Visiting Phoenix for the First Time? Here’s What To See and Do

Phoenix is located in the Sonoran Desert, surrounded by Camelback Mountain, the Superstition Mountains, and plenty of hiking trails in between. If you're visiting during the hotter times of the year, set off in the early morning hours or in the evening to beat the heat—a sunrise or sunset hike is ideal. Opt for a hassle-free hiking experience with a guided hike from Phoenix so you don't have to worry about transportation or parking at the trailhead.

Insider tip: If you visit in the spring, you’ll see the landscape come alive with wildflowers.

If you’d rather take it easy, stroll around the Desert Botanical Garden and see what's growing. Join a docent tour to learn about the adaptations of desert flora and fauna while you explore the gardens' many trails. The Botanical Gardens host community events for all ages—kids will love storytime and the Cactus Clubhouse, the Botanical Garden's interactive nature play space with music, art areas, and its own desert tortoise, while adults can find their zen at sunset yoga. And don't miss a stop at the gardens' Cohn Family Butterfly Pavilion to meet these delicate, winged creatures.

Whether it's your first time visiting Phoenix or your tenth, one of the best ways to learn about the region is to eat your way through it on a culinary tour. Sample from menus serving everything from Sonoran-style burritos to American Indian piki bread, all while you hear about Phoenix history from a local guide. If you're looking for a change from tacos and carne asada, though, head to Pho 43 for a bowl of deeply flavorful pho, or try a little bit of everything at The Churchill, a food court made of shipping containers.

Related: Chef Rene Andrade’s Guide to Phoenix

You'll find art around every corner in Phoenix, from large-scale street art murals to small shops selling cactus paintings you can take home with you. Explore the Roosevelt Row Artists’ District for art galleries, small boutiques, and street art all in one place. Another one of the top Phoenix attractions is the Phoenix Art Museum, where you can walk through galleries featuring American, Asian, European, and Latin American works. While you're there, don't miss the Thorne Miniature Rooms—tiny rooms created by artist Narcissa Niblack Thorne to replicate actual rooms, from furnishings to wallpaper.

Get an introduction to Phoenix's Indigenous cultural history on a day trip to Sedona, where you can visit nearby archaeological sites including Montezuma Castle National Monument and Tuzigoot National Monument, or see the large collection of American Indian art and artifacts at the Heard Museum. Families will enjoy the interactive exhibits at the Arizona Museum of Natural History, with replicas of pit houses and other structures used by the Hohokam people.

Insider tip: Phoenix has a number of restaurants serving modern American Indian cuisine. The Fry Bread House is a favorite, with a menu focused on—you guessed it—fry bread.

One of the most popular Phoenix tourist activities is a hot air balloon ride. The best time to take to the skies is either in the early morning hours, so you can be high above the Sonoran Desert by the time the sun rises, or finish a day of Phoenix sightseeing with a sunset ride that includes a Champagne toast. Either way, you'll have plenty of photos to take home with you to remember this momentous—and magical—experience.

Related: This Sunrise Hot-Air Balloon Ride Over Phoenix Was Worth Waking Up For

Whether you head to the boutique shops of the Melrose District or the upscale Scottsdale Fashion Square, there are plenty of opportunities to spend your well-earned dollars during your trip to the Phoenix area. Head to Local Nomad in Phoenix's Uptown Plaza for unique gifts, or head outside city limits to visit Old Town Scottsdale, where you'll find Southwestern art and American Indian-made jewelry. If you find yourself at one of the four Retail Therapy locations near Phoenix, you'll likely have a hard time choosing from all of the local goodies, such as hand-beaded jewelry, cactus salsa, and all-natural body lotion.

A museum is one of the best places to visit in Phoenix when the temperatures rise, so having a few in your back pocket is a good idea. There are always mainstays such as the Arizona Science Center, but if you're looking to branch out, visit some of the city's more under-the-radar spots to escape the crowds. Phoenix is home to the Musical Instrument Museum and the Arizona Commemorative Air Force Museum, which is a must-visit for history buffs. Kids will also love touring this museum's hangar full of rare combat planes.

Phoenix comes alive during spring training season, when the Major League Baseball Cactus League takes over area ballparks to crowds of cheering fans. During the regular baseball season, you can root for the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field, a retractable-roof, natural grass stadium with a swimming pool in the right-field bleachers. If there's no game happening while you’re in town, you can tour this must-see Phoenix spot and learn about its unique features, including a massive high-definition scoreboard.

One of our top Phoenix travel tips is to get up close (but from a safe distance!) to some of the interesting animals that make their home here. At the Phoenix Zoo, get acquainted with a javelina, a Sonoran desert tortoise, and a bald eagle. Marvel at butterflies of all colors and sizes at Butterfly Wonderland in Scottsdale, and then head next door to see otters and penguins at OdySea Aquarium or visit the SEA LIFE® Aquarium Arizona in nearby Tempe.

Insider tip: Stop at the restrooms near the OdySea check-in desk to see sharks swimming by as you wash your hands.