Top Things to do in Central Arizona
Top Hotels in Central Arizona
- 1. Arizona Grand Resort & Spa
- 2. Drury Inn & Suites Phoenix Airport
- 3. Drury Inn & Suites Phoenix Happy Valley
- 4. Scottsdale Plaza Resort & Villas
- 5. Arizona Grand Resort & Spa
- 6. Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
- 7. Gila River Resorts & Casinos - Wild Horse Pass
- 8. The McCormick Scottsdale
- 9. The Wigwam
- 10. Drury Inn & Suites Phoenix Tempe
The 10 Best Outdoor Activities in Central Arizona, Central Arizona
Home to the Phoenix metropolitan area and its more than 3.4 million residents, Central Arizona offers an amazing array of museums, cultural venues and outdoor adventures. The Valley of the Sun boasts hopping nightlife and a thrilling selection of restaurants, resorts and spas. Discover Old West and Native American history. Hike among the cactus in the Sonoran desert. Try your hand at ranching in Glendale. Drive the Superstition Mountains. Visit Frank Lloyd Wrights Taliesin West in Scottsdale.
Restaurants in Central Arizona
1. Joshua Forest Scenic Road
2. Red Rock Scenic Byway (SR 179)
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4,151 reviews
The Red Rock Scenic Byway is your Gateway to the world-famous Red Rock Country of Sedona, Arizona … just 110 miles north of Phoenix, about 40 miles south of Flagstaff, and only a few hours south of the Grand Canyon.
Reviewed By kathyfI6813BE - Big Water, United States
Beautiful drive in the red rocks..we stopped several times to take photos and do a bit of browsing at several arts and craft shows.
3. Tom's Thumb Trailhead
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 393 reviews
Reviewed By ca847
Beautiful scenery. Fun walk in the heat. Trails are marked very well. Be sure to bring plenty of water and proper shoes.
4. Broken Arrow Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,400 reviews
Reviewed By geridicola - Chicago, United States
We took the Broken Arrow trail to the High on the Hog, Hog Heaven to Hog Wash back to Broken Arrow it was about a four mile Hike that was absolutely amazing. bring water and a snack so you can stop and soak it all in.
5. KOLI Equestrian Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 505 reviews
KOLI Equestrian Center, located in the heart of the Gila River Indian Reservation and just minutes away from Downtown Phoenix, offers miles of breathtaking scenery and horseback riding trails that you and your family is sure to enjoy while visiting the Phoenix area. With wide open views and landscape, you just might be able to see the wild horses on a private horseback trail ride at Wild Horse Pass. Out here at KOLI Equestrian Center there is never any “head to tail” single line horseback riding. Everyone is spread out and can get to know each other along the way. Friendly, qualified wranglers will advise you of the surroundings and what you need to know about our well trained horses during your horseback riding adventure. If you are looking for relaxation and fun in the Phoenix area, KOLI Equestrian Center is the place to be. Book your horseback trail ride today where our knowledgeable wranglers and gentle horses are waiting for you… To avoid the Phoenix heat, we leave earlier in the day so you can enjoy your horseback trail ride. Whether it is Summer or Winter, within a 24 hour notice we can provide Private Horseback Trail Riding at any time. We recommend advance reservations to ensure your horseback ride time during your stay in Chandler or the Phoenix area. Contact us for the latest pricing. Please check in 15 minutes prior to your scheduled horseback riding time for our group to depart promptly.
Reviewed By dakgrl
Had a great private ride got to see the wild horses and was just a very nice peaceful relaxing ride. I learned a lot about the reservation and area. Horses all look very nice and well cared for.
6. Black Mountain Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 20 reviews
Reviewed By 468evat - San Diego, United States
This short trail is in the very center of town. While the 2.2 mile round trip hike is nearly all vertical on the way up, it is lovely. The trail is well marked and wide enough. At the top there is monument to war veterans. It is lovely on top and the views every step of the way up are divine!
7. Siphon Draw Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By JWoo28 - Mission Viejo, United States
Ok. 62 years old. Hiked Peralta last week and thought wow, nice hike had some elevation so let's try FLAT IRON. Wholly smokes. First 1/3 ok. Moving and got a little sweat on. Second 1/3 steeper, ok got this. Last 1/3, I realized I'm not 20, 30, 40 or even 50. This will challenge you. 40 to 80 percent incline. Incredible views. Glad I did it but wont again. Oh. Now go down. Unsettling at times.
8. Coyotes Curling Club
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
The Coyotes Curling Club, located in Tempe, Arizona, is proud to offer a wide assortment of leagues, learn-to-curl classes, corporate events, training, and practice time in the United States most Southern dedicated ice curling facility!
9. Arizona Cactus League
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 53 reviews
Ten Major League Baseball teams hold their spring training in Arizona.
Reviewed By vpvalencia - Santa Clarita, United States
The Cactus League is the West Coast Spring Training Camp for MLB. Within in 30 minutes you have access to approximately 15 teams. The ballparks are family friendly and gives you a chance to buy great seats at affordable prices. Ballpark food and team gear is sold onsite. What you should know. 1. It's hot, wear sunscreen and a hat 2. You will unlikely see all the stars as teams have split teams and players tend to play only a few innings. 3. Plan on walking ... I've been told that if you visit the stadium facilities on practice days you will see inner team play and have access to watching your team working out or batting practice for free. We missed this part.
10. Oak Creek Canyon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,381 reviews
Breathtaking in its red rock beauty, the Canyon is a spectacular 16-mile gorge with streams and waterfalls between sheer rock walls.
Reviewed By 51gloriab - Advance, United States
We hiked the West Fork trail and enjoyed the lush area with a well-defined trail for several miles. Our necks were stretched upward as we noted what we saw in the sandstone rock structures formed by wind over the centuries. At the start of the hike, it was a treat to learn about Mayhew Lodge that once was a retreat for politicians and movie stars. We saw squirrels, salamanders, butterflies, and hawks as they thrive in the riparian community.
