Phoenix, Arizona’s urban heart, has a lot to offer. Among all the interesting experiences, narrowing down to the top five things to do in Phoenix, AZ, is a significant challenge.
This city shines with desert landscapes, exciting attractions, and outdoor spaces that appeal to every kind of traveler.
Visit nice places like the Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix Art Museum, Japanese Friendship Garden, and OdySea Aquarium. You can also enjoy music from many countries at the Musical Instrument Museum.
This list isn’t complete.
Phoenix enjoys sunshine nearly every day of the year, making it easy to explore outdoor locations and attend local events throughout the year. Whether you’re visiting briefly or planning to move to Phoenix, this guide is for you.
1. Phoenix Art Museum: Southwest’s Premier Art Destination
The Phoenix Art Museum is the largest fine arts museum in the southwestern United States. With more than 20,000 works spanning continents and centuries, it offers something for every art lover. The museum welcomes over 300,000 guests each year, inviting them to explore world-class exhibitions and vibrant community programs.
- The museum features European paintings by renowned artists such as Monet, Picasso, and Guercino.
- You’ll also find American artworks by Georgia O’Keeffe, Stuart Davis, and Marsden Hartley.
- Modern pieces by artists like Yayoi Kusama, Kehinde Wiley, and Helen Frankenthaler are also part of the collection.
This is a perfect spot to experience global art in the heart of Phoenix, Arizona.
2. Desert Botanical Garden: Nature’s Masterpiece in the Sonoran Desert
You can find the Desert Botanical Garden in Papago Park, within the Sonoran Desert. It covers 140 acres and has over 50,000 desert plants. Many people visit to enjoy the quiet paths and learn about local plants. It’s a special place for anyone who likes nature.
- Walk along the Sonoran Desert trails with plants that are rare or endangered.
- See large collections of agave and cactus, including thousands of Opuntia plants.
- Learn from seasonal displays, photography workshops, and guided tours on desert landscaping.
- Visit during Las Noches de las Luminarias to see lanterns lit by hand and hear live music.
This living museum seamlessly blends natural beauty, education, and art, making it one of the top attractions in Phoenix, AZ, year-round.
3. Musical Instrument Museum: The World’s Music Under One Roof
The Musical Instrument Museum is in North Phoenix. It shows instruments from many countries and celebrates music from around the world. People of all ages enjoy visiting.
Here’s what you can cover:
Explore Over 7,500 Instruments From 200 Countries
This 200,000-square-foot space is not just a museum; it’s a vibrant and immersive experience. The galleries are organized by geography, offering cultural journeys through sound, performance, and history.
- You can watch musicians play music from their home countries on big screens.
- Headphones let you hear the music clearly as you walk around.
- Some areas focus on folk and traditional music from big countries like India, Mexico, China, and Brazil.
Each gallery fosters appreciation for how music shapes identity, celebrates diversity, and connects humanity.
Dive Into Artist Legends and Global Icons
The Artist Gallery highlights instruments, outfits, and personal memorabilia from legendary musicians across genres and generations.
- You can find instruments once used by famous musicians like Elvis Presley, Carlos Santana, and John Lennon.
- Some displays show clothes worn by artists like Taylor Swift during performances.
- Each section shares music and stories to help you learn more about the artists.
There’s also a 300-seat theater that hosts live performances throughout the year, as well as an on-site cafe for relaxing between gallery visits.
The Musical Instrument Museum stands out as one of the premier destinations for engaging activities, cultural insights, and interactive displays. If you’re building your list of 5 things to do in Phoenix, AZ, make this unforgettable museum a priority.
4. OdySea Aquarium: Arizona’s Largest Underwater Adventure
Just outside Phoenix, OdySea Aquarium in Scottsdale is the largest aquarium in the Southwestern United States. This marine wonderland spans over 200,000 square feet and contains more than two million gallons of water. It offers an interactive experience for guests of all ages.
Here’s what to do:
Explore 65+ Aquatic Exhibits.
The aquarium is home to over 6,000 animals and 370 species, with more than 65 engaging exhibits. Visitors can observe sharks, rays, penguins, sloths, and a variety of exotic marine life up close through immersive encounters and innovative displays.
- You can touch rays, tide pool creatures, and the world’s only Russian sturgeon exhibit.
- You can experience SeaTREK, an underwater walking tour where guests wear a diving helmet.
- You can attend Q&A sessions with animal care experts to learn more about aquatic life.
The One-of-a-Kind Voyager Experience
Voyager is the aquarium’s signature attraction and the world’s only revolving aquarium theater. Guests sit in stadium-style seats as they rotate through large 46-foot viewing windows for a unique underwater journey.
- You can watch sharks, tropical fish, and sea turtles swim past your seat.
- You can enjoy this relaxing experience without ever having to walk between exhibits.
More Than an Aquarium
OdySea Aquarium blends theme park amusement with high-quality animal care and marine education. It is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, meeting top standards for animal safety and welfare.
- You can join penguin and sloth encounters for memorable, close-up moments.
- You can meet walkabout animal ambassadors.
- You can even find shark-viewing windows in the restrooms for a surprise thrill.
If you’re looking for a pleasant activity near Phoenix, OdySea Aquarium offers something for everyone. It’s one of the 5 things to do in Phoenix that delivers an unforgettable, family-friendly adventure.
5. Japanese Friendship Garden
Nestled in the heart of Downtown Phoenix, the Japanese Friendship Garden offers a peaceful escape from the city’s busy pace. Known as Rohō-en, it spans 3.5 acres and blends traditional Japanese design with desert-friendly plants.
Here’s what you’ll find:
A Living Symbol of International Friendship
The garden is a collaboration between Phoenix and its sister city, Himeji, Japan. It celebrates cultural ties through careful design, gifted features, and shared traditions.
- More than 50 Japanese landscape architects helped design and build this garden.
- All materials and decorative features were gifts from the people of Himeji.
- The teahouse opened in 1996 to mark the 20th anniversary of the Sister Cities partnership.
Experience Serenity and Design
Wander the garden’s paths and enjoy soothing sights and sounds. With over 1,500 tons of handpicked rock and a koi-filled pond, every corner inspires serenity.
- The koi pond spans over half an acre and houses more than 300 koi fish.
- Guests can walk over stone bridges and beside a 12-foot waterfall.
- The garden includes streams, lanterns, and more than 50 plant species adapted to Phoenix’s desert climate.
Celebrate Culture Through Nature
Rohō-en offers more than just scenery; it invites reflection, mindfulness, and appreciation of beauty. It’s one of the most peaceful 5 things to do in Phoenix, AZ.
- The Japanese Tea House hosts cultural programs and seasonal observances throughout the year.
- The garden also offers educational sessions on landscape design, wellness practices, and traditional Japanese crafts.
- During fall, the garden becomes especially serene, with seasonal displays and peaceful walking paths.
Whether you seek calm or cultural enrichment, the Japanese Friendship Garden provides both in a stunning desert setting.
Bonus Attraction You Should Also Check Out
Butterfly Wonderland
Butterfly Wonderland in Scottsdale is the largest indoor butterfly conservatory in the United States. Thousands of butterflies from around the world fly freely in a tropical rainforest. It’s a peaceful and beautiful place, perfect for visitors of all ages.
These are the highlights:
Watch and Learn Before You Enter
The experience begins with a 3D movie about the monarch butterfly’s journey. After the movie, you walk through the Emergence Gallery. Here, you can see live butterflies coming out of their chrysalis just inches away from you.
- The 3D film explains how butterflies travel great distances and survive through the seasons.
- The Emergence Gallery allows you to observe the butterfly life cycle up close
Explore More Than Butterflies
Butterfly Wonderland also features other rainforest creatures in separate galleries. You’ll find fish, bugs, and reptiles from tropical areas around the world.
- The Spineless Giants Gallery has insects and spiders from rainforests.
- The Tropical Waters Gallery showcases vibrant fish in stunning tanks.
- The Rainforest Reptiles Gallery features reptiles and amphibians in a safe and transparent setting.
Part of Arizona Boardwalk
Butterfly Wonderland is part of the Arizona Boardwalk in Scottsdale. This entertainment area has eight major attractions, including OdySea Aquarium and Ripley’s Believe It or Not!
- Arizona Boardwalk offers a variety of food, shopping, and free events in its outdoor courtyard.
- Parking is free, and you can walk around the Boardwalk without buying a ticket.
Butterfly Wonderland opens daily at 9 a.m. and welcomes visitors to bring cameras to photograph the butterflies. For anyone exploring the top five attractions in Phoenix, AZ, consider visiting Butterfly Wonderland for a peaceful and relaxing way to enjoy nature.
Conclusion
That wraps up our list of the five things to do in Phoenix, AZ, for an unforgettable trip. Whether you’re here for the outdoor adventures, the cultural landmarks, or the desert charm, Phoenix has something memorable for everyone.
With this guide, you’ll be able to enjoy the city’s most iconic attractions and create lasting memories during your stay.
But if you’re thinking about making Phoenix your permanent home, you’ll want to dig a little deeper. Look into the cost of living in Phoenix, potential moving costs, and whether it’s worth hiring a local moving company to help.
Like any city, Phoenix has its pros and cons, so take your time, explore your options, and choose what works best for your lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When is the best time of year to visit Phoenix, AZ?
The best time to visit Phoenix is between November and April, when the weather is mild and ideal for outdoor adventures. Temperatures range from the mid-60s to the low 80s, perfect for hiking, sightseeing, and attending local festivals without the extreme summer heat.
2. What are the common challenges people face when moving to Phoenix?
New residents often encounter extreme summer heat, limited public transportation, and a reliance on cars. Finding the right neighborhood and adjusting to desert living can also take time without local insight or help.
3. How much do movers cost in Phoenix?
In Phoenix, the average cost to hire movers typically ranges from $139 to $199 per hour. As a result, local moving costs generally range from $520 to $3,060, depending on the size, number of movers involved, and complexity of the move.
