7 Unforgettable Things to do in Phoenix, Arizona

September 3, 2021

Whether you are visiting Phoenix, Arizona for the first time or entertaining guests from out of town I am about to make your dreams come true and share 7 of the most unforgettable things to do in Phoenix, Arizona.

Growing up in Arizona I have come to find that the desert has its own unique beauty that is hard to ignore. I don’t want to brag, but there is a 100% chance these 7 spots will have your jaws drop.

Make sure to download your free travel guide below. This travel guide is filled with even MORE cool things to do in Phoenix!

The Dolly Steamboat

Did you know you can catch spectacular views of the Superstition Mountains by boat? Like there has never been a better way to catch the desert showing off and the Dolly Steamboat gives you a front-row seat.

If you are worried about rising temperatures the Dolly Steamboat is air-conditioned and even includes a snack bar.

The Dolly Steamboat provides unforgettable scenic cruises, but if you are looking for a date night activity I would recommend looking into their twilight dinner cruises.

Keep an eye out for wildlife and if you’re lucky you may even catch a glimpse of the elusive desert bighorn. There are just over 5,000 of them in the state. These animals try and stay hidden from people, so it was a special treat to see them!

The Steamboat cruise can be found at Canyon Lake Marina and Campground in Apache Junction. To book a tour make sure to go to their webpage found here.

Cosanti

Finding those Instagram hot spots is kind of my superpower and this place just does it for me. Cosanti is both a gallery and a studio that belonged to Paolo Soleri but when he passed in 2013 it became open to the public.

Paolo Soleri devoted his life to creating innovative structures that find a balance within nature. It’s easy to see why so many visitors are captivated by this place and inspired by Soleri’s vision.

What makes this place even more fascinating is that it remained unfinished due to the death of Paolo. He had envisioned this would be a community built on sustainability and capable of housing at least 2,000 people.

Soleri discovered his passion for ceramics and bells when working on an architectural project in Italy and this soon became a hobby of his that inspired his work.

Today you will find bells produced and sold here. Each of these bells is unique in its design due to each artist’s own intricate carvings.

Cosanti is located in Paradise Valley just minutes from old town Scottsdale. And if you want to catch a glimpse of how these bells are made and learn more about Paolo Soleri make sure to book a tour here!

Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch

I’ve got just the thing to help you show off the beauty of Arizona.

Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch provides a little oasis in the middle of the desert where you can book kayak tours down the Salt River. The views are truly unbeatable!

The scenic tours provided take you through the Tonto National Forest where you can catch glimpses of wildlife. The tours last two hours, but it goes by SO quickly because you’re so distracted by the incredible views.

You don’t need any prior kayaking experience to enjoy this tour. It’s suited for all levels.

I wish I had known about this place much earlier, but now it’s my favorite spot to take friends and family from out of state! Trust me when I say this is one of the best things to do in Phoenix.

To book a tour make sure to check out their website!

Simply Smashing Rage Release Room

If you’re a fan of the Bachelor Franchise like me you may remember Becca Kufrin’s season where she took Blake Horstman on this epic date:

There is actually a place just like this located in the Phoenix area! It is thrilling, to say the least. Like how satisfying is it to just cut loose and smash a bunch of things without having to worry about the mess??!

You book a room for 2 -4 people and are given protective gear so that you don’t have to hold back as you destroy all the fragile items in the room.

Head over to their website to make a reservation, but make sure to jump on Groupon first to see if you can snag a discount!

Tempe Town Lake Boat Rentals

Most people may be familiar with this iconic location, the Sky Harbor Airport is right next to Tempe Town Lake after all BUT did you know you can rent the CUTEST pedal boats to catch views of the skyline from the water????

AND if you are looking to really impress you will want to rent the swan boat! This pedal boat is equipped with lights, so that when the evening hits your boat will be the star of the show.

These pedal boats fit up to 4 people, and if you’re lucky you may even get to relax in the back. My dad was clearly a fan. I personally liked pedaling! It’s the type of exercise that requires very minimal effort, and isn’t that the best kind??

This truly is fun for all age groups and your DOG can even tag along. You really can have it ALL!!!

To book your reservation go here.

BONUS: You can rent more than just pedal boats! You can rent kayaks, paddle boards and even a donut boat that fits up to 10 PEOPLE!!!

Commemorative Air Force Museum

The WWII historian fan in your group will fall in LOVE with the Commemorative Air Force Museum. This place often gets overlooked, but it’s one of the best things to do in Phoenix.

What makes this place truly special is that you will find an airworthy B17 here. There are only 10 of these that remain worldwide!

Although the B17 is the most popular aircraft among visitors, you will find 15 featured aircrafts here from the WWII era to the Vietnam era. Six aircrafts are in operational use.

The museum is run almost exclusively by volunteers, and the fees collected from museum admission and plane rides go directly back to ensuring the aircraft can remain in operational use.

The Commemorative Air Force Museum is a wonderful tribute to our honorable servicemen and women who fought to protect us during this critical time in history, and it’s a place you don’t want to miss.

General admission is $15 and can be purchased online or in person.

TIP: If you want to take a ride in one of these commemorative planes make sure to book in advance, and although it does come with a steep price tag the experience is unforgettable.

The Scott Resort

This is the type of place you are going to be talking about for a long time because it’s just THAT GOOD. Honestly, you’re not ready for the compliments you’re about to get with the flood of photos you collect from this beautiful hotel.

Every inch of this Havana-inspired hotel is so stunning you may never want to leave, and I don’t blame you. You don’t have to be an overnight guest to enjoy the Scott Resort though!

The Canal Club feels like an upscale restaurant without the steep price tag. The food is delicious and you don’t want to skip out on their dessert selection!

It’s time to let you in on a little secret most people don’t know about this place–HAVANA NIGHTS.

You can enjoy an intimate movie screening just outside behind the Canal Club where you can enjoy some classic movies from the early 20th century. Movie screenings start at dusk every night.