Phoenix, known as the Valley of the Sun, is brimming with unique things to do, offering everything from cultural gems to outdoor adventures. Begin your exploration by diving into the vibrant downtown area, home to must-see attractions like the Phoenix Art Museum, the acclaimed Heard Museum, and Heritage Square, where history meets modernity. For those looking to unwind, the city boasts world-class spas, over 200 golf courses, and shopping malls that cater to every style.
For families, unique things to do in Phoenix include the Phoenix Zoo, the Arizona Science Center, and the Children’s Museum of Phoenix. If you prefer outdoor adventures, hike up Camelback Mountain or explore the trails of Papago Park, home to the iconic Hole in the Rock.
Just a short drive from Phoenix, Scottsdale offers its own collection of unique things to do in Phoenix, like a tour of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West, or enjoy a fun visit to Butterfly Wonderland. From cultural sites to nature spots, Phoenix is packed with unique things to do that will leave you with unforgettable memories.
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Discover Unique Things To Do In Phoenix To Make Your Trip Memorable!
1. Desert Botanical Garden
The Desert Botanical Garden is undoubtedly one of the unique things to do in Phoenix that you won’t want to miss. Located just 4 miles south of downtown Scottsdale, this garden is a vibrant oasis in the heart of the Sonoran Desert. While the desert might seem barren, the garden is home to thousands of species of cacti, trees, and flowers, creating a stunning contrast to the surrounding red buttes. Springtime, from mid-February to June, is particularly spectacular, with blooming cactus adding bursts of color throughout the grounds.
Visitors can explore several scenic trails, including the Plants and People of the Sonoran Desert and the Harriet K. Maxwell Desert Wildflower Loop, to truly immerse themselves in the region’s natural beauty. The garden also hosts various events, from culinary demonstrations to outdoor concerts. For the best experience, arrive early to avoid crowds, and don’t forget to bring a hat and water bottle if you’re visiting during summer months. For an unforgettable experience, plan a sunset visit to see the garden illuminated in the golden hour light.
2. Conquer Camelback Mountain
For those seeking unique things to do in Phoenix, hiking Camelback Mountain is an exhilarating challenge that promises stunning views of the city. Standing at over 2,700 feet in elevation, Camelback is one of the highest peaks in Phoenix, offering breathtaking vistas of both Phoenix and Scottsdale. The most popular route, the Echo Canyon Trail, is a tough 2.5-mile climb with steep sections, rewarding hikers with panoramic views at the summit. For a more gradual ascent, try the Cholla Trail, a 2.6-mile hike with a less intense incline but still offering sweeping desert views as you near the top.
Hiking Camelback Mountain is best done early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the intense midday heat. The mountain is closed during the hottest parts of the day, so it’s crucial to plan your hike accordingly. If you’re looking for a truly unique thing to do in Phoenix, consider taking a sunrise hot air balloon ride for a whole new perspective of this iconic peak.
Hours: Trails are open from sunrise to sunset (around 7 p.m.), and entry is free.
3. Discover the World’s Music at the Musical Instrument Museum
The Musical Instrument Museum is one of the most unique things to do in Phoenix and a must-visit destination for anyone who loves music and culture. Located about 20 miles north of downtown, this impressive museum houses over 8,000 instruments from across the globe, offering visitors the chance to explore music history in an interactive way. The Geographic Galleries showcase instruments from regions like Africa, Europe, and Latin America, each accompanied by audio and video recordings that bring the cultural context to life.
For a more hands-on experience, head to the Experience Gallery where you can try out various instruments, or check out the Conservation Lab to see how these musical treasures are preserved and restored. Families with kids will appreciate the Encore Gallery, designed for young children, where they can have fun exploring sound and rhythm.
Insider Tip: When hunger strikes, stop by the on-site Café Allegro, which offers a seasonal menu featuring local produce, regional dishes, and international cuisines. It has plenty of vegan, vegetarian, and kid-friendly options.
Hours: Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tickets: General admission for adults is $20, teens (13-19) are $15, kids (4-12) are $10, and children under 3 get in for free.
4. Heard Museum
Step into Arizona’s Rich Native American Heritage
The Heard Museum is a top destination for anyone seeking unique things to do in Phoenix, offering an immersive journey into Native American history and culture. Regarded as one of the finest Native American museums in the country, it showcases a stunning array of pre-Colombian to contemporary art, along with traditional artifacts that beautifully narrate the lives and traditions of Arizona’s original residents.
Hours: Open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed on Mondays during summer). Guided tours are available at noon, 2 p.m., and 3 p.m.
Tickets: Admission is $26 for adults, $21 for seniors, and $10 for kids aged 6 to 17.
5. Phoenix Art Museum
The Phoenix Art Museum is a treasure trove for art enthusiasts and an unmissable highlight among the unique things to do in Phoenix. Housed in a stunning Modernist building partially designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, it’s the largest art museum in the Southwest, boasting over 20,000 pieces spanning the Renaissance to contemporary works. Expect masterpieces by renowned artists like Diego Rivera, Frida Kahlo, and Georgia O’Keeffe. The charming Thorne Miniature Rooms and youth-friendly activities, including a scavenger hunt, ensure there’s something for everyone.
Hours: Open Thursday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with extended hours on Wednesdays until 8 p.m.
Tickets: Online advance tickets are $28 for adults and $18 for kids 6 to 17. Visit for free Wednesdays (3–8 p.m.) or the first Friday of the month (5–8 p.m.).
6. South Mountain Park
South Mountain Park, a sprawling 16,000-acre treasure, is one of the most unique things to do in Phoenix for outdoor enthusiasts. Boasting three majestic mountain ranges and over 50 miles of trails, the park offers adventures for hikers, cyclists, and horseback riders alike. A must-visit highlight is the Dobbins Lookout summit. Standing tall at 2,330 feet, it rewards visitors with breathtaking panoramic views of the valley, accessible via popular hiking trails or Summit Road.
For a more leisurely stroll, the Judith Tunnell Accessible Trail offers two barrier-free half-mile loops. History buffs will love Mystery Castle, an 18-room marvel built in 1945, open for tours from October to May. The park also features an education center with interpretive exhibits to enrich your visit.
Hours: The park is open daily from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Pima Canyon trailhead extended until 9 p.m. from June to September). Trails remain open until 11 p.m.
7. Wild Wonders of the Phoenix Zoo
For a family-friendly outing that blends education and entertainment, the Phoenix Zoo is among the unique things to do in Phoenix. Home to over 3,000 animals across four scenic trails, this zoo is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. From cheetahs and Asian elephants to Mexican gray wolves, each habitat offers something special. Young visitors will adore the Red Barn petting zoo and the giraffe encounter, where they can get up close and personal with these gentle giants. When little feet grow weary, hop on the 25-minute narrated safari cruiser for a relaxing tour of the zoo (available for an additional fee).
During summer visits, the zoo’s splash pads are a lifesaver, offering refreshing relief from the Arizona heat. However, keep in mind that some animals might be less active in high temperatures.
Hours: Operating hours are seasonal, so check the Phoenix Zoo website before planning your visit.
Tickets: General admission is $39.95 for adults, $29.95 for kids ages 3 to 13, and free for children 2 and under. Save $2 per ticket by purchasing online in advance.
8. Hole in the Rock
If you’re searching for unique things to do in Phoenix, the Hole in the Rock trail at Papago Park is a gem you can’t miss. This 0.3-mile round-trip hike may be short, but its rewards are huge. Carved into the red sandstone buttes, the natural formation offers a 200-foot ascent ending in a stunning lookout. Here, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of tranquil lagoons, sprawling cityscapes, and perhaps the best Arizona sunsets you’ll ever see. Historians suggest that the Hohokam civilization may have used the hole to track the sun—a perfect mix of history and natural beauty.
Recent hikers rave about the picturesque setting and recommend timing your visit around sunset for the ultimate experience. While it’s a popular spot and can get busy, the trail is well-maintained and boasts nearby conveniences like restrooms, picnic areas, and a parking lot. Bonus: It’s just half a mile from the Phoenix Zoo, making it easy to pair two unique things to do in Phoenix into one trip.
Hours: Papago Park’s parking areas are open from sunrise to sunset or 7 p.m., while trails remain accessible until 11 p.m.
Admission: Free for all visitors.
For a memorable adventure, add Hole in the Rock to your list of unique things to do in Phoenix!
9. Step Back in Time at S’edav Va’aki Museum
For history enthusiasts and archaeology lovers, visiting S’edav Va’aki Museum is one of the most unique things to do in Phoenix. This National Historic Landmark is home to the largest preserved Hohokam village ruins in the city, dating back over 1,000 years. As you explore the accessible trails winding through remnants of homes, storage areas, and ancient playfields, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a living history book.
Inside the small yet engaging museum, artifacts unearthed from the site’s excavation tell the story of this long-lost civilization. Visitors often describe the museum as a “hidden gem,” applauding its serene grounds and informative exhibits. While there are a few kid-friendly interactive displays, most agree that the museum is best suited for adults seeking a quiet and educational experience. Plan to spend at least an hour here, but you might find yourself lingering longer.
Hours: Open Friday to Monday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Summer hours (July-August) are Thursday to Monday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Tickets: Adults $13, seniors $10, kids 6-17 $6.
10. Arizona Science Center
Beat the Phoenix heat and dive into a world of exploration at the Arizona Science Center, one of the most unique things to do in Phoenix. This interactive hub offers four levels of exhibits covering everything from electricity and sound to outer space and psychology. Kids will marvel at hands-on activities, while adults can enjoy the immersive IMAX theater and planetarium (available for an additional cost).
Recent visitors rave about the engaging exhibits, especially the rotating temporary ones. However, some suggest booking tickets online to skip the long admission lines. While the cost might feel steep, many agree the experience is well worth it for families seeking both fun and education.
Hours: Open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., the center is a cornerstone of downtown Phoenix’s Heritage and Science Park.
Tickets: General admission is $29.95 for adults and $19.95 for children aged 3 to 17. Parking is available, and validations are offered on-site.
Whether you’re learning about weather patterns or enjoying a science-inspired IMAX film, the Arizona Science Center stands out as one of the most unique things to do in Phoenix for all ages!
