Phoenix's Local Favorites

Founded by the Arizona Cactus and Native Flora Society in 1937, established at this site in 1939. 140 acres total, 55 acres under cultivation. Over 50,000 displays of desert plants. Iconic saguaro cacti everywhere. The Harriet K. Maxwell Desert Wildflower Loop Trail—third of a mile, best for birds, bees, butterflies. The Maxine & Jonathan Marshall Butterfly Pavilion houses thousands of butterflies in 3,200 square feet. Evening flashlight tours. Best visited sunrise or after dark when the desert actually comes alive and temperatures allow human survival.

A geologic unconformity: the summit is 1.5-billion-year-old Precambrian granite, the camel's "head" is 25-million-year-old red sandstone. The Hohokam used a north-side cave as a sacred site before abandoning the area in the 14th century. Archaeologists found reed cigarettes and ancient artifacts. In 1879, President Rutherford B. Hayes included it in a one-million-acre Salt River Pima-Maricopa reservation. Barry Goldwater secured it as Phoenix city park in 1968. Two trails, both Extremely Difficult: Echo Canyon gains 1,530 feet in a mile. Cholla is 1.5 miles one-way, 1,250-foot gain. Summer trail closure above 100°F. Start before 6am. This is Phoenix's proving ground.

Founded in 1929 by Dwight and Maie Heard, this is a world-class temple to Indigenous art and sovereignty. While the pottery and textiles are stunning, the heart of the museum is "The Boarding School Experience"—a gut-punch exhibit documenting the federal government’s attempt to "kill the Indian, save the man." It is essential, sobering viewing that transforms the rest of the museum’s beauty into an act of survival. Every February, the museum hosts the World Championship Hoop Dance Contest, where history and gravity are simultaneously defied.

One of the largest municipal parks in the US at 16,000 acres. Over 50 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Dobbins Lookout has the best city views. The park contains Hohokam petroglyphs and ruins from mining operations. Desert at its most accessible.

Robert J. Ulrich (former Target CEO) and friend Marc Felix visited the Musical Instruments Museum in Brussels. Ulrich donated $200 million to a $250 million project. Opened April 24, 2010 with 6,800 instruments. Now holds over 15,000 musical instruments and objects from nearly 200 countries. Largest museum of its type in the world. Headphones activate automatically as you approach each exhibit. The Experience Gallery lets you play instruments from around the world. Unexpectedly fascinating even if you're not into music. Plan 3+ hours.