Things to Do in Arizona
A guide to some of our local favorites and most popular spots in the valley including Scottsdale, Phoenix, Sedona, and the surrounding areas.
Dining & Restaurants
T. Cooks
T. Cook's at the Royal Palm Hotel has received the highest restaurant ratings from both national food critics and locals for its select seasonal dishes, fire-roasted specialties and elegant surroundings.
Contact Info
5200 East Camelback Road
Phoenix, AZ 85018
(602) 808-0766
Elements at the Sanctuary Resort
Elements at the Sanctuary Resort offers farm-fresh American cuisine with Asian accents. Upscale dining with fantastic views from dining room and Jade bar. Reservations are a must!
Contact Info
5700 East McDonald Drive, Paradise Valley, AZ 85253
(480) 948-2100
Olive and Ivy
Old World meets new at Olive & Ivy Restaurant & Marketplace, which blends the flavors and timeless elegance of the Mediterranean with contemporary California chic. Located in Old Town Scottsdale at the Waterfront.
Contact Info
7135 East Camelback Road
Ste 260, Scottsdale, AZ 85251-1284
(480) 751-2200
Roka Akor
Voted one of the top 10 sushi spots in the United States by Bon Appetit, Roka Akor is Scottsdale's Sushi Restaurant and Japanese Robata Grill. The adjacent Shochu Lounge features shochu infusions and signature cocktails in contemporary yet relaxed surroundings.
Contact Info
7299 North Scottsdale Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85253
(480) 306-8800
AZ 88
Reasonably priced American cuisine in trendy, artistic atmosphere. Located in Old Town Scottsdale.
Contact Info
7353 Scottsdale Mall
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
(480) 994-5576
Cowboy Ciao
Modern American food with Global Influences in Old Town Scottsdale.
Contact Info
7133 East Stetson Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85251
(480) 946-3111
Sushi Roku
Trendy sushi at the W Scottsdale resort in Old Town Scottsdale.
Contact Info
7277 East Camelback Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85251-3319
(480) 970-2121
Ocean Prime
Upscale steak and seafood in north Phoenix at City North.
Contact Info
5455 E High St #115
Phoenix, AZ 85054
(480) 347-1313
Tommy Bahama
Island lifestyle. Savor our chef's eclectic, tropical fare or just unwind with one of our many delicious cocktails. Our second-story lanai dining rooms offer breathtaking desert sunset views or dine al fresco on our spacious patio. Located in Kierland Commons.
Contact Info
15205 North Kierland Blvd
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
(480) 505-3668
Mastro's Steakhouse
This restaurant is ranked as one of the best steakhouses in the U.S. It is pricey but if you are looking for a great atmosphere and tasty steak this is a great choice. 2 locations: North Scottsdale and Old Town Scottsdale.
Contact Info
8852 E. Pinnacle Peak Rd, Scottsdale, AZ
480-585-9500
6991 East Camelback Road, Scottsdale, AZ
(480) 941-4700
Pizza Bianco
This is voted as the best pizzeria in the United Status. It is located in downtown Phoenix and requires a little patience. Plan on a long wait unless you arrive about 4:30PM (30 minutes before they open to get in line). It is worth the wait though. You can also hang out at their bar next door while waiting.
Contact Info
623 E Adams St,
Phoenix, AZ 85004
(623) 321-3430
Sassi
Sassi is Scottsdale’s nationally known celebration of the best of Southern Italian wine and food. This AAA 4 Diamond independent restaurant transports you to the gracious setting and hospitality of an Italian farmhouse, serving a bounty of fresh local ingredients, handmade pasta, wild caught fish and more than 250 Italian wines.
Contact Info
10455 E. Pinnacle Peak Pkwy
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
(480) 502-9095
NoRTH
Taking its cue from an Italian trattoria, NoRTH offers a fresh new approach to Modern Italian cuisine. Located in Kierland Commons.
Contact Info
15024 North Scottsdale Rd #160
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
(480) 948-2055
RA Sushi
Great Sushi Bar. 2 locations: Kierland Commons and in Old Town Scottsdale.
Contact Info
7012 East Greenway Parkway
Scottsdale, AZ 85254-8156
(480) 951-5888
Mastro's Ocean Club
On the World’s Best Seafood list. Located in Kierland Commons.
Contact Info
15045 N Kierland Blvd
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
(480) 443-8555
Sapporo
This restaurant’s menu includes a variety of premium sushi and Teppanyaki as well as classic and contemporary Asian specialties.
Contact Info
14344 North Scottsdale Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
(480) 607-1114
Zinburger
Simply one of the best burgers around in a great atmosphere.
Contact Info
15257 N. Scottsdale Rd; Suite F150
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
Grimaldi's Pizzeria
If you’re searching for THE best coal-fired brick oven, New York-style thin crust pizza in the world, look no further.
Contact Info
Multiple Locations
Postino's
Wine bar and American food located in central Phoenix and North Scottsdale.
Contact Info
See website for locations & phone numbers
Bars & Night Clubs
Blue Martini Lounge
42 superior martinis guaranteed to excite your taste buds and elevate your spirit. Listen or dance to the best in live entertainment while enjoying our tapas food menu, the perfect complements to our fine wine and spirits selection. At City North.
Contact Info
5455 East High Street
Phoenix, AZ 85054
(480) 638-2583
The Living Room
Located on DC Ranch’s Market Street , offers an eclectic selection of fine wines, premium spirits, specialty martinis and imported beers in a non-smoking atmosphere.
Contact Info
20751 North Pima Road #120
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
(480) 404-7465
Dos Gringos Mexican Cantina
Dos Gringos is a patio bar, Mexican restaurant and cantina located in Arizona with four locations in the greater Phoenix.
Contact Info
4209 N. Craftsman Ct
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
(480) 423-3800
Saddle Ranch Chop House
Come for a great meal and stay long after your plates had been cleared. Enjoy the large outdoor patio with stone campfire pits where guests can roast their own s’mores or enjoy a glass of wine next to a warm fire.
Contact Info
4321 North Scottsdale Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
(480) 429-2263
Suede
Euro-Asian Restaurant & Lounge
Contact Info
7307 East Indian Plaza
Scottsdale, AZ
(480) 970-6969
Six
Live DJ, table service, nightclub atmosphere
Contact Info
7316 E. Stetson Dr.
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
480-663-6620
W Hotel
Hip lobby bar and pool terrace at W Scottsdale draw a big crowd of beautiful people in Old Town Scottsdale.
Contact Info
7277 East Camelback Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85016
(480) 970-2100
Kazimierz World Wine Bar
The Valley's finest wine bar featuring over 3200 wines, signature cocktails, global small plates, and live entertainment.
Contact Info
7137 East Stetson Drive
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
(480) 946-3004
Geisha a Go Go
A complete “Entertainment Dining” experience. Geisha brings the Japanese POP culture experience to Old Town Scottsdale with the freshest sushi, rock n’roll and private karaoke rooms.
Contact Info
7150 East 6th Avenue
Scottsdale, AZ 85250
(480) 699-0055
Rusty Spur Saloon
Scottsdale's last real cowboy saloon. Located in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale, the Rusty Spur is an Old West saloon offering rustic charm, great food, live entertainment.
Contact Info
7245 East Main Street
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
(480) 425-7787
Hideaway
The Hideaway Grill, a renowned biker-bar in Cave Creek where bikers would have a place to ride out of the big city to have a few drinks and grab some grub.
Contact Info
6746 East Cave Creek Rd,
Cave Creek, AZ
(480) 595-0358
Shopping Malls
Desert Ridge Marketplace
The ultimate shopping experience in a distinctive outdoor setting. 110 acres. 1.2 million square feet of retail space, 110 retailers and restaurants. Some of the stores include Target, Greatland, Barnes & Noble, Kohl’s, PET SMART, and Old Navy complemented by an extensive selection of other specialty stores and restaurants.
Contact Info
Tatum Blvd & Loop-101
The Borgata
The Borgata offers exclusive dining experiences from the exciting gourmet entrees of J. Alexander's and Blanco: Taco's + Tequila to the organic delights of SLo Foods Organic Cafe.
Contact Info
SW corner of Lincoln Dr & Scottsdale Rd
Scottsdale Quarter
Shopping center now open featuring Apple Store, Brio Tuscan Grill, H&M, West Elm, Williams Sonoma Home and primeBAR.
Contact Info
NE corner of Scottsdale Rd and Greenway Parkway
Scottsdale Fashion Square
This is the largest shopping mall in the Southwest with more than 225 stores like Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Dillards and Macy’s.
Contact Info
NW corner of Scottsdale Rd & Camelback
City North
Phase I “High Street” of new multi-use development is now open featuring dining and small amount of retail.
Contact Info
56th Street & Loop-101
Kierland Commons
38-acre "main-street" development, outdoor mall with high-end retailer such as Coach, Juicy Couture, Anthropologie, ZGallerie, Crate and Barrel.
Contact Info
NW corner of Scottsdale Rd & Greenway Parkway
Outlets at Anthem
Over 75 Brand Name Stores with 30%-70% off retail prices. Take I-17 North to Anthem Way exit.
Contact Info
4250 West Anthem Way
Phoenix, AZ 85086
Arizona Mills Outlet Mall
Large indoor mall with over 175 stores, restaurants and entertainment venues.
Contact Info
5000 Arizona Mills Circle
Tempe, AZ 85282
Market Street at DC Ranch
North Scottsdale’s premiere dining, shopping, and social district.
Contact Info
SE corner of Thompson Peak Pkwy & Pima
Adventures
Bike Rentals
Mustang Sally's Bike Rentals
Contact Info
4207 North Scottsdale Road
Scottsdale, AZ
(480) 941-3065
Motorcycle Rentals
Top Spoke Harley Davidson Rentals
Largest fleet in Arizona. Book online, rates starting at $99 per day.
Contact Info
888-245-3482
480-905-9397
Soaring
Arizona Soaring
Service since 1969. Aerobatic flights, training, and more…
Contact Info
520-568-2318
Hot Air Balloon Tours
Hot Air Expeditions
America’s largest hot air balloon tour operation.
Contact Info
480-502-6999
Horseback Riding
Cave Creek Outfitters
Ride through the panoramic vistas of Arizona's Sonoran Desert. Offering 1-hour, 2-hour, Half-Day and Full Day Rides in north Scottsdale.
Contact Info
888-921-0040
480-471-4635
Fort McDowell Adventures
Located on the Fort McDowell Indian Reservation close to Fountain Hills.
Contact Info
480-816-6465
MacDonald’s Ranch
1,300 Acre Ranch in North Scottsdale minutes from Loop-101 & Scottsdale Rd. Offering guided trail rides, hay rides, team building, cowboy cookouts, catering, and more.
Contact Info
480-585-0239
Cave Creek Horse Trail Rides
Offers trail rides in the Cave Creek Recreation Area in North Scottsdale.
Contact Info
877-942-6700
623-742-6700
Hummer & ATV Tours
Stellar Adventures
Arizona’s most unique off-road adventure tours featuring Hummer, ATV and Blazers.
Contact Info
602-402-0584
Desert Dog Tours
Hummers, C2 desert buggy or ATV/4-wheeler, quad tours.
Contact Info
480-837-3966
Pink Jeep Tours
For more than 45 years, Pink Jeep Tours has been providing the most talked about off-road family adventures in Sedona. Try the Broken Arrow Trail!
Contact Info
800-873-3662
Skydiving
Skydive Arizona
The largest skydiving resort, with the biggest skydiving aircraft fleet in the world. Located between Phoenix and Tucson in Eloy, AZ
Contact Info
877-313-JUMP
520-466-3753
Phoenix Area Skydiving
Located only 25 minutes South of Phoenix making Phoenix Area Skydiving the closest skydiving center serving the Phoenix area
Contact Info
520-426-9241
Desert Skydiving Center
Buckeye Airport 30 miles west of Phoenix
Contact Info
602-271-0440
800-441-JUMP
Scenic Tours
Detours
Offer small group tours throughout Arizona including the Grand Canyon, Sedona, City Tours, Red Rock Tours.
Contact Info
866-438-6877
480-633-9013
Vaughan’s Southwest Tours
Offer a wide variety of tours throughout Arizona.
Contact Info
800-513-1381
602-971-1381
Open Road Tours
This company specializes in sightseeing and adventure travel throughout the Southwestern United States. Trips range from half-day highlight tours to seven-day adventures featuring river rafting, hiking, jeep tours and horseback rides.
Contact Info
800-766-7117
Grand Canyon Railway
Enjoy historic train travel on one of four classes of service on our vintage train from Williams to Grand Canyon National Park
Contact Info
800-THE-TRAIN
233 North Grand Canyon Boulevard, Williams, AZ 86046
Verde Canyon Railway
A ride on Verde Canyon Railroad's historic route from Clarkdale to the ghost ranch of Perkinsville and back into Arizona's other grand canyon is an unforgettable experience.
Contact Info
800-582-7245
Goldfield Ghost Town
Walk down Main Street, explore the many shops and historic buildings. Tour the historic Mammoth Gold Mine and visit the Goldfield Museum. Pan for gold then take a ride on Arizona's only narrow gauge train.
You'll also get to witness an old west gun fight performed by the famous Goldfield Gunfighters! Spend a fun filled day, rich in wild west history!
Contact Info
480-983-0333
Apache Trail
One of the most scenic drives near the Phoenix area, it affords visitors an incredible view of canyons, geologic formations, desert plants and trees, desert and lake views, and wildflowers in season
Contact Info
480-982-3141 (Apache Chamber of Commerce)
Helicopter & Plane Rides
Arizona Heliservices
Sightseeing, Photo Flights, Charter, Aerial Survey, Film/Motion Picture. Located at Mesa’s Falcon Field Airport
Contact Info
602-510-1871
Flying M Air
Variety of tours throughout Arizona. Call or check their website. Depart from all Arizona airports.
Contact Info
928-231-0196
602-633-HELI
Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters
This is the world’s largest Helicopter sightseeing company departing from the Grand Canyon or Flagstaff.
Contact Info
888-635-7272
Grand Canyon Airlines
See Arizona’s spectacular views…all in a day. Scenic flights daily departing at the Grand Canyon Airport. Operating flights since 1927.
Contact Info
866-235-9422
Red Rock Biplane Tours
Family owned and operated, Sedona Air Tours has been flying Sedona since 1993. Experience the thrill of a lifetime on one of our many biplane, Sky Safari, or helicopter tours over the most beautiful scenery in America!
Contact Info
888-866-7433
Grand Canyon & Sedona Helicopters
Offering flights over the Grand Canyon and Sedona. The only company in the world to receive two of The Travel Channel’s “10 Best Helicopter Thrills”.
Contact Info
877-357-5349
Golf Courses
Arizona is a premiere travel destination for golfing with over 200 courses in the Phoenix area alone.
Dove Valley Ranch
Contact Info
33750 N Dove Lakes Dr
Cave Creek, AZ 8533
(480) 488-0009
Talking Stick
Contact Info
9998 East Indian Bend
Scottsdale, AZ 85256
(480) 860-2221
Sanctuary
Contact Info
10690 East Sheena Drive
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
(480) 502-8200
Boulders
Contact Info
34831 N. Tom Darlington Drive
Carefree, AZ 85377
(480) 488-9028
Phoenician
Contact Info
6000 East Camelback Road
Scottsdale, AZ
(480) 941-8200
Kierland Golf Club
Contact Info
15636 North Clubgate Drive
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
(480) 922-9283
Gold Canyon
Contact Info
6100 S. Kings Ranch Rd.
Gold Canyon, AZ 85218
480-982-9090
Grayhawk Golf Club
Contact Info
8620 East Thompson Peak Parkway
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
(480) 502-1800
Amusement Parks
Golfland SunSplash
This is a HUGE children’s paradise with water park, 3 miniature golf courses, arcade, laser knights tag, FastCar Raceway, pizza shoppe, bumper boats, wave pool, rock slides, and much more.
Contact Info
155 W. Hampton Ave
Mesa, AZ 85210
480-834-8319
Big Surf Waterpark
Large Water Park with America’s original wave pool, a variety of slides and pools that will thrill the kids. Open through Labor Day
Contact Info
1500 N. McClintock
Tempe, AZ 85281
480-994-2297
Wet N’Wild Phoenix
Another large Water Park in northwest Phoenix with similar amenities to SunSplash.
Contact Info
4243 W. Pinnacle Peak Rd.,
Glendale, AZ 85310
623-201-2000
Dave & Buster’s at Desert Ridge
Indoor 64,000 sq. ft. playground for kids and adults. This facility has restaurants, sports bar, bowling, arcade, billiards, and more. Located in the Desert Ridge Marketplace.
Contact Info
21001 N. Tatum Blvd
Phoenix, AZ 85050
480-538-8956
Castles N’ Coasters
Thrilling sky–high roller coasters, exciting water rides, miniature golf course, old fashioned carousel and more.
Contact Info
9445 N Metro Pkwy E
Phoenix, AZ 85051
(602) 997-7575
Crackerjax
Arizona’s largest family fun & sports park with over 27 acres of excitement including 300 yard shaded driving range, go-cart track, bumper boat lagoon, 2 miniature golf courses, 18-hole professional putting course, batting cages, 3 volleyball courts, arcade, and restaurant.
Contact Info
16001 N. Scottsdale Rd.,
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
480-998-2800
Octane Raceway
Octane Raceway in Scottsdale Arizona offers the best highspeed kart racing and virtual reality gaming. Visit the Brickyard Bar & Grill Restaurant for the best food and happy hour drinks in between your go kart races.
Contact Info
9119 E Talking Stick Way
Scottsdale, AZ 85250
(602) 302-7223
Zoos, Museums & Gardens
Phoenix Zoo
The Phoenix Zoo lies on 125 acres in the centrally located Papago Park. Home to more than 1,300 animals from around the world including more than 200 endangered or threatened species.
Contact Info
455 North Galvin Parkway,
Phoenix, AZ 85008
602-273-1341
Out of Africa Wildlife Park
See hundreds of animals from all over the world! Lions, Tigers, Giraffe, Rhinoceros, Black Bear, Camel, Ostrich, Cobras, Zebra, Exotic Birds, Tortoise, Wildebeest, Jaguar, Leopards, Wolves, Hyenas and more!
Contact Info
4020 N. Cherry Rd
Camp Verde, AZ 86322
(928) 567-2842
Heard Museum
10 exhibition galleries, free guided tours, outdoor sculpture gardens, a renowned café, a contemporary art gallery and trading-post style shopping, plus much more
Contact Info
2301 N. Central Ave
Phoenix, AZ 85004
602-252-8848
Phoenix Art Museum
A diverse and stimulating permanent art collection which serves as the focal point of art and culture in Arizona.
Contact Info
1625 North Central Ave
Phoenix, AZ 85004
602-257-1222
Desert Botanical Garden
Hosts one of the world’s finest collections of desert plants, showcasing 50 acres of beautiful outdoor exhibits and is home to 139 rare, threatened and endangered plant species from around the world.
Contact Info
1201 North Galvin Parkway
Phoenix, Arizona 85008
480-481-8104
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West
Location of Frank Lloyd Wright’s school of architecture. This truly is a great place to visit to learn more about his working art.
Contact Info
12621 Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd
Scottsdale, AZ 85259
480-860-8810
CAF Aircraft Museum
B-25 rides, historic aircraft exhibits and special events.
Contact Info
2017 N. Greenfield Road
Mesa, AZ 85215
480-924-1940
Arizona Science Center
Planetarium, hands-on learning exhibits and IMAX theatre.
Contact Info
600 E. Washington Street
Phoenix, AZ 85004
602-716-2000
Boyce Thompson Arboretum
Located about 1 hour from Phoenix, the Mission of Boyce Thompson Arboretum is to instill in people an appreciation of plants through the fostering of educational, recreational, research, and conservation opportunities associated with arid-land plants.
Contact Info
37615 U.S. Highway 60
Superior, AZ 85273
520-689-2723
Pueblo Grande Museum
The site features three galleries, a theatre with an award winning introductory video and an outdoor interpretive trail. The trail contains the prehistoric ruins of the platform mound and ball court of the Hohokam culture, replicated housing, canal systems and interpretive agricultural garden.
Contact Info
4619 E. Washington St
Phoenix, AZ 85034
602-495-0900
Lakes
Saguaro Lake
Saguaro Lake is located within the Tonto National Forest just 20 minutes from Mesa. At an elevation of 1529 feet, 10 miles in length, and 22 miles of shoreline this small lake offers stunning scenery. Located at the lake is a marina with boat rentals and restaurant. Water skiing and jet-skiing are very popular in the summer months.
Contact Info
14011 North Bush Highway
Mesa, AZ 85215-9717
(480) 986-5546 (Marina)
Lake Pleasant
Largest lake in the immediate Phoenix area with a full pool of close to 10,000 surface acres. Endless coves and bays provide the ideal setting for everyone's favorite water activities. Fishing, water skiing, sailing, jet skiing, and more are very popular in the summer months. There is the largest full service marina with full bar/restaurant waterfront.
Contact Info
40202 N. 87th Ave
Peoria, AZ 85383
602-912-1664 (Marina)
Bartlett Lake
Second largest lake in the Phoenix Metro Valley area, with boatable surface area of 2,815 acres.
Contact Info
(602) 316-3378 (Marina)
Casinos
Fort McDowell Casino
Arizona’s first casino with 775 slots, poker tables, Blackjack, Bingo, Keno and concert venue.
Contact Info
10424 N. Fort McDowell Rd
Scottsdale, AZ
800-THEFORT
602-843-3678
Casino Arizona
Two locations in Scottsdale operated by the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. Salt River has 950 Slots, 50 Blackjack, Fast Action Keno, Dining, Entertainment, and more. Talking Stick location has 800+ Slots, 50+ table games, Fast Action Keno, Sports Bar, Dining and more.
Contact Info
Salt River location:
524 North 92nd Street
Scottsdale, AZ 85256
Talking Stick location:
9800 East Indian Bend
Scottsdale, AZ 85256
Turf Paradise Horse Racing
Since 1956, Turf Paradise is the 3rd largest sports attraction in the State & holds court to one of the longest seasons of Thoroughbred racing in the country. Turf Paradise offers a place for everyone from fine dining, VIP, Directors’ & Turf Club to our Grandstand & Park Pavilion filled with concessions.
Contact Info
1501 W. Bell Road
Phoenix, AZ 85023
602-942-1101
Sporting Events
Chase Field
Home of the Arizona Diamondbacks - MLB
Contact Info
401 E. Jefferson St
Phoenix, AZ
University of Phoenix Stadium
Home of the Arizona Cardinals - NFL
Contact Info
1 Cardinal Drive
Glendale, AZ 85305
Talking Stick Resort Arena
Home of the Phoenix Suns - NBA
Contact Info
201 East Jefferson St
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Gila River Arena
Home of the Arizona Coyotes - NHL
Contact Info
9400 West Maryland Avenue,
Glendale Arizona 85305
(623) 772-3800
Cactus League Spring Training Facilities
Scottsdale is home to the San Francisco Giants, Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies spring training. More Cactus league training facilities throughout the valley.
Contact Info
Colleges & Universities
Arizona State University
Contact Info
University Dr. & Mill Ave
Tempe, AZ 85287
480-965-9011
Scottsdale Community College
Contact Info
9000 E. Chaparral Rd
Scottsdale, AZ 85256
480-423-6000
Paradise Valley Community College
Contact Info
18401 N. 32nd St.
Phoenix, AZ 85032
602-787-6500
University of Phoenix
Contact Info
8801 E. Raintree Ste. 100
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
480-922-8228