Best things to do in Phoenix

Discover the best things to do in Phoenix in our guide to the capital of Arizona. Renowned for year-round sunshine, desert landscapes and spa resorts, Phoenix is a paradise for heat lovers. Whether you’re a lifelong Arizonian looking for unique things to do in Phoenix, or a first-time visitor ticking things off a bucket list, there’s plenty to see, do and experience. From outdoor adventures to a thriving arts scene, there’s something for everyone in the Valley of the Sun.

Read on to find out the top 10 things to do in Phoenix with a car rental from Hertz.

Desert Botanical Garden

1201 North Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, AZ 85008, United States

The desert landscapes and unique flora are part of the main attraction of Phoenix. To take in the best of the best, a trip to the Desert Botanical Garden is a must. Discover 140 acres of vibrant desert plant life, nestled within the spectacular red rocks of the Sonoran Desert. Take a relaxing stroll along one of the many garden trails and take in the sights and scents of some of the hardiest plants on the planet. From flowering cacti to brightly colored wildflowers, each species has adapted to thrive in conditions where sunshine is abundant and water is often scarce. Participate in hands-on activities at one of the Discovery Stations, and don’t forget to check the calendar for unique tours and activities taking place at the time of your visit.

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Musical Instrument Museum

4725 East Mayo Boulevard, Phoenix, AZ 85050, United States

Music lovers of all kinds won’t want to miss out on a trip to the Musical Instrument Museum. Whether you’re a virtuoso, a beginner, or simply someone who loves to listen, this is a must-visit. Wander the galleries to spot over 4,200 unique instruments from every continent, country and territory of the world, plus another 10,000-plus associated objects. Connect with your own musical heritage or learn about a totally different culture through their sound. Take in a concert at the MIM Music Theater – with over 200 concerts per year, it’s likely there’ll be something on during your visit. A revolving program of special exhibitions means there’s always something new to discover, no matter how many times you return.

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Arizona Science Center

600 East Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004, United States

Looking for rainy day things to do in Phoenix? Fuel your imagination and learn something new at the Arizona Science Center. Famed for its spectacular planetarium, from October 2025 you can enter an all-new star-gazing experience in the Dorrance Dome. Powered by cutting-edge CX System LED technology from Cosm, immersive sound, 360-degree views and compelling storytelling let you discover the bounds of the universe. Outside of space, marvel at exhibitions on physics, nature and human anatomy, and get hands-on with interactive showcases and live demonstrations. Whether you want to learn more about outer space or weather patterns, electricity or how the human body works, this is the place to do so while also having a lot of fun.

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Papago Park

625 North Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, AZ 85008, United States

Just minutes from downtown when you rent a car from Phoenix, Papago Park makes a great day out in Phoenix for those that love outdoor activities. Hiking trails, running trails and mountain biking are just a few ways to explore the area, which is comprised mainly of natural sandstone. Don’t miss Hole-In-The-Rock – a breathtaking natural geographical phenomenon offering panoramic views of the park. The park is also home to a fishing lagoon, an orienteering course and an archery range if you fancy learning a new skill. Or book some tee time at the Papago Golf Course and practice your swing. And if you need a break from the sunshine, the Hall of Flame Museum is worth a look. The largest museum in the world dedicated to showcasing firefighting history, explore over a hundred restored pieces of firefighting equipment from throughout history – from firetrucks to hand pumps, steamers and more.

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Heard Museum

2301 North Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85004, United States

A private, not-for-profit museum dedicated to showcasing American Indian Art, the Heard Museum boasts 12 galleries of indigenous creativity. Traditional artworks stand side by side with contemporary creations, giving a visual history of the native peoples of America through art. Prints, drawings, beadwork, jewelry, baskets, sculpture, textiles, Hopi Katsina dolls and much more are on display here. The museum also hosts a series of live events throughout each year, ranging from Indian markets and fairs to hosting the World Championship Hoop Dance Contest, so be sure the check the calendar before you go. Kids are well catered for, with a family fun area where they can get hands-on with activities like helping to decorate a giant O’odham olla, and seasonal activities tied to the latest exhibitions. Once you’re done exploring, there’s a Southwest-inspired café and gift shop.

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The Square PHX

113 North 6th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004, United States

Phoenix has a vibrant past dating from the Victorian era. The Square PHX celebrates this history. Located on the original townsite from the 1800s, and centered around the restored Rosson House Museum, this is a place to come to soak up history, or simply to relax with a bite to eat at one of the many great cafes and restaurants. Visit Que Sazón for authentic South American ceviche, or stop in at Pizzeria Bianco for pizzas, antipasto and more. The area is also home to a colony of community cats – who live outdoors and are cared for by a group of locals. Faire @ The Square is an annual event at the beginning of December, featuring street vendors, lawn games, family craft sessions, local artists and more. There are also regular family fun days at the Visitor Center which run one Saturday each month.

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Japanese Friendship Garden of Pheonix

1125 North 3rd Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85003, United States

Named one of the Phoenix Points of Pride, the Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix offers a tantalizing glimpse into Japanese culture. Originally designed as a joint project with Phoenix’s sister city, Himeji, this tranquil green space in the heart of the city offers unique opportunities to relax, rejuvenate and recharge. The carefully landscaped gardens feature koi ponds, verdant walking paths meandering between plots of unique plants, and traditional Japanese tea houses. Check the calendar to see what’s on – throughout each year the Garden plays host a series of events that let you delve deeper into Japanese culture. These range from tea ceremonies to meditation sessions, aikido workshops to seasonal celebrations of important days in the Japanese calendar. Find some inner peace in whatever way suits you best.

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Hot Air Balloon Rides

If hot air balloon riding is on your bucket list, the warm, dry climate and spectacular desert landscapes make Phoenix a great space to tick this activity off the list. There are multiple companies operating in the region offering hot air balloon experiences. You could take in the vibrant colors of the sunrise with breakfast on a balloon or fly out over the Sonoran Desert for a bird’s eye view of the vista. Book a large balloon with a group for a relaxed experience floating over the desert, on a ride that will take you through mountain passes to view the local wildlife. Trip durations can range anywhere from an hour in the air to a full half-day, with prices adjusting accordingly.

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Phoenix Art Museum

1625 North Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85004, United States

Art has the power to enrich lives, bring people closer together, and help shape a community. This is the philosophy behind the Phoenix Art Museum, exhibiting a vast array of traditional and modern art from the distant past to the present day. As the largest visual art museum in the southwest, it has over 285,000 square feet of exhibition space, with over 19,000 works in the permanent collections and an evolving selection of international exhibits and showcases too. Some of the most famous pieces on display include Pink Abstraction by Georgia O’Keefe, George Washington by Gilbert Stuart, and Les arceaux fleuris, Giverny by Claude Monet. The museum also runs regular events, from live music performances to lectures, film series, workshops, and art-making classes.

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Goldfield Ghost Town

4650 North Mammoth Mine Road, Apache Junction, AZ 85119, United States

Just a 45-minute drive from Phoenix in your rental, you’ll find Goldfield Ghost Town. This former mining town, from the Gold Rush era in the Superstition Mountains, has been preserved as a relic of that time. Immerse yourself in the old Wild West by panning for gold and touring the historic Mammoth Gold Mine. Pay a visit to one of the saloons on Main Street and learn more about this unique moment in history at the Goldfield Museum. You can witness the Goldfield Gunfighters battling it out in an old west gun fight. Grab a bite at the Miner’s Grill & Ice-cream Parlor or the Gidy Up Gourmet. Don’t forget to pick up some unique souvenirs to commemorate your trip – merchants include vendors of cacti, Stetson hats, local ceramics, geological rocks and antique silver jewelry.

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Learn more about Phoenix

Before you embark on your Phoenix adventure, brush up on local knowledge with guides on where to stay, where to eat and what to expect from this Arizona gem.

• Best hotels in Phoenix, AZ
• Best restaurants in Phoenix
• 6 best Arizona road trips