Galleries & Museums
CACSS
The Central Arizona Cactus and Succulent Society (CACSS) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and an affiliate of the Cactus and...
CACSS
Stroll among massive red sandstone boulders in this urban hiking and recreation hotspot.
If it wasn’t for the glass skyline across the river, visitors might think hiking Papago Park was more like walking on the surface of a red planet. The buttes of Tempe create a geologic dreamscape near the north bank of Tempe Town Lake. To the south, the city of Tempe and the campus of Arizona State University bustle with activity. Add this urban park and its iconic visitor destinations to the itinerary to hike, bike and sightsee in Sun Devil country.
The Double Butte Loop Trail is one of the most popular urban hiking destinations in Greater Phoenix. Partly because anyone can do it but mostly because of the exhilaration of being surrounded by a prehistoric scattering of unusual rock formations. The wide trail spans just over 2 miles and has minimal elevation gain. It’s perfect for soaking in the scenery in full stride rather than huffing up mountainsides common on other urban hikes in Phoenix. Of the 10 miles of trails in Papago Park, Hole in the Rock is the shortest and has the biggest payoff. Take the short climb for the ultimate desert vacation selfie or join large crowds when the sunset peeks through the cave burrowed into sandstone. The Nature Trail winds through the center of the park and passes by picnic tables under ramadas, fishing lagoons and playgrounds. The stroller-friendly trail makes it perfect for family picnics before or after visiting the zoo.
Some of the metro’s top visitor attractions chose Papago Park decades ago when Phoenix was a burgeoning desert outpost. Since 1939, Desert Botanical Garden has showcased the surprising mix of plants that grow in the Sonoran Desert and other arid climates across the globe. Today, the outdoor exhibits showcase more than 50,000 plants. The adjacent Phoenix Zoo joined the scene in 1962. Shaded trails lead through the oasis and its multiple habitats featuring desert critters among the 3,000 animals protected here. On the fringes of Papago Park, visitors can add Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting and Arizona Heritage Center to the itinerary.
The history of the East Valley is on display along Mill Avenue, which runs south from Papago Park into the city of Tempe. See the historic Hayden Flour Mill on the banks of Tempe Town Lake and imagine cargo boats chugging up and down the Salt River carrying grain. Today the mill location is surrounded by shops, restaurants and Arizona State University. On campus, visit another historic point of pride — the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed ASU Gammage theater — to see touring acts in a massive performing arts venue.
Cities
Home to Arizona State University, Tempe, just east of Phoenix, contains the vibe you would expect in a college town, and attractions that make...
Rivers & Lakes
This urban lake on the Salt River offers recreation and entertainment year-round.
Arts & Culture
The Garden’s commitment to the community is to advance excellence in education, research, exhibition and conservation of desert plants of the...
Performing Arts
ASU Gammage is among the largest university-based presenters of performing arts in the world. It hosts concerts, theater and dance performances,...
Nature & Wildlife
Enter the Phoenix Zoo and explore a wondrous world of curiosity, imagination and discovery. Featuring more than 3,000 animals, including...
Galleries & Museums
The Central Arizona Cactus and Succulent Society (CACSS) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and an affiliate of the Cactus and...
Sports
The Cactus League Baseball Association is your home base for everything springing training in Arizona, from tickets and schedules to venues...
Restaurants & Bars
Aspire to a new way of modern travel when you stay at the Cambria Hotel Downtown Phoenix Convention Center. Our centrally located hotel is...
Family Activities
A state-of-the-art baseball facility like no other, Camelback Ranch-Glendale celebrates its eleventh season as Spring Training home of the...
Shopping
The Candy and Chocolate Co is a family owned business with three generations of our family and close family friends working together. Our...
Wineries
Located in the arts and entertainment district of Old Town Scottsdale, Carlson Creek's tasting room was a former art gallery now completely...
Music
Spas & Luxury
Castle Hot Springs is where adventure meets luxury in a verdant desert oasis. Natural, clear hot springs and cascading pools complement the...
History
At the base of Black Mountain, is a handsome Southwest style building - the Cave Creek Museum. Its roots are embedded in the pioneer...
Performing Arts
Chandler Center for the Arts is an engaging, welcoming, innovative space serving our diverse community.With three dynamic performance...
Arts & Culture
Chandler Center for the Arts is an engaging, welcoming, innovative space serving our diverse community.With three dynamic performance...
History
Chandler Museum is an interdisciplinary learning environment where the community comes together to share its stories, preserve its cultural...