75 Things to do in Phoenix Arizona! (What to Know)

Before you head out on your next trip to Phoenix, be sure to check out these Best Things to do in Phoenix Arizona!

Then… keep planning your Arizona vacation with these Tucson Travel Tips, Sedona Travel Tips, and Grand Canyon Travel Tips!

Best Things to do in Phoenix Arizona

In the mood for a little splash of sunshine??  Or are you just wanting to add some more fun Phoenix things to do to your bucket list?  It’s time to check out this HUGE list of the best Things to do in Phoenix Arizona for Families with Kids, Couples, or Hipster Friends Getaways!

From outrageous eats to epic water parks, and lush desert hikes to leisurely shopping, there’s something FUN for everyone!  

Whether you’re heading to Phoenix or Scottsdale on a trip, or live here already and just want to know the best things to do in Phoenix this week, you’ve just hit the jackpot!

I absolutely adore living in Phoenix.  

It’s true… I simply can’t get enough of the blue sky, lush desert, and swaying palm trees.

It is so much fun playing tourist in my own town, so I just wanted to share some of my favorite hidden gems and things you don’t want to miss on your next Arizona vacation!

Related: 68 Tucson Travel Tips – Best Things to do in Tucson Arizona!

It’s time to plan your Phoenix AZ adventure today, where the sun shines 300+ days a year!  A trip to the sunny, gorgeous Arizona desert is always a good idea!

Load up on fun ideas with this list of the Best Things to do in Phoenix Arizona!

Here’s everything you need to know BEFORE you go…

Get your Waterslide Thrills at the Six Flags Hurricane Harbor

If you’ll be visiting in the Summer, you’ll definitely want to spend a day at the Six Flags Hurricane Harbor in north Phoenix.  

Our family LOVES this park… with fast and wild waterslides and an epic wave pool, it’s such a fun way to spend a hot day! (located at: 4243 W Pinnacle Peak Rd, Glendale, AZ)

Visit Medieval Times in Scottsdale

Be in the know and plan your visit to Medieval Time with these Inside Medieval Times Tips!

Spend a Day Cooling Off at Lake Pleasant (+ See Wild Burros)

Will you be visiting when it’s hot?  Then you definitely need to spend a day at Lake Pleasant in north Peoria!  Swimming in the lake is so refreshing, and the mountain views are just gorgeous.  

If it’s not hot enough to swim… just grab some food and take it with you to enjoy a picnic at the lake.  As an added bonus, you might just be lucky enough to spot some wild burros wandering around!  

I’ve seen them SO many times when visiting the lake… aren’t they the cutest?

If you’ll be traveling from the central Phoenix area, take I-17 North to Carefree Highway.  Travel west for approx. 15 miles to Castle Hot Spring Road, then head north to the Lake Pleasant Regional Park entrance on the right.

See Classic Cars at Scottsdale’s McDonald’s Rock ‘n Roll Car Show Every Saturday!

For a free and really fun car show, go to the McDonald’s Rock n Roll Classic Car Show in Scottsdale every Saturday evening from late afternoon – 8pm.  

You’ll love the open-air atmosphere with 50’s music playing over the loudspeaker.  

Plus… there are often 250+ cars that show up EACH week!  (located at 8800-9199 E. Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, AZ)

Spend a Day at the Wildlife Zoo and Aquarium

The Best Arizona Zoo is the World Wildlife Zoo in Litchfield Park, just west of Phoenix!  

I love how you can get up and close to the animals.  

Seriously… it’s unreal!  They even have fun rides that the kids will love! (located at: 16501 W. Northern Ave., Litchfield Park, AZ)

I also really really loved feeding the Lorikeets and Giraffes at the Wildlife World Zoo!  If you’ve never fed these before, you definitely need to experience this…

This peacock was a “free range” bird at the zoo!  It was so fun to watch it just running around.

Stroll Through the Desert Botanical Garden

Would you like to see more Sonoran Desert Plants… and desert birds up close?  

Then you’ll love the Desert Botanical Garden!  It’s a gorgeous 140-acre botanical garden with easy walking trails through a lush desert landscape.  

(located at 1201 N. Galvin Parkway in Phoenix)

We saw this roadrunner right at dusk before leaving.  

Roadrunner sightings are rare, and I love any opportunity I can get to see these amazing birds in action!  

They run so FAST!

We even spotted the sweetest little desert bunny…

Take an Architecture Tour at Frank Lloyd Wright’s Home

If you love architecture, you definitely need to visit Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West Home in north Scottsdale.  

My family loved the fun and informative tour! (located at: 12621 N Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ)

Check Out the Views from a Hot Air Balloon!

If you want to enjoy a bucket list adventure, try taking one of the incredible Phoenix hot air ballon rides in the winter!

Cheer on the Cowboys at the Cave Creek Rodeo

If you’ll be visiting in the Spring, you won’t want to miss the Cave Creek Rodeo!  

It’s one of the best in town!  

(located at: 37201 N 28th St, Cave Creek, AZ)

Catch a MLB Spring Training Game in March

If you love baseball, Phoenix is the place to be every March!  

Enjoy some beautiful sunshine and get your baseball fix with some Phoenix area MLB Spring Training Baseball!

Visit the Arizona State Capitol

For something fun and educational, take an afternoon to swing by the Arizona State Capitol Museum

(located at: 1700 W Washington St., Phoenix, AZ)

Visit The USS Arizona Memorial Gardens for FREE

The USS Arizona Memorial Gardens are located on the Salt River Indian Reservation between the Great Wolf Lodge and the Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, just off Pima Road.

The 5 acre park is free to visit, and features a piece of the original boathouse from the USS Arizona that sank in Pearl Harbor in 1941.

Take a Tour of Cerrata’s Candy Company

Looking for fun things to in Phoenix with kids?  They’ll love an afternoon spent at Cerrata’s Candy Company! (located at: 5345 W Glendale Ave)

Don’t you just wish you could take a bit out of this life-size chocolate Santa?

More Things to do in Phoenix – Best Shopping in Phoenix Area

Best outdoor mall: Desert Ridge Marketplace in north Phoenix.

For the best Outlets, shop the Outlets at Anthem in north Phoenix. (located at: 4250 W Anthem Way, Phoenix, AZ)

For your premium mall fix, you need to visit Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall. (located at: 7014 E Camelback Rd, Scottsdale, AZ)

Best all around open-air malls? Kierland Commons (located at: 15205 N Kierland Blvd Suite 150, Scottsdale, AZ) and Scottsdale Quarter (located at: 15059 N Scottsdale Rd Ste 205, Scottsdale, AZ) Shopping Centers in north Scottsdale.

Things to do in Phoenix Arizona – 11 Best Hikes in Phoenix Scottsdale Area

Arizona truly is a wild beauty.  And a trip to Phoenix is never complete without some time spent hiking through the rugged desert!  

Here are a few of my favorite hikes in the area…

Pinnacle Peak Hike in north Scottsdale

(26802 N 102nd Way, Scottsdale, AZ)  This moderate out-and-back hike offers smooth trails, lush desert vegetation, a great workout with elevation changes, and sweeping views of Scottsdale.

Tom’s Thumb Trail

Located in the Scottsdale McDowell Sonoran Preserve.

Black Canyon Trail north of Phoenix

I love the 80+ miles of fairly secluded hiking and biking trails here.

Peralta Canyon Trail in Arizona’s Superstition Wilderness

I recommend the Peralta Trail to Freemont Saddle hike.  This gorgeous 5.8 mile out-and-back trail can be a bit rugged at points, but the views at the end are totally worth it!  

Take lots of water and pack snacks so you can relax and rest at the top while you take in the view. (located at: Peralta Rd, Gold Canyon, AZ)

(Weever’s Needle from the Peralta Trail, Superstition Wilderness)

Camelback Mountain Hike in Phoenix

Not for the faint of heart, this rigorous hike will have you climbing quickly and hopping boulders all the way up to some of the BEST views in the city!  

If you’re an experienced hiker that’s up for a rugged challenge, this is one must-do hike with some serious payoff at the end! (located at: 6131 E Cholla Ln, Paradise Valley, AZ)

Cave Creek Regional Park Trails north of Phoenix

You’ll love the trails in this beautiful 2,900+ acre park.  

Because there is a small entrance fee, the trails are fairly secluded and the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for an afternoon. (located at: 37019 N Lava Ln, Cave Creek, AZ)

Piestewa Peak

Located in the Phoenix Mountain Preserves in central Phoenix.

Thunderbird Conservation Park

The trails are located in north Glendale.

Hole in the Rock Trail

Located at Papago Park in Phoenix.  This short, easy 0.3 mile out-and-back trail offers some great views of the city… and of course the well-loved hole in the rock landmark.

(located at: 625 N. Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ)

Deem Hills Recreation Area

The trails are located in north Phoenix. (located at: 5050 W Andrea Ln, Phoenix, AZ)

White Tank Mountain Regional Park trails in Waddell

(located at: 20304 W White Tank Mountain Rd; Waddell, AZ)

With the gorgeous rugged landscape, walking trails, and even a short hike to a waterfall in the Spring, the White Tanks are a perfect spot for a morning stroll!

More of The Best Things to do in Phoenix shared by your frugal friends…

Melissa said: “Sedona is beautiful!  The Phoenix Zoo is a lot of fun (we go twice a week), the Science Center is fun, you can take a tour of Chase Field… just call for times, that was pretty interesting. The best philly cheesesteak in AZ is in downtown Scottsdale at Philly Sandwich Company, LOVE that place!  There are plenty of parks that you can rent paddle boats at, Encanto is probably my favorite and you can feed the ducks and geese.”

Trish said: “Phoenix native here!  Wildflower season is Feb – March and that tends to be our best weather.  All sorts of pretty hikes or walks to see them that time of year.  Hotels book fast though because it is our busy season.”

Jennifer said: “Go to the little western town in Chandler called Rawhide.”

(Rawhide pictured above)

Morgan said: “Scottsdale is awesome, especially the shopping! : ) Phoenix is a great place!”

Amber said: “Fashion Square for sure, Old Town Scottsdale, and Camelback Trails … I love Phoenix!”

Claire said: “Go to the store called ‘Last Chance’.  It is a Nordstrom clearance store!”

Krista said: “Hike Camelback, then go for sundaes at the Sugar Bowl!”

Jennifer said: “The Desert Botanical Gardens and the last time I was there they had a festival by Arizona State University, but that was earlier in the year!”

Britani said: “If you’re interested in historical Arizona the Heard Museum is a must.”

Arlene said: “Free Train Museum in Scottsdale.”

Brenda said: “All of the above are great.  Be sure to check out an AZ Diamondback Game.”

Carrie said: “Check out places like Water World, @MIMPhx (the Musical Instrument Museum) and the indoor SeaLife Arizona Aquarium are great! In cooler weather, hiking Camelback Mountain, heading over to the North Pole Experience (holidays only) and the Phoenix Zoo is fun…”

Rosalia said: “Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium, better than Phoenix Zoo and Sea Life Aquarium. Visit Cave Creek town. Must see Sedona & Jerome. If you go to Tucson: Sonoran Desert Museum is a must!”

Michelle said: “Anywhere in Scottsdale, Sedona, Mill Ave in Tempe, by ASU.”

Mindy said: “There are two Hilton’s with awesome waterpark pools.”

(Point Hilton Squaw Peak Resort pictured above)

Holly said: “We did a Mama/Girls weekend in Scottsdale too! So fun! Hotel Valley Ho was perfect (also love the Westin Kierland).”

Elizabeth said: “Visit Tortilla Flats!”

Rachel said: “Goldfield Ghost Town is awesome. They have train rides, mine tours, and shops. The Out of Africa and Wildlife World Zoo’s are fun.”

Trina said: “Out of Africa outside of Phoenix but worth the drive. Coupons on website 🙂 Go on feeding day and make sure to see the tiger splash.”

Samantha said: “Visit Jerome. Kinda a hippy town. Lots of fun.”

Brian said: “Papago Park and Sedona are beautiful.”

Lisa said: “Best things to do in Phoenix Arizona?  I highly recommend Taliesin West in Scottsdale, Frank Lloyd Wright’s home and school.”

Amilcar said: “Sedona is my fav place, but if you are just in Phoenix, then Camelback Mountain has beautiful views of the city!”

Laura said: “Drive up to Sedona….beautiful place….so many things to do in and around Phoenix & AZ.”

Amy said: “Sedona is beautiful. Also the Superstition Mountains.”

Phoenix AZ Best Restaurants! (Where to Eat)

If you’re hungry in Phoenix, be sure to check out these Phoenix AZ Best Restaurants!

Whether you already live in Phoenix, plan on Moving here, or are just planning to Travel here, you need to take advantage of all the great places to eat around town!

Don’t just settle for that place you’ve eaten at a million times, take a little culinary adventure instead and get that rush from trying something amazing and delicious for the very first time!  Check out some of my absolute favorite eats in Phoenix.  These are the Best Places to Eat in Phoenix…

Best Phoenix Mexican Food

Rancho De Tia Rosa (ranchodetiarosa.com)

Location: 891 N Higley Rd., Gilbert, AZ 85234

Living in Phoenix, we have a lot of really good Mexican Food to choose from.  Rancho De Tia Rosa stands out of the crowd with its great neighborhood vibe, and laid back casual atmosphere. Whenever I visit Rancho De Tia Rosa, I can’t help but feel like I’ve taken a little vacation south of the border.

This fun restaurant is so incredibly festive inside and out.  With bright bold colors and rustic decor, this place is loaded with personality.  I also got the sense of family here, all the staff were very warm and kind.

Check out what your frugal friend Nina said: “You have to eat at Rancho de Tia Rosa! The original one. The decor and food and prices are amazing.”

You can also really taste the love put into the food.  It doesn’t matter what I order… All AMAZING!  I loved the free chips and salsa.  The chips were hot, and the 2 flavors of salsa both tasted amazing.  And the server kept bringing out basket after basket of those delightful hot free chips.  The servings were also very generous.  Living with a hungry husband and two teen boys, that is a really big deal.  You simply can’t go wrong at this fun and festive restaurant located right in the heart of Gilbert Arizona!

Best Italian Restaurant in Phoenix AZ

DeFalco’s Italian Eatery, Grocery & Deli (defalcosdeli.com)

Location: 2334 N. Scottsdale Rd. Suite 133A, Scottsdale, AZ 85257

What do you do when you walk into a small Italian Grocery Store… that happens to be a Deli… that also happens to serve up some crazy good Italian Food?  You step right up to the cashier and start ordering crazy good things like Baked Ziti, Chicken Parmigiana and Lasagna!

Do yourself a HUGE favor and try a slice of the Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake or the Chocolate Tartufuo Cake.  Each were absolutely to-die-for and the generous portions were a great value… maybe even frugal!! 😉

The seating area was perhaps the quirkiest… and most enjoyable aspect of this fun Diner/Deli/Grocery Store.  There is something kind of weird-fun about devouring delicious Italian entrees while sitting amongst shelves piled high with Italian grocery items.

The Deli & Diner combo did remind me of a few of my favorite restaurants we visited while in Rome Italy… and those just happen to be extremely fond memories!

Best Pizza Restaurant in Phoenix AZ

Sal’s Gilbert Pizza (gilbertpizzaaz.com)

Location: 1150 S. Gilbert Rd., Gilbert, AZ 85296

The first thing you need to order is the Baked Ziti Pizza.  This is thin crust pizza perfectly topped with fresh made baked ziti pasta.  A thin crunchy crust topped with perfectly dreamy baked ziti.  You’ve never had anything like it before.  It was a truly day dream worthy experience.  And that was just the pizza!

I also fell in love with the perfect Garlic Knots, the crave-worthy Strombolis, and the over-the-top decadent Cannolis.  The food at Sal’s makes me drool uncontrollably just thinking about it!

Best Mediterranean Food in Phoenix AZ

Greek Pita (thegreekpita.com)

Location: 2501 W Happy Valley Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85085

My absolute favorite part of visiting this little restaurant on a weekly basis is the people.  They are absolutely amazing, sweet, authentic and lovely!  They put a lot of love into the food served up here and you can really taste it!

We love to get the Gyro Pitas, Chicken Shawarma Pita and the Chicken Kebab Pita served with the optional side of Greek Salad.
This food is really delicious and very well priced.

One of our favorite new discoveries is the Hummus… this stuff is insane, unlike any other Hummus I’ve ever tasted.  It’s addictively delicious and you simply can’t get enough!

This restaurant is cute and quaint and the best Greek I’ve ever had!  You’ll love it!

Best Burgers in Phoenix AZ

#1: The Stand (thestandphx.com)

Location: 3538 E. Indian School Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85018

You will have no will to resist this cheeseburger… “The Standard with Cheese.”  The house sauce has an addictive quality that will have you wanting to devour every last drop.  It’s literally nuts, I don’t know what is going on in that sauce… but it’s amazing!

The Banana Shake came with an extra wide straw, perfect for slurping up bits of real banana. (um… yum) And the Fresh Cut Fries with the skins still attached helped round out a meal that had me saying “wow” then “wow” again.

I found myself in such food coma bliss, no other more impressive words were available at that moment!  It’s a burger experience you won’t forget!

#2: In ‘N Out Burgers (in-n-out.com)

Locations: All throughout the valley

In ‘N Out is by far my favorite go-to burger spot.  The food is always fresh, delicious, and prepared with care.  Not only does In ‘N Out consistently serve up amazing burgers, but I love their fresh cut fries and milkshakes.

Then there’s the secret menu.  My teenage boys love to order a 3×3 Cheeseburger, which consists of 3 patties and 3 slices of cheese between a perfectly grilled bun.

We also love to order our burgers… and french fries “Animal Style.”  The Animal Style Fries are topped with the burger spread, a melted slice of cheese and grilled onions.  The Animal Style Cheeseburger consists of a burger grilled with mustard… then melted cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, In ‘N Out burger spread and grilled onions.  If you’ve never tried the Animal Style Cheeseburger or Fries… you owe it to yourself to give it a try!

Best Hot Dogs in Phoenix AZ

Ted’s Hot Dogs (tedshotdogs.com)

Location: 1755 E. Broadway, Tempe, AZ 85282

I don’t often go to a restaurant specifically to order a hot dog, but when I do… it needs to be special enough to justify the splurge.  So when I walked in the door at Ted’s Hot Dogs and saw a really long line, I knew that was a good sign that I had just stumbled across something pretty special.

If you’ve never been to Ted’s before, start with the Footlong.  It really is a whole foot long and priced very reasonably.  I ordered mine topped with Chili for a small extra charge.  Totally worth it!  We also tried the Polish with Sauerkraut.  Totally delish!

Check out what your frugal friend Brian said: “Ted’s Hot Dogs are so good.”

So when you’re going to Ted’s, it’s best not to count the calories.  That ruins the whole experience.  Go all in and order yourself a loaded Footlong.  Try chili like I did or may add some freshly fried Bacon, yum!  And don’t forget the fries.  They make some truly outrageous cheese fries.  Then they top them with bacon… lots and lots of bacon!

Best BBQ in Phoenix AZ

Rudy’s BBQ (rudysbbq.com)

Locations: Chandler, Gilbert, Scottsdale and Goodyear

At Rudy’s you’ll get the best mix of amazing Texas style BBQ and great barbecue prices.  Head out on a little flavor adventure and try ordering your Brisket moist with extra bark! (it’s over the top!)

You’ll also love the Pork Baby Back Ribs, Sausage Sandwich, Cream Corn and Banana Pudding… excuse me, just the mention of those made me drool a little, sorry!

Your Teenager will meet their match when they take on the Jumbo Smoked Potato topped with Brisket!  (trust me, it’s my teen’s favorite!)  We bring back our reusable 32 oz. cups each visit for 75 cent refills!

Also, you’ll be ordering your meat by the half pound and eating off large pieces of paper at picnic tables… and unusual as that may sound, the atmosphere is amazing.  Talk about casual dining!

Best Phoenix Farm Grill

Joe’s Farm Grill (joesfarmgrill.com)

Location: 3000 E Ray Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85296

This is a great place to get away from the city… while you happen to still be in the city, and they just happen to grow a lot of their own food! (farm to table at it’s finest!) This is a truly funky and unique place to eat, perfect for letting the kiddos run loose outside.

Watching the vintage space cartoons while washing my hands in the restroom always makes me smile… seriously, you need to make a trip to the restroom… Barbie is even there!

You’ll want to try the Pesto inspired Fontina Burger or Pesto Chicken Sandwich, the BBQ Bacon Blue Burger, and the Sonoran/Carolina Hotdog Combo.  For sides, you’ll be drooling over the hand battered Onion Rings and Caesar Side Salad with fresh Mozzarella… Yum!

Best Ice Cream in Phoenix AZ

Churn Ice Cream (churnaz.com)

Location: 5223 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85012

This place is serving up homemade ice cream at it’s finest.  And the crazy happy guy serving it up makes everything a lot more fun!  That’s contagious joy right there!  A huge smile followed by delicious homemade ice cream… how do you beat that happy little combo?  Maybe it’s time to finish that first scoop and head back for a second?

How’s that for some seriously fun Phoenix AZ Best Restaurants?  Pure deliciousness!

Now that you’ve had fun reading through these Phoenix AZ Best Restaurants, be sure to check out even more fun restaurant ideas shared by your frugal friends…

Anna said: “Best ‘ice cream’ at Nami on 7th ST just north of McDowell!”

Arlene said: “Ice cream at the Sugar Bowl.”

Jill said: “Pizzeria Bianco!!!”

Nina said: “You have to eat at Rancho de Tia Rosa! The original one. The decor and food and prices are amazing.”

Lorie said: “If you venture to Mesa/Gilbert you must eat at the Joe’s BBQ, Liberty Market, and Joe’s Farmhouse Grill. (all owned by the same family)”

Tasha said: “Joe’s Farm Grill!!! It’s the best place for burgers!! It was also on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives!!! Sooo yummy!!!”

Holly said: “Tortilla Factory has great ambiance and food.  And second and third and fourth Joe’s Farm. Grill! Enjoy!”

Jennifer said: “The Rainforest Cafe in the Arizona Mill’s mall is my absolute favorite!!!”

Michelle said: “Organ Stop Pizza in Mesa”

Jim writes: “Look on Diners Drive-ins & Dives map for great spots to eat!”

Mindy said: “Tru Food in Scottsdale. Look up restaurants the food network has featured.”

Brian said: “Ted’s Hot Dogs are so good.”

Shannon said: “Go to Fairytale Brownies… they are the best! Head to Cave Creek, known as the West’s Most Western Town- just a quirky little town, eat at the Horny Toad. While up there drive around and be amazed at the cool houses in that area. Make a stop in Tempe at Macayo’s Depot Cantina… they have the best Red Corn Chicken Taquitos!
My parents are in Phoenix, and I always have to stop at my favorite eateries when I visit.  Definitely try to head to Sedona, Prescott, and Jerome if you can.”

Danielle said: “Oh how I miss living in AZ! If you make your way out to Mesa you must eat at Sweet Cakes Cafe on Main. My other favorite place to eat is Rosa’s Mexican Grill. If you are over in Glendale, Cerreta’s Candy is a fun stop with a little tour and lots of yummy treats! Can you tell I like food? :)”

Suzanne said: “Don’t miss eating at In-N-Out Burger — it’s a treat!”

Score Free Coffee at Starbucks!  With all the time spent outside in the sun and in the desert… you just might be needing a caffeine fix and a yummy snack!  There are so many Starbucks locations all around Phoenix, so check this out…

Starbucks Money Saving Hacks

Visit at Christmas Time!

Dreaming of a warm-weather Winter getaway?  Phoenix is your spot!  If you’ve never visited around Christmas time, you need to at least once.  

There are SO many fun family activities and twinkling light displays to enjoy when the desert decks its halls… and cactus!

1. Take a nostalgic train ride and enjoy the Christmas light displays at McCormick-Stillman Ranch in Scottsdale and the Railroad Heritage Preserve in North Phoenix
2. Check out the over-the-top ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo
3. Enjoy the festive lights and rides at Christmas at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess,
4. Go Ice Skating in the desert at Westgate’s Winter Wonderland in Glendale and in Mesa at the Winter Wonderland Ice Rink.
5. Don’t forget to bundle up for a FREE horse-drawn carriage ride at Westgate in Glendale
6. Get FREE pictures with Santa at Bass Pro Shops in Mesa and Glendale
7. Have Breakfast with Santa or take the kids on a Hayride at Schnepff Farms to feed the Reindeer in Queen Creek
8. Enjoy some holiday shopping at the cute little shops at the Glendale Glitters festival
9. Check out the Phoestivus Market at the Phoenix Public Market (a combination of Seinfeld’s Festivus and a charming holiday German Market)
10. Enjoy the Lighted Boat Parades at Tempe Town Lake and Arrowhead Lakes
11. Watch the largest tree in Arizona get lit at the Outlets in Anthem tree lighting (80 feet tall and 5,000 ornaments)

Phoenix Arizona Budget Travel

To visit on a budget, you’ll need to do a little planning.  My first tip is to start stashing extra cash away now for your ‘Arizona Trip Fund’.  

Need to increase your travel fund cash stash?  You can make extra money on the side in your free time!  Here are my favorite tricks for ramping up the vacation budget…

27 Side Hustles Ideas

Where to Stay in Phoenix

Wondering how to plan the perfect hotel stay for your next vacation?  

It’s so much easier than you think!  Don’t book your next hotel without knowing these secrets shared by Hotel Staff and Frequent Travelers…

75 Hotel Hacks Everyone Should Know

In addition to hotels, be sure to also check out VRBO for lodging on your trip to Phoenix.  They have so many vacation rentals listed by owner.  

I’ve personally stayed at multiple VRBO rentals, and loved every one.  Not only were they often significantly cheaper than the nearby hotels, they also came with a full kitchen.  One even had in-room laundry!

Now do you want to know my favorite tips and tricks for saving BIG on a VRBO?  These little known hacks will save you SO much money!  Check this out…

How to Slash The Cost of Your Next Trip Using VRBO

How to Get Cheap Flights to Phoenix

35 Southwest Airlines Hacks (What To Know Before You Fly)

25 American Airlines Flight Hacks (Weird Tricks Everyone Should Know)

23 Delta Airlines Travel Hacks (Savvy Travel Hacking Ideas)

More Phoenix Budget Travel Tips

Military Discounts for Travel

20 Ways to Save Money on Rental Cars

How To Save On Gas (Genius Hacks)

How to Travel for Free or Cheap (20 Brilliant Budget Travel Hacks)

More Fun and Frugal Southwest Vacation Ideas

Now have FUN on your next vacation… and enjoy these Best Things to do in Phoenix Arizona!

While visiting Phoenix, I have even more fun Southwest Travel Tips to share with you.  

So check out these Frugal Travel Tips for more ideas…

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68 Tucson Travel Tips – Best Things to do in Tucson Arizona

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101 Frugal Travel Tips and Best Kept Secrets

So… have YOU ever been to Phoenix before?

What are some of your favorite things to do in Phoenix Arizona, places to see, etc?

Leave a comment & share!