Arizona Official State Travel Guide - Arizona 2025-26
Phoenix & Central Arizona
2025-08-25 05:23:08
Ak-Chin Indian Community, Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, Gila River Indian Community, Gilbert, Glendale, Mesa, Phoenix, Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, Scottsdale, Superior, Tempe
With big-city excitement, outdoor adventures and the state’s largest concentration of luxury resorts, the Greater Phoenix area offers the best of many worlds. Explore the lively downtown and quiet neighborhoods, high-end shopping down the road from quirky boutiques, James Beard Award-winning restaurants alongside local eateries and dive bars, and world-renowned museums that share the same zip code as independent art galleries and artisan studios.
AREA HIGHLIGHTS
ARIZONA MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY, MESA
Spanning continents and millennia, this comprehensive museum delves into the ancient histories of people, land and creatures large and small. See colossal dinosaurs, glittering gems and minerals, archaeological excavations and insights into some of the Southwest’s first civilizations. Free tours in American Sign Language are available.
WESTGATE ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT, GLENDALE
Anchored by Desert Diamond Arena and State Farm Stadium, this sprawling complex is a hot spot for entertainment of all kinds. Watch a movie at AMC Theatres, play games at Carousel Arcade Bar or Dave & Buster’s, test your sleuthing skills at Escape Westgate and have a laugh at Stir Crazy Comedy Club — then take your pick from dozens of eateries.
TEMPE BEACH PARK, TEMPE
Perched on the southern shore of Tempe Town Lake, this 25-acre urban park offers recreation on land and water. Stroll more than 5 miles of trails, drop in a fishing line (buy a fishing license at azgfd.com/fishing-2), or rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard for water fun at Boat Rentals of America.
MUSICAL INSTRUMENT MUSEUM, PHOENIX
With a vast collection of more than 8,000 instruments from more than 200 countries, this museum celebrates the rich diversity of cultures and craftsmanship through the shared language of music. Peruse the galleries, engage with interactive media and watch live concerts to hear sounds of all kinds.
WE-KO-PA GOLF CLUB, FORT MCDOWELL
Play on two award-winning golf courses set in the scenic Sonoran Desert on Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation. Enjoy the awe-inspiring views of the McDowell Mountains, Red Mountain, Four Peaks and the Superstition Mountains as you sink your putt. A world-class practice facility is also on-site.
HEARD MUSEUM, PHOENIX
With an impressive collection of more than 40,000 objects, this comprehensive museum includes intricate Navajo textiles, Zuni jewelry, Hopi Katsina dolls, prehistoric ceramics and contemporary art. See the new permanent video installation “Substance of Stars” to learn about the connection between celestial bodies and fundamental origin stories.
DESERT BOTANICAL GARDEN, PHOENIX
Located in Papago Park, this 140-acre garden is home to 50,000 desert plants, including towering saguaros, vibrant wildflowers and rare cacti, as well as special displays such as orchids. Explore the Sonoran Desert Nature Loop Trail, butterfly pavilion (seasonal) and rotating art installations, and stop into the Garden Shop for books, gardening accessories and nature-themed gifts.
TALIESIN WEST, SCOTTSDALE
Architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s desert masterpiece, this UNESCO World Heritage Site and National Historic Landmark amid the McDowell Mountains foothills is his former winter home and studio. Take the self-guided audio tour to learn about Wright’s visionary use of natural light and materials while admiring the organic architecture and mid-century modern furniture.
ARCOSANTI
This experimental town showcases architect Paolo Soleri’s vision of “arcology:” architecture and ecology. Tour the iconic concrete apses and stop into the shop to pick out a truly one-of-a-kind, handmade windbell. Deepen your experience by attending a workshop, staying overnight and enjoying a morning hike along the surrounding desert trails.
EVENTS IN THE AREA
Arizona Matsuri
Phoenix
azmatsuri.org
Arizona Monster 300
Superior to Patagonia
destinationtrailrun.com/arizona-monster-300
Día de los Muertos Festival
Mesa
mesaartscenter.com/diadelosmuertos
Parada Del Sol Parade
Scottsdale
scottsdaleparade.com
Prickly Pear Festival
Superior
superiorarizona.com/events
Roots n Boots
Queen Creek
rootsnboots.org
Tempe Blooms
Tempe
downtowntempe.com/tempe-blooms-2025
Wickenburg Bluegrass Festival
Wickenburg
wickenburgchamber.com/annual-events
Scan here for more events
HOT TABLES IN TOWN
Like the Sonoran Desert sun, there’s no stopping Phoenix’s dining scene from rising high and heating up. These restaurants take Phoenix to the next level as one of the hottest food cities in the U.S. Luckily, not too hot to touch.
Vibrant pink walls contrast urban-Western vibes of James Beard Award-winning Bacanora and its masterful take on woodfired Sonoran flavors. Here, an open-flame kitchen turns out perfectly charred meats, embered elote and handmade tostadas.
With mountain views and lively DJ energy, théa brings international flair and Mediterranean mezze to The Global Ambassador hotel’s rooftop. Listed among the “Best New Hotel Restaurants in the World” by Condé Nast Traveler, this sky-high gem has one of the most extensive rosé collections in the country and a flaming saganaki that rivals the Grecian islands’.
East of the city, in the valley groves of Mesa, discover Board & Batten. The modern Italian bistro exudes rustic European charm with a touch of farmhouse cozy — including a patio with so much greenery it makes you forget you’re in the desert. Enjoy garden party vibes paired with refined dishes and aperitifs.
Set against the Komatke Mountain Range on the Gila River Indian Community, experience the culture, history and flavors of the Pee Posh and Akimal O’otham peoples at KAI, the state’s only AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Five Star restaurant. The seven-course tasting menu features artful preparations of traditional ingredients like bison, venison and squab.
Top your trip with something funky and effortlessly cool — kid sister is Phoenix’s newest natural wine bar. Pair a glass with European-inspired small plates while vibing in a tastefully minimal space that pops with color and hospitality.
TRAVEL-THEMED BARS
Extend your night with a drink at one of Phoenix’s transportive bars. Climb aboard Platform 18 at Century Grand, an Art Deco-style Pullman train car, for an immersive craft cocktail experience inspired by America’s Prohibition era. Or, keep it light at the ‘70s airplane-inspired lounge, Carry-On, where vintage vibes meet first-class craft cocktails that’ll dispatch you to the golden age of travel.
RESORT WATER PARKS
Slide into summer at Phoenix-area resort water parks and pool attractions.
As the temperature rises in the Valley of the Sun, there’s no better way to cool off and create super-soaked memories than by submerging yourself in the thrill of a water park. Thankfully, plenty of resorts offer their own collection of cooling water features, pools and rides, all conveniently on property.
Arizona Grand Resort & Spa in Phoenix is ideal for family getaways, with residential-style suites and the on-site Oasis water park. Spend the day exploring this 7-acre water complex, complete with winding slides, a giant wave pool, a spray deck for the kids and the area’s only side-by-side active river. At Hilton Phoenix Resort at the Peak, bring the family to the on-site River Ranch Water Park to cool off in sparkling pools, whoosh down the 130-foot waterslide and let all your cares fade away with a drift down the half-mile lazy river. Reserve one of the cabanas for a private, shaded retreat close to all the water action.
For those craving a bit of poolside luxury, the AquaRidge WaterPark at JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa provides a shaded retreat with cabana and daybed options amid its pristine pools and adults-only island. And on Friday nights during the summer, don’t miss AquaNights, when water slides will be open late and the lazy river will be activated with after-dark lighting.
For some indoor family fun, enjoy the year-round 84-degree Great Wolf Lodge Water Park in Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, where the whole family can take part in an array of aquatic adventures, from obstacle courses to water slides, all under one roof.
SALT RIVER ART TRAIL
Experience the creativity and pride of the Pima and Maricopa people through the eyes of community member artists as you follow this curated art trail through the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community and Salt River’s Talking Stick Entertainment District. Get the free mobile-exclusive passport to earn points for each property, verified by a check-in. After completing the trail, these points can be redeemed at the Salt River Visitor Center for a free exclusive T-shirt made by Salt River community member Dwayne Manuel.
STOP 1:
DISCOVER SALT RIVER VISITOR CENTER
Stop for area information and coupons, then explore a variety of art pieces created by Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community artists.
STOP 2:
ARIZONA BOARDWALK AT TALKING STICK
See five exterior art pieces, such as “Verde River” and “Salt River” by Jacob Butler, who infuses his images with deep cultural meaning.
STOP 3:
PIMA CENTER
At this vibrant commercial complex, see three sculptural works by Jeffrey Fulwilder, including Basket Dancers, Flute Players and Gourd Men.
STOP 4:
HUHUGAM KI: MUSEUM
Dive into history and culture at this museum. Entry to Huhugam Ki: (meaning the “House of the Ancestors”) is complimentary and features traditional art pieces throughout the property.
Scan the QR code to see the rest of the stops and to get the mobile passport.
POWER SHOPPING RETAIL DISTRICTS AND MEGA MALLS
From renowned retailers to affordable outlets, Greater Phoenix has some of the best shopping you’ll find anywhere in the Southwest.
SCOTTSDALE FASHION SQUARE
This luxurious indoor mall caters to discerning shoppers and diners with restaurants such as NOBU and Ocean 44; brands such as Jimmy Choo, Gucci and Cartier; and concierge amenities such as luggage storage and valet parking.
BILTMORE FASHION PARK
High-end retailers including Saks Fifth Avenue and Tumi line the walkways of this open-air mall in Phoenix, where you’ll also find restaurants including Zinburger, True Food Kitchen and The Capital Grille.
PHOENIX PREMIUM OUTLETS
Stroll more than 90 outlets — we’re talking Cole Haan, Kate Spade and Marc Jacobs — and enjoy discounts of up to 65 percent off at this retail center in Chandler.
DESERT RIDGE MARKETPLACE
Twinkling lights and palm trees set the scene at this outdoor retail center in Phoenix with 50 shops, from H&M to Target, as well as dozens of eateries.
TANGER OUTLETS
Save on brand-name clothing and home goods (everything from Le Creuset to Saks OFF 5TH) at this outdoor complex in Glendale. Just hop on the free shuttle to and from area hotels and the Westgate Entertainment District.
OUTLETS NORTH PHOENIX
With designer outlets like Michael Kors and Coach, plus a kids’ play area and splash pad, this open-air shopping destination offers plenty of ways to shop, play and unwind.
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