Top Ways to Spend Time Outdoors in Phoenix, Arizona

Despite its desert location, the city is full of outdoor activities, from hiking in the surrounding hills to cooling off at one of the city's water parks. If you're looking for things to do in Phoenix, then get outside and enjoy some of these activities and attractions.

Explore the Desert Botanical Garden

The Desert Botanical Garden captures the beauty and life of the desert with an astonishing array of vegetation representing deserts from around the world. Spanning 140 acres, the Garden consists of five trails boasting more than 50,000 plants displayed in stunning exhibits. The Garden regularly hosts temporary art exhibits, so prepare to see paintings and ceramic sculptures amongst the cacti and flowering desert plants.

Hike Tonto Natural Bridge State Park

If you're up for a daytime excursion, then head roughly 100 miles north to Tonto Natural Bridge State Park, home to what is believed to be the world's largest travertine bridge. At 183 feet high and running over a 400-foot long tunnel, the bridge itself is a wonder, but it's far from the only stunning beauty you'll find here. The park is also home to Tonto Natural Bridge Falls, a towering 183-foot waterfall. Hike the Pine Creek Trail to the Pine Creek natural area, or opt for the steep Gowan Trail, which descends to an observation deck at the bottom of the creek.

Stroll Through Papago Park

If you prefer a nice walk without leaving the city, then visit Papago Park. Although the park is best known as the home of the Phoenix Zoo and the Desert Botanical Gardens, it's worth visiting even if you don't plan on hitting up those attractions. Within the 1,200-acre park, you can play a round of golf, walk along the nature trails that wind through stunning red buttes, fish in the lagoons, or cycle along one of the bike paths. When you visit, don't miss the popular Hole in the Rock formation, considered the park's most scenic spot.

Ride a Horse in South Mountain Park

Spanning 16,000 acres, South Mountain Park is the largest city park in the U.S. Take a horseback ride along one of its many trails for views of the desert and the city that you won't find anywhere else. Other outdoor activities here include hiking and mountain biking. Trails range from easy to challenging, but they all wind through the desert landscape and offer breathtaking beauty.

Cool Off at Saguaro Lake

Phoenix isn't all desert. Just northeast of the city is Saguaro Lake, a scenic oasis surrounded by tall cacti. Cool off on a hot day with one of the lake's many recreation activities, like boating, water skiing, or fishing. If you prefer to relax, take a sightseeing tour on the Desert Belle, where you can learn about the lake's history while you enjoy the views from the water. During your visit, enjoy a delicious meal and panoramic views at the Lakeshore Restaurant.

Splash at Golfland Sunsplash

When the summer sun is scorching, cool off at one of the city's many waterparks, like Golfland Sunsplash. Located in Mesa, this family attraction has plenty to offer all ages, including a wave pool, water slides, and a lazy river for tubing. Take the crew on a family raft ride that starts seven stories high, or relax while the kids splash in the Toddler Tadpole Pool. If you want a break from the water, then head next door and play a round of mini golf.

Tee off at Troon North Golf Club

The Phoenix metro area boasts some 185 golf courses, so it's safe to say that a day on the green is a popular way to get outdoors here. Play a round at Scottsdale's Troon North Golf Club, one of the area's top-ranked public courses. The club's two courses take full advantage of the desert environment, using the rugged landscape and natural ravines as a stunning backdrop for challenging play. Visitors agree that the scenery alone makes this one of the best courses in the city.