Papago Park & Hole-in-the-Rock
- 📍 Where
- 625 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix
- 🕑 Best time
- Sunrise to beat the heat and catch the view
Mubboo’s tip: The rock window frames a perfect photo of the city, arrive by 6 a.m. on weekends.
Things to Do in Phoenix
Free–$375 per activity
Will I waste money? Will I miss the good stuff? In Phoenix, the best desert scenery is free to hike, but you’d be foolish to skip a spectacular canyon day trip. Avoid the midday heat and overpriced malls. Use this guide to spend on a sunrise hike or a biplane flight over the Superstitions, not on a generic tour that drains your wallet and your afternoon.
July: Book a resort day pass and float the lazy river. · Crowds: Low
Mubboo Verdict: Phoenix shines for outdoor lovers who plan around the heat. Skip the touristy Western gimmicks and overpriced resort add-ons. Instead, get your sweat on a free mountain trail, then reward yourself with a bucket-list Antelope Canyon tour.
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How M decides what’s worth it
Start with the free stuff — the desert doesn’t charge an entry fee. If you have two days and $300 per person, pair one big-adventure tour (Antelope Canyon) with free mornings on the trails. For a tighter budget, rent a car and do self-guided day trips to Sedona or the Superstitions. m. and spend the indoor hours in Scottsdale’s air-conditioned galleries or the Heard Museum. M rates a tour by density: how much staggering scenery does it pack per hour?
Multi-hour drives earn their keep only when the destination is unrepeatable.
Free First
Free things to do in Phoenix
Start here. These cost nothing and are genuinely worth your time — no booking required.
South Mountain Park Preserve
- 📍 Where
- 10919 S Central Ave, Phoenix
- 🕑 Best time
- Early morning, Dobbins Lookout is popular at sunset
Mubboo’s tip: Park at Central Avenue trailhead for the quickest route to the summit.
Roosevelt Row Mural Walk
- 📍 Where
- Downtown, between 7th St and 16th St
- 🕑 Best time
- Late afternoon, then catch First Friday if it’s the first week of the month
Mubboo’s tip: Grab a map from a local gallery; some murals are hidden in alleyways.
First Friday Art Walk
- 📍 Where
- Downtown Phoenix, Roosevelt Row area
- 🕑 Best time
- First Friday of the month, 6–10 p.m.
Mubboo’s tip: Park near the light rail and ride in — lots fill up by 5 p.m.
Arizona Capitol Museum
- 📍 Where
- 1700 W Washington St, Phoenix
- 🕑 Best time
- Weekday mornings to avoid school groups
Mubboo’s tip: Free guided tour at 10:30 a.m. covers the state’s history in under an hour.
Tours & experiences worth paying for in Phoenix
When your legs need a rest from free trails, these paid experiences justify the outlay. Every tour here earned a perfect 5-star rating from hundreds of travelers and comes with M’s honest verdict — no puff. You’ll see a mix of urban, desert, and bucket-list canyon trips. Book early for peak season, and always check the cancellation policy.
Epic Camelback Mountain Guided Hiking Adventure in Phoenix, Arizona
5.0268 reviews⏱ 3 hours
Mubboo Verdict: Best for first-timers who want a safe, expert-led ascent. The guide’s local knowledge turns a tough climb into a story. Not for the unfit — choose morning slots.
Best for: Active travelers wanting the iconic summit without route-finding stress
From $145Book Now
Phoenix Scenic Biplane Flight with Open-Cockpit Aerial Views
5.033 reviews⏱ 1h 30m
Mubboo Verdict: A splurge that delivers pure joy. The open-cockpit feel and desert views make it unlike any helicopter tour. Pricey, but the memory lasts.
Best for: Special-occasion seekers and aviation enthusiasts
From $279Book Now
Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon Day Tour from Phoenix
5.037 reviews⏱ 14 hours
Mubboo Verdict: Worth the long day for the jaw-dropping slots. Includes lunch and guide, so you only pay for souvenirs. Skip if you get car-sick — 7+ hours on the road.
Best for: Bucket-listers with one Phoenix day to spare
From $375Book Now
Sonoran Desert To MountainTop Jeep Tour minutes from Scottsdale
5.027 reviews⏱ 2h 30m
Mubboo Verdict: A bumpy, educational ride ideal for families. The Tonto National Forest looks wild, and you'll learn about saguaro cacti. Very little walking required.
Best for: Couples and families wanting desert immersion without hiking
From $175Book Now
Phoenix Ghost Tour: Phoenix Screamix Haunts & Ghost Hunting
5.021 reviews⏱ 2 hours
Mubboo Verdict: Not your average sleepy ghost walk — you use real paranormal gear. It’s hands-on and energetic, perfect after dinner. The low price makes it a low-risk bet.
Best for: Night owls and true-crime fans looking for a unique downtown stroll
From $45Book Now
The Original Tesla Cybertruck/Jetsurf Tour in the Sonoran Desert
5.020 reviews⏱ 2-3 hours
Mubboo Verdict: A novelty with substance — the Cybertruck handles sand likes a beast. Jetsurf option adds adrenaline. Great for teens who’d yawn at a regular jeep ride.
Best for: Thrill-seekers and families with older kids bored by standard tours
From $225Book Now
What to skip & what to know in Phoenix
Skip these
- Timeshare presentations disguised as free tours. They promise a 90-minute pitch, but you’ll lose half a day and your patience.
- Midday outdoor shopping at malls like Scottsdale Fashion Square from June to September. The heat makes walking between stores miserable.
- Generic “Wild West” dinner shows that don’t leave city limits. For a real ranch experience, drive out to a working ranch in Wickenburg.
Know before you go
- Trailhead parking fills by 7 a.m. on weekends. For Camelback’s Cholla Trail, arrive at 5:30 a.m. or take a rideshare.
- Phoenix Art Museum offers voluntary-donation entry on Wednesdays from 3–9 p.m. A perfect air-conditioned afternoon escape.
- The light rail connects downtown to Tempe and Mesa for $2 all day. Use it to explore Mill Avenue’s restaurants without parking stress.
Where to spend your time in Phoenix
Downtown Phoenix
🚇 City centerRoosevelt Row art, Arizona Science Center, Chase Field
Top pick: Catch a Diamondbacks game or stroll the First Friday art walk.
Old Town Scottsdale
🚇 20 minutes northeastArt galleries, Wine Trail, upscale dining
Top pick: Gallery hop along Main Street, then hit a wine-tasting room.
Tempe / Mill Avenue District
🚇 15 minutes east via light railArizona State University, Tempe Town Lake, local eats
Top pick: Rent a paddleboat on the lake or bike the shoreline path.
Paradise Valley
🚇 20 minutes north of downtownResort spas, mountain views, Camelback Mountain foothills
Top pick: Book a desert-inspired spa treatment at a resort like Sanctuary.
Mesa / East Valley
🚇 25 minutes eastMesa Arts Center, Superstition Mountains access, fresh produce
Top pick: Hike the Hieroglyphic Trail in the Superstitions for petroglyphs.
Browse by category
When to visit Phoenix, month by month
JulyThis monthLow crowds
Book a resort day pass and float the lazy river.
JanuaryHigh crowds
Cheer the WM Phoenix Open golf tournament in Scottsdale.
FebruaryHigh crowds
Catch spring training baseball — 15 MLB teams practice nearby.
MarchHigh crowds
Hike Camelback at sunrise before temperatures climb.
AprilMedium crowds
Explore Desert Botanical Garden’s blooming cacti.
MayLow crowds
Kayak the Salt River among wild horses.
JuneLow crowds
Night hike with a guide — the only safe way to enjoy summer trails.
AugustLow crowds
Escape to indoor museums like the Phoenix Art Museum.
SeptemberLow crowds
Hot air balloon rides resume — book a sunrise flight.
OctoberMedium crowds
Attend a fall festival at Schnepf Farms in Queen Creek.
NovemberMedium crowds
Rent a car and day-trip to Sedona’s red rocks.
DecemberHigh crowds
See holiday lights at the Phoenix Zoo’s ZooLights event.
Need to get there first? Search flights:
Not sure where to start?
First-timer with 48 hours
Simplify: sunrise Camelback hike, then a rest day at your pool. Next morning, take an Antelope Canyon tour — it’s a long day but you’ll see Arizona’s best.
Explore toursFamily with kids under 12
Avoid steep hikes and long drives. Do the Jeep tour (minimal walking), then hit the Phoenix Zoo and Tempe Town Lake splash pads.
Explore toursAdventure couple
Go big: biplane ride over the desert, then a rugged hike in the Superstitions. Unwind in Old Town Scottsdale’s craft cocktail bars.
Explore toursWhat travelers are saying
“Fly into Phoenix and drive straight to Sedona or the Grand Canyon — the city is a perfect base for road trips.”
“I landed in Phoenix and within two hours was on a quiet red-rock trail watching the sunset. Totally solo-friendly.”
“Roosevelt Row gives you a free, walkable artsy afternoon — it’s like a mini Wynwood.”
Frequently asked questions
What is the best free thing to do in Phoenix?
Hike South Mountain Park at sunrise. The view from Dobbins Lookout stretches across the entire valley, and you’ll avoid the midday heat. Parking is free, but arrive early on weekends to secure a spot. For an easier outing, stroll the Roosevelt Row murals any afternoon.
How can I save money on Phoenix attractions?
Use CityPASS for bundled admission to the Heard Museum, Desert Botanical Garden, and more if you plan to visit multiple paid spots. Many museums offer free evening hours weekly — check before you go. Rent a car and do your own day trips instead of pricey guided tours to Sedona.
Is Phoenix a good destination for families with kids?
Yes, especially in cooler months. The Phoenix Zoo, Legoland Discovery Center, and the Arizona Science Center are kid favorites. For outdoor fun, choose flat trails like Papago Park or the easy Interpretive Nature Trail at the Desert Botanical Garden. Most resorts have kid-friendly pools.
When is the best time of year to visit Phoenix?
November through April sees perfect hiking weather and fewer closures. Spring training baseball in February and March pulls huge crowds, so book early. Summer (June–August) is brutally hot; only come then if you stick to pools, indoor museums, and pre-8 a.m. hikes.
Do I need a car in Phoenix?
Yes, a car is almost necessary to reach trailheads, day trips, and spread-out suburbs. The light rail works for downtown to Tempe, but public transport won’t get you to Camelback Mountain or the Superstitions. Rideshares can fill gaps, but they’re pricey for long distances.
What should I pack for outdoor activities in Phoenix?
A gallon of water per person, sun-protective clothing, a wide-brim hat, and sturdy shoes. A hydration backpack is better than bottles on long hikes. From May to October, bring a cooling towel and plan any tough hike for the first two hours after dawn.
Are there any traps to avoid with free or cheap tours?
Timeshare presentations offering free dinner or tours are a classic time-sink. You’ll face hours of high-pressure sales. Also, avoid “free” shuttle services from the airport that loop you through rental car pitches. Stick to verified tours with clear pricing.
Plan the rest of your Phoenix trip
FlightsPhoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) is a major hub with direct flights from most U.S. cities. Book at least three weeks out to avoid spike prices, especially during spring training.HotelsDowntown Phoenix and Old Town Scottsdale have the densest hotel options, from boutique to luxury. For budget, look near Tempe or the Deer Valley area, but factor in drive time.City guideFor a deeper dive into the best restaurants, seasonal events, and hidden hikes, read our full Phoenix city guide coming soon.
Things to do in other cities
New YorkCanyons of steel instead of stone, with exceptional museums and food.Los AngelesBeach life, Hollywood glamour, and a desert backdrop just like Phoenix.Las VegasA four-hour drive to the Strip for inexpensive shows and over-the-top dining.MiamiTrade the dry heat for tropical humidity and Latin beats in South Beach.ChicagoArchitecture tours and deep-dish pizza in a city where the heat is rarely a problem.San FranciscoFoggy hills and sourdough — a cooler escape from the desert sun.
Before you go
- esimStay connected on remote trails: get an eSIM with data for maps and ride-hailing.
- insuranceDesert rescues are expensive — travel insurance with medical coverage is smart for hikers.
- transferPre-book a private airport transfer to avoid long waits in the summer heat.
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