Top Things to do in Arizona
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What to do and see in Arizona, United States: The Best Gardens
The state of Arizona is one that features a fantastic diversity of landscapes and areas of geological interest. North Arizona is famous for the Grand Canyon, a colorful chasm with steep rocky walls more than a mile deep and stretching some 277 miles alongside the Colorado River. Other notable destinations in North Arizona include Flagstaff set alongside the San Francisco Peaks which has the largest ponderosa pine forest, Museum of Northern Arizona, and is close to a number of national parks and monuments. On the south side of Arizona lies the city of Phoenix, the largest in Arizona. Notable day trips in Phoenix include the Heard Museum which is one of America's largest collections of Native American art, Phoenix Museum of History, as well as the Desert Botanical garden which has a great collection of desert plants.
Restaurants in Arizona
1. Boyce Thompson Arboretum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 562 reviews
Boyce Thompson Arboretum Arizona's oldest and largest botanical garden is located in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, just one hour east of Phoenix, Arizona. Five miles of garden paths and trails wind through 343 acres of plant exhibits and striking landscapes. Over 2,600 different types of plants from the deserts of Australia, North and South America, southern Africa, and other arid-land regions of the world blend seamlessly into an incomparable natural setting. Nestled along Queen Creek at the foot of Picketpost Mountain, the Arboretum is a haven for plant lovers, photographers, birders, and nature enthusiasts of all ages.
2. B & B Cactus Farm
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 108 reviews
Reviewed By jodiwaddell - Flowood, United States
My husband and I went on vacation to celebrate our anniversary. I discovered a fascination with cactus plants. This prompted me to check out B&B Cactus farm. The selection is amazing and the prices were great. The staff were very informative and extremely friendly. They were able to answer all of my questions about the different types and the proper care of the cacti we purchased. They also packaged the cacti to where they would not be damaged on the long trip back home ( we live in Mississippi). Loved the experience and we will definitely stop there again when we make another trip out.
3. Centennial Plaza, Permaculture and Native Plant Display Garden
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Centennial Plaza was created in the middle of the Town Hall Complex in Clarkdale, AZ to demonstrate the beauty and efficiency of xeriscaping. Capturing 5,100 gallons in underground cisterns and additional water in 9 catchments, the three-year old garden features an array of native and adaptive desert plants thriving in a low-water environment. It's amazing how beautiful desert landscaping can be!
4. Psychic Readings and Massage with Chaya
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 53 reviews
Chaya is a natural born intuitive and a psychic reader, licensed massage therapist and healer for over 25 years. Her study and work experience in Europe, Asia and USA has contributed to her worldly vision and clarity. Psychic Readings are given by phone or in person. In a beautiful, professional, quiet setting. She offers Swedish Massage, deep tissue Massage, Chakra Balancing Massage, Reiki, Palmistry and Meditation. The Gypsy Tarot is Chaya's specialty. She uses regular playing cards in this age-old technique. She has taught Gypsy Tarot in many courses to numerous fellow travelers and seekers along the way.
Reviewed By 358emanuellea - Worcester, United States
When in Sedona, I think this type of spiritual work and confirmation can be very beneficial to you if you are open to the experience. Chaya is very welcoming, warm and kind and her home is beautiful. I appreciated our session together and I felt comfortable with her. The massage and chakra work was really great. She has a gift and intuition she uses to gage your chakra functioning and your overall energy flow with her touch (for the massage I requested). She also gives a great card reading that was so helpful to the questions I had about my future career and my relationship. She helped confirm to me that my relationship really is as special as I thought. It’s a special magical place to do your personal work, and I left feeling amazing, happy and grateful. I highly recommend Chaya, and I thank her for her help. This experience provided me with guidance and affirmations/confirmations to move forward in my truths with confidence. Get excited for something new!
5. Canaan in the Desert
6. Arid Garden
7. Desert Botanical Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8,787 reviews
Discover the tranquil vibrancy of desert plants nestled amid the red rocks of the Papago Buttes. Visitors can stroll through five thematic trails to explore the fascinating beauty of the Sonoran Desert, from towering cacti and alluring succulents to brilliant wildflowers and lush trees. Scroll through the Garden's calendar so not to miss festive events and dazzling exhibitions. Delve deeper to learn about desert landscaping, nature art, cooking and wellness and more through the Garden's various adult and children's classes.
Reviewed By TeamRealMcCoy - West Linn, United States
While we visited the Botanical Park years ago, it has really expanded and is an even more fascinating attraction in Phoenix today! We arrived at the park just moments before the next scheduled tour would be held. While we are normally not tour type of folks, we realized we stood to learn many things from a docent-led walk, and we were not disappointed. The docent we had was entertaining and well informed and had incredible props for her talk. You will learn much about cacti and succulents spending a day at this park, but you will learn so much more from a docent-led tour. I should mention the tour does not cover the entire park but just the heart of it. Then you are free to wander and enjoy the many offerings on your own. We enjoyed a snack at the Patio Café mid day, and were very lucky to see roadrunners, a jack rabbit, squirrels, quail, and two of the infamous Arizona javelinas. It should be noted that javelinas can wreak much damage in a park like this, and park staff are attempting to safely trap these and relocate them away from the botanical park. During our visit in January, we were surprised at the number of cacti with prickly pear and succulents with blooms and other plants in full bloom! There are ample benches and chairs throughout the park to sit and quietly contemplate the beauty or simply take a rest. The paths are easily navigated by those on foot, with a walker, or even a wheelchair. There is a marvelous plant shop and a lovely gift shop on the premises. There is a permanent exhibition of Dale Chihuly glass works, a marvelous complement to the nature of the garden, and while we were there, there was an Italian art exhibit, Wild Rising by Crackling Art, featuring more than 1,000 vividly colorful animal sculptures symbolizing sustainability and conservation.
8. Rose Tree Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 244 reviews
Famous for having the world's largest rose bush, this former residence has been turned into a museum.
Reviewed By curio51 - Payson, United States
The Rose Museum is a must-very nicely laid out museum of artifacts from the day. Lots of history as well. It's a lot bigger than it looks! The worlds largest and oldest rose tree is amazing and you can purchase a potted plant cut directly from it. I did so and can't wait to plant it next spring-we visited in early December.
9. Tucson Botanical Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 993 reviews
Named one of the Top 10 Gardens in to visit in North America in 2017 by the Canada Garden Tourism Council and One of the Best Secret Garden in America by Reader's Digest, Tucson Botanical Gardens is an oasis in the heart of Tucson. Featuring seventeen specialty gardens, including the Barrio Garden, Zen Garden and Cactus & Succulent Garden landscaped with unusual rocks from the Harrison Yocum collection. Tropical Butterflies from around the world are featured in the Cox Butterfly & Orchid Pavilion which is open October 1st - May 31st. Experience seasonal art exhibits, The Gardens Gift Shop, year-round tours, delicious lunch at Cafe Botanica, and an outdoor garden railway. The Gardens is closed 5 days a year; Thanksgiving, Dec. 24 & 25, Jan. 1, and July 4.
Reviewed By CarolynJ472 - Anchorage, United States
Due to the pandemic, you have to reserve a time slot for your visit. It is easy to do online, as well as to purchase and download your ticket in the interests of a contactless experience. Enter the garden and be greeted by two horse sculptures wearing masks! The ceramic butterfly memorial comes next. There is a beautiful story about the memorial. I had no idea there are so many cactus varieties. I finally saw the origin of tequila: agave. The children's garden will fascinate even adults. The colorful metal sculptures of Mexican ladies are photogenic! Despite the heat, we had a very enjoyable stroll through the garden.
10. Rose Garden at Mesa Community College
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 78 reviews
Designed by landscape architect LeRoy Brady, the Desert Southwest's largest rose garden, where nearly 8000 rose bushes bloom in the desert. Take time to smell the roses by taking a stroll through The Garden and view its tremendous number of vibrant colors, flower forms and growth habits. The terrace areas of the East and West gardens can be reserved for intimate settings such as weddings, music ensembles, theatrical readings, and art displays. Tours are also available.
Reviewed By Florida-Traveler-888 - Wilton Manors, United States
The 9,000 rose plants in full bloom was not what I expected to find in Arizona. As a rose lover this was a terrific surprise and in early April it was in its' full glory. Easy parking at least for now when the community college appeared to be closed
