10 Places to Visit in Phoenix, AZ That Locals Rave About

Phoenix, Arizona is a metropolis with a wealthy tradition and historical past, surrounded by stunning pure landscapes that entice thousands and thousands of vacationers yearly. Whether or not you might be in search of an journey within the nice outdoor, a peaceable retreat, or a cultural expertise, Phoenix has one thing for everybody. So whether or not you’re a latest transplant renting an residence in Phoenix otherwise you’re in search of properties on the market within the space, there are various stunning locations to go to in Phoenix.  

Bryan Maltais, Wilderness Pictures Pictures

“Phoenix is a phenomenal contradiction; a sprawling metropolis surrounded by the stark wilderness of the Sonora desert. Simply minutes past metropolis limits you’re surrounded by saguaro cacti and darkish skies. I like to go to the the rugged Superstition Mountains for glorious mountain climbing, pictures and wildlife viewing that makes me really feel secluded from the bustle of an enormous metropolis.”  –Bryan Maltais, Wilderness Pictures Pictures

1. Camelback Mountain

One of the vital iconic landmarks in Phoenix is Camelback Mountain, named after its resemblance to a resting camel. Camelback Mountain is a difficult hike that rewards you with panoramic views of the encompassing valleys and mountains. It’s a common vacation spot for each vacationers and locals and is very stunning at dawn and sundown.

2. Piestewa Peak 

Piestewa Peak is a outstanding mountain situated in Phoenix, Arizona. It was previously often called Squaw Peak however was renamed in honor of Lori Piestewa, a Hopi tribal member who was the primary Native American girl to die in fight whereas serving within the U.S. army. The height stands at 2,610 ft and presents a difficult hike to the summit, with panoramic views of town and surrounding desert panorama. It’s a common vacation spot for outside fans and hikers within the Phoenix space.

Dave Hatton Pictures

“To really love Phoenix is to like a stroll within the desert, which isn’t greater than a 15-minute drive from anyplace within the metropolis. A well-liked spot is Piestewa Peak, which is a metropolis park situated within the coronary heart of Phoenix – a brief hike and town disappears behind you.” –Dave Hatton Pictures

3. Phoenix Artwork Museum

The Phoenix Artwork Museum is among the largest artwork museums within the Southwest, with over 20,000 artworks from all over the world. The museum’s collections embody up to date artwork, American artwork, and trend design, amongst others. The constructing itself is a murals, with its fashionable design and expansive galleries.

4. Papago Park

Papago Park is a picturesque desert park situated close to the guts of Phoenix. It’s residence to many distinctive geological formations, together with the well-known Gap-in-the-Rock, which presents breathtaking views of town. The park can be residence to the Desert Botanical Backyard, a preferred attraction that options over 50,000 vegetation, together with uncommon and endangered species.

Lily LaPrada Pictures

Not solely is Papago Park one in all my favourite websites to take pictures of my shoppers, it’s additionally an important location to observe the gorgeous Arizona sundown. A brief hike to The Gap within the Rock will give the most effective entrance row view of the purple, purple and orange hues.” –Lily LaPrada Pictures

5. South Mountain Park

South Mountain Park is the biggest municipal park in the USA and presents among the most gorgeous views of Phoenix. The park boasts over 16,000 acres of desert panorama, together with mountain climbing trails, picnic areas, and scenic drives. One of many park’s hottest sights is Dobbins Lookout, which presents panoramic views of town and surrounding mountains.

6. Skyline Regional Park 

Skyline Regional Park is a phenomenal pure park situated in Buckeye, Arizona. The park options over 8,000 acres of rugged desert terrain, together with quite a few mountain climbing trails and breathtaking views of the encompassing mountains and valleys. Guests can discover the park’s numerous ecosystem, which incorporates a number of species of cacti, desert shrubs, and wildlife, corresponding to coyotes, rabbits, and birds of prey.  One of many highlights of the park is the Summit Path, a difficult hike to the highest of a mountain that gives panoramic views of the encompassing panorama.

Cactus Pictures

“Skyline Regional Park is an unbelievable place to seek out excellent desert views from dawn to sundown. It doesn’t matter what season you resolve to go to Phoenix, the park is stuffed with stunning desert flowers and cacti, unbelievable wildlife and pleasant faces, adopted by a shocking sundown. With mountain climbing appropriate for the entire household, from newbie to professional, it’s a must-explore sight-seeing cease.” -Amber Herrera, Cactus Pictures

7. Jewel of the Creek Protect

The Jewel of the Creek Protect is a picturesque nature protect. The protect encompasses 34 acres of pristine desert habitat, that includes a scenic creek, towering saguaro cacti, and numerous wildlife, corresponding to coyotes, javelina, and varied chicken species. Guests can get pleasure from mountain climbing on a number of well-maintained trails, together with the aptly named “Jewel of the Creek” path, which follows the meandering creek and presents gorgeous views of the encompassing panorama. The protect additionally options a number of instructional displays and informative signage, highlighting the realm’s distinctive geology, flora, and fauna.

Liz Drennan Pictures

“Certainly one of my favourite locations to go to in Phoenix is the Jewel of the Creek Protect, situated in Cave Creek, AZ.  It’s a candy spot full of Saguaro cactus, mountains and wildlife. My favourite time of the day to go to is true earlier than sundown the place the sky is painted with purples, pinks, reds and oranges and tucked properly behind layers of mountains.  Jewel of the Creek has a pleasant two-mile path that gives loads of spots for footage and the hike is straightforward for kids and pets.” –Liz Drennan Pictures

8. Desert Botanical Gardens 

The Desert Botanical Backyard is a 140-acre botanical backyard situated in Papago Park in Phoenix, Arizona. The backyard is devoted to the preservation, show, and schooling of desert flowers from all over the world. It options over 50,000 plant shows representing greater than 4,000 species, together with cacti, succulents, wildflowers, and timber. Along with the plant collections, the backyard additionally contains a number of mountain climbing trails, artwork displays, and seasonal occasions.

Sandi Shipley Pictures

“Desert Botanical Gardens, one in all my favourite locations in Phoenix.  There’s a lush pure setting that showcases the brilliance of the desert in surprising methods. There are wildflower fields, a cactus forest and an edible backyard to expertise. The lighting is simply stunning and the grounds make it such a phenomenal place to go to. It’s an important place to calm down and benefit from the pure great thing about the desert. The Desert Botanical Gardens hosts quite a lot of occasions all year long, corresponding to live shows, festivals, and academic packages, it’s a enjoyable and delightful place to go to.” -Sandi Shipley Pictures 

9. Heritage District of Downtown Gilbert 

he Heritage District is the charming historic downtown space of Gilbert, Arizona. This walkable neighborhood is residence to quite a lot of locally-owned outlets, eating places, and companies, all housed in distinctive and superbly restored buildings. You may can discover the district’s many artwork galleries, vintage outlets, and boutique shops, in addition to benefit from the quite a few eating choices, from informal cafes to wonderful eating eating places.

Magical Reminiscences by Michelle

“Metro Phoenix is so unfold out and has all kinds of enjoyable locations to go to. Certainly one of my favorites is the Heritage District of Downtown Gilbert. With each city colour and rustic scenes, it’s a captivating space to seize a chunk to eat, try colourful murals, do some buying, and benefit from the stunning Arizona climate. There’s really one thing for everybody. You may catch a present on the Hale Heart Theatre, benefit from the nation bar scene at Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row, and don’t neglect to go to Petersen’s Ice Cream or Rocket Fizz for a enjoyable deal with. The perfect half? It’s all inside strolling distance!” –Michelle Robertson, Magical Reminiscences by Michelle

10. Taliesin West

Taliesin West is a shocking architectural masterpiece designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. The constructing served as Wright’s winter residence and studio, and is now residence to the Frank Lloyd Wright Basis and Faculty of Structure. The constructing’s distinctive design and integration into the encompassing desert panorama make it a must-visit vacation spot for anybody enthusiastic about structure or design.

Phoenix is a phenomenal metropolis that gives all kinds of gorgeous locations to go to and luxuriate in. From gorgeous pure landscapes to world-class museums and cultural experiences, there’s something for everybody in Phoenix. Whether or not you’re a nature lover, an artwork fanatic, or a historical past buff, you might be certain to seek out one thing to encourage you.