Things To Do

Wright’s at the Biltmore

AZ Biltmore’s signature Fine dining restaurant offering American Cuisine prepared using local, fresh ingredients.

LON’s at The Hermosa Inn

Fine dining / southwestern influence contemporary American Cuisine. Amazing patio and views of Camelback Mountain.

Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort

Element’s at the Sanctuary- American/Asian flair fine dining situated on Camelback Mountain with Amazing views.

Tee Pee Mexican Food

Authentic southwest Family-run, circa-1958 eatery serving Mexican eats in cozy surrounds with red vinyl booths & a bar.

Desert Botanical Garden

What is it: This is the prime spot to peep desert plants and learn about the area’s landscape. Why go: Not only is this 140-acre garden have a spectacular vista but it's also the sunny home of an extraordinary amount of living creatures – you've just got to know how to spot them. Spend some time visiting here and you can expect to take a flashlight tour, a group tour of self-paced trails where attendees are armed with flashlights to see and hear what dwells in the desert after dark.

Camelback Mountain

As one of the highest peaks in Phoenix, Camelback Mountain is among the most scenic hiking spots in the city. Soaring more 2,700 feet in elevation, Camelback's summit offers spectacular views of Phoenix and Scottsdale and can be reached from the 1.2-mile (incredibly steep) Echo Canyon Trail. If you're looking for a slightly easier trek, the 1.5-mile Cholla Trail on the east side of the mountain offers a more gradual incline, at least until you near the summit. You can also try one of the several beginner-friendly trails that circle Camelback's base, such as the Bobby's Rock Trail. Hiking Camelback Mountain is best attempted earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon when the desert heat is bearable. But no matter when you decide to climb, make sure you have plenty of water and sunscreen.

Musical Instrument Museum

The Musical Instrument Museum, located about 20 miles north of downtown Phoenix, invites visitors to check out its collection of more than 6,000 instruments from around the world.

Phoenix Art Museum

Housed within a prime example of contemporary architecture is one of the largest art museums in the Southwest (with more than 18,000 works of art, some of them dating as far back as the Renaissance). From Diego Rivera to Frederic Remington, Georgia O'Keeffe to Frida Kahlo, the Phoenix Art Museum's permanent collection caters to a wide variety of tastes, and often welcomes top-notch traveling exhibits. Be sure to check out the popular Thorne Miniature Collection, and if you're traveling with kids, make sure to take advantage of the museum's youth-oriented activities.

Taliesin West

Frank Lloyd Wright loved the Sonoran Desert, and he used these 600 acres at the base of the McDowell Mountains as his winter home and school. With the help of his art and architecture students, Wright constructed apartments, studios and theaters using local materials to help the camp blend with its natural surroundings. This National Historic Landmark is still used as an educational space for budding artists and architects.

Arizona Biltmore Golf Club

Finding the right course may be a feat in itself, thanks to all of the options. For an authentic Phoenician golf experience, follow in the footsteps of movie stars and politicians and head to the Arizona Biltmore Golf Club. Constructed in 1928 and known as "the granddaddy" of Phoenix country clubs, the Arizona Biltmore is home to two 18-hole PGA Championship courses, as well as a driving range, a putting green, a pro shop and a full-service restaurant. Because of its reputation, you'll want to reserve tee times well in advance, plus, you should plan your tee time for early morning or later in the evening to avoid the Arizona heat. The club is part of the Arizona Biltmore Resort in downtown Phoenix. Reserve your tee times online at the course's website. Prices and availability may vary.

Phoenician Golf Club

Papago Golf Course

Phoenix Zoo

The Phoenix Zoo is a great place to enjoy nature without your little ones dying of boredom. There are four trails (measuring 2½ miles in total) that wind through the numerous habitats represented on this 125-acre chunk of land. The zoo houses a variety of animals, including baboons, Sumatran tigers, Asian elephants, Galápagos tortoises and Komodo dragons. Take younger tots to the Red Barn petting zoo or to the giraffe encounter where they can get some face time with the animals. When their little legs start to tire, consider the 25-minute narrated safari train tour, which only costs a few extra dollars and provides a good orientation of the zoo.

Boulders Resort & Spa, Curio Collection by Hilton

When it comes to lying in the lap of luxury, many agree that there's no better place than the 33,000-square-foot spa the Boulders Resort. In addition to spa services, you can also enjoy the resort's golf courses, hiking trails and yes, facials and mud wraps. As one of the most well-known spas in the valley, this massive relaxation hot spot offers clients a long list of treatments worth bragging about, including the signature turquoise wrap.

The Breadfruit & Rum Bar

What is it: This chilled out seafood restaurant features an island-inspired bar that serves over 100 rum variations. (Yep, you heard us correctly). Why go: Quite simply, to drink the Wix Bang. Sure it sounds questionable slang but trust us: this super signature drink tajes centre stage for a reason. We're talking a blend of five-year-aged Real McCoy rum, lime, guava reduction, coconut, nutmeg and a horehound tincture to get your lips around. And if that libation isn't enough to get you going, get a load of the mouthwatering menu: fresh from the sea curried shrimp, locally sourced rum sea scallops and jerk pork chops. Heaven.

Cobra Arcade Bar

Walker's Favorite Bar! What is it: A fun destination for the 21 and over crowd who like to mix drinking and gaming. Why go: Show off your video gaming prowess while you maneuver Ms. Pac-Man around the screen, gobbling dots for points. That’s just one of the classic games you’ll find here. There’s a slew of others available to play with, including Centipede, Donkey Kong and Super Mario Bros. Signature cocktails like the Krazy Kong and Death Star keep up with the venue’s theme.

Valley Bar

What is it: Only one of downtown Phoenix's best and brightest spots for live music and fun events – and its actually below street level. Yup, adding to the mystical intrigue is the fact that you’ll have to enter the premise from a back-alley door – like a prohibition speakeasy. Why go: On most nights of the week, this is where to find the coolest bands playing all sorts of genres, from punk and garage to indie rock and honkytonk. On non-music nights, there’s plenty to do, from trivia competitions to comedy. You can also just hang out in the Rose Room, chatting and sipping drinks with pals.

First Friday Roosevelt Row

What is it: This walkable area features a mix of indie shops, restaurants, bars and galleries. Why go: Visual art is a big draw. Long-running art galleries like Modified Arts and Eye Lounge share the ‘hood with street art, pop-up galleries and festival events. Make sure to check the sides of buildings and wander the alleys, that’s where you’ll see the awesome murals that originally turned this area into a destination.

Durant's

Drink a dry martini at Durant's and sink into the red vinyl seats and feel the red-flocked walls. This snapshot of the 1950s in Phoenix remains primarily a steakhouse where regulars enter through the backdoor into the kitchen and business leaders and politicians still make deals.

Carolina's Mexican Food

Savor the taste of an authentic tortilla at Carolina's in Phoenix. Large, thin and chewy, the tortillas have been turned out at this institution for 50 years. Never has a simple mix of flour, water, lard, baking powder and salt been so satisfying.

Pizzeria Bianco

Lunch on the best pizza in the U.S. — so say plenty of experts — at downtown Phoenix's Pizzeria Bianco. Lunch during an Arizona summer may mean you get in for under the usual three-hour wait. Order either the Rosa or the Marinara, which happen to be owner Chris Bianco's favorites.

Barrio Cafe

Arizona is known for its Mexican food, and it's in fairly rich supply around the Valley. However, for a great taste try Barrio Cafe. With five restaurants in the Barrio family, chef Silvana Salcido Esparza has become a key part of building up Phoenix as a destination for exceptional food. Pop into the original Barrio Cafe in Central Phoenix, Barrio Urbano at the Yard in Phoenix, Barrio Avion at Terminal Four in Sky Harbor or the newest location on Grand Avenue.

Compass Arizona Grill

Dine atop the Compass Arizona Grill at the Hyatt Regency. Perched like a flying saucer on the 24th floor of the hotel, the revolving restaurant opened in 1976 and is the only Arizona restaurant of its kind. Reserve a window seat 30 minutes before sundown to watch the sun glint off Phoenix landmarks.

TPC Scottsdale Champions Course