What to see and do in Phoenix
Desert Botanical Garden
Walk along the trails among thousands of species of cacti, trees and blooming flowers from around the world in this sprawling garden, about 20 minutes east of downtown Phoenix. Bright colors contrast with the red, rocky landscapes, providing a beautiful landscape.
Tovrea Castle
Surrounded by restored cactus gardens, this iconic landmark, built in 1931, is just a 10-minute drive east of the airport.
Initially used as the centerpiece for a resort and then a private residence, you’ll have to reserve a spot on a tour to discover the characters that made this castle what it is today.
Castles N’ Coasters
Plan a day of adrenaline-filled family fun at this amusement park 20 minutes northwest of downtown Phoenix. Feel the rush on 20 different rides, unwind at one of the four mini 18-hole golf courses and enjoy more than 150 arcade and pinball games inside.
Race around the double-loop Desert Storm rollercoaster, cool off on the water rides and fight off zombies on the interactive XD Dark Ride.
Heard Museum
Combining history and art, the Heard Museum’s exhibitions span traditional Native American pieces through to modern works. There’s a big focus on the life and culture of Native Americans in the southwest, with paintings, sculptures and artifacts.
Pueblo Grande Museum and Cultural Park
The largest preserved archaeological site in Phoenix features the ruins of an ancient Hokoham village that disappeared around 1450. Walk among the remains of these houses and see excavated artifacts from the site in the museum.
Camelback Mountain
Trek to the 2,706-foot peak of Camelback Mountain for the best views over Phoenix and Scottsdale. If you fancy a challenge, take the steep, 1.2-mile Echo Canyon trail. For an easier climb, the 1.5-mile Cholla trail is less strenuous.
Phoenix Art Museum
Downtown Phoenix is packed with creativity, from street art to galleries. Phoenix Art Museum houses more than 18,000 pieces – from the Renaissance to the modern day, in a stylish and contemporary building.
Best places to stay in Phoenix
Royal Palms Resort and Spa
Royal Palms is a resort on the outskirts with a real Mediterranean feel. With outdoor fireplaces and fountains, the resort retains many of its original features from when it was built in 1929.
Found:RE Phoenix
Stay in the creative quarter of Roosevelt Row in the modern, industrially designed Found:RE Phoenix hotel. Elegant loft-style rooms and suites with floor-to-ceiling windows offer incredible city views, while displaying original works from local artists.
Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix
Around the corner from the Talking Stick Resort Arena, the Kimpton is perfectly located in the heart of Downtown. Enjoy its stylish sophistication, open-air pool and laidback atmosphere.
Boulders Resort and Spa
For peace and serenity there’s this resort north of Phoenix in the foothills of the Tonto National Forest. Play a few rounds between the rocks and cacti at the Boulders Golf Club or unwind in the huge spa oasis.
Where to eat in Phoenix
DeSoto Central Market
If you can’t agree on what to eat, head to the trendy DeSoto food court in central Phoenix with outlets serving gourmet burgers, oysters, Mexican and southern dishes all under one roof.
Welcome Diner
Dating back to 1945, the traditional Welcome Diner is a Phoenix staple. Enjoy home cooked biscuits and gravy, fried chicken and donuts.
Tacos Chiwas
Mexican food is popular across the city and the family-owned Chihuahuan-style Tacos Chiwas restaurant delivers all the classics freshly cooked – such as meaty carne asada, and tacos with various fillings.
Chino Bandido
Chino Bandido’s Mexican and Chinese fusion food includes teriyaki in a burrito, egg foo yung quesadillas, and all sorts of other unique-yet-delicious combinations.
The Stockyards
Step back in time with the vintage décor offered by oil paintings of former Phoenix life. Its ‘cowtown’ history is reflected in the Stockyards’ menu full of roast prime rib and steaks the size of your forearm.