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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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Arizona is widely known for places like the Grand Canyon and Saguaro National Forest, but one of its most stunning and underrated treasures is Aravaipa Canyon. Just southeast of Phoenix and northeast of Tucson, this wilderness area remains a well-kept secret for those seeking a fun outdoor adventure. Aravaipa Canyon offers a rare combination of serene beauty, challenging terrain, and diverse wildlife, making it a must-visit destination for backpackers, nature lovers, and adventurers alike. advertisement A Breathtaking Wilderness Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness spans an impressive 19,410 acres and is located in Graham and Pinal counties. The canyon itself stretches over 11
Arizona is home to some of the most intricate and unique cultural traditions in the United States, and among them is the Hopi people’s craftsmanship of Kachina figures. These carvings, often referred to as kachina dolls, serve as much more than mere decoration—they are educational tools, spiritual symbols, and artistic expressions. Through these figures, the Hopi pass down knowledge of their belief systems, traditions, and the spirits that influence their daily lives. advertisement What Are Hopi Kachina Figures? Hopi kachina figures are intricately carved dolls, traditionally made from cottonwood root, by members of the Hopi tribe who live primarily in
Long before Sedona became today’s popular destination, a few adventurous souls made their homes in this what we now revere as a geological wonderland. At 4,350 feet in Central Arizona’s Verde Valley, Sedona is surrounded by a dramatic landscape shaped by volcanic activity and erosion. These natural forces carved out Oak Creek Canyon and created the signature oxidized red rocks that have made the area internationally famous, and make up the Red Rock State Park. advertisement Red Rock State Park, which spans 286 acres just nine miles south of downtown Sedona, now protects this remarkable terrain. Established in 1991, the
Spirit of Arizona Tours (SOA) offers a unique experience that blends history, mystery, and culture in one journey. Locally owned and operated, SOA takes pride in sharing Phoenix’s hidden gems—those lesser-known places that often slip under the radar of mainstream tours. advertisement Founded in September 2019 by Arizona native Jarrod Riddle, SOA was born from his desire to share Phoenix’s untold stories. As well as overlooked sites with locals and visitors alike. From true crime tales and ghost stories to the art of murals and the soul of the city’s tacos, Riddle’s tours provide a fresh perspective on the city’s
