Cities Offering Phoenix Vibes, But Better

Abstract

• Mesa: A vibrant cultural hub with beautiful desert views and family-friendly sights, good for seasoned Phoenix vacationers in search of a change.
• Chandler: A novel twist on Phoenix with out of doors adventures, water parks, and historic sights, catering to households and out of doors fanatics.
• Scottsdale: A refined desert oasis full of upscale eating, artwork galleries, and out of doors actions, providing an elegant various to budget-conscious adventurers.

Phoenix conjures photographs of sun-baked streets, vibrant cacti silhouettes in opposition to a turquoise sky, and a sure buzz of metropolitan vitality. Life in Phoenix is thrilling, however even the very best issues can get boring. There are superior cities round Phoenix that supply the identical cool metropolis stuff—breweries, artwork galleries, and neat outlets—all packed into walkable downtowns.

When you’re in search of hidden city gems which have the spirit of Phoenix however with their very own distinctive taste, we have got you coated with some options. Plus, these locations are much less crowded and infrequently cheaper than Phoenix.

7

Mesa

Arts and tradition capital, minus the overwhelming crowds

As a seasoned Phoenix vacationer, you may feel right at home in Mesa, Arizona. Positioned only a quick 18-mile drive east, Mesa presents an identical sunny local weather, beautiful desert surroundings, and a vibrant cultural scene. The famend Mesa Arts Heart is your one-stop store for world-class performances, fascinating exhibitions, and an environment pulsating with creativity.

Touring with the entire household? Mesa caters to all ages. The interactive iPlay Museum is a assured hit with the little ones, whereas the colossal water park, Golfland Sunsplash, guarantees a day of splashy enjoyable for everybody.

Mesa has a dramatic backdrop not like some other. The Usery Mountains stand tall, creating a panoramic scene the place purple rocks, cacti-filled plains, and vibrant sunsets collide. Usery Mountain Regional Park presents unimaginable climbing and biking trails with panoramic views. South Mountain Park in Phoenix is nice, however Usery Mountain supplies a extra intimate and scenic expertise. For surroundings that may really take your breath away, take into account a day journey to the Misplaced Dutchman State Park, simply outdoors Mesa.

6

Chandler

Household enjoyable with a contemporary edge

Like Phoenix, Chandler presents the identical wonderful climate and beautiful Sonoran Desert landscapes you like, however with a novel twist that may make you need to keep some time. Close by South Mountain Park presents unimaginable climbing and biking trails with panoramic views. Plus, the Riparian Protect at Watercourse presents a novel alternative to discover desert wetlands teeming with birdlife, one thing you will not discover readily in Phoenix.

Chandler doesn’t depart children out of the enjoyable. The Mesquite Groves Aquatic Heart is a water park paradise, full with slides, swimming pools, and a lazy river for limitless leisure. Plus, the Pangaea: Land of the Dinosaurs amusement park will take you and your crew on a prehistoric journey full of life-sized dinos and thrilling rides.

Much like Phoenix, vacationers will not need to journey far to expertise the desert’s magnificence. The beautiful Veterans Oasis Park is a scenic gateway to nature. To study concerning the metropolis’s fascinating previous, vacationers can go to the Chandler Museum the place they will study concerning the Hohokam individuals who as soon as thrived right here and the way Chandler remodeled into the thriving metropolis it’s at the moment. Maintain an eye fixed out for the enduring San Marcos Lodge, a fantastically restored landmark that whispers tales of Chandler’s early days.

5

Scottsdale

Stylish options for budget-minded adventurers

Living in Scottsdale means you get to take pleasure in a refined various with a contact of desert stylish. Each cities indulge in wonderful Arizona sunshine and share the beautiful Sonoran Desert panorama. You will discover wonderful golf programs, spring coaching baseball video games, and vibrant cultural choices in each.

Whereas Phoenix presents a various culinary scene, Scottsdale caters to those that crave an upscale expertise. From critically acclaimed French bistros to progressive farm-to-table institutions, Scottsdale’s eating places attraction to everybody.

Artwork fanatics will desire this city to Phoenix, seeing as it’s full of famend galleries showcasing every little thing from Southwestern items to fashionable masterpieces. The Scottsdale ArtWalk, held each Thursday evening, is a vibrant road pageant celebrating creativity.

Though Scottsdale does not have seashores, vacationers can head south to Tempe City Lake for water actions or discover the desert oasis of Piestewa Peak State Park for breathtaking views and a swim in its lake.

4

Kingman

Hike the scenic trails of Hualapai Mountain Park, providing breathtaking views and an opportunity to flee the Phoenix warmth within the cooler mountain air

Kingman’s smaller measurement interprets to a extra relaxed ambiance. Right here, you may commerce rush hour for scenic drives and discover at your individual leisurely tempo. The Hualapai Mountains present a dramatic backdrop, whereas the Mojave Desert unfolds with stark but beautiful landscapes.

Vacationers can hike by way of Black Mountain Scenic Drive for panoramic vistas or discover the otherworldly rock formations close to Sitgreaves Move. Not like Phoenix, Kingman presents a real escape into the guts of the desert. Dramatic mountain ranges, cacti-studded deserts, and hidden canyons encompass Kingman. Whether or not you select to hike scenic trails, embark on an off-road journey, or just chill out and soak within the breathtaking views, Kingman’s pure magnificence is simple. Day journeys to close by wonders just like the Grand Canyon or Hoover Dam add one other layer of journey to your expertise.

When you occur to be in Kingman on the primary Friday of the month, you are in for a deal with. The city comes alive with vibrant First Friday occasions. Native artists showcase their work, stay music fills the air, and road distributors tempt your style buds with all types of goodies.

3

Bullhead Metropolis

Vegas vibes meet out of doors journey

You’ll be able to gamble the evening away, hike breathtaking trails throughout the day, and soak in the fantastic thing about the encircling desert landscapes all in 24 hours in Bullhead Metropolis.

Bullhead Metropolis does get toasty, particularly throughout the summer time months. Temperatures can simply soar into the higher 90s Fahrenheit, and generally even nudge previous 100 Fahrenheit. So, pack your sunscreen, a hat, and loads of water if you happen to’re visiting throughout the peak of summer time.

Bullhead Metropolis is without doubt one of the most underrated cities in Arizona that gives loads of methods to chill down and have enjoyable. Take a dip within the refreshing waters of the Colorado River, which snakes its approach proper by way of city. Or, for the extra adventurous sorts, there’s kayaking, paddleboarding, and even jet snowboarding—all incredible methods to expertise the fantastic thing about the river from a distinct perspective.

When you’re feeling fortunate, Bullhead Metropolis is dwelling to a wide range of thrilling casinos. Strive your hand at blackjack, hit the slots, or just take pleasure in a scrumptious meal and an evening of leisure.

Past the casinos and climbing trails, Bullhead Metropolis has some hidden gems. Take a stroll by way of historic Oatman, a former mining city with a Wild West previous. Or, discover the quirky outlets and artwork galleries that line the streets of Bullhead Metropolis’s Arts District.

2

Glendale

A sports activities fanatic’s dream

Glendale is like Phoenix’s cool cousin. They share that tremendous Arizona sunshine, making them each incredible spots for out of doors fanatics. However Glendale has a barely completely different vibe. It’s kind of smaller and extra relaxed than Phoenix, with a robust deal with households and group.

And Glendale presents one thing Phoenix does not—a severe sports activities scene. House to the State Farm Stadium (the place the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals play) and Gila River Area (dwelling to the NHL’s Arizona Coyotes), Glendale is a haven for sports activities followers.

Additionally, the Glendale Historic Downtown presents a vibrant meals scene, with every little thing from stylish cafes to award-winning eating places.

Glendale shares a few of Phoenix’s perks, like entry to superb climbing trails within the Phoenix Mountains Protect. Nevertheless it additionally has its personal distinct character. In order for you the thrill of an enormous metropolis, Phoenix is your jam. However if you happen to crave a extra laid-back vibe with a wholesome dose of sports activities and tradition, Glendale is likely to be the right match.

1

Douglas

A metropolis steeped in historical past and Mexican appeal

Phoenix is likely to be the large title in Arizona, however for a novel mix of sunshine, historical past, and Mexican aptitude, look no additional than Douglas. The proximity of Douglas to Mexico provides an entire new layer of tradition.

Vacationers get to savor scrumptious Mexican meals, a staple in Douglas’ culinary scene. It’s attainable to even take a day journey throughout the border to Ciudad Juarez for a style of genuine Mexican tradition, purchasing, and exploring. Spanish is spoken extensively right here, so brush up in your conversational expertise and put together to be charmed.

Nature lovers will discover lots to discover, from climbing the paths within the close by Cochise Stronghold (a former refuge for the Chiricahua Apache folks) to marveling on the beautiful views of the San Bernardino Nationwide Wildlife Refuge. Moreover, the city boasts architectural gems just like the historic Gadsden Lodge and the Douglas Grand Theater.