Heard Museum

Learn about Native American crafts from the 19th and 20th centuries at the Heard Museum. Located in downtown Phoenix, the Heard Museum is a must-see for any Phoenician, whether they’re native or new to our state. The Heard Museum’s collections include approximately 39,000 works of cultural and fine art. Exhibits change often, and current and upcoming events at the Heard Museum can be viewed online.
heard.org

Mystery Castle

Boyce Gulley began building his “mystery castle” in 1930. The curiously constructed house is a point of fascination for many Phoenix residents. And lucky for all of us, Mystery Castle tours are still offered. One of the most interesting features of Mystery Castle is that Gulley used salvaged materials, auto parts, junk, and other artifacts he found in the Southwest and in Mexico to build his home.
(602) 268-1581

Rawhide

Even though it packed up and moved to the East Valley, Phoenicians must visit Rawhide at least once in their lifetimes. Where else will you find an 1880s western town, a steakhouse, a saloon, shops, gunfights, and a mechanical bull all in the same place? Step back into the days of the wild, wild West and visit Rawhide, now at Wild Horse Pass in Chandler.
rawhide.com

Desert Botanical Garden

The goal of the Desert Botanical Garden is to educate, research, and conserve the desert plants of the world, and they do so by providing a simply breathtaking experience. With fifty acres of stunning outdoor exhibits that feature 139 rare, threatened, and endangered plant species from around the world, visiting the Desert Botanical Garden is an experience not to be missed.
desertbotanical.org

Arcosanti

Arcosanti, an experimental town in Mayer, Arizona, began development in 1970. Upon completion, it will house 5,000 people and demonstrate ways to improve urban conditions and lessen our destructive impact on the earth. Walking tours of Arcosanti are available for a small fee and guest rooms are available for an overnight stay.
arcosanti.org

Hall of Flame Fire Museum

With almost an acre of fire history exhibits and over ninety fully restored pieces of fire apparatus dating from 1725 to 1969 on display, the Hall of Flame Fire Museum is a tangible tribute to our firefighting heroes. The galleries within the museum contain such items as a 1951 fire engine and steam powered engines. In addition to this, there is a Hall of Heroes that contains the names of thousands of firefighters who have been recognized for their heroism.
hallofflame.org

Champlin Fighter Museum

The Champlin Fighter Museum houses World War I and World War II aircraft, as well as jets and automatic weapons. And while only some of the planes are original, what makes this experience so great is the fact that all the aircraft in the Champlin Fighter Museum is flyable. The museum offers daily and private tours in which a docent will tell you stories about the planes, including the rarest in the collection: a 1944 Focke Wulf 190D-12.
(520) 830-4540

Arizona Science Center

Children and adults alike will be fascinated at the exhibits featured at the Arizona Science Center. The center boasts an IMAX Theater, a planetarium, and a variety of other hands-on learning exhibits. The center is for all ages, and new exhibit information can be found on their Web site. The Arizona Science Center offers their facilities for adult programs, children’s birthday parties, and other special events and functions.
azscience.org

Pueblo Grande Museum and Archeological Park

Historic Pueblo Grande Museum is located at 1,500 year-old Hohokam village ruins in Phoenix. The museum has been dedicated to the study and interpretation of the Hohokam culture. The park is an impressive 102 acres, and visitors are invited to explore the ruins of an 800-year-old platform mound, an excavated ball court, and fullscale reproductions of prehistoric Hohokam homes. The site also includes some of the last remaining intact Hohokam irrigation canals, making this experience one of a kind.
phoenix.gov

Phoenix Art Museum

You’ll need at least a few hours to truly appreciate all the Phoenix Art Museum has to offer. Thousands of works of art are housed within the museum, including art with an emphasis on American, Asian, European, Latin-American, modern and contemporary, and Western-American art and fashion designs. The Phoenix Art Museum lists upcoming exhibits, lectures, films and talks on their Web site as well as information on their current art pieces. And should you get hungry while you’re visiting, there is an Art Museum Café for dining.
phxart.org

Rosson House Museum

The Rosson House Museum is a restored 1895 historic home in Heritage Square in downtown Phoenix. The home has 2,800 square feet of space, ten rooms, and five fireplaces, and was constructed in the Eastlake architectural style. Tours are available Wednesday through Saturday. Visiting the Rosson House Museum will give you an idea of what life was really like for the Rosson House residents in early Phoenix during Arizona’s late territorial times.
rossonhousemuseum.org

Orpheum Theater

It took twelve long years and $14 million, but the historic Orpheum Theater was finally restored to its former glory. The downtown theater showcases many productions, including some straight off Broadway. The theater was originally built in 1929 for $750,000 by J.E. Rickards and Harry Nace for movies and vaudeville. It’s one of Phoenix’s most recognizable landmarks.
(602) 534-5600

Pioneer Arizona Living History Museum

Arizona has a rich frontier heritage just waiting for residents to explore and the Pioneer Arizona Living History Museum is one of the best examples of it. The museum provides over ninety acres of an old 1800s town filled with authentic buildings and historically accurate reproductions. From an Opera House and an 1890s dress shop to a blacksmith’s shop and a sheriff’s office, you’ll feel as if you stepped back into time.
phoenix-arizona.com

Scottsdale 6 Drive-In

Whether you want to go alone, with your family, or with that special someone, the Scottsdale 6 Drive-In is sure to be a great time. The concession stand is circular and designed to look like something out of the 1950s. Of course, there will be more than enough snack options to choose from, and the kids can even play a few video games while you’re getting that popcorn. There’s no need to visit a regular old theater when you can have some old-fashioned fun by watching a movie from the comfort of your own vehicle.
(480) 949-9451

Sonoran Desert Museum

There is so much natural beauty to explore within our desert, and the Sonoran Desert Museum gives us a renowned zoo, natural history museum, and botanical garden, all in one place. Bring your walking shoes because the large museum showcases more than 300 animal species and 1,200 kinds of plants. And you’ll get to see our beautiful desert firsthand, as there are almost two miles of paths going across twenty-one acres.
desertmuseum.org

Grand Canyon

While you’ll have to get out of Phoenix to see the Grand Canyon, it will definitely be worth the drive. The vast Grand Canyon has an incredible view and is an archeological gold mine. The oldest artifacts found at the Grand Canyon date back to the Paleo- Indian period and are around 12,000 years old. You can take guided hikes and tours down into the Grand Canyon for an experience you will never forget.
nps.gov/grca/

Phoenix Zoo

The Phoenix Zoo is spread across 125 acres of land and houses around 1,200 animals, including mammals, fish, invertebrates, birds. and reptiles. The Phoenix Zoo recommends that you plan to spend two to three hours to experience all they have to offer. Bike rentals are available if you don’t want to see the zoo by foot. There are a variety of gift shops and food options for you to choose from, and new exhibits are constantly being added.
phoenixzoo.org

Durant’s

Durant’s is one of Arizona’s first fine steakhouses, and although it opened its doors over fifty years ago, it continues to be a top choice for excellent food. The atmosphere in Durant’s is a blend of the 1950s and modern times. The menu is filled with tempting steaks, seafood, amazing martinis, and delicious desserts. The staff includes some of the greatest chefs you’ll find, and their wine list is extensive and impressive.
durantsaz.com

Pizzeria Bianco

Pizzeria Bianco is located in a beautifully restored historic building in Heritage Square. This popular restaurant is famous for its huge dinner waits, but according to just about every diner, it’s well worth it. The menu is filled with a variety of appetizers, wood-fired pizzas, and a good selection of wine. The pizza is what has really put this place on the map. When you’re done eating, you can walk it off by taking a self-guided tour of the historic buildings in Heritage Square.
pizzeriabianco.com

Los Compadres

Los Compadres is a family-owned Phoenix staple that serves up some of the best Mexican food around. Although it’s pretty small, it can still fit quite a few diners within its walls. You order at the counter, but the good news is that the staff is friendly and fast. Tasty lunch specials are offered just about every day of the week for a reduced rate, but if you can help it, come during off hours to avoid the lunch rush.
(602) 265-1162

Mining Camp Restaurant in Apache Junction

Located in Apache Junction, The Mining Camp restaurant is a glimpse into our state’s mining past. The restaurant first opened in 1961 and is built of sawed Ponderosa Pine taken straight from Payson. The interior of the Mining Camp restaurant was made to replicate the old mining shanty that still sits at the base of the Superstition Springs Mountain. The food is served family-style, and the portions of chicken, ham and ribs are huge.
miningcamprestaurant.com

Rock Springs Café

Rock Springs Café, as their slogan says, is “worth the drive from anywhere.” The restaurant has a long history that dates back to the early 1900s, and once was an Indian encampment. Today, it’s a restaurant filled with locals and visitors from all over who have heard about the delicious food and those pies. Penny’s pies are pretty much famous, and worth every bite. Pie choices change often; be sure to try the pecan pie with ice cream.
rockspringscafe.com

Compass Room

The Compass Room in the Hyatt Regency Phoenix Hotel is Arizona’s only revolving restaurant. As the restaurant turns, it gives you an unobstructed view of Phoenix in a way you’ve never before seen. The amazing 360-degree view of the Valley might be enough for some, but the food is excellent, too. The restaurant offers an international menu, making it easy for everyone to find something they like, and the Sunday brunch will please all Arizona residents and guests.
phoenix.hyatt.com

Los Dos Molinos

Los Dos Molinos is famous for their spicy Mexican dishes and refreshing margaritas. This popular Phoenix restaurant is familyfriendly and pretty easy on the pocketbook. The restaurant used to be home to Hollywood cowboy star Tom Mix before it became one of the top Phoenix Mexican restaurants. But if you like your food mild, don’t come here. Even the owner will tell you that she doesn’t know how to make a mild sauce, so order a margarita or two to quench the fire and enjoy the spice!
(602) 243-9113

T. Cooks

When you want to treat that special someone to an exquisite meal with impeccable service, T.Cooks is the way to go. Located in the Royal Palms hotel, the restaurant has received countless awards and high ratings from nationally renowned food critics. But it’s their Sunday brunch that has many locals talking. It’s filled with a variety of delicious food, champagne, mimosas, and much more.
royalpalmshotel.com

Mary Elaine’s

For anniversaries, special occasions, or just because, Mary Elaine’s is the perfect setting for an elegant meal. You’ll dine by candlelight, and if you ask beforehand, the staff just might seat you by one of the huge floor-to-ceiling windows. The service is impeccable and the food is always delicious. They offer a great brunch, too. Enjoy it once—or twice.
thephoenician.com

Friday’s Front Row at Chase Field

What could be better than catching an Arizona Diamondback’s baseball game at Chase Field? How about catching a game and having a great lunch at the same time? Friday’s Front Row overlooking left field and first base makes that possible. You’ll get a bird’seye view of the game and a tasty lunch, too. frontrowphoenix.
myfridays.com

Teeter House Tea Room

Although it was built in 1899, the Teeter House Tea Room is still not the best-known historic restaurant in Arizona. It’s a shame, because this Victorian-style home located in Heritage Square in downtown Phoenix is not only a glimpse into the past, but a fantastic place to come for lunch or dinner. The food is light, with salads, sandwiches and soup on the menu, and it’s all good. The home is decorated in a classic Victorian style, and the floor is creaky in that historic, slightly creepy sort of way. The place is also rumored to be haunted by Mrs. Teeter herself, so if you feel like you’re being watched, maybe you are.
theteeterhouse.com

Sassi

Put Sassi on your list of must-visit restaurants if you haven’t been. The look and feel of Sassi is very Old World and it just might trick you into thinking you’ve stepped into an authentic Italian villa. Located in North Scottsdale, this Italian restaurant offers fantastic fare in an intimate and elegant setting. While this is probably not a good place to bring the kids, it’s definitely the perfect date spot, no matter if it’s your first or fiftieth.
sassi.biz

Barrio Café

Be prepared to wait a bit for a table at Barrio Café in Phoenix, but don’t get discouraged. You’ll be glad you did, from the very first bite you take. This restaurant has been receiving a lot of attention lately, and it comes as no surprise. The cuisine is Mexican with a twist. Don’t be surprised to find the flavors of pomegranate or apricot in your dish, and they know how to make them work. Soda is served in glass bottles like the ones you’ll find in Mexico, and servers are friendly and attentive.
barriocafe.com

House of Tricks

Looking for a little romance? House of Tricks has plenty of it, and then some. Tucked away down a street close to ASU, this well-known restaurant has plenty of outdoor seating and twinkling lights for you to dine by. The restaurant was converted from two turn-of-the-century homes, and has maintained its cottagelike feel. Take your special someone for dinner here, and it will be a meal neither of you will soon forget.
houseoftricks.com

Los Olivos

Los Olivos in Scottsdale might be one of the best Mexican restaurants around. Fresh ingredients are always used, and the simple, authentic dishes are what make the place such a happening spot. Los Olivos is located right in Old Town Scottsdale, so expect it to be very busy on the weekends. Come during the week if you want to avoid big crowds.
(480) 946-2256

Crazy Ed’s Satisfied Frog

A favorite of locals, Crazy Ed’s is a western-themed restaurant that serves up huge portions of chicken-fried steak, fried chicken, fish and chips, and much more. Diners who have been here will tell you that their strawberry shortcake is some of the best around. And if there’s a long wait before you’re seated, there’s complimentary popcorn located in the front of the restaurant for you to snack on.
satisfiedfrog.com

Miracle Mile Deli

Located in the Camelback Colonnade, Miracle Mile Deli is the spot for businessmen and -women to have a quick lunch. Miracle Mile first opened in 1949, giving it a long history in Phoenix. Natives and newcomers will tell you that Miracle Mile has some of the best sandwiches, french fries, and perfect crispy pickles in town.
miraclemiledeli.com

McCormick Railroad Park

You don’t have to be a kid to fall in love with McCormick Railroad Park. Located in Scottsdale, this park has something others don’t: a train and a carousel. During the holidays, the park is adorned in thousands of twinkling lights, and it becomes a magical winter wonderland. Any other time, the park is still a fun place to take your little ones or to let yourself become a kid again.
therailroadpark.com

Turf Paradise

Like to gamble? Like to drink? Like to eat? Turf Paradise lets you do all of that, and more! But Turf Paradise isn’t only for adults—in fact, kids like to come watch the live horse races, too. Turf Paradise first opened its doors in 1956, and business has been booming ever since. If you’re like quite a few other people, this might be one place you’ve always meant to visit but haven’t yet. But once you try it out, you just might get used to the nonstop action and fun.
turfparadise.com

Montezuma Castle National Monument

One of the coolest road trips you’ll ever take is to Montezuma Castle National Monument. It’s one of the best-preserved cliff dwellings in North American, and as you gaze at it, it’s easy to imagine the people who once inhabited it. The castle has twenty rooms, and although you can’t go inside them, there are pictures nearby that will show you what the interior looks like. Don’t forget to also check out Montezuma’s Well while you’re there; it is rumored to host species of animals found nowhere else in the world.
nps.gov

Camelback Mountain

Hikers of all skill levels will enjoy a trip up Camelback Mountain, thanks to the few different trail options. Advanced hikers will make it all the way to the top, but beginners will want to opt for the easier trails around the base of the mountain. Either way, hikers will enjoy the beauty of the mountain and all the squirrels and birds you’ll see along the way.
http://phoenix.gov/PARKS/hikecmlb.html

Arizona Diamondbacks

It wasn’t that long ago that Arizona didn’t even have a baseball team, and now it’s hard to imagine our state without one. Tickets for ball games are fairly inexpensive, and it’s a fun and relaxing way to spend an afternoon with friends and family. Chase Field is located in downtown Phoenix, close to many great restaurants and nightlife. And if you catch a game on a good weather day, they just might open up the roof, too.
diamondbacks.mlb.com

Slide Rock State Park

Slide Rock is nature’s own version of a water slide. Nestled alongside the beautiful red rocks of Sedona, Slide Rock is a creek that follows a path through smooth rocks and boulders. Children and adults can slip and slide down the stream for hours on end, while others prefer to bask in the sun beside the creek. Slide Rock can get pretty busy during the summer, so go early to ensure your spot.
(928) 282-3034

Arizona Cardinals

They may not be the best team in the league, but that doesn’t stop fans from flocking to games during football season. And if you haven’t been to the new stadium yet, you’re missing out. The University of Phoenix stadium boasts 1.7 million square footage of stadium and 310 locations for fans to purchase food and beverage. The stadium will also host the 2008 Super Bowl XLII.
azcardinals.com

Hole in the Rock in Papago Park

Scenic rock formations make Papago Park in Phoenix unique, but Hole in the Rock is the best known. Accessible by a short trail, Hole in the Rock is a cave-like opening that is about five feet tall. Hole in the Rock provides great views of the surrounding landscape and is a great Phoenician landmark.
phoenix.gov/parks/hikpafac.html

Golfland

Golfland makes it just a little bit easier for Phoenicians to tolerate summer in the Valley of the Sun. Both children and adults enjoy the river rapids, water slides, and lazy river Golfland provides, and it’s the perfect way to beat the heat just when it starts to get unbearable. Take plenty of sunscreen, and plan to spend an entire day basking in the sun and playing in the water.
golfland.com

Phoenix Suns

It may be hard to believe, but there are plenty of Phoenicians out there who haven’t been to a Suns game yet. And while we have plenty of local sports teams to enjoy, attending a Suns game is an exciting experience everyone will want to have at least once. Because the arena is in the middle of downtown, you’ll have plenty of options for dinner and drinks before or after the game.
nba.com/suns

Arizona Rattlers

Don’t forget about the Arizona Rattlers, our very own world-champion arena-footballleague team. The arena is located in the US Airways Center in downtown Phoenix and tickets are reasonably priced. If you like sports and you haven’t been to a Rattlers game yet, it’s definitely time you bought a ticket and supported the players. It’s a different experience than a Cardinals game, and just as fun.
azrattlers.com

Salt River Tubing and Recreation

Who hasn’t been tubing down Salt River? Surprisingly, quite a few Arizona residents have sidestepped this adventure in beautiful Tonto National Forest. As long as you layer on the sunscreen, you’ll enjoy a leisurely day as you float along the cool river. Keep your eyes peeled, because you just might see a wild horse along the way.
saltrivertubing.com

Casino Arizona

Casino Arizona is more than just gambling. And while they have plenty of options if you do want to try your hand at blackjack, keno, slot machines. or one of their other gaming choices, they also have concerts, including Showstoppers Live, a musical tribute to Elvis, Tina Turner, The Four Tops, and more. Restaurants and even ancient pottery collections are onsite.
casinoaz.com

Whirlwind Golf Club at Wild Horse Pass

Troon Golf Course, Whirlwind Golf Club at Wild Horse Pass is a 36-hole luxury golf course on the Gila River Indian Reservation. Streams, lush grass, and beautiful surroundings make this challenging course stand out as one of the best in Arizona. There are a variety of dining options to choose from onsite as well as a golf shop filled with necessities.
whirlwindgolf.com

South Mountain Riding Stables

With over forty miles of trails covering 18,500 acres, South Mountain Park is the perfect spot to explore on horseback. South Mountain Riding Stables offers a variety of options—trail rides, breakfast rides, sunset dinner rides, hay wagon rides—and they can accommodate large groups. For the cowpoke in you, try the cookout ride and get a taste of the Old West.
arizona-horses.com

Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall

If you like to shop, this is your Mecca. Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall is filled with the best of the best, including Gucci, Tiffany and Co., Neiman Marcus, Sephora, Nordstrom, Lush, Burberry, Coach, and much more. Nordstrom alone is 200,000 square feet of fashion, and don’t forget about the largest Dillard’s in the country at 350,000 square feet. With that much space to cover, it looks like Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall really has made it possible for Phoenicians to shop ‘til we drop.
fashionsquare.com