I’m heading to Phoenix, AZ next week to visit family and I was just curious if any locals would be able to recommend me anything cool to check out. I am already planning on trying to hit the end of spring training but don’t have any other plans. I enjoy good food, art, geeky things like comic and games, and am also a LGBT but im open to any ideas!
There are a ton of great restaurants like everyone has pointed out. Phoenix is huge and your experience is going to vary greatly in which areas you are in and you’re access to transportation. The mass transit is getting better but still not great. You can take Waymo (self-driving cars) to many places but it is better just to have your own car here. Check out Arizona Highways magazine for some outdoor stuff. There is a killer airplane museum in Tucson and a Titan missile solo you can go tour. Tons of car shows all over the place. I personally like catching the one at the Pavilions in Scottsdale. It is a great time of year to visit though and I’m sure you won’t be disappointed.
GO. TO. THE MIM! it’s the Musical Instrument Museum. It’s huge, it’s incredibly well organized and informative, and it’s fun for anybody (unless you kick puppies and have no soul).
Their collection is crazy impressive and spans the whole world and pretty much all time. I never knew how many cultures had bagpipes and accordions. Or how many weird types of horns were even possible.
This museum is worryingly close to be named “MEME”
if you are lucky, there’s a big, perpetual, gigantic thermonuclear explosion in the sky
The temperature
Definitely check out the japanese friendship garden!
Castles and Coasters. As well as tilt arcade.
Indoor rock climbing gym
and the Anytime Fitness near Indian School Road is a really great gym
The aquarium is amazing, wish we had budgeted more time for it. The facility it is at has a whole days worth of activity there. The Olive Mill is a pretty good pace to check out as well, specially if you like olive oil. I wanted to go, but didn’t have time to visit Heard Museum.
There’s a cool covered outdoor bar with food truck but they are operating out of shipping containers that make up the walls. Its hard to explain, it’s called The Churchill. Freak brothers pizza is there and it’s badass. Even have vegan option that are actually good. https://maps.app.goo.gl/VGPyLLAHVNBSR1Bt6
Frank Lloyd Wright museum and house
Whatever you do, hydrate.
Rainbows is happening downtown next weekend. The art museum is pretty good IMO, so is the musical instrument museum. If you’re able to eat at ChinoBandido get yourself some Chinese Mexican food, highly recommend the Jade red chicken, Machaca in a quesadilla, and some pork fried rice. Take a hike, Piestewa peak is mid difficult, camelback echo canyon is pretty tough. Mill Ave for college night life. Medieval times for a fun dinner theater. Tempe beach park is a nice stroll or biking area.
Have fun in the self driving cabs, get the Waymo app while you’re here. They only work in central Phoenix.
That city is a monument to man’s arrogance.
Dang it Bobby
Gorgeous time to be there though if you come from somewhere that’s cold in March
I visited for a few days once. If you like the outdoors, the parks in the surrounding area are nice. Camelback in the city is packed and not particularly fun.
Overall, I found that Phoenix was not at all a place I’d like to spend time. You might try Sedona just a little north of Phoenix. I haven’t been there, but I hear it’s not Phoenix, and in general seems more aligned with the things you mentioned you like.
I rather like the musical instrument museum. I’m trying remember my favorite food. It’s been a while. Los dos molinos? Don’t know if it’s the best, but I liked it.
