Also, Phoenix isn’t far behind in the dining and nightlife category compared to other cities. Phoenix features a “world-class” dining scene, study finds. The city’s diverse food scene combines various international cuisines, particularly notable for the influence of Mexican gastronomy.

The city ranked lowest for environmental sustainability and trendy.

More: Why this Arizona city was named the least sustainable in the US by a new study

10 Fun Things to Do in Metro Phoenix

Whether you’re looking for great shopping, exciting places to eat, fun hikes, or family activities, Phoenix has you covered.

Here’s a roundup of 10 fun experiences and exciting activities to enjoy in the fifth largest city in the US

• Shopping options for every budget and interest: Start at Scottsdale Fashion Square. Even if you can’t afford to shop—luxury retailers include Balenciaga, Christian Louboutin and Gucci—it’s a great place to shop and people-watch. Try Tanger Outlets in Glendale or Phoenix Premium Outlets near Chandler for deals on clothes, accessories and more. Want to enjoy a beer or cocktail while you shop? Check out the Desert Ridge Sip & Stroll. And if your style is retro or unique, there is vintage and second hand clothing stores in metro Phoenix, including Antique Sugar and Wang’s Closet.
• Explore downtown Tempe from Tempe Town Lake to Mill Avenue: The first Super Bowl Arizona hosted was played in Tempe; State Farm Stadium didn’t exist. Much has changed in Tempe since then, but downtown – known for its thoroughfare, Mill Ave — though it’s different, it’s still full of bars and shops (but RIP Long Wong’s), a mix of Arizona State University students and everyone else. Or walk to Tempe Town Lakea man-made body of water (that’s the desert) that’s surprisingly cool – and a great spot for sunrise and sunset photos.
• Downtown Chandler is a walkable neighborhood of food and fun: It’s a bit of a hike from some parts of town – the Valley is nothing if not sprawling – but downtown Chandler it has a nice old-time charm. And more bars and restaurants too. It’s centered on a few palm-lined blocks between Chandler Boulevard and Frye Road. Start with SanTan Brewing Company and go from there. It can reach the LOOK Dine-In cinemas.
• Get your hands on the Museum of Musical Instruments: The The Museum of Musical Instruments curates a world-class collection representing more than 200 countries. Guests can explore the hands-on experience gallery or attend a concert in the 300-seat Music Theatre. The newest special exhibit, “Rediscover the Treasures,” features 6,000 years of rare instruments, including the first ukulele, and instruments and stage wardrobe items owned and used by Prince. MIM’s artist gallery includes items owned by Super Bowl halftime artists Maroon 5 and The Who.
• Phoenix Art Museum: This Downtown Phoenix Museum is the largest visual art museum in the entire Southwest, with a permanent collection of more than 19,000 works, with exhibits ranging from the magical realism of Philip C. Curtis’s Arizona landscapes to Mr.: You Can Hear the Song of This Town, “exploring the manga-inspired world of one of Japan’s most popular artists today.
• Heard Museum: His mission The Heard Museum is “to be the world’s preeminent museum for the presentation, interpretation, and promotion of American Indian art, emphasizing its intersection with broader artistic and cultural themes.” This certainly comes across, especially in highlights like the ongoing installation “Away From Home: American Indian Boarding School Stories” and “In the Service Of: American Indian Veteran Artists and Tributes.” The museum also hosts the annual World Championship Dance Competition. And, don’t miss the gift shop, which has an amazing array of jewelry, kachina figurines, and more.
• Phoenix Zoo: It’s a great zoo. And what better time of year to spend a day outdoors in Phoenix than when most of the country is in the frozen grip of winter? You might not even need a jacket. There are nearly 400 species of animals spread over 125 acres in Papago Park, divided into four themed areas: flora and fauna of the American Southwest, the African Trail, the Tropics Trail, and the Children’s Trail, which has a petting zoo and play area very cool There is also a train safari and camel rides.
• See Mystery Castle: Boyce Luther Gulley built this “castle” with 18 rooms, three floors for his daughter Mary Lou from found or bargain items, from auto parts to telephone poles and railroad tracks. It is apparently held together by a combination of mortar, cement, calcium and goat’s milk. Yes, goat’s milk! Life magazine ran a story about the castle as early as 1948. The headline summed up the mysterious appeal with “A young woman reigns over the strange secrets of a fairy-tale dream house in the Arizona desert.” Mystery Castle is open for tours from October to May.
• Dobbins Point on South Mountain: Views from the top and food from home, take a drive to Dobbins Point on South Mountain—the largest municipal park in the US, by the way—and watch the sunset color the Valley landmarks below. The road is paved, so the only challenge is the twists and turns (and steep descents) along the way. Then exit the park and a few miles up Central Avenue to Lo-Lo’s Chicken and Waffles. You will exceed your calorie limit for the day, but it will be worth it.
• Take a tour of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Winter House: Frank Lloyd Wright’s Winter Home and Desert Laboratory, located in the McDowell Mountains of Scottsdale, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Established in 1937, Taliesin West is one of the architect’s most personal creations, according to the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation; he and his apprentices built the structures from scratch using the natural surroundings. Taliesin West hosts daily tours and special events such as sunset happy hours and movie screenings. Check the website for the schedule.