Phoenix in 1 Day: everything you need to know

To get to know the fifth largest city in the United States in depth, it is recommended to make a space in the agenda to visit Phoenix in 3 days or more, given the amount of activities and interesting places to visit. However, by following this guide you will be able to see the highlights of the Valley of the Sun in just 24 hours.

With a map of activities, prices and schedules, you can participate in the best things to see and do in Phoenix and make the most of your stay.

I propose an itinerary with 8 highlights and a variety of activities ranging from a hot air balloon flight, to entry into one of the best museums in Phoenix, to lunch in the bars of Old Town Scottsdale, to hiking. You have it all in 24 hours!

Once you have flown over the city, follow this map. It covers 23.5 kilometers with different sites of interest that you can visit on your own by car, or if you feel like it you can book a bike tour to share the experience with other travelers, and also to have a local guide to customize the ride according to the season of your visit. Now, let's go!

Start the day floating over Phoenix in a hot air balloon. You'll see the city come to life from above as you enjoy one of Arizona's most evocative landscapes. At your feet will be Scottsdale and Monument Valley with its crimson mesas and the city's iconic monoliths. You will also be able to see the Sonoran Desert in the distance.

Best of all, many of the operators allow you to arrange transportation service from the airport, check at the time of your balloon ride reservation. In addition, to start the day with an adrenaline rush and charged with energy, you can participate in the preparation of the balloon, and at the end of the ride, breakfast is included.

The activity has an approximate cost of 190 € per person, it will be about 3 hours of fun. Don't forget to bring your camera to capture unforgettable moments of this fascinating aerial trip.

Once you land your tour starts very close to the airport, at the Pueblo Grande Archaeological Museum, a must-see in the city. It is a National Historic Landmark and the largest preserved archaeological site in Phoenix. It tells the story of the ancient native Hohokam people who lived here for more than 1,000 years, until about 1450 A.D.

You'll see what remains of houses, storehouses, playgrounds and burial grounds along an easy walking trail. Also on display are artifacts, artwork and ornaments discovered during excavations. This "hidden gem" changed its name in early 2023 to honor the original people.

It will henceforth be known as: S'edav Va'aki Museum and anyone wishing to learn about the roots of Phoenix should stop by this place located at 4619 East Washington St. Tickets are available from $6 per person, and the museum is open Monday through Saturday between 09:00-16:45 hours and Sundays from 13:00-16:45 hours.

About 1.8 kilometers from the S'edav Va'aki Museum is your next stop, the Tovrea Castle at Carraro Heights. This Mediterranean-style castle with its elegant architecture and lush gardens is considered a**"Jewel in the Sonoran Desert**".

Walk through the castle grounds while admiring its armored towers. Learn about the history of this peculiar construction and its cultural importance in the area since 1920. Enjoy this place full of charm and mystery. Located at 5025 E Van Buren St, Phoenix, the heart of the Phoenix metropolitan area, it is visible to all, but secluded by 18 acres of desert surrounding the structure.

Tickets are available from $19 per person, and hours of operation are Friday-Sunday 07:30-12:30 hours and Thursday 09:00-12:00 hours.

Located 1.9 kilometers from Tovrea Castle, between 625 and 626 N. Galvin Pkwy., Papago Park or Papago Saguaro offers exceptional hiking trails and a wide range of recreational facilities. In addition, the park features an archery range, fishing activities and golf course, incidentally, home to the Arizona State Sun Devils golf team.

The park is composed primarily of sandstone, known for its massive hills that rise and fall throughout the area. The interlocking trails are easy-medium level, making it a popular place for running and biking tours.

You can also visit Hunt's Tomb, a pyramidal mausoleum where Arizona's first governor, George W.P. Hunt, rests. And that's not the only thing, Papago Park is home to four of the region's most visited attractions, which are:

Hole-in-the-Rock

Just 1.6 kilometers from the entrance to Papago Park is the Hole-in-the-Rock , a hiking trail famous for its distinctive character. Formerly quite crowded, it is now reported by National Geographic to be one of Papago Saguaro's uncrowded bends.

At only 5 kilometers round trip, it offers a spectacular finish, especially at sunset. Visitors must climb about 70 meters of steps to reach a lookout overlooking the nearby lagoons. According to historians, the ancient Hohokam civilization that inhabited this region used the rock formation to track the position of the sun through a hole at the top.

This monument has public restrooms, picnic areas and a nearby parking lot. You can visit during park hours from 05:00-19:00 or list it among your things to do in Phoenix at night because the trails stay open until 23:00 at 625 N Galvin Pkwy. And, guess what,it's free!

Phoenix Zoo

For those who want to enjoy nature with the kids, without worrying about keeping their attention, the Phoenix Zoo is a great option just 1.6 miles from the Hole-in-the-Rock.

The attraction features four trails that pass through the habitats of more than 3,000 animals including "Chutti," the one-horned rhinoceros and the shy giant anteater. For those with tired feet, the 25-minute safari cruise may be the best option if you agree to an additional supplement to your Phoenix Zoo admission.

The Phoenix Zoo is open Monday through Sunday from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, except in winter when it closes at 1:00 pm. General admission costs approximately 35 € per person.

Desert Botanical Garden

Continue the tour inside Papago Park for half a mile to reach the Desert Botanical Garden where a little more than 56 hectares of land make up an oasis in the middle of the desert. This is home to 50,000 species of plants.

Here you can stroll along the garden's tranquil paths, attend fun events, dine in its restaurants and learn about life in the desert. In addition, during the months of July through September they offer experiences such as lantern nights, storytelling and garden parties, a family delight from morning to night.

This is one of the recommended stops among things to do in Phoenix in the summer and admission is available from €27 per person to enter during its regular hours Monday through Sunday from 07:00 - 20:00 hours.

Firemen's Flame Hall Museum

600 meters from the Phoenix Botanical Garden, at 6101 E Van Buren St, the Hall of Flame Museum offers visitors an extraordinary insight into the rich and fascinating history of firefighting and the heroes who have been involved in this task.

This museum focuses on relevant information as well as the history of technology in this field since 1725. It houses an impressive collection of restored fire trucks from 1865, when they were still horse-drawn. The collection follows a timeline of the firefighters' means of transportation, as well as other iconic servicemen's implements.

Admission to the Flame Hall Museum is available from 19 € per person, and its hours of operation are Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00-18:00 hours.

After finishing your stroll through Papago Park it will be time to recharge your batteries and the options around are quite varied. If you are in the mood for vegan food at Green New American Vegetarian where the cheesteak and in general all the sandwiches are the sensation of the place.

For traditional Mexican food Los Sombreros welcomes you with a feast at excellent prices. And if your style is gourmet, Olive & Ivy is the place to visit. In any case, within a 2-mile radius of the park you'll find at least twenty restaurants and cafes to choose from before moving on to your next stop.

After resting and recharging, admire the city from Camelback Mountain in Phoenix, one of the most scenic hiking destinations.

At more than 700 meters high, the summit offers spectacular views of Phoenix and Scottsdale. You can reach this point from the 2.5-mile Echo Canyon Trail, but be aware that it is steeply inclined. If you prefer an easier hike, the 2.5-mile Cholla Trail on the east side of the mountain offers a gentler grade. You can also explore the beginner-friendly trails around the base of Camelback, such as Bobby's Rock Trail.

For a day trip through the Valley of the Sun, this hike lets you see the town from the inside, just like the locals do. Travelers say the breathtaking views make the challenging trip worthwhile, but warn that it's not suitable for people with low stamina. If that's you, you can also join one of Phoenix's desert tours.

Ten miles from Camelback Mountain is the Musical Instrument Museum, also known as the MIM, a one-of-a-kind attraction. This is the only musical instrument museum in the world that exhibits pieces from more than 200 countries.

The collection exceeds 8,000 instruments, exhibits and iconic artifacts such as Berta Rojas' guitar, Elvis Presley's guitar, John Lennon's piano and pieces from many other notable artists such as Carlos Santana, Taylor Swift and Johnny Cash.

Visitors to this museum in Phoenix can enjoy many activities divided between interactive galleries such as the Encore Gallery, a favorite of the kids, and the Experience Gallery where adults and children put their musical skills to the test. Best of all, almost all activities are included with the purchase of your ticket to the Museum of Musical Instruments.

One of the particularities of the MIM are its collections of folk, ethnic or tribal music instruments. The most notable instruments to remember are the Steinwig piano and the incredible 10-foot octabass that plays tones so low that humans can't detect them. If you're looking for things to do in Phoenix with kids that parents will also enjoy, this stop should be on your itinerary.

After visiting the Musical Instrument Museum, you can end the day by enjoying the vibrant bar scene in Old Town Scottsdale. This area offers a wide selection of bars and establishments to relax and enjoy a drink at the end of the day. Some popular bars in the area include:

• The Rusty Spur Saloon: an authentic Old West saloon with live music and a lively atmosphere.
• Merkin Vineyards: a wine bar where the vineyard direct to table slogan is their maxim. You can do wine tasting and sophisticated cocktails.
• Dierks Bentley's Whiskey Row: a country music venue and sports bar with good music and a lively atmosphere.
• Gilligan's Bar & Grill: a tiki bar, outdoors with a large terrace and a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for enjoying a cold beer.

I would recommend you to walk around the area and choose the bar that catches your attention, depending on your preferences, you will find the ideal place to end this fabulous day with a toast.