Phoenix sits proudly in the Sonoran Desert and is Arizona’s capital.
It is the Cultural Center of the ‘Valley of the Sun’ and has no shortage of exciting activities and interesting attractions for visitors.
Its hot desert climate is one of the benefits of a visit to the city, but sometimes the heat can be too much.
That won’t matter with a whole range of fantastic night time activities to keep you busy.
With so much on offer, from stargazing to Balloon rides, pub crawls and art galleries, you will wish you had many more evenings to spend exploring Phoenix.
Heres are the best things to do in Phoenix at night.
1. Arizona Desert Tour by UTV
The best way to experience the Sonoran desert is to get up close and personal with it.
Off roading in a UTV will give you plenty of chances to get close to wildlife.
Be prepared for splashes as you ride across creeks and marvel at the majestic Bradshaw Mountains.
Your guide is an expert in flora, fauna and history of the area, with no shortage of knowledge you will discover plenty about this amazing landscape.
Book the last tour of the day at 5pm for a sunset experience.
2. Stargazing
The desert backcountry is the ideal place to stargaze, well away from city lights.
See pinprick stars above you and pick out constellations.
A professional guide will provide binoculars and telescopes so you get a closer view of the stars above.
They will teach you how to identify different features of the night sky.
Wildlife viewing is a seasonal option.
This is a cruisy 3-hour tour and snacks will be provided as you explore the dark desert.
3. Sonoran Desert Night Tour in Hummer
Hop in a Hummer and explore the Sonoran Desert by night.
The Hummer allows you to travel further into the desert than other tours.
This gives you great views of the mountains, looming above.
The Saguaro Cactus, known as the ‘Senntinel of the Desert’ will stand tall as creatures of the night come out.
Tours depart between 5pm and 6:30pm depending on the time of year.
4. Sonoran Desert Sunset Hot Air Balloon Ride
Arguably the best way to appreciate the vast expanse of desert around Phoenix.
Relax as you absorb the magical atmosphere of sunset over the Arizona desert.
If you wish you can join the crew and assist in launching the balloon.
Enjoy a traditional celebratory toast upon landing.
Last departure is at 4:30pm.
5. Sunset and Phoenix City Lights by Plane
Watch the sunset from above as you soar over Phoneix in a high winged airplane.
The whole flight is a huge photo opportunity, or just sit back and relax as you take in the magnificent cityscape.
The Symphony Hall, Arizona Science Centre and Phoenix Art Museum are just some of the attractions you will see from above.
Flights leave 20 mins before sunset, check at time of booking for an exact time.
6. Indoor Skydiving
Indoor Skydiving is an excellent way to experience the sensation of a free fall without needing to worry about rushing to the ground below.
Inside the enclosed wind tunnel you will float at wind speeds of 130-175 mph (209-282 kph).
Your instructor will guide you through the whole process, ensuring you have an amazing time.
Experiences start every 30 mins until 10pm.
7. Pub Crawl by Bike
Phoenix, as you would expect, has some amazing pubs and a bustling entertainment district.
With so many options it can be hard to know where to start, and which are the best pubs to visit.
A pub crawl takes the doubt away as an expert local guide will take you to some of the best Phoenix has to offer.
Choose from exciting downtown or the old town Scottsdale, or why not do both on consecutive nights?
There are several departure times to choose from, with the last tours departing at 9:30pm for downtown and 8:20pm for Scottsdale.
8. Phoenix Art Museum
Home to over 19,000 works of art, there is plenty to discover at Phoenix Art Museum.
Exhibits from the 18th Century to modern day can be found here.
Exhibitions include Art of Asia galleries, European Collection, Latin American Collection and even fashion.
The gallery is open until 9pm every Wednesday and until 10pm on the first Friday of the month.
9. Castles and Coasters Theme park
Release your inner child at the Castles and Coasters Theme Park.
Rides include everything from Go Carts, miniature golf, roller coasters, zip lines and more.
Families, friends, couples, and even solo travelers will have a great time with so much choice of activities on offer here.
The castles and Coasters Theme Park is open until 10pm, but some activities such as mini golf have an earlier last admission.
10. Scavenger Hunts
For the uninitiated, a Scavenger hunt is a themed game where you follow clues to explore the local area.
Each quest follows a theme, such as Zombies, clue finder, or city quest.
See some of the sights as you find clues, solve puzzles, and escape zombies!
When all you need is your smart phone you are free to choose exactly when are where you play.
11. Wrigley Mansion
Constructed in 1932 by gum salesman William Wrigley Jr, this mansion is now beautiful restored.
Its hilltop location means you will enjoy beautiful views over Phoenix at night.
The stories surrounding the mansion are interesting in themselves, with plenty of ghost stories and history from its time being owned by first the Wrigley’s then the Hormels.
Last tour is at 4pm Tuesday – Sunday.
12. Scottsdale Fashion Square
Arizona’s largest shopping destination features over 250 stores, over 40 of which are exclusive to the state.
Shops include luxury brands such as Tiffanys and co. Prada, and Jimmy Choo.
Several food halls and restaurants are on site, as well as a movie theater and free toddler playground.
The onsite concierge will help with amenities, services and transportation options.
Scottsdale fashion square is open until 9pm Monday – Saturday, and 6pm on Sundays.
13. Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art
Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art is dedicated to art, architecture and design.
Current highlights include works by Yves Klein, Kara Walker, Deb Sokolow and Song Dong.
Discover contemporary works such as Knight Rise by James Turrel, whose deceptively simple works explore the complexity of light.
The Museum is open until 8pm Thursday – Saturday.
14. Desert Botanical Gardens
Take an evening stroll in the beautiful Botanic Gardens and enjoy a moment of peace.
Choose one of multiple trails to see beautiful desert plants that thrive in the hot dry climate.
Temporary exhibitions are worth seeing.
There is even a restaurant and seasonal cafe to refresh you after your wander.
The Gardens are open until 10pm Sunday – Wednesday and 11pm Thursday – Friday.
15. Gilbert Rotary Centennial Observatory
Head to the Gilbert Rotary Centennial Observatory for a night of stargazing.
Discover the night skies through a telescope and with astronomers on hand for free.
The observatory is run entirely by volunteers with full knowledge about the night sky above.
You can even try different telescopes for purchase.
The Observatory is open to the public on Friday and Saturday nights until 9:30 pm.
16. Hard Rock Café
Visit the infamous hard Rock cafe in Phoenix.
Devour classic American cooking surrounded by a brilliant collection of American music memorabilia.
The iconic chain is not to be missed, and the food will not disappoint.
Choose a 2 or 3 course themed menu for a meal to delight.
The Hard Rock Cafe is open until 11pm Sunday – Thursday and 12am Friday and Saturday.
17. Scottsdale Segway at Night
Join this relaxing Segway tour around Scottsdale at night, one of the more popular areas near Phoenix.
Before setting off on your journey, a guide will show you how to ride your own segway.
Once everyone is comfortable with steering, you’ll start your 2 hour tour and see some of the highlights of Scottsdale.
You’ll pass by sights including Old Town, Scottsdale Civic Center, Museum of Contemporary Art, Old Adobe Mission and more.
Helmets will be provided of course, as you scoot around Scottsdale on this fun tour.
18. Phoenix Night Photography
Love taking photos?
Then you’ll enjoy the unique landscapes Phoenix provides at sunset and night.
Join a photography tour and be escorted to the best places around Phoenix for professional photos.
A guide will show you all the tricks and tips to produce the best night photos on your camera.
You can also customize this 4-hour tour to ensure you get all the best photos of Phoenix at night.
Where to Stay in Phoenix
Check out some of these hotels in Phoenix.
Nothing beats a good night sleep after a fun evening of activities
- 10 Best Romantic Phoenix Hotels with Hot Tub or Bath in Room
- 16 Romantic Arizona Hotels with Hot Bathtub in Room
- 11 Best Water Park Hotels near Phoenix, Arizona
The magic of Phoenix can be found everywhere, sunset in the desert, gazing at the stars, and even at the Carnival of Illusions Magic Show.
It’s not a surprise there are so many activities at night given Phoenix’s location at a prime spot in Sonoran Desert.
A trip here is sure to leave you feeling full of other-world delights, and wishing for a return trip so you can experience more of the amazing experiences Phoenix has to offer after sunset.
Also read:
- 12 Fun Things to do in Phoenix with Kids
- 13 Fun Romantic Things to do in Phoenix Arizona for Couples
- 9 Best Natural Hot Springs in Arizona
