Destination SpotlightCategory|

Planning a Trip to Phoenix? Think Sporting Events, Hiking, Museums & More

Phoenix, Arizona, USA downtown cityscape at dusk.

If you’re looking for a vacation destination with the perfect mix of big-city activities, outdoor adventures, and endless sunshine, look no further than Phoenix, Arizona. From cheering on your favorite football team at the big game to discovering the local food scene, and visiting museums to hiking, kayaking and more, there is something for everyone in the greater Phoenix area.

What to Do

Photo Credit: Globe Guide Media Inc/Shutterstock

Experience Endless Outdoor Adventure

Start your day with an early morning hike in one of the many preserves or parks around Phoenix. One of the most popular hikes in the city is the iconic Camelback Mountain, named for its unique shape resembling a camel. Upon reaching the top, hikers can enjoy incredible views of the city. For a challenging, exhilarating hike, head for the Piestewa Peak Summit, or choose one of the other trails in the Phoenix Mountains Preserve to see stunning cactus and desert landscapes. A few minutes north of Downtown Tempe, Papago Park features several scenic trails, a golf course, a zoo, and the Instagrammable Hole-in-the-Rock formation. Outdoor enthusiasts can also check out the many mountain bike trails around the city or go kayaking, tubing or stand-up paddleboarding in the Lower Salt River.

Cheer on Your Favorite Team at a Variety of Sporting Events and Venues

Phoenix is home to a wide variety of world-class sporting venues. With professional football, baseball, basketball, soccer and hockey teams, plus college sports, golf tournaments, spring training and other major national and international events, you can find a sporting event to attend year-round in the city.

Discover Flora and Fauna, Art and Music at Phoenix Museums

While in Papago Park, be sure to visit the Desert Botanical Garden, where you can wander along the trails while discovering thousands of species of cactus, flowers and trees from around the world, a butterfly house, seasonal art exhibits and more. Just north of Downtown Phoenix, the internationally recognized Heard Museum is one of the world’s finest destinations for learning about American Indian arts and cultures. Stop for a bite to eat in the on-site café before joining a free guided tour or exploring the 12 exhibition galleries and contemporary art gallery on your own. Music lovers won’t want to miss the Musical Instrument Museum, featuring a collection of more than 8,000 musical instruments from more than 200 countries, the largest museum of its kind in the world.

Get a Taste of Phoenix with Award-winning Restaurants, Outdoor Dining and Local Specialties

A foodie’s paradise, Phoenix features a wide variety of culinary creations, from fine dining to family-friendly fare. Start your morning off with a cup of coffee from a trendy local coffee truck, then soak up the sun during an alfresco brunch at a rooftop restaurant or outdoor patio. Choose one of the city’s many award-winning restaurants for an elevated evening out, or sample gastropub bites and local beers at one of the several craft breweries around town.

Where to Stay

Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort

Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort - Catalina Pool
Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort - Catalina Pool

For almost a century, Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort has stood as an Arizona landmark and one of the world’s most recognized resorts co-designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, with intuitive hospitality and storied history. And in 2021, the Biltmore returned; pulling back the curtain on a new era of chic delight. The thoughtful renovation of this desert gem unveiled beautiful accommodations, distinct dining destinations, incredible pools, a renewed spa and transformed meeting spaces all delivering a contemporary standard of luxury - whilst still honoring the beloved legacy of this unique and timeless classic. 

Canopy by Hilton Tempe Downtown

Rooftop Pool at Canopy by Hilton Tempe Downtown
Canopy by Hilton Tempe Downtown - Rooftop Pool. Photo Credit: Stephen Denton

Located across from Arizona State University, Canopy by Hilton Tempe Downtown is steps from Mill Avenue dining, shops, and nightlife – grab a complimentary Canopy Bike and check out the neighborhood. The light rail and Loop 202 are close by for exploring Phoenix, and spring training is just 10 minutes away. Head to the rooftop to cool off in the pool or sip cocktails in the lounge, and rest easy at night in exclusive Canopy beds.

Hilton Garden Inn Phoenix Downtown

Floor13 Rooftop Bar - Hilton Garden Inn Phoenix Downtown
Hilton Garden Inn Phoenix Downtown - Floor13 Rooftop Bar

Stay in the heart of it all at Hilton Garden Inn Phoenix Downtown. The 1930s Art Deco building is blocks from the Phoenix Convention Center and the Valley Metro light rail. Popular sports venues are located within one mile, and the hotel is only five miles from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Guests can enjoy free Wi-Fi, Floor 13 Rooftop Bar, a restaurant and a 24-hour snack shop.

Embassy Suites by Hilton Phoenix Biltmore

Atrium - Embassy Suites by Hilton Phoenix Biltmore
Embassy Suites by Hilton Phoenix Biltmore - Atrium

Experience Phoenix at its finest with Embassy Suites by Hilton Phoenix Biltmore,  located in the Biltmore Financial District, just steps from shopping, dining and entertainment, and minutes from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, Downtown Phoenix, Old Town Scottsdale and activities such as golf, hiking and biking.  Embassy Suites by Hilton Phoenix Biltmore features 232 newly-renovated suites, heated outdoor pool, a full complement of versatile function space and the comforts you expect such as complimentary Cooked-to-Order Breakfast daily and Evening Manager's Reception at the Atrium Bar & Grille (Monday - Saturday from 5-6:30 p.m.).  Whether you're in town for business or fun - or both - Embassy Suites by Hilton Phoenix Biltmore is your perfect Home Suite Home.  

Home2 Suites by Hilton Phoenix Glendale-Westgate

Outdoor Lounge at Home2 Suites by Hilton Phoenix Glendale-Westgate
Home2 Suites by Hilton Phoenix Glendale-Westgate - Outdoor Lounge

With popular arenas, stadiums and music venues nearby, big-ticket excitement is just a short drive away from Home2 Suites by Hilton Phoenix Glendale-Westgate. Fuel up before the big game with free breakfast and your own in-suite kitchen, and if you’re looking to bring Fido along on your trip, pets are welcome. The hotel also features free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and a patio. For those seeking quieter days, a golf course and the Grand Canal Linear Park are less than 2 miles away.

And that's not all!

After exploring all that Phoenix has to offer, consider continuing your Arizona adventure by driving 90 minutes north to visit the iconic red rocks of Sedona, Arizona while staying at Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock. Visit the celebrated adventure resort and tap into Sedona’s magnetic landscape at eforea spa, enjoy a scenic hike or an adrenaline fueled Pink Jeep tour before continuing your journey to the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon National Park. Or, head 90 minutes south to check out Tucson, Arizona and Saguaro National Park, while staying at the centrally-located DoubleTree by Hilton Tucson Downtown Convention Center.

Hilton Honors Points Plus

From Jan. 1 through May 1, 2024, Hilton Honors members can score extra Points for upcoming stays with the Points Plus Promotion. Hilton Honors members who register for the promotion and stay at any Hilton brand property during those dates will receive 2,000 Bonus Points per stay and an additional 500 Points per stay for using their Digital Key.

Banner Background