Owais Crawford
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is conveniently located just minutes from downtown Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tempe. This makes it a great airport to have a layover as there are plenty of things to do both at the airport and in the surrounding area. If you have a long layover, you can take the PHX Sky Train into downtown Phoenix or Scottsdale to visit museums, botanical gardens, and restaurants. Even with a shorter layover, there are still plenty of dining options, shopping, and art and exhibitions at the Phoenix Airport Museum to keep you entertained.
Things to do around Phoenix Airport
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airport Museum | Exhibitions, art, and a vintage World War I airplane |
| Food | Mexican, All-American, Vegan, Vegetarian, Starbucks, Wildflower Bread Company, Smashburger, Delis, Cafes, Barrio Cafe, Cheuvront Restaurant & Wine Bar |
| Shopping | Local and Southwestern merchandise, books, souvenirs, travel goods |
| Relaxation | XpressSpa for manicures, pedicures, chair massages |
| Transport | PHX Sky Train, Valley Metro Rail, City Bus Service, Taxi, Uber, Shuttle Service |
| Nearby Attractions | Heritage and Science Park, Arizona Science Centre, Rosson House, Heard Museum, Desert Botanical Garden, Camelback Mountain, Echo Canyon Trail, Old Town Scottsdale, Musical Instrument Museum, Penske Auto Museum, Hall of Flame Firefighter Museum |
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What You'll Learn
Explore downtown Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tempe
Downtown Phoenix is a cultural hub, with museums, markets, sports arenas, live music venues, rooftop lounges, theatres, art galleries, and a wide variety of restaurants and bars. The Phoenix Convention Center and Arizona State University's downtown campus are also located here. Sports fans can head to the Footprint Center, home of the Phoenix Suns, or Chase Field for the Arizona Diamondbacks. For coffee shops, craft beers, and First Fridays, Roosevelt Row is the place to go.
For shopping, head to Scottsdale, a quaint neighbourhood with a charming Old West feel. Old Town Scottsdale is the place to buy turquoise jewellery, while Scottsdale Fashion Square offers a premier shopping, dining, and entertainment experience. There are also plenty of art galleries to visit, including the "KING" gallery, and the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art. For a night of theatre, the Stagebrush in downtown Scottsdale is a great local venue with comfortable seats, a large stage, and superb sound and lighting quality.
Tempe is another great destination near Phoenix Airport. Here, you can visit the Tempe Center for the Arts, which offers a range of performing and visual arts, as well as the Tempe History Museum, to learn about the local history. Tempe is also home to Arizona State University, so you'll find a lively student scene with plenty of bars and restaurants. Tempe Town Lake is a great spot for outdoor activities, with boat rentals, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding.
For a fun activity right near the airport, try a self-guided Phoenix scavenger hunt, or catch a baseball game with the Arizona Diamondbacks.
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Visit the Phoenix Airport Museum
If you're looking for something to do around Phoenix Airport, the Phoenix Airport Museum is a great option. The museum is located in the airport's Terminal 4 and features a variety of exhibitions, art, and even a vintage World War I airplane. The goal of the museum is to showcase Arizona's unique artistic and cultural heritage, and it does this through its Art Collection, Exhibition Program, and Aviation History Collection.
The Aviation History Collection is particularly interesting, featuring artifacts, documents, and memorabilia pertaining to the Phoenix Sky Harbor, Deer Valley, and Goodyear airport communities. If you're an aviation enthusiast, this is definitely a must-see. Even if you're not, the museum is still a great way to pass the time during a layover. It's entertaining, engaging, and interesting, according to visitors.
In addition to the Aviation History Collection, the Phoenix Airport Museum also showcases paintings, fabrics, sculptures, and storytelling from local artists. This gives visitors a taste of the local culture and talent. The museum is also well-lit, with subdued ambient lighting and focused lighting on the exhibits and images.
To get to the Phoenix Airport Museum, you can take the PHX Sky Train, a free 24-hour service that connects the airport terminals. The train also offers panoramic views of airplanes landing and taking off, as well as the surrounding mountains and downtown Phoenix. So, even just getting to the museum can be a visually stunning experience.
If you have time after exploring the museum, there are plenty of other things to do around Phoenix Airport. You can dine at one of the many eateries, ranging from quick-service spots to casual restaurants and even fancier options. There's also the option to relax and treat yourself at one of the two XpresSpa locations. And, if you feel like venturing outside the airport, downtown Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tempe are just a short distance away and offer plenty of attractions, such as museums, nature spots, and shopping destinations.
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Take the PHX Sky Train
The PHX Sky Train is an electric, automated people mover that operates 24/7 within the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, connecting the terminals, the East Economy Parking area, and the Rental Car Center. The train is free to the public and offers stunning views of airplanes landing and taking off, as well as the surrounding mountains and downtown Phoenix.
Each PHX Sky Train station is designed to carry 3,300 passengers per hour per direction, with an average speed of 23 miles per hour. The trains can reach up to 38 miles per hour, making the journey time from the 44th Street Station to Terminal 4 just five minutes, plus an additional two minutes to reach Terminal 3. The train runs approximately every 3 to 5 minutes, with slightly longer wait times between 10 pm and 5 am due to nightly maintenance.
The PHX Sky Train provides a convenient and efficient way to navigate the airport, replacing the former shuttle bus service. It features a 100-foot-tall bridge over Taxiway R, allowing aircraft such as the Boeing 747 and Airbus A380 to pass underneath. This unique bridge is the first of its kind in the world, built over an active taxiway.
The 44th Street Station offers a passenger drop-off area, cell phone lot, bike racks, and bike lockers, as well as connections to the Valley Metro Bus system and FlixBus. The station also has boarding pass kiosks for select airlines, allowing passengers to print their passes before arriving at the terminal. The 24th Street Station, located on the west side of the airport, serves as a waypoint between Terminal 3 and the Rental Car Center.
Riding the PHX Sky Train not only offers a practical means of transportation within the airport but also provides a visually appealing experience with its artist-designed floors, ceilings, and murals. It is a convenient and efficient way to get around Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, offering stunning views and easy connections to other forms of transportation.
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Eat at local restaurants in Terminal 4
If you're looking to grab a bite to eat at a local restaurant in Terminal 4 of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, there are plenty of options to choose from. The airport offers a wide variety of dining options, ranging from quick-to-go kiosks to casual spots and more leisurely sit-down restaurants.
For those who enjoy Mexican cuisine, Blanco Tacos and Tequila, Los Taquitos, and Barrio Cafe are excellent choices. If you're in the mood for something a little more upscale, Cheuvront Restaurant & Wine Bar offers a sophisticated dining experience. Additionally, you'll find quick-service options such as Smashburger, Starbucks, and Wildflower Bread Company, perfect for when you're on the go.
Terminal 4 also boasts an impressive selection of local restaurants, ensuring that you get a taste of authentic Phoenix cuisine. Among these local hotspots, you can explore the unique menus and atmospheres they offer. Whether you're craving a casual bite or a more upscale dining experience, Terminal 4 has something to satisfy your taste buds.
In addition to the diverse dining options, Terminal 4 at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport also offers other amenities to enhance your layover experience. You can easily navigate your way around the terminal using the interactive map available, which can help you locate not just restaurants but also shops, charging stations, ATMs, and more. So, whether you're looking to grab a quick bite, indulge in a leisurely meal, or simply explore the local cuisine, Terminal 4 has you covered.
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Relax at XpressSpa
If you're looking to unwind and rejuvenate during your time at Phoenix Airport, XpresSpa offers a range of pampering services in a relaxing atmosphere. Located in Terminal 4, XpresSpa is a leading airport wellness brand that provides various travel-related health and wellness services.
Take a break from the hustle and bustle of airport life and treat yourself to a range of spa treatments. XpresSpa offers manicures and pedicures, ensuring you look and feel your best. Recharge with a chair massage, or opt for a foot, neck, or full-body massage to melt away your tensions. If you're short on time, their express facials will leave your skin feeling refreshed and revitalized in just 30 minutes.
The XpresSpa Group has introduced its travel health and wellness brand, Treat, at the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. This brand extension complements their existing XpresCheck and XpresSpa offerings. Treat provides pre-travel health services, including diagnostic testing for COVID-19, flu, UTI, and STIs, giving travelers peace of mind. They also offer virtual wellness services, such as self-guided yoga, meditation, and exercise training, allowing you to maintain your wellness routine even while traveling.
Additionally, Treat offers a unique digital platform called the Health Wallet. This innovative feature allows travelers to access a comprehensive online marketplace for health and wellness products and services. With XpresSpa, you can ensure that your travel experience is not only relaxing but also focused on maintaining your health and wellness routines. So, whether you're looking for a quick beauty treatment or a more comprehensive wellness experience, XpresSpa and its Treat brand have you covered during your time at Phoenix Airport.
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Frequently asked questions
Phoenix Airport offers a range of dining options, from quick-to-go kiosks to sit-down restaurants. You can also visit the Phoenix Airport Museum, which has exhibitions throughout the airport. If you have a long layover, you can take the PHX Sky Train to downtown Phoenix, where you can visit museums like the Heard, the Phoenix Art Museum, and the Musical Instrument Museum.
Sky Harbor Airport offers some of the best airport food in the country, including authentic Mexican, well-known local spots, and vegan and vegetarian options. Some popular choices include Blanco Tacos and Tequila, Los Taquitos, and Barrio Cafe. For something fancier, try Cheuvront Restaurant & Wine Bar.
There are plenty of shopping options near Phoenix Airport, including an all-outdoor mall and local shops where you can buy souvenirs. If you're looking for convenience, travel goods, books, or souvenirs, you can find shops both pre- and post-security at the airport.
If you're looking for nature, the Desert Botanical Garden in Tempe is a great option. It's close to the airport and offers a chance to get in touch with the desert flora and fauna. You can also check out the Heritage and Science Park, which is just 3.3 miles from the airport and features a science museum and the Rosson House, a fully restored 1895 Victorian home.
If you're looking for a unique experience, you can try the self-driving Waymo cars, which you can hail using an app. You can also take a self-guided tour of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, including a ride on the PHX Sky Train, which offers panoramic views of airplanes and the surrounding mountains.
