Phoenix Arizona – Things to Do

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Phoenix

Heading out into the desert, people aren’t always sure what to expect. But in Phoenix, you can anticipate a thriving desert metropolis that offers its own activities. The arts scene in Phoenix has gained national attention, and the museums are impressive. While the city itself has been in existence since 1861, the Phoenix culture goes back much further, as the Hohokam Indians lived here for nearly 1,000 years before it was populated. In Phoenix, you’re surrounded by an environment that’s different than anything you’ve ever experienced, with the parks and outdoor activities to prove it. Fortunately, Hyatt has more than enough places to stay in Phoenix.

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ARTS/CULTURE

Ballet Arizona

3645 East Indian School Road

Phoenix, AZ

+1 602 381 0189

Ballet dancers are known for their balance. Ballet Arizona is known for its ability to balance the classical with the new and innovative.

Chars Has the Blues

4631 North Seventh Avenue

Phoenix, AZ

+1 602 230 0205

This place has everything you need to enjoy the best blues establishment in Phoenix, a roadhouse atmosphere, good drinks and a small dance floor where everyone cuts loose.

Heard Museum

2301 North Central Avenue

Phoenix, AZ

+1 602 252 8848

Internationally, this museum is known for its 32,000 artifacts and a collection of Native American art. Locally, it's known for its third Friday events that attract Phoenix's in-crowd.

Phoenix Art Museum

1625 North Central Avenue

Phoenix, AZ

+1 602 257 1222

With more than 17,000 pieces of art, including work by Pablo Picasso and Georgia O'Keefe, this museum is true to its reputation as a Southwestern cultural jewel.

Phoenix Neutrino Project

322 West McDowell Road

Phoenix, AZ

+1 480 678 2737

Armed with props and a camera, local artists are set loose on the streets of Phoenix. Next thing you know, you’re watching an improvisational movie.

Orpheum Theater

203 West Adams Street

Phoenix, AZ

+1 602 262 6225

The Broadway-caliber productions go well with the winding staircase, mural, embellished doors and starlight-painted ceiling. It's like watching a play inside of a piece of art.

The Phoenix Theater

100 East McDowell Road

Phoenix, AZ

+1 602 254 2151

Around since 1920, the longevity of this theater is a testament to the quality of its productions, from the esoteric to the commonly known.

PLACES

Burton Barr Central Library

1221 North Central Avenue

Phoenix, AZ

+1 602 262 4636

We're not saying you have to check out a book, but this gem is certainly worth a visit, even if only to check out the architecture.

Deer Valley Rock Art Center

3711 West Deer Valley Road

Phoenix, AZ

+1 623 582 8007

Walk the quarter-mile trail and examine 1,500 rock carvings dating back as far as 300 A.D. Have no fear: signs along the trail provide interpretations of the carvings.

Desert Botanical Garden

1201 North Galvin Parkway

Phoenix, AZ

+1 480 941 1225

Walking down the nature trail, you'll discover the desert isn't all sand and rocks, but a colorful array of cacti, desert marigolds and palo verde trees.

Heritage Square

Sixth Street and Monroe Street

Phoenix, AZ

This is your opportunity to step into the Wild West and see a group of eight Victorian houses that remain from Phoenix's original town site.

Mystery Castle

800 East Mineral Road

Phoenix, AZ

+1 602 268 1581

One man's junk is another man's castle. Mystery Castle is constructed from bottle caps, metal scraps and an eccentric, estranged father's love for the daughter he left behind.

Sahuaro Ranch

9802 North 59th Street

Glendale, AZ

+1 623 930 4200

Once a fruit farm, now a 16-acre park, you can wander the grounds with peacocks, visit the Main House Museum or have a picnic near the rose garden.

EAT/DRINK/PLAY

Cheuvront Wine and Cheese Bar

1326 North Central Avenue

Phoenix, AZ

+1 602 307 0022

Boasting a wine list with more than 200 bottles from around the world, you may need a little assistance choosing the right one. Fortunately, the staff is very helpful.

Delux

3146 Camelback Road

Phoenix, AZ

+1 602 522 2288

At this cozy, hip restaurant, a burger is gourmet cuisine and the beer matches the meal. And it's open until 2 a.m.

D’licious Dishes

5345 North Seventh Avenue

Phoenix, AZ

+1 602 274 3663

Swing by and pick up gourmet heat-and-eat food, or just grab some take-out on the nights when cooking for yourself is too much of a hassle.

Durant's

2611 North Central Avenue

Phoenix, AZ

+1 602 264 5967

When all you need is a stiff martini and a nice cut of steak, what you really need is Durant's and its dark wood and burgundy interior.

Four Peaks Brewing Company

1340 East Eighth Street

Tempe, AZ

+1 480 303 9967

It's not just the award-winning porters and ales that keep people coming to this Tempe brewpub, it's the hot and gooey-soft pretzels and the succulent burgers.

Short Leash Dogs

14 East Pierce Street

Scottsdale, AZ

+1 480 620 8479

Serving gourmet hot dogs, this mobile eatery keeps the locals satisfied with creative toppings like fried pickles, sautéed onions and chipotle cream cheese.

Sidebar

1514 North Seventh Avenue

Phoenix, AZ

+1 602 254 1646

With an impressive array of beer and wine, this casually swanky retro lounge boasts the Psychedelic cocktail, which will send you down the rabbit hole, in a good way.

St. Francis

111 East Camelback Road

Phoenix, AZ

+1 602 200 8111

Known as the restaurant where local scensters hang out, the building was designed by architect Wendall Burnett but the food, especially the sticky toffee pudding, is what you’ll notice most.

The Stockyards Restaurant

5009 East Washington Street

Phoenix, AZ

+1 602 273 7378

When a steakhouse is on the city’s historic register, you know the locals take their steak very seriously.

SHOPPING

Arizona Center

Van Buren Street between Third and Fifth Streets

Phoenix, AZ

+1 602 271 4000

Stroll through the garden or sit near the pond at this open-air, two-story shopping area, as you contemplate that new pair of kicks.

Bunky Boutique

1437 North First Street

Phoenix, AZ

+1 602 252 1323

This trend-savvy boutique showcases funky but casual fashion, including dresses made out of custom materials. Shop here and you could end up wearing your favorite bed sheets.

Made Art Boutique

922 North Fifth Street

Phoenix, AZ

+1 602 256 2633

Located in a house-turned-retail-store, Made Art specializes in one-of-kind gifts made by local artists, from jewelry and purses to soaps and greeting cards.

Metrocenter

Interstate 17 between Dunlap and Peoria Avenues

Phoenix, AZ

+1 602 997 2641

Once the largest mall in the United States, a recent renovation has made it visually stunning with marble inlay floors, palm trees and dancing waterfalls.