Central Arizona
Greater Phoenix and the Valley of the Sun — saguaro-studded preserves, world-class spas in Scottsdale, mid-century desert architecture, and the cowboy West just outside the city.
Top 10 things to do
Curated from TripAdvisor, Yelp, U.S. News Travel, and other trusted tourism sources.
- 01
Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix
55 acres of cactus and desert flora — go at golden hour.
via TripAdvisor ↗ - 02
Camelback Mountain (Echo Canyon)
Steep 2.4-mile out-and-back to the city's signature summit.
via TripAdvisor ↗ - 03
Taliesin West, Scottsdale
Frank Lloyd Wright's winter home and UNESCO World Heritage site.
via U.S. News Travel ↗ - 04
Old Town Scottsdale
Western storefronts, art galleries, and the Scottsdale Museum of the West.
via TripAdvisor ↗ - 05
Musical Instrument Museum (MIM)
Repeatedly ranked Phoenix's #1 museum — 7,000+ instruments from 200 countries.
via TripAdvisor ↗ - 06
Heard Museum
Premier collection of American Indian art and the annual Indian Fair & Market.
via TripAdvisor ↗ - 07
- 08
Apache Trail & Tortilla Flat
Historic stagecoach route into the Superstition Mountains.
via TripAdvisor ↗ - 09
- 10
Upcoming in Central Arizona
Festivals, concerts and happenings in the next few months.
- Jan1Art · Phoenix
First Friday Art Walk
Experience one of the nation's largest, self-guided art walks on the first Friday of every month from 6 to 10 p.m. Tour more than 70 galleries, venues and art-related spaces throughout the Roosevelt Row and Grand Avenue arts districts.
- Apr11Tourism · Scottsdale
Carnival of Illusion Presents World-Class Magic
Experience the magic of the Carnival of Illusion, featuring world-class performances. This event promises an enchanting evening of illusions and entertainment.
- May16
- May25Tourism · Scottsdale
Scottsdale ArtWalk
Join the beloved Scottsdale ArtWalk every Thursday as you stroll through Old Town and enjoy local art and culture.
- May30family · Glendale
Puzzling Adventures Scavenger Hunt
A unique scavenger hunt experience that allows you to explore Glendale in a fun way!
- Jun1Pop Culture · Phoenix
Phoenix Fan Fusion
Phoenix Fan Fusion is the premier pop culture event in the desert Southwest that attracts thousands of comic book, superhero, cosplay and anime enthusiasts.
- Jun1family · Phoenix
Dog Days of Summer
Beat the heat with your four-legged best friend. Early mornings are made for wagging tails and cool trails.
- Jun1Tourism · Scottsdale
June Days in Old Town
Summer days lengthen and activities abound in Old Town Scottsdale throughout June. Experience the vibrant local culture this month!
- Jun1
- Jun1family · Mesa
Youth Read to Shelter Dogs
An opportunity for youth readers to practice reading skills while helping shelter dogs feel calm, comforted, and enriched.
- Jun2family · Phoenix
Molly of Denali: An Alaskan Adventure
- Jun3wellness · Phoenix
Wellness Wednesdays: Sunrise Yoga
Begin your morning connecting with nature during this memorable Sunrise Yoga session.
Central Arizona in pictures
