Things to Do in Phoenix

The original state capitol building, restored to its 1912 appearance, with exhibits on Arizona's territorial days and statehood. The copper dome and the original governor's office are intact.

🕐 Mon–Fri 9am–4pm, Sat 10am–2pm; closed Sundays and state holidays

💡 Free guided tours at 10am and 2pm weekdays—ask about the secret tunnel to the adjacent building. Allow 1 hour. Close to the Capitol, the Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza has a free outdoor memorial with a real Apollo lunar module replica.

A rocky peak with two steep hiking trails (Echo Canyon and Cholla) offering views across the valley. The climb is demanding, not a stroll, with sections of scrambling over boulders.

🕐 Sunrise to sunset daily

💡 Go at sunrise to beat heat and crowds. Bring more water than you think you need—at least a litre per person, more in summer. No shade on the trail.

One of the largest municipal parks in the US, with over 50 miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking. The main road (Summit Road) gives car access to viewpoints with panoramic city views.

🕐 Daily 5am–10pm (gates close at 10pm)

💡 Drive to Dobbins Lookout for sunset—free and spectacular. For a short hike, try Mormon Trail from the main lot: 2 miles each way, moderate effort, fewer people than Camelback.

An outdoor museum of desert plants from around the world, with well-marked trails through cactus gardens and wildflower displays. The collection is genuinely world-class.

🕐 Daily 8am–8pm (hours vary by season, check website)

💡 First Tuesday of each month is free from 8am to 10am (limited tickets, arrive early). Otherwise, admission is £18. Go late afternoon when the light turns the cacti gold.

A museum focused on Native American art and history, with rotating exhibits of contemporary and traditional work. The kachina doll collection and outdoor sculpture garden are standouts.

🕐 Mon–Sat 9:30am–5pm, Sun 11am–5pm; closed major holidays

💡 Free admission on First Friday (6pm–10pm) and every Sunday for Arizona residents. Otherwise, £14. Allow 2–3 hours. The café serves good fry bread.