Best Things to Do in Phoenix, Arizona: A Local's Guide to Living in the Valley of the Sun

There's more to Phoenix than just sunshine and cacti. It’s about a culture, community, and climate that you can’t find anywhere else. For those who are new to the city, considering a move, or just looking for fun things to do in Phoenix, the city has something for every pace, from early-morning hikers to out-on-the-town night owls.

Here’s how to experience Phoenix like a local.

1. Start Your Day on the Trail

There’s a reason Phoenix is considered one of the best urban hiking cities in the country. You’re never far from a trailhead.

Trail	Why Locals Love It	Difficulty	Mileage / Trail Options
Camelback Mountain	Challenging, scenic, and iconic; perfect sunrise views	Hard	~2.5 miles round-trip (Echo or Cholla Trail)
Piestewa Peak	Steep but quick, with sweeping desert city views	Moderate to Hard	2.2 miles out-and-back
Papago Park	Easy, photo-worthy hikes with red rock formations	Easy	Multiple short loops; Hole-in-the-Rock is ~0.3 miles
South Mountain Park	Expansive trail system with room to roam	Varies by trail	50+ miles of trails (Desert Classic, National Trail, etc.)

Pro Tip: Start early. Trails get crowded and temps rise fast after 8 a.m., especially in the summer.

What to Pack for a Phoenix Hike

Desert hikes are breathtaking, but they also come with unique challenges like intense sun, low humidity, and sudden temperature shifts. Whether you're out for a quick morning climb or a longer weekend trek, smart packing can make or break your hike.

Essentials	Why You Need It
Water (min. 1–2 liters)	Dehydration happens fast in dry, desert air, even early in the day
Electrolytes and snacks	Keeps your energy stable on longer or more strenuous trails
Sunscreen & sunglasses	The Arizona sun is strong year-round—protect your skin and eyes
Hat or sun-shielding gear	A wide-brimmed hat adds shade and prevents sunburn
Proper footwear	Trail shoes or hiking boots offer grip on rocky terrain
Lightweight layer or windbreaker	Mornings can be cool, especially in the shoulder seasons
Phone with an offline map or GPS	Trail markers can be sparse and cell service may be limited; know your route and stay safe
Mini first aid kit	For blisters, scrapes, or unexpected cactus encounters

Optional add-ons:

• Trekking poles for steep descents (especially on Camelback)
• A cooling towel or bandana
• A small backpack with hydration support

2. Explore Roosevelt Row

Roosevelt Row (RoRo) is Phoenix’s creative corridor, home to street art, galleries, local shops, and some of the best coffee and craft cocktails in the city. Don’t miss:

• First Fridays. Monthly art walk with live music, food trucks, and open studios.
• The Churchill. A shipping-container marketplace with eats, drinks, and shopping.
• Street murals. Instagram-worthy and constantly changing.

RoRo’s mix of historic architecture and modern edge makes it a must-see for design lovers and weekend wanderers alike.

 

 

3. Cool Off with a Desert Oasis

Yes, Phoenix gets hot, but the city knows how to cool down in style. There are plenty of ways to beat the heat, whether you’re poolside, lakeside, or sipping something cold.

• Resort pool passes. Hotels like The Scott, The Camby, or Arizona Grand offer day passes for luxe lounging.
• Salt River tubing: Float downriver with friends just 30 minutes from the city.
• Bartlett Lake & Lake Pleasant. Nearby escapes for boating, paddleboarding, or picnics.
• Frozen treats: Try local favorites like AZ Pops or Sweet Republic for small-batch, gourmet ice cream.

 

4. Dive into Local Food & Drink

Phoenix’s food scene goes way beyond southwestern staples. The city’s culinary identity is rooted in local sourcing, global influences, and bold, vibrant flavor.

Neighborhood	What to Eat or Drink	Must-Try Spots
Downtown Phoenix	Hidden speakeasies, upscale modern Mexican, and rooftop lounges	Bitter & Twisted,Cocina Chiwas,Diablo Rooftop
Arcadia	Brunch favorites, craft coffee, and Instagram-worthy patio dining	The Henry,Essence Bakery,Postino Arcadia
Melrose District	LGBTQ+-friendly bars, vintage diners, and elevated comfort food	Charlie's Phoenix,The Thunderbird Lounge,Copper Star Coffee
Tempe	Student-driven street food, taprooms, and fast-casual gems	Culinary Dropout,Cartel Roasting Co.,Four Peaks Brewing Co.

5. Visit the Desert Botanical Garden

Located in Papago Park, this 140-acre garden showcases more than 50,000 desert plants from around the world. It’s a great place to:

• Take a scenic stroll without committing to a full hike.
• Attend twilight concerts or seasonal events like Las Noches de las Luminarias.
• Learn about desert conservation and native culture.

Plus, the trails are paved and shaded in parts, making it an accessible outing for all.

6. Catch a Game or Live Event

Phoenix is a sports town—and a live event capital. No matter the season, there's always an event to attend or a game to catch. See what to check out:

• Chase Field – Catch the Arizona Diamondbacks (and stay cool—it’s indoors!).
• PHX Arena – Home to the Phoenix Suns and major concerts.
• Spring Training – Cactus League games bring baseball fans out every March.
• Live music – Local venues like Crescent Ballroom, Rebel Lounge, and The Van Buren always have something happening.

7. Visit Local Museums

Beat the heat and get inspired indoors. Phoenix has a surprisingly rich arts and culture scene. Local standouts include:

• Phoenix Art Museum – National-caliber exhibitions and First Friday free admission.
• Heard Museum – Focused on Indigenous art and culture, with stunning exhibits.
• Arizona Science Center – Great for kids, families, and hands-on learners.
• Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) – A global tour of music you can see and hear.
• Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA) – Modern and contemporary art exhibitions.

8. Take a Day Trip (or Staycation)

Phoenix is a hub to some of Arizona’s most beautiful destinations. Even 1–2 hours in any direction provides a fresh landscape and change of pace. You can road trip and be back by sunset, or stay the night and make a weekend of it. Here are a few day trips from Phoenix:

Destination	Drive Time	Why Go
Sedona	2 hours (120 miles)	Red rock hikes, energy vortexes, and art scene
Jerome	2 hours (115 miles)	Ghost town vibes, wine tastings, and galleries
Flagstaff	2.5 hours (145 miles)	Pine forests, cooler temps, and stargazing
Tucson	2 hours (115 miles)	Foodie haven with a rich cultural scene

9. Play a Round of Golf

Phoenix has more than 200 golf courses ranging from championship layouts to affordable municipal gems. There's a reason why Phoenix, and particularly Scottsdale, are regarded as top golf destinations. Local favorites include:

• Papago Golf Course – iconic red rock setting and budget-friendly rates.
• TPC Scottsdale's Stadium Course – play where the pros compete during the Waste Management Phoenix Open.
• We-Ko-Pa Golf Club – the Saguaro and Cholla courses have stunning desert and mountain views.

Pro Tip: Resorts like The Phoenician and Four Seasons provide day passes for non-guests looking to experience world-class facilities.

10. Embrace the Sunset Ritual

Desert sunsets in Phoenix are next-level: bold colors, dramatic light, and clear skies. Watching the sun go down is practically a local tradition. The best sunset spots include:

• Dobbins Lookout at South Mountain.
• Tempe Town Lake pedestrian bridge.
• Hole-in-the-Rock at Papago Park.
• Your own balcony, pool deck, or rooftop lounge.

Grab a cold drink, cue up your favorite playlist, and let the desert sky do the rest.

 

There’s More to Phoenix Than the Weather

Yes, it’s hot. But it’s also beautiful, dynamic, creative, and alive with things to do year-round. Whether you’re a food lover, nature-seeker, or culture buff, Phoenix offers a lifestyle that thrives in both the sun and the shade.

Looking for an apartment in the heart of the Valley of the Sun? Explore Greystar communities across Phoenix, designed for modern renters who want access to nature, nightlife, and everything in between.

 

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