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All United States Arizona Phoenix

The Atlas Obscura Guide To Phoenix

24 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Phoenix, Arizona

Updated January 31, 2023

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Unusual Attractions in Phoenix

“You Who Are Getting Obliterated in the Dancing Swarm of Fireflies” at the Phoenix Art Museum.

Phoenix, Arizona

Yayoi Kusama Firefly Infinity Mirror Room

The installation’s official name, “You Who Are Getting Obliterated in the Dancing Swarm of Fireflies,” says it all.

Phoenix, Arizona

Mystery Castle

A self-built castle made by a mysterious man.

Phoenix, Arizona

MacAlpine's Soda Fountain

Open since 1938, this diner has kept its fountain, malt machine, and all the gum that greasers left beneath its counter.
Underneath Her Secret is Patience at night

Phoenix, Arizona

'Her Secret Is Patience'

This striking public art installation is suspended above a public park, designed to gently move in the breeze.
Silhouettes of bats flying around the Phoenix Bat Cave.

Phoenix, Arizona

Phoenix Bat Cave

Thousands of Mexican Free-Tailed Bats soar around an abandoned storm drain at sunset each summer.

Phoenix, Arizona

Fry Bread House

Founded by members of the Tohono O’odham Nation, this one-room joint's James Beard–winning fry bread is light as a cloud.
Curious Nature

Phoenix, Arizona

Curious Nature

In this small Phoenix taxidermy emporium, you can find everything from a squid in a jar to a freeze-dried toad.
Tovrea Castle, surrounded by cacti.

Phoenix, Arizona

Tovrea Castle

A mysterious "wedding cake" castle in the middle of the urban desert.
See All 24 Things To Do in Phoenix

Cool Places to Eat & Drink in Phoenix

Phoenix, Arizona

MacAlpine's Soda Fountain

Open since 1938, this diner has kept its fountain, malt machine, and all the gum that greasers left beneath its counter.

Phoenix, Arizona

Fry Bread House

Founded by members of the Tohono O’odham Nation, this one-room joint's James Beard–winning fry bread is light as a cloud.
Hanny's

Phoenix, Arizona

Hanny's

A former store turned restaurant with a few quirky additions.
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Unforgettable Experiences Nearby

Atlas Obscura Itineraries

8 Blissfully Shady Spots to Escape the Arizona Sun

For about half of any given year, much of Arizona is too hot to handle. But even in peak summer, the state is home to a stunning spread of geographic diversity and a mysterious magic that emanates from the landscape—and we don’t just mean the mirages. Locals and visitors alike flock to higher altitudes, recreation-friendly bodies of water, and indoor spaces that are so heavily air-conditioned they practically require a jacket. Here are eight sheltered spots to retreat from the heat, from natural formations to an immersive art exhibit that invites lingering. We've even added a couple cool places (220 feet underground or a mile above sea level) to dream about spending the night. As the pandemic continues, we hope this virtual trip helps you explore America’s wonders. If you do choose to venture out, please follow all guidelines, maintain social distance, and wear a mask.

View Itinerary
An architectural pilgrimage.

Explore Phoenix, Arizona

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Recent Phoenix Activity

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    has been to Oak Street Alley Murals

Stories About Phoenix

A monster supercell in Sublette, Kansas.

Meet the Storm-Chasing Photographer Who Can Also Shoot Your Wedding

In both cases, "You’re trying to find the best spot to shoot a moment in time that no one is ever going to see again.”
by Luna Shyr
July 21, 2021
The towering date palms of Mountgrove pre-date the neighborhood.

The Best-Kept Secret of a Phoenix Neighborhood Is This Delicious Date

Black Sphinxes grow almost exclusively in Mountgrove backyards.
by Chris Malloy
October 2, 2020
Not the uranium found in Phoenix—this disc was recovered at a U.S. government nuclear facility.

Found: Some Old Uranium in This Woman's Garage

It's apparently fine?
by Erik Shilling
February 14, 2017

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