10 Best Things to do in Phoenix in 2024 – The Ultimate Guide

There are so many fun and unique things to do in Phoenix. I’ve been a handful of times now and every time I find a few new hidden gems to add to the list. And there’s still so much to explore. 

If you’re planning a trip to Phoenix soon, I’m sharing the best places to visit, things to do, the best tours to check out, and where to eat (did you know some of the best pizza in the world is in Phoenix?!)

Top Experiences & Tours In Phoenix

• Phoenix: Epic Camelback Mountain Guided Hiking Adventure 
• From Phoenix: Antelope Canyon Day Trip 
• Phoenix: Salt River Kayaking
• Phoenix: Sunrise Hot Air Ballon Ride with Breakfast 

Where To Stay In Phoenix

I’ve stayed at all of these hotels and couldn’t recommend them enough.

• Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia
• Senna House 
• Mountain Shadows 

  Not sure where you want to stay? Check availability and pricing for the best hotels in Phoenix.

Top Activities And Things To Do In Phoenix 

Whether you’re an adventure lover that wants to spend time outdoors, or you’re a foodie looking for an incredible experience – I’ve gathered some of the best things to do to make your trip memorable.

 

 

• Take A Hot Air Balloon Ride Over The Sonoran Desert 

I am terrified of heights, but when I learned you could take a hot air balloon over the desert, I had to try it. My partner and I woke up at 5am and drove to meet our hot air balloon tour. It can be chilly in the morning, so I definitely recommend wearing some layers. The hot air balloon will take off around sunrise and you’ll feel the warmth of the sun as the city wakes up. I had no idea how massive Phoenix was, but the view from the sky gives you a pretty good idea. You’re in the sky for about an hour and when you land, the crew has breakfast and bubbles waiting. A couple got engaged once we landed and we got to celebrate with them. It’s such a unique experience. I highly recommend booking with Hot Air Expeditions on your next trip to Phoenix. 

• Kayak Salt River

When you think of Arizona you probably don’t think of desert, but Arizona has so much diversity with their landscapes and it’s truly incredible.The Salt River offers a mix of currents, occasional rapids, and breathtaking desert landscapes. You can choose to float or paddle – we did both and they are such unique experiences. We booked with Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch – they provide self guided tours and kayaks which is nice so you can go at your own pace. It took about 2 hours to paddle. Checkout this post for more details about kayaking and floating Salt River. 

Kayaking Salt River is one of the best experiences in Phoenix.  Book your kayak tour here! I’d recommend going early to avoid the heat and beat the crowds. This will also increase your chances of seeing the wild horses!

• Visit An Olive Oil Farm 

This might be random, but if you’re a foodie this is such an incredible way to spend your afternoon. Queen Creek Olive Mill Estate is one of the only olive farms and mills in the area. Fun fact, Arizona is similar latitude to countries like Greece, Italy, Spain which makes it some of the best climate to grow olives. Queen Creek Olive Mill has a farm, market, and eatery so you can grab lunch after your tour and explore all the handmade EVOO products. You can take their Olive Oil 101 Class and it is so informative – you’ll learn how to properly taste your olive oil (or know if it’s gone bad), and the best way to preserve and use it in your own kitchen.

• Follow The Fresh Foodie Trail

This should technically go under best places to eat, but it’s an experience. So if you’re a food lover, one of the best things to do in Phoenix is checkout the Fresh Foodie Trail.  From wineries to farm-to-table restaurants this is the ultimate culinary road trip. And several of the trail’s best stops are in the Phoenix area. Another highlight if you do the Fresh Foodie Trail is Agritopia, declared the nation’s leading agri-hood by The New York Times. Here, modern village life surrounds 11 acres of urban farmland. You’ll find a selection of local restaurants and shops here, including Joe’s Farm Grill, which was even featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.

• Ride Through The Desert on an ATV & UTV Tour

Explore the unique Sonoran Desert on an off-road tour with Stellar Adventures. You’ll go deep into the desert and experience the thrill of navigating through seasonal creeks, sandy washes, rocky slopes, and flat desert trails. I drove the UTV and my partner drove the ATV. The entire tour was about 2 hours and we had so much fun.

• Hike The Incredible Landscapes of Arizona

  If you’re visiting Phoenix during a time that allows or you to hike, I definitely recommend exploring some trails. Be sure to hydrate, go early in the morning or later evening to beat the heat, and pack accordingly. If you’re looking for an easy hike, here are a few hikes i’d recommend: McDowell Sonoran Preserve Gateway Loop Trail and Papago Park Hole-in-the-Rock Trail. If you’d like a more challenging hike, check out Cholla Trail at Camelback Mountain or Piestewa Peak Trail at Phoenix Mountains Preserve. 

Top Places to Eat + Drink In Phoenix 

• Eat All The Prickly Pear Soft Serve at Topo – Prickly pear is a type of cactus and is one of my favorite flavors. I don’t have a big sweet tooth but I still dream about this soft serve from Topo. It’s the perfect mix of sweet + fruity. There are lots of restaurants in the area that serve prickly pear drinks or desserts so you’ll definitely have to check those out.
• Eat The Best Pizza In The World – It’s been said that pizza in Arizona rivals Italian pizza and once you try it for yourself you’ll fall in love. I loved Pomo, but Bianco is also on my list.
• Eat In A Shipping Container at The Churchill – The Churchill is my go to or a quick and delicious lunch. The Churchill is an open-air food court made out of repurposed shipping containers – it’s a unique and fun spot and great for groups. They have pizza, smoothies and bowls, burgers, and tacos.
• Build Your Own Bloody Mary At Hash Kitchen – Hash Kitchen is home to Arizona’s largest bloody mary bar – the toppings are endless. They also have a live DJ for brunch so it’s great if you’re looking to have some fun. There are a few locations around the city.
• A Little Bit Of Tokyo in Phoenix at Sake Haus- You may not think of Sushi when you’re in Phoenix, but Sake Haus has some of the best sushi and sake I’ve had outside of Japan. They also have an incredible seasonal cocktail menu – they launched it the night we went so we had a few and the X and X were amazing.
• Drink Elevated Cocktails at Grey Hen RX – If you’re looking for cocktails – Grey Hen RX is your go to. Tucked in the Century Grand they are all about fine spirits and elevated cocktails. This bar is intimate so make a reservation. Seating for 2 hours. 
• Grab Mini Donuts at Little O’s Arcadia Market – this is a great spot or brunch. It’s a laid-back, casual bar and restaurant. Little O’s  also makes the most delicious mini donuts
• Escape To Mallorca At Cala – Cala is the mediterranean inspired restaurant inside of Senna House. I love their outdoor patio and Lamache a la Vodka. I saw a bunch of groups there – it looks like the perfect spot for larger groups or a girls trip. 

Where To Stay – The Best Hotels in Phoenix 

I have stayed in numerous hotels in Phoenix and while my goal is to stay at all of them – these are my three favorite hotels in the Phoenix area. Generally, the summer heat HOT – specifically in June and July, but it’s actually one of my favorite times to visit because hotels offer some incredible deals – I’m talking 40%+ off in the summer. There are resort credits, massive discounts, reduced rates, and more! When I stayed at the Omni Scottsdale in June – I got $200 a resort credit as well as a welcome bag for staying 2 nights. 

• Indulge In Relaxation At Omni Scottsdale  – The Omni Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Montelucia, is a Spanish-inspired luxury resort. I love that they have an onsite spa, three pools to choose from, and their onsite restaurant Prado, which overlooks Camelback Mountain, has an epic menu. 

• Enjoy The Views At Mountain Shadow – This is one of my favorites. Overlooking the beautiful Sonoran desert, the views at Mountain Shadows are stunning. This retro resort is located in Camelback Mountain’s backyard. Hang at the pool and take in the views, go for a hike, or have a cocktail on the beautiful outdoor patio after a day of exploring.
• Be Close To Everything At Senna House – Centrally located in Old Town, Senna House is surrounded by incredible restaurants and bars, and only a 10 minute drive to Camelback Mountain. They have free bike rentals available from sunrise to sunset so definitely take advantage of that.

If you have any questions about planning your trip to Phoenix, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Please note this post may contain affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase.  As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.