Top Attractions in Phoenix for…
Phoenix offers exciting attractions for all types of visitors. Here are some of the top things to do based on your interests and travel style:
Families
If you’re visiting Phoenix with kids in tow, these family-friendly attractions should be at the top of your list:
Children’s Museum of Phoenix – With dozens of hands-on exhibits spread across 58,000 square feet, the Children’s Museum is one of the best spots in Phoenix for families with young kids. Children can splash in a river, drive toy trucks, and perform science experiments in a huge indoor play space. When you need a break, there’s a restaurant on-site serving up pizza, wraps, and ice cream.
Desert Botanical Garden – Let your kids get up close with cacti and other desert plants on the garden’s family trail. The path is dotted with activity stations where little ones can dig for fossils, observe birds, and play games. Families can also sign up for special programs like the Saguaro Sleepover.
Phoenix Zoo – Home to over 3,000 animals, the zoo’s themed trails make it easy for families to find all their favorite species. Don’t miss Monkey Village, Stingray Bay, and the Petting Zoo. Rent a double stroller for kids who get tuckered out from exploring.
OdySea Aquarium – One of the largest aquariums in the Southwest, OdySea wows families with massive tanks that replicate different aquatic habitats. Watch sharks, sea lions, and Humboldt penguins go about their day, and touch stingrays and starfish in the tide pool.
First-Timers
If Phoenix is your first time visiting Phoenix, make sure to see these iconic attractions:
Desert Botanical Garden – There’s no better place to take in the unique flora of the Sonoran Desert. Walking trails wind you through cactus gardens, wildflower fields, and an ethnobotanical garden. Don’t miss the Butterfly Pavilion and art exhibitions.
Heard Museum – This museum sheds light on the history, art, and culture of local Native American tribes. View traditional Hopi katsina dolls, contemporary paintings by Native American artists, and exhibits on Indian boarding schools. You can also shop for Native arts and crafts.
Musical Instrument Museum – Take a musical journey through the MIM’s galleries exhibiting over 6,800 instruments from around the globe. Highlights include the Artist Gallery showcasing personal instruments from rock legends like Taylor Swift.
Phoenix Art Museum – Housed in a striking contemporary building, the art museum holds over 18,000 works spanning Asian art, European masterpieces, modern photography, and more. Free introductory tours are offered daily.
Wine & Beer Connoisseurs
Indulge your love of fermented grapes and hops at these Phoenix destinations:
Arizona Stronghold Tasting Room – Sample award-winning Arizona wines in a rustic Cottonwood tasting room. Relax on the vineyard-view patio and take home a few bottles of your new favorites.
Goldwater Brewing Co. – Sip inventive brews like Prickly Pear Wheat and Passionfruit Blonde Ale on Goldwater’s hip outdoor patio. Food trucks park on-site, so you can pair your pint with anything from lobster rolls to vegan Thai.
Wandering Tortoise – This cozy taproom always has over 30 draft beers on rotation, many from Arizona’s up-and-coming microbreweries. Their “beer school” classes will turn you into an ale expert.
Arizona Wine Tours – Led by knowledgeable guides, these day trips hit 3-4 wineries around Phoenix. Leave the transportation and pouring to the pros while you soak up gorgeous vineyard views.
Sports Fans
Catch an exciting game or race during your Phoenix visit:
Chase Field – Home of the MLB’s Arizona Diamondbacks, this downtown ballpark hosts 81 baseball games every spring and summer. Go on a behind-the-scenes tour on non-game days.
Footprint Center – Downtown’s major indoor arena hosts NBA games for the Phoenix Suns and WNBA games for the Phoenix Mercury. Concerts and other special events also take place here.
Phoenix Raceway – Each March, NASCAR roars into this raceway in the West Valley for the Ruoff Mortgage 500. You’ll find drag racing events throughout the year too.
State Farm Stadium – Located in Glendale, the domed football stadium is home turf for the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals. It also hosts college football bowl games and concerts.
Foodies
Experience Phoenix’s diverse food scene at these mouthwatering eateries:
Barrio Cafe – Chef Silvana Salcido Esparza elevates authentic Mexican street food to artful new heights at this James Beard Award-winning restaurant. The chiles en nogada (stuffed poblano pepper) is iconic.
Pizzeria Bianco – James Beard winner Chris Bianco built his legendary pizza empire starting with this downtown restaurant. Expect amazing wood-fired pizzas and housemade pasta in a cozy setting.
Nobuo at Teeter House – Splurge on an omakase experience at this intimate sushi counter helmed by Nobuo Fukuda, a renowned Tokyo chef. Dinner is an artistic 20-course culinary journey.
Bourke Street Bakery – Start your morning in Phoenix with amazing croissants, breads, laminated pastries, and more Australian-inspired baked goods. Expect long lines for their cult-favorite sausage rolls.
For Shopaholics
Find all your favorite designer brands at Scottsdale Fashion Square or browse local boutiques and national retailers at the outdoor Kierland Commons lifestyle center. Biltmore Fashion Park offers luxury shopping and dining in an upscale setting.
How to Get Around Phoenix
Light Rail
Phoenix’s metro light rail system, Valley Metro Rail, can be handy for getting around downtown and central Phoenix. Popular stops near attractions include Downtown Phoenix, Encanto/Central Ave, and Roosevelt/Central Ave. Fares are $2 per ride.
Taxis and Rideshares
Taxis are available for street hails in most areas, but rides booked through apps like Uber and Lyft are more common in Phoenix. Expect average fares of $15-25 for rides within central Phoenix and double for rides to outer suburbs.
Charter Bus
For ultimate convenience exploring Phoenix with a group, consider a charter bus rental. Charter buses offer seating for anywhere from 18 to 56 passengers, so they work perfectly for airport transfers, day trips, and nights out for large groups. Many come equipped with amenities like air conditioning, TV monitors, WiFi, power outlets, and restrooms. Leave the driving and parking to professionals so you can relax and focus on fun! We have a fleet of top-quality mini coaches, full-sized buses, and ADA accessible vehicles to meet your group’s needs.
Ready to Explore?
With endless sunshine, outdoor adventures in the Sonoran Desert, an energetic urban scene, and attractions to satisfy every interest, Phoenix has so much to offer first-time and returning visitors alike. Renting a charter bus is one of the most comfortable, customizable, and cost-effective transportation options for medium to large groups. Our team handles all the driving and navigating so you can sit back and take in the sights stress-free. For your next Phoenix group trip or event, receive a free quote on charter bus rentals by calling Charter Bus Company Phoenix at (623) 518-1981. Let us handle the transportation details so you can fully experience the best of the Valley of the Sun.