Visit Phoenix for an exciting and different type of escape from frigid winters. Located in the middle of the desert, the city is famous for its sunshine and long summers. Phoenix’s year-round desert climate makes it the perfect place for relaxing in world-class resorts, hiking in mountainous parks, exploring the expansive deserts, and touring its metropolitan downtown. Once a city of agriculture, Phoenix has since become a thriving hub for financial services, manufacturing in tech, and tourism. Visit the capital of Arizona and discover everything it has to offer while basking in the sun and forgetting about the cold.
Phoenix Mountains Park
Those interested in spending time in the outdoors won’t be disappointed with a visit to Phoenix. Right the middle of the city is Phoenix Mountain Park. Offering panoramic views of Phoenix, the park is home to Piestewa Peak. Hike at your leisure and select a mountain trail that matches your level and reach the top. Along the way, discover the local nature and enjoy views of the surrounding urban, desert, and mountain landscapes. The park’s location makes it easily accessible and a great outing for families, friends, or even those just looking to get some exercise in.
Camelback Mountain
Arguably Phoenix’s most well-known natural landmark, Camelback Mountain’s claim to fame is the stunning views it provides from sunrise to sunset. Resorts dotted along the base of the mountain make it a prime location to take refuge from the hustle and bustle of the city’s center. Regardless of whether you’re staying nearby, hiking to the top of Camelback Mountain is a must for every visitor to Phoenix. Make sure you’re prepared for some challenging climbs or settle for the lower hiking trails, which still offer stunning views of the city.
Desert Botanical Garden
When people think of deserts, the first thing they think of is probably not plants. Be convinced otherwise at the Desert Botanical Garden and learn about the flora and fauna of the Sonoran Desert and other arid lands located around the world. Spanning over 140 acres, the botanical garden has exhibits featuring wildflowers and blooming cacti and displays that teach you how desert plants have been used as food, medicine, and building materials by native peoples. Take a garden tour or explore at your own pace. The Desert Botanical Garden offers a variety of activities and events worth checking out.
Pueblo Grande Museum and Archaeological Park
Phoenix isn’t short on museums and if you’re interested in archeology and the history of the region, visit the Pueblo Grande Museum and Archaeological Park. See pre-Columbian archaeological sites and ruins, which include a prehistoric platform mound and irrigation canals. Learn about the Ancestral Native American civilization that once lived here and was responsible for the construction of the impressively well-preserved archeological structures. As a National Historic Landmark, the museum offers an interesting perspective on the lives of the region’s indigenous inhabitants.
Ro Ho En Japanese Friendship Garden
Feel a world away in the Ro Ho En Japanese Friendship Garden. There’s no better time to stop by than in the wintertime since the garden is actually closed during the summer due to the heat. Relax in the idyllic atmosphere among the koi ponds. Admire the beauty and simplicity of the garden’s design with Japanese aesthetics and philosophical ideas in mind. Have a unique experience and participate in a traditional tea ceremony. The center also offers a variety of cultural workshops, classes, and programs.
Roosevelt Row
Explore Phoenix’s thriving and vibrant arts scene with a walk through Roosevelt Row. The neighborhood is popular with locals and is home to a number of art galleries, studio spaces, restaurants, bars, and shops. The district offers an alternative experience and features stunning colorful murals. Take a guided walking tour to learn about each piece of art you see or discover the area on your own.
