Must-Do Tours & Activities in Phoenix

Must-Do Tours & Activities in Phoenix

Are you wondering about must-do tours & activities in Phoenix? Then, we have got you covered. The Valley of the Sun is known for its abundant sunny days, dry climate, and clear skies. So, you can expect many outdoor activities, desert safaris, off-road tours, and adventures. But that’s not all that is to this city. It also features plenty of indoor and nightlife options, ranging from museums, art galleries, and aquariums to lively bars and nightclubs. And let’s not forget thrilling watersports, hot-air balloon rides, and cruises. Or recommended tours and activities will cater to every traveler, including solo, couples, and families. So, let’s get going.

Sonoran Desert Solo Half-Day Hike at Customizable Pace

Sonoran Desert Solo Half-Day Hike
Embark on a half-day hike to the Sonoran Desert.
(Source: Viator)
  • Duration: 3 hours
  • Price: $299~
  • Free Cancellation

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Let’s start with an outdoor adventure. This Sonoran Desert Solo Half-Day Hike is perfect for those looking for desert escapades. The Sonoran Desert is a vast stretch of land with an area of 260,000 square kilometers. It is known for its rugged beauty, enchanting cactus formations, native petroglyphs, and captivating creatures. As part of this magnificent desert, it will be a significant loss if you don’t explore it during your trip to Phoenix. If you do not like lengthy hikes, this tour is perfect for you. It is only 3 hours long and can be squeezed into your itinerary.

You will meet your guide at Dreamy Draw Recreation Area and begin your journey. You will hike through the desert at your own pace, observing the area’s geology, rugged formations, flora, and fauna. Moreover, you will pass by Phoenix Sonoran Desert Preserve, where your guide will educate you about everything there is to know about the desert. This is an intermediate hike, so it will also suit kids and teenagers. It also includes bottled water, snacks, and backpacks to carry personal items.

3 Hour Guided TomCar ATV Experience in Sonoran Desert

3 Hour Guided TomCar ATV Experience in Sonoran Desert
Explore the Sonoran Desert on an ATV. (Source: Viator)
  • Duration: 3 hours and 15 minutes
  • Price: $218.62~
  • Non-refundable

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Not a fan of hiking? We’ve got you. This 3-hour guided TomCar ATV Experience lets you explore the Sonoran Desert in a breeze. You will hop aboard a Tomcar and follow your guide through the rugged landscapes. This open-air vehicle allows you to enjoy unobstructed views of the surroundings. It has four seats and can accommodate families or groups. Your guide will also make a few stops between the ride to explain what you see.

This ATV tour includes bottled water, helmets, goggles, and dust gaiters. Visitors can choose between a morning or afternoon tour time. Also, this tour emphasizes safety. You will ride a military-grade UTV, which is sturdy and safe. Riders under the age of 18 get a DOT-approved safety helmet. Furthermore, every driver must be over 16 and have a valid driver’s license. Also, dress appropriately according to the weather, and you are ready for this 3-hour journey.

Phoenix Hot Air Balloon Ride At Sunrise

Phoenix Hot Air Balloon Ride At Sunrise
Fly over the Sonoran Desert on a hot air balloon.
(Source: Viator)
  • Duration: 4 hours
  • Price: $209~
  • Free Cancellation

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The Valley of the Sun is not without spectacular sunrises and sunsets. Bask in the gentle morning glow in this Phoenix Hot Air Balloon Ride At Sunrise. You will get close and personal to the beautiful sunrise and catch 360-degree panoramic views. This balloon ride happens over the gorgeous Sonoran Desert, so expect long stretches of sand, gigantic cactuses, early-morning hikers, and rugged mountains.

Rainbow Ryders Hot Air Balloon Ride Co. offers this exciting hot air balloon tour. You will meet at the office and drive to the launch site. From there, you will hop aboard the balloon and set for the journey. This four-hour ride covers the price of the flight and local taxes. Passengers will get snacks and enjoy live commentary from the guide. Finally, they will celebrate with a traditional champagne toast after the flight.

Salt River Kayaking Trip

Salt River Kayaking Trip
Have a memorable kayaking experience on Salt River.
(Source: Viator)
  • Duration: 2 hours
  • Price: $57.27~
  • Free Cancellation

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The Tonto National Forest has many recreation areas, including the scenic Salt River. The 200-mile river has provided much of the city’s water supply for decades. In addition, it offers many thrilling water activities, such as tubing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Hence, the Salt River Kayaking Trip is among Phoenix’s must-do tours & activities. Imagine paddling a boat on a silent river surrounded by spectacular natural scenery. You will even catch sight of wild horses.

You will first arrive at Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch and prepare your belongings. The tour operator will give you a basic orientation on paddling, water safety, and the river’s geography. Afterward, you will sail with your group for the next two hours. This is an unguided kayaking experience with a choice of tour departure times. Although it is a scenic float, you might experience some tipping through swift water flows. After the tour, a shuttle will pick you up and return you to the initial meeting point.

Epic Camelback Mountain Guided Hiking Adventure in Phoenix, Arizona

Epic Camelback Mountain Guided Hiking Adventure
Book a guided hiking tour to Camelback Mountain.
(Source: Viator)
  • Duration: 3 hours
  • Price: $145~
  • Free Cancellation

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Phoenix has fantastic hiking trails; however, only a few could compare to the Camelback Mountain hike. It has two hiking trails: the Echo Canyon (2.3 miles long) and Cholla Trail (2.9 miles long). Unless you are a pro solo hiker, you might need the help of this Epic Camelback Mountain Guided Hiking Adventure. It pairs you up with a guide, a wilderness first responder, or an EMT. He will safely guide you to navigate this gigantic mountain with an elevation of 2,704.

The trail is a bit strenuous and involves a little rock climbing. You will see spectacular city views and the Sonoran desert throughout the hike. Eventually, you will reach the summit and catch 360-degree views of the area. This tour includes snacks, bottled water, backpacks, sunscreen, and a certified adventure guide. Following the hike, you will cool down with cold beverages.

Phoenix Haunted Pub Ghost Tour

Phoenix Haunted Pub Ghost Tour
Listen to spooky tales in this haunted pub ghost tour.
(Source: Viator)
  • Duration: 3 hours
  • Price: $75~
  • Free Cancellation

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Enough outdoor activities; how about we try something spooky? Say a Phoenix Haunted Pub Ghost Tour. This three-hour tour teaches you about the city’s haunted tales, hidden in Phoenix’s crime-ridden pubs and seedy hotels. Your guide will lead you through various establishments with colorful reputations and true-crime history. He will tell the mysterious stories behind these historic buildings.

The group will first visit George and Dragon English Pub, a site of one of the most horrific acts in US history. It also serves delicious food and proper pints. The next stop is the luxurious Clarendon Hotel and Spa, where journalist Don Bolles was murdered in a car bombing in the parking lot. This hotel has many other crime stories worth listening to. The final stop is Hotel San Carlos, which is said to be haunted by a woman named Leone Jensen.

Custom Private City Tour of Phoenix

Custom Private City Tour of Phoenix
Explore Phoenix’s highlights in this tour. (Source: Viator)
  • Duration: 3 to 5 hours
  • Price: $495~
  • Free Cancellation

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If you are a first-time visitor to Phoenix or have a short itinerary, you will enjoy this Custom Private City Tour. It lets you visit the top city attractions within 3 to 5 hours. Your guide will pick you up at your desired meeting point and take you on an unforgettable driving tour. In addition, you can create an itinerary with the guide and explore places that suit your interests. This tour is suitable for private groups of up to five people.

The itinerary begins at the Downtown Phoenix. You will drive through the district and the State Capitol Area, where visitors can quickly stop to visit the Arizona Capitol Museum. They will then drive through the Arizona Biltmore area and take some time to explore the Wrigley Mansion. Other stops include Arizona State University, Camelback Mountain, and Old Town Scottsdale.

Private Family Fun Art Parks and Culture Walk in Phoenix

Private Family Fun Art Parks and Culture Walk in Phoenix
Immerse yourself in Phoenix’s vibrant art and culture on this tour. (Source: Viator)
  • Duration: 2 hours
  • Price: $283.45~
  • Non-refundable

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Phoenix is a family-friendly tourist destination in Arizona. You can explore the city’s vibrant culture through this Private Family Fun Art Parks and Culture Walk. This is not just a walk; it is more of an adventure and an opportunity to see how art meets nature and community. In addition, it offers visitors a perfect opportunity to spend time together and bond with each other.

The family will first visit the iconic Phoenix Art Museum, which features over 21,000 objects, from ancient masterpieces to contemporary works. It also hosts several events, including film series, lectures, art-making, and musical performances throughout the year. Afterward, the team will head to Margaret T. Hance Park and relax in this lush green space. Before stopping for coffee and snacks at Carly’s Bistro, they will also visit the Japanese Friendship Garden.

Private Shopping Tour from Phoenix to Tanger Outlets Phoenix

Private Shopping Tour from Phoenix to Tanger Outlets Phoenix
Shop till you drop in Phoenix. (Source: Viator)
  • Duration: 5 hours
  • Price: $105.44~
  • Free Cancellation

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Are you in need of a little retail therapy? If so, book this Private Shopping Tour from Phoenix to Tanger Outlets Phoenix. Tanger Outlets features numerous luxury boutiques and stores selling high-brand items. You will find everything from clothes to accessories, cosmetics, and home essentials here. You will even discover the latest collections from local and international designers. And, to top it all, these items are available at unbeatable prices.

This private shopping tour offers a pick-up from your hotel. You will ride a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle to reach the outlets. Afterward, you will have four hours to do heartfelt shopping. Let your shopper soul take over and explore every store. After an incredible shopping experience, the driver will take you back to your hotel.

Half Day Phoenix Brew Tour

Half Day Phoenix Brew Tour
Learn about Phoenix’s world-renowned class beverage scene. (Source: Viator)
  • Duration: 3 hours and 30 minutes
  • Price: $120~
  • Free Cancellation

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Drink your way through Phoenix this season. This Half-Day Phoenix Brew Tour will take visitors to the city’s impressive and world-renowned craft beverage scene. This includes tastings, drinking with the locals, and getting a sneak peek behind the scenes. Moreover, this Viator tour can accommodate up to fourteen travelers and is especially suited for large groups. It also allows service animals.

Your first stop will be The Roosevelt Row Arts District, where you will learn about beer history and how it is made. You will also sample local beers from brewers. Afterward, you will pass by Tempe Town Lake and Tovrea Castle At Carraro Heights while traveling to Phoenix’s best breweries. Throughout this 3.5-hour tour, you will learn about the brewing process and the founding stories of multiple local brews.

Phoenix City Scavenger Hunt by Wacky Walks

Phoenix City Scavenger Hunt by Wacky Walks
Go for a scavenger hunt in Phoenix. (Source: Viator)
  • Duration: 2 hours
  • Price: $10~
  • Free Cancellation

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Scavenger hunts are one of the best ways to explore any travel destination. It’s fun, exciting, and adventurous and will save you from boredom. Phoenix City Scavenger Hunt by Wacky Walks is a budget-friendly family activity. You can join in this thrilling activity with your family or friends. You will download an app on your smartphone and work with your team to solve the riddles. After finding the items, you will snap a photo and send it to score points.

The team must also perform a challenge or task at each stop. They will explore the city highlights while learning and solving puzzles. Moreover, a remote, interactive host will be with the group throughout this adventure. He will also offer help and provide hints to help them solve the mystery. By the end of this tour, you will be pretty entertained and knowledgeable about Phoenix’s significant attractions.

Phoenix: World’s Only Global Musical Instrument Museum

World's Only Global Musical Instrument Museum
Explore the world’s only Global Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix. (Source: GetYourGuide)
  • Valid: 1 day
  • Price: $20~
  • Free Cancellation

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Finally, our list of must-do tours & activities in Phoenix includes visiting the world’s only Global Musical Instrument Museum. Have you ever wondered how many musical instruments there are? It’s more than your imagination; this museum houses over 16,000 instruments and memorabilia from over 200 countries and regions. It has the largest musical collection in the world in its 200,000-square-foot space. In addition, it even has multiple displays with subsections for the United States, China, India, Mexico, and Brazil.

Robert J. Ulrich, Target’s former CEO, founded this museum in 2010. It has several galleries, a music theater, a museum store, a family center, and a cafe. Visitors will see a collection of 90 historic stringed instruments, including banjos, guitars, mandolins, and ukuleles. They can also watch videos and listen to music performed on the instruments on display. Moreover, this handpicked ticket lets you avoid the line and tour the museum with an English guide.

Phoenix Tours promises endless outdoor adventures, desert escapades, cultural immersion, and the ultimate fun. Whether you are a laid-back traveler or an adrenaline junkie, there is something for everyone here. Although Phoenix is a year-round destination, the best time to visit is November through April. The weather will be bearable with clear skies. The city will also celebrate many festivals, including the Phoenix Pride Festival, Phoenix Film Festival, Arizona Beer Week, and McDowell Mountain Music Festival. The only downfall is expenses. You will encounter the highest rates at hotels and attractions. Nonetheless, the Arizona capital is worth visiting at least once.

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