There is so much to do and see in Phoenix, and from the sound of it if you ask around, it’s all a must-do or see! But let’s be honest, some things you really only need to do once. Others don’t get enough credit for how truly amazing they are. From the mouth of locals, these are some of the most popular overrated or underrated things to do in Phoenix.
Popular Things to do in Phoenix AZ
These opinions are subjective; everyone likes different things! You won’t find activities like hiking or other well-known hobbies of Phoenix on this list; these are primarily activities you have to pay to attend. Most of the outings we have deemed overrated are due to factors such as price, overcrowding, or the event not offering as much as it used to. We think every Phoenician should get as much fun for their buck as they can!
Waste Management Open
This fun outdoor event brings people together from all over to enjoy the Arizona weather at its best, during the winter. Even if you don’t care for golf all that much, the WMO is much more about socializing and gathering than it is actually following a golf championship. Whether you want this to be a family outing or a get-together with friends, it’s a great way to enjoy the Arizona sunshine. – UnderratedBarrett Jackson Car Show
If you love cars, you will no doubt want to attend Barrett Jackson. If you don’t love cars, you can still enjoy walking about and admiring all of the expensive vehicles you could never afford! Speaking of being costly, ticket prices have gone up in recent years, and if you aren’t a car enthusiast, it might not be worth the ticket price anymore. – Overrated
Learn More: What is the cost of living in Phoenix AZ?
Baseball Spring Training
Spring training for major league baseball is one of the most well-known attractions in Phoenix. Baseball lovers from around the country flock to the valley to enjoy America’s most beloved sport and catch a glimpse at the fresh faces for the upcoming season. Unfortunately, all the crowds this event attracts has led to increasing prices for everything from admission to hot dogs. What was once a fun and relatively inexpensive day is now easily over a hundred dollars a person. If you really love baseball, save yourself some money and go to a regular-season game. – Overrated
Staycations
Whether you have just moved to Arizona or have lived there for years, you have undoubtedly learned about the art of the “staycation” because it’s definitely a thing here. The idea of going to a Phoenix resort or hotel in your own city (or very nearby) might sound like a waste of money, but on the contrary, this is a great way to get away for a fraction of the cost of a real vacation. Often you can find great deals to the many local Phoenix resorts, golf courses, and spas, and on top of your discount, you are saving any airfare expenses you would have spent leaving the state. Sometimes you just have to get out of the house and lay by a pool! – UnderratedLearn More: Top Neighborhoods to live in Phoenix AZ
First Friday
On the first Friday of every month, downtown Phoenix area hosts First Fridays. This 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm event means something different every month, but the idea is always the same: highlighting any and everything local and creative. From art, to vendors, to small businesses, and so much more, everything you find at First Friday is designed to help cultivate a feeling of community and support. One of the best things about this outing is that you can control your budget. Of course, it’s a great idea to support all of these wonderful vendors and business owners, but you don’t have to buy anything! If nothing else, it’s just a great way to get out with family or friends! – UnderratedArts and Culture
Though it isn’t one of the most talked-about aspects of Phoenix living, there is a plethora of art, culture, and history in the area. An affordable way to spend the day, there are wonderful museums to stroll through in Phoenix, and you can spend as much or as little time as you would like. Whether you are interested in art, natural history, local history, and culture, or even a fun place where kids can be hands-on with their learning, Phoenix has something to offer every museum-goer. – Underrated
College/Pro Sports:
Much like spring training, everybody knows Phoenix is a sports town. This doesn’t necessarily mean all Phoenix teams are good, but with endless playing weather, there is always something going on. If you love live sports, the crowds, traffic, and expensive ticket and food prices are probably worth it to you. But with sports broadcasting offering game watching from home, if you don’t have to be close enough to hear the players spit, you might have a better time never leaving the house. This once-affordable afternoon outing has become exorbitant and overcrowded in Phoenix, and it’s almost hardly worth it to go these days. – OverratedCasinos
Arizona is full of reservation land, and reservation casinos tend to be their own little oasis in the desert. If you love to gamble, this is obviously a fun place for you. But there is so much more to casinos than slot machines and blackjack. Most casinos have beautiful pool areas, excellent dining, fun nightlife, and visiting musicians and comedy acts throughout the year. Much like a staycation at one of the many beautiful Phoenix resorts, the casinos are worth checking out. You just might find your new favorite place to unwind! – Underrated
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