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 Things to do Good for Big Groups 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. Cathedral Rock
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5,917 reviews
Towering red rock formation, part of the Cathedral Rock Trail.
Reviewed By Cristine4412 - Pittsburgh, United States
It's a relatively easy hike to the base of Cathedral Rock, and from there you can choose the more challenging hike up the rock, or take the flat Templeton trail around the base.
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. Musical Instrument Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6,330 reviews
The World's Only Global Musical Instrument Museum. Home of the MIM Music Theater--a 300-seat acoustically superb performance space--as well as the award-winning Café Allegro (open 11 am - 2 pm daily) and the MIM Museum Store. The average guest spends nearly four hours at MIM. Please allow plenty of time to fully enjoy MIM's galleries and exhibits. Open daily, 9 am - 5 pm; Closed Thanksgiving; Open Christmas, 11 am - 5 pm. General Admission: $20; Teens (ages 13-19): $15; Children (ages 4-12): $10; Children 3 and under: Free. Hours and prices are subject to change.
Reviewed By P1520TPandrewk
1. Expect to spend at least five hours or more! 2. Wear comfortable shoes! 3. Take your camera, phone charger etc.. 4. For Musicians, music lovers etc... 5. Bucket List Item 6. All styles of music represented 7. 777 Jackpot Rating! Go and see this place!
4. McDowell Sonoran Preserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,114 reviews
Reviewed By 110edwardf
We visited the preserve on two different days from two different trailheads. Both Gateway and Lost Dog Wash trailheads had good parking, restrooms and trails. There were good maps and well marked trails in good condition. The trails were interlinked loops, so you could start on one but switch to another if you wanted to see different territory. For example at the Lost Dog Wash trailhead, we started in the Ring Tail trail. But at a junction at a choice to stay on that trail that had city views, but switched to Lost Dog Wash to hike into a different little valley with more birds, plants and cactus to see. WeSaw lots of people both days, but it didn’t feel crowded at all.
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. 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.
7. Devil's Bridge Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,524 reviews
Reviewed By DistrictBrit - Washington DC, United States
The hike to Devil’s Bridge isn’t too strenuous, it’s roughly five-miles round-trip along a dirt road that leads into a more robust trail, with parts that require a bit of rock climbing up steep sections of the mountain. The higher you get the more narrow and rocky the hike becomes, it’s a 400 ft or so elevation climb in all but there are plenty of places to stop and take a break, or viewing areas to soak in the view should you not make it to the top. But if you make it to the top it’s awe-inspiring, and the opportunity to risk your life walking across the bridge for a photo is right there. Devil’s Bridge itself is a bridge to nowhere, it’s about a 50 feet drop should you fall, so don’t do that. At it’s narrowest it’s about five feet but if you’re good with heights then you’ll be fine.
8. Lost Dutchman State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 597 reviews
Named after the fabled lost gold mine, Lost Dutchman State Park is located in the Sonoran Desert, 40 miles east of Phoenix. Several trails lead from the park into the Superstition Wilderness and surrounding Tonto National Forest. Take a stroll along the Native Plant Trail or hike the challenging Siphon Draw Trail to the top of the Flatiron. Depending on the year's rainfall, you might be treated to a carpet of desert wildflowers in the spring. Enjoy a weekend of camping and experience native wildlife including mule deer, coyote, javelina and jackrabbit. New for 2014! A four mile Mountain Bike Loop Trail has opened at the park -- this is a great way to enjoy the park's beauty! The park offers a variety of hiking trails, nature trails, picnic facilities, 134 campsites, a dump station, restrooms, showers, and group use areas. The visitor center sells maps and other publications. Before you hike, be prepared with enough water and proper footwear as the trails are steep and challenging.
Reviewed By T6583UIrebeccan - Phoenix, United States
I really enjoy this park. It backs right up to Superstition springs mountain. There are several trails to enjoy. We did not have hookups and you can only run the generators at certain times of the day. It is pet friendly. There is also a dump station on site. It was pretty well kept and the staff are friendly. I would stay here again.
9. Heard Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,899 reviews
The foremost showcase of Native American art and culture in the U.S., the Heard Museum reveals the cultures of tribes in the region through exhibits, demonstrations and live performances and displays the work of contemporary Native American artists. Artists demonstrate their work during the week and musicians perform on most weekends.
Reviewed By MsInformedALWAYS - Las Vegas, United States
This place was a real surprise, nice architecture, beautifully displayed/housed native America goods from clothes, baskets, paintings, and general artifacts in excellent condition. Very well laid out with a nice bookstore AND gift shop (a bit pricey) Most enjoyable visit and stands out above and beyond most I've seen (I'm a fan of native American indian works - I've been to a half dozen wonderful museums...)
10. Desert Botanical Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8,787 reviews
Discover the tranquil vibrancy of desert plants nestled amid the red rocks of the Papago Buttes. Visitors can stroll through five thematic trails to explore the fascinating beauty of the Sonoran Desert, from towering cacti and alluring succulents to brilliant wildflowers and lush trees. Scroll through the Garden's calendar so not to miss festive events and dazzling exhibitions. Delve deeper to learn about desert landscaping, nature art, cooking and wellness and more through the Garden's various adult and children's classes.
Reviewed By TeamRealMcCoy - West Linn, United States
While we visited the Botanical Park years ago, it has really expanded and is an even more fascinating attraction in Phoenix today! We arrived at the park just moments before the next scheduled tour would be held. While we are normally not tour type of folks, we realized we stood to learn many things from a docent-led walk, and we were not disappointed. The docent we had was entertaining and well informed and had incredible props for her talk. You will learn much about cacti and succulents spending a day at this park, but you will learn so much more from a docent-led tour. I should mention the tour does not cover the entire park but just the heart of it. Then you are free to wander and enjoy the many offerings on your own. We enjoyed a snack at the Patio Café mid day, and were very lucky to see roadrunners, a jack rabbit, squirrels, quail, and two of the infamous Arizona javelinas. It should be noted that javelinas can wreak much damage in a park like this, and park staff are attempting to safely trap these and relocate them away from the botanical park. During our visit in January, we were surprised at the number of cacti with prickly pear and succulents with blooms and other plants in full bloom! There are ample benches and chairs throughout the park to sit and quietly contemplate the beauty or simply take a rest. The paths are easily navigated by those on foot, with a walker, or even a wheelchair. There is a marvelous plant shop and a lovely gift shop on the premises. There is a permanent exhibition of Dale Chihuly glass works, a marvelous complement to the nature of the garden, and while we were there, there was an Italian art exhibit, Wild Rising by Crackling Art, featuring more than 1,000 vividly colorful animal sculptures symbolizing sustainability and conservation.
