Things To Do in Phoenix, Arizona [Weekend DIY Itinerary to Phoenix]

Phoenix is the capital of Arizona and the only state capital with more than one million residents. Known for its perpetual sunshine and warm temperatures, Phoenix is not all desert and cactus.

Visiting Phoenix, Arizona is a great time for recreational pursuits, road trips, museums, hiking, exploring desert horizons, camping, music, top-notch restaurants, amusement parks, and many more. If you’re planning a visit or preparing for a possible relocation to Arizona, then read our article below!

Best Things to do in Phoenix, Arizona

1. Phoenix Zoo

A day with animals is not a day wasted. For over half a century, Phoenix Zoo offers adventures for visitors all around the globe. It has Stingray Bay, Giraffe Encounter, Monkey Village, Safari Train, 4-D Theater and many more. Also with cafes, shops and a lush garden, surely this destination offers something for everyone.

2. Arizona Capitol Museum

Arizona Capitol Museum is full of cultural heritage and history of the region. Housed in the restored Capitol Building, it has several exhibits on different floors which provide a good historical perspective on the state of Arizona and it’s evolution.

Suggested Tour: Let’s Roam’s Phoenix Scavenger Hunt: Arizona’s Capitol Sights!

3. The Rosson House Museum

This meticulously restored 19th century Queen Anne Victorian mansion represents the early life of Phoenix families. The one hour tour will fill you in with interesting and lively tales of the home’s previous inhabitants.

4. Desert Botanical Garden

Ready your hat and sunscreen, this Desert Botanical Garden offers a variety of things. This garden brings the magic of the desert from towering cacti, fascinating succulents, to lush trees and wildflowers. It also offers festive events, exhibitions and various classes for adults and children.

5. The Phoenix Theatre Company

The Phoenix Theatre Company is the largest producing regional theatre company in Arizona. With its small venue, there is no bad seat and you can fully enjoy the fabulous shows.

6. Camelback Mountain

Camelback Mountain is one of the most popular destinations in the region. Its name was derived from its shape, which resembles the hump and head of a kneeling camel. If you are looking for a much more challenging hike, then this is for you. Make sure to bring water and wear proper gear to avoid any accidents.

7. Heard Museum

The museum showcases the stories of American Indian people. It has exhibits of indigenous peoples’ migration, clothing, living structures, jewelry, ceramics, potteries and many more. Here, you will about the history of different tribes and how they contribute to the state of Arizona.

8. Children’s Museum of Phoenix

This Children’s Museum is every kid’s dream. It is a huge and unique playground for children 10 and below. Children can have various interactive activities with others and educational learnings. It features a big climbing structure, market and kitchen set up, art room, reading corner, science, a noodle forest, race cars, and sports equipment.

9. Arizona Science Center

Located in the heart of Downtown Phoenix, Arizona Science Center has been a hub for science and discovery. It has shows in the Dorrance Planetarium and a five-story, giant screen IMAX Theater. It also features 300 hands-on exhibits and live demonstrations. A great place to discover and explore.

10. Musical Instrument Museum

Photo by ksblack99 Public Domain Mark 1.0

The World’s Only Global Musical Instrument Museum. It is home to over 15,000 musical instruments and associated objects from nearly 200 countries. It will walk you through the long and wonderful history of music from all around the globe.

Suggested Tour: Musical Instrument Museum Self-Guided Tour Ticket in Phoenix

11. Wrigley Mansion

This lovely Wrigley Mansion back in the early 19th century is one of the most famous landmarks in Phoenix, Arizona. Its well-detailed architecture is indeed visually-pleasing and perfect for a chill date night with your partner, friend or family.

12. Encanto Park

Encanto Park is a public park in central Phoenix, Arizona. It consists of picnic areas, a lagoon, a boathouse, swimming pool, nature trail, amusement park, fishing, and two golf courses. A place close to nature with ducks and geese that entertain people. Encanto Park is a great place to spend time with your loved ones.

13. Rappel Arizona

Rappel Arizona specializes in adventures with ropes. Delight yourself with the beautiful Sonoran desert while rappelling, climbing, or zip-lining. An exotic kind of adventure awaits you in Rappel Arizona.

14. Dobbins Lookout

Dobbins Lookout is a scenic observation point with an elevation of 2,330 feet. Its winding and narrow path are accessible by hiking or driving. The spectacular panoramic view of Phoenix, Arizona can be seen from this unique vantage point.

15. Papago Park

Papago Park is a hilly desert park that offers exceptional hiking and a wide array of recreational facilities. Make sure to go to the ‘Hole in the rock’, a natural geological formation, in Papago Park. Enjoy the beautiful palm trees, wide variety of cacti, rock formations, botanical garden and others.

16. Find accommodation in Phoenix, Arizona

Other articles you can read:

List of the Best Hotels in Arizona, USA – from Cheap to Luxury Hotels
Complete List of Recommended Cheap Hotels in Arizona, USA
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25 Things To Do in Los Angeles, California
15 Things to do in Anchorage, (AS) Alaska and Day Trips from Anchorage

Things to do with 3 days in Phoenix, Arizona

Day 1 in Phoenix, Arizona

Phoenix Zoo – Start your Phoenix trip with the encounters of animals. With different exhibits and classes, you will learn a lot from here.

Papago Park – Indulge yourself on outdoor activities here in Papago Park.

Rappel Arizona – Adventure with a view? Why not! This place will surely make your adrenaline rushing.

Day 2 in Phoenix, Arizona

Arizona Capitol Museum – Learn more about the state’s history and have fun with different exhibits.

Desert Botanical Garden – Amidst the heat of the desert, an oasis wonder lies in the middle. This tranquil garden is worth visiting.

Camelback Mountain – Break a sweat climbing Camelback Mountain. The picturesque view of the desert is waiting at its top.

Day 3 in Phoenix, Arizona

Heard Museum – The museum that has more than 32,000 pieces of art from all over the world and shows the importance of American Indian people and their art.

Dobbins Lookout – The picture-postcard view from Dobbins Lookout is what makes it attract visitors.

Where to Stay in Phoenix, Arizona

Where to Stay in Phoenix, Arizona if you’re a Backpacker

Days Inn by Wyndham Airport – Phoenix

This hotel offers a year-round outdoor pool, a daily continental breakfast, free Wi-Fi, a cable TV, air-conditioned room. a work desk, a hairdryer, and a coffee-maker. It is popular for solo travelers for its affordable price.

Price: Starts at $50 + $6.28 taxes and charges, free cancellation.

Extend-a-Suites Phoenix

This Phoenix, Arizona hotel features a hot tub and spacious rooms with cable TV, free WiFi, and a work desk.

It is 30.6 km from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and the University of Phoenix Stadium.

Price: Starts at $51 + $7.64 taxes and charges, free cancellation.

Where to Stay in Phoenix, Arizona if you’re on a Budget

Four Points by Sheraton Phoenix South Mountain

This hotel offers a lush courtyard and an on-site spa, only minutes from the malls, restaurants, and hiking trails of Phoenix, Arizona. It also has an outdoor heated pool and a business center. Great location choice for travelers interested in family-friendly trips, sightseeing, and shopping.

Price: Starts at $63 + $7.92 taxes and charges, Breakfast at $12, non-refundable.

Premier Inns Tolleson

Premier Inns Tolleson motel offers an outdoor pool and hot tub. All air-conditioned rooms have a TV, a refrigerator and a private bathroom.

A 24-hour reception is available and a launderette is located on-site for added convenience.

Price: Starts at $70 + $8.24 taxes and charges, free cancellation

Where to Stay in Phoenix, Arizona if you want Luxury

DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Phoenix

This pet-friendly all-suite hotel features a 24-hour free airport shuttle service, air-conditioned rooms, free WiFi, a cable TV with pay-per-view channels and an iPod docking station. Guests can spend the afternoon relaxing by the outdoor pool. The campus of Arizona State University, the Phoenix Zoo, and historic Old Town Scottsdale are a short distance away from this hotel.

Price: Starts at $122 + $15.38 taxes and charges, breakfast at $15, non-refundable.

Hyatt Regency Phoenix

This Central Phoenix hotel features a flat-screen TV, a pool, hot tub and valet parking on site. It also included an iPod docking station, refrigerator, coffee maker, wardrobe closet and seating area. Car hire and an ATM are located in the reception area. Its location is a great choice for travelers interested in sunshine, deserts, and sightseeing.

Price: Starts at $129 + $16.22 taxes and charges, breakfast at $14, free cancellation