By Melissa Elise Randall, Editor
Phoenix, Arizona. It's a wonderful, slightly eclectic city with a fantastic array of sights, foods, and everything in between. There are tons of fun activities and places to explore while visiting Phoenix.
The open-air markets are a great spot to shop and sit down for unique fare you won’t find anywhere else. If shopping is your game, plan to stop by some of the thrift shops, art galleries, and other shopping districts to explore all of the fine resale opportunities they offer.
Regardless of what you're looking to do, Phoenix has something special in store for you.
Here are the best things to do while visiting Phoenix.
Go To Open-Air Markets
Phoenix is home to a variety of outdoor markets. These markets are beautiful and colorful, offering an array of goods including fantastic foods, jewelry, art, and more.
The Phoenix Public Market is one of the most popular open air markets in Phoenix. From May to September, the market is open from 8am to Noon on Saturdays. From October to April, the Phoenix Public Market is also open on Saturdays but from 8am to 1pm. There are many vendors including Abby Lee Farms and A-Z Gardens selling a variety of fruits and vegetables.
You’ll also find great small shops like Alley Cat Art Studio, B. Luxe Hardgoods, Clay Madness, and Hmong Embroidery. There are also some fantastic little farmers markets around including Uptown Farmers Market, Old Town Farmers Market, and Market on the Move.
The Phoestivus is an amazing holiday open air market which hours change every season, so be sure to check their website before planning to attend.
The Phoenix Public Market, 14 E Pierce St, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Check Out The Thrifting Scene
There are so many awesome thrift stores around Phoenix. One of the most popular locations is The Bee’s Knees. This shop resales quality clothing for both men and women. There are also plenty of little gifts, jewelry and handbags created by local artists.
Maggie’s Thrift is another popular location with tons of unique pieces for thrifters of all types to enjoy. Luv to Save Thrift Shop, Halo Thrift Store, and Nick’s Picks Thrift Store are all fantastic places to stop by and browse around. Overall, Phoenix’s thrift stores are eclectic and fun with a variety of pieces to find.
Hike A Trail (Bring Water!)
There are so many trails to hike in Phoenix, you can find a beautiful, scenic nature hike for all levels of difficulty. The Double Butte Loop in Papago Park is a fantastic hike just over 2 miles that isn’t difficult at all. This hike is perfect for viewing the famous red sandstone formations Phoenix is known for.
If you would rather have a paved trail, go to Judith Tunnell Accessible Trails in South Mountain Park and Preserve. This is a half mile loop with educational signage for everyone to read and learn. If a view of the city is what you’re after, check out Lookout Mountain Summit Trail at the Phoenix Mountains Preserve. This is a 1.2-mile trail with an incredible view of Phoenix and more of Arizona’s mountains in the distance.
For a longer, more strenuous hike, visit the Phoenix Mountains Preserve and hike the Piestewa Summit Trail. Overlooking another point of Phoenix and plenty of mountains, this 2.4-mile trail is truly breathtaking (formerly known as Squaw Peak.)
Grab A Bite At The Hangar Café
The Hangar Café is one of Phoenix’s most unique dining experiences with a rooftop view of Phoenix to look over while you dine. Dine on a weekend morning and you will watch planes taking off and landing. They serve a variety of breakfast and brunch delights inspired by Southwest flavors. They also have burgers, sandwiches, and salads for lunch and dinner.
Take A Class At Art Intersection
Art Intersection (in nearby Gilbert) is a great spot that focuses on intersecting photography and other art forms. This is an all-in-one stop for artists with classes, a photographic lab, and tons of other activities.
If you're not so much into making and more into seeing, Modified Arts is a famous gallery located in the Roosevelt Row arts district. It is both a visual and performance arts gallery with an ever-changing collection to walk through.
Eat Tacos And Local Fare
Taco Guild is an incredible, hole-in-the-wall taco shop located in an old chapel from the late 1800s. Their tacos are famous to Phoenix locals.
If you need more variety, The Yard is home to a collection of independent food shops that all carry amazing different types of food for everyone in your party to taste and enjoy. You can also bond over outdoor games and drinks.
Find The Best Street Art
Phoenix, Arizona has so many famous, incredible murals to see, so here are a few favorites. The Untitled Collaboration between El Mac and Augustine Kofie located at Circle 6 Studios’ west wall. This spot is on Fifth Street and Roosevelt depicting a modern twist on a portrait of a woman’s profile.
Morning Blessing can be found in the alley behind Barrio Café. It’s a darker painting with soft touches and a must-see in Phoenix. Traveling around Phoenix, you will never have a hard time finding mesmerizing street art.
Catch A Flick at FilmBar
Another great indoor alternative in Phoenix is FilmBar, an independent movie theater showing - you guessed it - indie films. You can expect to see films like The Room, Roma, and At Eternity's Gate here. Tickets are $10.
So if you're looking to escape the heat, grab a beer and check out all of the best movies you've never seen.
Editor's Picks + Notes
By Melissa Elise Randall, Editor
Damn, it hot.
My shoulders are warm to the touch. I can feel the heat slowly baking my skin. On the surface, I kind of feel like a freshly baked cookie.
This is every day life in Phoenix, Arizona.
I pushed my boundaries here. All concern for calories and diets aside, I indulged in rich, battered fried fish tacos. Disregarding my insecurities about my athletic abilities, I hiked Piestewa Peak. I was there alone, but still ventured out into the city to explore galleries and coffee shops.
However, my favorite part of the trip wasn't the eccentric jewelry I found in the stores, or the graffiti I found. It was the outdoor shower at my Airbnb. A large, square area the size of my living room, the expansive shower was perfect for the scorching heat.
Why? It only had cold water. Like my first cold shower there, the city of Phoenix was a bit jarring. Alien. Most of the time, I felt like I was on another planet.
But it was a planet I really, really liked.
Here were my favorite things to do in Phoenix.
Hang Out At The Hive
I was surprised at the art I found in Phoenix. Unique, eclectic. So while The Hive Art Gallery is a bit off the beaten path, it's extremely worthwhile. In addition to featuring the work of local artists, it also has a coffee shop, a thrift store, and runs an Airbnb (where I stayed.)
If you decide to visit, go to the coffee shop and see if Bobby is around. Ask him about Mexico and the little, tiny paintings he does.
Crash In A Shasta Trailer
When I initially planned my trip to Phoenix, I had one objective: make it cheap. After booking a $30 fare from Los Angeles, I scanned Airbnb for a cheap place to crash. What I found was so much better, and worth spending even more on.
Located in the back of The Hive is The Shasta trailer I crashed in while visiting Phoenix. Despite being in the back of a gallery, it was pretty secluded. I never heard any disturbance from the gallery. While you won't be able to walk to many places, there's enough to keep you occupied for a few hours and most of the city is just a quick Uber ride away.
Get A Drink At The Welcome Diner
I visited The Welcome Diner on my first night in Phoenix. Starving, I ventured out to the small trailer/restaurant to dig into some fried green tomatoes. There were a lot of locals there, all of which were dressed like extras from Clueless.
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This day ain’t going to start itself!! @rooseveltpoint @rooseveltrowcdc #dontlookdown
Drink Something Cold At Jobot Coffee
Everything at Jobot Coffee was wonderful. I went there to kill some time before heading to the airport, and sat on my laptop sipping a cold iced coffee.
When I was in Phoenix, this place was located over in the Arts District; they've moved to downtown since.
333 E Roosevelt St, Phoenix, AZ 85004
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Oaxaca flocka flame!!!🔥🔥🔥🔥 #sconeisBACK and turning up the TEMPErature in zona
Nom On Fish Tacos At La Santisima
La Santisima was a lovely local place recommended by my host at The Hive. The inside is minimal and no frills - on the surface, it looks just like any other restaurant. But there's tacos for days. Incredible, incredible tacos. I got fried fish tacos, which I scarfed down in mere seconds.
Explore The Arts District
There's a lot to do outside in Phoenix, but if you're looking for something cooler (no pun intended), there's an array of wonderful galleries and little shops in The Roosevelt Row Artists’ District. Located on Roosevelt Street, the arts district is easily walkable and perfect for a long, lazy afternoon.
If you need a break from the heat, there are a ton of little shops to pop into.
Begins at 7th Avenue, goes east to 16th Street.
Hike Up Piestewa Peak
Not for those who aren't good with heat, Piestewa Peak is a moderately challenging hike not too far from Phoenix. At 2,610 feet, the peak is the second highest peak in the Phoenix Mountains. Start early, before 7 or 8 AM preferably, and bring plenty of water and sunblock.
Important Note: This is a hazardous, potentially dangerous hike. Hydrate, keep yourself protected from the sun, and do NOT get distracted on your phone.
Travel Essays
24 Hours In Phoenix
A $30 flight, a thirst for adventure, and 24 hours to burn. Here's Melissa's story about her trip to Phoenix, Arizona.
By Melissa Elise Randall, Editor
Podcast
24 Hours In Phoenix Audio
Erin Hunter of The Walking Dead reads "24 Hours In Phoenix" for The Driftyland Podcast.
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