Everyone knows Camelback, Old Town, and Pizzeria Bianco — but Phoenix is full of hidden corners that give you a deeper feel for the desert city. These are the kinds of places I take visiting friends when I want to surprise them with something unexpec...
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5
Outdoor Activities
Restaurants
Other Food & Drinks
Arts & Entertainment
Local Favorites
Outdoor Activities
You will find me here every Saturday morning. One of the largest farmers markets in the East Valley.
Gilbert Farmers Market
Peaceful oasis downtown with koi ponds and tea ceremonies. A perfect reset after desert hiking.
Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix
Hidden Trails: Kiwanis, Mormon, or National. Skip the crowded lookouts and hit these lesser-known routes. Views stretch all the way across the valley.
South Mountain Park & Preserve
I call this Phoenix's version of NYC's Central Park. It's in the middle of Phoenix but feels away from everything. Great for easy hikes and desert views.
Papago Park
Restaurants
Everything here is delicious. Great date night spot
Valentine
One of the first nice places I took my wife in Phoenix and it never disappoints!
FnB Restaurant
My favorite Japanese food in the East Valley.
Shimogamo
Other Food & Drinks
Old-school Phoenix diner with vintage soda fountain, antique shop, and quirky vibes.
MacAlpine's Diner & Soda Fountain
100% sourdough, 100% delicious.
Proof Bread
A cool hangout built from shipping containers in downtown Phoenix. It’s got a little bit of everything — local food stalls, craft drinks, small shops, and plenty of outdoor seating.
The Churchill
Fun and unique bar designed like you're in an airplane!
Carry On
Arts & Entertainment
Phoenix’s first TV station turned funky gallery/event space. Always something creative happening here.
First Studio
They have a whole room full of instruments from famous musicians- Elvis Presley, Maroon 5, Johnny Cash, Tito Puente and many others. You can also actually PLAY instruments from around the world here, not just look at them.
Musical Instrument Museum
Mini-golf all grown up! A super fun spot that mixes mini golf with great food and drinks. The courses were designed by Tiger Woods’ team, so they feel much cooler than your typical putt-putt. Perfect for a night out with friends or a family day.
PopStroke
Local Favorites
Temporarily closed but once it's open, this is a quirky, handmade castle built from salvaged materials in the 1930s. Weird, wonderful, and very Phoenix.
Mystery Castle
Check this place out after grabbing a bite at Pizzeria Bianco. A pocket of Victorian history in downtown Phoenix with restored houses and small museums.
Rosson House Museum
It's a drive from PHX but it's a cool visionary desert community built by architect Paolo Soleri. Futuristic and artsy.
Arcosanti
Family-owned chocolate factory with tours, samples, and nostalgia galore.
Cerreta Candy Company
Guided tours of a rescue center for mountain lions, wolves, and coyotes. Rare experience with Arizona wildlife.
