Discover the tranquil vibrancy of desert plants nestled amid the red rocks of the Papago Buttes. Visitors can stroll through five thematic trails to explore the fascinating beauty of the Sonoran Desert, from towering cacti and alluring succulents to brilliant wildflowers and lush trees. Scroll through the Garden's calendar so not to miss festive events and dazzling exhibitions. Delve deeper to learn about desert landscaping, nature art, cooking and wellness and more through the Garden's various adult and children's classes.

Outdoor adventures. Lifelong memories. Since 1962, the Phoenix Zoo has inspired and motivated guests from across the world to care for the natural world. Nestled on 125 acres within beautiful Papago Park the Zoo is a wondrous place of curiosity, imagination and discovery. Featuring over 3,000 animals, including Bornean orangutans, Sumatran tigers, Komodo dragons, Masai giraffes and many more — it is like no other place in the Valley! With outdoor cafés, shops, lush gardens, water landscapes and exciting up-close animal encounters like Stingray Bay, your visit will be memorable for the entire family. Other not to be missed activities include the Safari Cruiser and Endangered Species Carousel. As a non-profit, the Zoo relies solely on admissions, memberships, donations and sponsorships to continue conservation initiatives, educational programs and the care of our animals.

Enjoy breathtaking views from the top of this unusual rock formation in Phoenix’s Papago Park after an easy 10-minute hike from the parking lot. Drop by right before sunset for milder temperatures and an even more stunning vista. The place can get quite crowded at this time of day, though. You can also picnic in the shade or visit other must-see attractions within Papago Park, such as Phoenix Zoo and the Desert Botanical Garden. There are other trails in the park that are great for walking or hiking. If you’re traveling in the warmer months, bring plenty of water to endure the desert climate.

Dive in to SEA LIFE Arizona! Be wowed by the many strange, beautiful and fascinating creatures of the deep as you journey through an amazing underwater world. Prepare for astonishingly close views of everything from sea stars to sharks, rays, octopus and a rescued green sea turtle! To get any closer you'll have to get wet! Enjoy, thousands of sea creatures in 30 displays, interactive touch tanks, an amazing 360 degree ocean tunnel, talks, feeds, and much more!

Enjoy leisurely strolls, bicycling, kayaking, standup paddleboard and more. There are more than 50 special events annually at Tempe Town Lake, from Ironman Arizona to great concerts, Way Out West Oktoberfest and dragon boat races. Stop by the Town Lake Pedestrian Bridge, Tempe Center for the Arts or just look at the artistic lights on the light rail bridge. Tempe Town Lake is Arizona's second-most visited public attraction.

With 1.3 million square feet of retail space to explore and over 100 shops and restaurants to choose from, Tempe Marketplace is the ultimate destination for Valley natives and out of town visitors. Delivering a refreshingly vibrant outdoor environment, complete with cozy fireplaces, unique water features and lush landscaping, the center provides an unparalleled interactive shopping, dining and entertainment experience. Dramatic lights and eye-catching laser elements create a modern and spirited atmosphere, yet the gathering spaces and entertainment areas make it a warm community hub. Conveniently located in the heart of the Valley at the Loop 101 and 202 crossroads, Tempe Marketplace is just minutes from Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Chandler and Gilbert.