Last week I was able to fly out to Arizona with my mom to visit family we have down there (in fact, just about all of my mom’s family is in AZ). This trip was mostly to spend time with them so we didn’t do as much site-seeing as when we came out in August last year but nonetheless, still a nice, little get away. We stayed in the Phoenix area but drove around a bit to Scottsdale and Mesa.
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The Sugar Bowl
In Scottsdale there is a cute ice cream and soda shop, PERFECT for all the avid Instagram users to get the perfect pictures. There are a bunch of cute pink booths and chairs so plan your outfit accordingly lol. The outside even has a cute pink wall to get pictures with. Scottsdale is full of picture opportunities. Even if you just walk around a bit, you’re bound to find a good picture and site-seeing opportunity. (The ice cream is awesome too if you just want a nice, refreshing treat and to get out of the hot AZ sun!)
4005 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ
Old Adobe Mission Church
Another Scottsdale location, I knew this was in Scottsdale but just not quite sure where and came across in by accident, looking for The Sugar Bowl! It’s located in the main downtown area too, about two streets over from The Sugar Bowl (in the back). This church is the oldest adobe Mission Church in Scottsdale, built in the 1800s, I believe! It’s beautiful to look at and gives a beautiful, clean backdrop for photos.
3821 N. Brown Ave., Scottsdale, AZ
Downtown Mesa
Mesa is another cute, little town I recommend checking out! We didn’t spend much time down here because tbh I just wanted to get pictures in front of this mural but I mean come on, it’s gorgeous and THE COLORS! There is a cute bakery and shop that we went into that’s located on the main strip called Sweet Cakes Cafe. They have the cutest little knick-knacks (I got some new stickers for my laptop to add to my collection) and in the back there’s a little cookie bakery which has bomb cookies.
63 W Main St, Mesa, AZ 85201
Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch
The other places mentioned above I knew about beforehand and I knew I wanted to visit but the Riparian Preserve was actually a recommendation from my grandma and I didn’t know about prior to visiting. It did not disappoint and all the yellow, Spring flowers went nicely with my navy and white striped dress. The best part-the Preserve is completely free and is beautiful to marvel at. There are many different kinds of cacti and desert plants to enjoy and there is a stunning pond to look at as well.
2757 E Guadalupe Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85234
Hieroglyphic Trail, Superstition Mountains
For all the hiking and nature lovers I added in something for you too! This gorgeous 3 mile hike (round-trip) is another must-see. The hike itself actually isn’t too bad. It’s a slight increase rather than straight up a hill and it’s not too terribly rocky. My mom and I actually didn’t plan on going all the way through and just were going to take a little hike but ended up talking with locals and it turned out to not be too far up the mountain. The hieroglyphics and the views are equally beautiful! Insider tip: bring bug spray because the bugs are pretty bad and annoying.
4467 S Kings Ranch Rd, Gold Canyon, AZ 85118
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Arizona is such a beautiful place and I think all of these places should be added to your Arizona bucket list. Honestly, even just driving around the Phoenix area is a must because it’s so beautiful. The base of the Superstition Mountain is a gorgeous place to drive around too if you have time. As always, let me know if you visit any of these places by messaging me here or on my socials!
XOXO, Tayler
Tayler Renee May 