Sightseeing
This unique museum is a favorite in the valley and it’s one of my top five favorite museums in the world. It is the only global musical instrument museum in the world and is so beautifully and thoughtfully curated. The museum brings instruments from around the globe to life in such an interesting way.
It’s a truly special place in Phoenix and should be on everyone’s must-see list. You won’t find another museum in the world like it.
The Musical Instrument Museum is open daily from 9 to 5 and admission costs $27. It is located at 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix, AZ 85050
652 locals recommend
Musical Instrument Museum
4725 E Mayo BlvdThis unique museum is a favorite in the valley and it’s one of my top five favorite museums in the world. It is the only global musical instrument museum in the world and is so beautifully and thoughtfully curated. The museum brings instruments from around the globe to life in such an interesting way.
It’s a truly special place in Phoenix and should be on everyone’s must-see list. You won’t find another museum in the world like it.
The Musical Instrument Museum is open daily from 9 to 5 and admission costs $27. It is located at 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix, AZ 85050
Taliesin West was the winter home of famed architect, Frank Lloyd Wright from 1937 to 1959. It is open for tours and also serves as the main campus of the School of Architecture at Taliesin and the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation. The home is located on the foothills of the McDowell Mountains.
Taliesin West is open daily from 8:30 to 6:30. There are several tours to choose from ranging from 45 minutes and $38 to 3 hours and $75 and all visits are guided. It is located at 12621 N. Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd., Scottsdale, AZ 85259.
296 locals recommend
Taliesin West
12621 N Frank Lloyd Wright BlvdTaliesin West was the winter home of famed architect, Frank Lloyd Wright from 1937 to 1959. It is open for tours and also serves as the main campus of the School of Architecture at Taliesin and the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation. The home is located on the foothills of the McDowell Mountains.
Taliesin West is open daily from 8:30 to 6:30. There are several tours to choose from ranging from 45 minutes and $38 to 3 hours and $75 and all visits are guided. It is located at 12621 N. Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd., Scottsdale, AZ 85259.
This scenic observation point offers the best views of the Phoenix area. It is the highest point you can drive to, with an elevation of over 2,000 feet. It is located in South Mountain Park and Preserve, which is one of the largest municipal parks in the country.
The Dobbins Lookout is located at 10919 S. Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85042. There is no cost to see it and you have the option to drive to the top of the mountain or hike up. If you do drive, there is a short, uneven walk to get to the Lookout. The park is open from 5am to 7pm.
50 locals recommend
Dobbins Lookout
10919 South Central AvenueThis scenic observation point offers the best views of the Phoenix area. It is the highest point you can drive to, with an elevation of over 2,000 feet. It is located in South Mountain Park and Preserve, which is one of the largest municipal parks in the country.
The Dobbins Lookout is located at 10919 S. Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85042. There is no cost to see it and you have the option to drive to the top of the mountain or hike up. If you do drive, there is a short, uneven walk to get to the Lookout. The park is open from 5am to 7pm.
The Desert Botanical Garden is there to debunk the myth that there is little or no green in the desert. It’s a 140-acre botanical garden with more than 50 thousand plants.
The Desert Botanical Garden is located at 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, AZ 85008. It is open daily from 8 to 8. Tickets may be purchased online for a specific date for $29.95.
1231 locals recommend
Desert Botanical Garden
The Desert Botanical Garden is there to debunk the myth that there is little or no green in the desert. It’s a 140-acre botanical garden with more than 50 thousand plants.
The Desert Botanical Garden is located at 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, AZ 85008. It is open daily from 8 to 8. Tickets may be purchased online for a specific date for $29.95.
This garden provides a beautiful and relaxing break from the Phoenix desert. Where the Desert Botanical Garden celebrates the desert and indigenous plants, the Japanese Friendship Garden transports you to an authentic Japanese garden in the middle of Phoenix. The 3.5 acres includes a Koi pond with around 300 fish, a 12-foot waterfall, stone footbridges, lanterns, and a tea house that offers traditional ceremonies.
The Japanese Friendship Garden is located at 1125 N. 3rd Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85003. It is open from 10 to 4 Tuesday through Sunday and general admission costs $10.
183 locals recommend
Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix
1125 N 3rd AveThis garden provides a beautiful and relaxing break from the Phoenix desert. Where the Desert Botanical Garden celebrates the desert and indigenous plants, the Japanese Friendship Garden transports you to an authentic Japanese garden in the middle of Phoenix. The 3.5 acres includes a Koi pond with around 300 fish, a 12-foot waterfall, stone footbridges, lanterns, and a tea house that offers traditional ceremonies.
The Japanese Friendship Garden is located at 1125 N. 3rd Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85003. It is open from 10 to 4 Tuesday through Sunday and general admission costs $10.
Though it’s not a large art museum comparable to some of the greats in the world, it sure packs a punch. There is a lot of modern art at this museum with some really fun displays. You’ll also see some well-known artists like Georgia O’Keeffe, Picasso, and others.
The Phoenix Art Museum is located at 1625 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004. It’s open from 10 to 5 Thursday through Sunday, 10 to 7 on Wednesday, and it’s closed on Monday and Tuesday. It costs $21 and you can buy tickets online or at the museum.
686 locals recommend
Phoenix Art Museum
1625 N Central AveThough it’s not a large art museum comparable to some of the greats in the world, it sure packs a punch. There is a lot of modern art at this museum with some really fun displays. You’ll also see some well-known artists like Georgia O’Keeffe, Picasso, and others.
The Phoenix Art Museum is located at 1625 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004. It’s open from 10 to 5 Thursday through Sunday, 10 to 7 on Wednesday, and it’s closed on Monday and Tuesday. It costs $21 and you can buy tickets online or at the museum.
This stunning mansion is a landmark of Phoenix. It was built in 1932 by chewing gum personality, William Wrigley Jr. as a 50th-anniversary gift for his wife. It is located on top of a hill with amazing views of the city and the mountains.
It’s a great place to splurge on a nice dinner at Geordie’s Restaurant and Lounge or enjoy a drink and watch the sunset at Jamie’s Wine Bar. It is open for lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch. Tours are also offered for those curious to know more about the history, as well as the ghost stories, told about it.
Wrigley Mansion is located at 2501 E Telawa Trail, Phoenix, AZ 85016. It’s open from 11 to 9 Tuesday through Saturday and 10 to 2 on Sunday. Tours are offered from Tuesday through Saturday at 10am, 11am, and 12pm for $17.
75 locals recommend
Wrigley Mansion/Geordie's Restaurant
2501 E Telawa TrailThis stunning mansion is a landmark of Phoenix. It was built in 1932 by chewing gum personality, William Wrigley Jr. as a 50th-anniversary gift for his wife. It is located on top of a hill with amazing views of the city and the mountains.
It’s a great place to splurge on a nice dinner at Geordie’s Restaurant and Lounge or enjoy a drink and watch the sunset at Jamie’s Wine Bar. It is open for lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch. Tours are also offered for those curious to know more about the history, as well as the ghost stories, told about it.
Wrigley Mansion is located at 2501 E Telawa Trail, Phoenix, AZ 85016. It’s open from 11 to 9 Tuesday through Saturday and 10 to 2 on Sunday. Tours are offered from Tuesday through Saturday at 10am, 11am, and 12pm for $17.
The Heard Museum is dedicated to the advancement of American Indian art. It has a massive collection with more than 40,000 pieces of Native American art. Some of the key collections include Navajo textiles, Hopi katsina dolls, Zuni and Navajo jewelry, ceramics throughout the ages, and woven baskets.
There is a strong Native American influence in Phoenix so this is a great museum to go to in order to learn more about the area. This is also the oldest private museum in Arizona and is a landmark having been founded in 1929.
The Heard Museum is located at 2301 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004. It is open Monday through Saturday from 9:30 to 5 and Sunday from 11 to 5 and it costs $25 to visit.
652 locals recommend
Heard Museum
2301 N Central AveThe Heard Museum is dedicated to the advancement of American Indian art. It has a massive collection with more than 40,000 pieces of Native American art. Some of the key collections include Navajo textiles, Hopi katsina dolls, Zuni and Navajo jewelry, ceramics throughout the ages, and woven baskets.
There is a strong Native American influence in Phoenix so this is a great museum to go to in order to learn more about the area. This is also the oldest private museum in Arizona and is a landmark having been founded in 1929.
The Heard Museum is located at 2301 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004. It is open Monday through Saturday from 9:30 to 5 and Sunday from 11 to 5 and it costs $25 to visit.
The Wildlife World Zoo is a 200-acre zoo and aquarium. The zoo specializes in African and South American animals and has Arizona’s largest collection of exotics.
Wildlife World Zoo is located at 16501 W Northern Ave, Litchfield Park, AZ 85340. Tickets cost $41.50 though there are often discounts available through Groupon and other related organizations. It is open daily from 9 to 6 and the aquarium remains open until 7.
216 locals recommend
Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park
16501 W Northern AveThe Wildlife World Zoo is a 200-acre zoo and aquarium. The zoo specializes in African and South American animals and has Arizona’s largest collection of exotics.
Wildlife World Zoo is located at 16501 W Northern Ave, Litchfield Park, AZ 85340. Tickets cost $41.50 though there are often discounts available through Groupon and other related organizations. It is open daily from 9 to 6 and the aquarium remains open until 7.
Food scene
Great American cuisine, good atmosphere, and excellent service. ($$$)
20 locals recommend
LON’s at The Hermosa Inn
5532 N Palo Cristi RdGreat American cuisine, good atmosphere, and excellent service. ($$$)
Relaxed restaurant luring locals with seasonal New American meals and an extensive wine list. ($$$)
63 locals recommend
Beckett's Table
3717 E Indian School RdRelaxed restaurant luring locals with seasonal New American meals and an extensive wine list. ($$$)
Upscale restaurant and bar serving American fare paired with global wines in a chic space. ($$$)
31 locals recommend
Tarbell's
3213 E Camelback RdUpscale restaurant and bar serving American fare paired with global wines in a chic space. ($$$)
Bustling pick for wood-fired New American dishes served in a chic contemporary setting. ($$)
28 locals recommend
Rusconi's American Kitchen
10637 N Tatum BlvdBustling pick for wood-fired New American dishes served in a chic contemporary setting. ($$)
Modest, intimate BYOB shop with an attached wine shop serving upscale New American cuisine. ($$$)
10 locals recommend
Atlas Bistro
2515 N Scottsdale RdModest, intimate BYOB shop with an attached wine shop serving upscale New American cuisine. ($$$)
Retro-chic hotel restaurant and lounge serving innovative upscale American comfort food and cocktails. ($$)
35 locals recommend
ZuZu
6850 E Main StRetro-chic hotel restaurant and lounge serving innovative upscale American comfort food and cocktails. ($$)
Royal Palms Resort and Spa eatery serving refined New American fare in a posh setting with fire places. ($$$$)
33 locals recommend
T. Cook's at Royal Palms
5200 East Camelback RoadRoyal Palms Resort and Spa eatery serving refined New American fare in a posh setting with fire places. ($$$$)
Cozy spot serving New American fare in a 1920's bungalow with a patio featuring a fire pit and bar. ($$)
79 locals recommend
House of Tricks
114 E 7th StCozy spot serving New American fare in a 1920's bungalow with a patio featuring a fire pit and bar. ($$)
Upscale, old-school chop house serving steak, sea food, and martinis in a vintage red-velvet setting. ($$$$)
137 locals recommend
Durant's
2611 N Central AveUpscale, old-school chop house serving steak, sea food, and martinis in a vintage red-velvet setting. ($$$$)
Bi-level restaurant featuring New American fare and an open-air bar with inventive cocktails. ($$)
93 locals recommend
St. Francis
111 E Camelback RdBi-level restaurant featuring New American fare and an open-air bar with inventive cocktails. ($$)
Quaint, circa-1913 bungalow presenting Italian staples including red and white wood-fired pizzas. ($$)
191 locals recommend
CIBO
603 N 5th AveQuaint, circa-1913 bungalow presenting Italian staples including red and white wood-fired pizzas. ($$)
Pizzeria providing Neapolitan pies plus Italian fare from antipasti to gourmet panini. ($$)
42 locals recommend
POMO Pizzeria - Downtown Phoenix
705 N 1st StPizzeria providing Neapolitan pies plus Italian fare from antipasti to gourmet panini. ($$)
Neapolitan pies from a brick oven anchor the classic Italian menu at this casual store front eatery. ($$)
15 locals recommend
La Piazza Al Forno
5803 W Glendale AveNeapolitan pies from a brick oven anchor the classic Italian menu at this casual store front eatery. ($$)
Spacious white-tablecloth dining room serving up high-end Italian cuisine plus a relaxed vibe. ($$)
20 locals recommend
Tomaso's on Camelback
3225 E Camelback RdSpacious white-tablecloth dining room serving up high-end Italian cuisine plus a relaxed vibe. ($$)
Longtime, family-run pizzeria offering classic and creative pies and casual Italian meals. ($$)
56 locals recommend
Spinato's Pizzeria
5509 N 7th StLongtime, family-run pizzeria offering classic and creative pies and casual Italian meals. ($$)
Cozy, brick-walled restaurant serving wood-fired Neapolitan pies and Italian small plates. ($$)
237 locals recommend
Pizzeria Bianco
623 E Adams StCozy, brick-walled restaurant serving wood-fired Neapolitan pies and Italian small plates. ($$)
Elevated Italian pastas, wood-fired pizzas and hearty mains star at this stylish Italian restaurant. ($$$)
45 locals recommend
Mora Italian
5651 N 7th StElevated Italian pastas, wood-fired pizzas and hearty mains star at this stylish Italian restaurant. ($$$)
Bustling eatery serving creative Mexican fare and over 200 tequilas in cozy digs filled with folk art. ($$)
139 locals recommend
Barrio Cafe
2814 N 16th StBustling eatery serving creative Mexican fare and over 200 tequilas in cozy digs filled with folk art. ($$)
Veteran family-owned option for home style Mexican cooking and drinks in an unpretentious setting. ($$)
20 locals recommend
Comedor Guadalajara
1830 S Central AveVeteran family-owned option for home style Mexican cooking and drinks in an unpretentious setting. ($$)
Inventive burritos, tacos, and quesadillas are the forte of this counter-serve spot with a salsa bar. ($$)
81 locals recommend
La Santisima
4117 North 16th StreetInventive burritos, tacos, and quesadillas are the forte of this counter-serve spot with a salsa bar. ($$)
Spicy Mexican dishes and margarita pitchers are served in the ornately decorated, fiesta-ready space. ($$)
26 locals recommend
Los Dos Molinos
1044 E Camelback RdSpicy Mexican dishes and margarita pitchers are served in the ornately decorated, fiesta-ready space. ($$)
Long-running, family-owned eatery serving traditional Mexican fare in a casual setting. ($)
26 locals recommend
Mi Patio Mexican Restaurant
3347 N 7th AveLong-running, family-owned eatery serving traditional Mexican fare in a casual setting. ($)
Classic Mexican cuisine and drinks served in a colorful hacienda like space dating from the 1800's. ($$)
24 locals recommend
Aunt Chiladas Squaw Peak
7330 N Dreamy Draw DrClassic Mexican cuisine and drinks served in a colorful hacienda like space dating from the 1800's. ($$)
Hacienda-style restaurant serving up homestyle Mexican dishes amid comfy surroundings. ($$)
8 locals recommend
Don Ruben's Mexican Food
4323 W Cactus RdHacienda-style restaurant serving up homestyle Mexican dishes amid comfy surroundings. ($$)
Informal Mexican restaurant serving Sonoran specialties and cocktails in colorful digs. ($$)
10 locals recommend
Bacanora PHX
1301 Grand AvenueInformal Mexican restaurant serving Sonoran specialties and cocktails in colorful digs. ($$)
Restaurant with a big menu of New Mexican entrees and small plates, some peppered with green chilis. ($$)
63 locals recommend
Richardson's Cuisine of New Mexico
6335 N 16th StRestaurant with a big menu of New Mexican entrees and small plates, some peppered with green chilis. ($$)
Locally-sourced, seasonal American fare in a cavernous space with a modern industrial vibe. ($$)
95 locals recommend
Ocotillo Restaurant
3243 N 3rd StLocally-sourced, seasonal American fare in a cavernous space with a modern industrial vibe. ($$)
Bustling, industrial-chic eatery featuring American comfort fare and a patio overlooking the canal. ($$$)
190 locals recommend
Chelsea's Kitchen
5040 N 40th StBustling, industrial-chic eatery featuring American comfort fare and a patio overlooking the canal. ($$$)