Below is a list of the top and leading Places to visit in Phoenix. To help you find the best places to visit located near you in Phoenix, we put together our own list based on this rating points list.
Phoenix’s Best Places to visit:
The top rated places to visit in Phoenix are:
- Desert Botanical Garden – amazing cactus and shrub collections
- Phoenix Zoo – made thru the combined passion of Phoenix community
- Phoenix Mountains Preserve – valuable site for nature appreciation
- Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix – a symbol of East and West alliance
- Castles N’ Coasters – heart-stopping rides and attractions
Desert Botanical Garden
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Desert Botanical Garden accommodates thousands of cactus, trees and flower species from different parts of the world. It occupies a 55-acre area in Phoenix. The idea of a garden dedicated to desert plants was started by Gustaf Starck in 1939. Gustaf was a Swedish Botanist who searched for people with the same passion by making a posting reading “ save the desert”. He found several people and one of them is the social influencer, Gertrude Divine Webster.
The garden is also committed to energy conservation. This is done by tapping SRP EarthWise to provide them with a 100 percent renewable power source.
Products/Services:
Exhibits, Weddings, Garden Tours, Birds in the Garden, Desert Detective Bingo, Ask a Gardener
LOCATION:
Address: 1201 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008
Phone: (480) 941-1225
Website: www.dbg.org
REVIEWS:
“Very pretty location. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking. I would have to recommend to visit during the fall or winter time if the said person might be sensitive to the extreme heat we can deal with come summertime for the Phoenix metro area if you’re not from the local area. Very family-oriented. Friendly. Great atmosphere for anybody!” –Ryan Walsh
Phoenix Zoo
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Phoenix Zoo was founded in the year of 1962 mainly from the idea of Robert E. Maytag. Primarily these are his ideas together with his friends at the Arizona Zoological Society. It was named Maytag Zoo during those times. In 1963 the name was changed to Phoenix Zoo to involve the locality in Phoenix. It was managed by Earl L. Bimson who saved it from its near closure. He tirelessly gathered supporters to sustain the operation of the animal habitat center.
The Phoenix Zoo has catered to more than 43 million visitors since 1962. A notable program was also helmed in the zoo. Named Operation Oryx, it is a wildlife conservation program that is recognized globally. The program has led to the presence of black-footed ferrets, Chiricahua leopard frogs, narrow-headed garter snake, thick-billed parrots, Mexican wolves and more than 7,000 Arabian oryx existing around the world.
Products/Services:
Africa Trail, Arizona Trail, Tropics Trail, Children’s Trail
LOCATION:
Address: 455 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008
Phone: (602) 286-3800
Website: www.phoenixzoo.org
REVIEWS:
“Love coming here. The upgraded pass is well worth the price. The camel ride is always fun and offered a picture package for an additional cost. The tram tour is an excellent way to see most of the park and save yourself the walk. Stingray bay is also included and allowed us to pet a stingray. Great family day trip.” –Jason Franks
Phoenix Mountains Preserve
Phoenix Mountains Preserve has rocks in its mountain that is considered to be young, in terms of geologic age. Said to be produced 14 million years ago, it consists mostly of schist, a metamorphic classification of granite. The preserve acts as a bridge to the various desert view that shows a spectacular landscape of its surroundings especially hidden valleys. It is also known to contain dozen of trails.
The preserve was formerly a place dedicated to mining. Thru the efforts of the State of Arizona, it was acquired in 1959. Since then it became instrumental to environmental conservation efforts and programs.
Products/Services:
Piestewa Peak/Dreamy Draw, Hikes, Outdoor Nature Programs
LOCATION:
Address: 2701 E Squaw Peak Dr, Phoenix, AZ 85016
Phone: (602) 261-8318
Website: www.phoenix.gov
REVIEWS:
“Went here for a tour. Nice little hike where you can see a beautiful sunset. Would recommend going up around 5 pm! Beautiful view of Phoenix. Was told this place was the exact middle of Phoenix. If you are looking for an easy hike with a beautiful view, check this place out!” –Brandon Leuangpaseuth
Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix
Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix is the State’s symbol of appreciation of Japanese relations. The Garden named RO HO EN brought with it, the culture of Japan. RO means heron in Japanese and symbolizes the Himeji City of Japan. While HO is a Japanese word for the mythical phoenix bird. Lastly, EN translates to the garden. The 3.5-acre land is a celebration of the East and West’s spirit of camaraderie. The entrance was permitted to the guests and visitors in 2002.
A tea garden, a 12-foot waterfall, a koi pond, and a tea house can be seen inside the Japanese Garden. Moreover, 1,500 tons of hand-picked rock, stone footbridges, lanterns and more than 50 varieties of plants comprise the stroll garden’s area.
Products/Services:
Tea Garden, Waterfalls, Koi pond, Tea House, Rentals & Weddings, Tours
LOCATION:
Address: 1125 N 3rd Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85003
Phone: (602) 274-8700
Website: www.japanesefriendshipgarden.org
REVIEWS:
“Serene and beautiful garden in the middle of downtown Phoenix. It’s astounding how quiet it is here considering its location, but somehow it is. A great spot to relax, surrounded by waterfalls, trees, koi fish and ducks. Also, one of the employees, Deborah, was very friendly and told me all about Phoenix’s sister cities. Definitely recommend!” –Kayla Pope
Castles N’ Coasters
Castles N’ Coasters is a modern amusement park that can be seen in Phoenix. The park has a wide selection of fun rides and attractions. It is proud to offer their numerous rides amounting to 20. Desert Storm, Arcade, Go-Karts, Bumper Boats, Stranger Stuff Fun House is for active people. Additionally, Skywire, On the ropes challenge, Skydiver, Magic Carpet, Splash Down and Freefall will appeal to thrill-seeking guests. And lastly, for visitors who love virtual realities, XD Dark Ride and Beat Saber Arcade definitely will be a favorite.
Castles N’ Coasters also has a mini-golf course, a whopping 150+ arcade, and pinball games. After Intense playing, guests are welcome to try out their sumptuous offerings in one of the five food and drink snack bars.
Products/Services:
Arcade & Mini Golf, Bumper Boats & Indy Cars, Ride Park
LOCATION:
Address: 9445 N Metro Pkwy E, Phoenix, AZ 85051
Phone: (602) 997-7575
Website: www.castlesncoasters.com
REVIEWS:
“Castles N’ Coasters is a Phoenix amusement park mainstay of cultural history. If you enjoy the Phoenix Fairgrounds, you can’t disrespect the phenomenon that is Castles N’ Coasters. They have updated their greens and keep their arcades working to the best tech top conditions! My wife and I enjoyed the mini-golf, arcades, and the sweet shaved ice treats! Check out this Phoenix wonder for yourself!” –Bill Takacs
Jeanie Burford is a reporter for Kev’s Best. After graduating from UCLA, Amy got an internship at a local radio station and worked as a beat reporter and producer. Jeanie has also worked as a columnist for The Brookings Register. Amy covers economy and community events for Kev’s Best.