Top Phoenix Swimming in 2026

Take in gorgeous views of the Sonoran Desert and feel like you’re floating on a cloud during an exhilarating hot-air balloon ride at sunrise from Phoenix. You’ll experience the perfect start to your day followed by Champagne toast and breakfast. Upgrade to include round-trip transport from your hotel for a seamless experience.

Float over Phoenix and the Sonoran Desert in a comfortable and spacious hot-air balloon with an FAA-certified pilot. Depart before daybreak to get incredible views of the desert landscape during sunrise and be a part of the action as the balloon is inflated. If the wind is right, you can go inside for amazing photos. Upon touchdown, you are greeted with a Champagne toast and a commemorative flight certificate.

Hop aboard a UTV for an adventure in the Sonoran Desert. Ride on rugged and rocky trails in the scenic Bradshaw Mountains and cross the Aqua Fria River during the scenic journey. Keep an eye out for wildlife: All sorts of animals live in the area, from coyotes and deer to bobcats and rabbits.

Guarantee your admission at SEA LIFE Aquarium Arizona in Phoenix when you book in advance. Step out of the hot Phoenix weather to immerse yourself in the fascinating world of undersea creatures. Learn about different types of sea life, from tropical sharks to simple sea stars and get close-up views of fascinating marine life that typically exist at the bottom of the ocean.

Enjoy a picturesque hot-air balloon flight over the Sonoran Desert—and check off your bucket list—on this sunrise flight. Experience 360-degree desert views that most other Phoenix visitors miss, all while floating effortlessly across the sky at dawn. At the end of your flight, celebrate with a traditional Champagne toast and light refreshments.

Breeze through entrance lines and save money with this prebooked admission ticket to the Phoenix Zoo. Meet some of the park’s roughly 3,000 resident animals—Bornean orangutans, Asian elephants, Sumatran tigers, Komodo dragons, and others—while learning about local and global conservation initiatives. This e-ticket downloads with a barcode granting admission from any open turnstile at the Phoenix Zoo.

Journey through stunning Arizona landscapes on this full-day tour from the Phoenix-Scottsdale area. Visit the Grand Canyon and explore Sedona with an expert guide who handles all the driving and logistics, leaving you free to soak in the incredible scenery. Explore highlights of the Grand Canyon, and drive through the Sonoran Desert on this small-group tour. With numbers limited to 13 participants, you can enjoy a more intimate experience of the Southwest's natural beauty.

Visit Grand Canyon National Park, with a stop for pictures of the Red Rocks of Sedona, on this multi-hour tour from the Phoenix area. Travel through beautiful Oak Creek Canyon, where you can browse local crafts if you wish. When you reach the Grand Canyon, make stops in the park to see the natural wonder from multiple viewpoints.

Take a rip through the Sonoran Desert on four wheels. Your adventure guide knows all the best trails in the area and—after a safety orientation and quick lesson in ATV driving, you’ll be off on an adventure of your own. This tour is a great way to explore the vast Sonoran Desert and have fun with some new friends. Choose from a single or double ATV, or a UTV, which is great for families.

Immerse yourself in Arizona’s natural landscape on a self-guided kayak rental through Saguaro Lake. Booking a rental allows you to explore at your own pace and linger at locations with the best views of the river and wildlife. In addition to free parking, the tour includes a kayaking and safety orientation for all skill levels.