Guide to the Valley of the Sun in Arizona

Things To Do​

• Biosphere 2: An American Earth system science research facility. Its mission is to serve as a center for research, outreach, teaching and lifelong learning about Earth, its living systems and its place in the universe.

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• Buffalo Chip Saloon & Steakhouse: A legendary Old West–style saloon in Cave Creek featuring live country music, bull riding, dancing, and classic Southwestern food. Known for its lively atmosphere and authentic Western entertainment. In the same trip, go to Horny Toad Bar & Grill: A long-standing Scottsdale bar and grill offering casual Southwestern fare, drinks, and a relaxed desert vibe. A popular local hangout with indoor and outdoor seating and regular live music.

 

• Desert Botanical Garden: Home to thousands of cacti species, trees and flowers from all around the world spread across 55 acres

   

• Goldfield Ghost Town and Mine Tours: Reconstructed 1890s town including gold-mine tours, Old West gunfights, a history museum & more

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• Lowell Observatory: An astronomical observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona, United States. Lowell Observatory was established in 1894, placing it among the oldest observatories in the United States, and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1965. Where they discovered Pluto.

 

• Musical Instrument Museum: The largest museum of its type in the world. The collection of over 15,000 musical instruments and associated objects. It includes examples from nearly 200 countries and territories, representing every inhabited continent.

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• ​​Queen Mine Tour: Hard-hat tours through a century-old underground complex to learn about mining history & disasters

 

• Pima Air & Space Museum: An aerospace museum that features a display of nearly 400 aircraft spread out over 80 acres on a campus occupying 127 acres. It has also been the home to the Arizona Aviation Hall of Fame since 1991​​

 

• Pink Jeep Tours: Sedona’s famous red-rock landscape offers adventure at every turn. Each excursion offers an unforgettable backcountry tour with insider info from the area’s most knowledgeable and experienced local guides.

 

• Taliesin West: Architect Frank Lloyd Wright's winter home and studio in the desert from 1937 until his death in 1959

 

 

Phoenix Golf Courses

Click here to view my top golf course recommendations

 

Phoenix Hikes​

Hard

• Echo Canyon Trail at Camelback Mountain (2.6 miles)

• Peralta Trailhead at Superstition Mountain (4.6 miles)

• Boulder Canyon (10.2 miles)

• Camelback Mountain (2.8 miles round-trip)

• South Mountain (15.4 miles)

• Flat Iron (6.2 miles)

Medium

• Piestewa Peak (2.3 miles)

• Tom's Thumb (4 miles) (Get The Thumb BBQ after)

• Butcher Jones (5.8 miles)

• Pinnacle Peak (4.1 miles)

• Hidden Valley via Mormon Trail at South Mountain (4 miles)

Easy

• Double Butte Loop Trail at Papago Park (2.2 miles)

• Judith Tunnell Trail at South Mountain (1.3 miles)

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  Papago Park (multiple trails)

      

Day Trips​

• Jerome (~2 hours) Perched on the side of Mingus Mountain, Jerome is a former mining town turned vibrant arts community with sweeping views of the Verde Valley. Its historic buildings, quirky shops, and ghost-town legends make it a uniquely atmospheric stop.

• Sedona (~2 hours) Known for its striking red rock formations and spiritual energy, Sedona is a haven for outdoor lovers and wellness seekers alike. Scenic hikes, art galleries, and stunning sunsets make it one of Arizona’s most captivating destinations.

  • Take a Pink Jeep Tour

  • Explore Tlaquepaque (Arts & Crafts Village). If you are looking for gifts from the Grand Canyon State, this is the place to get them!

  • Hike Devils Bridge

  • Eat/Drink

    • Red Rock Cafe

    • Pump House

    • Cowboy Club (try the rattlesnake)

    • Hudsons (has the best views!)

• Tucson (~2 hours) Surrounded by saguaro-studded desert and rugged mountain ranges, Tucson blends rich Sonoran culture with a thriving food and arts scene. It’s a gateway to desert adventures, historic missions, and some of the darkest night skies in the country.

  • Titan Missile Museum​

  • Pima Air & Space Museum

  • Saguaro National Park

• Flagstaff (~2.5 hours) Set at 7,000 feet among pine forests, Flagstaff offers a cool-climate escape with access to hiking, skiing, and scenic drives. Its lively downtown and proximity to national parks make it an ideal base for exploring northern Arizona.

  • Lowell Observatory (where they discovered Pluto!)

  • Extreme Flagstaff (Ropes Course)

  • Hiking (Mount Humphreys)

  • Food/Drink

  • Proper Meats (this is must)​

  • Lumberyard Brewing

• Bisbee & Tombstone (~3 hours) Bisbee charms visitors with its colorful hillside homes, historic architecture, and thriving arts scene, while nearby Tombstone brings the Wild West to life. Together, they offer a fascinating mix of history, culture, and frontier legends.

• Grand Canyon (~3.5 hours) One of the world’s most iconic natural wonders, the Grand Canyon stuns with its immense scale and layered red rock vistas. Whether at sunrise, sunset, or along its scenic trails, it’s an unforgettable experience.

• Antelope Canyon (~4.5 hours)​ Famous for its flowing sandstone walls and dramatic light beams, Antelope Canyon is a photographer’s dream. Guided tours through this slot canyon reveal one of the Southwest’s most surreal and beautiful landscapes.