Phoenix might not be the first city that springs to mind when thinking about vibrant urban adventures, but it’s full of surprises. Its mix of modern high-rises, sprawling desert parks, and eclectic neighborhoods makes it a perfect place for a variety of city tours. We’ve included options that suit different interests and budgets, from quick highlights to personalized private experiences. For instance, the Discover Phoenix! 2 hr City Tour offers a dynamic introduction with colorful street art and desert hikes, perfect for those short on time but eager to see what makes Phoenix tick. Meanwhile, the Custom Private City Tour is ideal if you prefer a tailored experience with a local guide, exploring a specific area or a mix of highlights. Whether you’re after a quick snapshot or an in-depth exploration, Phoenix’s tours give you a solid taste of its unique charm.
Below, you’ll find a detailed list of the 12 best city tours in Phoenix, from guided explorations to fun scavenger hunts—something for every traveler. Each offers a different way to enjoy the city, with insights on what makes each stand out and who it’s best suited for.
1. Discover Phoenix! 2 hr City Tour
At number 1, this Discover Phoenix! 2 hr City Tour is a lively, photo-focused tour that hits many of the city’s top sights in just over two hours. It’s perfect for travelers with limited time who want a quick yet immersive introduction. The tour covers historic neighborhoods, the Phoenix Japanese Friendship Tea Garden in Nancy T. Hance Park, and Roosevelt Row, home to some of the best street art in the city. You’ll also visit downtown Tempe to admire its modern architecture and the flowing Rio Salado. What makes this tour stand out is its brisk pace combined with a walk in the Sonoran Desert, providing a blend of city life and natural beauty. Free photo lessons are included, and the tour is highly rated for its energetic guide and the ability to get excellent photos of murals and desert vistas. Guests comment on its efficiency and fun atmosphere, noting it’s a great, quick way to get a feel for Phoenix.
Bottom line: An excellent choice if you want a fast, fun overview with great photo opportunities and some desert walk. Best suited for first-time visitors or those short on time.
2. Custom Private City Tour of Phoenix
For those who prefer their sightseeing personalized, the Custom Private City Tour offers a tailored experience. Priced at $495 per group (up to five people), it spans 3 to 5 hours, giving you the flexibility to focus on your favorite areas. You work directly with your guide to craft an itinerary, choosing from classic spots like downtown Phoenix, Scottsdale, Glendale, or other highlights such as Arizona State University, the Arizona Biltmore, or the Wrigley Mansion. The advantage here is the ability to customize your schedule and focus on your interests, whether that’s architecture, history, or celebrity spots. The tour includes a drive through iconic locations and brief visits, with guides often sharing insightful stories and local tips. Reviews praise the guide’s knowledge and flexibility, making this ideal for travelers who want more control and a private experience. It’s especially good for small groups who want an upscale, personalized day.
Bottom line: Perfect if you value a flexible, private tour that you can shape to your specific interests. Best suited for small groups seeking a bespoke experience.
3. Gilbert City Scavenger Hunt Excursion by Operation City Quest
Looking for something interactive and fun? This Gilbert City Scavenger Hunt turns exploration into a game. It costs only $10 per person and lasts about two hours. Using an app, your team will find various items, complete silly challenges, and compete against others through a live ranking system. The app guides you to different spots around Gilbert, making it suitable for families, friends, or anyone who enjoys a bit of friendly competition. The remote chat support makes it flexible, so you can ask questions or get hints along the way. Reviewers mention how it’s a great way to share laughs and connect with friends while discovering local sights. It’s a low-cost option that makes sightseeing feel like a game, perfect for travelers on a budget or those wanting an active, playful experience.
Bottom line: Ideal for families or groups looking for a casual, inexpensive way to see Gilbert through a fun, interactive challenge.
$10.00 per person
4. Private Phoenix and Scottsdale Half-Day City Tour
At number 4, the Private Phoenix and Scottsdale Half-Day City Tour is a personalized journey that combines two of the most popular Arizona destinations. For about $450, your group of up to five people can customize a 3-6 hour itinerary. Highlights include downtown Phoenix’s historic sites, the Arizona Biltmore resort with Wright-influenced architecture, and scenic drives through Paradise Valley with views of Camelback Mountain. The tour is flexible, allowing you to select sites like the Heard Museum, Desert Botanical Gardens, or even Scottsdale’s Old Town for shopping and galleries. Reviewers appreciate the guide’s knowledge and the convenience of private transportation. It’s especially suitable for travelers wanting a comprehensive yet relaxed experience that hits multiple key spots without the hassle of public transport.
Bottom line: Best for those wanting a flexible, private half-day trip that covers both Phoenix and Scottsdale at their own pace.
5. Phoenix City Scavenger Hunt by Wacky Walks
This Phoenix Scavenger Hunt is a budget-friendly, playful way to explore the city. For $10 per person and about two hours, you’ll use an app to solve clues and complete challenges around Phoenix. It’s designed for families and friends wanting a casual, engaging activity that doesn’t require extensive walking or prior knowledge. The app guides you to local landmarks and hidden spots, encouraging teamwork and discovery. Reviewers mention giggles and fun posing for photos, making it a perfect activity for those with kids or anyone who enjoys puzzles and light competition. It offers a relaxed pace and a chance to learn about the city’s highlights without the intensity of a full tour.
Bottom line: Great for a relaxed, interactive experience suitable for families and budget travelers.
6. Fun City Scavenger Hunt in Mesa by Operation City Quest
Next is the Mesa Scavenger Hunt, also costing $10 per person for about two hours. Using the same app method, you’ll find objects and complete challenges across Mesa. While it hasn’t received reviews yet, the concept is identical to Gilbert’s game, offering a lighthearted way to see a different part of the metro area. It’s ideal for groups who want to combine sightseeing with a bit of competitive fun, or for those staying in East Valley neighborhoods.
Bottom line: An inexpensive, fun activity for exploring Mesa, especially if you like doing puzzles and challenges.
$10.00 per person
7. Phoenix & Scottsdale: Full Day City Highlights Tour
The Full Day City Highlights Tour offers a comprehensive look at the region. For around $225, you’ll explore key sites like the Desert Botanical Gardens, the Heard Museum, and Old Town Scottsdale. This tour is perfect for travelers who want to spend a full day soaking in the culture, art, and nature of Phoenix and Scottsdale. It includes scenic drives through the desert and highlights both urban and natural attractions. While details on guide expertise are limited, the itinerary covers the must-see sights and offers a well-rounded experience.
Bottom line: Ideal for visitors with a full day to dedicate to Phoenix and Scottsdale, especially if you want a broad overview.
$225 per person
8. Fun City Scavenger Hunt in Glendale by Crazy Dash
In Glendale, the Crazy Dash Scavenger Hunt provides another fun, app-based exploration option. At $10 per person for about two hours, you’ll find objects and complete challenges around the city. No reviews are available yet, but it follows a similar concept to other scavenger hunts and is suited for families or groups wanting a playful way to discover local sights at their own pace. It’s particularly good for those who enjoy puzzles and light adventure.
Bottom line: A simple, budget-friendly activity for groups interested in discovering Glendale through a playful challenge.
$10.00 per person
9. Departure Private Transfer Phoenix City to Phoenix Airport PHX
If your trip is winding down, consider the Private Airport Transfer. For $103.16 per person, you’ll enjoy a quick, comfortable ride from your hotel in downtown Phoenix to Sky Harbor Airport. It’s a practical choice for avoiding long taxi lines, especially after a busy sightseeing day. The service offers a seamless, hassle-free end to your trip, with professional drivers and no need to worry about navigating public transport or currency issues.
Bottom line: A reliable, stress-free way to end your stay—perfect for travelers on a tight schedule or those arriving late at night.
$103.16 per person
10. Fun City Scavenger Hunt in Chandler by Operation City Quest
Chandler’s Scavenger Hunt follows the same format as the Gilbert and Mesa hunts, with a $10 per person price for about two hours of exploring. Using an app, your team will seek out objects, complete challenges, and see your ranking live. It’s ideal for groups wanting a flexible, interactive way to discover Chandler’s sights and hidden corners. The remote host support adds a layer of assistance, making it accessible for all ages.
Bottom line: A fun, inexpensive way to explore Chandler, especially suited for families and friends who love games.
$10.00 per person
11. Fun City Scavenger Hunt in Glendale by Operation City Quest
This scavenger hunt in Glendale offers another chance to explore with Operation City Quest. Like the others, it costs $10 per person, lasts about two hours, and involves finding objects and completing challenges. It’s a flexible, interactive way to experience Glendale’s sights, with optional chat support from a remote host.
Bottom line: Suitable for anyone wanting a quick, playful glimpse of Glendale’s local charm.
$10.00 per person
12. Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Peoria by Operation City Quest
Finally, Peoria joins the list with its Scavenger Hunt. It follows the familiar app-driven format, costing $10 per person for about two hours. You’ll explore Peoria’s streets, find items, do challenges, and check your ranking in real time. It’s a good choice for those wanting to spread their exploring across more local neighborhoods.
Bottom line: A budget-friendly, flexible activity perfect for families or groups wanting to see Peoria without a big time commitment.
$10.00 per person
How to Choose the Right City Tour in Phoenix
When selecting a city tour, consider your budget, available time, interests, and mobility. If you want a quick overview, the Discover Phoenix! 2 hr City Tour is excellent. For a more tailored experience, the Custom Private City Tour offers flexibility. Those seeking active fun should try a scavenger hunt like Gilbert’s, which adds a playful twist to sightseeing.
Budget travelers will appreciate the Phoenix City Scavenger Hunt, while history enthusiasts may enjoy the full-day City Highlights Tour. For convenience at the end of your trip, the private airport transfer ensures a smooth departure.
Booking early is recommended, especially for private tours, which tend to fill quickly during peak seasons. Consider your fitness level for options involving walking or hiking, and plan around the best weather—spring and fall typically offer ideal conditions.
Final Thoughts
Phoenix offers a surprising variety of options for exploring its neighborhoods, natural sites, and cultural landmarks. Whether you prefer a quick, guided overview, a personalized private tour, or a fun scavenger hunt, there’s something for every style. For a full experience, the Full Day City Highlights Tour provides a deep dive, while the Discover Phoenix! Tour is perfect for those with limited time. Budget travelers will find plenty of engaging options in the scavenger hunts, which are quick, affordable, and interactive.
No matter your choice, booking early ensures a smoother trip. With so many ways to see the city, you’ll leave with a better sense of what makes Phoenix special—and plenty of photos to prove it.