Phoenix, Arizona: The city where the sun vacations. When my wife suggested we take our Mercedes Benz Sprinter van on a desert escapade, I thought, “Why not? Our van could use a tan.”
So we swapped our suburban life for saguaro cacti and set our GPS to the heart of Arizona. Little did we know, Phoenix would offer us more than just a good excuse to crank up the AC.
A Quick View of Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix, the capital of Arizona, isn’t just a city; it’s a sun-soaked legend rising from the ashes—literally. Founded in 1867 on the ruins of a prehistoric Native American civilization, it was aptly named after the mythical bird that regenerates from its own ashes.
Today, Phoenix is the fifth most populous city in the United States, boasting over 1.7 million residents who probably have never owned a snow shovel.
Fun fact: Phoenix is home to more than 200 golf courses, making it a golfer’s paradise—assuming you can swing a club in 100-degree weather.
Speaking of weather, summers can see the mercury soaring above 110°F (43°C), making it the perfect place to test if those heat-resistant clothes really work. With an average of 299 sunny days a year, it’s no wonder they call it the Valley of the Sun.
But don’t let the heat scare you off. The city’s rich cultural tapestry, vibrant arts scene, and stunning desert landscapes more than make up for the extra sunscreen you’ll need. Here’s our top ten list of must-do activities in Phoenix.
PRO TIP: Famous Movie Locations You Can Visit in Phoenix
1. Papago Park
Address: 625 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, AZ 85008
Approximate Price: Free (Some attractions within may have fees)
Phoenix Vibe Scale: 🌵🌵🌵🌵 (4 out of 5 cacti)
Nestled amidst the urban sprawl, Papago Park is like stumbling upon an oasis—or at least a really impressive rock formation. The park is famous for its red sandstone hills and the iconic Hole-in-the-Rock formation, which, as we discovered, is nature’s way of providing the perfect Instagram backdrop.
We decided to tackle one of the easy hiking trails, emphasis on “easy” because let’s face it, we’re not exactly marathon runners. The trails offered panoramic views of the city skyline juxtaposed against the rugged desert landscape.
Papago Park isn’t just about rocks and trails; it’s also home to the Desert Botanical Garden and the Phoenix Zoo. While we didn’t have time to visit the zoo (the animals were probably smarter than us, staying in the shade), the park itself was a refreshing escape that made us forget we were minutes away from downtown.
2. Desert Botanical Garden
Address: 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, AZ 85008
Approximate Price: $24.95 for adults
Phoenix Vibe Scale: 🌵🌵🌵🌵🌵 (5 out of 5 cacti)
Who knew cacti could be so captivating? At the Desert Botanical Garden, we embarked on a journey that redefined our understanding of “desert beauty.” The garden features over 50,000 plant displays, showcasing desert flora from around the world. It’s like a global desert convention, and everyone brought their prickliest plants.
Walking through the themed trails, we marveled at the sheer variety of succulents, agave, and of course, towering saguaro cacti.
The garden also hosts art installations and seasonal events, adding a creative flair to the natural beauty. We stumbled upon a glass sculpture exhibit that made us question whether we were looking at plants or avant-garde art.
The garden isn’t just for plant enthusiasts; it’s an educational experience. We attended a short workshop on desert conservation and learned that these hardy plants are more than just spiky water bottles—they’re integral to the ecosystem.
3. Musical Instrument Museum
Address: 4725 E. Mayo Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85050
Approximate Price: $20 for adults
Phoenix Vibe Scale: 🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵 (5 out of 5 notes)
The Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) isn’t just a museum; it’s a symphony for the senses. Housing over 15,000 instruments from around 200 countries, it’s the only global instrument museum of its kind. As music aficionados—or at least as people who sing loudly in the shower—we knew we had to visit.
Equipped with wireless headsets, we wandered through galleries where each display came alive with music. From African drums to European violins, every instrument told a story. We particularly enjoyed the Artist Gallery, featuring instruments from legends like Elvis Presley and Carlos Santana. It’s not every day you get up close with John Lennon’s piano.
The Experience Gallery was a highlight. Here, we could unleash our inner rock stars and try our hand at playing various instruments.
4. Heard Museum
Address: 2301 N. Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Approximate Price: $18 for adults
Phoenix Vibe Scale: 🏺🏺🏺🏺 (4 out of 5 pottery jars)
The Heard Museum offers an intimate look into Native American art and culture, focusing on the tribes of the Southwest. As we stepped inside, we were immediately enveloped by the rich history of stories, artifacts, and artworks that make up the indigenous heritage of the region.
We explored exhibits featuring intricate Hopi katsina dolls, Navajo textiles, and contemporary Native American art. The museum does an exceptional job of blending historical context with personal narratives, making each display both educational and deeply moving. We found ourselves particularly drawn to the exhibit on boarding schools, a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by Native communities.
Outside, the museum’s courtyards and sculpture gardens provided a serene space for reflection. We even grabbed lunch at the museum café, sampling traditional Southwestern dishes that delighted our taste buds. Visiting the Heard Museum wasn’t just a cultural excursion; it was a meaningful journey that broadened our understanding of the region’s first inhabitants.
5. Camelback Mountain
Address: Echo Canyon Trailhead: 4925 E McDonald Dr, Phoenix, AZ 85018
Approximate Price: Free
Phoenix Vibe Scale: 🥾🥾🥾🥾🥾 (5 out of 5 hiking boots)
They say if you haven’t hiked Camelback Mountain, have you even been to Phoenix? Rising 2,704 feet, this iconic landmark resembles the hump and head of a kneeling camel—hence the name. Feeling adventurous (and perhaps a bit overconfident), we decided to conquer the Echo Canyon Trail.
The trail is classified as “strenuous,” which we quickly learned is hiking code for “bring extra water and maybe a sherpa.” The ascent was steep and rocky, requiring us to scramble over boulders and navigate narrow paths. But every drop of sweat was worth it when we reached the summit. The panoramic views of Phoenix sprawled beneath us like a miniature cityscape.
Just remember: start early to beat the heat and the crowds. And don’t forget to stretch—we learned that the hard way the next morning.
6. Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co.
Address: 721 N. Arizona Ave, Gilbert, AZ 85233
Approximate Price: $6–$8 per pint
Phoenix Vibe Scale: 🍺🍺🍺🍺 (4 out of 5 pints)
After a day of desert exploration, what better way to unwind than with a cold, locally brewed beer? Enter Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co., a craft brewery that combines innovative beers with a commitment to sustainability and local ingredients.
We sampled a flight of their signature brews, each one inspired by the Arizona landscape. From the refreshing “Superstition Coffee Stout” to the intriguing “Sonoran Prince,” brewed with local fruits, every sip was a new adventure. The atmosphere was laid-back and rustic, with reclaimed wood décor and friendly staff who were eager to share the stories behind each brew.
The brewery also offers a menu of farm-fresh dishes that pair perfectly with their beers. We indulged in their famous duck fat fries and a juicy burger sourced from local farms. By the end of the evening, we felt like we’d experienced a slice of Arizona’s wilderness—minus the scorpions.
7. Arizona Renaissance Festival
Address: 12601 E. US Highway 60, Gold Canyon, AZ 85118
Approximate Price: $30 for adults
Phoenix Vibe Scale: 🏰🏰🏰🏰 (4 out of 5 castles)
Who says time travel isn’t possible? At the Arizona Renaissance Festival, we were transported back to the 16th century—a time of knights, maidens, and turkey legs the size of your head. Held annually just outside Phoenix, this festival is a sprawling medieval amusement park, complete with a 13-stage theater, an arts and crafts fair, and a jousting tournament.
Dressed in our finest modern attire (note to self: next time, rent a costume), we strolled through the village, interacting with costumed performers who never broke character. We cheered at the jousting arena as knights in shining armor clashed in a display of chivalry and questionable safety standards.
The festival also featured artisan shops selling everything from handcrafted jewelry to swords. And the food—oh, the food! We feasted on meat pies, roasted nuts, and, of course, those legendary turkey legs. By the end of the day, we were convinced we’d found a time portal in the Arizona desert.
8. Pizzeria Bianco
Address: 623 E. Adams St, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Approximate Price: $15–$20 per pizza
Phoenix Vibe Scale: 🍕🍕🍕🍕🍕 (5 out of 5 slices)
If there’s one thing we didn’t expect in Phoenix, it was some of the best pizza we’ve ever tasted. Pizzeria Bianco, helmed by chef Chris Bianco, is a culinary gem that has garnered national acclaim—and for good reason.
Nestled in a historic building in downtown Phoenix, the restaurant exudes a cozy, unpretentious vibe. We started with the antipasto platter, featuring locally sourced vegetables and artisanal cheeses. But the star of the show was the pizza. The crust was a perfect balance of chewy and crispy, the sauce was fresh and tangy, and the toppings were simple yet flavorful. We opted for the “Wiseguy,” topped with wood-roasted onion, house-smoked mozzarella, and fennel sausage.
Despite the accolades, Pizzeria Bianco remains grounded, focusing on quality ingredients and traditional techniques. It’s the kind of place where you savor each bite and consider ordering another pizza “for the table”—which we did. Pro tip: arrive early or be prepared to wait; this place is popular, and they don’t take reservations.
9. Catch a Phoenix Suns Game
Address: Footprint Center, 201 E. Jefferson St, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Approximate Price: Tickets starting at $30
Phoenix Vibe Scale: 🏀🏀🏀🏀🏀 (5 out of 5 basketballs)
We couldn’t visit Phoenix without experiencing the electric atmosphere of an NBA game featuring the Phoenix Suns. As fans of basketball—and any event where nachos are readily available—we snagged tickets to see the Suns take on their rivals at the Footprint Center.
From the moment we entered the arena, the energy was palpable. The crowd was a sea of purple and orange, with fans of all ages cheering, dancing, and waving foam fingers. The Suns’ mascot, a high-energy gorilla, kept the audience entertained with acrobatic dunks and antics that defied gorilla logic.
The game itself was a nail-biter, with the Suns pulling ahead in the final quarter. We found ourselves on our feet, shouting and high-fiving strangers like lifelong fans. The halftime show featured local performers, adding a community feel to the event. Even if you’re not a die-hard basketball enthusiast, attending a Suns game is a thrilling experience that captures the spirit of Phoenix.
10. LDV Winery Tasting Room
Address: 7134 E. Stetson Drive, Suite B110, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Approximate Price: $10–$15 per tasting
Phoenix Vibe Scale: 🍷🍷🍷🍷 (4 out of 5 wine glasses)
Who knew the desert could produce such delightful wines? At the LDV Winery Tasting Room in nearby Scottsdale, we discovered that Arizona’s high-altitude vineyards are crafting some impressive vintages.
The tasting room offered a chic yet relaxed environment, perfect for unwinding after a day of sightseeing. We sampled a flight of their estate-grown wines, including a robust Petite Sirah and a smooth Viognier. The knowledgeable staff guided us through each pour, sharing insights about the vineyard’s sustainable practices and the unique terroir of the Chiricahua Mountains.
Pairing the wines with a selection of local cheeses and charcuterie elevated the experience. It was a pleasant surprise to find such quality winemaking in the heart of the desert. We left with a bottle (or two) as souvenirs, convinced that Arizona wine deserves a spot on any oenophile’s map.
Is Phoenix, Arizona Safe?
Safety is always a consideration when traveling, and Phoenix, like any major city, has areas that are safer than others. As of 2021, Phoenix had a higher crime rate compared to the national average, particularly in property crimes like theft and burglary. However, violent crime rates were closer to the national average.
During our visit, we felt safe exploring the city’s main attractions and neighborhoods, especially during the day. Downtown areas, tourist spots, and suburbs tend to be well-patrolled and visitor-friendly. As with any city, it’s advisable to stay aware of your surroundings, avoid poorly lit areas at night, and secure your belongings.
We also noticed a strong community presence and various initiatives aimed at improving public safety. Ultimately, exercising common sense and taking standard precautions can help ensure a safe and enjoyable trip to Phoenix.
Would We Visit Phoenix, Arizona Again?
We’ll surely be back! Phoenix surprised us with its rich blend of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and urban charm. From scaling desert peaks to savoring world-class pizza, every day offered a new adventure. Sure, the sun can be relentless, but that’s just an excuse to indulge in more ice cream—or craft beer.
Our journey in the Mercedes Benz Sprinter van through the Valley of the Sun was nothing short of spectacular. We left with unforgettable memories, a slight tan, and a newfound appreciation for this vibrant desert metropolis.
So yes, Phoenix, we’ll be back—and next time, we’re bringing even more sunscreen.
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