Welcome to Phoenix: Things to Do at APhA 2023

Education sessions, keynote speakers, poster presentations, and…hiking? Attendees at this year’s American Pharmacists Association annual meeting are in for a treat when they head to sunny Phoenix, Arizona from March 24 to 27 for APhA 2023. After the day’s learning and networking have ended, consider taking the time to visit one of the many attractions that Phoenix has to offer.

Hike Camelback Mountain

Just 20 minutes from downtown Phoenix, Camelback Mountain offers one of the city’s best hikes. Two trails will take hikers up 1420 feet to the summit, where they will be rewarded with 360-degree views of the city. Advanced hikers can also visit Echo Canyon Trail and Cholla Trail—both rated as extremely difficult—for two challenging climbs featuring rocky ascents and breathtaking views.

Explore Papago Park

The iconic Papago Park is home to scenic hikes, stunning rock formations, and the Desert Botanical Garden, home to a collection of desert plants from around the world. More than 50,000 plants are on display across 5 trails that highlight topics like conservation, desert living, the Sonoran Desert, and wildflowers. Visitors can also attend the Cohn Family Spring Butterfly Exhibit, Majestic Mariposas, which features more than 2000 butterflies native to the Southwest.

Tee Off in Scottsdale

More than 200 golf courses dot the Scottsdale area, just minutes from downtown Phoenix. Known as the world’s finest golf destination, visitors can tee off at some of the world’s premiere courses. Topping the list are the Raven Golf Club, the Rancho Manana Golf Club, and the Starfire Golf Club—the latter of which features a 27-hole Arnold Palmer Designed course. There are 50 courses within Scottsdale city limits, providing golfers of any budget an option to take a few swings.

Visit a Museum

Opened in 1959, the Phoenix Art Museum is the largest art museum in the southwestern region of the United States. The museum is home to a collection of over 20,000 pieces of art from across the Americas, Asia, and Europe. Those interested in more ancient history can visit the Pueblo Grande Museum and Archaeological Park, a National Historical Landmark that was once home to the Hohokam culture, the ancient farming peoples who inhabited the southern deserts of Arizona and Sonora, Mexico, for approximately 1500 years.

Grab a Bite

Phoenix boasts an impressive culinary scene, from taquerias to sushi to breweries, and everything in between. Those looking to sample some local flavors should check out Taco Boys, serving up Mexican eats cooked over an open fire with mesquite charcoal wood. For an elevated dining experience, check out one of the multiple James Beard Award-winning restaurants in the Greater Phoenix area.

Will we see you in Phoenix? Follow along here and on social media for our live coverage of #APhA2023.