advertisement
20 March 2023
Phoenix, Arizona, often known for its scorching summer temperatures and sprawling desert landscapes, is also home to a wealth of unique experiences that make it a fascinating destination. Whether you’re a nature lover, history buff, or foodie, Phoenix has something for everyone. If you’re looking for activities that go beyond the typical tourist spots, here are nine unique things to do in Phoenix that will make your visit unforgettable.
The Heard Museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in Native American culture and history. This iconic museum features an impressive collection of Native American art, including historical pieces and contemporary works. The museum’s permanent exhibits showcase the diverse cultures of the Southwest, with a special focus on the Indigenous tribes of Arizona. Don’t miss the museum’s courtyard, which also hosts annual events like the Heard Museum Guild Indian Fair & Market.
What to Expect:
One of Phoenix’s most famous landmarks, Camelback Mountain, offers both locals and visitors a chance to experience the desert landscape up close. The mountain, which got its name from its camel-like shape, offers two popular hiking trails: the Echo Canyon Trail and the Cholla Trail. The hike is challenging, but the views from the summit are absolutely worth it, providing a panoramic view of the entire Phoenix metro area.
What to Expect:
Phoenix is known for its clear skies and stunning sunsets, making it a prime location for stargazing. The Desert Botanical Garden in Papago Park offers unique evening events like “Las Noches de las Luminarias,” where visitors can enjoy a magical evening filled with thousands of luminaria candles, live music, and stargazing in the garden’s serene desert surroundings. It’s a great way to experience the desert’s natural beauty after dark.
What to Expect:
If you’re looking for something off the beaten path, visit the Mystery Castle in Phoenix. Built in the 1930s by a man named Boyce Luther Gulley, this eccentric structure is made from found materials like bricks, stone, and even car parts. The Mystery Castle’s unusual architecture and quirky design have attracted visitors for decades. Take a guided tour of the castle and learn about its fascinating history and the personal story of its creator.
What to Expect:
For something a little more active, consider biking or walking along the Arizona Canal Linear Park, which stretches 35 miles across the Phoenix metro area. This scenic canal trail is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore the city in a unique way. The trail offers views of parks, wildlife, and even some of Phoenix’s most iconic neighborhoods. Rent a bike or simply take a leisurely walk while enjoying the outdoors.
What to Expect:
For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, consider taking a hot air balloon ride over the Sonoran Desert. Several companies in Phoenix offer sunrise balloon rides that give you a bird’s eye view of the desert’s striking landscape. From above, you’ll get a unique perspective of the desert’s rocky terrain, cactus forests, and expansive vistas. It’s a peaceful and exhilarating way to experience Arizona’s natural beauty.
What to Expect:
Step back in time with a visit to the historic Heard Building, which was completed in 1927 and is a prime example of the city’s early 20th-century architecture. Located in downtown Phoenix, the building is one of the oldest remaining structures in the city and offers guided tours that give insight into Phoenix’s early development. The tours are led by local historians who offer a deep dive into the city’s history and the building’s important role in it.
What to Expect:
While not exactly in Phoenix, the Petrified Forest National Park is just a few hours’ drive from the city and is well worth a visit. Famous for its colorful, petrified wood, the park offers scenic hikes, a museum, and incredible photo opportunities. The petrified logs that date back millions of years are truly awe-inspiring. Take a road trip from Phoenix and spend a day exploring this natural wonder.
What to Expect:
If you’re in the mood for a fun, relaxed time with friends or family, check out Topgolf in Phoenix. This entertainment venue combines a driving range with a high-tech twist, offering a modern take on traditional golf. With various game options for all skill levels, food and drink service, and a vibrant atmosphere, Topgolf is a great spot to spend a few hours having fun in the sun, even if you’re not an experienced golfer.
What to Expect:
advertisement
Tucson is taking a bold new step to support its most vulnerable residents. The city has announced plans to create its first city-sanctioned outdoor sleep area, named Star Village, aimed at providing unhoused Tucsonans with a safe place to sleep at night. advertisement A New Approach to Homelessness For many people living on Tucson’s streets, “home” is constantly shifting. Park clear-outs, law enforcement patrols, severe weather, or conflicts can force unhoused residents to move frequently. City officials hope Star Village will provide not just shelter but stability, a stepping stone toward permanent housing. “This was a really bold step,” said
Living in Arizona means accepting a fundamental truth: as one desert dweller puts it, “everything in the desert hates you.” The Sonoran Desert’s plant life seems designed to leave its mark on anyone who dares to venture too close. But what happens when these prickly cactus encounters become unavoidable, and how do you deal with the aftermath? advertisement The Reality of Arizona’s Cactus Encounters Jumping Cholla Despite its name, jumping cholla doesn’t actually jump. However, its segments are so loosely attached and the barbed spines so effective at grabbing onto anything that brushes against them, it certainly seems like an
When it comes to historical facts, Arizona is known for its Wild West days. However, Arizona holds a treasure trove of fascinating stories. Let’s dive into some of the coolest historical facts about Arizona that you may not know. advertisement 1. Phoenix Was Almost Named “Pumpkinville.” (Sort of) In the mid-1800s, when settlers first arrived in Phoenix, they found fields of pumpkins growing where the Hohokam Native tribes had once established an intricate system of canals. These canals had been built to irrigate crops, and when settlers came across them, they were impressed by the thriving agriculture in the region.
The “Wild West” period, often romanticized in literature and films, spanned only around 30 years, from roughly 1865 to 1895. This era is usually portrayed as chaotic, lawless, and filled with gunfights, cattle rustlers, and prospectors. But what made this period so unique and distinct from earlier years of westward expansion? Was it truly more wild than the decades that preceded it? And why does the end of the Civil War in 1865 seem to mark a significant turning point in this legendary chapter of American history? advertisement The Pre-Wild West: Westward Expansion Before 1865 Before the Civil War, the
