What To Do In Phoenix-Scottsdale & Surrounding Cities
- Restaurants - Attractions - Hiking Trails - Golf Courses
Restaurants
1. Steak 44 (Phoenix)
Known for its artisanal pizzas, Pizzeria Bianco uses high-quality ingredients and a wood-fired oven for a unique flavor. The Margherita pizza is a must-try.
2) Binkley’s Restaurant (Phoenix)
This fine dining establishment offers a multi-course tasting menu featuring innovative dishes that showcase local ingredients. Reservations are recommended.
3) The Mission (Scottsdale)
This restaurant offers modern Latin cuisine, with a focus on fresh ingredients and bold flavors. The tableside guacamole is a popular highlight.
4) Cafe Monarch (Scottsdale)
An upscale dining experience, Cafe Monarch provides a prix fixe menu in an elegant setting, known for its exceptional service and romantic ambiance.
Top 5 Best Restaurant in America - Cafe Monarch - Fine Dining Restaurant in Scottsdale, AZ
5) Fogo de Chão (Scottsdale)
A Brazilian steakhouse offering a unique dining experience with endless servings of various cuts of meat, along with a gourmet salad bar.
Scottsdale AZ | Brazilian Steakhouse Restaurant | Fogo de Chão (fogodechao.com)
6) Café Zupas (Glendale)
A casual eatery known for its fresh salads, sandwiches, and soups. It emphasizes healthy eating with a variety of flavorful options.
Café Zupas - Soup, Salad and Sandwich Kitchen & Catering (cafezupas.com)
7) Culinary Dropout (Phoenix)
A trendy spot known for its casual, yet upscale vibe, offering comfort food favorites like fried chicken and a selection of craft cocktails.
8) The Henry (Phoenix)
A modern American restaurant with a stylish atmosphere, The Henry serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients.
The Greatest Neighborhood Restaurant | The Henry (thehenryrestaurant.com)
9) The Olive Mill (Queen Creek)
The Olive Mill is a unique dining experience located at an olive farm. It features a farm-to-table menu with a focus on Mediterranean-inspired dishes. Guests can enjoy fresh salads, artisan pizzas, and delicious olive oil tastings, all while soaking in the beautiful surroundings of the olive trees.
10) Postino East (Gilbert)
Postino East is a popular wine café known for its rustic charm and vibrant atmosphere. They offer a diverse selection of bruschetta, salads, and sandwiches, alongside an impressive wine list. It's a perfect spot for a casual meal or a gathering with friends, featuring both indoor and outdoor seating.
Attractions
ATTRACTIONS
The attractions below showcase the natural beauty, rich history, and outdoor activities available in Northern Arizona, offering something for every type of visitor.
Top 8:
1) Desert Botanical Garden (Phoenix)
Explore a vast collection of desert plants and stunning landscapes. The garden features walking trails, art installations, and seasonal events.
2) Phoenix Zoo (Phoenix)
One of the largest non-profit zoos in the U.S., the Phoenix Zoo houses over 3,000 animals. It's a family-friendly destination with interactive exhibits and educational programs.
3) Taliesin West (Scottsdale)
The winter home of architect Frank Lloyd Wright, Taliesin West is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visitors can take guided tours to learn about Wright's innovative designs and philosophy.
4) Old Town Scottsdale
This vibrant area features art galleries, shops, restaurants, and nightlife. It’s known for its Western charm and hosts various events throughout the year.
5) The Heard Museum (Phoenix)
Dedicated to American Indian art and culture, the Heard Museum showcases a diverse collection of artifacts and hosts cultural events that celebrate Native American heritage.
6) Cave Creek Regional Park (Cave Creek)
A beautiful park known for its rugged desert landscapes and hiking trails. It’s a great place for nature lovers and offers camping and picnicking facilities.
Cave Creek Regional Park (CC) | Maricopa County Parks & Recreation
7) Queen Creek Olive Mill (Queen Creek)
A family-owned olive farm that provides tours and tastings of their products. Visitors can learn about the olive oil production process and enjoy a meal at the on-site café.
8) Goodyear Ballpark (Avondale)
Home to the Cleveland Guardians and Cincinnati Reds during Spring Training, this ballpark offers a fun atmosphere for baseball fans and hosts various events throughout the year.
Goodyear Ballpark - MLB Spring Training - Goodyear, AZ (goodyearbp.com)
9) Pioneer Living History Museum (Phoenix)
This outdoor museum showcases Arizona's pioneer history through historic buildings, demonstrations, and reenactments, allowing visitors to experience life in the 19th century.
Pioneer Living History Museum | Explore the 1800's in Phoenix, AZ (pioneeraz.org)
10) Odyssey Aquarium (Scottsdale)
Odyssey Aquariums is an immersive underwater experience that showcases a diverse range of marine life from around the world. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits featuring vibrant coral reefs, intriguing sea creatures, and educational displays about ocean conservation. The aquarium also offers opportunities for hands-on experiences, such as touch tanks and behind-the-scenes tours.
OdySea Aquarium in Scottsdale – Arizona's Top-Rated & Largest Aquarium
HIKES / TRAILS
Top 10:
Here are the top 10 hikes and trails near Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Central Arizona, each offering unique landscapes and experiences:
1. Camelback Mountain (Echo Canyon Trail)
This challenging hike leads to the summit of Camelback Mountain, offering stunning panoramic views of the Phoenix metropolitan area. The trail is steep and rocky, making it a favorite for experienced hikers.
2. Piestewa Peak (Squaw Peak)
A popular trail in the Phoenix Mountains Park, Piestewa Peak offers a moderately challenging hike with rewarding views from the top. The trail is well-maintained and suitable for a variety of skill levels.
3. South Mountain Park (Hidden Valley Trail)
This relatively easy loop trail takes you through beautiful desert landscapes and offers stunning views of the valley. It’s a great option for families and those looking for a more relaxed hike.
4. McDowell Sonoran Preserve (Gateway Loop)
A moderately difficult trail that winds through the scenic McDowell Mountain range. The Gateway Loop offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and desert flora, making it a popular choice for hikers.
5. Usery Mountain Regional Park (Pass Mountain Trail)
This trail offers a moderate hike with spectacular views of the Superstition Mountains. The loop trail is approximately 5.5 miles and is great for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
6. Saguaro Lake (Saguaro Lake Trail)
This easy trail offers scenic views of Saguaro Lake and the surrounding desert landscape. It’s perfect for a leisurely hike and provides opportunities for birdwatching and photography.
7. Gold Canyon (Peralta Trail)
A moderately strenuous hike that leads to breathtaking views of Weaver's Needle, a prominent rock formation. The trail features diverse desert flora and is popular among local hikers.
8. Lost Dutchman State Park (Jacob's Crosscut Trail)
This trail offers a moderate hike through the Superstition Mountains, showcasing beautiful wildflowers and unique rock formations. The 2.5-mile loop is ideal for hikers looking for a scenic experience.
9. Tonto Natural Bridge State Park (Natural Bridge Trail)
A short hike that leads to one of the largest natural travertine bridges in the world. The trail offers stunning views of the bridge and the surrounding canyon, making it a unique natural attraction.
10. Desert Vista Trail (South Mountain)
This easy to moderate trail provides a loop through the desert landscape with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. It’s a great option for families and beginners looking to enjoy the outdoors.
GOLF COURSES
Central Arizona offers a mix of beautiful landscapes, challenging designs, and varying levels of difficulty, catering to golfers of all skill levels in the Central Arizona region. Here are the top 10 golf courses
Top 10:
1) TPC Scottsdale (Stadium Course)
Home to the Waste Management Phoenix Open, this course features a challenging layout with dramatic elevation changes and stunning desert scenery.
TPC Scottsdale: Courses, Golf Tee Times in Arizona - TPC.com
2) Grayhawk Golf Club (Raptor Course)
A picturesque course known for its challenging design and beautiful views of the McDowell Mountains. It offers a true test for golfers of all skill levels.
3) SunRidge Canyon Golf Club
SunRidge Canyon’s 7,002-yard, par-71, Keith Foster-designed golf course unfolds around the rugged ridges and shady canyons unique to the desert mountains that divide Fountain Hills from Scottsdale, Arizona.
4) Eagle Mountain Golf Club
Nestled in the ravines of Arizona’s McDowell Mountains and colorized by dramatic sunrises and sunsets, Eagle Mountain Golf Club beckons those who desire an outstanding golf experience.
5) Kierland Golf Club
A vibrant course set within a resort, featuring 27 holes that wind through the scenic desert landscape with stunning views of the surrounding area.
6) We-Ko-Pa
With two award-winning golf courses set in the untouched Sonoran Desert just outside Scottsdale, Arizona, We-Ko-Pa Golf Club is truly Arizona’s Ultimate Golf Experience.
7) Coyote Lakes Golf Club
A fun and challenging course designed for players of all abilities, featuring lush fairways and beautiful water features.
8) San Marcos Golf Resort
This historic course offers a unique blend of traditional charm and modern amenities, situated in the heart of Chandler.
Crowne Plaza Phoenix Chandler Golf Resort (sanmarcosresort.com)
9) The Raven Golf Club Phoenix
Known for its beautiful landscape and innovative design, this course provides a challenging yet enjoyable experience for golfers.
10) Willow Creek Golf Course
A well-maintained course that offers a friendly atmosphere and a variety of challenges, making it a great choice for both beginners and experienced players.
Willowcreek Golf Course - Sun City, Arizona - The Original Fun City! (suncityaz.org)
FOLLOW US
JOIN THE AZ Realty & Rentals NEWSLETTER.