Emergency Nursing 2026 will keep attendees busy with plenty of opportunities to learn, bond and celebrate with peers. But make some time to step away from the Phoenix Convention Center and check out what the Valley of the Sun has to offer.
The circular walkway at the Desert Botanical Garden shows off why some call Phoenix “the Big Saguaro.” Photo courtesy of the Desert Botanical Garden.
Fortunately, the convention center is conveniently situated for sightseeing, dining and exploring — close to murals, museums, indie food stalls and that one-of-a-kind desert-bright culture.
“There’s something to do all the time here,” said Lacy Garth, DNP, PMHNP-BC, a member of the Arizona ENA Council who has served on its Government Affairs and Membership Committees. “When you have more than a million people in the city, there are tons of things to do, something for everyone.” Garth has lived in Phoenix since 2012 and counts going to new restaurants and taking advantage of outdoor activities (even though it can be more than 100 degrees outside) as some of Phoenix’s charms. She recommends perusing some shops for turquoise and other Native-made art and jewelry to take home.
Here’s a curated guide organized by how far you’ll walk, rideshare or light-rail your way from the convention center.
Within 10 Minute
- Roosevelt Row: Phoenix’s creative corridor — replete with murals, galleries, pop-ups and street energy — is less than a mile from the convention center. Perfect for an early-evening stroll after the last education session of the day or a late-night wander with a camera.
- The Pemberton: Popular with locals, this courtyard-style hangout with art installations, food vendors and a rotating cast of makers is basically a free museum in Roosevelt Row. Think festival vibes without the wristband.
Downtown Phoenix’s Roosevelt Row is a great place to go hunting for brightly colored murals. Photo courtesy of Visit Phoenix and An Pham.
- Arizona Diamondbacks (Chase Field): We don’t have a crystal ball, so we don’t know if the Diamondbacks will be playing in the postseason. But if they are, nab a ticket. The retractable-roof ballpark keeps baseball civilized in desert heat and is just blocks from the convention center.
- Dorrance Planetarium: Located inside the Arizona Science Center, the 360-degree planetarium offers both daytime and after-hours shows.
- Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix: Not only can visitors take in the serene, manicured gardens at this oasis, they also can participate in a public Japanese tea ceremony on Oct. 1.
- Kid Sister: A wine bar with a seasonal menu, this Roosevelt Row favorite is a good choice for a light bite after conference sessions.
- Culinary Dropout: A large restaurant with a big patio means there’s plenty of room for you and your friends to eat, drink and be merry.
- Lom Wong: One of Phoenix’s most compelling modern Asian restaurants, Lom Wong is both contemporary and traditional, a place where you’ll revisit an old favorite and find a new one. Go with a group so you can share lots of dishes.
- Wren & Wolf: At night, downtown’s Wren & Wolf is a cocktail bar with a chef-driven menu. In the morning, it’s a tasty coffee shop and a good pre-session stop.
Wren & Wolf offers elegant modern American cuisine and immaculate vibes. Photo courtesy of Pretty Decent Concepts.
10–15 Minutes Away
- Phoenix Art Museum: The largest art museum in the Southwest United States, the Phoenix Art Museum features more than 20,000 works of art and an impressive Latin American collection. Head over on Wednesday night, when the museum stays open late and admission is pay-what-you-wish.
- Heard Museum: There are few better places in the world to see Indigenous art than this private, nonprofit museum just 2 miles from the convention center. The sculpture collection is particularly noteworthy. The gift shop is a good place to look for a meaningful souvenir.
- K1 Speed Phoenix: High-speed indoor go-kart racing can be a great team-building activity.
- The Henry: Garth picks this American eatery as a good place to go out with a group.
More than 15 Minutes Away
- Phoenix Zoo: Nestled in 125 acres inside Papago Park, the zoo and the Arizona Center for Nature Conservancy offers desert trails and
Dorrance DOME lets visitors explore the skies from inside. Photo courtesy of the Arizona Science Center.
shaded paths as well as cool animal habitats.
- Desert Botanical Garden: A great place to see desert flora, with walking trails and hours that accommodate early risers looking to avoid the midday heat.
- EVO: A polished but welcoming spot, EVO is a good choice for a group that wants a more refined evening and reliable Italian dishes.
- Le Ame: This Parisian steakhouse has a dress code and a price tag to match, but on Monday and Tuesday nights, you can order steak frites with endless frites.