Top Attractions in Phoenix from Museums to the Outdoors

Published: April 06, 2023

Written byAAA Travel Editor, CW

By AAA Travel Editors

Phoenix is called The Valley of the Sun for a reason.

The city has 300 sunny days annually, with average highs over 100 degrees Fahrenheit during summer, but Phoenix is hot figuratively as well. The city's one of the most alluring cultural centers in the American Southwest, bursting with world-class museums, historic sites, and natural beauty. Phoenix also has a wide selection of top-rated luxury hotels where you can cool off after busy days.

In this article, we’ll review the top attractions in Phoenix for your next Southwest getaway:

Visit Phoenix / Phoenix Art Museum

Phoenix Art Museum

A lot of folks think of art museums as stuffy, but this couldn’t be further from reality regarding the Phoenix Art Museum. This institution is an awe-inspiring, interactive bastion for all types of art, including fashion, Western, modern, contemporary, photography and even furniture design. Located conveniently in the downtown area near other popular attractions, the museum offers a wonderful opportunity to explore art from all around the globe. No matter your artistic inclination, you'll surely find something you’ll enjoy and appreciate at the Phoenix Art Museum. Plus, the museum is free, or pay-what-you-wish from 3 to 9 each Wednesday.

Visit Phoenix / Heard Museum

Heard Museum

Learn about the indigenous people who first inhabited this part of the American Southwest. On the land that has since become Phoenix were the Akimel O’otham. They found clever ways to live and thrive in the beautiful yet inhospitable terrain.

The Heard Museum celebrates this cultural legacy and features pottery, textiles, jewelry and more from indigenous peoples of the Southwest. It's a cultural treasure trove and a must-visit top attraction in Phoenix.

Visit Phoenix / Danny Upshaw

Governor Hunt Tomb

Visit the tomb of Arizona’s first governor on your next trip to Phoenix. George W. P. Hunt was a Democrat with a long and tumultuous tenure as the Grand Canyon State’s governor, beginning in 1912 and ending seven terms later in 1933. He’s celebrated for ending child labor and advocating for workers’ rights.

His tomb is fitting final resting place for a towering public figure. Located in Papago Park, just outside Phoenix, the Governor Hunt Tomb is a 20-foot-tall pyramid faced with white tile. It’s a striking sight, with incredible views of the Phoenix Mountains in the distance.

Visit Phoenix / An Pham

Piestewa Peak

Piestewa Peak is a hiker's paradise in the Phoenix Mountains Preserve. This peak rises 2,612 feet, making it one of the area's most popular places for hiking and sightseeing. The 1.2-mile dog-friendly Summit Trail is highly trafficked and winds through breathtaking, panoramic views from its trailhead to the top. Note: Rest spots are available throughout this rugged hike.

Visit Phoenix / Adam Rodriguez

Desert Botanical Garden

The Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, Arizona, is an absolute must-see. Spread over 140 acres, among dozens of trails and carefully curated gardens, this incredible botanical garden houses more than 50,000 plants that represent 4,000 different species. Visitors can wander through stunning displays of wildflowers, cacti and other desert vegetation.

Visit Phoenix / Lesley Carter

LEGOLAND Discovery Center Arizona

Attention all LEGO enthusiasts! LEGOLAND is the ultimate destination for building your dreams. Paying homage to the world's favorite plastic bricks, LEGOLAND offers activities such as driving school and mini golf, building carousels and skyscrapers and play areas. It's a perfect family fun destination near Phoenix and a great way to beat the heat.

istockphoto.com / 4FR

Phoenix Bat Cave

The Phoenix Bat Cave is an exciting wildlife experience near the capital city. This spot is the daytime resting place for thousands of bats that emerge at night and fill the sky — an incredible sight. The best time to visit is late September to early October..

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