What to Eat in Phoenix:
- In & Out
- Whataburger
- Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant
What to Do in Phoenix:
- Papago Park
- Cubs Springs Training
- Botanical Gardens
- Tonto National Forest
This burger chain is a popular stop in western states, and I was very excited to eat my first In & Out burger in the heart of Phoenix.
Whataburger is another popular burger chain on the west. They even offer a gluten-free/low-carb option by wrapping the burger in lettuce.
We went to Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant two or three times. We just couldn’t get enough. Each time we went, I ordered the Fajita Taco Salad and of course we had to order a Fried Ice cream.
Location: 4601 E Thomas Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85018
By the end of our trip, we were completely exhausted. We spent our time leisurely exploring and eating good food – a perfect way to end the trip.
- Papago Park
- Cubs Springs Training
- Botanical Gardens
- Tonto National Forest
Papago Park is a free attraction for the whole family. Located conveniently next to the Phoenix Zoo and the Desert Botanical Gardens, this park is the perfect location for a relaxing picnic or afternoon hike. There are even a few shaded outdoor buildings to take a break from the scorching heat.
Location: 625 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008
A little Chicago in the heart of Phoenix
Although I enjoy an occasional baseball game, I do not consider myself a sports fanatic. However, I enjoyed visiting the Cubs Springs Training facility and seeing the famous Cubs sign that I thought was only visible in Chicago!
The Desert Botanical Gardens showcased a variety of beautiful succulents, flowers, cacti, and more. A truly perfect place for a horticulturist.
We visited the park on a very hot day, which made our time in the park quite miserable. I recommend only visiting when the park opens and in the cool of the day.
General Admission was $25 per adult.
And although I do not regret visiting the park, I was a little disappointed with my visit. There weren’t as many plants as I was expecting for such a high price.
If I ever went back to Phoenix, I would skip the botanical gardens and re-visit Tonto National Forest for free.
However, if you love plants and nature, this is the perfect place for you!
Tonto National Forest was one of my favorite locations of our entire trip. I loved seeing the cacti in the wild. And, we visited the park right at sunset, which was absolutely breathtaking!
Just watch out for the diamondback rattle snakes!
Tip: Make sure you bring a flashlight with you. The flashlight on your phone will not be bright enough to see a rattler.
After exploring the beautiful city of Phoenix, we took a 20 minute roadtrip to the classy city of Scottsdale.
