So, you’re planning your trip to the Super Bowl LVII 2023. You’ve got your tickets. You’ve got your flight. Maybe you even have your hotel booked. But, if you’ve never been to Phoenix, you may be wondering, what activities and food I going to take advantage of while I’m in the area? 

A fun fact about Arizona is that it has hosted the Super Bowl three times! This upcoming time will be the fourth. Impressive, right? 

Speaking of impressive… if you’ve never been to Phoenix, you’ll probably need some ideas of what to do while you’re in town, since you’re already making the journey. We’ve got your covered! We’ll be your official tour guides for Super Bowl week. We’ve created a stellar list of the things you absolutely have to check out in Phoenix, while you’re there! 

Make sure you don’t miss these awesome opportunities! Below is a compiled list of 20 activities and experiences that will show you what Phoenix is all about! Most of the time, when people come to the Super Bowl, they stay for several days, even the whole week! If that’s your plan, you’ll want to check out a few of our travel recommendations below. Talk to your group about seeing Phoenix for what it is – a super unique city!

We’ll break down a few of our most recommended spots, and then a longer list of locations is at the bottom just for you!

Arguably the coolest – (or should we say warmest?) part about Phoenix, AZ, is that it is literally located within the Sonoran Desert. The Sonoran Desert has gorgeous, scenic views. You can hike, you can take photos of the cacti, you can kayak, you can ride a hot air balloon! There’s no shortage of ways to experience the beauty of the natural desert, and the world’s hottest desert. If you’ve never been to Phoenix and the Super Bowl LVII is bringing you there in 2023, make sure you check out the Sonoran Desert.  

There are endless ways to find an incredible experience within the Sonoran Desert. You can explore the mountains, the hiking trails, you can even dine with a view of the scenery. However, a really fascinating opportunity is the Desert Botanical Garden. Inside the Sonoran Desert, is a park called Papago Park. There’s a lot inside the park, golf courses, baseball fields, but also the 140-acre Desert Botanical Garden! For tickets as low as $25, guests can be educated on the garden’s beautiful exhibits.

Something kind of wild that you can visit in Phoenix, AZ, is called the “Goldfield Ghost Town.” It is not a real Ghost Town. What we mean by that is that it’s not an old, “authentic” town that just happens to still be around. But, beyond that, there’s so much fun in a themed town set in the 1890’s. Complete with a museum, saloons, a tour of the “gold mine,” and more. What’s not to like? The Ghost Town has lots of fun tours to offer, so check it out if you have the time!

About 25 minutes outside of Phoenix, Arizona, is what is known as “Old Town Scottsdale.” Old Town Scottsdale is essentially downtown Scottsdale, AZ. There’s lots to see and do, with shops, cafes, spas, and even several art galleries! If you want a night out on the “town,” in a historic district slightly removed from Phoenix, check out Old Town Scottsdale! 

Something almost unbelievable that you can go visit right outside of Phoenix- is Taliesin West. This place is famous because it was once the desert home for Frank Lloyd Wright, the famous architect! Interested? Experience guided tours, the stunning architecture, and fascinating history lessons at this impressive Arizona spot! 

If Frank Lloyd Wright’s home sparks that excitement for historic homes, you’re in luck, because Phoenix happens to be the home of Wrigley Mansion. Wrigley Mansion was once the home of the William Wrigley Jr of Wrigley Gum. That’s right! We’re talking about the famous gum brand! This mansion can be toured, you can enjoy dinner or drinks here, and you can even become a member if you decide to make Phoenix one of your regular vacation spots!

What’s Mystery Castle, you ask? Great question. It’s a mystery! In all reality, it’s not quite a mystery, as much as it is a mansion made of stone, that a father once built for his daughter in the 50’s. The story goes that she loves sandcastles, so her father built her a real castle.  It’s very uniquely built, and you can get a tour of the place for a $10 admission ticket. Not bad at all!

• Native American Ruins
• Heard Museum – American Indian art
• Phoenix Art Museum
• Musical Instrument Museum
• Award-winning Wine Regions / Vineyards 
• Japanese Friendship Garden
• Hiking Opportunities
  1. South Mountain Park
  2. Papago Park
  3. Lost Dutchman State Park
  4. Camelback Mountain 

• West Valley
  1. Thunderbird Conservation Park
  2. White Tank Mountain Regional Park
• Roosevelt Arts District – Street Art
  1. Trolley!
• 200 Golf Courses
• Canyon Lake and the Dolly Steamboat
• Wildlife World Zoo and Aquarium 
• Phoenix Zoo

By now, you can probably agree that there’s something for everyone in Phoenix. We’ve covered entertainment, education, and experience. But, you’re obviously going to get hungry while you’re in Phoenix. But how will you find the best kept secrets and make sure to eat like a local?  No worries. We’ve got you covered! Check out some of the spots below for fantastic and tasty food in and around Phoenix in the days leading up to the Super Bowl LVII. 

Valentine – Casual Dining – Downtown Phoenix 

Little Saigon – Small, Vietnamese Spot – Glendale

Glai Baan – Thai Street Food – Phoenix

CIBO Restaurant –Pizzeria – Phoenix

Barrio Cafe –– Mexican Cuisine – Central Phoenix

Kai Restaurant – Native American-inspired – Wild Horse Pass Resort (Phoenix)

SEOUL BBQ & SUSHI – Korean – Phoenix

Press Coffee – The Roastery – Phoenix

Peace Cream – Ice Cream – Phoenix

Thunderbird Lounge – Bar – Phoenix

Sidecar Social Club – Bar – Phoenix

There are certainly endless options for amazing places to eat, drink, and have dessert in and around Phoenix. Above, we listed some stellar recommendations, but don’t be afraid to ask a local too! They can always tell you the best times to get drinks where the crowds might be slimmer. No matter where you end up dining, we hope your Super Bowl week includes delicious meals and fun adventures!