Things To Do In Arizona Next Weekend

Relax And Unwind At The Japanese Friendship Garden Of Phoenix

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First off our list of fun things to do in Phoenix this weekend is heading to the Japanese Friendship Garden or RoHoEn. Get a taste of Japan with this exquisitely well maintained 3.5-acre garden.

Experience the very calming ambiance of the garden, as it features a 12-foot waterfall that feeds streams and a pond with more than 300 koi. The sound of the waterfall alone makes it a perfect spot for meditation or yoga. You will also see cherry trees, a tea garden and a tea house.

The garden is located at 1125 N. 3rd Avenue, Phoenix, AZ. Spend just $5 for admission, it is open Tuesdays through Sundays and you may reach them at 274-8700. However, the best day to go there is either Saturday or Sunday, to surely have a relaxing weekend.

My Move To Phoenix Yes Im A Local

When I moved to Phoenix, I was simply looking for a change. I wasnt sure what I wanted and didnt really have any requirements, except that I knew I wanted to live in a city where I could find jobs, and somewhere that was very different from where I was living near Boston.

I love Boston, and Im always homesick for a return visit. But, as much as I love it there and it feels like home. I got tired of the snowy and cold winters. Also, my immediate family moved away as did several of my closest friends so I felt it was time for a change.

Im glad I did decide to move as living in Phoenix has given me a great launching point to see the western part of my country. Im not sure I would have seen as much had I not moved. As much as I enjoy living here overall, I admit I have itchy feet yet again for a change.

However, my next move will be with much more thought and will likely be international. And, Im not expecting to live where I move for as long as I lived here but like Phoenix, it has been a good launching point for local travel.

My plan was to live in Phoenix for three to five years. I have now been here for more than 15. You can conclude Im not great at math , but also, that the metro Phoenix area is a great place offering a lot. Both are true. I love living here and would highly recommend anyone come to visit to see what this area has to offer.

Things To Do In Arizona: Phoenix Art Museum

The Phoenix Art Museum, opened in 1959, is the largest visual arts museum in the entire southwestern United States. Its 18,000 works of art from North America, Asia, Europe, and Latin America span a number of media, including photography, fashion design, paintings, and art installations. The pieces are housed in a complex covering 285,000 square feet.

The Phoenix Art Museum goes beyond the mere display of works of art it also hosts musical performances, film screenings, and educational programs. Outdoors, it has a curated sculpture garden and it has even incorporated a special children’s program called PhxArtKids into its repertoire.

1625 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85004, Phone: 602-257-1880

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Things To Do In Arizona: Musical Instrument Museum

The Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix houses the largest collection of instruments in the world and is a must-see for music lovers. This colossal set of exhibits contains over 15,000 pieces comprising both musical instruments and related items.

The museum is highly interactive one of its floors is dedicated to letting visitors touch and play instruments from different cultures, while another allows them to watch the instrument preservation and restoration processes as they happen. On its upper level, the museum is divided by geographical area, showcasing the musical traditions of ancient and modern cultures from across the globe. Things to Do in Phoenix

4725 E. Mayo Boulevard, Phoenix, AZ 85050, Phone: 480-478-6000

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Dobbins Lookout South Mountain

This scenic observation point offers the best views of the Phoenix area. It is the highest point you can drive to, with an elevation of over 2,000 feet. It is located in South Mountain Park and Preserve, which is one of the largest municipal parks in the country.

On any given day you will see people hiking and biking on more than 51 miles of trails in this scenic desert park.

If you want to see some other amazing hikes in and around Phoenix, scroll on down to #6 or click here. There are a ton of mountains in and around the valley offering a wide range of hikes and views. You can even conquer a camel .

The Dobbins Lookout is located at 10919 S Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85042. There is no cost to see it and you have the option to drive to the top of the mountain or hike up. If you do drive, there is a short, uneven walk to get to the Lookout. The park is open from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. Please check the South Mountain Park website for any information about road closures before you go.

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Arizona Boardwalks Entertainment Hub

Arizona Boardwalk is a one-of-a-kind entertainment destination that features seven amazing attractions. The attractions are the OdySea Aquarium, Butterfly Wonderland, Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition, Laser + Mirror Maze, Pangaea Land of the Dinosaurs, VR Xtreme, and Surprise Your Eyes, all of these are open during weekend, so youll never ran out of fun things to in Phoenix this weekend. Lastly, theres no admission required to enter Arizona Boardwalk, plus parking is free as an additional perk.

Make sure to add the Arizona Boardwalk in your list of fun things to do in Phoenix this weekend! It is located at 9500 E. Via de Ventura, Ste. E-100, Scottsdale, Arizona 85256. For more information you may call 480-951-2100 or visit the website at ArizonaBoardwalk.com.

Best Things To Do In Arizona:

  • Grand Canyon: sumikophoto / shutterstock
  • Glen Canyon National Recreation Area: Manamana / shutterstock
  • Monument Valley: Victor Maschek / shutterstock
  • Jerome Arizona Ghost Town: weltreisendertj / shutterstock
  • Sedona: Nikolas_jkd / shutterstock
  • Canyon De Chelly National Monument: kojihirano / shutterstock
  • Bisbee: Chris Curtis / shutterstock
  • Lake Mead National Recreational Area, Arizona: Laurens Hoddenbagh / shutterstock
  • Antelope Canyon: tharathep lomchid / shutterstock
  • Tumacacori National Historical Park: Bill Florence / shutterstock
  • Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument: Anton Foltin / shutterstock
  • Saguaro National Park: Galyna Andrushko / shutterstock
  • Petrified Forest National Park: Ekaterina Pokrovsky / shutterstock
  • London Bridge, Lake Havasu City: Angel McNall Photography / shutterstock
  • Tubac: Nelson Sirlin / shutterstock
  • Mount Lemmon: Johnny Coate / shutterstock
  • The Heard Museum, Phoenix: Manuela Durson / shutterstock
  • Taliesin West, Scottsdale: EQRoy / shutterstock
  • Desert Botanical Garden, Papago Park: Bill Perry / shutterstock
  • Rosson House, Heritage Square: Manuela Durson / shutterstock

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Go Vintage At The Heritage Square

One of the fun things to do in Phoenix this AZ weekend is to experience vintage Heritage Square. Part of the original townsite of Phoenix, the Heritage Square spotlights a collection of preserved 19th- and 20th-century homes and commercial buildings now used as restaurants, as well as adjacent museums. Another perfect hangout, whether be it with your family or friends.

The oldest remaining residential block in the City of Phoenix. With ten fully-restored buildings, the Square offers visitors a unique look into the vibrant history of Phoenix at the turn of the 19th century. Let the memories of yesteryear envelop you as you tour a museum, stroll under the Lath Pavilion, or enjoy a meal in one of the eateries.

Today, the Square features the Rosson House Museum, galleries, three award-winning restaurants, a unique museum store, a coffee bar and a spectacular event facility. While you are here, be sure to tour the Squares crowning jewel the restored 1895 Rosson House Museum.

If you want to experience life in the past, make sure to visit the Heritage Park as one of the fun things to do in Phoenix this weekend. For More information, you may call 602-261-8063 or email .

Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area

Some of the best Arizona attractions harken back to the states history, pulling forward its past for us to enjoy and experience in the present.

And in Yuma, this history is still alive and breathing.

Founded in the 1500s by Spanish explorers, Yuma is not only just as old as Arizona itself but played a crucial role in founding the state.

The modern city of Yuma is still spectacular, but budding visitors will want to head down to Yuma Crossing a patchwork of wetlands and parks that connects the modern to the old, historic downtown.

That isnt to say the park itself has no places of interest in and of itself.

When youre done with revisiting history, why not drop by for some scenic riverside trails?

It will surely be worth your time!

Address: 180 W 1st St, Yuma, AZ 85364, United States

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Pioneer Living History Museum

Pioneer Living History Museum

Considering just how much history Arizona has bleeding out of its landscape, it should come as no surprise that one of the best things to do in Phoenix is to visit its many museums.

Young fans of the Old West in particular will find the kid-friendly Pioneer Living History Museum to be an especially fun experience and it isnt hard to see why!

Located in North Phoenix, the outdoor museum is a slightly kitschy replica of an Old West pioneering town, scaled down for children.

Children will get a chance to live out an exciting version of what it must have been like to live in a pioneering frontier town that sprawls out across a massive 90 acres!

Address: 3901 W Pioneer Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85086, United States

The Mini Time Machine Museum Of Miniatures

As the name suggests, the Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures is home to displays of 300 miniature models of historical and contemporary homes. The models vary in size, but each is meticulously constructed with intricate detail.

The museum is divided into three sections: one is dedicated to a magical woodland with fairytale creatures, another to historical U.S. homes from the 18th century to the present, and a third to different cultures and miniatures from all across the world. Children and adults alike can roam for hours through this extensive collection of tiny homes and their equally tiny interiors.

4455 East Camp Lowell Dr., Tucson, AZ 85712, Phone: 520-881-0606

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Places To Eat In Phoenix

There are an absolute ton of great restaurants in Phoenix and it would be hard to list them all. Phoenix is definitely a foodies destination. In fact, Id challenge you to find something not available in the area! From 5-star dining to cozy and tasty dives, youll find it in Phoenix.

Here are some of my favorites by area. And if you want even more, check out my dining guide for Phoenix. There are over 100 restaurants and Im sure youll find something youll love!

Places To Visit In Phoenix

All the amazing things to do are very much aligned with the places to visit in Phoenix. There are beautiful attractions, restaurants, cafes and a lot more. Heres a glimpse of Phoenix for you:

  • Visit The Musical Instrument Museum Which Is The Largest Musical Museum In The World.

  • Check The Desert Botanical Garden Housing Desert Species From Around The World.

  • Take Tour Of Chase Field And Check The Locker Room Of Teams, Dugout, And The Hall Of Fame.

  • Hall Of Flame Fire Museum Is Dedicated To The Equipments Used In Firefighting And The Firefighters.

  • Get In The Lush Green Gardens And Learn About The Japanese Culture At Japanese Friendship Garden.

  • Have An Excellent View By Taking A Little Hike To Get To The Top Of Hole In The Rock.

  • Take A Tour Of Wrigley Mansion, Which Was Gifted By William Wrigley, Jr To His Wife.

  • Watch A Beautiful Sunrise From The Sky In A Hot Air Balloon.

  • All The Race Enthusiasts And Geeks Should Visit The Penske Racing Museum.

  • If Youve Children, You Should Take The Time To Visit The Childrens Museum Of Phoenix.

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    Petrified Forest National Park

    Felix Lipov / Shutterstock

    Scenic places usually dont function as a main draw for a lot of people, but theres a reason Arizona attractions are all about the view.

    Just where else would you find a completely fossilized forest?

    Its a truly one-of-a-kind spot!

    The Petrified Forest National Park spans across northeastern Arizona, covering both Navajo and Apache counties in an area of approximately 146 square miles.

    Made into a national monument in 1906, the park has some incredible terrain you would be hard-pressed to find anywhere else in the world.

    Just think about it where else are you going to find an entire fossilized forest in such incredible condition?

    It would be an adventure just to walk among the petrified trees alone.

    If the incredible views alone arent enough to wow you, however, the history buffs among you might prefer looking at the remnants of prehistoric peoples homes instead.

    Address: Petrified Forest, Holbrook, AZ 86028, United States

    Where To Eat And Drink

    Mackys Grill

    Mackys Grill is a casual western restaurant located just off the Beeline Highway. With their numerous options and hearty portions, their food really hits the spot after a fun day of adventuring. They also have a nice outdoor patio that is dog friendly if you brought your pooch with you.

    Mikes Fish and Chips

    You wouldnt expect a good fish and chips restaurant in a town in Arizona, but Mikes Fish and Chips is just that. They offer a wide variety of dishes along with their fish and chips, including burgers and sandwiches if you have someone in your family that is not a fan of fish. But honestly, you can never go wrong with fried fish and french fries.

    Common Grounds Coffee

    Looking for a quick pick me up before you head out of town? Common Grounds is a great place to get a drink. Payson has the normal chain coffee shops but its definitely not the same. Their monthly coffee specials are definitely worth a try and sets themselves apart from the usual suspects . They also have a big dog-friendly patio and a walkup window. Just be aware that they dont always have pastries in stock.

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    Yayoi Kusama Firefly Infinity Mirror Room

    ephst / Shutterstock

    If you are an art junkie, then one of the top things to do in Arizona is to see Yayoi Kusamas work in person for yourself.

    The darling of the New York avant-garde art scene in the 1960s, Kusama faded largely into obscurity when she voluntarily moved back home to Japan and stayed in a hospital for the mentally ill in 1973.

    Now, at the age of 89, Kusama is once again steadily regaining her well-deserved reputation as an incredible artist.

    And now you too can personally experience the fun and joy of her mindbending artwork yourself!

    Just head on over to the Phoenix Art Museum in Arizona to see the permanent exhibit installed there.

    The title You Who Are Getting Obliterated in the Dancing Swarm of Butterflies may seem like an odd name to the casual onlooker, but the appropriateness of the name quickly becomes apparent once you are standing there to experience the exhibit in person yourself.

    All in all, it is certainly a piece of art you should personally check out at least once in your life while youre in Arizona!

    Address: 1625 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004, United States

    The Musical Instrument Museum

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    Paul R. Jones / Shutterstock

    One of the most fun things to do in Phoenix is to visit the MIM, known also as the Musical Instrument Museum.

    Its not just a spot individual to Phoenix, Arizona its a one-and-only attraction!

    This is the only musical instrument museum on the planet, and it displayed over 15,000 instruments, exhibits, and artifacts.

    Visitors to this special museum in Phoenix will get to enjoy lots of activities.

    They can observe each instrument, which is showcased in modern, high-tech display cases complete with video and audio features.

    This means you can genuinely hear how the instruments originally sounded!

    Some of the collected instruments include great famous ones, such as instruments of John Lennon, Elvis Presley, Taylor Swift, Carlos Santana, Johnny Cash, and more.

    For a more historical twist, you can also view music instruments of folk, ethnic, or tribal variety and listen to their music in their original, authentic contexts!

    The most notable instruments to remember to check out are the Steinwig piano, which is the first Steinway instrument ever assembled, the incredible 11-foot octobass that plays tones so low humans cant detect it, and virtually everything in the Experience Gallery, where you get to play instruments yourself!

    Address: 4725 E Mayo Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85050, United States

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    Where To Stay In Phoenix

    In a city as large as Phoenix, there are a lot of hotel options to choose from. The trick is to stay in a convenient area to the things you want to do when youre there.

    The Phoenix metro is a large geographic area. It takes over an hour, without traffic, to drive it from end to end. So, your best bet is to plan out what you want to do, then look to book your hotel.

    If you find youre doing things all around the valley, no worries! There are three great areas to stay in: downtown Phoenix, Old Town Scottsdale, and Tempe. Each is close to many popular things to do, and they are mostly near main highways.

    Here are the top recommendations for hotels to stay at in the Phoenix area, as well as a resort that I love.

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