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.
- May25Tourism · Scottsdale
Scottsdale ArtWalk
Join the beloved Scottsdale ArtWalk every Thursday as you stroll through Old Town and enjoy local art and culture.
- Oct1Festival · Phoenix
Arizona State Fair
A gathering place for locals and visitors, filled with animals, rides, food, and entertainment.
- Oct2Festival · Phoenix
Arizona State Fair
3-week fair with concerts, rides, livestock, and fried everything.
- Oct2Festival · Phoenix
Arizona State Fair
Concerts, rides, rodeos, and fair food at the state fairgrounds.
- Oct11sports · Glendale
WEEK 5 vs Detroit Lions
- Oct17
- Oct17Festival · Phoenix
Phoenix Pride Festival & Parade
Arizona's largest Pride celebration in Steele Indian School Park.
- Oct18sports · Inglewood
WEEK 6 at Los Angeles Rams
- Oct25sports · Glendale
WEEK 7 vs Denver Broncos
- Oct30Concert · Fort McDowell
UB40
Central Arizona in pictures
