If you’ve lived in Arizona long enough, you know the scent of creosote after a monsoon feels like home. You’ve watched a Sonoran sunrise from the trailhead, maybe taken the Jeep out past where the pavement ends, chasing the stillness of the desert that settles in just before sunset. If you know, you know – and if you don’t yet, I’m about to let you in on the magic.
Our #1 Recommendation: Go Beyond the Desert Floor
So, what tops our list of things to do in Phoenix? Without a doubt, a hot air balloon ride. There’s no better way to take in the desert – the cacti, the winding washes, the city slowly waking up below you. It’s more than just a bucket list item; it’s a core memory in the making.
Arizona locals know there’s always something to do – whether it’s braving a saguaro-lined trail, catching an arts or food truck festival downtown, or watching the city glow pink from a rooftop bar.
But a hot air balloon ride over the desert? That’s an experience that takes it all to the next level (literally).
History + Hot Air: How Ballooning Became One of The Top Things To Do In Phoenix!
Did you know that Hot Air Balloons took flight long before airplanes did? The very first hot air balloon took flight all the way in France in 1783 by the Montgolfier brothers, where a rooster, a duck and a sheep were the very first passengers! We’d like to think that those original hot air balloon pioneers would be proud to see their invention still soaring strong over the Arizona desert.
Hot air balloons have been close to our hearts for decades. Hot Air Expeditions was founded in the early 90s by our parents and since, us sisters have grown our business alongside the city, sharing the Sonoran Desert skies with thousands of locals and visitors!
Pictured above: Hot Air Expeditions Co-Founder Margie Long
For ten consecutive years Hot Air Expeditions has won Tripadvisors Travelers Choice Award as one of the top things to do in Phoenix!
Even after all these years I still feel it’s amazing! We’ve been around this our whole lives, and I’m still like a little fan girl of ballooning. Whether you’re searching for family friendly things to do in Phoenix or the surrounding area, or unique date night ideas to do in Phoenix, I’m positive a hot air balloon ride will be an unforgettable experience for everyone!
Pictured above: Stephanie + Amanda Long, Co-Owners of Hot Air Expeditions
Explore Hot Air Balloon Rides in Phoenix
More Things to Do in Phoenix: Outdoor Adventures & Local Gems
I still get thrilled discovering new corners of the desert! Beyond the bucket list moments (like floating over the desert at sunrise), there’s a whole desert of hidden gems waiting to be explored.
You don’t have to lace up your hiking boots to get a dose of desert magic. Some of our favorite family friendly things to do in Phoenix are as simple as a drive, a picnic, or a peaceful overlook:
- Dobbins Lookout (South Mountain Park) – Drive to one of the city’s highest points and watch the lights come alive after sunset.
- Apache Trail Scenic Drive – A winding ride through the Superstitions with jaw-dropping views and fun stops like Tortilla Flat.
- Four Peaks Wilderness Area – For the off-road adventurers. Towering saguaros, rugged cliffs, and trails that feel like you’ve got the whole desert to yourself. Then stop by Four Peaks Brewery for an ice cold beer!
- Papago Park Scenic Loops – A city gem with gorgeous red rock formations, perfect if you’re looking for family friendly things to do in Phoenix. Enjoy a sunrise stroll or sunset picnic.
If you’re searching for things to do in Phoenix this weekend, don’t forget you can always head south for a day trip to Tucson. Hot Air Expeditions offers hot air balloon rides in Tucson too – same desert magic, just a different view.
Things to Do in Phoenix: Museums, Music & Family Fun
Phoenix isn’t just about wide-open landscapes. There’s culture, history, and fun around every corner. Some of our favorites include:
- The Heard Museum – Discover Native American art, history and heritage through.
- Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) – Take your senses for a ride with a half-day excursion with a Balloons + Tunes package from Hot Air Expeditions and the Musical Instrument Museum, a family favorite with 8,000+ instruments from around the world.
- Phoenix Zoo & Desert Botanical Garden – This family friendly adventure is perfect for kids and grown-ups alike, especially during seasonal events like Zoolights or Las Noches de las Luminarias.
- Downtown Festivals – From art walks to taco trucks, live music to local markets, there’s always something happening.
My sister and co-owner, Stephanie, recently reminded us how special it is to get the whole family involved: “The pandemic reminded all of us that making memories and sharing new experiences with the people we love is something to truly treasure.”
Romantic Date Night Ideas in Phoenix (Start in the Sky)
There’s something about the way the sun goes to sleep behind the mountains here, it practically begs for a date night. Whether you’re sipping bubbly in a hot air balloon basket or wandering hand-in-hand through the red rocks of Papago Park, Phoenix has a quiet way of turning even simple moments into something memorable.
For something truly unforgettable, nothing beats a morning balloon flight. Imagine this: the two of you floating above the Sonoran Desert as the sun spills golden light across the mountains. Afterward, toast your adventure with our post-flight signature bubbly + bites – a guest favorite. It’s a celebration of the morning, of the moment, and of making memories.
Finish your date off with dinner on a patio or rooftop restaurant, a stroll through Roosevelt Row’s walkable arts district that features murals, bars, restaurants and boutiques, or a desert concert or comedy show, and you’ve got a full day of romance, Arizona-style.
Plan Your Weekend: Events in Phoenix This Weekend
Still building your itinerary? Phoenix is buzzing with energy every weekend. A few not-to-miss picks:
- First Friday Art Walk – Downtown galleries, food trucks, and street performances on Roosevelt Row.
- Local Farmers Markets – Fresh food, handmade goods, and live music from Queen Creek to Phoenix.
- Phoenix Film Festival or Desert Nights Music Events – Check schedules for what’s coming up next.
Arizona has the most flyable days per year of anywhere in the United States for hot air ballooning and is home to 300+ days of sunshine per year, so flight cancellations due to poor weather are rare. But, if your original plans change, there’s always some magical things to do in Phoenix!
Big Takeaway: Phoenix Is Full of Magic — You Just Have to Look Up
Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a foodie, a nature-lover, or just someone in need of a new adventure, Phoenix offers a desert full of possibilities.
From epic views to quiet sunrise moments, few things compare to the peace and perspective you’ll find in a hot air balloon.
It is an absolute honor to continue to share our love of hot air ballooning with locals and travelers alike.
Ready to Fly?
Looking for unforgettable things to do in Phoenix this weekend? We’ve got your sunrise or sunset waiting. Book your morning or afternoon hot air balloon ride in Phoenix.
