Phoenix Tours &
Things to Do
Discover the best Phoenix tours and things to do in the heart of Arizona’s Sonoran Desert: day-trip to the mighty Grand Canyon and the red rocks of Sedona, tear across the desert on an ATV, soar over the cacti in a sunrise hot-air balloon, journey to Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend, explore Old Town Scottsdale, and hike Camelback Mountain. Compare top-rated experiences and plan the perfect trip.
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Explore Phoenix by interest
Whatever brings you to Phoenix — world-class museums, the river, or a long lunch — start with the experiences travellers love most.
Top attractions in Phoenix
The landmarks that define the city — and the tickets and tours that get you in, often skipping the line.
Grand Canyon
World wonder.
Sedona
Red rocks.
Sonoran Desert
ATV country.
Balloon Rides
Desert dawn.
Antelope Canyon
Slot canyon.
Old Town Scottsdale
Galleries & dining.
Sonoran Hikes
Cactus trails.
Camelback Mountain
City summit.
3.5 hr awayGrand Canyon
World wonder.
2 hr awaySedona
Red rocks.
4.5 hr awayAntelope Canyon
Slot canyon.
Nearby awaySonoran Desert
ATV trails.
30 min awayScottsdale
Old Town.
Day awayApache Trail
Scenic drive.
Know before you go
Short, straight answers to the questions every Phoenix visitor asks before booking.
Winter (Nov–Feb)
Warm, sunny and pleasant — the peak season for visiting.
Spring (Mar–Apr)
Warm days and desert blooms — ideal.
Summer (May–Sep)
Very hot — tour early morning or evening.
Autumn (Oct)
Cooling and comfortable after the summer heat.
For day trips
Spring and autumn are great for the Grand Canyon and Sedona.
Best overall
November to April is ideal.
One day
The desert and Scottsdale.
Two days
Add the Grand Canyon and Sedona.
Three days
Add Antelope Canyon or the Apache Trail.
For scenery
The Grand Canyon and Sedona.
For adventure
Desert ATV and ballooning.
With kids
Family ATV and the aquarium.
Car & taxi
A car or rideshare is the easiest way around the spread-out city.
Tours & vans
Guided tours are best for the Grand Canyon and Sedona.
Light rail
The light rail links central Phoenix and Tempe.
On foot
Old Town Scottsdale and Roosevelt Row are walkable.
Where to stay
Stay in Scottsdale, downtown or near Camelback.
US dollar
The USA uses the dollar; cards are widely accepted.
Book day trips
Grand Canyon and Antelope Canyon tours sell out — reserve ahead.
Beat the heat
In summer, tour at sunrise or sunset and carry plenty of water.
Antelope permits
Antelope Canyon needs a guided permit; tours arrange it.
Sun protection
Bring sunscreen, a hat and sturdy shoes for the desert.
Sunrise balloons
Book balloon flights for sunrise, when conditions are best.
Cool season
Visit November to April for the most comfortable weather.
Grand Canyon
Day trips sell out — book ahead.
Antelope Canyon
Permitted tours fill up fast — reserve early.
Balloon rides
Sunrise flights book out — reserve ahead.
ATV tours
Popular desert tours have limited spots — book early.
Sedona trips
Sedona day trips fill up — reserve ahead.
Winter season
The cool season is busiest — book everything ahead.
Grand Canyon
Around $120–200 for a Grand Canyon and Sedona day trip.
Sedona
About $90–150 for a Sedona day trip.
Antelope Canyon
Roughly $200–300 for an Antelope Canyon day tour.
Desert ATV
Around $65–150 for a desert ATV or UTV tour.
Balloon ride
About $150–250 for a hot-air balloon flight.
How to save
Join group day trips and combine the Grand Canyon with Sedona.
Phoenix through the seasons
What's best, how busy it gets, and one booking tip for each time of year.
- Best for
- Warm & sunny.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Peak.
- Best for
- Desert blooms.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Ideal.
- Best for
- Fewer crowds.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Very hot.
- Best for
- Cooling down.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Pleasant.