Yes, Phoenix is hot—but there’s a lot more here than sunshine, saguaros and desert. Phoenix combines the opportunities and amenities of a major metropolitan area with a relaxed, approachable feel. Whether you prefer spending your free time outside, exploring new restaurants, catching a game or show, or getting out of town for the weekend, there is always something to do.
Big-City Amenities Without the Big-City Feel
Greater Phoenix offers everything you would expect from a major city—diverse neighborhoods, restaurants, arts, entertainment and professional sports—while maintaining a laid-back atmosphere and easy access to the outdoors that make living in the Southwest unique.
Year-Round Outdoor Activities
Outdoor activities are a major part of life in Phoenix. Popular activities include:
- Hiking and mountain biking
- Kayaking, paddle-boarding and tubing on the Salt River
- Golfing
- Swimming
- Rock climbing
- Exploring the Desert Botanical Garden and Phoenix Zoo
- Visiting nearby lakes and parks
Arts & Culture
Phoenix has a vibrant arts and cultural scene with museums, theaters, live music, ballet, opera, Broadway productions, galleries and community events. Local favorites include the Phoenix Art Museum, Heard Museum, Musical Instrument Museum, Ballet Arizona, Arizona Opera, Phoenix Symphony and Broadway productions at ASU Gammage.
Food & Drinks
The Phoenix food scene ranges from casual neighborhood favorites and Southwest cuisine to MICHELIN-recognized restaurants and James Beard Award-winning chefs. The Valley also has a nationally recognized craft cocktail scene, along with local breweries and plenty to explore throughout Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe and the surrounding communities.
Learn more about popular dining spots in Phoenix and Glendale restaurants. You can also find food options at Phoenix Children’s.
Professional Sports
Sports fans have plenty to choose from throughout the year, with professional teams including:
- Arizona Cardinals - NFL
- Arizona Diamondbacks - MLB
- Phoenix Suns - NBA
- Phoenix Mercury - WNBA
- Phoenix Rising FC - Soccer
The Valley also hosts MLB Spring Training, professional golf, college sporting events and other major sporting events throughout the year.
Family Life
Phoenix also offers plenty for residents with families. Parks, pools, zoos, museums and family-friendly events provide activities throughout the year, with local favorites including the Phoenix Zoo and Children’s Museum of Phoenix. The Valley’s many distinct neighborhoods also give families a variety of communities to call home.
Beyond Phoenix
One of the best parts of living in Phoenix is how much there is to explore beyond the city. Popular Arizona getaways include Sedona, Flagstaff, Prescott, Tucson, Lake Pleasant, Saguaro Lake and the Grand Canyon.
With a little more time, residents can head to skiing in northern Arizona, the beaches of San Diego or Rocky Point, Las Vegas, Zion National Park, Lake Powell and other destinations throughout the Southwest.
Easy to Get Away
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is conveniently located in the center of the Valley, making travel home or planning a weekend getaway easy. As a major airport with extensive domestic and international service, residents have convenient access to destinations throughout the country and beyond.
Where Do Our Residents & Fellows Live?
This landmark resembles a kneeling camel, and avid hikers can scale “the camel hump” on challenging Echo Canyon and Cholla trails. Its 1,200-foot-high summit offers an eagle’s-eye view of Phoenix and the city’s mountain preserves. It is a busy urban hiking spot on weekends, with lighter weekday traffic.
This 50-acre garden includes walkways framed by towering saguaros cactus trees, arid plants and flowers. Look for seasonal events, such as spring desert blooms or winter holiday luminarias.
This park is home to scenic red rock buttes, trails and views, including the unique Hole-in-the-Rock trail and rock formation. You can fish in acres of stocked lagoons or golf beneath Papago’s scenic buttes. This park is a short drive or ride from downtown Phoenix.
The Phoenix Zoo is located in Papago Park. You can see nearly 3,000 animals, including Sumatran tigers on an African-style savanna. Hand-feed curious giraffes and meet creatures of the Sonoran Desert.
Explore 50 miles of trails through 16,000 acres of Sonoran Desert. This municipal park offers skyline and desert views and adventures just minutes from the city. Highlights include ancient petroglyphs carved into rocks. You can hike, bike or ride horses on trails or drive Summit Road to Dobbins Lookout – the highest accessible point.
Museums and Historical Sites Near Phoenix Children’s
Step back in time as you learn about areas of interest at museums and historical sites near Phoenix Children’s, including:
Kids and grown-ups can explore more than 350 interactive exhibits. Learn about anything from camping innovations to space exploration, as well as science and engineering fairs.
Visit one of the nation’s top three children’s museums for hands-on exhibits and activities. This museum is designed for children up to 10 years of age with more than 300 play experiences in the historic Monroe School Building. Programs range from music and yoga to math, science and artistic expression in the art studio. The museum is in downtown Phoenix.
Tour the winter home of American architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Rooms, gardens and walkways reflect his organic architectural style with desert inspiration. Visit an outdoor entertainment pavilion while learning about this visionary.
Encounter the culture, history and traditions of 22 American Indian tribes through immersive exhibits, an authentic art shop and annual events like the World Championship Hoop Dance Contest.
Step back in time at the oldest residential area of Phoenix, including the restored 1895 Rosson House Museum. The area features 19th-century homes, galleries, coffee bars and restaurants, including artisanal “slow food” like Pizzeria Bianco – a James Beard culinary award winner for the nation’s best pizza. Catch a performance at a spectacular event facility or visit the nearby Arizona Science Center.
See, hear and play instruments from around the world. Wear a headset that syncs to music as you move through galleries. You’ll learn about cultural instruments, pop culture artists and more. Time your visit to catch a live theater performance.
Southwestern arts, dining, shopping and nightlife are part of this Greater Phoenix attraction. Take home souvenir finds and collectibles and explore artisan shops and creations. Visit upscale galleries and trendy boutiques in the Fifth Avenue district.
This creative urban arts district is a popular stop to view murals and galleries, with options of self-guided tours and a monthly art walk.
The Southwest’s largest fine art museum features permanent collections and rotating exhibits from Asia, America, Europe and beyond. Permanent collections are free, with special exhibitions at affordable rates. Free Family Sundays are the second Sunday of each month.