not rebuild the station and have a 30-45 minute break for people to visit the station, have a coffee, beer, or ice cream, learn a little history buy a t-shirt, and then get back on board? That's what I would do.

But alas, no one asked me. The return trip is nice because as we approach Clarkdale we are reaching the golden hour for photos. Mr. Misadventures and I just sat back and enjoyed the nice, breezy ride and vibrant scenery.

The canyon is called the Little Grand Canyon because the red rock sandstone formations look very much like the bigger more famous version. There are caves, tunnels, and bridges, and lots and lots of beautiful red rocks to see.

We enjoyed this train trip and plan to take it during every season so we can enjoy the differences. It is great for families and friends visiting Arizona. It's clean, well-run, with great docents. From the moment you step on the train to the end of your trip you will have a good time!

A few things to bring: sunscreen, a hat (although you might need to hold onto it from time to time), and PSI bands if you suffer from motion sickness (I forgot mine and regretted it). As I mentioned in the beginning, there are snacks and beverages, but if you want you can bring your own.

You can also go fancy and buy a first-class experience in a private car with complimentary champagne and up-leveled food. One of the times we took this trip there was even a marriage proposal followed by a champagne toast – it was very romantic!

Now back to Tuzigoot National Monument for a moment. Mr. Misadventures was not satisfied with the responses that the national park rangers provided, nor the initial scouting that we did, so during the week after a train trip he did more research and the following weekend we headed to Cottonwood (a cute little wine town).

It's off of 89A to Dead Horse Ranch State Park where at the end of Flycatcher Road you have the PERFECT shot of the monument. Sure would be nice if national and state parks spoke with each other and knew the local area!

And this was the reward:

Zoomed in:

Now, we just have to wait for that fall foliage (or snowfall) and Mr. Misadventures will have the shot he wants!

To make a day of the Verde Canyon Railroad. Have breakfast in Cottonwood, visit Tuzigoot National Monument, take the train, and then return to Cottonwood for wine-tasting and an early dinner, or head up the hill for a meal at Jerome Grand Hotel (stunning views on their outdoor terrace where you can dine).

You can do this train ride in Phoenix, Scottsdale, or the Sedona area too if you are visiting. The Verde Canyon Railroad Clarkdale AZ address is 300 N Broadway.

How about you? Have you ridden the Verde Canyon train? Do you think you'd want to? Have you enjoyed another heritage train ride somewhere else? Do tell!

If you want my FULL Phoenix and Tucson Phoenix and Tucson Activity + Day Trip List with day trips and things to do in Phoenix and Tucson, it is available for $4.99.

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The post Phoenix Day Trip – Verde Canyon Railroad appeared first on Misadventures with Andi.

Phoenix is the fifth-largest city in the country and the largest city in Arizona (with Tucson close behind). It’s pretty much an urban sprawl with a bunch of cities connected to the boundaries of Phoenix proper. That means there are tons of things to do in Phoenix, but there are also an amazing amount of day trips to get you out beyond the city.

And guess what? There’s a lot more than the majestic Grand Canyon – although that’s on the list too! So let's dive in and see all the places to visit near Phoenix! I have organized them by the distance from the city to help you plan how much time you will need for that particular day trip from Phoenix, plus you can bundle them if you have extra time!

From quick day trips from Paris to some that take all day, I've got you covered!

At the end of the post, I have a free printable checklist with all these awesome things to see around Phoenix, so don't forget to download that as well!

Best day trips from Phoenix between 1 and 2 hours

Jump to:

• Day trips from Phoenix between 2 and 3 hours
• Day trips from Phoenix between 3 and 4 hours

Jump to these day trips between 1 and 2 hours from Phoenix: Drive Along the Apache Trail | Saguaro Lake | Lake Pleasant Regional Park | Wickenburg | Hassayampa River Preserve | Sonoran Desert | Casa Grande Ruins National Monument | Montezuma Castle National Monument | Coconino National Forest | Wine Tasting in Cottonwood | Tonto Natural Bridge State Park | Saguaro National Park | Mission San Xavier del Bac

Drive Along the Apache Trail (Tortilla Flat)

When we had our RV, we spent a month at an RV Park in Gold Canyon which is about 45 minutes from Phoenix (weeks 7, 8, and 9). During that time we explored the Apache Trail and the surrounding area. It's a really unique day trip as it covers a lot of different activities.

There is fantastic hiking in Lost Dutchman State Park. A good time can be had at Goldfield, a former gold mining town (and largest ghost town in Arizona) turned tourist attraction with western shows, historic buildings, and shootouts. Boating on Canyon Lake is one of the best day trips from Phoenix, including taking the 4-hour Dolly Steamer boat.

And don't forget to stop at the smallest town in Arizona, Tortilla Flat, with a population of 5! It's a good place to stop for a bite to eat and a bit of music.

The best part of Apache Trail is the actual trail – a death-defying primitive dirt road that hugs the canyon walls! If you make it to the end you’ll see Roosevelt Dam and cross the Roosevelt bridge. It’s an easy all-day outing.

Distance from Phoenix: 1 hour.

Check out my whole post on visiting the Apache Trail area.

Get Your Swim on at Saguaro Lake

This man-made lake on the Salt River has tons of water-based activities for the whole family. A great place to cool off! And a quick day trip in the summer to cool off!

Saguaro Lake is surrounded by beautiful rocks typical of the region and forests of Saguaro. The lake is pretty deep too, with an average depth of 90 feet. There are over 20 miles of shoreline, enough to share when it comes to fishing, boating, kayaking, and swimming.

If you want someone else to do the work for you, there is a narrated tour on Desert Belle Paddleboats. Just like the Dolly Boat tour on Canyon Lake, you have the opportunity to spot eagles and bighorn sheep.

You can camp around the lake, but the sites are only accessible by boat (you can rent one if you are visiting). There are shaded picnic areas for enjoying a meal by the lake, but there is also a restaurant in the marina.

Distance from Phoenix: 1 hour.

Lake Pleasant Regional Park

Another day trip in Arizona where you can hike, bike, boat, camp, fish, swim, plus lots more outdoor activities, is in and around the water at Lake Pleasant Regional Park. We actually lived fairly close to this large outdoor recreation area and have enjoyed seeing wildlife like birds and burros along with exploring some awesome 4×4 trails in the area. 

The lake was created by damming part of the Aqua Fria River and it is a great spot for bass fishing! There is a marina with a restaurant, and you can rent boats or do a boat tour with Lake Pleasant Cruises with catered food from the marina restaurant.

It is amazing to have such a vibrant area full of water and life in the desert. It is a nice spot to spend the day with friends or family. Also, as it is a little further away from the city, it is a good spot for stargazing as the public, non-camping part of the park closes at 10 pm!

Distance from Phoenix: 1 hour.

Learn a little Cowboy History in Wickenburg

We are in the middle of cowboy country. We've got cowboy towns, rodeos, ranches, artists, and museums, and while you can find some of these closer to Phoenix, it is a little more fun to actually get out of dodge for the day and experience it outside of the big city.

My favorite, cowboy-related, unique day trip from Phoenix is Wickenburg. I love the way this town honors its past with cowboy poetry readings, cowboy art, ranching, and more. They have a really good museum, Desert Caballeros Western Museum, dedicated to the west.

It is small but exceptionally well done. They have preserved much of the historic downtown including their “jail tree” where criminals arrested by the sheriff were chained up until the transport came to take them to Phoenix.

The town sits along the Hassayampa River, and there is a preserve with 280 species of birds and a large number of raptors. Or you could choose to check out some of the Sonoran Desert by hiking the Vulture Peak Trail. There are several dude ranches where you can really immerse yourself into the West.

Distance from Phoenix: 1 hour.

If you decide you want to stay in Wickenberg, I recommend Kay El Bar Guest Ranch or Rancho de los Caballeros.

Hassayampa River Preserve

Just before you enter Wickenburg you will pass the Hassayampa River Preserve which stretches for a cottonwood-lined 5 miles along the Hassayampa River. The river is an important wildlife corridor. The 730-acre preserve is a birder's paradise.

There are 280 different species of birds living and migrating through this area, including hummingbirds, red-shouldered hawks, yellow-billed cuckoos, vermilion flycatchers, and 30 dragonfly species.

This geological area is called a riparian (land that exists along rivers and lakes). In the case of this preserve, which is located in the high Sonoran Desert, it is quite phenomenal to see this spot where the subterranean river is forced to the surface of the desert, truly an oasis!

There are short hikes along the river and preserve that make for beautiful scenery and a peaceful outing. Parking can be hard to find, so go early!

Distance from Phoenix: 1 hour.

Experience the Sonoran Desert

The Sonoran Desert surrounding Phoenix is a fascinating ecosystem, with unique geology, flora and fauna, and cultural history. It's full of natural beauty.

Sure you can see it from your car window if you drive along Highway 85 (and that is a good way to see it without the surrounding towns obstructing your view), but you really can't get out into it. The best way to do that is via a day trip tour from Phoenix either motorized, by foot (hiking), on a bike, or by horse.

If this is the first time you have been to the desert, a tour is a great way to visit. You will be blown away by how much life is there and how fascinating the saguaro cactus is. Above and beyond the wide variety of cacti (watch out for those chollas!) there is a complex variety of plants that provide for a diversity of wildlife species.

In order to survive life in the desert, plants and animals have adapted by waiting for rain, by holding on to the rain when it does fall, or by using the space of time for a given rainfall. Above and beyond the plants and animals, the desert scenery is just gorgeous!

There are other places where you can get into the Sonoran desert with your own vehicle – Saguaro National Park and Pipe Organ National Monument (both further away, but on this list).

Distance from Phoenix: 1 hour.

Casa Grande Ruins National Monument

The town of Casa Grande sits almost in the middle of Phoenix and Tucson and has a really interesting history. It was a planned community built to support the Southern Pacific Railroad.

But the town itself was named for the ancient Pueblo ruins, the nation's first archeological preserve, and is one of the largest prehistoric structures ever discovered in North America!

The ruins sit amongst an area that had a complex system of canals, and historians do not know whether the “big house” was a gathering place or a marker. About 2000 ancient desert dwellers and prehistoric farmers lived on this site, and like a lot of similar sites in Arizona, researchers have no idea why or how they disappeared.

The ruins are large and well-preserved given that preservation activities began as early as 1883!

In the 1860s, Casa Grande actually became a tourist hotspot due to the fact that the railroad line had been completed (the town was originally called “Terminus!”) not too far from town with an adjacent stagecoach line to the Casa Grande.

With the increase in tourism, vandalism of the site became prolific (even graffiti!) and a custodian was hired to look after the site followed by President Harrison creating a prehistoric cultural reserve. Finally, President Woodrow Wilson made it a national monument.

I recommend having a National Park Pass to visit.

Distance from Phoenix: 1 hour.

Montezuma Castle National Monument

There are several well-preserved Sinagua settlements that are fascinating to visit… they do not build like they used to.

Scientists still don’t know why the Sinagua disappeared but these ancient people were inventive and advanced! There is a nice little trail that follows the cliffs and plenty of benches for sitting and contemplating how intelligent and industrious these ancient pre-Columbian people were.

Montezuma Castle National Monument, located near Camp Verde, is a quick stop on your way to Prescott, Sedona, or Cottonwood/Jerome day trip.

I recommend having a National Park Pass to visit.

Distance from Phoenix: 1 hour 30 minutes.

Cool off in the Coconino National Forest

One of the things I love most about living in the Phoenix area is that I can go from desert to mountains and forest in less than or around 2 hours (depending on where I go). The Coconino National Forest is just 90 minutes away and with its 1.8 million acres of land, there is plenty to do in the great outdoors.

This forest is diverse! Elevations go from 2,600 feet to 12,633 feet so you will find all types of ecosystems and environments. From red rocks to pine-covered plateaus, to deserts, canyons, and forests, you can literally see anything and everything in a day trip from Phoenix!

You can camp, hike, drive on forest roads, and see a wide variety of high desert vegetation. There is fishing in lakes, swimming in creeks and streams, and wildlife spotting throughout the 10 different wilderness areas that make up this forest. Winter is tough with snow conditions, but the rest of the year this is a great escape.

Distance from Phoenix: 1 hour 30 minutes.

Go Wine Tasting in Cottonwood

Did you know there are wineries in Arizona? Yep! And a lot of them are near the small town of Cottonwood or at least their tasting rooms are. It's a unique experience to go wine tasting for the day in the desert! Visit this adorable town with an equally adorable downtown, some really good restaurants, shopping, and even a hotel.

Great for a meal and tasting and can be combined with a trip to Jerome, Tuzigoot, or a nice spot for dinner after the Verde Valley train.

Distance from Phoenix: 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Tonto Natural Bridge State Park

Tonto Natural Bridge is the world’s largest natural travertine (a form of limestone deposited by mineral springs) bridge. It is 183 feet high, 150 feet wide, and 400 feet long with a cave beneath it and a small waterfall. This is a small park inside the Tonto National Forest but wow is it beautiful!

The bridge sits in a little valley surrounded by pine trees. It was created through erosion and discovered by a Scotsman in 1877 while hiding from Apache Indians (a lucky find!). There are three hiking trails in the area (Gowan Trail, Pine Creek Trail, and Waterfall Trail ) that bring you all the way down to the tunnel. The Pine Creek Trail takes you directly under the bridge. Bring good hiking shoes – the trails are wet and steep!

You can also swim in the water both upstream and downstream but not directly under the bridge. There are four viewing points from the parking lot if you don't feel like hiking, a historic lodge built in 1920 where you can hang out or have a picnic, and a visitor center as well.

Distance from Phoenix: 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Saguaro National Park

One of the things I love most about this area of Arizona is the saguaro cacti. They are strange and beautiful, mysterious and inconsistent, and only found in this part of the world. We see them all over while driving here and there, but they are actually a protected species and thankfully there is an entire national park dedicated to them and it is one of my favorite day trips!

There are two parts to the Saguaro National Park, each on either side of Tucson, and both are worthy of a visit. There is the west side of the park with a dirt road loop trail, short hikes with sites like petroglyphs, and a denser concentration of the saguaro cacti.

The east side of the park has a larger, paved driving loop, trails, and taller, more spread out saguaro since this part of the park is at a higher elevation and gets more rain. You can do both sides of the park on a single-day trip from Phoenix.

I recommend having a National Park Pass to visit.

Distance from Phoenix: 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Mission San Xavier del Bac

Known as the “white dove of the desert” the Mission San Xavier del Bac is the oldest intact European structure in Arizona. It sits on Tohono O’odham Indian land and the Tohono O’odham people were the labor force used to build the mission in 1783.

Franciscan missionary Father Juan Bautista Velderrain began construction of the church using money borrowed from a Sonoran rancher. It was completed in 1797, and has been called the “Sistine Chapel of the New World.” The brick walls are coated with a limestone-based plaster with a formula that includes the juice from prickly pear cactus pads – the Sonoran desert peoples were so inventive!

Throughout many wars, with Spain and Apache Indians, the Tohono O’odham people protected the mission. They even buried artifacts to protect them from being stolen. When the United States finally acquired the territory, the Franciscan Friars returned to the church and they still serve the community today. 

The mission is a National Historic Landmark but also a functioning church. If you are religious you can attend a mass or just appreciate the beautiful building and surrounding grottos. After your visit, you can try your hand at Native American food as there are usually food stands set up by the community.

Distance from Phoenix: 1 hour and 50 minutes.

Back to the Top

Best day trips from Phoenix between 2 and 3 hours

Jump to these day trips between 2 and 3 hours from Phoenix: Pine Creek Canyon Lavender Farm | Tonto Cliff Dwellings National Monument | Verde Canyon Railroad | Tuzigoot National Monument and Dead Horse State Park | Jerome | Prescott | Red Rock Formations in Sedona | Red Rock Scenic Byway | Slide Rock State Park | Mogollon Rim | Tucson | Pima Air & Space Museum | Tucson Mountain Park | Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum | Sabino Canyon Recreation Area | Titan Missile Museum | Biosphere 2 | Devil’s Bridge Trail | Pipe Organ National Monument | Flagstaff | Alamo Lake | Walnut Canyon National Monument | Montezuma Well National Monument | Kartchner Caverns State Park | Catalina Mountains | Sonoita | Heber Horses | Kitt Peak National Observatory | Meteor Crater Natural Landmark | Seligman | Tombstone | Sunset Crater National Monument | Wupatki National Monument | Mount Lemmon | Yuma | Bisbee | Wilcox Wine Country

Visit the Pine Creek Canyon Lavender Farm

You probably didn't realize this, but the dry and hot climate of Arizona makes it the perfect place to grow lavender. Lavender farms in Arizona are growing at an exponential rate as more people discover the benefits of this healing herb.

The aroma of lavender can be calming and relaxing but also has been shown to help with stress relief and headaches. Oh, and the farms are beautiful too!

One of my favorite road trips from Phoenix is Pine Creek Lavender Farm in Pine, Arizona. They've been around since the 1900s when they first homesteaded in Pine looking for fertile soil where they might plant crops. The farm has been renovated and is a great family outing. They also have a cooking school and store.

Distance from Phoenix: 2 hours

Tonto Cliff Dwellings National Monument

The Tonto Cliff Dwellings are located deep in the Superstition Mountains along the Salt River. Ancient Native Americans, the Salado, made their homes high in the cliffs above the life-giving waterway. Today, the Theodore Roosevelt Dam has created Roosevelt Lake in the valley below the Dwellings.

Tonto Cliff Dwellings National Monument is part of the National Park Service and requires a $10 entrance fee or the NPS Annual Pass. There are two sets of cliff dwellings, an Upper and a Lower. The Upper Cliffs require a guided tour that takes 3-4 hours and is available only from November to April.

I have met many people who take this to mean it is not worth visiting during the other times of the year. In fact, the Lower Cliff Dwellings and the Visitor Center are open year-round. The beautiful paved hike (0.5 miles) to the Lower Cliff Dwellings is still well worth the day trip.

Roosevelt Lake at 33 square miles is the largest reservoir entirely within Arizona. After driving through the arid Superstitions, Roosevelt Lake hits your vision like a sparkling mirage. Roosevelt Lake has very limited access and virtually no beaches. It has rocky cliffs for the shoreline and access is limited to a marina. Boating is really the only way to enjoy this body of water.

**Warning: Due to the 2019 Woodbury Fire, the Lower Cliff Dwellings are closed for repair. Be sure to check on the Tonto Cliff Dwellings National Monument website for current updates. **

Distance from Phoenix: 2 hours.

Contributed by Janet Frost of Go Learn Things.

Take a Ride on the Verde Canyon Railroad

This is an easy day trip from Phoenix or Flagstaff and can be combined with a trip to Cottonwood, Jerome, or Tuzigoot National Monument. In fact, I recommend hitting Tuzigoot at about 9 or 10 in the morning, spending 1-2 hours there, and then heading to the train.

The train departs at 1 pm and takes you on a 4-hour journey through mostly untouched Verde Valley. The canyons aren’t accessible by car so it’s a great way to see wildlife like eagles and to catch the other flora and fauna along the river.

In the fall check out the Verde Valley Wine Trail and Ales on Rails beer festival on the Verde Canyon Railroad!

If you don't feel like doing the drive, you can do a day trip tour from Phoenix/Scottsdale that will pick you up from your hotel and get you to the train.

Distance from Phoenix: 2 hours.

Check out my post on my ride on the Verde Canyon Railroad

Tuzigoot National Monument and Dead Horse State Park

This is a beautifully preserved pueblo built by the ancient Sinagua peoples. At one time there were 110 rooms – an entire village! It was architected in the 12th century and sits on a ridge looking over the Verde River Valley.

To get a great view of the monument from a distance, visit Deadhorse State Park and follow Flycatcher Road until the end, and hike on the Marsch horse trail. The hike is beautiful and you will have amazing views. After your hike, have lunch in Cottonwood or Jerome!

I recommend having a National Park Pass to visit.

Distance from Phoenix: 2 hours.

Shop, Eat, and get Spooked in Jerome

This former copper mining town in the Black Hills has a lot going on with numerous streets of preserved buildings transformed into antique shops, restaurants, wineries, and museums. There are hotels including one converted from an old mental hospital that is supposedly haunted!

There is also a mine that is haunted that you can visit if you dare. Don't forget the Jerome State Historic Park which includes Douglas Mansion.

This trip can be combined with a trip to Cottonwood, the Verde Valley train, or Tuzigoot.

Distance from Phoenix: 2 hours.

I recommend The Clinksale Hotel if you want to extend your stay.

Visit Watson Lake and Whiskey Row in Prescott

Prescott became one of my favorite towns in Northern Arizona before I was even officially a resident. Unlike Southern Arizona where I lived, Prescott has distinct seasons and cooler weather, making it the perfect day trip from Phoenix. Only 100 miles and you can be in a totally different climate!

Prescott is known as Arizona’s Christmas City because they make a big deal out of the holiday season. The courthouse lighting is a huge event kicking off weeks of caroling and Christmas decorations around the town square.

At other times of the year, there are also fun things to do in Prescott AZ. There are some great lakes scattered around town, which offer excellent hiking trails. Watson Lake is the most popular, with the granite dells offering a unique landscape with hiking and paddling opportunities. Lynx Lake and Goldwater Lake are two other nice lakes near Prescott.

Prescott also has some interesting museums. The Smoki Museum is super intriguing and has many native artifacts and art on display. It’s an eye-opening look at the history of Native Americans in Yavapai County. If you prefer art, the Phippen Museum has Western and Native American art on display and for sale. 

Prescott also has a great restaurant scene with lots of options. For an old-timey saloon experience on Whiskey Row, the Palace has pretty good food. Raven Cafe and the Barley Hound also have good food in a more modern atmosphere and Prescott Station is a good choice for more upscale dining.

Distance from Phoenix: 2 hours!

Contributed by Leigh Wilson of Campfires & Concierges, photo from Mr. Misadventures.

Prescott makes an excellent weekend getaway! If you love vintage or retro decor then you must check out The Motor Lodge!

Check out the beautiful Red Rock Formations in Sedona

One of the most popular day trips from Phoenix is undoubtedly visiting the town of Sedona. Sedona is on just about every visitor's bucket list because it is absolutely gorgeous no matter what time of the year you visit.

Located about a 2-hour drive from Phoenix along the I-17 highway, there is plenty to keep you occupied if you are spending one day in Sedona. You can also take a more scenic route up the state route 87/87 highway that allows you to enjoy a stop at Tonto Natural Bridge.

A great way to start your day is by tackling one of the many hiking trails that exist in Sedona. There are trails to suit all levels of experience such as the popular Devil’s Bridge Trail, Slide Rock Park, or the more challenging West Fork Trail that requires a number of river crossings. Alternatively, you can also my favorite hike to one of the many famous vortexes such as Cathedral Rock.

After hiking, take the time to explore central Sedona where there are plenty of interesting new-age shops selling items like healing crystals as well as a number of artisan shops with great products and a gift shop with souvenirs. In the evening, make sure to take the time to enjoy the stunning Sedona sunsets from a place like the Airport Mesa Viewpoint.

All in all, Sedona is one of the best day trips in Arizona that truly has something for everybody to enjoy! If you are heading from Sedona Flagstaff, don't miss the Oak Creek Canyon which many people refer to as a mini Grand Canyon.

If you don't feel like doing the drive, you can do a day trip tour from Phoenix/Scottsdale that will pick you up from your hotel and take you to Sedona and back.

Recommended tours: Sedona: Scenic Rim Pink Jeep Tour and Red Rock West 2-Hour Jeep Tour from Sedona. I also like the Canyons & Cowboys: 2-Hour Jeep Tour from Sedona.

Distance from Phoenix: 2 hours.

Contributed by Michael Rozenblit of The World Was Here First, photo from Mr. Misadventures.

There are so many amazing hotels to stay in that it is really hard to recommend one! I have stayed at the L'Auberge de Sedona several times and it is dreamy!

Drive Along the Red Rock Scenic Byway

The Red Rock Scenic Byway in Arizona makes a perfect road trip from Phoenix. This impressive byway begins as you head north on Arizona Highway 179 towards the town of Oak Creek and finishes just south of the new-age town of Sedona. It's a short drive but this incredibly scenic road follows 7.5 miles on the southwest edge of the Colorado Plateau winding through Coconino National Forest.

It’s a byway you’ll want to stop and explore on foot as well as drive and there are many hiking and biking trails and famous Vortexes to discover within the iconic rust-red scenery. Cactus, yucca, and wildflowers grow throughout the landscape of towering red rocks and buttes and the creek at Oak Creek is a good place for a picnic and a cool down.

Highlights include Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, and Chapel of the Holy Cross as well as hoodoos, canyons, and natural bridges in the rock. Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock are known for their vortexes and many people visit to meditate and soak up the energies. Regardless of your views on Vortexes, Red Rock Scenic Byway has some fabulous trails to discover.

At some of the parking sites, you'll need to pay $5 per car for a Red Rock Pass but there are free weekends throughout the year. Don’t forget to take plenty of water, sunscreen and, of course, your camera.

Distance from Phoenix: 2 hours.

Contributed by Suzanne Jones of The Travelbunny

Slide Rock State Park

Slide Rock State Park is centered around Oak Creek flowing through the park. As the name suggests, it is one giant natural water slide that becomes an extremely popular destination in hot months. Half a mile of Oak Creek within the Park’s boundaries is open for swimming and sliding.

This place is continuously being voted one of the top 10 swimming holes in the country. You just need to exercise caution as the surface of the boulders in the creek is very slippery. However, Slide Rock State Park is not just for water fun.

The area around the park is very beautiful with majestic red cliffs. There are a couple of short hiking trails in the area and it is a good location for wildlife encounters but I would say you have a better chance to see the wildlife in cold months when there are fewer people in the park. Trout fishing is also allowed upstream from the sliding area.

In addition, a visit to Slide Rock is a trip down history lane. This area used to be a homestead with an apple orchard a century ago so you can see the historic homestead house, cabins, and antique agricultural equipment in the park. Apples are still grown in the park by Oak Creek Apple Company and you can get yourself some apples while in the park. Harvest Time festival is a great opportunity to visit the area.

Distance from Phoenix: 2 hours.

Contributed by Tatiana Sorokina of Family Road Trip Guru

Mogollon Rim

The Grand Canyon is amazing and a natural wonder of the world for a reason, but if you want to see stunning views across hundreds of miles of Arizona without the crowds, then you want to see Mogollon Rim.

The Rim, rising 2,000 feet from the desert floor to a pine forest, is striking. It is often referred to as an escarpment which is just a fancy word for a cliff at the edge of a plateau and while this spot is the southern limit of the Colorado Plateau, it is so much more than that! There are expansive views for miles rising from between 4,000 to 5,000 feet in elevation at the base to as high as 8,000 feet at the edge.

You can drive along the Rim Road and Forest Road 300 and look out into the blue sky for hundreds of miles to the south while taking in the intoxicating scent of forest pine. There is a paved Rim Vista Trail that winds about 2 miles along the edge of the rim which you can access the trail from the parking lot.  There is also the Railroad Tunnel Trail, a moderate trail that takes you along the East Verde stream.

There is lots of hiking, camping, and fishing in several small lakes on the Rim.  The area is home to large herds of elk and deer that can be seen on your drive.

Distance from Phoenix: 2 hours.

Take on Tucson

One of my favorite spots in the state! And a frequent day trip from Phoenix as it is a short two-hour drive. I also highly recommend a weekend here!

You can spend the day visiting the city plus Tucson Mountain Park, Sonoran Desert Museum, and Xavier Mission. A little further away (maybe better to do if you are staying the weekend) are Sabino Canyon, Mt. Lemmon, Titan Missile Museum, and Biosphere 2.

I love the combination of cultures in Tucson – Sonoran, Mexican, Western, and a lot more – and I find that the people of Tucson are extremely open and friendly. It's a college town full of students and academics, but also military and missile and space.

The city is a UNESCO City of Gastronomy – the first one in the US – so as you can imagine, the food scene is amazing! In my opinion, it has the best restaurants in Arizona! Don't miss checking out Picacho Peak State Park on the way to Tucson from Phoenix, a great spot to see wildflowers in the spring.

Here is a free printable checklist of things to do in Tucson.

Distance from Phoenix: 2 hours.

My favorite hotels in Tucson are the Downtown Clifton Hotel and the Hacienda del Sol Guest Ranch Resort.

Prepare for Takeoff at the Pima Air & Space Museum

The best place to get your space and airplane geek on! Not only does the Pima Air & Space Museum have great interactive exhibits and films but you can climb on, over, and around planes! Real actual retired planes and spacecraft!

There are over 300 aircraft spread out over 80 acres. The site is actually bigger, a total of 127 acres, with the additional pieces accessible by bus only. But you get to see an airplane boneyard and more military planes.

Distance from Phoenix: 2 hours.

More on my visit to the Pima Air & Space Museum.

Tucson Mountain Park

Tucson Mountain Park is a lot of things. It is a scenic byway where you have an opportunity to see the Sonoran desert. It is a park with hiking (the 6-mile Brown Mountain loop trail is a favorite hike of mine), biking (lots of mountain biking trails here), camping, fishing, horseback riding, and even an archery range. But most people know it for Gates Pass, one of the best spots for seeing the sunset in the Tucson area.

People gather nightly to catch that orange glow and Mr. Misadventures and I have done it several times. Whether watching from the parking lot or on top of the hill, it is magnificent. We have also picnicked many times in this park, there are several nice shaded picnic areas.  The park covers 20,000 acres – lots of it with saguaro given its proximity to Saguaro National Park.

Distance from Phoenix: 2 hours.

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

This is another favorite of Mr. Misadventures and me, so much so that we became members on our first visit (of course single-day tickets are always available!) and we go back often. We love visiting this outdoor museum but we have also taken part in classes and excursions like a saguaro harvest with a Tohono Oʼodham family and a prickly pear harvest around the museum.

I never tire of this park. We always have a great time here. There is something to see every season, we particularly love visiting the hummingbirds, taking in the raptor flight, and the javelinas in the botanical gardens. My favorite time is in the fall when there are literally thousands of monarch butterflies migrating through the area.

They have a restaurant on site that prepares dishes from locally sourced and regional foods. If you take classes as we did, the lunch is usually catered by them and I have had the opportunity to taste really unique dishes with foraged ingredients.

Distance from Phoenix: 2 hours.

Sabino Canyon Recreation Area

Want an opportunity to see an owl in the wild? A day trip from Phoenix to Sabino Canyon Recreation Area is one of the best spots to do that! Whether it is a burrowing owl (like the photo below) or a great horned owl, this park has quite a community of these creatures. There are many feathered friends that make this area of ravines nestled into the Catalina Mountains home.

It is a great spot for hiking, and there are no vehicles allowed (except the tram which after being shut down for a while is back up and running) so you have to hike the 3+ miles in. You will feel like you are in a desert oasis given all the water and well, green, but you are most definitely still in the desert!

If you visit in the spring you will see a wonderful collection of wildflowers, and in the fall the waterfalls and swimming pools are flowing and brimming from the monsoon season. There are trails of all shapes and sizes.

Distance from Phoenix: 2 hours.

Titan Missile Museum

The space geek in you will enjoy a visit to the Titan Missile Museum, a former ICBM missile site outside of Tucson. You can tour the facility (note, make reservations online ahead of time (even if you have a Southern Arizona attractions discount pass!), this is a very popular spot, we learned this the hard way!) and the missile silo along with getting a bit of history of what it was like to grow up or live in the U.S. during the cold war.

My favorite part is imagining Star Trek's Jean-Luc Picard filming here for Star Trek: First Contact as the facility was used for scenes for the first warp prototype, the Phoenix!

Distance from Phoenix: 2 hours.

Biosphere 2

If you are part of Generation X or earlier you might remember the 1991 news item about 8 people living in a biosphere for two years. I certainly do! People now make fun of it, and it supposedly was the predecessor to Big Brother, but I think it is fascinating. And you can actually visit Biosphere 2, a science research facility run by the University of Arizona.

The 3-acre glass building and domes house seven model ecosystems that are part of active research projects. Besides being a research facility it is open for tours to educate people about Earth sciences. The tour is a little over an hour (both indoor and outdoor) with about 150 steps, so probably not something you want to do in the heat of the summer, but a nice visit during the other seasons.

Distance from Phoenix: 2 hours.

Take an Iconic Photo at Devil's Bridge Trail

The Devil’s Bridge has become one of the most iconic photo spots in Arizona. There are a couple of different trails to reach the bridge, but the most commonly used is the 3.6-mile return option which has an elevation gain of just over 100m. The trail itself is not the prettiest you’ll find in the Sedona area, but it still has those red rock views and pretty forested sections that make this area special.

The hike itself is easy and is mostly on a wide, flat dirt road (you can actually drive the majority of the trail if you have a 4×4 and can nab a space in the tiny car park) before you reach the final leg where you will start ascending. You will climb on a mixture of uphill slopes and rugged stairs, but you are rewarded along the way with the start of some sensational views.

Once you hit the top, you’ll be greeted with the scene you’ve probably seen in hundreds of photos and it’s every bit as amazing as you might imagine. Luckily the bridge is nowhere near as narrow as it looks in pictures so – unless you get vertigo – walking across it won’t be anywhere near as terrifying as it looks! You’re unlikely to have this spot to yourself, but everyone was great at allowing people to get their individual shots. Very early in the morning is the quietest time to visit.

Distance from Phoenix: 2 hours and 15 minutes.

Contributed by Cat of Walk My World.

Pipe Organ National Monument

Pipe Organ National Monument is a great scenic drive from Phoenix. If you want to see classic Sonoran desert landscapes, take Highway 85. At this national monument, you’ll see the unique cacti that gave the park its name by the hundreds! Take a break in Ajo on your way in or out of the park.

I recommend having a National Park Pass to visit.

Distance from Phoenix: 2 hours and 15 minutes.

Visit Flagstaff for the Day

There is so much to do in Flagstaff that I recommend at least a weekend but you can see some cool stuff in a day as well. It’s generally much cooler in Flagstaff and we escape here often in the summer!

Besides its proximity to the Grand Canyon (south rim), you’ve got Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, Wupatki National Monument, Lowell Observatory, Riordan Mansion, and much, much more including Route 66! There are tons of festivals – food, art, music – going on throughout the year to check out for the day.

Distance from Phoenix: 2 hours and 20 minutes.

Go Fishing, Swimming, or Boating at Alamo Lake

Alamo Lake State Park is nestled between the Alamo and Black Mesa Mountains and Alamo Lake lies at its center. Alamo Lake itself was created in 1902 when the Bureau of Reclamation began building a dam to provide water for irrigation systems as well as hydroelectricity.

It is now a popular destination for fishing, boating, and water skiing. It has two campgrounds that allow access to the lake. Alamo Lake State Park Recreation Area, which encompasses both Alamo Lake and Alamo River as well as a large expanse of desert wilderness surrounding the lake.

Recreational activities at Alamo Lake State Park include hunting, picnicking, hiking, fishing, and boating. There are two ways to get there from Phoenix: I-10 and Highway 60. Highway 60 is a little more scenic and you have the opportunity to stop in Wickenburg!

Distance from Phoenix: 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Walnut Canyon National Monument

Walnut Canyon National Monument is located near Flagstaff and is a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Phoenix making it one of the perfect day trips from Phoenix.

Walnut Canyon is probably one of the most underrated sites in Arizona. Not only is the canyon beautiful, but the history and culture of this area are very interesting to see. Walnut Canyon National Monument preserves some of the Native American culture's earliest history.

The incredible Native American ruins are surprisingly intact and preserved. Along the trails in the canyon, you can see the cliff dwelling of the Sinagua people dating back to around 1200 AD.

The most popular hike here is the one-mile Island Trail but be warned it is steep in some places and starts off going up 250 stairs. There is also an easy .7 mile hike called the Rim Trail.

I recommend having a National Park Pass to visit.

Distance from Phoenix: 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Contributed by Nicole LaBarge of Travelgal Nicole, photo provided by me.

Montezuma Well National Monument

Montezuma Well National Monument is different and separate from the Montezuma Castle National Monument (people often get them confused) and is a natural limestone sinkhole near the town of Rimrock. The area is so green because more than 1 million gallons of water flow through the well, its source is still a mystery to scientists!

It is an ecosystem in its own right. There are species of plants and animals found nowhere else in the world and thankfully it is protected as a national monument. Given its verdant nature, there are tons of wildlife including migrating birds along with the local residents.

To access the water there is a 1/2 mile loop trail from the parking lot. You will also see several stone cliff dwellings built by Sinagua.

I recommend having a National Park Pass to visit.

Distance from Phoenix: 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Spelunk at Kartchner Caverns State Park

Kartchner Caverns is a fun day trip from Phoenix with the most amazing discovery story ever. In 1974, Gary Tenen and Randy Tufts discovered Kartchner Caverns and kept it secret for nearly two decades. Finally, they arranged to sell it to the state so its beauty could be protected for generations to come.

The state did its job too. There's an elaborate entry tunnel and air circulation system, so the cave remains unchanged after becoming public.

The cave offers two tours, the Throne Room Tour and the Big Room Tour. The Throne Room Tour features Kubla Khan, the largest column formation in Arizona. Some purists don't like the synchronized sound and light show in the throne room, but I thought it was pretty cool. This tour is available year-round.

The Big Room Tour is only available from mid-October through mid-April because the passage is closed for migratory bats. This tour has colorful formations and a little more narration.

The Whetstone Mountains are home to another tourist cave — sort of. The Sonora Desert Museum cave is modeled after another secret cave somewhere in the mountains. Who knows if this one will ever become public?

There is a small campground at Kartchner and some short hikes too, but the real attraction is the cave. The park is just a little south of Benson off I-10. Cave tours are $23.00 per person.

Distance from Phoenix: 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Contributed by Ed Coleman of Coleman Concierge

Hiking the Catalina Mountains

You might not know this about Tucson, but there's a ski resort high in the mountains above town. If you have a high-clearance vehicle, you can climb up the backside through the village of Oracle. The more traditional route is up the paved road heading up from Tucson.

Once you reach the top, there is a fantastic little loop hike out Aspen Trail and Marshal Gulch. It's a 4.4-mile loop through the cool pine trees that leaves you plenty of time to get cookies or pie in Summerhaven.

The mountain tops also create one of nature's wonders, water flowing through the desert. There are two main hikes with water in Tucson, Sabino Canyon, and Romero Pools. Technically, both Sabino Canyon and Bear Canyon have water in them and are part of the Sabino Canyon Park.

Hiking Bear Canyon to Seven Falls is actually a much nicer trail because Sabino Canyon has a tramway that runs the entire length of the stream. It's an 8-mile hike with 500′ of elevation gain, but you can take the tram and cut half the distance off.

Romero Pools is a 6-mile out and back with a little more elevation gain (900′) and less water, but you'll also have a lot fewer people. What's more, the trail goes through the natural desert the entire way instead of hiking alongside the tram road.

Also, the trailhead is about 1/2 hour closer to Phoenix since it leaves out of Catalina State Park. Hiking Tucson can be every bit as lush and green as heading north, with a lot better restaurants to eat in when you get back to your car.

Distance from Phoenix: 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Contributed by Ed Coleman of Coleman Concierge

Sonoita

Sonoita is known for 2 things: amazing birding and delicious wine. You can go winetasting in Cottonwood, but if you like to taste your wine at the source, Sonoita is where you want to be! They also produce hops for beer!

This wine region has been active for a little over 40 years with ranches and farms going back generations to the 1830s, a lot of them converted to lodging or wineries these days. The soil composition is similar to that of Burgundy, France.

This little area has more than 10 wineries producing really good wine. We have had the opportunity to try several at local Phoenix festivals and restaurants.

Besides wine, there are other interesting things to do including visiting the Las Cienegas National Conservation Area where you can see Empire Ranch historical buildings and landscape (something I was completely unfamiliar with), and the Sonoita Creek-Patagonia area which is a birding mecca.

Distance from Phoenix: 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Catch the Heber Horses

Before I moved to the Phoenix area I was completely unaware there were still wild horses in the U.S. When I first moved here, Mr. Misadventures and I happened upon the documentary, Unbranded about 4 friends who take wild mustangs on a 3,000-mile journey from Mexico to Canada.

When we moved to Phoenix we learned about the wild Salt River horses in the area and have sought them out there a few times (along with many adventures to see the wild burros), but I only recently became aware of another family of wild horses called Heber Horses which live in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests amongst the ponderosa pines near the White Mountains.

They are currently protected by several federal and state laws, but there is a debate on what the environmental impact is on land management issues, including competition for food with cattle and other animals.

For now, they are still protected and absolutely stunning, worth a trip to seek them out.

Distance from Phoenix: 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Kitt Peak National Observatory

Because of its Southern location, Arizona has more astronomical observatories than any other state. (It's one of the best things about Arizona!) And lucky for you, there are several open to the public including Kitt Peak. In fact, Kitt Peak has the largest accumulation of telescopes in the world, 24 in all!

They offer two or three different tours a day (depending on the day) and they are well worth the trip up the Quinlan Mountains. It is on Tohono O'odham Nation land and is an active site where professional astronomers work.

Besides the tours, they have a nighttime program that you can experience along with astrophotography weekends. If you don't do any of the tours you can still do a self-guided walk on the campus. There are picnic areas as well.

Distance from Phoenix: 2 hours and 40 minutes.

Meteor Crater Natural Landmark

You can add this to a trip to Flagstaff or the Petrified Forest National Park. The crater was formed when an asteroid hit the Earth 50,000 years ago. It's also where some of the Apollo astronauts trained for moon landings.

Inside the building are a museum and theater. Outside, if the wind isn’t blowing like a hurricane you can do a guided rim tour which is pretty cool.

Distance from Phoenix: 2 hours and 45 minutes.

Seligman

Seligman is a fantastic little town along Route 66 with a history made for the movies. Literally. The 2006 animated Pixar film Cars got its inspiration for Radiator Springs from Seligman and the struggles endured when the Highway bypassed the town. It’s back on the map now though, with plenty of souvenirs for everyone!

From the moment you first enter the town, you’ll get a sense of its quirkiness. It’s like a blast from the past with nostalgic memorabilia everywhere you look. One of the best places to stop for a bite to eat is Delgadillo’s Snow Cap restaurant. You’ll find the usual menu of cheeseburgers, fries, and ice cream here, but it’s anything but normal.

It’s full of wackiness, from the crazy decor in front of the building to the real-life versions of the characters from the Cars movie out back. (Don’t be surprised if the employees pull a practical joke on you, either.)

When they say “Get your kicks on Route 66,” they definitely had Seligman, Arizona in mind!

Distance from Phoenix: 2 hours and 45 minutes.

Contributed by Karee, Our Woven Journey

Fill up on Wild West History in Tombstone

All the Western greats can be found in Tombstone! Wyatt Earp and “Doc” Holliday became household names in this town. The rough and tumble O.K. Corral, Bird Cage Theatre, and lots of western paraphernalia are so fun to see and experience!

Check out a western shootout, and the court museum, and have lunch (and a whiskey!) at Big Nose Kate’s Saloon on the main street. Plus you can't miss spotting cowboys and criminals with some pretty strange names at Boothill Cemetery.

If you don't feel like doing the drive, you can do a day trip tour from Phoenix/Scottsdale that will pick you up from your hotel and take you to Tombstone and back with a stop in Bisbee. Or combine Tombstone with San Xavier del Bac.

Distance from Phoenix: 2 hours and 45 minutes.

Sunset Crater National Monument

Sunset Crater National Monument is a 3,000-acre park of lava fields, cinder deposits, and archaeological ruins, oh, and the youngest of the Colorado Plateau volcanoes!

Sunset and a few other craters are just one part of the San Francisco volcanic field in the San Francisco Peak Mountains. The lava flows and cinder rocks are frozen in time with layers of greens and flowers covering many parts and pieces. It is a bit surreal to think that things this beautiful can grow on lava!

There are several trails you can walk to see some of the lava flows including some leading to caverns. You can drive through the park, there are even offroad trails (you need a 4×4) and lots of picnic areas under the trees – Mr. Misadventures and I often stop here for a quick lunch on road trips further north.

I recommend having a National Park Pass to visit.

Distance from Phoenix: 3 hours.

Wupatki National Monument

As you exit the ponderosa highlands of Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument and start driving into the Painted Desert you will find Wupatki National Monument and its beautifully preserved Anasazi and Sinagua ruins.

This ancestral Puebloan site covers 5 sites spread out amongst the prairies. These mysterious but brilliant people are the ancestors of the Hopi and Zuni people and lived amid red rocks trading and farming. The monument is quite beautiful to see at sunset.

I recommend having a National Park Pass to visit.

Distance from Phoenix: 3 hours.

Mount Lemmon

This is a favorite escape for many Tuscon residents, cool in the summer and skiing in the winter, but it is still within reach as a day trip from Phoenix. I particularly love it in the fall, not only for the autumn leaf-changing (late October) but also for the Monarch butterfly migration – there are thousands of them in September!

There are lots of hiking trails and campgrounds (book early!) and a little ski town with a hotel and restaurant, but the real beauty is the drive into the Santa Catalina Mountains and into the Coronado National Forest. Its elevation is 8,000 and is considered a dark sky site (there is also an observatory at the top that you can visit during very obscure times).

On the weekends it is a popular spot for biking – I personally think you have to be a little crazy to bike up a mountain and then coast down at crazy speeds, but if you are into that you will not be alone!

No matter what you choose to do on Mount Lemmon (named after the first woman to climb it) it will be an enjoyable day! (Pro tip: do not speed on this road, there is a super vigilant police officer who actually lives on the mountain and is very dedicated to making sure you obey the speed laws.)

Recommended tour: 4-Hour Guided Tour of Mount Lemmon.

There is also programming throughout the year at the Mt. Lemmon Sky Center Observatory.

Distance from Phoenix: 3 hours.

Experience some California Gold Rush Arizona-style in Yuma

Yuma is located in the southwestern corner of Arizona, just a few miles from the California-Arizona state line. Anyone who lives in San Diego or Phoenix knows Yuma as a halfway point between the two cities.

Yuma is a city with an interesting past and was a true Wild West town of cowboys, brothels, gambling, and gunfights during the California Gold Rush. Start in historic downtown where you'll find Lutes Casino, which is now a restaurant, but where gambling took place from 1912 to 1920. Today they are famous for their funky decor and potato tacos.

Visit Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park during your time in Yuma. It was actually built by its first prisoners and opened in 1876. It is now a museum and free to tour.

The Confluence of the Colorado and Gila Rivers happens in Yuma, which makes for great tubing! If you visit from late spring to early fall, a float down the Colorado River is a must. These are just a few of the things you can do in Yuma. Trust me, it's a great day trip in Arizona!

Distance from Phoenix: 3 hours

Contributed by Alexa Meisler of 52 Perfect Days

Visit the Quirky Mining Town of Bisbee

Bisbee is a mining town located in the Mule Mountains. (You didn't realize there are so many mountains in Arizona, right?) You can check out the town's museum and exhibits to learn about its copper-and-silver-mining past.

While visiting retro downtown you'll notice a lot of “Lowell” signs along Erie Street. Lowell was a mining town incorporated into Bisbee in the early 1900s. There are a lot of vintage cars and a cute gas station, fun for photos, it's very Americana!

The town considers itself a “free-spirited place,” people come for the thriving arts/music scene and the up-and-coming hospitality with dining, lodging, and even cute Airbnbs.

Distance from Phoenix: 3 hours.

Wilcox Wine Country

The Willcox wine region makes for such a fun day trip from Phoenix. This up-and-coming wine region is responsible for producing 75% of Arizona’s wine grapes. Located in the southeastern part of the state, wine tasting here ranges from $8-$15. You can even bring your own glass for a discount.

To visit this area, you will need a car to get around. Also, do not visit in the summer as it will be very hot. The tasting rooms are mainly open on the weekend and some are reservation only, so make sure to double-check before you head out there.

One of the best wineries is Bodega Pierce Vineyard. Here you get 6 tastings for $12. In total, they make 12 different types of wine with the Pandora being one of their most popular. Another good option is Strive Vineyards. They make some very unique and less well-known varietals. The Picpoul Blanc was worth trying as well as their Aglianico.

Even if you are not big on wine tasting, you can head to a few of the National Park sites in the area for some hiking. Nearby are Fort Bowie National Historic Site and Chiricahua National Monument.

At Fort Bowie, you have to hike a 1.5-mile trail to get into the park and you will see an old outpost of the US army. The 12,000-acre Chiricahua National Monument offers a collection of hoodoos and balancing rocks. No matter what, a visit to Willcox makes for a fun day!

Distance from Phoenix: 3 hours.

Contributed by Francesca, Homeroom Travel.

Back to the Top

Day trips from Phoenix between 3 and 4 hours

Jump to these day trips between 3 and 4 hours from Phoenix: Castle Dome Mines Museum and Ghost Town | Joshua Tree National Park | Lake Havasu | The Shady Dell | Red Rock Lavender Ranch | Petrified Forest National Park | Chiricahua National Monument | Imperial Sand Dunes | Verde River Hot Springs | Route 66 and See the Burros in Oatman | Grand Canyon National Park | Coal Mine Canyon | Page | Navajo Bridge

Castle Dome Mines Museum and Ghost Town

Next to Yuma Proving Ground and within Kofa National Wildlife Refuge is a piece of Arizona history. The Castle Dome Mines Museum and Ghost Town is a unique destination that gives visitors a taste of life in the 1800s.

Named for a prominent rock formation, Castle Dome City had been the site of the longest-running mines in Arizona. In its heyday, it was bigger than Yuma, with a population of more than 3,000 people. With about 300 mines, for a short time, there was plenty of work for everyone.

There are two parts to the museum: Castle Dome City and the Mining District. All told, there is about fifty buildings total, and there is so much memorabilia that the only thing missing is the miners, shopkeepers, and families. There are both original buildings and recreations, and the artifacts are authentic, although they may not have been found on-site.

There’s a hotel, a saloon, a blacksmith, and machine shops, a schoolhouse, an assay shop, and more. Since some of the mines were open until 1979, there’s even a 50s-era diner and a 1960 trailer. In the mining district, you can see some of the old Spanish mines, dug centuries before the settlers arrived.

Distance from Phoenix: 3 hours and 15 minutes.

Contributed by Theresa L. Goodrich of The Local Tourist.

Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park sits in the middle of two southern California deserts. Just under 4 hours from Phoenix to the southern park entrance, it's the perfect national park day trip.

The park is known for its namesake: the Joshua trees. These long-living, prickly trees are cousins of the agave plant. In Joshua Tree National Park, many of the trees are over 150 years old! But you'll find more here than just Joshua Trees. The national park is also home to unique desert cacti, enormous boulders, and bucket-list rock climbing and hiking.

The best time to visit Joshua Tree National Park is in late fall or early spring. These shoulder months bring cooler temperatures, perfect for outdoor adventures and camping. Upon arrival, you'll need to pay a $30 park entry fee at the entrance station or use your national park pass.

One of the best ways to explore Joshua Tree National Park is on a hike. Don't miss popular trails like Hidden Valley, Ryan Mountain, and Barker Dam.

Other must-do activities include sunrise at Cholla Cactus Garden and wandering amongst the Joshua Trees on Park Boulevard. The best way to end your day trip to Joshua Tree is with sunset at Keys View. From here, you can overlook the expansive valley and see Palm Springs in the distance.

I recommend having a National Park Pass to visit.

Distance from Phoenix: 3 hours and 15 minutes.

Contributed by Julia of Well Planned Journey.

Lake Havasu

Lake Havasu City is a hidden gem in the west of Arizona, which is famous among retirees and for its London bridge, and the city setting matches the English culture in many ways. Lake Havasu is a perfect destination for a day trip from Phoenix or even a weekend staycation.

Lake Havasu also has lighthouses that give it an island vibe. The lake is on the border of California and has a counterpart lake in California called Havasu Lake on the other side.

Lake Havasu hosts a stunning California beach vibe where you can swim, take boat tours and enjoy a wide variety of watersports in almost any weather. Lake Havasu not only has lake and water attractions but also multiple hiking trails in the Sonoran desert.

Outdoor adventure sports like mountain biking are very popular here. There are two main state parks here as well- Lake Havasu State Park and Cattail Cove State Park.

Lake Havasu provides a mix of experiences from multiple places in one city – the English vibe, the island vibe, the Californian beach vibe, and last but not least the Arizonian desert vibe. Lake Havasu is a great destination to include in an Arizona to California road trip, which is almost equally distanced from multiple destinations like Grand Canyon, Sedona, Las Vegas, and San Diego.

Distance from Phoenix: 3 hours and 20 minutes.

Contributed by Jumana, Planet Hopper Girl.

The Shady Dell

Step back in time—over 70 years in fact—at The Shady Dell is a vintage RV park in Bisbee, Arizona. Located about a three-hour drive southeast of Phoenix airport, The Shady Dell rents 13 vintage trailers from the 1940s and 1950s. Appropriate for an overnight stay for a couple (or solo traveler), the park would be a blast for a group of friends or as a wedding or event destination.

Each vintage camper is authentically decorated in original or appropriate reproductions—including record players (with appropriate vinyl discs), decor (dishes, curtains, bedding), and original fixtures (heaters, bathrooms, ovens, etc.).

It is actually fun to experiment with a heating unit that is 70 years old while playing a 78 record on the turntable. The campsite might be adorned with plastic pink flamingos, artificial grass, old-school lawn chairs, and/or other appropriate touches.

The 1947 Tiki Bus is one of the most popular units and just exudes funness. Other vintage RVs include a 1947 yacht, a 1955 Airstream, and ten other unique and interesting campers. Some have enclosed bathrooms but even the onsite community bathroom/shower area feels like a time warp. Look for the nuclear fallout shelter instructions sheet in the laundry area.

Each vintage trailer has a refrigerator but no cooking is permitted in any of them. A couple of grills are on the property. Dot's Diner serves up onion rings, burgers, omelets, milkshakes, ice cream floats, and other classic diner grub. The owners are also currently working on a historic boutique property called Gulch Hotel in the downtown Bisbee entertainment district.

Distance from Phoenix: 3 hours and 20 minutes.

Contributed by Charles, McCool Travel.

Check out the Red Rock Lavender Ranch

Arizona is often thought of as a desert state with cacti and prickly pear plants. However, there are many beautiful sights to see in this region that don't involve sand. One example is the Red Rock Lavender Farm located near Concho. Besides the farm, there is a vineyard too!

The ranch has a big festival in the summer so definitely add it to your itinerary if you are visiting during June. Red Rock Ranch was the first commercial lavender grower in the state. They began with their first field in 1998 and they now have over 35,000 plants!

Distance from Phoenix: 3 hours and 30 minutes.

Petrified Forest National Park

This national park could be part of a weekend trip to Flagstaff or a solo trip. You’ll find amazing petrified wood and rocks in awesome shapes sizes and colors, some of them are truly unbelievable. Look and touch but don’t take!

There are nice easy walks and hikes at all levels and a historic piece of Route 66 runs through. Also, stop in at Winslow for some Eagles memories and a peek inside La Posada hotel, they’ve got great coffee!

I recommend having a National Park Pass to visit.

Distance from Phoenix: 3 hours and 30 minutes.

Check out my post on my visit to Petrified Forest National Park.

Chiricahua National Monument

Mr. Misadventures loves his rock formations and Chiricahua National Monument is known as the “Wonderland of Rocks” and “Land of Standing Up Rocks” because there are rocks on tops of rocks on top of rocks, a photographer's dream!

There are pristine monolithic rocks including Totem Pole, the Mushroom, and Big Balanced Rock. It also has 17 miles of day-use hiking trails beside the 8-mile scenic drive. It is a bit out of the way but that only means you have unspoiled views and tons of wildlife like javelinas, wild turkeys, deer, and maybe if you are lucky the elusive coatimundi.

There is a unique ecosystem here as the park sits at the intersection of the Chihuahuan and Sonoran deserts, the southern Rocky Mountains, and the northern Sierra Madres in Mexico. If you are interested in learning more about pioneer life, there is a homestead, the Faraway Ranch, that offers daily tours of the house. There are campgrounds there and picnic tables as well.

I recommend having a National Park Pass to visit.

Distance from Phoenix: 3 hours and 30 minutes.

Imperial Sand Dunes

If you love off-road vehicles like dune buggies, ATVs, or dirt bikes, then a trip to the Imperial Sand Dunes is well worth the drive. They are the perfect day trip from Phoenix or a great stop on your drive from San Diego to Phoenix. These are the largest sand dunes in California and stretch for about 40 miles through the desert.

The closest towns are Brawley, CA, or Yuma, AZ where you can rent a dune buggy for the day. If you’ve never been off-roading then you may want to take an ATV or dune buggy riding tour instead of heading out on your own. This will include all the equipment you need, permits, and you’ll have a knowledgeable guide showing you around while you’re there.

If you choose to go the DIY route then you’ll have to purchase your own permit. Currently, permits are required from October 1 to April 15. Purchase them ahead of time as they are much cheaper when you purchase in advance!

If the thought of off-roading makes you a little nervous then you can also explore the North Algodones Dunes Wilderness. No vehicle traffic is allowed in this section and you can walk among the tallest dunes in the area. There are no labeled trails though since these are shifting sand dunes. For a fun adventure outdoors the Imperial Sand Dunes are a must!

Distance from Phoenix: 3 hours and 30 minutes.

Contributed by Chelsey from Chelsey Explores

Soak that body in the Verde River Hot Springs

Nothing better after a day of exploring than soaking those muscles in a mineral hot spring! The Verde River Hot Springs is an excellent place to soak up the sun and relax.

Around 20 miles east of Camp Verde, you will find a natural spring or hot mineral water source that has been preserved since ancient times. Also, you can see ruins left behind from a former resort built in 1884 by miners and American Indians as well as an old bathhouse that is now a historical landmark.

Distance from Phoenix: 3 hours and 30 minutes.

Drive Route 66 and See the Burros in Oatman

There are some great pieces of Route 66 accessible as day trips from Phoenix, but one of my favorites is Oatman. It's a historic mining town in the Black Mountains (some curvy roads to get there!).

The unique thing about this town is its sense of humor. They have an annual Oatman Sidewalk Egg Frying Contest where – you guessed it – it's so hot they fry eggs!

And the other quirky thing is its burros. These prized but ornery citizens are sons and daughters of the original inhabitants – working mules that hauled loads from the mines. They hang around town and you can feed them and photograph them as you visit. The town is inhabited and the locals are friendly.

Recommended tour: Historic Oatman Mining Town and Route 66 Experience.

Distance from Phoenix: 4 hours.

Grand Canyon National Park

The Grand Canyon is Arizona’s main attraction and likely something you want to see in more than just a day. But it absolutely can be done as a day trip from Phoenix. It may be a long day but you can do it!

You can hike, bike, camp, and picnic or have a meal at the lodge. For longer visits, you can take the train from Williams, stay in the lodge, or river raft, and do longer hiking excursions. The Grand Canyon is one of the seven natural wonders of the world and worth checking off the list.

For a longer trip with fewer people, think about visiting the North Rim, it is pretty spectacular as well.

I recommend having a National Park Pass to visit.

If you don't feel like doing the drive, you can do a day trip tour from Phoenix/Scottsdale that will pick you up from your hotel and take you back.

Distance from Phoenix: 4 hours.

Coal Mine Canyon

Coal Mine Canyon is located in the Painted Desert outside of Tuba City. Its remote, dirt-road location means you will have stunning rock formations – hoodoos and spires – all to yourself.

There are no real signs that point the way, you need to have directions and know where you are going. Since it sits within the Navajo Nation, you will need to get a permit before visiting the canyon (although I think the vast majority of people don't do this). You can get one off of the Navajo Nation Parks and Recreation website or at the Visitor's Center in Cameron.

One of the best hikes is to hike down as long as you book a tour with a Hopi Guide (the site sits on the Navajo/Hopi border). The colors are phenomenal oranges, reds, and black from the coal – a lot of people attribute the colors and formations to Bryce Canyon. This spot has not been seen or experienced by very many people and is well worth the adventure to seek it out.

Distance from Phoenix: 4 hours.

Page – Gateway to Recreation

One of the best road trips from Phoenix is to the city of Page. This town is filled with incredible landscape views such as Lower and Upper Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, and Lake Powell. 

One of the most asked questions when it comes to visiting this region is if they should experience either Upper Antelope Canyon or Lower Antelope Canyon. I feel like everyone should experience both. Both canyons are different when it comes to shapes and lighting. Upper Antelope Canyon is narrow at the top while wider at the bottom, while Lower Antelope Canyon is wider at the top and narrow at the bottom. This provides two wonderfully different experiences. 

Another great area to explore is the world-famous Horseshoe Bend. People all over the world come to Page just to get a glimpse of this canyon. The trail is 1.3 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 200 feet. The path is extremely easy and is very crowded. But luckily the area to view Horseshoe Bend is vast, so you won't feel like it is too crowded. A great way to enjoy this area is to watch either the sunrise or the sunset.

Distance from Phoenix: 4 hours.

Contributed by Michelle Stelly of The Wandering Queen, photo provided by me.

Cross the Historic Navajo Bridge over Marble Canyon

Take a stroll across the historic Navajo Bridge for spectacular views of Marble Canyon’s reddish limestone walls. The 9th highest bridge in the United States, Navajo Bridge consists of two steel arches spanning the Colorado River at a dizzying height of 470 feet.

Constructed in 1929, the first Navajo Bridge was eventually replaced with a more modern structure in 1995. Today, visitors can walk across the original bridge span while admiring the canyon views, as well as the majestic California Condors, soaring overhead.

Located 4 hours north of Phoenix on Highway 89A, the bridge is just one of many scenic wonders on the Vermillion Cliffs Scenic Highway. Stretching from Bitter Springs, Arizona to Kanab, Utah, this scenic road parallels a spectacular shelf of towering walls that form Vermilion Cliffs National Monument.

After crossing the bridge, be sure to continue west along the scenic highway to get the best views of these impressive red cliffs.

For more information about the bridge and the area’s history, be sure to stop at the Navajo Bridge Interpretive Center on the western side of the canyon. Additional attractions in the area include Old Cliff Dwellers Lodge and Stone House as well as some unusual rock formations.

Lee’s Ferry is also located nearby on the banks of the Colorado River. It’s the only place in Marble Canyon where visitors can drive to the river’s edge. Lee’s Ferry provides swimming and fishing access as well as a campground and miles of hiking trails.

Distance from Phoenix: 4 hours.

Contributed by Katy Shaw of A Rambling Unicorn.

Get Your Cowboy on at Arizona Rodeos

Rodeos are a year-round activity in Arizona. Depending on the time of year you are in Phoenix, you can catch several truly entertaining, tried and true cowboy (and girl!) rodeos nearby or as a day trip. Catch the oldest in Prescott in June or the other oldest in Payson in May. Or Tucson in February or Scottsdale in March. Wild West is fun for everyone!

Distance from Phoenix: varies.

Not bad for 2 years of day trips (of course you'll notice I had a few friends share some of their recommendations for some spots that I haven't been to yet or don't have photos for) and can you believe that there are more to discover? I will keep adding to this collection as I find new spots and hopefully, you will help me add to this list as well!

Visiting the Valley of the Sun gives you plenty of opportunity for short day trips from Phoenix and this list of more than 60 proves it!

Here is my free printable checklist with these day trips from Phoenix.

If you want my FULL Phoenix and Tucson Travel Planner with day trips and things to do in Phoenix and Tucson, it is available for $4.99.

If you are planning any day trips or road trips from Phoenix, you may want to check out these posts as well. I am certain they will come in handy!

• Things to do in Phoenix – all the activities I didn't mention in this post as they are under 1 hour including trips to Camelback Mountain, the botanical gardens, and more.
• What to do in Phoenix in the Summertime
• Phoenix’s Best Ice Cream
• Best Tamales in Phoenix
• Hotel recommendations: Mountain Shadows Resort, The Hermosa Inn, and Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

And of course, here are 7 things to bring on any trip to Phoenix!

How about you? Have you taken any of these Phoenix day trips and have something to share? Do you have a new day trip from Phoenix that is between 1 and 4 hours away? Do share!

Don't forget to pin this for later!

Share now!

The post 60+ Best Day Trips from Phoenix for 2024 appeared first on Misadventures with Andi.

Given our inclination for sustainability-built homes, I knew that Taliesin West was something Mr. Misadventures and I needed to see. Plus the fact that Frank Lloyd Wright was the creator of organic architecture and one of the heads of the Prairie School of architectural style which integrated buildings within the landscape which definitely appealed to us.

Nestled in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, Taliesin West stands as a testament to the architectural genius of Frank Lloyd Wright. Scottsdale is a short drive from Phoenix and before you know it you are in the hills above the city looking out on a magnificent view of the canyons below and mountains beyond. You can imagine that in 1937 (when FLW purchased the land) it was an empty palette to play with.

Mr. Misadventures and I took the Insights Tour, one of many Taliesin West tours they offer (here is a list with descriptions) at this Frank Lloyd Wright Arizona museum and we thoroughly enjoyed it. As a seasoned tour guide led us through the enchanting interior spaces of this masterpiece, we couldn't help but marvel at the seamless integration of desert masonry and organic design principles.

The guided tours are 90 minutes in length (they also have a 60-minute audio tour) and full of interesting stories and anecdotes about FLW’s life, work, and preservation efforts. We had an amazing docent who was truly passionate about all things FLW.

It's a walking tour (self-guided audio tours are also available in the Frank Lloyd Wright store) with a guide that takes you in and around this national historic landmark. Taliesin West's significance is recognized not only within the United States but also globally, as it holds a coveted spot on the UNESCO World Heritage list (1 of 8 UNESCO World Heritage sites for FLW). The visionary architect Frank Lloyd Wright himself envisioned this desert laboratory where architecture and nature harmoniously coexist.

The best part?

We could touch and photograph as much as we wanted. (I don’t know if it is an Arizona thing but after both Pima and Taliesin West, I am in love with their approach to museums!). I have been to lots of historic homes and this is the first time I have been able to sit on the furniture, to touch walls, it is fantastic!

The furniture and decorations are a marvel to anyone who appreciates prairie-style architecture.

Frank Lloyd Wright was heavily influenced by the work of Friedrich Fröbel, the creator of kindergarten and educational toys that used “visual materials to reconstruct a successful system to teach young children about art, design, mathematics, and nature.”

Basically, geometric shapes. The favor of local materials was also important. The other influence on FLW was Asian. Both Chinese and Japanese designs, art, and philosophy.

Once we began touring the house and grounds, we were able to see geometric shapes (which after 79 years are still in style) and Asian touches throughout. See if you can spot them in the photos I’ve shared.

Our advance purchase of tickets for the guided tour allowed us to explore the drafting studio, a place where Wright's creative genius took shape. This drafting room, much like his drafting studio in New York City, served as the epicenter of his groundbreaking work.

While wandering through the garden room, we learned about the influence of the natural surroundings on Wright's design philosophy. The desert sand and surrounding landscape were integral to his vision of a desert utopia. Taliesin West's low-slung buildings with canvas roofs blend seamlessly with the desert foothills of the McDowell Mountains.

One can't help but be inspired by the serene outdoor pathways of Taliesin West, where Wright's most famous buildings come to life. The winter camp, once nestled in the rural foothills of northeast Scottsdale, now stands as a symbol of Wright's architectural legacy.

What Mr. Misadventures and I loved the most is how much natural light the house had, just gorgeous! Although natural light also means sun, so I am not sure this would be my favorite place to visit in the summer (they do have air conditioning), it is FLW’s winter home for a reason!

[They actually do host evening star-gazing tours in the summer. Learn more about what to do in Phoenix in the summertime here.]

This was Frank Lloyd Wright's office and he could work in it all day without any lights!

The living room also was full of natural light. The chairs were designed by Mr. Wright and are really interesting. They aren't entirely comfortable, they are meant to keep you sitting up and paying attention (to the host no doubt) while they were entertaining!

There are windows that provide a line of sight everywhere.

Inside Taliesin West's dining hall, we marveled at the south-facing dining room that offers breathtaking views of the desert landscape. It's a place where Wright's personal touch can be felt in every detail, from the structure's walls to the inscription of a collection of his own words.

Throughout the tour, we gained insight into the life of this famous architect, including his personal life and influences. Ralph Waldo Emerson's writings and Asian design elements played a significant role in shaping Wright's imagination.

This scene from an ancient Chinese play was purchased in San Francisco's Chinatown. Having not survived the voyage on the boat from China, there were large pieces and FLW was able to buy them very cheaply and had them inserted into the walls of his home.

There are multiple dragons as well, like when we enter the back of the house. Geometrics may not age, but how about that gold and teal!?

And in the back garden.

The home is also a functioning school of architecture (the Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture closed in 2020) and we got to peek into one of the apprentice work areas in the hillside home school, part of the legacy of the Taliesin fellowship.

As we explored the architecture school on-site, we met aspiring architecture students carrying forward Wright's legacy with their own architectural education. A small number of the legacy fellows continue to be inspired by the desert landscape and the unique work environment at Taliesin West. It is cool to know that there are continually new generations of architects inspired by their time at Taliesin West.

Here is the courtyard at the backside of the apprentice design area.

I haven’t shared every room that we visited, you definitely need visit Taliesin West for yourself to take it all in. I promise you that you will be inspired to seek out other FLW sites when you are done!

Frank Llyod Wright's Taliesin West is not just a historic site; it's a symbol of Mr. Wright's architectural brilliance and his commitment to integrating his work with the natural environment. Spread across acres of land, this site offers fellowship's hands-on education programs, including special exhibitions such as Ayad Rahmani's latest book on Wright's work.

Taliesin West tickets are available online. Be sure to get an understanding of the rules around photography at the tour ticket office. Taliesin West photos do have a few restrictions. There is an ongoing calendar of cultural events and programs at Taliesin and Taliesin West, so if you are going to be in the Phoenix area, make sure to see what is going on.

Between February and June, they also have a wonderful evening event called Sunset & Sips it is Taliesin West’s most popular program seeing a desert sunset while enjoying a beverage is the perfect way to start the evening.

If you are a fan of FLW, become a member and get updates on the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation‘s preservation efforts and Taliesin preservation.

Taliesin West is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in architecture, design, and the captivating legacy of Frank Lloyd Wright. It's a place where the Arizona desert landscape and Wright's personal touch come together to create a brilliant aspect of architectural history.

Frank Lloyd Wright Taliesin FAQs

How about you? Have you visited a Frank Lloyd Wright site? I bet you have! With over 532 completed projects, it is likely there is one in your own backyard!

More [greater] Phoenix Stories

• Here are 7 things you should always bring on a trip to Phoenix.
• Here are 70 things to do in Phoenix.
• And 60+ Best Day Trips from Phoenix
• Are you visiting in the summertime? Here are things to do in Phoenix in the summer.
• Get your cowboy on! There are rodeos all year round!
• Best tamales in Phoenix, yum!
• Cool down with the best ice cream in Phoenix.

If you want my FULL Phoenix and Tucson Phoenix and Tucson Activity + Day Trip List with day trips and things to do in Phoenix and Tucson, it is available for $4.99.

Don't forget to pin this for later!

Share now!

The post Things to do in Phoenix – Taliesin West – Visiting Frank Lloyd Wright’s Winter Home appeared first on Misadventures with Andi.

Luckily the desert-dwelling residents of the Valley of the Sun seemed to be a little obsessed with all things ice cream and there is no shortage of ice cream shops in Phoenix to get your ice-cold groove on.

Today I'm sharing my top picks for the best ice cream and all its varieties. Get your sweet tooth ready, there is nothing better on a hot day than this…unless you are eating your ice cream in a pool!

By the way, if you love ice cream and are interested in the origins of various varieties, regional variances, and any other ice cream history, I highly recommend The Sweet Spot from Amy Ettinger.

The Best of the Best

Anything food-related is always going to be subjective, so while the Sweet Republic may be my pick for my all-time favorite, you may just as easily find another shop on this list that you prefer. Variety is definitely the spice of life!

Sweet Republic

This award-winning shop is known for its unique sweet-savory flavor combos. Like many other shops, Sweet Republic ice cream uses fresh local ingredients and makes their ice cream from scratch. But I think that their Asian heritage and culinary backgrounds (Le Cordon Bleu in Sydney) plus time spent at Eccolo in Berkeley, make for very distinct recipes that they bring to the table, and to your bowl!

Location: Sweet Republic has a location in Scottsdale (9160 E Shea Blvd) and Phoenix (6054 N 16th St)

Oldies Are Goodies

Everybody loves a classic. I'd say even more so when it comes to ice cream. For generations, people have been going to ice cream parlors for shakes and sodas on date night, for a family treat, to celebrate a special event, or to drown their sorrows. The Phoenix area has no shortage of nostalgia served up with one scoop or two.

MacAlpine's Soda Fountain

Established in 1928, MacAlpine's Soda Fountain is a local legend and serves up Thrifty brand ice cream in a vintage retro environment.

Location: MacAlpine's Soda Fountain is located in Phoenix (2303 N 7th St)

Mary Coyle

An old-school ice cream parlor with sundaes, shakes, and floats. They master anything with nuts, so try out one of their nut-forward flavors like pecan praline, rocky road, coffee Heath Bar crunch, or penuche nut.

Location: Mary Coyle is located in Phoenix (5823 N 7th St)

Sugar Bowl

If Sugar Bowl was on Instagram they would definitely be using a pink filter! This old-fashioned soda shop serves ice cream, shakes, and malts along with their famous Camelback Soda: an old-fashioned soda with vanilla ice cream with a side of soda water.

Location: Sugar Bowl is located in Scottsdale (4005 N Scottsdale Rd)

Udder Delights

All the dairy for their ice cream products comes from Superstition Farm dairy farm (you can even tour the farm!). Their head chef creates fresh flavors with local ingredients without artificial colors or preservatives.

Location: Udder Delights is located in Gilbert (1385 E Warner Rd)

Churn

This is a classic yet artisan ice cream shop. They serve hand-crafted ice cream with classic candy and toys that make everyone feel like a kid! Strawberry season in Arizona is June through September, so make sure you try all of their seasonal strawberry treats like Strawberry sauce and strawberry shortcake ice cream, yum! Also famous for its peanut butter ice cream!

Location: Churn is located in Phoenix (5223 N. Central Ave)

City Creamery

Old-fashioned ice cream at its best in a really fun town known for its historical downtown. Check this spot out if you want a really good hot fudge sundae and classic flavors including chocolate, vanilla and strawberry.

Location: City Creamery is located in Cave Creek (6268 E Cave Creek Rd)

Unique Ice Cream Shops

Not your average ice cream shop, check out a few unique spots that also offer some of the best ice cream in Phoenix.

Melt

Melt Ice Cream Downtown Phoenix has so many things going on. It is inside the Jobot Coffee shop, serves their product in a Chinese takeout container (with a fortune cookie on top!), and has some very unique flavors like jalapeno lime cheesecake, and one of my favorites à la Humphry Slocombe in San Francisco's Ferry Building, Vietnamese coffee!

Location: Melt Ice Cream is located in Phoenix (333 E Roosevelt)

Novel Ice Cream

Want fun ice cream sandwiches? Head to Novel Ice Cream! They have taken the traditional ice cream sandwich and swapped the cookie for a donut which they call the Dough Melt. Novel “only” offers 12 flavors which they switch out once or twice a month and their seasonal flavors sell out fast.

They work with an ice cream chef and baker, use a higher percentage of butterfat, and use a local producer for their honey and lavender. (Yes, there are lavender farms in Arizona!)

Location: Novel Ice Cream is located in Phoenix (1028 Grand Ave) and Mesa (40 N Macdonald)

Ohio in the House

Ohio is home to over 2,000 dairy farms, lots of unique ice cream shops, and an ice cream trail, so it's only natural that they exported some of their best-known brands to Phoenix. Here are the 2 best Ohio-based ice cream shops.

Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream

I have been a fan of Jeni's for a very long time (love salted caramel and her other fun flavors). When I lived in California, I had it shipped from Ohio before Jeni's stores started showing up around the country. And now she is in the Phoenix area! Her ice cream flavors are so original and always good!

Location: Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream is located in Scottsdale (7051 E 5th Ave, Scottsdale)

Handel's

Handel's has been around since 1945 but came to Arizona in 2018. They have 5 locations in the greater Phoenix area and have 40+ flavors to choose from! For those of you who enjoy a classic vanilla scoop, try the amazing Tahitian Vanilla Bean.

Location: Handel's Ice Cream is located in Gilbert, Peoria, Scottsdale (x2), and Surprise.

For the Science Geeks

They've been doing this in San Francisco for a while now (Smitten Ice Cream was one of the first), so it makes sense that made-from-scratch liquid nitrogen hand-crafted-to-order premium ice cream has come to Phoenix, where the desert-loving crowd can really appreciate the cold factor!

Nitro Live Icecreamery

This very blogger-friendly locale has it all and everything is customizable here, including your base. So whether you want ice cream, low-fat ice cream, yogurt, or custard, you are going to get it ice cold with whatever flavor or mix-in you want.

Location: Nitro Live Icecreamery is located in Gilbert (884 W. Warner Rd)

Creamistry

This is actually a franchise ice cream store with a single Arizona location in Gilbert. They instantly freeze each ice cream order using liquid nitrogen, making sure each item is rich, creamy, and cold! Get it in a “croffle,” a croissant-waffle, the francophile in me was intrigued!

Location: Creamistry is located in Gilbert (335 North Gilbert Road)

On a Roll

I had never seen or heard of ice cream rolls until I moved to Phoenix. But it turns out they have been doing this in Asia (right under my nose too) for quite a while. I'm glad I finally got to experience it!

Nomadic Ice Cream Rolls

Created by a charismatic gentleman who turned tragedy into triumph, this used to be a food truck that is now a shop in Glendale. “The dude” starts with liquid ice cream that is poured onto a freezing cold slabbed and then scraped into delicious rolls. He has some very original flavors, but let me tell you, it is not the easiest thing to eat!

Location: Nomadic Ice Cream Rolls is located in Glendale (5750 W Glendale Ave)

Maya Ice-Cream Rolls

Thai-style ice cream rolls made by an Indian family! The only downside (in my opinion) is it is inside a mall. But the upside is that it is really interesting to watch them make them!

Location: Maya Ice-Cream Roll is located in Phoenix (4604 E Cactus Rd inside Paradise Valley Mall)

Pops

Raise your hand if you grew up eating Otter Pops or anything from the Popsicle brand? Yep. Been there. Definitely did that. Well, popsicles have gotten a lot more sophisticated and I like it!

Pop ‘N Tea Bar

This is the spot all the grammers love to go to! Their pops are known as “diamond bars” because of their shape which they dip or drizzle into toppings. They have dairy and non-dairy all-fruit options. Go for a popsicle but don't forget their amazing teas too!

Location: Pop ‘N Tea Bar is located in Phoenix (550 West McDowell Road)

Paletas Betty

Paletas are Mexican popsicles. At Paletas the pops are handmade in small batches with fresh fruit, fresh-ground spices, and homemade flavorings. They are delicious but don't take my word for it, they are constantly being awarded best this and that by many of the Phoenix area residents!

Location: Paletas Betty is located in Chandler (96 W. Boston St.)

AZ Pops

All-natural, local ingredients even when they may not make any sense, like their sesame cucumber pop! They are also nut-free, gluten-free, and have no artificial coloring and flavoring.

Location: AZ Pops has 2 locations in Phoenix (5050 N 7th St. and 3632 E Indian School Rd)

For Vegetarians and Vegans

Something for everyone right? It's nice to see that those who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet can still partake in frozen treats!

Nami

Nami is a vegan pastry shop that serves soy-based, organic ice cream-like desserts (think Blizzards) with things like organic chocolate, organic, graham crackers, Ricemellow fluff, and vegan Cap’n Crunch—or fresh fruits.

Location: Nami is located in Phoenix (2014 N 7th Street)

Gelato

People are constantly arguing about whether gelato is ice cream. It's practically the same in every way except gelato has no eggs. But I say, who cares, it's a delicious frozen treat and it doesn't matter what you call it!

That's Amore

Run by an Italian family originally from Milan, That's Amore is making artisan-crafted batches on a daily basis in nearly 40 flavors, all with love!

Location: That's Amore is located in Scottsdale (7605 E. Pinnacle Peak Road)

Cool Gelato Italiano

Run by trained Italian gelato-makers who like to give their flavors fun names, the Italian-born and gelato-master-trained husband and wife team behind Cool Gelato Italiano know what they are doing! Their background in food consulting also means they are constantly on top of food trends as well.

Location: Cool Gelato Italiano is located in Scottsdale (7373 E. Scottsdale Mall)

Frost Gelato

I love Frost Gelatos' story. Two tourists in Rome looking for something cool to drink stumble into a gelateria, try gelato for the first time, and fall in love. Returning to Arizona, they hired a full-time Italian chef from Bologna with 30+ years of experience and training from another master gelato chef – smart boys!

Location: Frost Gelato has 2 locations in Phoenix (2502 E. Camelback Rd.) and Gilbert (San Tan Village, 2150 E. Williams Field Rd.)

Fatty Daddy's

Go for the gelato, but stay for the cookie! They serve their gelato in a cookie cup AND with a macaron on top (oh, la, la!) plus a marshmallow toasted to ooey-gooey-goodness!

Location: Fatty Daddy's has 2 locations in Phoenix (888 N 1st Ave) and Scottsdale (1608 N Miller Rd)

How about you? Have you tried an amazing ice cream treat in the Phoenix area? Have I tempted you to hop on a plane, train, or automobile to try one of these out? Do tell! How about your favorite spot for ice cream in your own hometown? Share!

If you want my FULL Phoenix and Tucson Phoenix and Tucson Activity + Day Trip List with day trips and things to do in Phoenix and Tucson, it is available for $4.99.

For a visual summary of this post, check out my Phoenix ice cream web story!

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Sunscreen

I'm sure you wouldn't even think about forgetting your sunscreen if you were visiting Phoenix in the summer. The mild winter weather just doesn't seem like something that will hurt you, but, it is vitally important to wear sunscreen, especially one with UV protection, as beautiful sunny days can have a damaging effect on your skin.

My sunscreen favorites:

Wandering The West

Before heading out to enjoy the sun make sure you take care of your skin and Mother Earth with the Wandering the West all-natural, non-toxic, and reef-friendly herbal sunscreen from Peak Scents in 3 shades or nude. Code: ANDIFISHER to get 20% off!

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Kōkua Sun Care

Reef-safe, 80-minute water-resistant sunscreen featuring Hawaiian-grown ingredients, such as macadamia oil, kukui nut oil, noni fruit juice, plumeria extract, and spirulina that enrich this must-have sunscreen to add to your daily routine. Aloha!

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Kiehl's Broad Spectrum SPF

Kiehls – Ultra Light Daily UV Defense SPF 50 PA is a lightweight facial sunscreen with SPF 50+ formulated with Vitamin E, UV filters, pollution protection, and powerful antioxidants to help prevent early skin aging. Paraben-free and fragrance-free.

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Roche-Posay Anthelios 50

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Sunscreen Gentle Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 50, Face and Body Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide, Oil-Free. Body and face sunscreen leaves skin feeling soothed, soft, & protected. Soft finish, non-greasy texture.

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Hat

In the same vein, wearing a hat to further protect your head and your face while you are hiking those gorgeous trails, catching a baseball game, or playing a round of golf, heck, even just sitting by the pool at any number of Phoenix's amazing resorts, would be a really smart thing to do.

My favorite hats:

Wallaroo Australian

Wallaroo women’s travel hat collection features stylish, UPF sun protective hats in time-honored silhouettes made of lightweight, durable materials.

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San Diego Hat Co.

The Women's Floppy SPF 50+ Sun Hat is your perfect protection from the sun. UPF 50+ sun protection which blocks 98% of the UV rays from the sun.

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Sunglasses

It is very bright and clear here in the desert, and if you don't pack a pair of sunglasses, you will find yourself squinting a lot. And that causes wrinkles. Just saying…

Lip Balm

The air is very dry here in the Southwest, and from time to time, the wind can pick up. The air can quickly dry out your lips (and your nose!). Make sure you have your favorite lip balm (or two) on hand to ensure you don't end up with chapped, cracked lips.

Lotion

The dry air also means that your skin can take a beating, to keep it soft and supple, bring a bottle of lotion to put on in the morning and evening. Look for brands that offer extra-moisturizing versions, and add a bonus if it has built-in SPF protection.

My favorite lotions for desert environments:

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream

A fast-absorbing, rich moisturizing cream with a light, whipped texture that leaves even the driest, flaky skin feeling smooth, hydrated, and comfortable after just a single use. Clinically proven to improve skin hydration by 169%.

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Pour Moi Desert Day Cream

Climate-Smart Geo-HydraD/Desert complex blends with white truffle extract from the Rhône-Alpes Region. Customized for all-day hydration in a dry desert climate where indoor air-conditioning further accelerates skin dehydration.

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Nivea Soft Moisturizing Cream

An all-in-one body, fast-absorbing face and hand cream that delivers long-lasting moisture and supple skin. The lightweight formula is enriched with Jojoba Oil and Vitamin E for softer, smoother skin without that greasy feel.

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Water Bottle

It is very easy to get dehydrated; you can begin to feel ill and not even realize that you haven't drunk enough liquids. From time to time, put down the frosty beverage and grab some water. I personally try to be as sustainable as possible, so I carry around a refillable water bottle and, depending on what I am doing, a handy-dandy holder that allows me to be hands-free with my container.

Drink at least twice as much water as you normally would.

My favorite water bottles:

Klean Kanteen

Insulated water bottle designed with versatility and portability in mind. Keep water cold all day.

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Hydro Flask

Cold drinks stay cold for 24 hours, hot drinks hot for 12, and the built-in straw makes sipping easy.

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LARQ

Double-wall vacuum insulated water bottle keeps your water cold for 24 hours and hot for 12.

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Probiotics

For years I have recommended that you travel with probiotics. While on business or vacation, we often get out of our normal eating routine and sometimes we can suffer the consequence of indigestion. I have been taking probiotics for years and cannot tell how many times it has come to the rescue when I have over-indulged.

There are a lot of great Mexican and Sonoran-inspired foods, some can be a touch spicy, and the digestive enzymes can help.

Also, if you do something like the Fresh Foodie Trail and partake in all its delicious offerings or eat every tamale on my best tamales in Phoenix list, you may thank me if you pack a bottle of probiotics in your suitcase!

Don't forget your pup!

If you are bringing your dog to visit Phoenix with you, then please make sure you protect your fur-baby too! Please consider picking up a pair of Bark Brite Lightweight Neoprene Paw Protector Dog Boots to protect their paws. They offer the best performance in high temperatures and on hot surfaces.

Now that you are all packed and ready to go, I've got a few suggestions for your trip to Phoenix. And if you make it further out to Tucson, I've got you covered there as well!

How about you? What else would you recommend for a trip to Phoenix?

If you want my FULL Phoenix and Tucson Phoenix and Tucson Activity + Day Trip List with day trips and things to do in Phoenix and Tucson, it is available for $4.99.

More [greater] Phoenix Stories

• Visiting in the summertime? Here are things to do in Phoenix in the summer.
• Get your cowboy on! There are rodeos all year round!
• Check out Frank Lloyd Wright's winter home, Taliesin West.
• Best tamales in Phoenix, yum!
• Cool down with the best ice cream in Phoenix.
• 50+ day trips from Phoenix!

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But that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do in Phoenix in the summer! I’m not about to spend my summer sitting inside in the AC (though it’s tempting sometimes!) so I’ve spent the last few years discovering exactly the best things to do in Phoenix in the summer sun. 

I still remember when Mr. Misadventures and I rolled up into the Phoenix area in our RV and were met with a temperature of 119 degrees. We managed to survive that first half-summer but it was definitely a shock when we had been expecting to spend all of our time outdoors hiking!

So let’s just say I know from personal experience what to do and not do in Phoenix in the summertime!

Museums

100 outside? Who cares when I can enjoy a nice view from inside the Phoenix Art Museum!

Like any other major city, and Phoenix is the 5th largest city in the United States, there are plenty of world-class, and air-conditioned, museums to check out. Personally, I think this is the best way to spend the hottest part of the afternoon as museums are something I would regularly visit anyway. Might as well do it when I can’t (or don’t want to be) outside!

• There are many to choose from, here are my picks:
• Phoenix Art Museum (1625 N. Central Avenue) It’s the largest art museum in the Southwest US!
• Heard Museum (2301 N. Central Avenue)
• Arizona Science Center (600 E Washington St) First Peoples art.
• Musical Instrument Museum (4725 E Mayo Blvd) only one of its kind in the world.
• Hall of Flame Fire Museum (6101 E Van Buren St)Arizona Capitol Museum (1700 W Washington St)
• Children’s Museum (215 N 7th St) This has some great interactive exhibits for the kids!

I have a full list of museums in my 70 things to do in Phoenix list, check them out!

Hiking

Mr. Misadventures and I like to hike and we are also early birds so getting up in the morning hours to hit the trail is not a hardship for us. Hiking in the summer is not about doing epic trails but rather shorter hikes that allow you to enjoy being outside while ensuring you are back at the trailhead before it gets too hot.

You really shouldn't start any later than 6 a.m., bring lots of water (and the other 6 items you should pack for a trip to Phoenix) and tell someone where you’ll be.

Trail suggestions:

• South Mountain Trails (several locations on 19th and Central Ave) 0.5-3 miles, easy to difficult
• North Mountain & Shaw Butte Trails (several locations on N 7th Street) 1-4 miles, easy to moderate
• Phoenix Sonoran Preserve Apache Wash Loop (1600 E. Sonoran Desert Dr.) has several trails 0.5-5 miles, easy to difficult
• Phoenix Sonoran Preserve Desert Hills Trailhead (705 W. Carefree Hwy.) has 2 trails 6 and 7 miles, moderate to difficult
• Phoenix Sonoran Preserve Desert Vista Trailhead (1900 W. Desert Vista Tr.) has several trails 1-4 miles, easy to difficult

Night hiking

A few folks have told us about night hiking, and if you look at the trail hours on some of the trails listed above you see that some stay open until 11 PM, but I have not personally done this, and I'm not so sure it is my thing. It can still be 90 degrees until way past midnight and also, I'm hard-pressed to stay up past 10!

But if you are interested in trying this out, there are some newbie trails like Alta Trail and the Holbert Trail in the South Mountain (listed above) and the Apache Vista Loop Trail in the Phoenix Sonoran Preserve (also listed above). Sometimes the rangers will do guided hikes as well.

Once you get your nighttime hiking skills under your belt check out: Cave Creek Regional Park, Estrella Mountain Regional Park, Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area, Usery Mountain Regional Park, and the White Tank Mountain Regional Park.

I have more hikes in my 70 Things to do in Phoenix as well.

Resorts (and their pools!)

Summer is the low season for hotels in Phoenix. That means you can score some excellent deals at many of the area's finest resorts. And if you are an Arizona resident you can get even deeper discounts for your very own staycation.

The resorts boast many pools (when I had a 36-hour staycation at the Fairmont Princess in January I found all 6 of theirs!) and pool activities including temporary beaches, movie nights, etc. along with exceptional dining and spa experiences. I'm a big fan of off-season experiences and I think this is a great opportunity to stay at a luxury resort on the cheap.

• Resorts I KNOW I have summer deals:
• The Camby (2401 E Camelback Rd)
• Copperwynd Resort & Club (13225 N Eagle Ridge Dr, Scottsdale)
• JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa (5350 E Marriott Dr)
• The Phoenician (6000 East Camelback Road, Scottsdale)
• Point Hilton Squaw Peak Resort (7677 North 16th Street)
• Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort (5700 E McDonald Dr, Paradise Valley) is on my personal bucket list
• Westin Kierland Resort & Spa (6902 East Greenway Parkway, Scottsdale

This is JUST to name a few, seriously every hotel and resort in town has summer deals! Since this post isn't supposed to be about hotels, I'm moving on!

Pool Parties

If pool parties are more your style (they're not mine) than head to:

• The OH Pool at the Valley Ho Hotel (6850 E Main St, Scottsdale) it's open to the public every day but Saturday
• Maya Day & Nightclub (7333 East Indian Plaza, Scottsdale) a Vegas-style party pool
• The Release pool party which is 21 and up at the Talking Stick Resort (9800 Talking Stick Way)

Nighttime Visit Taliesin West

I've visited Frank Lloyd Wright's famous home, Taliesin West, in the winter and absolutely loved it. I can tell you for a fact that you do not want to visit it in the summer, too many windows, BUT I just learned they do evening tours which I think would be just awesome and it is something I am going to be doing this summer.

With its location high up on the hillside, it is supposed to be really great for sunset. The Night Lights Tours is offered 3 times on Friday evenings at 6, 6:30, and 7. It's 2 hours so you are also supposed to see a great view of the stars on the last tour. (I could not find any information about the tour on their website, so use the link I provided.)

Desert at Dawn at the Desert Botanical Garden

The Desert Botanical Garden, located in Papago Park, is worth visiting anytime. They have garden trails and galleries that are perfect for wandering, a butterfly garden to sit and relax, and more rotating exhibits.

But, knowing that the afternoon heat can be a little unbearable, they offer a special during the summer – Desert at Dawn, where you can enter the gardens at 6 am on select days. Not only do you get to see the stunning desert sunrise, but you also get to access the garden while it’s much cooler outside!

And if you have kids, be sure to check the calendar of events as they offer storytime and other activities for kids during the summer as well.

Catch a Game at Chase Field

I think there are few things that say “summer in America”  quite like enjoying some popcorn and a hot dog while watching a football game. And luckily, this is something you’ll have no trouble doing in Phoenix. Just visit Chase Field, home to the Arizona Diamondbacks!

Baseball not your thing? Chase Field also hosts live music and other events throughout the year.

Take a Day Trip to Scottsdale

Scottsdale, Arizona is just 25 minutes up the road and is a great place to visit in the summer. You can visit the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, explore Old Town Scottsdale (and pop into a cafe or bar to escape the heat when needed!), get your cowboy on at the Museum of the West and spend the hottest part of the day in the AC of the OdySea Aquarium, one of the newest aquariums in the US and the biggest aquarium in the Southwest. 

Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride

Check off your bucket list with a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the Sonoran Desert and Deer Valley! There are several companies in the area offering this experience but Rainbow Ryders and Hot Air Expeditions are two of the most well-known.

Both companies offer tours beginning at 4:30 am so you’re in the air as the sunrises. What a truly unique experience! Since this is such a popular bucket list adventure, be sure to reserve your spot in advance.

Take a Scenic Drive

Whether you go on an impromptu road trip with no destination or make a true day trip out of it, this can be a great way to take in the desert landscapes – especially if you’re new to the area! Crank up the air conditioning or roll the windows down (but, realistically…you’ll probably want the AC!), turn up the tunes, and drive. 

Not a fan of random driving? Punch one of these day trip destinations in your GPS and go exploring!

Here are some of the best road trip songs: Theme Songs for Your Trip to (or through) Arizona!

Get on the Water

I'm not the beach-going kind of gal, convenient as I now live in the desert. When it's hot outside makes sense that water would be a good solution – I'm just always hesitant because water plus sun equals sunburn to me, so make sure if you partake in any of the following that you wear a hat and a ton of sunscreen!

Here are some of my recommendations for water activities in the Phoenix area.

• Boating and swimming on Lake Pleasant  (41835 N. Castle Hot Springs Rd., Morristown)
• Enjoy a morning of tubing down the Salt River (9200 N Bush Hwy, Mesa)
• Paddleboat on Tempe Town Lake (Rio Salado Pkwy, Tempe)
• Water parks like Big Surf Waterpark (1500 North McClintock)

There are more water activities in my things to do in Phoenix post. There are also tons of things to do within a 1-4 hour drive – check out my list of 60+ best day trips from Phoenix!

Beer

There's nothing I like better when it is super hot outside than an ice-cold beer. And in Phoenix, the local favorite is Four Peaks Brewing Company. You can visit, tour, and sip their beer (for free) at their original brewery (and one of the best bars in Phoenix) in Tempe (1340 E 8th St).

The tour lasts an hour and you can learn all their brewing secrets, try new flavors they have on tap, and stay to eat and enjoy more if their exceptional on-tap craft beers.

Ice Cream

So you know that statement there's nothing better on a super hot day than an ice-cold beer?” Well, maybe there is a close second. As you can imagine living in the desert with year-round temperatures that range from mildly warm to fry-an-egg-on-the-sidewalk, ice cream is a big deal around here and there is a huge variety of choices.

From old-timey spots doing classic sundaes and shakes with primo ingredients, to those that lean more scientific with nitro-infused inventions to hipster cool popsicles and weird shapes and serving preparations.

I dedicated a whole post on this topic!

Here are some of my ice cream recommendations:

• Sweet Republic (9160 E Shea Blvd) and Phoenix (6054 N 16th St)
• Udder Delights (1385 E Warner Rd)
• Pop ‘N Tea Bar (550 West McDowell Road)

Summer is low season in Phoenix but that clearly doesn’t mean there’s a lack of things to do! You can still have a great time, as long as you come hydrated and prepared with a little sunscreen. While you may not want to hit up the usual attractions like the Phoenix Zoo in the middle of the afternoon, you’ll have a chance to experience things others won’t, like a hot air balloon ride or a Vegas-style pool party. 

If you want my FULL Phoenix and Tucson Phoenix and Tucson Activity + Day Trip List with day trips and things to do in Phoenix and Tucson, it is available for $4.99.

How about you? Do you have a recommendation for things to do in Phoenix in the summer? Do you live in the desert (or hot locale) have a survival tip? Do share!

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I'm a sucker for food challenges. I spent a week in Hilo Hawaii researching and trying many, many loco moco dishes and I have happily invested a lot of time figuring out who has the best tamales in Phoenix.

While many of the best tamale places also offer some of the best Mexican food in Phoenix, I'm a bit of a purist. I usually go to tamale restaurants for tamales and head to more “general” Mexican restaurants in Scottsdale, like Barrio Queen, which is by far some of the best Mexican food I've ever eaten anywhere.

One of the best things about living in the Phoenix area is that you don't have to choose! You have an abundance of tamales near me as well as fantastic Mexican, Sonoran, Mesoamerican, and South American restaurants all around you!

What is a tamale?

First of all, some of you may not know what a tamale is. Tamales are delicious packets of goodness, made with corn-based masa flour that is stuffed with meat, seafood, cheese, or beans and enfolded into a corn husk (or banana leaf depending on the region) and steamed. Then either a red or green sauce is poured on top.

But why tamales at Christmas? Corn was an essential crop for the MesoAmerican farmers and food wrapped in corn, and corn husks served as an offering. From there, tamales began to be an essential part of holidays or special occasions like weddings, baptisms, Christmas, and these days, Thanksgiving.

If you are lucky enough to have Hispanic friends and family then during the holidays you will likely partake in a tamale-making-and-eating feast known as a tamalada. Making tamales takes work and the tamale-making process is a social event that allows friends and family to catch up and to make bunches and bunches of tamales to share and enjoy. Please, will someone invite me to one?

Personally, I want to make tamales with Ms. Lagunas who I was introduced to by this NY Times article where she explains the tradition of tamales.

Where to Buy Tamales in Phoenix – Tamales For Sale!

The great thing about tamales is that they are often for sale at the shops and restaurants they are made in. They have both fresh tamales and frozen tamales to take home and enjoy later. Also, they make great party food!

• La Purisima Bakery (4533 W. Glendale Ave., Glendale) known for their fantastic pastries and sweet bread, they also make top-notch tamales on a daily basis. Usually a line. Cash only.
• Azteca Bakery & Mexican Fast Food (416 N 7th Ave, Phoenix) a family-owned bakery that doesn't use any preservatives in their food.
• Carolina's Mexican Food (2126 East Cactus Rd) they have 3 kinds of tamales: red beef, green chicken, or green corn, they've been around since 1968!
• The Tamale Store (13046 N Cave Creek Road, Phoenix) they have a very large selection including vegan and vegetarian.
• Old El Paso Tamales (8338 N 7th St. PLUS Terminal 4 in the PHX airport!) have vegetable green corn, beef, chicken green corn, and spinach.

Phoenix Tamale Recommendations from some Local Experts

I've asked some local metro Phoenix area bloggers to help me out a bit and they've got some great recommendations. So whether you are visiting Phoenix for the holidays (lots of people do!) or any other time of the year, check these tamale spots out!

From Taryn Jeffries of Phoenix Bites:
In the Southwest, tamales are synonymous with the holidays, so it goes without saying that there are options galore in the Valley of the Sun. When I’m organizing a holiday event or want to treat out-of-towners to some of the finest tamales in town, I don’t head into the kitchen; I place my order with The Tamale Store. With options like chicken chipotle, pork green chile, and Arizona cornbread with Colby jack along with their sweet corn tamale, The Tamale Store has something that will please the palate of everyone you know.

I love that all the tamales sold here are made fresh daily in small batches and are great for those with gluten and soy sensitivities (mostly.) The tamales here are bursting at the seams with fresh, flavorful fillings and the masa they use is some of the best I’ve tasted. My personal favorite is the beef red chile due to the slow and steady heat of the red chile sauce and the superb fusion of Mexican spices. It’s the spirit and flavor of Arizona on a plate.

From Jessica Norah of Independent Travel Cats:
The family-run The Tamale Store has been on the list of “best tamales in Phoenix” every year since it opened in 2008. A few years ago, I saw one of these lists which encouraged my partner and I to order a batch of their tamales (chicken and pork) which are handmade from scratch each day. The tamales did not disappoint, they were delicious and generously filled with high-quality ingredients.

I've only tried a couple of their meat options, but they also have several vegetarian and vegan options that also sound really yummy. You can get their tamales by pre-ordering, going directly to their shop, or visiting their stand at one of the local farmer's markets.

The Tamale Store in Phoenix, 13046 N Cave Creek Road, Phoenix, AZ 85022.

Since both Taryn and Jessica recommend The Tamale Store, I am heading over there first thing!

From Cacinda Maloney of Points and Travel:
My favorite place to buy them is El Bravo Mexican Food, I go to the one on 7th Street, but they now have a location at the Sky Harbor Airport too, El Bravo Sky Harbor! For 30 years, this restaurant has been making handmade tamales. What makes them so good? Well, for starters, they got the recipe from owner Lorraine Othon's mother, who started the restaurant a long time ago. They use masa -a sweet, moist, and light dough.

Then, there's the meat – tender shredded beef or chicken. Finally, the sauces – red and green. But the green sauce is actually my favorite. They then cover the tamale with a gravy and melted cheese!

El Bravo Mexican Food, 8338 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ 85020.

A few other top picks for the best tamales in Phoenix:

• Molly's Tamales – Award-winning tamale crafter with the classic green or red, but they also have spicy salmon – yum! (8806 N 43rd Ave, Glendale)
• Carolina's Mexican Food – known for their homemade tortillas they also have phenomenal tamales, don't miss the green chicken tamale. (2126 East Cactus Rd, Phoenix)
• Los Dos Molinos – their tamales are spicy, just how I like them! (1044 E. Camelback Rd., Phoenix)

How to Make Tamales at Home:

Of course, if you can't get to Phoenix for tamales (are you sure?) you can make them at home. I love this post from Delicious Days sharing her grandmother's story and tamale recipe.

If I was to try to make tamales at home, I think I would do what Phoenix food blogger, Emily Dixon of One Lovely Life did, slow cooker beef tamale bowls! And Cooking with Curls has a great Instant Pot version for red chile tamales.

They look so easy, all the reward, none of the hard work. (I do want Ms. Lagunas to know that if she did invite me over for a tamalada, I would definitely do the work!)

How about you? Have you eaten tamales in Phoenix and have a favorite? Do share!

If you want my FULL Phoenix and Tucson Phoenix and Tucson Activity + Day Trip List with day trips and things to do in Phoenix and Tucson, it is available for $4.99.

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First, let's get real. Phoenix has three good weather seasons: fall, winter, and spring. As for things to do in Phoenix in the summer, I've got you covered too! Phoenix is a great location for family travel, girlfriend getaways (sure, guys too!), and couples travel. In an effort to make this list as comprehensive as possible and an all-in-one resource, I've provided indications when an activity is especially good for kids, whether an activity is seasonal, or if it is something you can do during the summer.

Also, since Phoenix is so spread out and encompasses several other cities, I've included anything within a 1-hour radius of Phoenix, for 65+ things to do between 1 and 4 hours of Phoenix, check out my day trips from Phoenix post!

Here are 70 ideas to make your day, weekend, or weeklong trip in the sun even better, and start planning now.

Let's get started!

Use these quick links to jump to the sections that interest you the most!

• A Myriad of Museums
• Other Indoor Activities
• Parks and Gardens
• Other Outdoor Activities
• Hiking
• Water Activities
• Mesa
• Other Miscellaneous Activities

A Myriad of Museums!

Phoenix has a lot of wonderful museums and it is one activity that you can do all year round, but they are especially good escapes from the summer heat! These are a few of my favorites:

1. Arizona Science Center

[Kid-friendly!] [Summer-friendly!] Arizona Science Center: Arizona's largest hands-on science center, the museum is home to more than 600 interactive exhibits and a planetarium. The 100+ permanent exhibits are designed with kids in mind but also offer plenty of discoveries for adults too! Don't miss their IMAX theater or laser shows at night! Saturday is Kids' Day at the Arizona Science Center, so bring your children and spend the day exploring!

If you're looking for something more on the dark side, then be sure to visit “The Thing” at Arizona Science Center! The Arizona Science Center also has plenty to do for the kids. The Challenger Learning Lab at the ASU Science Museum is an awesome way to explore STEM! Make your own rocket or learn about robotics and more in this hands-on exhibit that's appropriate for all ages. Its downtown location is perfect and the center has more than 300 hands-on interactive exhibits.

Address: 600 E Washington St, Phoenix

2. Arizona Museum of Natural History

[Kid-friendly!] [Summer-friendly!] If you’re looking for a great place to go with kids, this museum is a good choice. The more than 60,000 different objects of natural history, anthropology, history, and art available at the museum are diverse and offer lots of opportunities for exploration. Your kids will find plenty of activities to keep them busy including learning about dinosaurs, panning for gold, and watching a flash flood inside the gallery.

Address: 53 N. Macdonald, Mesa

3. Children’s Museum of Phoenix

[Kid-friendly!] [Summer-friendly!] Children’s Museum of Phoenix is another spot for the little ones with more than 300 play exhibits located in the heart of downtown. The experiences are both educational and interactive mainly for children between the ages of 0-10. Much like my love for Pima Air & Space Museum in the Tucson area where you can get in and around the planes, kids can touch everything in this 48,000 square foot museum!

Kids can touch, play and have fun while learning. There is also plenty of space for parents to sit down while their little ones explore!

Address: 215 N 7th St, Phoenix

4. Heard Museum

[Summer-friendly!] The Heard Museum is a great way to learn about American Indian culture focused on American Indian art. It's an important part of Arizona history that shows how Native American culture is still prevalent today. The preservation and display of American Indian art from all over North America is its core mission. It is the largest solely American Indian museum in the United States. Some of the pieces in the permanent collection are paintings, textiles, and architectural elements, masks, and jewelry made by Native Americans. These pieces represent Native American culture throughout history.

Address: 2301 N Central Ave, Phoenix

5. i.d.e.a. Museum

[Kid-friendly!] [Summer-friendly!] The i.d.e.a. Museum (imagination, design, experience, art)  has art-inspiring activities for the whole family. It encourages critical thinking and creativity. Dedicated to design thinking, project-based learning, it's a whole lot of fun and a great way to reinforce the importance of STEM (science, technology, engineering, math).

Address: 150 W Pepper Pl, Mesa

6. Musical Instrument Museum

[Kid-friendly!] [Summer-friendly!] The Musical Instrument Museum is very unique. If it wasn't for my experience with filming a campaign for a rental car company, I am pretty sure I would have missed the chance to visit this fantastic museum. The Musical Instrument Museum has a huge collection of over 15,000 instruments that you can explore on your own or with tour guides. It's a very interactive experience, as you can play the instruments while you tour. Learn about different types of music as well as how to play an instrument!  

Address: 4725 E Mayo Blvd, Phoenix

7. Phoenix Art Museum

[Summer-friendly!] The Phoenix Art Museum has incredible collections from all over the world and is the largest art museum in the southwest. These collections span various mediums including painting, sculpture, photography, mixed media, and fashion design. The museum continually hosts photography exhibitions. Mr. Misadventures and I visited often to check them out. The museum store is great and there is an extensive library that includes a variety of books, magazines, and other publications. Lastly, don't miss the Instagram photo opportunity inside the lobby called the Black Cloud by Carlos Amorales depicting a swarm of black butterflies!

Address: 1625 N Central Ave, Phoenix

8. Arizona Capitol Museum

[Summer-friendly!] The state of Arizona has many accomplishments to be proud of and there is no better place to celebrate them than the Capitol Museum in Phoenix. This museum is a must-see spot for anyone who wants to know more about the history of this great state, as well as exploring collections from around the world. (For example, I loved seeing the exposition on the Merci Trains, which were trains filled with gifts from France to show their appreciation for the US's help during WWII.)

The museum allows visitors to delve deeper into Arizona's past by walking through interactive exhibits inside five galleries that explore different periods in time: 1867-1876 (the first territorial capital of Arizona), 1877-1912 (the second territorial capital of Arizona, and the precursor to today's Capitol Museum) 1912-1969 (a time when Phoenix was on a fast track to becoming one of America's premier cities); 1969 – present-day (Arizona has enjoyed remarkable growth in recent years).

Address: 1700 W Washington St, Phoenix

9. Hall of Flame Fire Museum

[Summer-friendly!] The Hall of Flame Fire Museum is the world's largest collection dedicated to firefighting. The museum includes many artifacts and has interactive exhibits that will help you understand the history of firefighting. The museum is open year-round for self-guided tours, with extended hours during the summer months.

10. Pueblo Grande Museum and Archaeology Park

Pueblo Grande Museum and Archaeology Park feature an extensive collection of pottery, baskets, and tools from the Hohokam people. The Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve is one of the largest collections of prehistoric petroglyphs in the Phoenix Valley.

Address: 4619 E Washington St, Phoenix

11. Pioneer Living History Village

[Kid-friendly!] Pioneer Living History Village is run by a non-profit organization that offers an educational experience in an open-air living history museum on 90-acres in North Phoenix. The organization's mission is to “inspire young minds with the story of westward expansion and pioneer life in early America.” The Village has close to 30 historic original and reconstructed buildings from the 1880s and early 1900s.

Address: 3901 W Pioneer Rd, Phoenix

12. Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art

[Summer-friendly!] The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art is a popular tourist attraction that has been ranked as one of the top ten museums in Arizona by the Phoenix New Times. The art on display at this museum includes some of the most influential and important artists from the twentieth and twenty-first centuries and specializes in contemporary and modern art, architecture, and design. The museum has four galleries and 9 to 12 exhibitions each year and has approximately 2000 works in its permanent collection.

Address: 7374 E 2nd St, Scottsdale

13. Scottsdale's Museum of the West

[Summer-friendly!] Scottsdale's Museum of the West is located in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale and houses almost every imaginable western artifact. The museum features exhibits on everything from cowboy culture to Native American art, even a large collection of John Wayne memorabilia! In addition to the museum's many exhibits and artifacts, they also offer guided tours of their exhibit halls as well as lecture series highlighting different aspects of Western history. The permanent exhibit is called History of the West, and it includes a collection of over 450 items from Arizona's history.

Address: 3830 N Marshall Way, Scottsdale

14. ASU Art Museum

[Summer-friendly!] The ASU Art Museum in the Nelson Fine Arts Center on ASU’s Tempe campus (right across the street from Papago Park and the Botanical Garden if you are looking to bundle activities) has an ongoing gallery of (mostly) contemporary artwork by Arizona artists. It is a newly renovated building that has state-of-the-art equipment. The museum also supports international exhibitions. It's a great place to learn about and experience art.

Address: 51 E 10th St, Tempe

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Other Indoor Activities

Temperatures in the Phoenix area can soar to dangerous extremes. It is important to know that summer does not have to be unbearable. There are many indoor activities available to you and your family during the warmer months. From sports and indoor games to places with water games, air-conditioned malls, or even movie theaters. All these options exist for when you need a break from the heat!

15. OdySea Aquarium

[Kid-friendly!] [Summer-friendly!] OdySea Aquarium is the largest aquarium in the Southwest! It is a marine aquarium with a square footage of 200,000 square feet which gives them ample room to represent different ocean environments and showcase various species of sea animals. You can see sharks, penguins, and otters. It is a fun place to go to learn about all the different fish and animals that live in our waters.

The OdySea Aquarium is an excellent destination for families with kids. It is very hands-on and they can watch the tank feedings. It is also an excellent destination for couples who are looking to have a date night out on the town. They sometimes have live music playing in the background.

Address: 9500 East Vía de Ventura Suite, Scottsdale

16. Taliesin West

It was so enlightening to visit the winter home of Frank Lloyd Wright. The organic architecture of Taliesin West, located in Scottsdale, was so different than what I’ve seen with commissioned work like the Guggenheim in New York. The tour and tour staff is phenomenal. The docents shared tons of information and anecdotes about Mr. Wright’s life and work. You can sit on the furniture, touch walls, feel textures, and be immersed in the world of this brilliant architect. (There is a portion of the tour that is outdoors as well.)

[Summer-friendly!] Take part in some of the evening activities that they do during the hottest months of the year. Otherwise, taking a tour in the middle of summer is not great, lots of glass that heats up!

Address: 12621 N Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd, Scottsdale

17. Butterfly World

[Kid-friendly!] [Summer-friendly!] I generally don’t seek out zoos – even though Phoenix has a pretty good one. But I could not resist a visit to Butterfly World in Scottsdale. An interactive museum slash zoo, it is a really fun and informative place. We decided to watch the monarch butterfly movie and left the session armed with knowledge about the death-defying feats these butterflies go through every year for their migration and what I/we/people can do to help.

Then, of course, there is the butterfly area where you can walk around and get up close to hundreds of butterflies – that was pretty cool!

Address: 9500 East Vía de Ventura, Scottsdale

18. LEGOLAND Discovery Center

[Kid-friendly!] LEGOLAND Discovery Center is the go-to spot in Tempe for family fun. The indoor theme park has over 50 interactive rides, games, and activities. One of the most popular attractions is the MINILAND area where families can explore landmarks from around the world in miniature form, including Paris' Eiffel Tower to New York's Statue of Liberty.

Address: 5000 S Arizona Mills Circle, Tempe

19. Sea Life Arizona

[Kid-friendly!] [Summer-friendly!] The aquarium inside the Arizona Mills shopping center has more than 5,000 different animals in 30 displays. You'll find rays, jellyfish, octopus, and more in residence. They also have a 360-degree ocean tunnel.

Address: Interstate 10 and Baseline Road, Tempe

20. Great Arizona Puppet Theater

[Kid-friendly!] This Phoenix company produces wonderful shows for children! There are multiple shows running at a time and they change often, so check the schedule on their website.

Address: 302 W. Latham St., Phoenix

 21. Ice Skating at AZ Ice

[Kid-friendly!] [Summer-friendly!] The desert seems like a strange place for an ice rink, but trust me, when it's 100+ degrees outside, you'll want to sit on the ice! (And there are actually ice bars in the Phoenix area where you can do that…) If you want to rent some skates and cool off with some twirls around the ice, there are 3 rinks in Phoenix where you can do it.

• AZ Ice Arcadia (3853 E Thomas Rd) in Phoenix
• AZ ICE Gilbert (2305 E Knox Rd) in Gilbert
• AZ Ice Peoria (15829 N 83rd Ave) in Peoria

22. Roller skating

[Kid-friendly!] [Summer-friendly!] If ice skating is not your thing, how about wheels? USA Skateland also has 3 rinks in the Phoenix area, but of the roller skating variety! You can use regular or inline skates in their rinks and there are plenty of classic accompaniments like arcade games, snacks, and music. There are different events throughout the week for families including themed activities, teen skate, and more.

• USA's Skateland Chandler (1101 W Ray Rd) in Chandler
• USA's Skateland Mesa (7 E. Southern Ave) in Mesa
• Great Skate Glendale (10054 N 43rd Ave) in Glendale

23. Crayola Experience

[Kid-friendly!] [Summer-friendly!] The Crayola Experience provides a great opportunity for children to explore the creative process of color and art. Children are able to try their hand at creating some pretty awesome works of art while learning about the history of crayons and color. There are plenty of activities to entertain kids as well as events geared toward adults such as where you get your hands on some popcorn, a drink, and enjoy some movies!

Address: 3111 W Chandler Blvd, Chandler

24. Wonderspaces Arizona

[Kid-friendly!] [Summer-friendly!] Wonderspaces Arizona is a creative space for all ages. Explore their interactive exhibits designed to stimulate creativity and imagination. They have hands-on workshops that help you unleash your inner artist.

Address: Scottsdale Fashion Square, 7014 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale

25. Ceretta Candy Co. Tours

[Kid-friendly!] The Ceretta Candy Co was founded by Italian immigrant Crescenzo Ceretta, who came to America fleeing poverty and war in Italy. He started his new life as a confectioner selling homemade candies from the trunk of his car before he opened up this fascinating place where visitors can watch how old-fashioned candy is made in a 30-minute guided tour. The tours are free, but you can build your own chocolate pizza afterward for a fee.

Address: 5345 W. Glendale Ave., Glendale

26. See the Suns, the Diamondbacks or the Cardinals

There are several professional sports teams in the Phoenix area that you can watch, including the Suns (basketball), the Diamondbacks (baseball), and the Cardinals (football).

• The Arizona Diamondbacks. They have been around since 1998 when they came into existence following the purchase and relocation of the Seattle Mariners and their AAA affiliate, the Tucson Sidewinders. The Diamondbacks are named for Arizona's nickname of “The Grand Canyon State.”
• The Phoenix Suns! They play in the National Basketball Association (NBA) and were created right here in 1968 as an expansion team following a move from Minneapolis-St. Paul to Phoenix by owner Walter Brown. They are named for their home city, Phoenix (which is also where they play).
• The Arizona Cardinals! Fun fact about the Cards – They were founded in 1898 as part of a league that was originally called the American Professional Football Association but then became known as the National Football League in 1922. Their colors are red and white and they are named for the bird, cardinals which are often seen in the area (it is not the state bird which is the Cactus wren).

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Parks and Gardens in the Phoenix Area

Beautiful oases exist throughout the Phoenix area. The desert may be hot, but it sure is pretty when there are wildflowers blooming on the hillsides. And with all the parks, gardens, and outdoor spaces within a few miles of downtown, there's plenty to see if you're looking for something to do in Phoenix that doesn't involve air conditioning.

In addition to being great places to get some exercise or walk your dog, these parks have so much more going for them – from sculptures and water features that offer cooling relief during summer heatwaves, to shady spots where you can enjoy reading a book or taking a nap while listening to birds chirping.

27. Desert Botanical Garden

[Kid-friendly!] The Desert Botanical Garden has 140 acres of grounds and exhibits to explore including the world's largest cactus garden made up of over 20,000 plants. There is a rotation of new artists every few months, so return visits to the gardens certainly won’t be boring. Plus all the plants bloom at different times of the year so there is always something different to see. There are plenty of walks, and a very nice restaurant and shop. There are lots of events (including a food festival!) continually happening. Plus seasonal activities like a holiday light show and Flashlight Nights in the summer.

Address: 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix

28. Japanese Friendship Garden

If you’re looking for a break from the Phoenix desert, the Japanese Friendship Garden is the place for you! As soon as you enter, it feels like you’re no longer in the desert but has been transported to an authentic Japanese garden. The garden, named Ro Ho En, is a 3.5-acre garden in a lush and tranquil setting. It includes features like a Koi pond with more than 300 fish, lanterns, stone footbridges, and even a tea house offering ceremonies. Educational tours are offered for those who want to learn more about this beautiful and serene place. 

The Japanese Friendship Garden was created through a joint project between Phoenix and Himeji, its sister city in Japan since 1976. The two cities join together for cultural and educational exchanges and this project is a great example of the bond between the cities. Sit and be enchanted by the rushing water of the 12-foot tall waterfall, close your eyes and enjoy this lush oasis. Now you know where to find me when I need a break from the desert!

Address: 1125 N 3rd Ave, Phoenix

Contributed by Sam of My Flying Leap

29. McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park

[Kid-friendly!] Take the kids for a ride on a vintage train at the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park in Scottsdale. Kids can also explore the train museum or romp on the playgrounds here. ​ It is home to the world's largest operating steam locomotive! This 475-acre park offers a wide variety of attractions including train rides and exhibits.

Address: 7301 E Indian Bend Rd, Scottsdale

30. Heritage Square

[Kid-friendly!] Speaking of railroads, one of the must-see attractions in Phoenix is a trip through Heritage Square. This park features historic buildings, shops, and restaurants set up to represent different periods in Phoenix's history from 1912 when railroads connected Arizona with other parts of the country.

Address: 113 N 6th St, Phoenix

31. Tempe Beach Park

[Kid-friendly!] Tempe Beach Park is a great place for families with children of all ages. There are lots of activities and the park is open from sunrise to sunset, so you have plenty of time to enjoy the beach, playgrounds, picnic areas, or fitness equipment.

The picnic areas have grills available for use if you want to cook your own food then head over to one of the covered tables where there’s often live music playing in the background. Things like this make it easy for visitors and locals alike to relax and enjoy themselves while enjoying some family time together. In addition, Tempe Beach Park has what many consider one of the best dog parks in Phoenix that offers off-leash space for people with dogs.

The kids will enjoy the playgrounds, and if it’s not too hot out you can get some exercise in by playing on one of the fitness hoops or using a punching bag to work up your boxing game. If this isn't enough there are plenty more attractions worth checking out like walking paths that wind through

At night in the summer, make sure to check out Glow Kayaking Fridays!

Address: 80 W Rio Salado Pkwy, Tempe

32. Boyce Thompson Arboretum

The Boyce Thompson Arboretum is the oldest botanical garden in Arizona and actually west of the Mississippi as well. It has been open to the public since 1928 and was founded by mining magnate Charles Boyce Thompson. The arboretum is home to a variety of plants from around the world and offers activities such as summer concerts, themed hikes, and more.

Address: 37615 E Arboretum Way, Superior

33. Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch

When you first enter the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch, it feels like a whole new world. The dry desert is suddenly replaced by lush green trees and plants that make your eyes water from the beauty of this 110-acre oasis. There is a lake and 7 ponds. The water provides visitors with an escape from the heat of Phoenix's summer-time sun while also giving them a chance to explore nature in its purest form. It's a great place to bike. They are allowed on trails and sidewalks.

At night head to the Gilbert Rotary Centennial Observatory in the park on Friday and Saturday during the summer for a peek through their telescope.

Address: 2757 E. Guadalupe Road, Gilbert

34. San Tan Mountain Regional Park

San Tan Mountain Regional Park is a great place to spend time outside with your family. The park is a popular spot for bikers, hikers, and equestrian trail riders alike. It is home to the Peridot Cove Nature Preserve, which features open meadows and lakes perfect for waterfowl viewing. This is a great place to enjoy nature in Phoenix, especially if you are looking for some peace and quiet away from the hustle of city life.

During the summer, the park offers nighttime biking adventures on Wednesdays.

Address: 6533 W Phillips Rd, Queen Creek

35. Ahwatukee Park

Ahwatukee is the Crow Indian word that means ‘House of Dreams' and this little town backing up against South Mountain Park began when a few houses sprung up and quickly grew into a really cute community. There are 2 recreation centers situated on the property, which feature playgrounds, picnic areas, grills, splash pads, and more. The park also has a water park with slides for kids, and bike trails like those you find at Camelback Mountain.

Address: Ahwatukee Park is located in South Phoenix, off of 48th Street and Chandler Boulevard.

36. Cave Creek Regional Park

One of the best things to do right outside of Phoenix is to go camping at Cave Creek Regional Park. This campground is so special because there are Saguaro cactus on every campsite! Waking up in the morning right next to a Saguaro is a really special experience. It’s also a great place to sit around a fire in the evening and watch the sunset surrounded by towering Saguaros! The campground is located about 40 minutes north of downtown Phoenix, making it a perfect weekend destination!

To camp at Cave Creek, you must make reservations in advance. The campground fills up pretty far in advance, especially on the weekends, so it is recommended to make reservations as soon as you know you want to visit. One other fun thing to do in the area is to hike one of the many trails in the park. There are also a few ranches nearby that you can go on a sunset horseback ride. The park also hosts different events such as native seed collections, bird walks, and guided ranger hikes.

Address: 37019 N Lava Ln, Cave Creek

Contributed by Jessica of Unearth the Voyage.

37. Papago Park

Spreading across both cities of Phoenix and Tempe, Papago Park covers an area of 6 square kilometers and offers many hiking trails, bicycle paths, picnic areas, lakes, as well as a large zoo, a fire museum, and a Desert Botanical Garden. When I visited Phoenix last May, my favorite activity among all the free things to do in Phoenix was to explore the park’s many fantastic geological formations, especially the Hole-in-the-Rock. In fact, the Hole-in-the-Rock is a naturally eroded rock formation of conglomerate sandstone. But it is also an archaeological site.

The local people who lived in the Salt River Valley from around 1 AD to 1450 AD, also called Hohokam, used this geological feature as a calendar devise. They realized that the ray of light coming through the hole in the ceiling of the rock-shelter changed its position on the floor throughout the year. So, to mark the summer and winter solstices, as well as the equinoxes, the Hohokam people ground a bedrock metate slick at the exact location where the ray of lights fell. When standing on the top of this geological and archaeological site, you also get to catch a wonderful panoramic view of the surrounding area.

So if you’re in Phoenix, make sure to go to the Hole-in-the-Rock. If you don’t feel like hiking around, you can park your car at the foot of the site. The Hole-in-the-Rock is less than a 10-minute walk from there.

Address: 1000 N College Ave, Tempe

Contributed by Mei & Kerstin of Travel with MK.

Trails in Papago Park

• Hole-in-the-Rock ( 0.2 miles)
• Double Butte Loop Trail (2.3 miles)

Also in Papago Park

• Hunt's Tomb: a small white pyramid at the top of a hill where Arizona's first governor is buried (his wife was buried there first).

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Other Outdoor Activities

Phoenix is a land of contrasts. From its canyons and cacti to its golf courses and shopping malls, the city has something for everyone. You've seen the list of the abundant parks and gardens in the area, now let's take a look at some other indoor places to escape the hustle and bustle.

38. Phoenix Zoo

[Kid-friendly!] The Phoenix Zoo is the largest privately owned, non-profit zoo in the United States. Operating without government funding, the zoo relies on amounts received through admissions, membership, concessions, special events, and donations. The Phoenix Zoo has 125 acres of natural habitat, with more than 200 species of animals. There are four main trails to explore: the Africa trail, Arizona trail, Tropics Trail, and Children’s Trail, that house over 1,200 animals.

Besides wandering from habitat to habitat to view the animals, there are some great activities to take part in. For an additional cost, you do not have to travel to Egypt to experience a camel ride, or Africa to feed a giraffe. Also, at Stingray Bay, you can touch and feed stingrays. For those with young children, barnyard animals are waiting for your love and petting at the Red Barn. The safari cruiser takes you on a 25-minute narrated tour of the zoo.

The Phoenix Zoo is open 364 days a year; it is closed on Christmas. The hours can range from a 7:00 am opening during the summer to being open until as late as 10 pm during the winter. The temperatures are milder during the Fall, Winter, and Spring for a more comfortable visit.

The Phoenix Zoo does a great job of accommodating guests who have special needs. “Quiet Zones” help accommodate guests with sensory processing needs. “Headphone Zones” are located in areas where the noise is loud. Also, visitors can rent sensory bags that include noise-canceling headphones and fidget tools.

Address: 455 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix

Contributed by Debbie Fettback of  WorldAdventurists.com.

39. Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park

[Kid-friendly!] I passed this park all the time while living in the Phoenix area, except I saw it from the backside while on the 303 Interstate! You can see the bison hanging out there as you drive by! The Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park has 600 species of animals, plus a baby animal nursery, amusement park rides, big cat exhibits, and a kangaroo walkabout.

If you go there, have a meal at Dillon's KC BBQ, it has a shark tank connected to the park and it is fun to have a meal in front of it! (P.S. you don't have to pay for a park entrance to eat there!)

Address: 16501 W. Northern Ave., Litchfield Park

40. Spring Training

[Seasonal] If you are a fan of any kind of sport, they have a professional team in the Phoenix area. But what drives the heart and soul of most people during the month of March is spring training! From Mesa to Peoria, Surprise to Salt River, and everywhere else in between, there are 15 professional baseball teams at play in the Cactus League. Cheaper tickets, closer access to the players, I love spring training. Even my I-am-not-sure-about-this-sport French husband enjoyed himself far more at spring training than at an Oakland A’s game at the Coliseum.

41. Mural Hunting in Roosevelt Row

There are so many murals in Phoenix, it would be impossible to list them all! One of my favorite areas for mural hunting in Phoenix is Roosevelt Row. The history of this area is rich and fascinating. Originally called “the Cornfield” in the 1880s, it was the site of Arizona's first cotton field and a hub for socializing for Phoenix's pioneer farmers. From the 1920s onward, it became a commercial district that spanned sixteen blocks from Buckeye Road to Fillmore Street.

In 2002, just two blocks east of Garfield Street were designated as an arts district with zoning designating the following as creative uses: visual art galleries, live performance art theaters, screen-based media production workshops and studios, and low-impact microbusinesses.

It is now home to galleries, live music venues, restaurants, art studios, independent fashion boutiques and more! It's a true destination for art lovers in Phoenix or those looking for something new to do on the weekend.

Address: 333 E Roosevelt St, Phoenix

42. First Fridays Art Walk

Downtown Phoenix has a cool monthly event called First Fridays Art Walk that provides unique opportunities for tourists and locals alike. The event takes place every first Friday of the month from 6 pm-9 pm with creates vibrant art displays to explore both indoors and outdoors. Activities include live performances, food trucks, drinks, art galleries, and artist showcasing their work to name a few.

Address: There are three main areas of interest in downtown Phoenix: Civic Space Park, Steele Indian School Park, and Central Arts District.

43. Agritopia

[Kid-friendly!]Agritopia is a sustainable urban agricultural park in Gilbert. Its vision is to create a community where sustainability and food security intersect. Agritopia is not just an idea of implementing sustainable practices; it’s an entire neighborhood of living laboratories that are part of the living museum of Agri-ville. Visitors can learn about the latest innovations in renewable energy and solar power while they visit our Historic Farmstead to see how renewables were used on the farm in the 1890s and 1900s. There are also great opportunities for residents who want to grow their own produce or buy from local farmers at the onsite market, The Market at Agritopia.

Address: 3000 E Ray Rd, Gilbert

44. Queen Creek Olive Mill

[Kid-friendly!] The Queen Creek Olive Mill is a great place to stop for an afternoon of family fun. The farm grows and presses olives for high-quality extra virgin olive oil which you can buy on location along with extra virgin olive oils, Balsamic vinegar, olives, and more. Plus it is Arizona's only working olive farm and mill!

There is a constant stream of events as well with live music, food trucks, and food tours.

Address: Queen Creek Olive Mill is located at 25062 S Meridian Rd in Queen Creek.

45. Adobe Dam Recreation Area

[Kid-friendly!] The Adobe Dam Recreation Area features a variety of activities including hiking, camping, fishing, horseback riding, and mountain biking. There are also two lakes: Lake Pleasant which is over 2000 acres and Adobe Reservoir which covers about 1800 acres. Both have excellent fishing opportunities. There are also various types of wildlife that call this place home like deer, javelina (AKA peccary), coyotes, wild donkeys, and other small animals.

Address: 23280 N 43rd Ave. Glendale

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Hiking

Hiking is a great pastime for all the family. It's perfect for keeping fit and healthy, and it can be lots of fun too. But hiking here is a bit different. Hiking in the Phoenix area has many different opportunities to suit your needs – from hiking at night to hiking with kids, you're spoiled for choice! The possibilities are endless when it comes to exploring Arizona on foot. These are some of my favorite spots.

46. Camelback Mountain

One of my favorite things to do in Phoenix is hike Camelback Mountain. Visitors can find Camelback Mountain about 25 minutes northeast of downtown Phoenix near the resort town of Scottsdale. The best thing about an early morning hike up Camelback Mountain is the incredible view from the top. The highest point stands at 2,706 feet. Once you reach the peak you’ll be able to see the surrounding desert landscape for miles. It’s gorgeous up there, so be sure to take some pictures before you make your way back down.

There are two popular trails that lead up to the peak. The first is the Echo Canyon Trail, which is 1.14 miles. The other trail is the Cholla Trail which is 1.4 miles. No matter which trail you choose, the hike will take anywhere from 90 minutes to 3 hours, depending on your fitness level. Both trails are considered strenuous and will require that you climb over boulders and up a lot of steps. Appropriate hiking shoes are a must as is plenty of water. A hike up Camelback Mountain is the perfect way to see a different side of Phoenix. Not to mention, it’s a great workout.

Contributed by Eden of Rock a Littel Travel

47. South Mountain Park

South Mountain Park is an outdoors lover's paradise! Phoenix South Mountain Park with Camelback Mountain and Papago Park as your backdrop is where you'll find a hidden gem that mimics Bryce Canyon National Park. It is one of the Phoenix's most popular hiking spots with more than 20 miles of trails for all levels of difficulty and lots of scenic views from different peaks that take you through cacti forests, rolling grasslands, and towering peaks.

Address: 10919 S. Central Ave. Park East Entrance – Pima Canyon at 9004 S. 48th St

48. Pinnacle Peak Park

Pinnacle Peak Park is a popular destination for hiking and outdoor activities. The park is northeast of downtown Phoenix near Scottsdale. The best thing about an early morning hike up Pinnacle Peak Park is the incredible view from the top. The highest point stands at 2,706 feet. Once you reach the peak you’ll be able to see the surrounding desert landscape for miles. It’s gorgeous up there, so be sure to take some pictures before you make your way back down.

Address: 26802 N 102nd Way, Scottsdale

49. Phoenix Mountains Preserve 

The Phoenix Mountains Preserve is another top destination for those who love the outdoors. Visitors can go there to enjoy hiking, cycling, and wildlife. What's so unique about the Phoenix Mountains Preserve is that it has more than 1,400 acres of desert landscapes in 63 moderate trails that are perfect for an afternoon or morning walk. One of my favorites is Piestewa Summit Trail which is 2 miles.

Address: 2701 E Squaw Peak Dr, Phoenix

50. McDowell Sonoran Desert Preserve

The McDowell Mountains situated in the northeastern corner of Scottsdale are a big draw for their tranquil beauty and natural wonders. It's a great spot for hiking and walking through scenic trails that wind up into the McDowell Mountain Preserve. This preserve includes many different types of vegetation and wildlife as well as some amazing views. It's also great for sunset and moonrise shooting.

My 2 favorite trails:

• Gateway Loop Trail (4.4 miles)
• Tom’s Thumb Trail (4.0 miles)

Address: 18333 N Thompson Peak Pkwy, Scottsdale

51. Thunderbird Conservation Park

The Thunderbird Conservation Park in Glendale is comprised of more than 2,000 acres of desert landscape. Visitors come here to enjoy hiking and wildlife viewing in addition to scenic views of the Phoenix metropolitan area. The conservancy offers visitors a chance to explore various natural elements such as rock formations, grasslands, woodlands, and native plants. It also has paved walking/bike trails that are perfect for those who don't want a strenuous hike yet still want an outdoor adventure. My favorite trail is the Cholla Loop which is 3.5 miles.

Address: 22800 N 59th Ave, Glendale

52. Desert Vista Trailhead 

If you are looking for a relaxing and adventurous walk, the Desert Vista Trailhead is the place to go. The trails are usually fairly quiet and it's easy to hike. It follows a ridge with great views that are perfect for sunsets. You can do the Dixie Mountain Loop (3.8 miles) or the Desert Tortoise Trail (1.1 miles).

Address: 1901 W Desert Vista Trail, Phoenix

53. Superstition Mountains

When Mr. Misadventures and I were full-time RVing we spent a month near this mountain range. We had a great time visiting Goldfield Ghost Town and then heading to Tortilla Flats, doing the Dolly steamboat tour, and then hitting the rest of the Apache Trail (parts of which are now closed). But one of the best things to do in this beautiful little range is hiking. There are many different hiking trails to explore including:

• Lost Dutchman Trail – This is the most famous and challenging trail with miles of steep paths that feature switchbacks up the side of Camelback Mountain to its peak at 2,704 feet above sea level. You can do the trail as a day hike or an overnight backpack trip.
• Goldfield Trail – This trail is located in a remote, beautiful area of Superstitions Mountains that are so rugged they're practically uninhabited by humans other than hikers on this path which winds through two mountain ranges.
• Bumble Bee Canyon Trail this trail offers many different options for hiking including an easy walk or something more strenuous that includes a challenging scramble up some steep rocks.

Address: 4650 N Mammoth Mine Rd, Apache Junction

54. Usery Mountain Park

It's hard to drive through the Phoenix area and not notice the dramatic Usery Mountains, a 3,648-acre park where the US Forest Service offers a variety of activities for visitors including hiking (there are 29 miles of multi-use trails some scenic wind caves too), biking, horseback riding, rock climbing, and more. One of the most popular places to visit at Usery Mountain Park is Saguaro Lake which features a beautiful, serene lake with saguaros that are hundreds of years old.

Address: 3939 N Usery Pass Rd, Mesa

55. Other Trail suggestions:

• South Mountain Trails (several locations on 19th and Central Ave) 0.5-3 miles, easy to difficult
• North Mountain & Shaw Butte Trails (several locations on N 7th Street) 1-4 miles, easy to moderate
• Phoenix Sonoran Preserve Apache Wash Loop (1600 E. Sonoran Desert Dr.) has several trails 0.5-5 miles, easy to difficult
• Phoenix Sonoran Preserve Desert Hills Trailhead (705 W. Carefree Hwy.) has 2 trails 6 and 7 miles, moderate to difficult
• Phoenix Sonoran Preserve Desert Vista Trailhead (1900 W. Desert Vista Tr.) has several trails 1-4 miles, easy to difficult
• Hayden Butte Preserve (“A” Mountain) near ASU university is not even a mile 0.7, is steep but has great views. (Mill Ave. and 5th St. in Tempe)

56. Night hiking trails

Nighttime hiking takes a bit of practice, but it is a matter of survival in the summer months! Here are some good trails for enjoying the cooler temperatures in the evening:

• Cave Creek Regional Park
• Estrella Mountain Regional Park
• Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area
• Usery Mountain Regional Park
• White Tank Mountain Regional Park (make sure to check out the ranger-led scorpion hunts!)

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Water Activities

Year-round sunshine and warm weather means plenty of water activities and it is one you can definitely count on to still enjoy in the summer! There are many options for those who enjoy spending time in or on the water, and this includes a variety of indoor and outdoor attractions that are perfect for families. Water parks are also available for those looking to get out into the sun! Plus all the amazing resort hotels also have amazing pools!

57. Kayaking 

Kayaking is a great way to see Phoenix and to cool off when it gets hot. There are a couple of spots where you can do this and multiple guides and tours that can help ensure you have a good time on the water! Try kayaking

• Lower Salt River (watch for wild horses!)
• Canyon Lake
• Saguaro Lake
• Lake Pleasant
• Tempe Town Lake
• Bartlett Lake

58. WaterWorks at Arizona Falls

Managed by the local water utility company (SRP) Arizona Falls was formed from a natural 20-foot drop along the Arizona Canal between what is now 56th and 58th streets. This site dates back to the 1800s, was closed for a while but it reopened in 2013. It has a cool history (read more about here). It is a restored hydroelectric plant where you can sit in the “water room” which feels like being behind a waterfall!

Address: 56th Street and Indian School Road, Phoenix

59. Six Flags Hurricane Harbor

[Kid-friendly!] Six Flags Hurricane Harbor is a water-based amusement park in Glendale with more than 30 rides and attractions. 

Address: 4243 W. Pinnacle Peak Road, Glendale

60. Golfland Sunsplash

[Kid-friendly!] Golfland Sunsplash in Mesa has a wave pool, Caribbean Water Works, Splash Water Harbor Slides, Master Blaster, and Storm Rider water features.

Address: 155 W Hampton Ave, Mesa (they have seasonal openings/closings so check before you go!)

61. Tempe Marketplace Splash Pad

Tempe Marketplace is a shopping mall, but also home to a splash pad where kids can run through them with beads flying everywhere or water guns spraying at targets! There is also a giant slide to cool with.

Address: Tempe Marketplace, Loop 202 and McClintock

62. Foothills Recreation & Aquatics Center

Foothills Recreation and Aquatics Center is a sports complex with 2 indoor pools, one for kids and one for adults. It offers two giant slides, a zero-depth leisure pool with spray features, an aquatic playground, and a lazy river. There is also a diving well and two diving boards, water aerobics, lap swimming, pool rentals, private and group swim lessons, and special events that can be found online.

Address: 5600 W. Union Hills Drive in Glendale.

63. Big Surf

[Closed for the 2021 season] [Kid-friendly!] The Big Surf park in Tempe has water features for everyone. The park has a wave pool (the oldest in the US!), lazy river, splash pad, and more! Big Surf has a really cool history like being named a Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark, having Pink Floyd performed there as part of their Dark Side of The Moon tour in 1972, and having a world champion surfer consult and ride the first man-made wave!  This family-friendly venue is perfect for a day at any time of year.

Address: 1500 N McClintock Dr, Tempe

64. Kiwanis Wave Pool

[Summer-friendly!] The Kiwanis Wave Pool is a great place to spend the day with family and friends if you’re looking for some fun summer activities in Phoenix! The pool is indoor and has a water slide and artificially generated waves.

Address: 6111 S. All-America Way, Tempe

65. Superstition Shadows Aquatic Center

The Superstition Shadows Aquatic Center features an Olympic-sized pool, a kid’s play area with slides and water games, lifeguards on duty at all times.

Address: 1091 W. Southern Ave., Apache Junction

66. Resort Pools

The resorts boast in the Phoenix area have many pools in all shapes and sizes. There are a constant series of poolside activities including temporary beaches, movie nights, etc. along with exceptional dining and spa experiences.

Resorts I KNOW I have deals:

• The Camby (2401 E Camelback Rd)
• Copperwynd Resort & Club (13225 N Eagle Ridge Dr, Scottsdale)
• JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa (5350 E Marriott Dr)
• The Phoenician (6000 East Camelback Road, Scottsdale)
• Point Hilton Squaw Peak Resort (7677 North 16th Street)
• Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort (5700 E McDonald Dr, Paradise Valley) is on my personal bucket list
• Hilton Phoenix Resort at the Peak The Hilton Phoenix Resort at the Peak's water park, which is open year-round, has expanded hours over the summer. In addition to its North and South Pointe pools, the resort is home to the River Ranch Water Park, which has a lazy river and water slide. For day passes, go to ResortPass. (7677 N. 16th St.) Phoenix
• Westin Kierland Resort & Spa (6902 East Greenway Parkway) in Scottsdale
• Maya Day + Nightclub (7333 E. Indian Plaza) in Scottsdale
• Oasis Water Park at Arizona Grand (Arizona Grand Resort & Spa) has an 8-story slide and wave pool. (8000 Arizona Grand Parkway) in Phoenix
• Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch, you will find 10 pools, 45 waterfalls, and a three-story high-speed water slide. For day passes (7500 E. Doubletree Ranch Road) in Scottsdale

Pool Parties

If pool parties are more your style (they’re not mine) then head to:

• The OH Pool at the Valley Ho Hotel (6850 E Main St, Scottsdale) it’s open to the public every day but Saturday
• Maya Day & Nightclub (7333 East Indian Plaza, Scottsdale) a Vegas-style party pool
• The Release pool party which is 21 and up at the Talking Stick Resort (9800 Talking Stick Way)

Rooftop Pools

• Lustre, the poolside bar at the Hotel Palomar in downtown Phoenix, has lots of action this summer. There are DJs on Saturday nights and live music on Sunday afternoons. Cabanas and day beds are available to rent. (2 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix
• Fairmont Scottsdale Princess has a gorgeous spa and if you purchase a spa service you get access to the rooftop pool! (7575 E Princess Dr, Scottsdale). I spent 36 hours at the hotel and enjoyed that pool!
• The Phoenician Resort also has a beautiful spa with rooftop pool. I went to an invite there and the pool is lovely.

67. Beaches

• Lake Havasu State Park: At nearly 11,000 acres, Lake Havasu State Park is by far the largest of western Arizona's parks.
• Patagonia Lake State Park: Tucked away amid the rolling hills of southern Arizona, Patagonia Lake State Park is a shimmering oasis in the high desert.
• Cattail Cove State Park: This park protects a long piece of scenic shoreline on the southern edge of Lake Havasu. Swimming is allowed in the roped-off area adjacent to the beach.

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68. Mesa

There are, of course, plenty of day trips from Phoenix, but Mesa should absolutely be considered in the running. There are a ton of amazing things to do in Mesa no matter what you’re interested in – outdoors, local shopping, plenty of unique and sustainable initiatives to support, eateries to check out, creative street art, and seasonal events. There are a lot of unique activities to do in Mesa. Agritopia is a modern, village-like community that includes its own neighborhood, school, citrus groves, public gardens, coffee shops, restaurants, and more.

Head downtown and check out the street art, vintage stores, and unique shops like Mezona Market. Drive out to Schnepf Farms to pick your own veggies or peaches, eat at their restaurant, buy some canned goods, or attend one of their many events.  Mesa is the 3rd largest city in Arizona and is only 15 miles east of Phoenix making it a perfect and easy day trip! It’s actually really easy to get from Mesa to Phoenix even without a car. You only have to hop on the Valley Metro Light Rail which takes you all the way for only $2 one way. Pretty sure that’s one of the best deals ever.

Contributed by Ashley of Wild Hearted.

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Miscellaneous Things to Do

I am not going to list every shopping possibility under the sun, the Phoenix metropolitan area has NO shortage of shopping available to you, but here are a few unique places that are more of an experience than “regular” shopping.

69. Antique shopping in Cave Creek

Cave Creek is a small town in Arizona that has a lot to offer. One of the most interesting things to do in Cave Creek Arizona is antique shopping. There are several different antique shops including Saguaro Peddler and Antique Trove. These two particular stores have been around for decades, offering everything from furniture and paintings, to kitchen items and vintage clothing. It's worth the trip for any lover of history, art, or vintage goods. Don't miss the Town Dump, otherwise known as “one of the world’s most unusual stores.” There are unique knick-knacks and lots of Southwestern-themed specialties.

In the summer, hit the Grotto Cafe is a great place to stop for breakfast and coffee. They have an outdoor patio that offers shade, as well as WiFi so visitors can easily work while they enjoy their morning meal or cup of joe.

70. Old Town Scottsdale

Old Town Scottsdale has a variety of really cool antique shops, art galleries, and restaurants that make it worth exploring. It is a family-friendly area that has fun activities for all ages and tastes. You can also find popular clothing stores, art galleries, restaurants, and bars in the district.

However you spend your time in Phoenix, make sure there's something new every So why not go on an adventure in Phoenix?

How about you? Do you have something to add to my list of things to do in the Phoenix area? Do share!

More [greater] Phoenix Stories

• Visiting in the summertime, here are things to do in Phoenix in the summer.
• Get your cowboy on! There are rodeos all year round!
• Check out Frank Lloyd Wright's winter home, Taliesin West.
• Best tamales in Phoenix, yum!
• Cool down with the best ice cream in Phoenix.
• I don't have kids but there is a lot of good stuff on Travel Mama's Scottsdale with Kids guide. When you are finished with the Phoenix area with kids, head into Northern Arizona which also has awesome things to do with teens.
• Have an insanely fun weekend in Tempe!
• 60+ Day Trips from Phoenix

If you want my FULL Phoenix and Tucson Phoenix and Tucson Activity + Day Trip List with day trips and things to do in Phoenix and Tucson, it is available for $4.99.

For a visual summary of this post, check out my Things to Bring to Phoenix web story!

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