10 Best Hidden Gems in Phoenix
Interesting Places in Phoenix Only Locals Know
To discover the best hidden gems in Phoenix, you just need to know where to look. Seek beyond its major attractions and you’ll find quirky museums, peaceful nature reserves, and unforgettable hikes. Whether you’re a repeat visitor seeking something new or a first-timer expanding your horizons, exploring off the beaten track in Phoenix is always rewarding.
Phoenix is a hub of art and creativity, as well as home to some truly impressive architecture. Explore the history of motor racing in Phoenix, discover links with far-flung cultures, or connect with Arizona’s ancient peoples. Whatever you choose, you’re sure to capture some unique holiday snaps with our list of the best hidden gems in Phoenix.
1. Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix
A soothing spot to learn more about Japanese culture
Ideal para: Casais, Foto, Viagens alternativas, Grupos
The Japanese Friendship Garden is a 3.5-acre oasis of greenery located in the heart of Phoenix. Cooling streams meander through the gardens, merging into a 12-ft waterfall and a pond teeming with hundreds of Koi carp. There are plants from all over the world, such as Afghan Pine, Mexican Plum, and Chilean Myrtle.
Take a 30-minute tour to learn more about the architecture, landscaping, and Phoenix’s connections with Japan. At one end of the garden, a Japanese tea house hosts monthly tea ceremonies that are highly popular. Other cultural programs include aikido lessons, language workshops, ikebana lessons (the art of flower arranging), and guided meditation.
Localização: 1125 N 3rd Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85003, USA
Abre: Tuesday–Sunday from 9 am to 4 pm (closed on Mondays)
Telefone: +1 602-274-8700
Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix
2. Cosanti Originals
A pioneering site for eco-friendly architecture
Ideal para: Compras, Foto, Viagens alternativas
Cosanti Originals is a monument to the creativity and innovation of artist and architect Paolo Soleri. The mound-shaped buildings are designed in harmony with nature, capturing heat in winter and reflecting it in summer. Take a tour of the studios and you’ll have the opportunity to watch molten bronze being poured in the foundry.
Inside the gallery, you’ll find some of Soleri’s original sketches and sculptures, while outside, the courtyards, terraces, and gardens are adorned with thousands of handmade bronze wind-bells. The studio offers a chance to purchase the bells, along with bronze bowls, ceramic tiles, and jewellery made by Cosanti’s artisans.
Localização: 6433 E Doubletree Ranch Rd, Paradise Valley, AZ 85253, USA
Abre: Monday–Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm, Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm
Telefone: +1 480-948-6145
Cosanti Originals
3. Roosevelt Row Arts District
A radical initiative supporting local artists
Ideal para: Compras, Foto, Viagens alternativas
Roosevelt Row is a vibrant district that’s home to numerous art galleries, craft boutiques, and a plethora of colourful street art. Start your exploration at ‘1½ Street’, located behind the Roosevelt Row Welcome Center, where the entire alley is adorned with murals by local artists. As you stroll down Roosevelt Street, you’ll come across more murals and dozens of galleries.
In addition to galleries, the district offers fantastic shopping opportunities, with local artisans and small businesses selling paintings, prints, sculptures, jewellery and unique clothing. Make sure to visit on the 1st Friday of the month, when over 70 galleries and art venues stay open late for a self-guided art walk. Other events include pop-up markets and mini-music festivals.
Localização: 918 N 2nd St, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA
Telefone: +1 602-829-5659
Roosevelt Row Arts District
4. Tres Rios Wetlands
Restored habitat bringing lush greenery to the desert
Ideal para: Foto, Aventura, Viagens alternativas, Grupos
Phoenix is well-known for its stunning desert landscapes, but did you know that it also features an exceptional wetland? Through extensive conservation efforts, Tres Rios has welcomed back a variety of birds and wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for bald eagles, western burrowing owls, and the endangered Yuma clapper rail, as well as muskrats, raccoons, and beavers.
Raised decking surrounding the wetlands allows visitors to walk right through the reeds and get up close to the wildlife for some great photo opportunities. There are also biking and horseback riding trails around Tres Rios and the surrounding Mesquite forest. Visitors can obtain a free access permit by applying through the City of Phoenix website.
Localização: Tres Rios Wetlands, Tolleson, AZ 85353, USA
Abre: Daily from 5 am to 6 pm
Tres Rios Wetlands
5. S’edav Va’aki Museum
The biggest archaeological site in Phoenix
Ideal para: História, Foto, Grupos
The S’edav Va’aki Museum (formerly the Pueblo Grande Museum Archaeological Park) is an opportunity to travel more than 1,500 years into the past and explore Arizona’s ancient history. These prehistoric dwellings were once occupied by the Hohokam people, who built 1,000 miles of canals around them to irrigate their fields. An interpretive trail leads you around ceremonial courts, reconstructed houses and a central platform mound.
Three galleries display artifacts discovered at the site and various exhibitions on the ancient cultures of Arizona. Visit the children’s gallery for hands-on exhibitions aimed at budding archaeologists. There are also archaeology classes, craft workshops, and a store selling Native American art.
Localização: 4619 E Washington St, Phoenix, AZ 85034, USA
Abre: Monday–Saturday from 9 am to 4.45 pm, Sunday from 1 pm to 4.45 pm
Telefone: +1 602-495-0901
S'edav Va'aki Museum
6. Hidden Valley
Lesser-known hikes with breathtaking views
Ideal para: Foto, Econômico, Aventura, Viagens alternativas
Winding through the eastern section of South Mountain Park, Hidden Valley is one of the most captivating hikes in Phoenix. It offers visitors the chance to see petroglyphs, ancient rock carvings of abstract figures, and the Hidden Valley Observation Point, which provides stunning 360-degree views of Phoenix and the surrounding desert.
At one end of the trail is Fat Man’s Pass, a narrow passage between 2 boulders that only an adult can fit through. At the other end, the Hidden Valley Natural Tunnel provides a bit of cool shade on hot days. The trail is moderately difficult, with a few steep parts and some scrambling over boulders.
Hidden Valley
7. Wrigley Mansion
A magnificent estate for nostalgia and dining
Ideal para: História, Foto, Alimentação, Viagens alternativas
The Wrigley Mansion is a magnificent 1930s estate constructed by chewing-gum magnate William Wrigley. Its architecture is a fascinating combination of Modernist, Spanish Revival, and Mediterranean styles. Take a moment to pause on the terrace and admire the ideal hilltop location, which offers outstanding views of Phoenix.
Tours last approximately 45 minutes and delve into the history of the building and its famous residents. If you wish to stay for dinner, there are 2 fine-dining restaurants, Christopher’s and Geordie’s. The Wrigley Mansion’s wine bar boasts an award-winning wine program with over 12,000 bottles.
Localização: 2501 E Telawa Trail, Phoenix, AZ 85016, USA
Abre: Wednesday–Saturday from 3 pm to 10 pm, Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm
Telefone: +1 602-955-4079
Wrigley Mansion
8. Shemer Art Center
Diverse art and relaxing gardens
Ideal para: Compras, Foto, Viagens alternativas, Grupos
The Shemer Art Center is an art gallery and education centre located in an early 20th-century Spanish Colonial building. The gallery’s diverse exhibitions feature paintings by Arizona artists, as well as photography, ceramics, and textiles. Monthly art history lectures showcase artists from around the world.
A range of workshops is available to try out painting, silk printing, or creating mosaics. Take a stroll around the garden to view sculptures and outdoor art framed by charming vistas of Camelback Mountain. The shop is a treasure trove of handmade art, from glass-blown figurines to found-object jewellery.
Localização: 5005 E Camelback Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85018, USA
Abre: Tuesday–Saturday from 10 am to 3 pm (closed on Sundays and Mondays)
Telefone: +1 602-262-4727
Shemer Art Center
9. Penske Racing Museum
A must for any car enthusiast or motor racing fan
Ideal para: Famílias, História, Foto, Viagens alternativas, Grupos
The Penske Racing Museum displays a remarkable collection of cars raced by Team Penske over the past 50 years, from the IndyCar Series, NASCAR Cup, and 24 Hours of Daytona. Check out the replica of a Pontiac Catalina in which Roger Penske won at the Riverside Speedway in 1963, or 2 cars that won the Indy 500 in 1985 and 2009.
On the 1st floor, you’ll find a trophy display and historic photographs of the races. The Turn 4 Cafe serves light meals and offers a great view of the outdoor test track. Combine your visit with a stroll around the Bugatti and Lamborghini showrooms, conveniently located next door.
Localização: 7125 E Chauncey Ln, Phoenix, AZ 85054, USA
Abre: Monday–Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm, Sunday from noon to 5 pm
Telefone: +1 480-538-4444
Penske Racing Museum
10. Mystery Castle
A labour of love using recycled materials
Ideal para: História, Foto, Viagens alternativas, Grupos
A stone mansion is the last thing you would expect to see in the Arizona desert, which is what makes Mystery Castle so unique. It was built in the 1930s by a devoted father who wanted his daughter to have a home fit for a princess. He used salvaged materials, including local stone and parts rescued from old cars.
Tours take you around 18 rooms in the mansion, which includes a dungeon to lock up troublesome guests! The design mimics castle architecture with arched doorways, parapets, heavy fireplaces, and animal figures decorating the walls. Look out for Southwestern antiques and cabinets filled with china and other curiosities that furnish the interior.
Localização: 800 E Mineral Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85042, USA
Abre: Thursday–Sunday from 11 am to 3 pm (closed on Mondays)
Mystery Castle
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