Phoenix · Scottsdale · Tempe · Paradise Valley · 2026

Activities, Attractions
& Experiences.

Every tour company, spa, museum, attraction, and experience in Phoenix and Scottsdale — with addresses, phone numbers, hours, and booking links. The most complete Valley business directory online.

Book Tours on Viator → ✦ 100 Things To Do
Hiking & Outdoor

Iconic hikes
& desert trails.

Mountain Park · Most Iconic
Camelback Mountain — Echo Canyon & Cholla Trails
Arizona's most famous hike — Echo Canyon (strenuous, 2.5mi round trip) and Cholla Trail (moderately strenuous) both reach the summit with 360° views of the Valley. The most-completed bucket list item in Phoenix.
5700 N Echo Canyon Pkwy, Phoenix AZ 85018
Hours: Daily 5am–7pm · Parking fills by 6am on weekends
Tip: Parking requires advance parking reservation online — free but limited. Summit requires Class 3 scrambling — wear real shoes.
(602) 256-3220 Website ↗ Book →
Desert Park · Best Views
Pinnacle Peak Park
Easy to moderate 3.5-mile roundtrip hike with significant elevation gain and stunning views of North Scottsdale, Four Peaks, and the Superstition Mountains. Best bang-for-effort views in Scottsdale.
26802 N 102nd Way, Scottsdale AZ 85262
Hours: Daily 6am–8pm (summer 5am–7pm)
Tip: Arrive before 7am on weekends — the 50-car parking lot fills fast. Dogs welcome on leash.
(480) 312-0990 Website ↗
Preserve · Best Long Hikes
McDowell Sonoran Preserve
The finest trail system in Scottsdale — 30,000 acres, 225+ miles of trails ranging from easy to expert. Tom's Thumb is the signature challenging trail. The preserve encompasses the entire McDowell Mountain range.
18333 N Thompson Peak Pkwy, Scottsdale AZ 85255
Hours: Daily sunrise to sunset
Tip: Multiple trailhead parking areas — the Gateway Trailhead is most accessible. Download the Map My Hike app before going.
(480) 312-7013 Website ↗
Municipal Park · Family
South Mountain Park
America's largest municipal park — 16,000 acres and 51 miles of trails from the flat Desert Classic to the challenging National Trail. Best sunset views of the Valley from Dobbins Lookout.
10919 S Central Ave, Phoenix AZ 85042
Hours: Daily 5am–11pm
Tip: Dobbins Lookout is accessible by car and is the most scenic spot in South Mountain — no hiking required.
(602) 262-7393 Website ↗
World-Class Spas

Scottsdale's finest
wellness experiences.

5-Star · Forbes Rated
The Phoenician Spa — Center for Well-Being
Forbes Five-Star spa at The Phoenician — mineral pools, 22 treatment rooms, and signature desert treatments using local botanicals. One of the finest spa programs in North America.
6000 E Camelback Rd, Scottsdale AZ 85251
Hours: Daily 8am–7pm
Tip: Non-guests can book day spa treatments — the Cacti Clay and Desert Agave treatments are their signatures. Book 2+ weeks ahead.
(480) 941-8200 Website ↗
Most Romantic · Mountain Views
Sanctuary Spa at Camelback Mountain
Adults-oriented spa with dramatic Camelback Mountain views — the most romantic spa setting in Scottsdale. The Asian-inspired treatment menu and hot stone massages are consistently superb.
5700 E McDonald Dr, Paradise Valley AZ 85253
Hours: Daily 8am–8pm
Tip: Couples treatment rooms are highly sought — book as early as possible. The hot stone massage is their signature treatment.
(480) 948-2100 Website ↗
Most Immersive · Desert Location
Spa Adero at Four Seasons Troon North
The most removed and serene spa in Scottsdale — located 40 minutes north in the high Sonoran desert, Spa Adero achieves genuine immersion in the landscape.
10600 E Crescent Moon Dr, Scottsdale AZ 85262
Hours: Daily 8am–7pm
Tip: The Desert Spirit Journey treatment is 3 hours and genuinely transformative. Non-guests welcome — book early.
(480) 515-5700 Website ↗
Best Value · Full Service
Alvadora Spa at Royal Palms
Boutique spa in Phoenix's most romantic hotel setting — 1920s Mediterranean hacienda, citrus grove, and a genuinely warm, personal service level that larger resorts can't match.
5200 E Camelback Rd, Phoenix AZ 85018
Hours: Daily 9am–6pm
Tip: The aloe vera and citrus treatments use botanicals from the hotel's gardens. The most intimate luxury spa in Phoenix.
(602) 840-3610 Website ↗
Miraval · All-Inclusive
Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa
The premier wellness resort in North America — all-inclusive program near Tucson, but commonly accessed as a day trip or short stay from Phoenix/Scottsdale.
5000 E Via Estancia Miraval, Tucson AZ 85739
Hours: All-inclusive stays only
Tip: 2 hours from Scottsdale — book a 2-night stay for the full experience. The LifeInBalance programming is unique to Miraval.
(520) 825-4000 Website ↗
Museums & Cultural Attractions

World-class culture
in the desert.

Desert Gardens · Chihuly
Desert Botanical Garden
55 acres of the world's finest desert plant collection — 50,000+ plants including rare cacti, succulents, and wildflowers. The Dale Chihuly glass-in-the-garden exhibition (select seasons) is extraordinary.
1201 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix AZ 85008
Hours: Daily 7am–8pm (seasonal hours vary)
Tip: The Chihuly exhibit runs select seasons — check the calendar before booking tickets. Evening lights events sell out months ahead.
(480) 941-1225 Website ↗ Book →
Native American Art · World-Class
Heard Museum
The world's finest museum of Native American art and culture — 10 galleries, 40,000+ objects, and exceptional rotating exhibitions. A genuine world-class institution in downtown Phoenix.
2301 N Central Ave, Phoenix AZ 85004
Hours: Tue–Sun 10am–5pm · Closed Mon
Tip: The Hopi pottery collection and the 'Home: Native People in the Southwest' gallery are essential. Excellent gift shop.
(602) 252-8840 Website ↗ Book →
Instruments · Most Unique
Musical Instrument Museum
The most underrated museum in Phoenix — 15,000+ musical instruments from 200 countries with audio and video at every exhibit. One of the most engaging museum experiences in the US.
4725 E Mayo Blvd, Phoenix AZ 85050
Hours: Daily 9am–5pm
Tip: The technology (personalized audio through wireless headsets) makes this museum extraordinary. Allow 3+ hours.
(480) 478-6000 Website ↗ Book →
Science · Family
Arizona Science Center
Phoenix's premier science museum — 5 floors of hands-on exhibits, a planetarium, and a giant screen IMAX theater. Best indoor family activity in downtown Phoenix.
600 E Washington St, Phoenix AZ 85004
Hours: Daily 10am–5pm
Tip: The Flight Zone and Energy Zone are the most popular exhibits. Buy tickets online to avoid lines.
(602) 716-2000 Website ↗
Architecture · Frank Lloyd Wright
Taliesin West
Frank Lloyd Wright's winter home and architecture school — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of America's finest examples of organic architecture. Tours available to the public.
12621 N Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd, Scottsdale AZ 85259
Hours: Daily tours 9am–4pm
Tip: The Insights Tour (90 min) is the best introduction. The Signature Experience (4 hours) includes rarely seen spaces — worth every minute.
(480) 860-2700 Website ↗ Book →
Zoo · Desert Animals
Phoenix Zoo
One of the largest private non-profit zoos in the US — 3,000 animals on 125 acres. The Arizona Trail exhibits are excellent — native desert wildlife in naturalistic settings.
455 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix AZ 85008
Hours: Daily 7am–4pm
Tip: Go early morning before 10am — cooler temperatures and more animal activity. The Safari Train is great with kids.
(602) 273-1341 Website ↗
Art · Collection
Phoenix Art Museum
Arizona's largest art museum — 18,000+ works from the American West, fashion design, Latin America, and a superb photography collection.
1625 N Central Ave, Phoenix AZ 85004
Hours: Wed–Sun 10am–5pm · Closed Mon–Tue
Tip: Free on Wednesday 3–9pm. The Western American Art collection is the strongest. Fashion design galleries are excellent.
(602) 257-1880 Website ↗
Adventure & Unique Experiences

Valley adventures
you won't forget.

Hot Air Balloon · Best Company
Hot Air Expeditions
The finest balloon company in the Phoenix metro — sunrise flights over the Sonoran Desert with champagne breakfast included. One of the most magical experiences in Arizona.
7600 E McCormick Pkwy, Scottsdale AZ 85258
Hours: Daily at sunrise (seasonal)
Tip: Book 2–3 weeks ahead minimum. The fall and spring flights (Oct–May) are the most comfortable. Arrive 30 min before sunrise.
(480) 502-6999 Website ↗ Book →
Helicopter · Aerial Tours
Arizona Helicopter Adventures
Aerial tours over Scottsdale, Camelback Mountain, the Sonoran Desert, and day trips to the Grand Canyon. The 30-minute Valley tour is the sweet spot for value.
15000 N Airport Dr, Scottsdale AZ 85260
Hours: Daily 8am–6pm
Tip: Morning flights have the clearest desert air. Request the seat next to the window opposite the pilot for the best photography angles.
(480) 502-6999 Website ↗ Book →
Jeep Tours · Off-Road
Desert Wolf Tours
Scottsdale's most highly rated jeep and off-road tour company — multiple routes through the Sonoran Desert, Tonto National Forest, and the surrounding landscape.
12011 N Tatum Blvd, Phoenix AZ 85028
Hours: Daily 7am–6pm
Tip: The Sonoran Sunset tour (3 hours) is their most popular. Combines desert geology with wildlife spotting and excellent guiding.
(480) 423-9098 Website ↗ Book →
Barrett-Jackson · January
Barrett-Jackson Car Auction
The world's most famous classic car auction — every January in Scottsdale, $500M+ in vehicles sell over 9 days. Even as a spectator it's one of the great Arizona events.
16601 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale AZ 85254
Hours: January (9 days)
Tip: Day passes and bidder registrations available on the website. The Scottsdale Pavilions location transforms into the world's finest car show.
(480) 421-6694 Website ↗
Spring Training · February–March
Cactus League — 15 MLB Teams
15 MLB teams train across 10 Phoenix-area stadiums February through March. The most intimate baseball experience in the sport — players are accessible, stadiums are small, and tickets are affordable.
Multiple Scottsdale/Phoenix Locations
Hours: February 20 – March 25 (approx)
Tip: Scottsdale Stadium (Giants) and Salt River Fields (D-Backs/Rockies) are the best venues. Buy tickets 2–3 months ahead.
(602) 452-8900 Website ↗ Book →
Escape Rooms · Groups
The Escape Game — Scottsdale
The Valley's finest escape room company — multiple themed rooms with excellent production value, challenging puzzles, and perfect for bachelorette groups, corporate teams, and families.
7143 E Shoeman Ln, Scottsdale AZ 85251
Hours: Daily noon–10pm
Tip: The 'Gold Rush' and 'Prison Break' rooms are their most popular. Private room bookings for groups of 4–8 are ideal.
(480) 418-4930 Website ↗
Comedy · Improv
Torch Theatre — Phoenix
Phoenix's premier improv comedy theater — long-form improv shows several nights a week, comedy classes, and a genuine local institution.
717 N Central Ave, Phoenix AZ 85004
Hours: Shows Thu–Sat evenings
Tip: $15–25 tickets at the door. Arrive 20 minutes early for good seats. The Saturday late shows are the most wild.
(602) 595-8235 Website ↗