Despite what you may think, there’s more to Phoenix than Camelback Mountain, spas, and golf courses. Sure, those things are nice, too, but the locals know there’s so much more to the Valley of the Sun. Read on to discover some of the best Phoenix hidden gems.
- Phoenix Art Museum
- Roadrunner Farmers’ Market
- Phoenix Bat Cave in Paradise Valley
- Desert Botanical Gardens
- Arizona Fall League Baseball
- Papago Park
- Dick’s Hideaway
- The Mystery Castle
- Phoenix Sonoran Preserve
- Splash Pads
Read on for more details of each!
Phoenix Art Museum
Even though the Phoenix Art Museum is the Southwest’s largest art museum, it is still considered a hidden gem of Central Phoenix. Some people hear “museum” and immediately think “snooze,” but think again. Sure, they’ve got the run-of-the-mill tours, lectures, films, special events, etc., but they also have really cool exhibitions. There’s even a museum dedicated to musical instruments that’s been ranked one of the country’s best. People who are obsessed with miniatures can indulge in the Thorne Miniature Rooms of historic interiors.
While the museum’s collection of American, Asian, European, Latin American, Western American, modern and contemporary art, photography, and fashion design objects may already be on your radar, their Arizona-inspired, farm-to-table restaurant Palette might not be. Beyond the seasonal menu of artfully delicious organic vegetables, handcrafted sauces, local meats, and Arizona-made beers and wines, they have $5 bloody Marys and mimosas during their weekend brunch. The museum offers “pay-what-you-wish admission,” on Wednesdays from 3pm-9pm, and it’s always free on First Fridays from 6pm-10 pm. If you have a library card, you can get a Culture Pass for free admission for two people.
Roadrunner Farmers’ Market
Beep, beep! Fresh local produce is coming your way at the Roadrunner Farmers’ Market in northeast Phoenix, near Paradise Valley. One of the best things about living in a warm climate is the year-round farmers’ markets. This one has been offering local fruits and veggies, baked goods, jams and jellies, natural pork, beef and fish, and handcrafted items since 1990. The “hidden gem” here is the sweet, raw, locally sourced, and ethically harvested honey. It’s also family and fido-friendly. There’s a playground, a fishing pond with ducks and geese, a swimming pool, special events, and more!
Phoenix Bat Cave in Paradise Valley
Speaking of Paradise Valley, head to the Maricopa County Flood Control Tunnel at Camelback Road and 40th Street from spring to summer around sunset to watch several thousand Mexican free-tailed bats take off to find dinner.
Desert Botanical Gardens
Whether it’s a day out with the fam or date night, Desert Botanical Gardens is more than just a very prickly yard. Hike to the top of the Sonoran Desert Nature Loop Trail for mountain views and see the wildflowers and blooming cacti on the Harriet K. Maxwell Desert Wildflower Loop Trail. From Oct 12, 2019, through May 10, 2020, you can catch the Wild Rising By Cracking Art, an installation of more than 1,000 animal sculptures made from colorful and recyclable plastic. There’s also local live Music in the Garden. Gertrude’s restaurant serves farm-to-table style brunch, lunch, dinner, cocktails, and kid’s meals. Desert Botanical Gardens appears on many a “must-see” list, but the “hidden gem” here is the Garden Shop, where you can stock up on watercolor cactus prints, unique outdoor lighting, and prickly pear products, from margarita mix to BBQ sauce. The gardens also accept Culture Pass.
Arizona Fall League Baseball
We’re sure you’re aware of the Major League Baseball team in Phoenix but what about another Phoenix sports hidden gem? Fall signals the end of baseball season for most of the U.S., but not in Arizona. Six area teams compete in the Arizona Fall League: the Mesa Solar Sox, Salt River Rafters, Scottsdale Scorpions, Glendale Desert Dogs, Peoria Javelinas, and the Surprise Saguaros. The off-season league attracts many of the top minor league prospects, mostly Double-A and Triple-A players. It’s fun to watch, and temperatures are a lot more tolerable in the fall. Although there are no games in Phoenix proper, there are six different baseball complexes in the surrounding areas of Mesa, Scottsdale, Glendale, Peoria, and Surprise, AZ.
Papago Park
Instead of a hole in the wall, we present you with the Hole in the Rock. Most Phoenicians are familiar with this natural geological formation, but newcomers might not be. You can hike this red butte formation in beautiful Papago Park, just minutes from downtown and the airport, near Phoenix Zoo and Desert Botanical Garden. The park also features desert plants like the giant saguaro cactus, seven acres of stocked fishing lagoons, and a golf course.
Dick’s Hideaway
This cozy bar and eatery is known to many locals but is aptly named considering it has no sign. The Southwestern and American restaurant serves lunch and dinner in a casual yet refined atmosphere. Dick’s menu features classic American dishes like burgers and salads, as well as authentic New Mexican cuisine. Plus, they have food and drink specials for happy hour every day. Try the roasted garlic plate with green chile, roasted peppers, cheese, and dipping sauces; the carne adovada; or red chile pork tamales.
The Mystery Castle
Located in the Foothills of South Mountain Park, The Mystery Castle is a unique stone mansion built in the 1930s and one unique hidden gem of Phoenix. When Boyce Luther Gulley found out he had tuberculosis in the prime of his life, he left his family for the desert to build a home for his wife and daughter. He constructed this interesting and quirky castle from found or inexpensive materials over the course of 15 years. In addition to mortar, cement, calcium, and goat milk, the sprawling three-story 18-room castle is made from stone, adobe, car parts, salvaged rail tracks from a mine, telephone poles, and more. It has 13 fireplaces, a chapel, a cantina, and a dungeon.
The castle is open for tours from October through May from 11am – 3:30pm, Thursday through Sunday. The innovative and eccentric design is a sight to behold, and the view of Downtown Phoenix off in the distance is phenomenal. Be prepared for uneven footing and stairs—the property is not wheelchair, stroller, or walker-friendly. A word to the wise: they only accept cash and the primitive site has porta-potties instead of plumbing.
Phoenix Sonoran Preserve
Located just north Phoenix is the newest Sonoran Desert preserve, comprised of more than 9,600 acres of wild, unspoiled desert. The preserve features 36 miles of multi-use paths and wide-open trails for hiking and biking. A major perk is that it’s less crowded and more relaxed than Camelback. There are three trailhead locations: Desert Vista, Desert Hills, and Apache Wash. Enjoy expansive views of the mountains and desert filled with creosote-filled flats, palo verde-studded hillsides, and loads of Saguaro cacti. Be on the lookout for wildlife including red-tailed hawks, cactus wrens, and sometimes even wildflowers.
Splash Pads
Beat the desert heat! There are a ton of splash pads around town, offering free family fun on a hot Arizona day. Finding one while walking around the city feels like you’ve found a hidden gem, so keep your eyes peeled! Altadena Park is a great option, or visit Civic Space Park where the kids can splash and the you can all enjoy a picnic on the public tables.
Next time someone wants to hike Camelback with you, pull up this list and discover something new. If you’re looking to become a Phoenix local, check out thousands of apartments for rent on Zumper and get started on finding your perfect place.
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