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20 March 2023
Phoenix is currently the sixth largest city in the United States, which you wouldn’t know from looking at it. Everything is so spread out that it feels like a small town! Here are some of the most unique places you can visit around the city!
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A gem hidden in north Scottsdale that truly drives home what a western experience is all about. Owned by the Richardson Family, MacDonald’s Ranch has been a staple in the Scottsdale community since 1956. Opening to the public for western adventure on Easter Sunday 1970, MacDonald’s Ranch has grown to offer much more than the founder, Bob Richardson, ever could have imagined.
They offer horseback rides, cowboy cookouts, private events, and more! After you are horseback, your guide will lead you through scenic trails with endless views of saguaros and the possibility of spotting desert wildlife. In the summer months they ride early in the morning and towards the evening time!
*Information: 1 1/2 hour rides are $65 per person; reservations are recommended
With more than 140 acres, 55 acres under cultivation, 50,000+ plant displays showcased in beautiful outdoor exhibits, 4,482 species in the Living Collection, and 519 rare and endangered species in care at the Garden, it’s hard to see why you wouldn’t to visit the Desert Botanical Garden!
The Desert Botanical Garden offers a variety of experiences and live events for all ages to enjoy. This includes live music, dog days, and game nights! In addition to these, they also offer exclusive tours, activities within your visit, and limited time exhibits. Plus if you visit at night there is sometimes a dazzling light show on display!
*Information: Tickets are $22 a person. Open daily.
Savor the flavorful menu and atmosphere at the iconic revolving rooftop restaurant, The Compass. Treat yourself to a new internationally inspired menu by Chelsea Cummings and complemented by breathtaking 360° views of the Valley of the Sun.
For over 45 years, Hyatt Regency Phoenix’s award-winning restaurant has delivered stellar cuisine with unparalleled service. Experience seasonal menus that invite adventurous diners to return for the most current coupling of entrées and wines.
This 2,922-acre park sits in the upper Sonoran Desert and ranges in elevation from 2,000 feet to 3,060 feet. This desert oasis provides any hiker and equestrian majestic views. The Go John Trail loops around a mountain to provide the illusion of being miles away from civilization. In the 1870s, fever-stricken gold seekers staked their dreams on the jasper-studded hills. Guided trails to these sites give visitors an opportunity to travel back in time!
*Information: Entry fee is $6 a car. Open year round.
Top Golf is a driving range with giant bullseyes instead of the normal flags. When your ball hits a target, you are awarded points. Think golf plus darts plus bowling and you have Top Golf. The great thing is, you can be awful and still beat someone who is good at golf.
*Information: Prices vary based on the day and time from $25 to $45 an hour per bay.
K1 Speed offers a fun, exciting thing to do in Phoenix, AZ. K1 Speed delivers an unforgettable experience for friends, families, and businesses. Each location features fast electric go karts, a professionally designed track, state-of-the-art safety barriers, private meeting rooms, an arcade, and an onsite eatery that offers food and drinks. This makes K1 Speed the best entertainment venue in the area, and a great idea for family fun, social outings, team building, corporate events, company parties, birthday parties, and more.
*Information: One race is $20, two are $35, and three are $45
Come and visit Goldfield Ghost Town today! Walk down Main Street, explore the many shops and historic buildings. Tour the historic Mammoth Gold Mine and visit the Goldfield Museum. Pan for gold then take a ride on Arizona’s only narrow gauge train. You’ll also get to witness an old west gun fight performed by the famous Goldfield Gunfighters! Spend a fun filled day, rich in wild west history!
After several unsuccessful attempts to reopen the mines, the town did come to life again from 1910 on and off until 1926. After more than 115 years, travelers from all over the world still visit this gold mining town located on the historic Apache Trail and enjoy the excitement and grandeur of Arizona’s wild west!
*Information: Entry is free, and it is open daily.
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Join the thousands of hikers, horseback riders, photographers and tourists who visit the Superstition Mountains in Central Arizona each year. The rugged beauty, as well as the history and mystery surrounding this locale, combine to create an irresistible pull on the hearts and minds of visitors.
The Museum preserves and presents the history, legends, and lore of the region. Outdoor exhibits on our 14 acre property include the Apacheland Movie Ranch where John Wayne and all the famous western actors filmed scores of western movies and TV episodes, an extensive 1800’s educational mining history walking tour, and a huge G-scale railroad layout depicting the history of the region along 1500 feet of track running through Native American villages, ranches, mines, orchards, and towns! Our main building includes our traditional museum gallery and a wonderful gift shop packed with regional books, gifts, amethyst and turquoise jewelry, and snacks!
*Information: Open daily, $5 entry fee
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A recent study from WalletHub named this small city the best small city in Arizona, and it may not be one you might expect. While many of the Grand Canyon State’s charming small cities—such as Flagstaff, Sedona, and Jerome are beloved for their picturesque views and inviting downtown areas, this study focused on key factors like affordability, economic health, education and health, quality of life, and safety. Despite Arizona’s small cities not making it to the top 10 in the U.S., Queen Creek emerged as the best small city in Arizona, according to the WalletHub study. Why Queen Creek is
Phoenix homeowners now have the chance to transform their yards and contribute to water conservation efforts through the Residential Grass Removal Program. With this initiative, Phoenix pays eligible homeowners $2 for every square foot of grass they remove, helping them switch to more sustainable desert landscaping. advertisement Why Desert Landscaping? In the arid climate of Phoenix, water conservation is crucial. Lawns, which require significant amounts of water, are a major contributor to household water usage. By replacing grass with desert-friendly, drought-resistant plants, homeowners can reduce water consumption by up to 85% compared to maintaining a grass lawn. Not only does
Research indicates that the likelihood of being diagnosed with dementia can be influenced by where individuals live. Insights from Researchers Dr. Julie Bynum, the lead researcher from the University of Michigan, stated that “the percentage of individuals over 65 diagnosed in Arizona is low compared to the national average.” She has dedicated years to examining the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia across the United States. Bynum further noted that “regardless of demographic factors such as race or age, where one lives plays a crucial role in their likelihood of receiving a diagnosis.” advertisement Contrasts in Diagnosis
The historic Highline Trail in the picturesque White Mountains of Arizona is undergoing colossal rehabilitation, potentially transforming Payson into a prominent bikepacking destination. This revitalization project aims to enhance accessibility and promote outdoor recreation while preserving the area’s natural beauty. The Trail’s History The Highline Trail has a rich history dating to its establishment in 1870. Initially utilized for travel between homesteads and livestock movement, it has witnessed significant changes. Today, it spans approximately 55 miles of non-motorized singletrack. However, many sections have fallen into disrepair due to erosion and neglect. In 2021, plans to rehabilitate and reroute parts of
