Phoenix is the capital of the state of Arizona. Arizona is of course famous for its deserts therefore Phoenix is surrounded by desert. What’s more, this surrounding desert area is one of the wettest in North America which makes for some beautiful sites in and around Phoenix. Here I’ll be sharing some famous Phoenix landmarks and also some of the top Instagram spots in and around the city. Firstly, let’s see how you can book your Phoenix trip and hotels independently through KAYAK giving you the flexibility to explore your own itinerary at your own pace.
Why Use KAYAK to Plan Your Phoenix Trip?
As well as being the capital city of Arizona, Phoenix is also the fifth largest city in the USA. For this reason, the Greater Phoenix region has over 69,000 hotels rooms to choose from. With all these choices, how do we pick the best hotel room for our needs? KAYAK is the answer! KAYAK will compare the price of a hotel directly as well as through popular travel websites. As a result, you’ll find the best priced hotel based upon your criteria. In addition, this same comparison method works for your car hire and flight requirements too. Let’s explore the Phoenix landmarks and top Instagram spots.
Desert Botanical Garden
Have you ever been to a botanical garden set in a desert? One of my favourite Phoenix landmarks is the Desert Botanical Gardens. Keep your eyes open for javelinas as you explore the well organised cactus. Photographers will love these gardens during golden hour when they can be illuminated with quite spectacular natural light.
Phoenix Zoo
Phoenix Zoo is listed as one of the top zoos in the whole of North America. For this reason, if you’re interested in animals from all over the world, you should definitely schedule time for a visit. Some interesting animals to see at Phoenix zoo include the Mexican gray wolf as well as the white-faced saki monkey. When it comes to the birds, you may see the wrinkled hornbill and burrowing owl.
Musical Instrument Museum
Phoenix is home to the largest musical instrument museum not only in the USA but in the whole world. If you ever decide to visit a musical instrument museum then Phoenix makes a good choice! Here you can view various musical instrument exhibits but also check the schedule for any live events or performances. When there’s a live event, Phoenix musical instrument museum is the place to be.
Chase Field
Chase Field is the home stadium of the Diamondbacks. This huge stadium has a capacity of almost 50,000. If you’re into stadiums (like I am) you can visit for a stadium tour from Monday to Saturday most weeks. However, be aware that the last tour is just after midday so best arrange it for a morning. Lastly, check the Diamondbacks fixture list to check if any games are scheduled for when you visit.
Papago Park
Papago Park is a good place to escape Phoenix. Located a few minutes from downtown Phoenix is this huge green space which is home to several Phoenix landmarks in itself. An interesting fact about Papago Park is that it was a POW camp during World War II. Here you’ll find lots of walking trails, lakes, desert plants, golf courses and of course a few wild animals. Finally, Phoenix landmarks found in and around Papago Park include, Phoenix Zoo, Desert Botanical Garden, Governors Hunt’s Tomb as well as the Hole in the Rock.
Hole in the Rock
One of the most famous parts of Papago Park is the Hole in the Rock. This can be easily reached on the 0.3 mile loop trail. Obsessed photographers can visit when the sun is aligned through the hole. Those who love good Instagram spots can climb up and pose from the opening.
How to plan an Arizona road trip with KAYAK.
Heard Museum
The Heard Museum is dedicated to the advancement of American Indian art. Visit to see the 12 exhibition galleries. For those looking for top Instagram spots in Phoenix, you’ll find the sculpture gardens and building itself the perfect setting.
South Mountain Preserve and Park
An interesting fact about South Mountain Preserve and Park is that it’s the largest municipal park in the USA. Drive the car you hired through KAYAK along the gated roadways at your leisure from 5am to 7pm. Entrance is free and there are lots of marked walking trails to park up at and take.
Phoenix Art Museum
Any art lover will have the Phoenix Art Museum on their list of things to do in Phoenix. There’s also something here which will encourage visitors to come and take their Instagram photos too. That’s the Fireflies Infinity Mirror Room. Whatever your reason for visiting the Phoenix Art Museum, I’m sure you won’t be disappointed.
Dobbins Lookout
Take a 20 drive from downtown Phoenix to Dobbins Lookout viewpoint. Sunset is the best time to go however, it’s free to visit all day. As you look out over Phoenix you really get a perspective of a size of the city and how it’s laid out. How many Phoenix landmarks can you spot from this viewpoint?
Camelback Mountain
Can you guess from the picture how Camelback mountain got its name? It looks beautiful from a distance but you can also park at the Echo Canyon Trailhead and ascend Camelback mountain. Not only will you get some well needed exercise hiking up but you can enjoy some stunning views too including a Phoenix panoramic.
Rosson House Museum
The Rosson House Museum is an example of Victorian architecture in the United States. It was built in 1895 and history buffs will love the house tours. Additionally, the surrounding Heritage Square makes the perfect setting for Rosson House.
Encanto Park
One of the New York landmarks is Central Park as Piedmont Park is one of the Atlanta landmarks. Here we have Encanto Park as one of the Phoenix landmarks. Take a stroll through the enormous Encanto Park which includes a fishing lagoon, charismatic clubhouse, boathouse, swimming pool and sports complex. In addition, there are also 2 golf courses and the Enchanted Island Amusement Park.
Chase Tower
We cannot go through the Phoenix landmarks without investigating the tallest buildings in Phoenix. Reaching 483 feet tall, Chase Tower is the tallest building in Phoenix and Arizona. The second tallest building is the U.S Bank Center at 407 feet. Thirdly, we have the Century Link Tower at 397 feet tall. Finally, at 360 feet tall, Sheraton Phoenix Downtown is the tallest hotel in Phoenix.
Odysea Aquarium
Odysea Aquarium is the largest aquarium in the Southwest USA. For this reason, it’s home to almost all the marine life you can imagine. In addition to the aquariums which include various types of sharks you can also experience sloth and penguin encounters. Do you want to get into the water? Try the helmet diving experience.
St Mary’s Basilica
St Mary’s Basilica is a significant Phoenix landmarks because it’s the oldest Roman Catholic church in the Phoenix area. Perhaps what’s more impressive is the largest stained glass windows collection in the whole of Arizona. If you’re nearby in Downtown Phoenix you can easily visit this Spanish Colonial Revival basilica.
Goldfield Ghost Town
On the eastern outskirts of the Phoenix Metropolitan area is Goldfield Ghost Town. This former gold mining town has been abandoned for over a century. Therefore what’s the best thing to do with it? Open it up as a tourist attraction. Today you can revisit the 19th century boom town, walk down main street and visit the infamous saloons!
Tovrea Castle
Last but not least on my list of Phoenix landmarks is Tovrea Castle. This eye-catching 1920’s castle is surrounded by desert and well maintained cactus therefore making it a wonderful Instagram spot in Phoenix.
Enjoy Your Visit to the Phoenix Landmarks
Visit the Phoenix landmarks you wish to visit and at your leisure with the freedom of your own hire car. Stay in a better hotel than you imagined through the magic of a KAYAK search. I’ve mentioned several things to do in Phoenix above to get you started. Additionally, as you explore the streets of Phoenix for yourself, you’ll discover more that you didn’t know existed. Enjoy!
Visiting the United States? Read about Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Washington DC, Orlando, Atlanta, New Orleans, Dallas, Santa Fe, Las Vegas, San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle and Chicago.
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