The Top 5 Can't-Miss Things To Do and See at the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport in Phoenix, Arizona.
The last thing anyone wants in this day and age is extra hours in the airport because of a delayed or canceled flight, but it happens. What are the top 5 can’t miss things to do and see at the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport?
While people-watching might be great for others, it’s not how you want to spend an entire day. If the kids are involved, you know they will never make it. What activities can you immerse yourself in and kill a few hours?
Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport is one of the busiest airports in the United States, located just east of downtown Phoenix in Maricopa County. This international airport sees 1200 flights and serves 125,000 travelers daily through 2 terminals. The estimated economic impact of the airport is about S106 million per day. The airport also serves as home to the 161st Air Refueling Wing.
So let's see if we can share some things to do at and around the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. And if you are worried about getting your group from place to place, there are many options, from ride-sharing services to sedan or limousine rentals, which make regular runs all around the airport. Many people have found that these companies provide efficient and effective ways of transporting a group.
Spend Some Time in Airport Lounge
There are several things to do inside the two terminals of PHX. Suppose you are a first-class traveler with Delta, Gold Medallions, and higher traveling internationally or an Amex Platinum Card holder. Try the Delta Sky Club. The lounge offers complimentary foods, drinks, and plenty of places to plug your laptop in.
Escape is another lounge free to Amex Platinum card holders, Delta Reserve, and Delta Business Reserve cardholders. (All others pay $40 if they prebook at least 24 hours in advance or $45 for a walk-up). This lounge is located on the fourth floor and offers free food and drinks, wifi, and an upscale eclectic vibe.
Browse for a Souvenier at Shops at Sky Harbor
There are many places to pick up a souvenir or even a keepsake from the trip. Over 20 different shops and boutiques are located inside the airport. We recommend spending some time in Indigenous, located in terminals 3 and 4, offering a wide variety of southwestern items.
Pueblo Spirit is also an excellent shop featuring Native American jewelry and gifts. The boutique is affiliated with the Heard Museum and specializes in Sonoran art, pottery, and accessories.
You will find numerous souvenir places to explore in each terminal, should you need something more Phoenix-oriented.
Grab a Bite at a Great Restaurant
One of the rare gems among the twenty different eateries at PHX is the O.H.S.O. (Outrageous Home Brewer’s Social Outpost) brewery located at gate B9. The quaint gastropub is part of the local brewery operations throughout Phoenix. Sample a bit of Peanut Butter Cup Cakeeater or a wheat beer named Handlebar Hefe. (Two of our absolute favorites). The pub has some outstanding burgers, wings, and homespun bar fare.
La Madeleine is a franchise french restaurant offering all kinds of french country fare, from sandwiches, to chicken entrees, to soups, salads, and every kind of pastry imaginable. The food quality is outstanding, and you can wander into this lovely venue near gate B20.
Suppose you have a few hours to spare and want to explore restaurants unique to the Phoenix experience. In that case, we suggest taking a short ride to Pizzeria Bianco located in Heritage Square. This excellent pizzeria has been a staple of the Phoenix culture for nearly 25 years. Under James Beard award-winning chef Chris Bianco, it has been churning out some of the best wood-fired crusts and fresh pizza combinations you have ever tried.
Find a Museum to Explore
Pueblo Grande Museum is located only 1.8 miles from the airport and is accessible via the Sky Train. This unique musuem is an excellent place to learn about the native Southwest land and its people. View indoor exhibits that speak to the Hohokam people who populated the area from A.D. 450 to 1450 as they farmed the Salt River Valley area. There is an outdoor trail for the kids to explore should you need them to run off some energy.
If you have a few hours and need something to wear out the kids for the flight home, the Arizona Science Museum is the place to be. Named as one of the premier science museums in the country, with hundreds of interactive exhibits, your kids will learn and grow and have a blast in this kid-tastic environment. The planetarium is excellent and the four levels of exhibits will enthrall curious minds with thoughts of discovery. A few miles from the airport, it is easily reached by Uber, Lyft, or limousine service.
Take a Stroll in Phoenix Botanical Gardens
The Phoenix Botanical Gardens allow for an excellent view of many of the local fauna while you learn about the wildlife of the Sonoran Desert. Exhibits vary every season, as many local artisans find their works incorporated with the beauty of the surrounding landscape. Again, the best way to reach this destination is by outside transportation, which can have you there in less than ten minutes.
Why is Renting a Limousine a Good idea for a Layover?
With the costs of rental cars going through the roof and the hassle of finding one growing more difficult by the day, many people have found that limousine or charter bus services are the best way to get groups to and from a destination. If you need to keep a group together and know that alcohol will be involved, ensure everyone's safety by employing a service like Phoenix Sedan and Limousine service.
What Size of Limo or Rental Vehicle Can I Secure?
Depending on the size of your group, a charter bus can provide comfortable transportation for 36–50 people, while a limousine can accommodate 8-12 people. A private car can handle any small group or individual Phoenix Sedan, or Limo Rental can provide an option for your group. Rates will increase the number of people you need to transport and where you specifically decide to go.
How Are the Rates for Limo Services Set?
Limo companies will offer their rates (with usually a 3-5 hour minimum) based on the number of people transported and the distance to the venue you wish to see. An overnight rental will be more expensive because the driver will need to secure hotel accommodations.
Our Limo Drivers are Specially Trained and Licensed
Every limo driver in Arizona must have a clean driving record and a chauffer's license and is often required to take additional training mandated by the company. Companies like Scottsdale Limo Service use only highly skilled and trained drivers and screen their employees carefully.
How Do I Book a Limousine or Bus for an Event?
Call the limo service directly. An excellent place to start is Arizona Charter Service. Discuss your plans with a consultant and let them do the rest. Before long, your staff will be riding in luxury.