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One of the most prominent cities in Arizona, there's no shortage of things to do in Phoenix. If you're looking to make some fun and unique memories in this beautiful city, here are 10 ideas for places to visit or activities to try out that are one of a kind!
1. Visit The Arizona Museum Of Natural History
Museums may bring to mind images of dry historical information, however, the Arizona Museum of Natural History is anything but boring! A great option for visitors of all ages, the museum features several interactive options. Check out Dinosaur mountain to see life-size animatronic dinosaurs as well as an indoor thunderstorm! Or, head to the lower levels to traverse a recreation of old mines as well as prison cells – no matter what you choose to check out, a visit to this museum is a fun and unique way to learn more about the history of the area!
2. Tour The Mystery Castle
Tour a real-life castle with a visit to the Mystery Castle. No need to head over to England to see this medieval-looking creation – the Mystery Castle is located a mere 20 minutes from downtown Phoenix. The Castle was built in the 1940s and offers tours to the public Thursday-Sunday.
3. Stop By Curious Nature
If you’re a fan of the quirky or macabre, consider visiting this fun curiosity shop! Curious Nature is home to all manner of unique collections, including acrylic taxidermy specimens and one-of-a-kind jewelry! A large portion of the collection is also available for purchase.
4. View The Oak Street Alley Murals
Head to the outskirts of Phoenix to visit the Oak Street Alley Murals! This location is great for art lovers and those looking to take some great Instagram photos alike. The alley has a variety of murals on its walls. It’s fairly small, so you’ll most likely want to park nearby and walk over instead of trying to park in or directly next to the alley.
5. Enjoy A Drink At Hanny's
Grab some food and a drink at this department store-turned bar! In addition to its interesting past, Hanny’s has also featured some rather eccentric art installations, including colorful statues and a collection of dolls in the basement.
6. Visit Butterfly Wonderland
Ever wanted to visit a rainforest? This might seem like a far-fetched thought in the Arizona deserts, but Maricopa County’s Butterfly Wonderland offers a great alternative – an indoor rainforest home to thousands of butterflies. This attraction is currently open to the public, with masks required for all guests over the age of 2 regardless of vaccination status.
7. View The City Lights
The city lights of Phoenix can make for a fun outing with friends or a great date idea! Consider driving out on Desert Foothills Scenic Drive for some great views. There are also several other lookouts, such as Dobbins Lookout, that are great for viewing the sunset or sunrise but do close around dusk.
8. Go On A Steamboat Cruise
Dinner cruises are another thing you might not immediately associate with Arizona. If you’re willing to head about an hour outside of town to the gorgeous Canyon Lake, however, you can look forward to enjoying a steamboat cruise with Dolly Steamboat. Several options are offered, including a sunset cruise and a moonlit cruise.
9. Go Horseback Riding
Another fun option for those willing to head a little outside of the city: horseback riding! A trail ride can be a great way to make some memories! Saguaro Lake Ranch Stable, for example, offers guided horseback tours of the Sonoran Desert.
10. Take A Ride In A Hot Air Balloon
See the city of Phoenix from a one-of-a-kind perspective with a hot air balloon ride! This is another one that’s perfect for all sorts of visitors – a hot air balloon ride can be a memorable experience for families or a great romantic date!
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Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.