Named for its resemblance to a kneeling camel, Camelback Mountain in the Phoenix Mountains Preserve is one of the most popular hiking locations in the city. The summit offers trekkers the best 360-degree views of the city, but Echo Canyon Trail is not recommended for beginners.

Camelback Mountain

The fine dining restaurant Elements at Sanctuary Camelback Mountain, a Gurney's Resort & Spa is one of the best places to watch the sunset in Phoenix. Expect to spend a pretty penny here or consider heading to their Jade Bar for a happy hour aperitif with equally incredible views.

Elements

Papago Park is one of the best places for outdoor activities located in the heart of the city near downtown Phoenix. One of its greatest features is the iconic Hole-in-the-Rock trail where visitors can climb to the top of a rocky butte and capture some awesome photos of the park and the surrounding city.

Hole-in-the-Rock

Top of the Rock is a restaurant that sits on top of the Marriott Hotel in Tempe, just ten miles east of downtown Phoenix. For the best dining experience, be sure to book a table by the floor-to-ceiling windows or a spot on the patio.

Top of the Rock

Located in the South Mountain Preserve, Dobbins Lookout sits about 2,330 feet above the valley floor along the Holbert Trail and offers trekkers uninhibited panoramic views of Phoenix. You can also get there by car, and it has a stone house where sun-weary travelers can get some respite in the shade.

Dobbins Lookout