Phoenix Recommendations

There is plenty to do and see in Phoenix! Below is a list of “what not to miss” curated by our hosts at Promise Arizona. For more information about all that Phoenix and the surrounding area have to offer, check out Visit Phoenix, too.

ATTRACTIONS

Arizona Latino Arts and Cultural Center
This nonprofit promotes and preserves Latino/Mexican/Xicano/Indigenous arts and culture. Visit the three galleries and La Tiendita Gift Shop, an art gallery all its own. 147 E Adam St, Phoenix, AZ 85004, 602-254-9817, www.alacaz.org

Arizona Science Center
You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to get (or love) the Arizona Science Center. For nearly 40 years, the Center has entertained, taught and inspired families, teachers and students alike. 600 E. Washington St., Phoenix, AZ 85004, 602-716-2000, www.azscience.org

ASU Gammage
Gammage Auditorium, at Arizona State University in Tempe, is the largest Broadway touring house in the Southwest. The 2017-2018 season includes Hamilton, The Color Purple and School of Rock. 1200 South Forest Ave, Tempe, AZ 85287, 480.965.3434, www.asugammage.com

Black Theatre Troupe
BTT presents a full season of works that illuminate the African American experience and culture. Founded in 1970. 1300 E. Washington St., Phoenix, AZ 85034, 602-258-8129, www.blacktheatretroupe.org

Camelback Mountain in Phoenix
Hike up the Valley's highest peak, which, yes, looks a camel’s back, rising 2,704 feet for inspiring view of the Valley. The hike is not long, but it’s steep and rocky. Come prepared. 4925 E. McDonald Dr., Phoenix, AZ, 85018, www.phoenix.gov/parks/trails

Cattle Track Arts Compound (Scottsdale)
This rustic, 13-acre artists compound is in the heart of Scottsdale. Built in 1937, the compound hosts regular tours so you can meet its eclectic array of printmakers, architects, artists, blacksmiths, musicians and more. 6105 N. Cattletrack Road, Scottsdale, AZ, 85250 www.cattletrack.org

Children’s Museum of Phoenix
One of the top three children’s museums in the country (Parenting Magazine). It’s less museum than playground—with nearly 50,000 square feet and 300 play experiences on three floors of the old Monroe School Building. 215, N. 7th St. Phoenix, AZ 85034, 602-253-0501, www.childrensmuseumofphoenix.org

Comerica Theater
Mid-size concert venue featuring everything from Chris Rock to John Legend and CNN’s Anderson Cooper. 400 W. Washington, St., Phoenix, AZ 85003, 602-379-2800, www.comericatheatre.com

Desert Botanical Garden
The desert is both stark and breathlessly beautiful. But you don’t have to actually roam the actual desert to experience it. The Desert Botanical Garden has 50,000 desert plant displays and draws more than 600,000 people a year. 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, AZ 85008, 480 941.1225, www.dbg.org

Heard Museum in Phoenix
The Heard Museum is world renowned for its collection of Native American art and artifacts. Founded in 1929, the Heard is committed to “sensitive and accurate portrayal of Native arts and cultures.” 2301 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85004, 602-252-8840, www.heard.org

Herberger Theater Center
Home to three resident theater and dance companies, including the Arizona Theater Company, the state’s largest professional troupe. 222 E. Monroe, Phoenix, AZ, 602-252-8497, www.herbergertheater.org

Musical Instrument Museum (Scottsdale)
With 6,500 instruments from 200 countries and territories, this state-of-the-art museum lets guests see, hear and even play instruments. The MIM has instruments from music icons like John Lennon, Taylor Swift, Elvis Presley, and Carlos Santana. (Those you can’t touch.) 480-478-6000, Phoenix, AZ 85040, www.mim.org

Orpheum Theater in PhoenixThe Orpheum’s 1929 architecture, inside and out, harkens to the days of vaudeville. The acoustics are ideal for live theater and music. 203 W Adams St, Phoenix, AZ 85003, 602-262-6225, www.orpheum-theater.com

Phoenix Art Museum
The largest art museum in the Southwest. Features lectures, films, educational events, and year-round exhibits of groundbreaking touring works and its own impressive collection, 1625 N. Central Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85004, 602-257-1880, www.phxart.org

Phoenix Symphony Hall
The downtown space, next to the Phoenix Convention Center, is home to Phoenix Symphony, Arizona Opera and Ballet Arizona. One N. First St., Phoenix, AZ 85004, 602-495-1999, www.phoenixsymphony.org

Roosevelt Row
Culture comes in infinite forms, and you’ll see some version of most of it on display along Roosevelt Row. As downtown redevelopment has boomed, so too has Roosevelt Row’s lineup of art galleries, restaurants and performance spaces. On Roosevelt St. from 7th Ave. to 7th Street. 602-829-5259, www.rooseveltrow.org

Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art
In the Old Town District in Scottsdale, SMoCA is the Arizona's only major museum dedicated solely to modern works of art, design and architecture. Visit its five galleries, performances spaces and outdoor sculpture garden. 7372 E. 2nd St., Scottsdale, AZ 85251, 480-874-4666, www.smoca.org

Space 55
Alternative theater at its best, Space 55 is small but theatrical mighty. 636 E. Pierce St., Phoenix, AZ 85004, www.space55.org

DINING

Barrio Café 
Chef Silvana Salcido Esparza has made a name for herself in Phoenix and around the world. A four-time James Beard Award nominee, the creative cuisine she prepares is not your usual Mexican fare. 2814 N. 16th St., Phoenix, AZ, 85002, 602-636-0240, www.barriocafe.com

The Cafe at the Phoenix Public Market
The Café serves fresh market cuisine crafted with local seasonal ingredients, much of it from the adjacent farmer’s market. 14 E. Pierce St., Phoenix, AZ 85004, 602-253-2700, www.phxpublicmarket.com

Carly’s Bistro
Great food, a full bar, an intimate setting, and an ambience that looks like a vintage clothing indie record shop. 128 E. Roosevelt St., 602-262-2759, www.carlysbistro.com

Carolina's in Phoenix
Where Mexican food meets its maker. Seriously, Carolina's is family-run and family friendly, and famous for its homemade tortillas and home-style Mexican food. 1202 E. Mohave St., Phoenix, AZ 602-252-1503, www.carolinasmex.com

Cartel Coffee Lab (Downtown Phoenix)
The Cartel roasts its own coffee beans and serves it all up just the way any totally hipster downtown coffeehouse should. 1 N. First St., Phoenix, AZ 85004, www.cartelcoffeelab.com

Desoto Central Market
Ten eateries in one. Built in an old De Soto car dealership, and featuring everything from burgers to oysters to Latin American cuisine. 915 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ, 85004, 602-680-7747, www.desotocentralmarket.com

Durant's in Phoenix
Durant's opened its doors in the 1950s. The restaurant its favorite of deal-cutting politicos and business leaders. It’s said the assassination of a muckraking journalist Don Bolles was planned here.  2611 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85004, www.durantsaz.com

Fair Trade Café
With two locations downtown, this café takes its coffee and mission very seriously. Owner Stephanie Vasquez is passionate about good coffee and social justice (most recently having backed the statewide increase in the minimum wage). 1020 N. First Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85003, 602-354-8150, www.azfairtrade.com

Film Bar
Enjoy a movie and a meal, and one of the more than nearly 50 craft beers and wines. The Film Bar plays classic and indie films in a comfortable setting. 815 N. Second St., Phoenix, AZ, 85004, 602-595-9187, www.thefilmbarphx.com

Hob Nobs Café & Spirits
Hob Nobs has great food, micro brews and boutique wines. Live music until midnight, Fridays and Saturdays, and all in the homiest of settings. 149 E. McDowell Rd, Phoenix, AZ, 85003, 602-253-9229, www.hob-nobs.com

LoLo’s Chicken and Waffles
They sell lots of chicken and waffles, and you love every last lick of it. Just sayin’. 1220 S. Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85004, 602-340-1304, www.loloschickenandwaffles.com

Pita Jungle
Located in the restored Gold Spot Marketing Center, Pita Jungle offers great vegetarian fare in an airy, friendly atmosphere. 1001 N. 3rd. Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85004, 602-258-7482, www.pitajungle.com

Pizzeria Bianco in Phoenix (Heritage Square)
A favorite for locals and tourists alike, there’s always a line at Pizzeria Bianco. It’s worth the wait. 623 E. Adams, St., Phoenix, AZ 85004, 602-258-8300, www.pizzeriabianco.com

MUSIC

Alice Cooperstown
Live music, beer, and TV sports on demand. Alice Cooperstown bills itself as the place where “Jocks meet Rock”. Owned by the original shock-rocker himself. 101 E. Jackson, St., Phoenix, AZ 85004, 602-253-73337, www.alicecooperstown.com

Chars Has the Blues
The club has live music every day of the week. It’s the quintessential hole-in-the-wall. Enjoy the best in Blues, R&B, Soul and Funk. 4631 N. 7th Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85013, 602-230-0205, www.charshastheblues.com

Crescent Ballroom
Live music venue, full bar, Cocina 10 serves one-of-a-kind, locally sourced food in Downtown Phoenix. Food and drinks are served until midnight every night. 308 N. 2nd St., Phoenix, AZ 85003, 602-726-2222, www.crescentphx.com

The Nash
The Nash celebrates the rich tradition and innovation of jazz, offering live performances and unique educational programs as part of the Valley’s vibrant jazz community. 110 E Roosevelt St, Phoenix, AZ 85004, 602-795-0464, www.thenash.org

The Rhythm Room
A Roots, Blues & Concert Club, hosting local and national acts nightly. One of the few places where you'll get to see a band play Mariachi-inspired heavy metal. Near downtown. 1019 E Indian School Rd., Phoenix, AZ, 602-265 4842,www.rhythmroom.com