IN THIS REGION Fort McDowell Gilbert Mesa Phoenix Scottsdale Superior Tempe PHOENIX & CENTRAL ARIZONA Area Highlights BOYCE THOMPSON ARBORETUM , SUPERIOR Arizona’s oldest and largest botanical garden is home to 5,000 different plant species from around the world. Take a guided tour with a volunteer who will point out plants and birds during an informative nature walk along trails through the Sonoran Desert. MCDOWELL SONORAN PRESERVE , SCOTTSDALE Explore this 30,000-acre nature preserve dotted with lush cactus forests and colorful wildflowers across the breathtaking McDowell Mountains. Take off from one of the seven major trailheads that connect with more than 200 miles of hiking, biking, running and horseback riding trails. BARNONE CRAFTSMEN COMMUNITY AT AGRITOPIA , GILBERT Spend an afternoon wandering this collective that features artisans from winemakers to wood-workers honing their craft. A stylishly converted 1950s Quonset hut houses two restaurants, a brewery and shops selling wares like paper products, woodcuttings and handcrafted guns. There’s also an experimental winery and farm market. TEMPE TOWN LAKE , TEMPE Winding for 2 miles through the midst of downtown, Tempe Town Lake is a favorite spot for boaters and paddlers. Boat Rentals of America outfits visitors with everything from stand-up paddleboards and kayaks to pedal and electric boats. Or take to the paths that line the lake with wheels from Grid Bike Share. PHOENIX ZOO , PHOENIX One of the largest non-profit zoos in the country, the Phoenix Zoo cares for more than 3,000 animals, including many endangered species. Follow one of the themed trails that feature animals from Africa (lions and gi-raffes), the Tropics (orangutans and elephants) and Arizona (coyotes and mountain lions). ARIZONA BOARDWALK , SCOTTSDALE Part of the Talking Stick Entertainment District within the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, this bustling hub features shops, restaurants and numerous family-friendly attractions that include OdySea Aquarium, Butterfly Wonderland, Pangaea Land of the Dinosaurs, Titanic: The Artifact Exhibit, Laser + Mirror Maze and more. TALIESIN WEST , SCOTTSDALE Tour the fascinating former winter home of legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright, nestled in the foot-hills of the McDowell Mountains. Considered to be the architect’s desert laboratory for design, today Taliesin West is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. WE-KO-PA GOLF CLUB , FORT MCDOWELL Play on two award-winning golf courses set in the scenic Sonoran Desert on Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation. Enjoy the awe-inspiring views of the McDowell Mountains, Red Mountain, Four Peaks and the Superstition Mountains as you sink your putt. A world-class practice facility is also on-site. MESA CONTEMPORARY ARTS MUSEUM , MESA Named Best Museum by Phoenix New Times in 2019, the MCA Museum features five stunning gal-leries within the Mesa Arts Center. See curated and juried exhibitions of modern artworks by emerging and internationally recognized artists. The museum also features lectures by prominent artists, and art workshops. We-Ko-Pa Golf Club, Fort McDowell Phoenix Zoo, Phoenix TOP TO BOTTOM: LONNA TUCKER; AOT; BARNONE; AN PHAM FOR EXPERIENCE SCOTTSDALE; FACING PAGE: AN PHAM FOR EXPERIENCE SCOTTSDALE Barnone, Gilbert Taliesin West, Scottsdale 43
Arizona Official State Travel Guide Arizona 2020-21: Page 43
