Things To Do
OdySea Aquarium
For an aquarium in the desert, OdySea Aquarium is surprisingly (and delightfully) cool—literally. Step inside, escape the heat, and explore one of the largest aquariums in the Southwest. Beyond the incredible marine life, OdySea offers a variety of interactive exhibits and experiences—perfect if “just looking at fish” isn’t quite enough adventure for you. Whether you’re traveling with kids or just embracing your inner child, there’s something here for everyone. One of the highlights? A rotating viewing room that gently spins as you take in the exhibits—yes, just like that iconic moment in Jurassic Park. Be sure to check their website for discounts, bundled experiences, and seasonal events to make the most of your visit. P.S. Erin & Ben had one of their very first dates here 💙
Butterfly Wonderland
Located just next the OdySea Aquarium in the Arizona Boardwalk, Butterfly Wonderland is North America’s largest butterfly conservatory. Take a few hours to enjoy over 60 species of butterflies and learn about how conservation around the world is helping keep these species thriving. This experience features a large, tropical greenhouse where you can walk among the butterflies. Wear bright colors and they might just land on you! Butterfly Wonderland offers discounts and bundles with other attractions at the Arizona Boardwalk, including OdySea Aquarium. Book tickets for a group of 10 or more and enjoy additional discounts and perks. We recommend checking their website for these bundles and additional group rate deals.
Desert Botanical Garden
Think the desert is all dirt and tumbleweeds? Think again. Desert Botanical Garden is home to thousands of species of cactus, trees and flowers from all around the world spread across 55 acres in Phoenix, Arizona. Explore the Garden’s main trail and discover the many ways desert plants from around the world have adapted to the environment. Featuring a diverse array of cactus and succulents as well as historic plant collections, this core trail takes you on a journey to celebrate the beauty of the desert.
North Mountain Preserve
Looking to stretch your legs without leaving the city? North Mountain Preserve offers a variety of trails with stunning desert views, making it a favorite for locals and visitors alike. There are several trailheads throughout the preserve, but one of our favorites starts near the North Mountain Visitor Center on the north side. From here, you’ll find a roughly 3-mile round trip hike, with about 2 miles on a paved path—perfect for an easier, low-impact outing. The paved section has a gentle 6–8% incline, giving you a bit of a workout without being too intense. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of the valley that are well worth the effort. These trails are popular and beautifully open—but that also means very little shade. Be sure to bring water, sunscreen, and we highly recommend a hat and sunglasses. The good news: parking at the Visitor Center is free and easy, and it’s a charming little stop to explore before or after your hike.
Devil's Bridge Trailhead
Want to see where we got engaged? Take a trip to Devil's Bridge, the largest natural sandstone arch in the Sedona area—and yes, you can walk right across it. This hike is rated moderate to difficult, with a few spots that require a bit of climbing, but the views (and the bragging rights) are absolutely worth it. Be sure to pack plenty of water—seriously, more than you think you’ll need—and a few snacks to keep you going. If you start from Mescal Trailhead (where our adventure began), the round trip is about 4.5 miles. Parking is $5 and can be paid by credit card—no cash accepted here. There are closer parking options if you’re looking to shorten the distance, but the most challenging part of the hike—right before reaching the arch—remains the same.
Sedona
Sedona is nothing short of magical. Towering red rock formations rise against lush pine forests, creating stunning views in nearly every direction—it’s the kind of place that feels almost unreal. Located about two hours from Phoenix, Sedona makes for a perfect day trip, especially if you’re planning to continue on to Grand Canyon or Flagstaff and turn it into a full adventure. A quick heads-up: Sedona is a very popular destination, which means traffic and parking can be a bit challenging. We recommend giving yourself extra time to explore and looking into the local shuttle system if you’re planning to spend the day—it’s often the easiest way to get around and enjoy everything stress-free. We also recommend looking into taking a Pink Jeep Tour! They will do the driving and you can sit back and enjoy the ride and the views!
Lowell Observatory
Want to visit the place where Pluto was discovered in 1930? Lowell Observatory is the place to go! Nestled in the mountain side in Flagstaff, Lowell is open for tours during the day (except Tuesdays). They also have an amazing Dark Sky Planetarium Live Show and additional packages that you can add to your General Admission. Lowell is a really cool place to visit, especially on your way to or from the Grand Canyon. Flagstaff also offers a number of smaller hikes that are open year-round. The city is at a high elevation, so expect it to be cold and possibly also have snow in February!
Grand Canyon
Grand Canyon — what can really be said that the name doesn’t already promise? It’s vast, it’s powerful, and it’s one of those places that truly has to be seen to be believed. No photo quite captures just how breathtaking it is in person. The North Rim is about a four-hour drive from Mesa and offers a quieter, more peaceful experience for those looking to take it all in. There is a park entry fee per vehicle, so keep that in mind as you plan your trip. If you are a National Parks card holder, this fee is part of your membership! Temperatures here are noticeably cooler than in the city (and yes—there can even be snow in February!), so plan accordingly. While it’s possible to make this a long day trip, we highly recommend turning it into an overnight adventure so you can slow down, explore, and really soak in the views.
