Phoenix Things To Do

See Native American art and archaeology displays dedicated to the plight of, and featuring works by, indigenous Southwesterners, including two groups that reside on nearby reservations – the Navajos and the Hopis.

Explore Frank Lloyd Wright’s genius at his winter home, studio, and architectural school, founded in 1932. Guided tours demonstrate his architectural philosophies and examples of their structural manifestations.

Explore backcountry along rugged, dirt-paved roads accessible only to off-road jeeps or Hummers. Roadrunner Desert Adventures offers superb up-close desert encounters, including special stops at abandoned mines or ancient Native American ruins.

Over 125 art galleries and studios can be found between the Main Street arts and antiques district and the Marshall Way contemporary arts district. The funky and thoroughly modern Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art is also nearby.

If the Wild West has awakened your inner cowboy, head to MacDonald's Ranch where professional wranglers offer guided horseback rides and cowboy cookouts.

Hike the 1.2-mile Summit Trail to the top of Camelback Mountain, named after its humped, camel-like shape – at 2,704 feet it’s the city’s highest point.

Horticulture enthusiasts love this 50-acre floral wonderland, home to 139 rare international plant species including Queen of the Night and Agave. Spot desert animals and birds on its walking paths.

Phoenix has been a city of spas ever since new-agers starting flocking here in the 20th century in search of a little desert-inspired R&R. None, however, are as dedicated to their Arizona roots as the Biltmore, which goes the extra mile to incorporate local elements like revitalizing desert mud, healing rose quartz, and cactus flower into its treatments. The heavenly Sonoran Stone massage, which melts away stress with a combination of Swedish massage and warm basalt desert stones, is worth its weight in gold.

With a $50 million expansion completed in late 2006, the Phoenix Art Museum has officially put itself on the art world map. Today, it draws national touring exhibitions that complement its permanent collection featuring everything from American, European, and Latin art to fashion design and photography.

Put a modern spin on the Wild West gunslinger at the Scottsdale Gun Club. More country club than shooting gallery, it’s the largest indoor public shooting range in the country. Handguns, revolvers, and even automatic weapons are available for rent and use on the 32 lanes.