There are various enjoyable actions to do in Phoenix, AZ from visiting the Musical Instrument Museum to watching an Arizona Cardinals sport. It’s clear that residing in Phoenix comes with many perks and distinctive actions. Nonetheless, if you’re in search of one thing that’s extra under-the-radar, determining what to do could be a problem. That’s why we reached out to locals to offer us their favourite hidden gems of Phoenix. Whether or not you’re renting an condo in Central Metropolis or simply moved right into a ranch fashion home in Camelback East, learn on to see what secret spots it’s good to try.
1. Arizona Capitol Museum and Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza
The Arizona Capitol Museum showcases the historical past and tradition of Arizona. There are various interactive academic displays that concentrate on the evolution of Arizona from a territory to a state. Throughout the best way is the Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza which is an city park and gathering area.
Spirit of Arizona Excursions shares, “My favourite hidden gem in Phoenix must be the Arizona Capitol Museum and Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza throughout the road. It’s now not the lively State Capitol however is now a free museum. The displays inside are very distinctive to Arizona’s story. Proper throughout the road, you’ve the Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza crammed with all types of memorials from numerous wars and veterans to distinctive characters in Arizona historical past.”
2. Phoenix Artwork Museum
The Phoenix Artwork Museum homes a large number of various artwork kinds from the Renaissance to trendy artwork.
“One in every of our favourite hidden gems in Phoenix is the Phoenix Artwork Museum,” remarks Haute Media. “This gem options distinctive public artwork of all types, and we love capturing images and videography at their occasions.”
3. Rewind Classic & Vintage
Rewind Classic & Vintage is an superior Melrose Neighborhood retailer that has fantastic retro and mid-century decor, vinyl, in addition to their very own fledgling file label.
“They assist and signal native artists and sponsor neighborhood music festivals. The store is correct in the midst of probably the most colourful hidden gem in Phoenix – a vibrant artwork district filled with murals, road artwork, funky retailers, espresso homes, and eating places. Whereas most Instagram influencers are informed to go to Roosevelt Row for its creative vibes – Melrose has all that and extra,” raves Anjeanette Pictures.
4. Desert Botanical Gardens
The Desert Botanical Gardens is the proper place for date evening or a easy stroll because of its lush desert surroundings and eclectic foods and drinks.
Thomas Shull remarks, “As an Arizona marriage ceremony photographer my favourite hidden gem is Desert Botanical Gardens. It’s centrally situated, offers easy accessibility to among the most lovely desert crops and landscapes in Arizona, and its restaurant Gertrude’s is a neighborhood favourite.”
5. Hidden Valley Path by way of Mormon Path
Hidden Valley Path by way of Mormon Path provides distinctive tunnels, waterfalls, and breathtaking views.
“One in every of my favourite hikes is Mormon Path to Hidden Valley in Phoenix South Mountain Park,” says AZ Wonders. “The average 3.4-mile hike contains a cool rock tunnel, historical petroglyphs, and nice views of the town.”
6. The Sonoran Desert Nature Loop Path
Considered a average path, the Sonoran Desert Nature Loop Path is ideal for these entire like to hike or bike. Ensure to offer your self quite a lot of time as it will possibly take round 5 hours to finish.
“The Sonoran Desert Nature Loop Path is a must-do, family-friendly outside exercise in Phoenix Arizona. The straightforward-to-traverse paths weave via breathtaking cacti which can be as huge as they’re lovely. As you discover the Sonoran Desert Nature Loop path, academic placards assist give context and fascinating details about the wonderful botanical sculptures of the desert. This simple and accessible hike is a superb likelihood to study in regards to the natural world of a various and exquisite area,” raves Carefree Lined RV Storage.
7. Dobbins Lookout at South Mountain
Dobbins Lookout offers breathtaking views of the town. It’s a straightforward hike for individuals who don’t wish to stroll a lot whereas nonetheless offering gorgeous surroundings.
“One in every of my favourite hidden gems is Dobbins Lookout at South Mountain,” shares Fearless Elopement. “As a phoenix marriage ceremony photographer, I’m at all times in search of lovely locations I can take my {couples} to. The lookout closes at 7 pm, however the exit gate received’t shut till 11 pm so you’ll be able to keep up there later and watch the gorgeous cityscape and all of the cool lights.”
8. Phon D Sutton Recreation Space
Phon D Sutton Recreation space is the proper place to seek out quite a few completely different mountaineering trails which can be certain to excite you. You will get every part from river views by trying out the Decrease Salt River Nature Path to gorgeous hillsides by mountaineering the Phon D Sutton Loop.
“Since we’re photographers, we’re at all times looking for lovely outside areas which can be distinctive. One in every of our favorites is Phon D Sutton Recreation Space, proper on the Salt River. It has wonderful views, towering cacti, simple mountaineering trails, and wild horses,” boasts Pleasure and Ben Pictures.
9. Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Space
Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Space hosts quite a few mountaineering trails, completely different cacti species, and quite a few animals. There’s a small entry price, nonetheless, locals are eligible for an annual move.
“We stumbled throughout Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Space in Cave Creek,” notes Blair Ballin Realtor. “A lot to our shock, there are a number of trails there. One in every of which has a ravishing stream going via it referred to as the Jewel of the Desert and in addition The Metate Path the place you’ll find a metate. Each are wonderful, and we at all times sit up for visiting Spur Cross.”
10. Snooze, an A.M. Eatery
Snooze, an A.M. Eatery is a well-liked breakfast chain restaurant that goals to make the breakfast expertise into a celebration. The chain has eating places throughout completely different states like Georgia, California, Colorado, and Arizona, amongst others.
“Snooze, an A.M. Eatery is the proper place to seize weekend brunch with family and friends,” raves Kelly Dodge, Co-Founding father of Dwelling & Jet. “This Denver-based breakfast spot has areas scattered throughout Arizona comparable to Scottsdale and Tempe, however no location is cooler than the historic Circles Information Constructing in Downtown Phoenix.”
If you’re in search of one thing candy, Kelly recommends making an attempt the OMG! French Toast or Signature Pancake Flight which consists of pineapple the wrong way up, blueberry danish, and candy potato pancakes. In case your palette prefers one thing savory, she recommends the Barbacoa Chile Verde Benny or the Snooze Breakfast Burrito.
11. Previous City Tavern
Positioned within the coronary heart of Previous City Scottsdale, Previous City Tavern provides nice reside leisure, a stellar bar, and outside patio area.
“My favourite hidden gem in Scottsdale for reside music is Previous City Tavern, or as us locals name it OTT, remarks Bella Palazzo. “It’s a small, neighborhood-friendly institution that has reside bands day-after-day. In addition they have misters in the summertime to assist beat the warmth.”
12. Virtù Trustworthy Craft
Led by Chef Gio Osso, Virtù Trustworthy Craft provides Mediterranean-style meals that rotates weekly giving frequent patrons a novel expertise each time they dine.
“My hidden gem is the restaurant Virtù Trustworthy Craft in Scottsdale,” shares The Jet Set Blonde. “Virtù Trustworthy Craft is an beautiful hidden gem of a restaurant nestled within the Bespoke Inn Scottsdale Mattress and Breakfast. It’s an intimate, white-tablecloth Mediterranean restaurant with outside seating beneath twinkling candles and string lights. Hearth and water options make the courtyard really feel magical. Not solely is the setting spectacular, however the meals is unimaginable, serving a prix fixe award-winning menu that usually adjustments each day.”
13. Valentine
“The hidden gem that stands out to me probably the most is Valentine, a captivating, New-American, Southwestern restaurant that gives scrumptious brunch and dinner, and has a sultry speakeasy bar connected. There’s a relaxed outside patio in the event you’re craving heat from the solar whereas ingesting an iced oat honey latte, however in the event you’re in search of one thing moodier, try the stylish, dimly lit speakeasy bar with artistic concoctions,” says ChiVeg.
She additionally notes that she was blown away by their dinner menu which consisted of al pastor mushrooms with mole, a Sonoran pretzel, and their house-made tagliarini with elote-style corn.
14. Frashers Tavern
Arizona Boating & Watersports boasts, “Frashers Tavern is certainly a hidden gem. This native favourite is paying homage to classic steak homes, together with wooden and leather-based decor, ornamental memorabilia, stellar service, and nice steaks. The bar, most important eating room, and outdoors eating space are supervised each day by the proprietor George Frasher. The non-public touches right here elicit an ‘I-belong-here’ ambiance.”
The restaurant provides an expansive meat menu together with filet mignon, ribeye steak, prime rib, and rack of lamb.
15. Lom Wong
Having simply opened just a few months in the past in downtown Phoenix, Lom Wong has burst onto the foodie scene with its excellent Thai meals and hospitality.
TEXAZTASTE shares that “Co-owner Alex Martin spent a number of years residing in Thailand, the place he met his spouse, Yotaka, and collectively they’re churning out among the finest meals Phoenix has to supply. Most of the dishes have been in Yotaka’s household for generations, and some to not miss embrace the Yam Mamuang Boran (inexperienced mango salad with torn shrimp) and the Kaeng Phet Charinda (beef shank with curry paste).”
16. Rokerij and Richardson’s
Rokerij is housed in a ravishing stone home and provides an intimate setting full with dim lighting, a fire, cubicles, and a copper-topped bar. Richardson’s provides a novel ambiance with cozy cubicles, tiles, and southwestern artwork.
“One in every of my favourite native eating spots that at all times involves thoughts is Rokerij and Richardson’s in North Central Phoenix,” notes Dwelling in Phoenix AZ. “Rokerij and Richardson’s are sister eating places situated in the identical location and specialise in New Mexican fare. A few of my favourite go-to’s are the Carne Adovada, Bacon Wrapped Grilled Shrimp, New Mexico Enchiladas, and the Surf and Turf.”
17. Flower Youngster
Flower Youngster makes made-from-scratch meals in addition to customizable bowls, wraps, and salads.
“My favourite hidden gem in Phoenix is the Flower Youngster restaurant. Not solely is the meals wonderful, however it’s also a wholesome and natural restaurant. My favourite meals there are the Natural Kale Salad with Shrimp and Forbidden Rice with Hen,” boasts James Templeton, founding father of The Templeton Listing, an interactive information to the healthiest eating places in America.
