It’s no secret that Phoenix is a popular city to call home. There’s so much going on here, it’s beautiful and you can count on being able to spend at least a little time each day outside. It may be as close to perfect as you can get, but how well do you really know Phoenix?
Locals will say they’ve already discovered all the hidden gems Phoenix has to offer, but these tips from Phoenix area professionals will help you find the hidden gems peppering the Valley of the Sun. Read up and head out for an entirely unique experience of Phoenix.
1. Desert Botanical Garden
Totaling 140 acres and displaying over 50,000 plants, the Desert Botanical Garden is a Phoenix hidden gem thanks to its natural beauty and unparalleled serenity.
“The beauty of the Garden is unmatched and wonderfully encapsulates the diversity of nature in Arizona. There is always something new and exciting happening at Desert Botanical Garden.” shares Darrylee from Haute Media.
2. Salt River
There’s nothing better than enjoying the beauty of the desert, and Phoenix caters to the desires of outdoor enthusiasts with plenty of hidden gems.
“Our favorite place to go in the Phoenix area is out to the Salt River. We love to hike around the area, float the river and photograph the landscape; we love the wild horse photobombs,” says Joy Clifford, Owner at Joy and Ben Photography.
The Salt River twists and turns for 200 miles, extending out from Downtown Phoenix all the way to Mesa. Locals have enjoyed this area for thousands of years, but today the favorite Salt River pastime has evolved into tubing.
3. Doing it up downtown
It may not be so big when looking at total city blocks, but there’s a lot happening in Downtown Phoenix you might not know about. Two great places to hear live music are also the favorite hidden gems of Patrick Burch from Cave + Post Trading Company, a men’s mercantile and general store.
With its alleyway entrance, The Valley Bar feels like a secret speakeasy. It has “a funky atmosphere, great drinks and food, games and a great music room. Lots of bands play here early in their career, and if you are lucky enough to see someone here before they blow up, it is a memory forever.”
To see more well-known performers, Burch goes to the Crescent Ballroom. Attached to Cocina 10 Lounge, where you can grab some delicious Sonoran food even if the ballroom isn’t open.
4. Culture for days on Central Avenue
While these cultural centers within Phoenix may not be hidden, did you know they’re all so close together you can see more than one in a day? Starting on the edge of downtown and moving into the Los Olivos neighborhood, you can experience museums, parks and a library, all on foot.
“My favorite place in the city is a length of a couple blocks on Central Avenue,” says Sarah Bingham from Antique Sugar. “Starting with the Japanese Friendship Garden on the south side, then Hance Park and the Phoenix Public Library are right next door. Then just a short walk north, you’re at the Phoenix Art Museum and Heard Museum. So many gems in such a short walkable area.”
5. Elevate Coffee Company
Just because you live in the desert where temperatures reach triple digits, that doesn’t mean you don’t need a perfect cup of coffee. While you have plenty of options, Brittany Sawyer, a freelance copywriter and content writer, prefers Elevate Coffee Company.
“It’s a great spot to read, work on my laptop, or catch up with friends. Plus, the baristas are so friendly, so I love catching up with them too.”
Her go-to order is an iced white chocolate mocha and a crepe or blueberry bagel.
“Regardless of the week, I always find myself at Elevate at one point or another!”
6. Rediscover an old favorite
Who doesn’t love going to the mall? Located in neighboring Scottsdale, and undergoing a continuing redevelopment, Fashion Square Mall has been a premier shopping destination for Phoenix locals since 1961.
It may not currently be atop your list of places to go, but Travis Borkenhagen, Owner and Photographer of Lovelee Photos knows the remodel is putting it back on the map. “Plus, there is a wealth of shops and restaurants around the mall.”
7. Hitting other hot spots across Phoenix
According to our experts, you’ll find local hidden gems throughout the city of Phoenix, in neighborhoods like Arcadia, North Phoenix, Camelback East and more.
For shopping, check out The Willows Fine Goods and Design for a unique boutique experience.
When it’s time to get some outdoor exercise, make sure you visit the Desert Vista Trailhead.
Then, of course, there’s the food. Here are three of Phoenix’s tastiest hidden gems:
From tacos to hotdogs and so much in between, you’ll have plenty of flavors to pick from when eating out in Phoenix.
Seek out your favorite hidden gems in Phoenix
The Sonoran Desert is a big place, but Phoenix is one of the bright spots within it. With all the city amenities you could hope for, and ample outdoor experiences waiting, can you discover even more hidden gems throughout the area?
