NEW TIMES 2023 BOWL GUIDE SPECIAL RETAIL SECTION Dec 28th, 2023–Jan 3rD, 2024 phoenixnewtimes.com PHOENIX NEW TIMES 28 See the City 14 must-see attractions around the Valley of the Sun. BY JENNIFER GOLDBERG W hether you’re here for a bowl guide, a busi- ness trip or just a desert getaway, there is plenty to do and see around metro Phoenix. Here are our top picks for how to make the most out of your stay in the Valley. Camelback Mountain Echo Canyon Trailhead: 4925 E. McDonald Drive Cholla Trailhead: 5150 N. Invergordon Road, Paradise Valley climbcamelback.com Phoenix’s most famous mountain is a popular hiking destination most of the year for locals and tourists alike. There are two trails up Camelback: Echo Canyon is about two and a half miles total up and down the mountain, and is considered a difficult hike. Cholla is slightly longer (about three miles total), but is a little less strenuous. Whichever trail you choose, you’ll probably find parking a challenge; in the winter months, Camelback is nearly always busy, so consider taking a rideshare. And even though the weather is beautiful, treat Camelback like a serious hike: Wear good shoes for hiking and take plenty of water. Cosanti 6433 E. Doubletree Ranch Road, Paradise Valley 480-948-6145 cosanti.com For a unique Arizona experience, head to Cosanti, an entry on the Arizona Registry of Historic Places designed by experi- mental architect Paolo Soleri. The other- worldly structures are the result of Soleri’s earth-casting technique, and many of these buildings were created by first forming a concrete shell over mounded dirt. Cosanti is still a working studio, and the bells that are created by its artisans are world- famous and highly sought-after. Cosanti is open daily, and there is no cost to visit. Guided tours are held twice daily, and donations, which benefit the nonprofit Cosanti Foundation, are encouraged. Desert Botanical Garden 1201 N. Galvin Parkway 480-941-1225 dbg.org Experience the beauty of the Sonoran Desert at the Desert Botanical Garden in east Phoenix. The garden boasts 140 acres of native plants along its pathways. Keep an eye out for the giant Mexican cardon cactuses that are more than 75 years old. Currently on display is “Fernando Botero: El Maestro,” an exhibition of paintings, drawings and monumental sculpture cele- brating the visionary Colombian artist who died earlier this year. The garden is open daily, and cost is $29.95 for adults and $16.95 for youth (children under 3 are free). Heard Museum 2301 N. Central Ave. 602-252-8840 heard.org The Heard Museum is Phoenix’s world- class collection of Native American art. Nearly 100 years old, the Heard has an enormous number of works in the permanent collection, plus hosts special exhibitions on a variety of topics. The museum’s “Substance of Stars,” is a new permanent exhibition that examines the collection of the Heard Museum from Indigenous perspectives and includes immersive Indigenous storytelling featuring a 360-degree Sky Dome. Also on display is the museum’s signature exhibition “HOME: Native People in the Southwest,” featuring highlights from the collection. The Heard Museum is open daily. Admission is $22.50 for adults, with discounts for seniors, students, and children. Japanese Friendship Garden 1125 N. Third Ave. 602-274-8700 japanesefriendshipgarden.org You wouldn’t think that such a tiny, green oasis would thrive in the middle of The Desert Botanical Garden is a must-see for any Phoenix visitor. (Photo by Adam Rodriguez) >> p 30
