Nov 13 5 min read City Guide Holiday Travel
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Top 50 Phoenix Attractions for Tourists and Locals
NOV 13, 2024 5 MIN READ CITY GUIDE HOLIDAY TRAVEL
Top 50 Phoenix Attractions for Tourists and Locals
PreFlight is proud to call Phoenix one of our homes. And what better way to celebrate Phoenix than to show off the amazing features of our amazing city by compiling a list of the top 50 Phoenix attractions and fun things to do for tourists and locals alike. Whether you're a tourist exploring the city for the first time or a local seeking new adventures, this compilation is designed to cater to everyone's interests and ensure an unforgettable experience in the vibrant and dynamic city of Phoenix.
Phoenix Museums
A spectacle for music aficionados, the Musical Instrument Museum is a one-of-a-kind location due to its stunning collection of instruments and sheer size. The largest museum of its type in the world, it houses over 15,000 musical instruments from over 200 countries.
Complete with international exhibitions from around the world, including American, Asian, European, and Latin American works of art, the community center has been welcoming art enthusiasts since 1958.
Dedicated to the advancement of American Indian art, the not-for-profit museum has been around for nearly 100 years and has a world-renowned collection of exhibitions and educational programming.
Distinctive and expansive, the famous Hall of Flame Fire Museum is an homage to firefighting and equipment used throughout the years around the world. Not only does it have five large exhibits, but it also commemorates U.S. firefighters who have perished in the line of duty.
Arizona Museum of Natural History
Located in nearby Mesa, the Arizona Museum of Natural History puts on full display the rich tapestry and history of the southwestern region of the United States. Furnished with animatronic dinosaurs and a three-story waterfall, it’s a sight to be seen.
Looking for a five-story IMAX theatre and science demonstrations, which involve a Planetarium? The Arizona Science Center is your destination. With a number of exhibitions for all ages, this is a great place to visit for inquisitive minds.
Another entry on the National Register of Historic Places, the Rosson House was home to Dr. Roland Rosson, a general physician and surgeon in the 1800s. He was also involved in politics, even becoming the mayor of Phoenix at one point.
Originally housing Arizona’s Territorial government, the building became the home of all three branches of the state’s new government in 1912. Since then, all three have vacated the building, which is now the Arizona Capitol Museum, including the state library.
Taking a little one out for a day of fun and adventure? Check out the i.d.e.a Museum! It stands for imagination, design, experience, and art, with exhibits and interactivity with the fine arts.
Native American Ruins
There are a number of fascinating Native American ruins throughout the Phoenix area, but in particular, there’s the Pueblo Grande Museum and Cultural Park, which is right by Sky Harbor International Airport. There you’ll find the ruins of the Hohokam Indian village.
With 18 Indy 500 race victories, it’s no wonder Penske Racing has its own museum. The team has found a high level of success over its 50 years of existence and this location displays many artifacts and memorabilia, including the cars that won it all.
Phoenix Landmarks
Winter home to the late, famed American architect Frank Lloyd Wright, Taliesin West is now the headquarters of the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation. Open to the public, this exemplary work of architecture is a top destination in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Dobbins Lookout South Mountain
One of the highest hiking points in the regional landscape, Dobbins Lookout is a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts and a great place if you want to conquer the 4-mile, 2,300-foot-high climb.
Named in part to its uncanny resemblance to the hump and head of a camel, Camelback Mountain towers over the regional topography not far from downtown Phoenix.
Phoenix Mountains Preserve
Ready to hike and adventure into some of the best parks around the greater Phoenix area? This is the place for you. The Phoenix Mountains Preserve consists of roughly seven parks and peaks, which include some wonderful views, such as Piestewa Peak.
Hole in the Rock
Located in Papago Park, this natural geological formation is curiously composed of openings that were eroded into the hill, creating a rare feature.
Bat Cave
Many tend to squirm and avoid bats at all costs, but in the right setting, the site of a thousand can be mesmerizing and majestic. That’s the case with the Phoenix Bat Cave, which is the sunset scene for thousands of Mexican free-tail bats embarking on a nightly bug feast.
Lake Pleasant Regional Park
Lake Pleasant is a massive 10,000-acre artificial reservoir created in 1927. At the time, it was the largest multi-arch dam in the world. Since then, it has been known locally as a great fishing spot, with tons of different bass, catfish, and carp.
Public Spaces Throughout Phoenix
Created in 1937, the Desert Botanical Garden has more than 50,000 plants, with one-third native to the area. Of note, there are nearly 400 rare or endangered species on the 140-acre grounds.
A perfect oasis in the southwest United States, Tempe Town Lake is a wonderful spot with a beautiful beach, picnic spots, bike trails, and boat/paddle board rentals.
This tranquil slice of the city is called the Japanese Friendship Garden, spanning 3.5-acres in downtown Phoenix. The joint project was conducted by Himeji, Japan, and Phoenix after becoming Sister Cities in 1976.
If you want to sound like a local when visiting Roosevelt Row, refer to this artistry hot spot as RoRo. Here you’ll find a wide collection of crafts, music, street art, and even culinary treats. What more could you want in a single location?
What used to be the outskirts of the city is now the beautiful, sprawling expanses of the Biltmore Fashion Park. A perfect place to flex your credit card and fashion sense, enjoy a day of shopping and dining at over 50 stores.
McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
Have a love of trains? Here’s your go-to spot. The McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park features a ridable miniature railway that spans 3,800 feet. The railroad also has two working steam locomotives, three diesel locomotives, and a trolley car.
Her Secret is Patience Statue
The 145-foot-tall aerial sculpture, erected in 2009 by artist Janet Echelman, is impossible to miss. It has been wowing spectators in Phoenix since then. It is located in Phoenix Civic Space Park.
Fondly referred to as the Wedding Cake Castle, Tovrea was built nearly 100 years ago as a proposed centerpiece for a destination resort. Not it resides as part of the Phoenix Parks System and has been open to the public since 2009. It shows over 5,000 cacti in over 100 varieties.
This beautiful spot sits on one of the last remaining blocks of the original town of Phoenix, before Arizona even became a state. Within its boundaries, Heritage Square boasts some previously mentioned attractions, including the Arizona Science Center and Rosson House.
Anthem Veterans Memorial
A brilliantly conceived work of art, the Anthem Veterans Memorial is a five-pillar work of art that represents the five branches of the United States military. And on November 11 each year, ellipses in the pillars allow for light to pass through and reveal the Great Seal at 11:11am.
An understudy of Frank Lloyd Wright, Paolo Soleri also called the area home, with the famed artist and architect’s gallery continuing to showcase the work in his former residence after he passed in 2013.
Top Phoenix Activities
Specializing in African and South American animals, the Wildlife World Zoo in Phoenix sits on 215 acres and even features a half-mile safari train. With over 600 species, you can traverse the world’s ecological diversity all in one place.
While there are a number of educational or historically significant entries on this list, the Castles N Coasters amusement park is just good pure fun. Around for nearly 50 years, enjoy a mini golf course, rollercoasters, go-karts, and bumper cars!
Canyon Lake and the Dolly Steamboat
This wonderful opportunity will take you on a 6-mile cruise through the unique local landscape. Keep your eyes up for a chance to gaze upon desert bighorn sheep, bald eagles, and other regional animals.
Welcome to one and all, MacDonald’s Ranch is a staple in the Scottsdale area, and has been since 1956. There’s a petting zoo, picnic tables, and of course, horseback riding tours available.
Earning the distinction of the largest butterfly conservatory in the United States, Butterfly Wonderland is a magical place to observe up to 70 species live, float, and sip nectar in a tropical paradise.
Arizona’s largest comprehensive arts campus in the state, the Mesa Arts Center houses four performance venues, highlighted by a 99-seat studio theatre and a 1,600-seat theater. Catch performance art acts of all sizes in this one location.
Standing for nearly 100 years, the Orpheum Theatre is on the National Register of Historic Places and welcomes up to 1,300 patrons and many first-class productions.
Opening its doors (and roof) in 1998, Chase Field quickly saw a World Series won within its walls, with the Diamondbacks claiming the 2001 series over the Yankees. MLB games aren’t the only activities here; international baseball and college sports can also be found on the turf.
Returning after a canceled concert season, the 70-year-old orchestra is back in the swing of things, performing concerts throughout the year at Phoenix Symphony Hall.
Best Places for Food and Drinks in Phoenix
If you’re interested in a well-established steakhouse with over 70 years of searing and basting, Durant’s may be your spot. Located in the middle of town, it’s a good bet to satisfy any meat-lover’s cravings.
A project officially up and running from the creative mind of Top Chef alum Angelo Sosa, Tia Carmen is a southwestern restaurant with colorful food and drinks.
How about a little Italian fare? It doesn’t get much better than a wood-fired oven and pizzas blistering in the heat. Not only is this a local fan-favorite, but many celebrities have enjoyed James Beard awarded food.
Be transported back in time and experience a 1980s-era restaurant with New Mexican fare and a long bar that boasts regulars all day long. Hint, hint, there’s even an all-day brunch.
Christopher’s has a near panoramic view of the city and is steered by James Beard award-winning chef Christopher Gross.
One of the most trendy and popular spots around Phoenix, Hana Japanese Eatery offers family-style food, including sushi, noodles, and hibachi. They even have fresh oyster shooters, and the raw fish is broken down in house.
Ask anyone around town to list three BBQ places and have full faith Little Miss BBQ will be on the list. Order up a tray of slow-cooked and savory food, grab a homemade sauce, and mop it all up with some sliced bread.
If you’re in the mood for some uniquely refreshing brews, The Wandering Tortoise is a bar made for you. Between the locally sourced beer and cider to the eclectic selection from across the country, you will not be disappointed.
Agave-based spirits are the specialty at BARCOA, which uses locally distilled mezcal, bacanora, and other liquors to line its menu.
A newer cocktail bar on the scene in Phoenix, Little Rituals gives an urban vibe and flavor to its ambiance. On the fourth floor of the downtown Marriot, take in views of Chase Field and the distant mountains at the same time while sipping on something refreshing.
MacAlpine’s Diner and Soda Fountain
Around 1928, this is one of the more eclectic finds you’ll uncover in Phoenix. MacAlpine’s Diner and Soda Fountain not only cooks up delicious food and serves cold, frosty suds, it also sells vintage merchandise!
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