Phoenix, Arizona called the Valley of the Sun, is a wonderful place to visit, especially in October through May when the weather is just perfect.
Having lived here since 2005, I can always find something to keep me busy from hiking, to eating, to shopping.
Here are the top 13 things to do if you ever plan on visiting our wonderful city.
Desert Botanical Gardens is a great place to spend a few hours touring the gardens. The Gardens are located at 1201 N Galvin Parkway Phoenix, AZ 85008 Phone: 480-941-1225. There are always special events scheduled, so make sure you check their website when you are planning your trip.
Phoenix Zoo is located in the same area as the Desert Botanical Gardens, so it is a great way to extend your day doing something fun. Located at 455 N Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, AZ 85008 was founded by Robert Maytag in 1962. The Zoo also has special events during the year, but the most popular is the Zoo Lights during the month of December.
Hiking in the Valley is extensive, especially after the heat breaks usually in October. The Valley has some tough hikes, and some that only take an hour or so. My favorite hike in the west valley is Thunderbird Park, located off 59th Ave and Pinnacle Peak Road. This is my go to when I only have a short window and want to get a hike in as it is only an hour or so depending on your pace. NOTE: there is also a park entrance of 67th Avenue, but I prefer the 59th Ave trailhead.
Play a round of Golf at one of the 200 courses in the Valley. I am not a golfer, so can’t recommend any courses, but I don’t think you can go wrong with any of them as they are all beautiful. Check out the listings here.
Visit the Musical Instrument Museum which is the largest of its kind in the world housing over 15,000 instruments. Located close to north Scottsdale at 4725 E Mayo Boulevard, Phoenix, AZ 85050 it is easy to hop over to Kierland Commons for lunch when you are done, and then wander through the shops to complete your afternoon or evening.
The Wrigley Mansion is a wonderful place to have a gourmet dinner or a Sunday Brunch. The mansion also features special events throughout the year. Reservations are required, and you can book them right on their website.
Taliesin West was the winter home of Frank Lloyd Wright, the architect, from 1937 until his passing in 1959 at the age of 91. I recommend taking a tour of the property, as the guides tell you stories of Mr Wright, and some of his ideocycrincies, which are pretty interesting. The home is located in Scottsdale at 12621 N Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85259, and tickets are $39 for the audio tour, and $49 for the guided tour.
Lake Pleasant located in the west part of the valley offers boat rentals, hiking trails and camping. It’s a great way to cool off if you are here in the summer. You can also take a quick boat ride to Dillon’s Bayou at Pleasant Harbor for a meal and dance to live music on the weekends.
Tempe Town Lake located in the ASU college town is a fun place to go for a walk, a boat or a bike ride. When you are done at the lake, head to Mill Ave for lunch or dinner at one of the many restaurants located along the stretch of street. My favorite restaurant in Tempe is Casey Moore’s Oyster House. The restaurant is located at 850 S Ash Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281 and they have incredible seafood dishes, especially their Oysters Rockefeller. I recommend sitting outside next to the fires pits to enjoy the cool desert night.
Heard Museum is known for its mission of advancing American Indian Art. Located at 2301 North Central Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85004, it is a wonderful place to spend a few hours learning more about the Native American culture.
Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park is the perfect place to spend the day with the kids. Located in the west part of the valley at 16501 W Northern Ave. Litchfield Park, AZ 85340. The park has been expanded and the Aquarium added along with a log flume ride in the last couple of years.
Mystery Castle is a home built by a father for his princess. Located at 800 E Mineral Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85042 it features 18 rooms and 13 fireplaces and is built of stone. As of this writing the castle is closed due to extensive damage caused by vandals.
Canyon Lake and a ride on Dolly’s Steamboat is a wonderful way to spend a day. Canyon Lake is located in the southeastern part of the valley, in the Superstition Mountains. The Steamboat is a great way to view the lake and the surrounding area from the water either on a scenic tour or a dinner cruise.
As you can see there is a lot to see and do in Phoenix. Depending on the time of year you visit. As you know being a city located in the desert our summer temperatures can reach upward of 115 degrees F. I recommend visiting October through May, with the understanding that because our weather is so beautiful, the traffic is tough, but all in all Phoenix is a wonderland of fun things to do and experience.
