It can be daunting to tour someone who’s been in many places in the world. What can you show someone who’s been to Timbuktu and hiked Machu Picchu? How can you wow a person who has been to a real safari adventure? Thankfully, Phoenix has a lot of things to show to new visitors. You’ll never run out of things to show, so this handy guide will streamline your plans.
The best souvenirs from Phoenix, Arizona that you can take home are the memories you and your friend will have touring the city. Have you lived here all your life? Or have you just moved and wanted to show a friend around? Whether you’re showing someone how cool Phoenix is or just discovering it yourself, these five things will make you appreciate living in the Valley of the Sun:
Desert Botanical Garden
Gardens are a lot different in Phoenix. Forget about theBrooklyn Botanic Gardenwith its pretty cherry blossoms in spring. Phoenix’s botanical garden is raw and unblemished. The garden hosts a variety of plant life, but the best one is the cactuses that actually grow and thrive there. If you are lucky, you might even see event organizers light up the desert with a light and sound exhibit, which they did back in 2019.
Hot Air Balloon
If you truly want to show Phoenix and all its glory, thenride a hot air balloon. The view from the top is amazing, and you can expect a glass of champagne at the end of the flight. You’ll fly over barren lands and a cactus-filled desert. Phoenix from the view above is a sight to behold. If you haven’t been on one, this is the best time to experience it.
Camelback Mountain
Would it ever be a real trip to Phoenix if you didn’t see or hike the 825-meter Camelback Mountain?Phoenixresidents take great pride in the mountain, which was called as such because it looked like the hump and head of a kneeling camel. To reach the top, you can take either the Echo Canyon Trail or the Cholla Trail. Both are less than 1.5 miles, but they are not for the faint of heart. If hiking isn’t your thing, you can take a snap of it from the metropolitan area.
Phoenix Zoo
Unlike other zoos, the Phoenix Zoo keeps only animals acclimated to Phoenix’s hot weather. You can see coyotes, bobcats, cougars, lions, giraffes, cheetahs, gazelles, jaguars, Sumatran tigers, Asian elephants, and spider monkeys. If you’re with kids, they’ll be happy in a 4-D theater that uses effects to make the experience even more real.
Phoenix Art Museum
As much as it’s a joy to try Phoenix’s outdoor activities, the Phoenix Art Museum cannot be missed. So if you have only one more slot in your itinerary, spend that in this museum. The collection covers the works of Picasso, Georgia O’Keeffe, Henri Rousseau, Henry Moore, Frida Kahlo, and Diego Rivera.
Does it need to be said that you should grab a beer and head to a rooftop bar? Phoenix’s temperature would want you to reach for that cold beer in the middle of the day. Try to contain yourself and seek that ice-cold beer in the evening when the rest of the city is ready for a night out in town.
