Things to do in Phoenix
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Mandala Tearoom
An organic vegan cafe in cheerful minimalist surroundings, it serves up rockin' baked ziti, dozens of organic teas, and a weekend brunch with filling tofu scrambles. In addition to the creative international-inspired menu, treats include vegan truffles from Cosmic Cacao, herbal elixirs (around US$7) and free wi-fi.
reviewed
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Chelsea's Kitchen
Set in a converted mid-Century Modern home alongside a canal in Phoenix' quietly upscale Arcadia district. Get a platter of tacos or some ribs and you won't be disappointed; it's comfort food (yes, in the Southwest tacos are comfort food) gone gourmet.
reviewed
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MacAlpine's
The oldest diner in Phoenix serves basic salads and sandwiches, but it's the old-timey soda fountain that's the real attraction - nothing like a malted milk to chase those blues away.
reviewed
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High Performance Driving School in a Corvette or Camaro
Varies (Departs Phoenix, Arizona)
by Viator
Spend a day (or three!) pushing the limit and satisfying your thirst for adventure in a Corvette Z06 or Camaro SS. This Phoenix driving experience is more than …Not LP reviewed
from USD$1,649.99 -
Salt River Recreation
Floating down the Salt River in an inner tube is loads of fun, and it’s also a great way to relax and cool down on a hot summer day. Salt River Recreation takes you down the Lower Salt River through the stark Tonto National Forest. The launch is in northeast Mesa, about 15 miles north of Hwy 60 on Power Rd. Floats are two, three or five hours long, including the shuttle bus ride back, and weekends can get superbusy. Kids must be at least 4ft tall and at least eight years old. If you want to bring a cooler along, you’ll need to rent an extra tube. Alcohol is permitted, but glass containers are not.
reviewed
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Vincent on Camelback
You may never have heard of chef Vincent Guerithault, but in Phoenix he’s a household name. His secret? Ingenious French spins on Southwestern cuisine. Try such flavor-packed creations as corn ravioli with truffle oil or thyme-infused rack of lamb, and definitely leave room for a signature soufflé (try the one with Grand Marnier). For more casual gourmets, Vincent recently opened the Market Bistro behind the original restaurant. It’s especially buzzy on Saturday mornings from fall to spring when a tiny but immensely popular gourmet and farmers market takes over the parking lot.
reviewed
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Mystery Castle
Equal parts Mexican hacienda, Native American cliff dwelling and psychedelic sand castle, the 18-room Mystery Castle was constructed in the 1930s and ’40s by Boyce Luther Gulley for his daughter Mary Lou. It’s an eccentric contraption of stone, recycled telegraph poles, adobe and whatever else he could scavenge, held together by a mix of sand, cement, calcium and goat’s milk. Mary Lou still lives in the house, but is now too frail to conduct the tours herself. Call ahead to make sure it’s open at all.
reviewed
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Pueblo Grande Museum & Archaeological Park
Excavations at the Hohokam village of Pueblo Grande have yielded many clues about the daily lives of these ancient people famous for building such a well-engineered 1000-mile network of irrigation canals that some modern canals simply follow their paths. Study this fascinating culture at the small museum, then use your new knowledge to make sense of the park’s excavations, which include a ball court, a ceremonial platform and a section of the original canals.
reviewed
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Cheuvront Restaurant & Wine Bar
It’s a sophisticated spot, but don’t worry if you can’t tell your pinot noir from your pinot grigio. Each dish, including such menu stars as red-wine-smothered short ribs and orange-glazed salmon, comes with its own wine recommendation. Or just pair an entire flight of wines with a sampling of exquisite cheeses and pâtés. Ken Cheuvront, Arizona’s first openly gay politician (currently a state senator), owns the place.
reviewed
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Herberger Theater Center
The Herberger Theater Center has two stages shared by three resident companies: Arizona Theatre Company (602-256-6995; www.aztheatreco.org), the state’s leading ensemble; the Actors Theatre (602-252-8497; www.atphx.org) for more experimental, fringe productions; and the Center Dance Ensemble (602-252-8497; www.centerdance.com), which specializes in modern dance.
reviewed
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Arizona State University
South of Scottsdale and sandwiched between downtown Phoenix and Mesa, Tempe is a fun and energetic district, enlivened by the 51,000 students of Arizona State University. Founded in 1885, the vast campus is home to the Sun Devils stadium, performance venues, galleries and museums. It’s also taken a leadership role in the eco-movement in striving to become a ‘living laboratory’ for sustainability.
reviewed
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Kazimierz
With an entrance through the alley and a sign saying only ‘The Truth is Inside, ’ this wine cave feels like a swanky ’20s speakeasy, only the air here is rather genteel, grown-up and devoid of debauchery. The sofas are as soft as the music and the wine list as long as a Tolstoy novel: with 3000 global bottles to choose, you’ll want to (and happily can) rely on your server’s recommendation.
reviewed
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Arizona Museum of Natural History
Founded by Mormons in 1877, Mesa is one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation and the third-largest city in Arizona with a population of around 500,000. Its main cultural attraction is the Arizona Museum of Natural History, which counts animated dinosaurs, an eight-cell territorial jail, a prehistoric Hohokam village and a replica Spanish mission among its many displays and interactive exhibits.
reviewed
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Grand Canyon via Sedona and Navajo Reservation
13 hours (Departs Phoenix, Arizona)
by Viator
A trip to the Grand Canyon is simply a must-do for anyone visiting Phoenix. On the way to America's most iconic piece of natural beauty, drive through the Sonor…Not LP reviewed
from USD$144.99 -
Alice Cooper’stown
Yes, this ‘jock-and-rock’-themed beer hall really is the original shock rocker’s (and Phoenix resident’s) baby. On game days, it floods with giddy fans toasting their teams playing at the nearby US Airways Center and Chase Field. Come anytime for drinks specials and to tackle the ‘Big Unit’ (a 2ft hot dog), one of the most popular items on the tongue-in-cheek menu.
reviewed
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Grand Canyon West Rim Adventure and Skywalk
7 hours (Departs Phoenix, Arizona)
by Viator
For the adventurous at heart, a trip from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon in a Cessna airplane will provide the thrill of a lifetime. The narrated aerial tour will …Not LP reviewed
from USD$698.99 -
Phoenix Hot Air Balloon Ride
60 minutes (Departs Phoenix, Arizona)
by Viator
A hot-air balloon ride over Phoenix is an exhilarating experience, whether at sunrise or sunset. After your flight, enjoy a champagne breakfast or gourmet picni…Not LP reviewed
from USD$174.99 -
Small-Group Deluxe Grand Canyon and Sedona Day Trip
13 hours (Departs Phoenix, Arizona)
by Viator
Experience the scenic beauty of Arizona on this small-group day trip from the Phoenix-Scottsdale area. Visit one of the world’s wonders, the Grand Canyon, and s…Not LP reviewed
from USD$154.99 -
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Asia de Cuba
At this fusion of Cuban heat, Asian spice and the preeningly hip Mondrian Scottsdale hotel scene, you'll be licking your lips, gyrating those salsa-loving hips and puzzling about how they keep that white dining room so damn clean. Loaded with plates meant to be shared, the fun fusion menu includes dishes such as miso-glazed butterfish and Cuban-spiced chicken with Thai coconut sticky rice.
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Barrio Café
Barrio’s T-shirts are emblazoned with ‘comida chingona, ’ which translates as ‘f…ing good food.’ Crude, maybe. To the point, definitely. Barrio makes Mexican food at its most creative; how many menus featuring guacamole spiked with pomegranate seeds or goat-milk-caramel-filled churros (stick-shaped doughnuts) have you seen?
reviewed
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3-Day Grand Canyon and Colorado River Float
by Viator
Travel through the Sonoran Desert and on to the Grand Canyon, where the majestic scenes await you. Complete your getaway with a float trip on the mighty Colorad…Not LP reviewed
from USD$509.99 -
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Myst
Once past the picky bouncers it’s all about dancing with friendly folks and sipping the signature apple ‘tartinis’ at this party palace and its adjoining sister club, Ballroom. Global DJs hit the decks in this stylized space teeming with wrinkle-free hotties and hangers-on. Guys – dress up or you’ll be riding the velvet rope for a long time.
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Delux
The mirrored walls, communal table and unisex bathrooms may scream ‘trendy, ’ but deep down this is just a postmodern patty-and-bun joint. The panini and salads are also good, but we’re partial to the two-fisted Delux Burger made with Niman Ranch beef and piled high with Gruyère and blue cheese, applewood-smoked bacon, caramelized onion and arugula.
reviewed
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Castles N’ Coasters
Older kids will enjoy Castles n’ Coasters, a big amusement park by the Metrocenter Mall about 20 miles northwest of downtown, near exit 207 off I-17. From chickens to brave-hearts, there’s a coaster for everyone, plus a watery log ride, a magic carpet ride, and other thrills and attractions, including miniature golf courses and video arcades.
reviewed
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White Tank Mountain Regional Park
An urban playground, on the Valley’s western edge, is the 46-sq-mile White Tank Mountain Regional Park. Better known as the White Tanks, it drapes across dramatic canyon landscape and is zigzagged by 26 miles of trails, including a grueling one to the top of the 4018ft summit. The park entrance is about 20 miles west of I-17 via Dunlap/Olive Ave.
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