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7 Off The Beaten Path Things To Do While Visiting Phoenix This Spring

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Phoenix is a gorgeous city that lies among the equally gorgeous Sonoran desert. Spring is a great time to visit, as it means temperatures haven’t yet begun to soar.

Here are 7 off-the-beaten-path things to do while visiting Phoenix this spring:

Desert sunset over Arizona.

1. Hike Camelback Mountain

Spring is, without a doubt, one of the best times to enjoy outdoor activities in Phoenix. The normally hot desert is far cooler, and you may even be able to find an array of desert plants and wildflowers that bloom.

If you’re looking for a way to enjoy a slice of nature without going too far from the city, hiking Camelback Mountain is the perfect option. This one is a bit wider known than some of the other options on this list. However, the stunning views of the city offered from the mountain still make it worth checking it.

View of Phoenix from Camelback mountain.

2. Find A Hidden Bar At Ziggy's

This pizza shop not only offers some great hand-tossed pizza but also hides an 80s-themed bar. Inspired by hidden speakeasies during prohibition times, you can head to the back of the pizza shop and through a pair of swinging doors to be transported into a retro-feeling bar.

The bar not only offers a unique entrance and fun vibe, but also a variety of delicious drinks.

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Two dishes of pizza.

3. Explore The Phoenix Mountain Preserve

Here’s another great option if you’re looking to enjoy the outdoors in Phoenix – the 40th Street Trailhead at the Phoenix Mountain Preserve. Unlike Camelback Mountain, this trail in the Phoenix Mountain Preserve is 8.4 miles in total, a bit longer.

The first portion of the trail is perfect for all ages and hiking levels, consisting of mostly flat terrain. If you’re in the mood for more of a challenge, you can continue up the steeper portion of the trail to the peak.

Stunning sunset viewed from the Phoenix Mountain preserve.

4. Relax At A Japanese Friendship Garden

Here’s another fun way to spend an afternoon or morning in Phoenix – visiting the Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix.

This tranquil garden is the perfect retreat from the otherwise busy city. Admission to the garden can be purchased at the gate or online ahead of time – there is a discount for tickets purchased online.

Plants and a pond in Japanese Friendship Garden.

5. Enjoy A Meal At Hanny’s

If you’re looking for a unique place to enjoy a meal and drink, check out Hanny’s. Located in a former department store building in downtown Phoenix, this restaurant offers a unique ambiance, delicious food, and even some eccentric art installations, such as a collection of vintage dolls in the restaurant’s basement and a window into an old elevator shaft.

Vintage dolls

6. Explore Rewind Vintage And Antique

Here’s an option for the vintage lovers out there! This antique store offers everything from vintage furniture to artwork and is a great way to spend some time exploring, even if you’re not in the market for anything.

A table with an antique globe and other items sitting on it.

7. Enjoy A Drink At Old Town Tavern

If you’re looking for a place to grab a drink, look no further than Old Town Tavern. Located in Old Town Scottsdale, this bar features live music as well as a wide selection of drinks. For those looking to enjoy some of the relatively pleasant weather during the spring, Old Town Tavern also offers outdoor seating – perfect for enjoying a beautiful desert evening.

Three people enjoying glasses of beer.

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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.