What to do in Phoenix while house and pet sitting

Fancy a trip into the sun with the added bonus of meeting a new, adorable, four-legged friend? Then how about a house or pet sitting trip to Phoenix in sunny Arizona? The exciting metropolis offers stunning desert vistas, lush parks and gardens, interesting museums and much more!

So, if you’d like to take a closer look at what to do in Phoenix to shed even the last shreds of doubt about whether or not your next sit should take you to Arizona’s capital, read on and find out just how much you’d be missing out on if you didn’t go.

Phoenix attractions

First on your to-do list in every new city should be a trip to its most famous traditional sights and attractions – so if you’re wondering what to do in Phoenix, Arizona as regards historical landmarks, museums and natural sites, here you go:

1. Heard Museum: Phoenix boasts a plethora of exciting museums, but one of the most interesting ones to visit is the Heard Museum in downtown. The non-profit museum features more than 40,000 inspiring exhibits and is dedicated to the advancement, interpretation and presentation of Native American art and artists. The museum also hosts regular art fairs and markets, where you can buy your own pieces to take back home.

2. Desert Botanical Garden: is art not your thing? Then how about stunning natural landscapes? The Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix is a living museum, located right within the city, and features more than 50,000 desert plants on 140 acres for you to explore. And if cacti and co. aren’t enough for you, the Garden also features a butterfly pavilion and a restaurant for a snack after your desert adventure.

3. Rosson House Museum & Heritage Square: still wondering what to do in downtown Phoenix? How about a visit to the Rosson House Museum for some amazing architecture and a short trip back in time? The beautiful Queen Anne Victorian mansion was built in 1895 and, after having been lived in by various tenants, was bought by the city of Phoenix and restored to its authentic self, nowadays serving as a stunning house museum that will take you right back to the late 19th century.

4. The Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix: Arizona’s desert vistas are a sight to behold but if you’re longing for some downtime in lush, green landscapes, flowing with water, to recharge your batteries, the Japanese Friendship Garden is where you wanna be! The idyllic Garden is a sister project between Phoenix and the Japanese city Himeji and offers visitors a tranquil, calm place for relaxation and meditation amid green plant life, energizing stone arrangements and pagodas, as well as koi-filled ponds. The Japanese Friendship Garden also offers cultural events, aiming to promote Japan’s rich history and traditions.

Free things to do in Phoenix

Now that we’ve introduced you to some of the city’s more traditional sights, what is there to do in Phoenix that’s equally exciting but also 100% free? Have a look and find out:

1. Camelback Mountain: wanna feel like you’re on top of the world? Then off you go on a hike along one of the many trails on Phoenix’s very own Camelback Mountain. The walks there, especially the main trail that leads to the summit at 2,704 feet elevation, aren’t easy – with steep paths and uneven terrain – but the rewarding view once you reach the top of the mountain is definitely worth the effort!

2. Phoenix Art Museum: fancy some free art? The Phoenix Art Museum has you covered. While the museum charges admission on most days, there are also regular free admission opportunities you can take advantage of, such as Pay-what-you-wish Wednesdays or First Fridays, which let you explore the museum for free every first Friday of the month and include additional live music, dance performances, workshops and more.

3. Free admission days: speaking of Pay-what-you-wish Wednesdays: free admission days are pretty common in Phoenix, so if you’re on a low budget but still wanna see lots of places, be sure to look out for them! Some of the places that offer free admission opportunities: the Heard Museum, the Desert Botanical Garden, the Children’s Museum, the Penske Racing Museum, the Arizona Capitol Museum, the Mesa Arts Center and Arizona State University Art Museum.

Fun things to do in Phoenix

If, after all your sightseeing adventures, you find yourself wondering: “What to do in Phoenix today that’s simply fun with no – or at least not too much – learning involved?”, here are some great things you could do:

1. Castles N' Coasters: minigolf, roller coasters and yummy snacks – what else do you need for a fun day out? And Castles N' Coasters has it all. The family-friendly amusement center is located in the north of town and features thrilling rides in Middle-Eastern environments, a Wild West-themed minigolf course and more.

2. The Mystery Castle: who knew there was a real-life fairytale castle right in the middle of Phoenix? The Mystery Castle is a dreamy stone palace that was originally built by one Boyce Gully for his fantasy-loving daughter. Today, you can visit the stunning building yourself and learn about the Gully’s family story full of love and imagination.

3. Musical Instrument Museum: who doesn’t love to sing and dance or simply let themselves be carried away by a wonderful melody? The Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix celebrates music from all around the world by showcasing over 15,000 musical instruments and related objects from nearly 200 countries and regions – and if you’re lucky, you might even get to enjoy one of the museum's signature dance performances, concerts or other events while you’re there.

What to do in Phoenix with your pet

Wanna take your new furry friend along on your adventures? Here are some amazing things in Phoenix you and the pooch can enjoy together:

1. Picnic and playtime at the park: who doesn’t love a yummy snack in nature – and it’s all the more fun if you can combine the picnic with a fun trip to the dog park for an extensive play session with your four-legged friend! Some great dog-friendly parks in Phoenix include PetSmart Dog Park (Washington Park), RJ Dog Park and Paradise Valley Dog Park.

2. Pioneer Living History Museum: on the northern outskirts of Phoenix, you’ll find the exciting Pioneer Living History Museum – a dog-friendly, open-air museum that invites you to explore an authentic late 19th / early 20th century town, including various homes, shops, a school building, an opera house and a bank.

3. Tempe Town Lake & Beach Park: what to do in Phoenix during the summer? Cool off by taking a lovely walk with your pooch-friend along the beautiful banks of Tempe Town Lake, of course! And if you’re in the mood, you can also enjoy a picnic here, go on a bike tour or rent a paddle boat.

Best Restaurants in Phoenix: food and drink

Now that your appetite for adventure has been satiated, we’re sure you’re hungry for actual food, too – so let’s wrap things up by taking a look at the best restaurants in Phoenix:

1. Restaurant Progress: if you’re craving first class cuisine and yummy hand-crafted cocktails to wash it all down, best plan a trip to one of the coolest Downtown Phoenix restaurants: Restaurant Progress. The prices are in the middle-range, but the delicious food and unique atmosphere are definitely worth the money.

2. Kaizen: or maybe you fancy some affordable but amazing Asian food? Then Kaizen’s your place. From sushi and sashimi to poke bowls and fried noodles, Kaizen has it all. And if you’re in the mood for bargain drinks on the side, pop in Tue to Sat for an early dinner between 4 and 6 pm – Kaizen’s happy hours.

3. UnderTow: what to do in Phoenix at night if you have a little (or a little more) money to spend? Visit the UnderTow! The self-proclaimed ‘nautical adventure bar’ serves tasty cocktails that have won multiple awards in a subterranean tiki-style bar, reminiscent of an old wooden ship that’s a sight to behold.

Got all the ins and outs on what to do in Phoenix now and can’t wait to go to your next house or pet sit there? Awesome! Then head over here and start exploring the latest Phoenix sit opportunities right away! And once you’re back from your trip, feel free to visit our forum to share all your fun experiences with the rest of our pet-loving community!

Not a member yet?

If you’ve stumbled upon this article by coincidence and now feel inspired to join our pet-loving community and start on your own house and pet sitting adventures, feel free to learn more about TrustedHousesitters and how our members connect on our How it works page, and then sign up right here to start exploring the latest house and pet sits all around the world!