5 Fun Things to Do In Phoenix on a Long Layover

Have an upcoming layover or short trip to Phoenix, AZ? Here are some quick and fun things that I think you’ll love to do in my hometown!

Logistics

  • I usually feel comfortable leaving the airport if I have a layover of at least 6 hours.

  • This leaves you time to get out, do something fun, and still have time to go back through security.

  • Use Uber or Lyft as your transportation. This is much faster and easier than trying to rent a car.

  • All of these ideas are closer to the airport and downtown Phoenix.


What to do

  • Get lunch or dinner at Pizzeria Bianco

    • This place is amazing! Our family has been eating here for years and it always hits the spot. The ingredients are fresh, and the ambiance is fun!

    • These pizzas are wood-fired and so delicious.

    • The only downside is that sometimes there is a long wait. But if you time it right, such as late afternoon, you should be good to get in.

    • If you do have to wait, there is a bar that you can wait at.

  • Science Center

    • Right next to Pizzeria Bianco! 

    • This multi-story science center is so fun! Especially if you have kids (or not)!

    • There are so many interactive displays to see.

  • Desert Botanical Gardens

    • This is a great place to go if you are visiting November-April when the weather is nice.

    • Walk through beautiful desert gardens and learn more about the Arizona landscape. It really is so pretty!

    • If you’re here in the evenings in December, they do beautiful luminaria displays. Buy these tickets ahead of time.

    • Grab lunch at the cafe here!

  • Hole in the Rock

    • This is close to the Botanical Gardens. We have been going here since our kids were very small.

    • This is the shortest “hike” you will ever do. It’s more like a walk up a hill and takes about 5-7 minutes to get to the top.

    • Once you get to the top, you are in a giant hole in a rock! This has a great view of the city and the Phoenix Zoo (also a great activity).

  • Go to a Phoenix Suns basketball game

    • Our family loves the Suns! We have had season tickets for years and love going to games with our family.

    • Even if you’re not a Suns fan, it’s still a fun experience to attend sporting events in a new city.

    • The arena is super close to the airport. This is a great option if you need to stay in Phoenix overnight.

    • The Diamondbacks baseball team also plays nearby if you love baseball!

    • Places to eat near the sporting events

      • Majerle’s - great burgers and bar food. This is a classic Phoenix restaurant.

      • Carolinas - you will need a quick ride to this restaurant. This is awesome, classic, greasy Mexican food. They also sell amazing tortillas that you can take to-go!

  • Go on a hike

    • You will not want to hike in the summer. November-April is the best time.

    • There are great loop trails that are super easy in Papago Park.

    • Camelback Mountain is super popular and close-ish to the airport. This is not an easy hike. I recommend it to people who are in decent hiking shape.

    • Piestewa Peak is a bit of a climb, but fun!

  • Roosevelt Road District

    • Catch an Uber to the Roosevelt Road District and check out great murals, cafes, and boutiques.

    • This is a great area to go if you want to wander and look around a cool part of town.

  • Heard Museum

    • This is about a 15 minute drive from the airport.

    • If you are interested in Native American Culture and art. They have both contemporary art and ancient artifacts. 

    • The exhibits rotate, so there is always something new to see.

    • Food nearby:

      • Gallo Blanco - This is a great contemporary Mexican restaurant

      • Arrogant Butcher - Modern American food. We love the pretzel bites with cheese! They have great burgers and steaks as well.

Lisa AndrewsComment