Arizona will host its fourth Super Bowl on Sunday 12 February 2023 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, as the Kansas City Chiefs take on the Philadelphia Eagles for the Vince Lombardi Trophy.
With more than 100,000 expected visitors and more than 100 million expected to watch live on TV, there isn’t a larger stage to showcase Arizona’s beauty and the amazing experiences awaiting guests.
The week leading up to the game is filled with non-stop official activities and excitement for both Arizonans and visitors, including Opening Night at the Footprint Center in downtown Phoenix, the free Super Bowl Experience at Hance Park, the Super Bowl Soulful Celebration in Mesa, FanDuel Party at Tempe Beach Park and many more.
Ahead of the event, we have teamed up with the Arizona Office of Tourism to highlight some of the Top Experiences In Greater Phoenix ahead of Super Bowl Sunday!
Camelback Mountain Echo Canyon Trail © Brandon Sullivan
Hike Camelback Mountain
One of the most popular attractions in Phoenix and the city’s best urban hiking spot – located just 20 minutes from downtown Phoenix – Camelback offers two trails ascending 1,420 feet to the summit and rewards hikers with stunning, 360-degree views of the surrounding city and Phoenix Mountains Preserve.
Camelback gets its English name from its two main rock formations, resembling the head and hump of a kneeling camel.
Both Cholla Trail and Echo Canyon Trail are considered strenuous and difficult climbs, challenging hikers with exposed rock, steep grades and sections of hand-over-hand climbing.
Due to its popularity, visitors should expect plenty of traffic along the trail and consider hiking on weekdays, away from the crowds. Make sure to take plenty of water and consider hiking early in the morning during the very hot summer months!
Ottosen Entry Sunset at Desert Botanical Garden © Desert Botanical Garden/Adam Rodriguez
Explore Desert Botanical Garden
Explore the winding paths of this 140-acre desert garden and discover the world’s finest collection of arid plants from deserts of the world, from towering saguaros to delicate blooms, in a unique outdoor setting.
The Garden has more than 50,000 desert plants on display throughout five themed trails that illustrate topics such as conservation, desert living, plants and people of the Sonoran Desert, and desert wildflowers.
Desert Botanical Garden offers daily tours and activities for families, and hosts a range of events and experiences throughout the year, including Music in the Garden, culinary events, and cultural and healing days.
The on-site Gertrude’s Restaurant combines American favourites with classic cooking techniques and flavours from around the world, showcasing local ingredients from artisans and farmers around Arizona and the Southwest.
© Heard Museum
Visit The Heard Museum
One of the best places to experience the tradition, culture and history of 22 regional American Indian tribes, the Heard Museum is located in the heart of downtown Phoenix and welcomes more than 200,000 visitors a year, inspiring and exciting guests from all around the world.
The Heard Museum is dedicated to the advancement of American Indian art, and its ongoing exhibits tell the stories of native people of the Southwest from a powerful, first-person perspective, from early history to memories of boarding schools.
The museum has 11 spacious galleries and outdoor courtyards featuring exhibitions of traditional and contemporary art by American Indian artists, as well as artists influenced by American Indian art.
The Heard Museum also hosts the annual World Championship Hoop Dance Contest, which sees top American Indian and Canadian First Nations hoop dancers competing for the prestigious World Champion title and cash prizes in a thrilling two-day competition. This year’s event takes place from 18th-19th February 2023.
Congo Masks and Music: Masterpieces from Central Africa © Musical Instrument Museum
Discover The Musical Instrument Museum (MIM)
See, hear and play instruments from each diverse corner of the world in this one-of-a-kind collection featuring more than 8,000 instruments from more than 200 countries, taking visitors on a journey deep into the heart of human creativity.
Consistently rated as one of Phoenix’s top attractions, the Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) immerses visitors on a world tour of instruments and pop culture artists, with galleries reflecting the rich diversity and history of many world cultures.
The MIM Music Theater also hosts a year-round concert series with more than 200 international acts performing throughout the year.
MIM’s five Geographic Galleries showcase global music and cultures through multimedia that allows you to hear, see, and feel the creative spirit of people as they play their instruments.
The Mexicano | Mexican Restaurant in Phoenix, AZ
Visit Authentic Sonoran Food Spots
Arizona is home to some of the best Mexican and Sonoran food north of the border. Wander the amazing farmer’s markets in Tempe or Gilbert and have dinner at Phoenix’s top restaurants, such as Bacanora or Barrio Cafe.
The vision of owners Wendy Gruber and Chef Silvana Salcido Esparza, the celebrated Barrio Café serves up regional Mexican favourites that are recognised as some of the best Mexican cuisine in Phoenix, the region and nationally. Some iconic menu items include Cochinita Pibil, Chiles en Nogada, and Chef’s table-side Guacamole.
Voted one of Esquire’s Best New Restaurants in America, 2021, Bacanora has quickly become one of Phoenix’s signature Mexican restaurants, serving up a mouthwatering masterclass in Sonoran-style Santa Maria grilling.
© Rainbow Ryders/Aneliia Miller Photography
Take A Hot Air Balloon Ride Over Phoenix
For thrill-seekers wanting the ultimate way to experience Arizona’s vast beauty, why not enjoy a picturesque Hot Air Balloon Ride over the mammoth Sonoran Desert and soar high above the arid landscape of North Phoenix.
Tours generally last 3 to 4 hours and there are a number of different tour companies and options to pick from, with flights available from sunrise, during the day and even sunset for a unique, one-of-a-kind experience.
