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Things to do in Phoenix: 2 local trip ideas

2 ready-made day trips in Phoenix, Arizona: adventure and scenic. Each one strings together a handful of stops in order.

AdventureScenic
Adventure trip

Summit Views & River Paddling

5 stops · about 8 hr 30 min of stops · ~$133 per person

Embark on an adrenaline-fueled day hiking up Phoenix's most popular peak and paddling the Lower Salt River, perfectly paired with fresh local dining.

  1. 1

    Snooze, an A.M. Eatery

    2045 E Camelback Rd A17, Phoenix, AZ 85016, USA
    Snooze, an A.M. Eatery, Phoenix

    Fuel up early with a pancake flight and robust coffee to prepare for your hike.

    ★ 4.5 on Google · about 1 hr · ~$20 per person · Directions
  2. 2

    Piestewa Peak Trailhead

    2701 Piestewa Peak Dr, Phoenix, AZ 85016, USA
    Piestewa Peak Trailhead, Phoenix

    A steep, rocky stair-climbing challenge rewarding you with 360-degree views of the valley.

    ★ 4.9 on Google · about 2 hr · Free · Directions
  3. 3

    Luci's Marketplace

    1590 E Bethany Home Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85014, USA
    Luci's Marketplace, Phoenix

    Rehydrate and enjoy a casual, protein-packed lunch on their shaded patio.

    ★ 4.4 on Google · about 1 hr · ~$18 per person · Directions
  4. 4

    Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch

    13020 N Bush Hwy, Mesa, AZ 85215, USA
    Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch, Phoenix

    Rent a kayak or paddleboard to navigate the scenic Lower Salt River and spot wild horses.

    ★ 4.8 on Google · about 3 hr · ~$60 per person · Directions
  5. 5

    Ocotillo Restaurant

    3243 N 3rd St Suite A, Phoenix, AZ 85012, USA
    Ocotillo Restaurant, Phoenix

    Unwind in the expansive, stylish desert beer garden with fresh, seasonal New American dishes.

    ★ 4.4 on Google · about 1 hr 30 min · ~$35 per person · Directions
Scenic trip

Waterfront Views and Desert

5 stops · about 7 hr 45 min of stops · ~$115 per person

Enjoy a beautifully scenic day through Phoenix, Papago Park, and South Mountain, featuring stunning desert views, peaceful waterfront dining, and spectacular panoramas of the Valley of the Sun.

  1. 1

    Matt's Big Breakfast

    400 E Rio Salado Pkwy, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA
    Matt's Big Breakfast, Phoenix

    Grab an outdoor patio table overlooking the green lawn and Tempe Town Lake for a peaceful morning breakfast.

    ★ 4.2 on Google · about 1 hr · ~$18 per person · Directions
  2. 2

    Desert Botanical Garden

    1201 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008, USA
    Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix

    Stroll down scenic paths surrounded by thousands of species of desert plants, offering highly photogenic viewpoints.

    ★ 4.8 on Google · about 2 hr · ~$30 per person · Directions
  3. 3

    Pier 54

    5394 S Lakeshore Dr, Tempe, AZ 85283, USA
    Pier 54, Phoenix

    Enjoy a relaxing, casual lunch on an outdoor deck directly over the water in Tempe's quiet Lakes neighborhood.

    ★ 3.9 on Google · about 1 hr 15 min · ~$22 per person · Directions
  4. 4

    Dobbins Lookout

    10919 South Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85042, USA
    Dobbins Lookout, Phoenix

    Drive up the curving Summit Road to the highest public point in the park for stunning 360-degree Valley views.

    ★ 4.8 on Google · about 1 hr 30 min · Free · Directions
  5. 5

    Rustler’s Rooste

    8383 S 48th St, Phoenix, AZ 85044, USA
    Rustler’s Rooste, Phoenix

    Dine at this iconic, mountaintop western steakhouse offering massive panoramas of the sparkling Phoenix city lights below.

    ★ 4.2 on Google · about 2 hr · ~$45 per person · Directions

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