Discover Phoenix's Hidden Gems: 5 Must-Try Experiences for Locals and Visitors Alike

Ah, Phoenix. A city that somehow manages to blend a stunning array of architectural wonders with its sun-kissed deserts, not unlike a taco stand dressed in haute couture. We have architect Paolo Soleri to thank for one of the most fascinating living demonstrations of his arcology concept, where buildings don’t just exist alongside nature, but rather dance with it in a kind of architectural tango. Imagine a world where buildings are not just concrete boxes but lovingly crafted extensions of our ecological landscape!

Now, speaking of extensions, let’s talk about food. Beloved local chef Silvana Esparza, who made the heartbreaking decision to close her cherished Mexican haven, Barrio Café, in 2024, has a tasty ace up her sleeve: she urges you not to miss Durant’s Steakhouse. If you haven't had the pleasure, you might as well be living under a rock — or perhaps just not in the warm embrace of Phoenix’s culinary scene. Carrie Wheeler, a Phoenix resident since grade three (don’t worry, she’s not counting the days), gives a hearty nod to this establishment in The Washington Post.

Turning the pages of history, we find ourselves marveling at Frank Lloyd Wright’s winter haven, Taliesin West, which became Arizona's only cultural World Heritage Site in 2019. Perhaps it’s because Wright, with his visionary eyes, knew more about connecting with the earth than most of us at a potluck dinner. Sam, a lifelong Phoenician and the brain behind the travel blog My Flying Leap, swears by the tours there. You get to soak in Wright’s genius and see how he integrated his laboratory with the desert landscape around him. We might call it "getting cultured," but in this case, it’s more like a free trip to architecture heaven.

And for those looking to escape the heat—or at least pause for a moment in the easy-going shade—look no further than the Japanese Friendship Garden. Here, serenity is served with a side of koi fish and a lovely tea house, offering a moment of tranquility akin to a meditative yoga session that doesn’t involve contorting your body into unbelievable shapes. So, if you feel life is rushing at you faster than a toddler in a shopping cart, this garden is a lovely remedy.

If you prefer fine dining entwined with interesting architecture, the Wrigley Mansion is calling your name. Built by William Wrigley Jr., of chewing gum fame, the mansion is like an architectural mixtape that features multiple styles—it’s a delightful smorgasbord for the eyes. Speaking of delightful, Christopher’s, named after James Beard Award winner Christopher Gross, features a retractable roof. That’s right. You can enjoy your meal while gazing at the stars. Nothing says romance quite like a steak dinner under the vast Arizona sky, unless, of course, your date insists on discussing tax deductions over dessert.

Now, let’s not forget there are a staggering 49 other capitol buildings and 29 Major League Baseball fields across this great nation. So yes, the struggle to prioritize your itinerary here is real. Fear not, for we’re diving headfirst off the beaten path! Join me as we explore five of the best activities to partake in Phoenix, based on the collective wisdom of local writers and culinary magicians.

Just a mile from the peaceful embrace of the Japanese Friendship Garden lies the Hole-in-the-Rock Trail in Papago Park. Local Betty Hurd ranks this as her favorite hiking spot in the city. It’s where you can enjoy the kind of vistas that make you feel simultaneously insignificant and gloriously alive, which is a refreshing yin and yang that many of us seek.

So grab your sunblock, your sense of adventure, and perhaps a hefty appetite, and let’s discover what makes Phoenix a hotbed of culture, comfort, and culinary delight — one architecture marvel at a time.