Top Rated Parks to Visit in Phoenix

"If you love to learn about trains, or you just enjoy riding them, you'll want to check out McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park. It features concessions, model railroads, and even miniature train rides. The railroad museum helps you learn about the history of the early transportation that changed the West."

"Fowler McCormick, John D. Rockefeller’s grandson, donated 100 acres from his ranch to the city of Scottsdale. The area was turned into a railroad park, and donations and support from volunteers and the US Marines made the park into what it is now. It officially opened in 1975."

"Boasting breathtaking scenic views of the monumental red sandstone formations, Papago Park truly should not be missed when in Phoenix. Here you can wander around Hole in the Rock and Hunt’s Tomb, a white pyramid at the top of one of the hills here, and a historical formation which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors can easily climb the sandstone to get a view of the skyline of Downtown Phoenix, and the rocks also provide a perfect spot in which to bask in the vivid colors of a glorious Arizona sunset."

"You can see a couple of exhibitions at Arizona Heritage Center at Papago Park, where Museum Day hours are 10 a.m."

"South Mountain Park is totally free to visit and offers amazing views of the city and surrounding landscapes. This is a large city park that spans over 16,000 acres in size and features desert mountain terrain. Come here to hike or bike early in the morning to beat the summer heat."

"You can start your Phoenix Vacation by exploring the South Mountain Park with its variety of flora and fauna. It is also the home of the chuckwalla specie, a rare form of lizard. Enjoy the breathtaking view of the Phoenix at the lookout point at 1,000 above the desert floor."

"The boulder-strewn, cone-shaped Pinnacle Peak is a popular hiking area in Scottsdale. A moderate, 1.75-mile one-way trail with 1,300 feet of elevation will take you up to the top of Pinnacle Peak, where you'll be treated to amazing views out over northern Scottsdale, including the green fairways of Troon North Golf Club. For those not quite up to the full hike, the views start at about one-third of the way up, and you can turn around when you've had enough."

"Pinnacle Peak Park measures 150 acres and offers daytime and nighttime hikes in Sonoran Desert. The main trail provides a moderate hike of 3.5 miles with rock displays and rock climbing routes. Guided tours include interpretive, wildlife, full moon hikes and astronomy evenings for visitors older than 8 years of age."

"Voted one of Forbes 12 best city parks in the U.S., Encanto Park provides an oasis in the Valley of the Sun. With 222 acres of land, this park features a lagoon, a boathouse, picnic areas, nature trails, swimming pool, fishing, golf courses, and Enchanted Island Amusement Park. Enchanted Island best entertains children ages 10 and under with its classic rides such as a carousel and parachute drop and a variety of popular attractions including pedal boats and arcade games."

"Located just a few blocks from Phoenix’s busy central corridor, this park serves as an oasis. Featuring picnic areas, a lagoon, boat house, swimming pool, nature trail, urban fishing and two golf courses, there’s pretty much something for everyone here. The municipal golf courses offer modest fees and are busy all year long."

"You’re not going to want to bring a checkered blanket and a picnic basket to this park. There’s too much to do. Located in Central Phoenix, Encanto Park was named one of the top 12 city parks in the country by Forbes magazine."

"The center has a splash pool with interactive spray and fountain features. The pool has lap lanes and a diving board. Details: Opens Memorial Day weekend."

"The recreation base for Tempe Town Lake is a grassy 25-acre park on the south shore, opposite Papago Park, and a lovely spot to watch the sun go down. Tempe Beach Park is the place to rent bikes and scooters to zip off on that five-mile trail, or hit the water on kayaks, rowboats, pedal-boats and paddleboards. There’s a splash playground in the park for smaller children and an amphitheatre holding 5,000 people and hosting all sorts of concerts and shows throughout the year like the Independence Day celebrations on 4 July."

"Yes, a dog or a Frisbee may suddenly end up on your picnic blanket, but the disruption may be worth it if you’re picnicking during sunset. The 25-acre Tempe Beach Park sits at the end of Mill Avenue, just north of Arizona State University, and it’s always bustling with life. Watch the scooters, bikes, and joggers zip by as you enjoy takeaway from nearby spots like Cornish Pasty, Ike’s Love and Sandwiches, Daily Jam, or a slice from Slices."

"A historical central park for Tempe since the 1920’s, this 25-acre park plays host to 5K and 10K runs, music festivals and community festivals throughout the year. The park features a splash playground for kids, hiking and biking paths, volleyball courts, and water recreation activities on Tempe Town Lake including kayak, stand-up paddle board, and boat rentals."

"Desert Breeze Park has one of three spray pads in Chandler, one of two urban fishing lakes in the city, two playgrounds, four tennis courts and a volleyball court. One of the more popular parks in the East Valley, Desert Breeze Park is 47 acres of fun for the whole family. It has one of three spray pads in Chandler, one of two urban fishing lakes in the city, two playgrounds, four tennis courts and a volleyball court."

"Desert Breeze Park is a lovely destination for people wanting to walk around, play, or host a picnic — so much so that on the weekends it’s always busy!. However, if you take the time to go on a weekday, you’ll find a park that’s serene and open — with plenty of places to fish or sit in the shade!"

"Visiting this park will allow you and your canine to honor a K-9 who gave his life in the line of duty in 2005."

"Pei Wei is inspired by ancient Asian cooking, from the wok-fired classics of China to the street markets of Thailand, freshly made to order in open kitchens."

"If you’re in the mood for traditional Chinese food then New China Gate is the best place for you!. They offer a lengthy menu of traditional foods that are sure to satisfy your cravings. They serve lunch and dinner, so you have the option to stop in to feast during both times of day."

"Located in the Lincoln Village Shopping Center, Rancho Pinot Grill is a casual restaurant with cowboy-chic décor that serves New American cuisine in a relaxed, laid-back setting. Established by Chrysa Robertson and Tom Kaufman in 1993, the iconic Valley restaurant serves high-end, seasonal American fare and fine wines from around the world. Inspired by the surrounding desert, the menu features dishes such as grilled quail with polenta, ricotta-stuffed zucchini flowers, spinach fettuccine, ricotta gnocchi, and grilled flatiron steak, as well as appetizers, fresh salads, sides, and desserts."

"Perfect for: Those who like bigger portions of American-Italian food. Rancho Pinot has been a local favorite for over 17 years. Located in South Scottsdale, this restaurant features both American and Italian cuisine."

"The attention to quality here makes this one of the town's most lauded dining spots. The minimalist cowboy decor and almost secret-handshake...Read More"

"Although PHX Beer Co. has locations in Phoenix and at Sky Harbor Airport, their Scottsdale location is the place to go for great patio dining. Located alongside Marguerite Lake, the generous patio looks out onto a stunning green belt and the lake itself. PHX Beer Co. serves 15 of their own original beers, brewed locally inside their Phoenix location, as well as a full menu of creative takes on classic American bar food."

"If you’re looking for a straightforward, drinkable, no secrets or surprises beer, look no further than Sonoran Brew Company. Sonoran doesn’t blow any whistles or jingle any bells. They won’t tell you a touching story about how they got started, they aren’t going to tantalize you with fancy pairings or tease you with outlandish ingredients."