<\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nAnother water oasis, Salt River is a peaceful place to explore and take in the surrounding nature. It\u2019s one of the best places to kayak; consider taking a kayak tour. Salt River is also home to wild horses and bald eagles, so keep an eye out to see some amazing animals while you paddle.<\/p>\n
12. Phoenix Art Museum<\/h2>\n \n If you\u2019re like me, you love art museums but get overwhelmed by their size. You won\u2019t have to worry about that at this small but mighty institution. The Phoenix Art Museum offers a delightful collection of both famous artists like Georgia O\u2019Keeffe (my personal favorite) and Pablo Picasso, while also featuring local talents. Check out the permanent collection or pop in to see what temporary exhibits are on display.<\/p>\n
13. Heard Museum<\/h2>\n \n Dedicated to the advancement of Native American art, the Heard Museum has an impressive collection of over 40,000 pieces, ranging from Navajo textiles to Hopi katsina<\/em> dolls and everything in between. Not only will you be able to admire Native American art, but you\u2019ll also get a glimpse into the indigenous history of the region. This is a can\u2019t-miss museum in Phoenix.<\/p>\n14. Musical Instrument Museum<\/h2>\n Check out a carefully selected collection of musical instruments from all around the world \u2014 spanning 6,000 years \u2014 at the Musical Instrument Museum. Even if you\u2019re just a little curious about the history of musical instruments, you\u2019re sure to be captivated by this local favorite. Travel the world through music in the Geographic Galleries, or try your hand at playing some instruments in the Experience Gallery. Plan your visit to the Musical Instrument Museum here.<\/p>\n
15. Roosevelt Row District<\/h2>\n <\/noscript><\/figure>\nIn downtown Phoenix lies the Roosevelt Row District, the heart of the city\u2019s art scene and one of the most pedestrian-friendly parts of town, in which you can enjoy spotting the colorful murals as you walk around the area. There\u2019s also a high concentration of art galleries, caf\u00e9s, and restaurants in the neighborhood, so you\u2019ll want to spend some time here for sure. <\/p>\n
If you happen to be in Phoenix on the first Friday of the month, consider joining the First Fridays Art Walk to check out local artists\u2019 work.<\/p>\n
16. FilmBar<\/h2>\n This quirky movie theater\/bar is perfect for a fun night out. I\u2019m not a huge fan of traditional movie theaters because I find them stuffy and a bit boring. FilmBar, however, has an identity of its own and you\u2019ll soon see why it\u2019s a far cry from your average movie theater. It offers guests something more exciting, serving up adult beverages as well as popcorn and even tamales, plus a great selection of classic, international, and offbeat movies.<\/p>\n
17. Tempe Beach Park<\/h2>\n\n
<\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nJust a 20-minute drive from downtown Phoenix is Tempe Beach Park, a 25-acre park in nearby Tempe. It\u2019s a lovely place to spend a day hiking, picnicking, or paddling on Tempe Town Lake. The park hosts a variety of events, from festivals to concerts, all against the scenic backdrop of downtown Tempe. <\/p>\n
18. Hot-Air Balloon Ride<\/h2>\n\n
<\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nPhoenix and the surrounding desert landscapes are incredible to take in from the air. As you rise up to 3,000 feet on this hot-air balloon adventure, you\u2019ll be able to see downtown Phoenix, Camelback Mountain, Lake Pleasant, and State Farm Stadium.<\/p>\n
19. Montezuma Castle National Monument<\/h2>\n\n
<\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nA popular day trip from Phoenix, Montezuma Castle National Monument offers a look into the past, specifically the ingenuity of Native Americans who built expansive dwellings into the sides of limestone cliffs. Similar to the mind-blowing indigenous architecture of Mesa Verde, Colorado, these structures by the Sinagua people were built to last, and so they did. Don\u2019t miss out on a trip to Montezuma Castle to learn more.<\/p>\n
20. Sedona (Day Trip)<\/h2>\n\n
<\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nIf Phoenix is your base but you want to visit more of Arizona\u2019s coolest cities, add Sedona to your itinerary, just a two-hour drive from downtown Phoenix. Known as the state\u2019s epicenter for all things spiritual healing, Sedona has an off-beat vibe that attracts visitors who appreciate the great outdoors and traveling consciously.<\/p>\n
For more ideas, check out our post about the best things to in Sedona. <\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
With so many places just a quick drive away from downtown, renting a car is the best transportation option when visiting Phoenix. Keep this vibrant city as your base while you venture to the outskirts or other cities.<\/p>\n
Have you been to Phoenix? What other places would you add to this list?<\/p>\n
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