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Bucket List: Top 10 Best Things to See and Do in Phoenix, Arizona, USA
Phoenix is undeniably a beautiful summer destination with sunny weather and first-class hotel resorts. In addition, there are loads of best things to do in Phoenix, Arizona, from visiting museums and exploring its natural gems and historical landmarks.
So if you’re planning to visit the Valley of the Sun, here are the 10 best things to do in Phoenix, Arizona.
Musical Instrument Museum
If you’re into music and appreciate its impact on the world, visiting the Musical Instrument Museum is the place for you. The museum was established in 2010 and is considered the biggest museum globally that features over 15,000 collections of musical instruments from around 200 countries like a gong, xylophone, and drums.
Address: 4725 E Mayo Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85050, United States
Phone: +1 480-478-6000
Taliesin West
A great place to visit if you’re into architecture, history, and nature, the Taliesin West is a historical landmark in Arizona and the former home of architect Frank Lloyd Wright. The structure was built in 1937 with Native American petroglyphs on the area’s rocks. Taliesin West also became the architectural icon of Arizona, featuring desert masonry.
Address: 12621 N Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85259, United States
Phone: +1 480-860-2700
Architectural style: Organic architecture
Architect: Frank Lloyd Wright
Opened: 1937
Burials: Frank Lloyd Wright
Area: 251 ha
Owner: Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation
Desert Botanical Garden
An ideal outdoor attraction for strolling with the family, the Desert Botanical Garden located in Papago Park features desert vegetation, as well as unique and mesmerizing plants. The area was founded in 1939, with over 50,000 plants in 4,000 taxa, including native and 379 rare species.
Address: 1201 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008, United States
Phone: +1 480-941-1225
Plants: 50,000
Area: 140 acres (57 ha)
Established: 1939
Species: 4,379
Dobbins Lookout
Offering great views of downtown Phoenix and the surrounding valley, the Dobbins Lookout is the perfect spot to watch the sunset. The site is the highest peak in South Mountain Park, measuring 2,330 feet, and is accessible by hiking or driving through the Summit road. The fort-like rock structure uphill is also a great place for relaxation while enjoying the sunset and scenic view.
Heard Museum
A recommended place for art enthusiasts, the Heard Museum features unique exhibits focusing on Native American Indian art of the Southwest. It was founded in 1929, displaying the founder’s art collections, archeological artifacts from La Ciudad Indian ruin, and attracts over 250,000 guests annually. Some of the museum’s displays include native masks, figurines, sculptures, accessories, and ancient clothing.
Hall of Fame Fire Museum
The Hall of Fame Fire Museum is a unique place, filled with fire trucks and equipment, used in fire fighting for over the last century globally. Also known as National Historical Fire Foundation, the facility was established in 1961 and is an ideal interactive place for learning for younger kids.
Address: 6101 E Van Buren St, Phoenix, AZ 85008, United States
Phone: +1 602-275-3473
Phoenix Open
A highly recommended thing to do in Phoenix if you’re visiting by late January or early February, the Phoenix Open is a much-awaited golf tournament attracting around half a million visitors yearly. The golf tournament was established in 1932 and considered “The Greatest Show on Grass and the most famous PGA Tour event.
Phoenix Art Museum
Another must-visit for art and museum lovers, the Phoenix Art Museum located in Central Avenue offers beautiful collections with massive works of fine arts. The facility has memberships or free entry for every first Friday of the month featuring outstanding artworks, live music, dance performances, and more. Also, they offer special exhibitions from artists to community art displays.
Address: 1625 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004, United States
Phone: +1 602-257-1880
FilmBar
If you’re looking for something unique and laid back to do while in Phoenix, the FilmBar is the place to go. The facility is a lounge and art-house cinema established in 2011, featuring classic, cult, foreign, and local films. It is also ideal for date night or enjoying the night with friends, as they offer beer, wine, and amazing tamales in their bar.
Address: 815 N 2nd St, Phoenix, AZ 85004, United States
Phone: +1 602-595-9187
Phoenix Zoo
Lastly, one of the best attractions in town and held as “Phoenix Point of Pride,” the Phoenix Zoo is the best spot for family travel, especially with kids. The zoo was established in 1962 and is one of the largest zoos in the US, featuring over 1,400 animals and 4 km walking trails in its 125-acre land.
Located in: Papago Park
Address: 455 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008, United States
Phone: +1 602-286-3800
References
- Law, (2020), 16 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions & Activities to Do in Phoenix, AZ, Planetware
- (2021), 25 Best Thing to Do in Phoenix (from a Local!), My Flying Leap
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