This drive up South Mountain features incredible views of the greater Phoenix area, and is best done at sunset. Be sure to leave at least 1 hour to 30 minutes early because the drive up the mountain can get congested.

These gardens near Papago Peak are very popular and feature beautiful desert plants. A ticket is required for entrance.

Visit the very western downtown of one of America's wealthiest cities!

This iconic park is a very easy hike with a great sunset view.

Tempe Town Lake has a long walkway and green lawns. It also has scooters, canoes, and paddle boats to rent. The lake is within walking distance of downtown Tempe and A Mountain. This area is college town, so you can expect to find lots of places to eat and drink nearby. It's best to park in the lake park's designated lot to avoid fees.

Baseball is by far the most popular sport in Arizona, especially due to the influence of Spring Training. Watch the Diamondbacks play at Chase Stadium downtown (less than 20 minutes from our recommended hotel). This stadium has a retractable roof so that the field can be air-conditioned in summer. Public parking can be expensive.

Family-friendly option. This ghost town is a little out of the way, but well worth the visit! It is nestled right next to the famous Lost Dutchman State Park at the base of the Superstition Mountains.

Folks from all over the world travel to Arizona in order to experience it's raw beauty. Many choose to explore the area on horseback. You don't have to go far from the city for this experience as it's only 12 minutes down the road from the Legacy Golf Resort (wedding room block).

Explore a world of music, connect with your heritage, and see over 4,200 instruments on display from every corner of the globe. Ticket required for entrance.

​The Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix, Rohoen, is an authentic 3.5 acre Japanese Stroll Garden with a tea garden and a tea house. This tranquil and beautiful setting features more than 1,500 tons of hand-picked rock, stone foot bridges, lanterns and more than 85 varieties of plants. As you stroll the path, you will enjoy flowing streams, a 14-foot waterfall, and a koi pond with over 300 colorful Koi fish. Ticket required for entrance.

Phoenix will never stop longing for the days of the Wild West to return. Country swing dance is immensely popular. There are a lot of swing dance bars within the city, but the most exciting venue is 45 minutes away in the small town of Cave Creek. On Wednesday and Friday nights, you can also witness a mini rodeo with a cash prize bull riding competition open to anyone. If you are looking for a lower risk adventure, you can ride the electric bull instead.

If you are looking for a moderate hike with stunning views of the city, this is a great option! These trails can take a couple hours to complete. Don't forget your water, and please note that it's not safe to hike down this mountain after dark.

The hike to the top of Piestewa is well paved, and you can reach a high elevation very quickly. The top of the mountain is rocky and jagged but offers an immensely satisfying view. Full disclosure: your fear of heights will kick in!

Camelback Mountain is probably the most touristy hike you'll find in Phoenix. It is not for the faint of heart, but the views from the top will not disappoint!

Named after the fabled lost gold mine, Lost Dutchman State Park is located in the Sonoran Desert, at the base of the Superstition Mountains, 45 minutes east of Phoenix. Several trails lead from the park into the Superstition Mountain Wilderness and surrounding Tonto National Forest. Take a stroll along the Native Plant Trail or hike the intensely challenging Siphon Draw Trail to the top of the Flatiron. Depending on the year’s rainfall, you might be treated to a carpet of desert wildflowers in the spring, but there's plenty of beautiful desert plants to see year-round!

The Farm at South Mountain is just down the street from the Legacy Golf Resort (wedding room block), and offers a nearby escape from the city with canopies of pecan trees and sprawling lawns. Rich in history, this agritourism destination invites you to explore three restaurants (based on breakfast, lunch, and dinner), organic-style gardens, and a retail shop. The Farm Kitchen (lunch) provides delicious sandwiches, fresh soups, seasonal salads and made-from-scratch baked goods with picnic-style outdoor dining. Lines can be long on the weekends if you arrive later than mid-morning.

The Taco Guild building was originally institutionalized as a Methodist Church in 1893 (before Arizona was even a state). Indulge in craft tacos and a robust selection of tequila and margaritas amid the warmth and color of beautiful stained glass windows.

Your choice for casual Mexican cuisine. You can expect flavors from Jalisco, Sonora, San Luis Potosi, and Sinaloa in this restaurant's kitchen. La Cocina Economica Mexican Kitchen is known for its traditional and economic recipes from Mexico. Chilaquiles and huevos rancheros are a popular breakfast menu item. At lunch many visitors prefer to order stuffed chilis made with chili poblano, ranchero cheese, ranchera sauce, and flour tortillas or homemade corn tortillas.

Mining was once a thriving industry in Cornwall and at that time pasties were baked by the wives and mothers of the tin miners. Cornish pasties are filled with steak, potatoes, swede (rutabaga) and onions. Enjoy a hearty pasty meal with a foaming glass of beer at Cornish Pasty Co.

Vibrant Japanese sushi house with a casual ambiance, plus takeout meals!

Pizzeria Bianco is great option for delicious wood-fired pizzas!

In-N-Out Burger has made it's way to Arizona and will never go back!

Snooze A.M. Eatery is a popular brunch spot with delicious pancakes, french toast, benedicts, breakfast burritos, oatmeal, breakfast sandwiches, bacon & more! The restaurant includes a full bar and brews. Parking anywhere downtown can be challenging. Don't forget to join the Yelp waitlist so you don't get stuck in a long line!

Try a taste of the old world. Pair some classic American cuisine with a host of Victorian era cocktails at Rough Rider.

Enjoy the blend of a craft cocktail bar with a chef-driven kitchen in one distinct dining experience at Wren and Wolf.

Visit the Trophy Room (as part of your Wren & Wolf visit) if you are interested in a time-warped drinking experience. You probably won't be able to capture a selfie as you go backwards in time.

Enjoy the views and soak up some Phoenix culture at Christopher's.

The Perch Pub & Brewery features tasty food and drinks. It's fun to eat on the outdoor patio where you can enjoy your meal surrounded by rescued birds in cages.

Ever been to a rooftop bar? Try Floor 13 in downtown Phoenix!

Enjoy a taste of Cuba with Carribean cocktails and sandwiches at Coabana.

Try the fabulous tequila and raicilla-based drinks at Barcoa in downtown Phoenix!

Visit this unique, red-hued underground bar with vintage seating that offers ever-changing cocktail options with an entire new menu every week!

Try some drinks of the explorers of the seas at The Captain's Cabin. You'll have to do some exploring for yourself as there is no front door entrance or sign. Look for a red light and you'll find your way eventually.

The Thirsty Camel has pricey drinks and spicy views. This bar in The Phoenician resort has a beautiful patio panorama that you won't find anywhere else. Valet parking.

The Royal Palms Resort and Spa is a Spanish Colonial Revival villa that Hyatt purchased in 2016. This villa, at the foot of Camelback Mountain, is absolutely stunning! You can get dinner or just drinks at T. Cook's, and then stroll around the resort premises and admire beautiful architecture. Valet parking.

Outrider is a wonderful spot to get beautiful panoramic views of the Phoenix valley. This bar is on the roof of the Canopy Hotel by Hilton in Scottsdale, and is directly across the street from the Museum of the West.

2 hours north of Phoenix. Sedona's main attraction is its striking red sandstone formations, which appear to glow at sunrise and sunset. Some of the formations are named for their resemblance to bells, chimneys, coffee pots, and cathedrals.

2 hours & 15 minutes north of Phoenix. Flagstaff is an old railroad town known for its natural beauty and scientific contributions, including the discovery of Pluto. People might welcome you to the "state of Flagstaff" when you go to visit. Due to it's elevation, this area gets all four seasons so it feels very different from the rest of Arizona. Flagstaff has many hiking locations and is a popular ski resort in the winter months. Spring offers breathtakingly beautiful blooms in the world's largest emerald green ponderosa pine forest. Dress in layers, including a wind-proof and rain-resistant layer. Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat.

Tombstone is 3 hours south of Phoenix. Get a taste of the Wild West and visit the famous site of the epic gunfight between lawmen and outlaws at the O.K. Corral. Going to Tombstone feels like turning back the clock and experiencing cowboy America in the late 1800s.

4 hours north of Phoenix, the Grand Canyon averages 10 miles across and a mile deep along its 277-mile length. Much of the area is a national park, with Colorado River white-water rapids and sweeping vistas.

These two national attractions are 4.5 hours north of Phoenix. Antelope Canyon is filled with monumental sandstone sculptures in Arizona's pristine slot canyons. Horseshoe Bend is a horseshoe-shaped incised meander of the Colorado River.