22 Best Things To Do In Fountain Hills, Arizona

Angelyn
Contributing Writer
Updated
| 10 min read
things to do in fountain hills arizona

Situated in Maricopa County, Arizona, Fountain Hills is a town known for its downtown geyser fountain which is the title holder of the fourth-tallest public fountain in the world. Waking up in the best vacation rental in Fountain Hill with a view of this popular attraction will surely leave you with a cherished memory. Blessed with a sunny desert climate, this side of the Grand Canyon State is home to several attractions that every traveler will surely fall in love with. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast looking to answer the call of adventure or just want to be with nature, you will never fall short of things to do here. If you’re visiting Arizona soon, book one of the top Airbnb vacation rentals in Fountain Hills and scroll down to find the best things to do in Fountain Hills, Arizona.

1. Experience Desert Dog Offroad Adventures

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Oh boy we are getting muddy today! Join us in The Sonoran Desert on a Atv Sand Buggy Adventure! Visit Desert Dog Offroad...

Posted by Desert Dog Offroad Adventures on Friday, December 30, 2022

Are you looking for some off-roading adventure and want to spend a thrilling day with your friends or family? Then book a tour with the Desert Dog Offroad Adventures and go for an ATV ride around the Arizonian desert. They offer various packages to choose from depending on the size of the group, which vehicle you want to ride on, and the course.

Embark on this fun-filled yet informative tour that even offers barbecue in its tour packages. You can also book with them for a corporate event and plan out a team bonding exercise.

Desert Dog Offroad Adventures

Address: 17212 E Shea Blvd, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268, United States

Website: Desert Dog Offroad Adventures

Price: 150 USD onwards

2. Enjoy a meal at Saddle Bronc Grill

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by Saddle Bronc Grill on Thursday, July 14, 2011

Ideal for parties and night outs, the Saddle Bronc Grill is a classic American restaurant that’s popularly known for its John Wayne Angus cheeseburgers, fall-off-the-bone ribs, pan-fried Walleye Wednesdays, and slow-roasted prime rib Saturdays. With a small-town country house vibe, the bar is decked out with flat-screen TVs for the community to collectively enjoy sports events. Their selection of fine wine and always-on-tap beers makes the live music scene and other events even more fun.

So plan out an adventure-filled night, and visit Saddle Bronc Grill to make happy memories. Add this spot to your itinerary as a perfect thing to do in Fountain Hills, Arizona on a weekend, especially if there’s a home game scheduled around the time of your visit.

Saddle Bronc Grill

Address: 11056 N Saguaro Blvd, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268, United States

Website: Saddle Bronc Grill

Opening hours: Sun - Tue: 11am - 9pm; Wed - Sat: 11am - 10pm

3. Pose for a selfie with the world's fourth highest fountain

Fountain Hills Arizona
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Philcomanforterie used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Ready your camera and snap a selfie with this fountain standing tall in the center of Fountain Hills’ lake. Visible from miles away and over 300 feet (91.4 m), this fountain is indeed a wonder to behold. You can leisurely walk along the sidewalk trail of 1.2 miles (2 kilometers) inside the park and still see this gigantic fountain. Grab something for lunch from any of the nearby stores and restaurants and make your way to a couple of benches around the park where you can relax while feasting your eyes on this majestic sight.

Aside from the fountain, the park also serves as a dwelling place for wild birds and interesting displays of beautiful cactus plants.

Fountain Park

Address: 12925 N Saguaro Blvd, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268, USA

Website: Fountain Park

Opening hours: 6am - 11pm (daily)

Price: Free

4. Explore local history at River of Time Museum

Posted by River of Time Museum - Fountain Hills, Arizona on Wednesday, 26 February 2014

Obtain an understanding of the history of Fountain Hills in this small yet well-done museum that covers a lot of information about the people and the land of what is now Fountain Hills. Learn important facts such as the history of the Lower Verde River Valley, life in Fort McDowell when the military occupied the area, and the significance of Roosevelt Dam and the Orme Dam project which are both proofs of how important the water is to this desert area. Note that housed in the same very attractive building is the Fountain Hills Library that you can also spend time to visit before or after touring around the museum.

River of Time Museum

Address: 12901 N La Montana Fountain Hills, AZ 85268

Website: River of Time Museum

Opening hours: (Jun - Sep) Tue - Sat: 9am - 12pm; (Oct - May) Tue - Sat: 10am - 4pm (closed on Sun & Mon)

Price: 5 USD

5. Surround yourself with arts and crafts at The Great Fair

Posted by Fountain Festival of Arts & Crafts on Wednesday, 16 November 2016

Wander slowly and catch the fountain show as you browse the booths filled with handcrafted products and fine arts in this annual fair featuring a lot of exhibitors selling all types of neat items and gifts. With hundreds of vendors, artists, and food concessions, you will easily spend hours roaming through all of the exhibits where you can find pieces of jewelry, home decors, fashion items, and amazing artwork. Food booths, live music entertainment, a beer garden, and seating areas abound throughout the venue ready to accommodate visitors whenever you feel tired and hungry while taking part in this fair.

The Great Fair

Address: 16705 E. Avenue of the Fountains - Fountain Hills, Arizona 85268

Website: The Great Fair

Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (last full weekend of Feb)

Price: Free

6. Catch a show at Fountain Hills Theater


Have a blast while watching live plays and musicals in this modest playhouse with graduated flooring giving all the audience a great view of the stage. Supporting local artists while offering fantastic shows to locals and foreign visitors, Fountain Hills Theater is a one-of-a-kind community theater that will surely make for hours of laughter and fun times. If you’re interested to experience the show, get your tickets quickly and never try to buy them at the door for they do sell out fast!

Fountain Hills Theater

Address: 11445 N Saguaro Blvd, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268, USA

Website: Fountain Hills Theater

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 5pm (closed from Sun - Mon)

Price: Varies per performance

7. Stroll around Fountain Hills Botanical Garden

things to do in fountain hills arizona | stroll around fountain hills botanical garden
Source: instagram

Have a look at the 30 varieties of plants unique to the American Southwest desert region while exploring Fountain Hills Botanical Garden. Founded as a wildlife preserve, it is known as an educational ground and hiking destination for locals and tourists alike offering several interesting views of rock formations, desert flora, and wildlife encounters. Take delight in discovering new plant species. Enjoy a half-hour trek ending at a small dam built by ranchers who were there before the town was built.

Fountain Hills Botanical Garden

Address: 11300 N Fountain Hills Blvd, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268, USA

Website: Fountain Hills Botanical Garden

Opening hours: 6am - 10pm (daily)

Price: Free

8. Hike Fountain Hills Lake Overlook Trail

Grateful for this day.....

Posted by Jeff Moore on Monday, 15 July 2019

Enjoy hiking along Fountain Hills Lake Overlook Trail offering a nice viewpoint to see the world’s fourth-tallest fountain as it goes off for 15 minutes every hour. The trail path is well-maintained and wanders through a disc golf course, playground, veteran’s memorial, sculptures, trees, and profuse wildflowers. It also circles the lake covering approximately 1.7 miles (2.74 kilometers). Don’t forget to bring enough water to hydrate yourself and take advantage of the benches for resting at the summit.

Fountain Hills Lake Overlook Trail

Address: 16705 E. Avenue of the Fountains - Fountain Hills, Arizona 85268

Website: Fountain Hills Lake Overlook Trail

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 7am - 6pm (closed from Fri - Sun)

Price: Free

9. Trek your way to historical petroglyphs at Dixie Mine Trail


Prepare for a medium-to-difficult hike as you explore the very scenic trail and reach the famous Dixie Mine that was originally known as the Red Mountain Mine. Aside from the mountain views, be overwhelmed by the vistas in every direction filled with desert flowers and cactus blooms in the springtime or yellow poppies and brittlebush during the summer months. At the end of the trail, get the glimpse of the petroglyphs from the Archaic, Hokoham, and Historical periods dating back more than 800 years ago so avoid touching them as part of its preservation. Remember to bring sun protection and enough water to stand the heat during your visit.

Dixie Mine Trail

Address: Fountain Hills, AZ 85268

Website: Dixie Mine Trail

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 7am - 6pm (closed on Fri - Sun)

Price: 2 USD

10. Admire the great art works at Fountain Hills Artists' Gallery


Immerse yourself in the works of more than 40 artists in Fountain Hills Artists’ Gallery that is owned and operated by the artists as a cooperative. Meet artists who have current displays in the gallery every time you visit and get a chance to personally interview some of the people behind each work of art. Holding many beautiful treasures, spend time admiring a diverse and unique selection of fine art ranging from classical to contemporary including paintings, pottery, and photography. Definitely, it is an ideal place to buy souvenirs and original gift items that you can bring back home for family and friends.

Address: 16858 E Ave of the Fountains # 103, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268, USA

Website: Fountain Hills Artists’ Gallery

Opening hours: (Oct - May) Mon - Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun: 11am - 4pm; (Jun - Sep) Tue - Sat: 10am - 5pm

Price: Free

11. Indulge in food, arts, and entertainment at Fountain Festival of Arts and Crafts

Posted by Fountain Festival of Arts & Crafts on Wednesday, 16 November 2016

Enjoy the artwork, the entertainment, the food, and the hospitality of Fountain Hills during Fountain Hills Festival of Arts and Crafts. Shop until you drop or just purchase art that speaks to you during this unique celebration that is considered as one of the largest arts and crafts events in the Southwest. Drawing hundreds of thousands of potential buyers, you will be surrounded by work of arts in all mediums - sculpture, painting, clothing, jewelry, and crafts. Have the best of both worlds and enjoy the food, too, as kiosks and restaurants provide a culinary wonderland together with the shops.

Fountain Festival of Arts and Crafts

Address: 16837 E Palisades Blvd., Fountain Hills, AZ 85268

Website: Fountain Festival of Arts and Crafts

Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (second full weekend of Nov)

Price: Free

12. Enjoy sweet treats at Chocofin Chocolatier


Learn about the roasting and baking process of the handmade chocolates in this small family-owned business located on a busy street in the back of a bank building. Tickle your taste buds and take home one of their heavenly treats including cakes, brownies, truffles, macaroons, and handmade chocolates. Indulge in each piece of dessert made with high-quality European chocolate, fresh cream, and butter that will surely gratify your sweet tooth.

Chocofin Chocolatier

Address: 13404 N La Montana Dr # 2, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268, USA

Website: Chocofin Chocolatier

Opening hours: Mon: 12pm - 6pm; Tue - Fri: 10am - 6pm; Sat: 10am - 5pm (closed on Sun)

13. Indulge in jewelry shopping

things to do in fountain hills arizona | indulge in jewelry shopping
Source: instagram

Buy custom-designed jewelry from the family-owned Sami Fine Jewelry, the only American Gemstone Gallery in the World. Holding a great selection of finished, mounted amethyst, peridot, and garnet ranging from moderately priced to expensive ones, they will work with you to make a custom piece that will fit your liking. If you have the means, sign up for a helicopter ride to the Arizona Four Peaks Amethyst Mine where you can admire the gorgeous color of deep purple and get the chance to mine your amethyst. For easy access, they are located in downtown Fountain Hills which is very easy to get to from anywhere in the valley.

Sami Fine Jewelry

Address: 16704 E Ave of the Fountains #100, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268, USA

Website: Sami Fine Jewelry

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 5pm (closed on Sun - Mon)

14. Have a picnic at Golden Eagle Park


Plan a picnic with family in Golden Eagle Park complete with children’s playground, shaded picnic area, and other utilities encouraging a fun-filled holiday. Covering 25 acres (10 hectares) of an active recreation area, the whole squad will surely have enough space to play with kids or simply lay down while enjoying the spectacular mountain scenery. Have a friendly match with friends and take advantage of the basketball, volleyball, and tennis courts, and the multipurpose ball fields for a day of fun. If you will bring your pet, make sure to have him on the leash at all times and clean up after your him.

Golden Eagle Park

Address: 15900 E Golden Eagle Blvd, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268, USA

Website: Golden Eagle Park

Opening hours: 6am - 11pm (daily)

Price: Free

15. Indulge in flavorful Latin American cuisine at Sofrita


Make it a point to dine at this colorful, folk-art filled Latin American eatery, Sofrita in Fountain Hills, ideal for a festive gathering of good friends, delicious food, and flowing sangria. Whet your palate by starting with their savory chips, salsa, and guacamole before getting yourself a plate of their main dishes or anything from the all-day breakfast menu. Order a glass of margarita to wash down your food and conclude your dining experience by getting something sweet such as the coconut flan or the chocolate cake. If you’re lucky, catch a live Flamenco shows along with the eclectic mix of music while having a feast.

Sofrita

Address: 16848 E Ave of the Fountains, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268, USA

Website: Sofrita

Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 11am - 8pm (closed on Mon)

16. Have a drink at Brunos Bar & Grill

Little Sis is on the table !! They don't know their playing the California shark ??

Posted by Jacqueline Tobin Zarate on Monday, 10 July 2017

Skip the basic bars and beers and hop to Brunos Bar and Grill for a late-night hangout with your travel buddies. Enjoy fun drinking nights either with yourself or with a friend and take delight in the drinks in your hands from a wide variety of beers you can choose from when visiting. Make your stay worthwhile by playing pool with friends or trying the delicious burger from their wide food selections. Celebrate simple joys with a glass of exquisite drinks when in this side of Fountain Hills.

Brunos Bar & Grill

Address: 16737 E Parkview Ave, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268, USA

Facebook: Brunos Bar & Grill

Opening hours: 11am - 2am (daily)

17. Play golf at SunRidge Canyon Golf Club


Play a round of golf with friends at SunRidge Canyon Golf Club on a course that is both fun and challenging complemented with great scenery, friendly staff, and state-of-the-art facilities. Challenge yourself by overcoming some of the large bunkers guarding the tricky greens, which are in perfect shape. With engaging and varied terrain and appealing aesthetics, this golf course is a little hidden gem one should visit. Take advantage of plentiful seating inside and outside, with heat lamps on cooler days, while waiting for your time to play.

SunRidge Canyon Golf Club

Address: 13100 Sunridge Dr, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268, USA

Website: SunRidge Canyon Golf Club

Opening hours: 6am - 9pm (daily)

Price: From 70 USD

18. Head to Tamaccio Salon & Spa for a pamper sesh

Posted by Tamaccio Salon & Spa on Tuesday, 13 June 2017

Get the wonderful hairstyle you’ve always wanted in this salon spa offering trendy haircuts, hair treatments, and hair colors for any hair length suitable for men and women with any hair type. Life is too short for a boring hairstyle so make sure to revamp your look before hitting the streets of Fountain Hills or before flying out of this side of Arizona. Leave your tresses in the right hands for Tamaccio is staffed by well-trained hairstylists who are passionate about creating a style that is perfect for each individual. Gain immeasurable confidence and flaunt your crowning glory by visiting this salon now!

Tamaccio Salon & Spa

Address: 13050 N. Saguaro Blvd, Fountain Hills, Az 85268

Website: Tamaccio Salon & Spa

Opening hours: (Winter) Mon - Sat: 10am - 5pm; Thu: 10am - 7pm; (Summer) Tue - Sat: 10am - 5pm

19. Go on a shopping spree at Plaza Fountainside

Posted by Plaza Fountainside on Thursday, 11 April 2013

Looking to buy some souvenirs in Fountain Hills while shopping? Browse through the branded shops and spend your hard-earned cash at Plaza Fountainside where everything from boutiques to fine art galleries awaits you. Visit the stores to shop for jewelry, fashion clothing, and even hard-to-find nutritious foods and health supplements for your pets. With many casual dining options, you will never have a hard time finding delicious treats after spending time walking around the plaza. While food, fun, and shopping abound at Plaza Fountainside, you will also find top-tier professional and personal services to do your nails, hair, facials, and body massages to suit your lifestyle.

Plaza Fountainside

Address: 12645 N Saguaro Blvd, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268

Website: Plaza Fountainside

20. Visit Fountain Hills Farmers Market Place


Buy local items and produce perfect for your last-minute souvenir hunt or for fresh ingredients on needed for your dinner menu in this seasonal fine art and farmer’s market. Featuring gourmet foods and some unique artwork, you will never go wrong spending half a day browsing the variety of stalls for cheap yet great finds. Make use of the picnic tables, shade structures, and seating area to fully enjoy the pastries, coffee, home-made treats, and farm-fresh produce in between your booth hopping. Don’t forget to do your part and bring an eco-bag to reduce the use of plastics while doing your shopping in this Thursday farmer’s market.

Fountain Hills Farmers Market Place

Address: 16858 Avenue of the Fountains, Fountain Hills, AZ

Website: Fountain Hills Farmers Market

Opening hours: (Oct - Apr) Thu: 11am - 5pm (closed from Sat - Wed)

Price: Free

21. Have a splash at Rotary Centennial Splash Park

Spray park at Bay City Recreation Area
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Asher196 used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Take your children for a fun experience in this splash pad that is meticulously maintained with enough utilities to make your stay a truly enjoyable one. Pack some foods that you can share with the whole family or you can also clean up and snag a pizza or dinner at one of the neighboring restaurants. If you come out unprepared, fret not for you can take advantage of the pavilion to get some shade, complete with restrooms just a few yards away and picnic tables to rest and catch a snack. Definitely, a nice place to cool down especially during the summer months.

Rotary Centennial Splash Park

Address: 12625 N Saguaro Blvd, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268

Website: Rotary Centennial Splash Park

Opening hours: (Apr - Sep) 9am - 9pm (daily)

Price: Free

22. Prepare for an exciting Hummer ride in the desert

Go on a first-class desert tour along the challenging desert trails with the Desert Dog Hummer Adventure. Enjoy a day of riding a tough four-wheel drive that lets you go further into the desert on rougher terrain than most other vehicles while feasting your eyes on the otherworldly scenery of this part of Arizona. Be informed of the history and legends of the region along with some important facts about the plants and animals that you will encounter during your journey from the knowledgeable driver and guide. If you wish to be more adventurous, look for a Hummer night tour that will guide you when the desert takes on a different atmosphere after sundown.

Prepare to get busy in Fountain Hills

Relatively small compared to some of its neighboring cities and towns, Fountain Hills is a place that many travelers overlook when visiting Arizona. This community actually has amazing quests in store for travelers willing to pick the road less traveled. If you like going off-the-beaten-track, be one of the few to truly enjoy these top things to do in Fountain Hills, Arizona that will surely leave you in awestruck delight.

Frequently asked questions about best things to do in Fountain Hills, Arizona

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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An outdoor enthusiast who treats the summits and pristine beaches of the Philippines as her protected playground, Angelyn is used to traveling on a budget and is a certified travel deal hunter for...View profile

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