The 13 Most Scenic Views In Phoenix, Arizona
While Phoenix, Arizona is the fifth largest city in the United States (per Visit Arizona), you would be wrong to think it's all just concrete, cars, and urban sprawl. In fact, Phoenix has one of the most unique and beautiful skylines in the world! This is all thanks to its incredible desertscape that surrounds the city as well as the great weather year-round. The City of Phoenix has also gone to great lengths to create nature preserves — including the Phoenix Mountains Preserve, Sonoran Preserve, and South Mountain Park and Preserve — where residents can take a break from modern life to hike rugged trails, summit mountain peaks, and enjoy the beauty of the desert's flora and fauna.
If you're more of a brunch or happy-hour regular, don't worry. There are plenty of places in Phoenix where you can enjoy an ice-cold marg and some appetizers with a fantastic view of the Phoenix skyline. No need to work up a sweat!
Camelback Mountain
Named for its resemblance to a kneeling camel (per Visit Phoenix), Camelback Mountain in the Phoenix Mountains Preserve is one of the most popular hiking locations in the city for weekend warriors and hiking enthusiasts alike. This is because the summit offers trekkers the best 360-degree views of the city. Urban Matter writes that you'll have to work for it though! Echo Canyon Trail is not necessarily for beginners so be prepared for a real challenge. As with any hiking adventure, bring plenty of water and some snacks or meals if you plan to take it slow, and sun protection.
Elements
Not feeling like hiking up Camelback Mountain but don't want to miss out on the views? Visit Phoenix writes that Elements at Sanctuary Camelback Mountain, a Gurney's Resort & Spa is one of the best places to watch the sunset in Phoenix. This fine dining restaurant features farm-fresh American cuisine with an incredible backdrop of gently swaying palm trees and rocky outcroppings. Expect to spend a pretty penny here or consider heading to their Jade Bar for a happy hour aperitif with equally incredible views.
Hole-in-the-Rock at Papago Park
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 (via Visit Phoenix). It is also conveniently located next to other great Phoenix attractions including the Desert Botanical Garden and the Phoenix Zoo.
Top of the Rock
Top of the Rock is a restaurant located inside the Marriott Hotel in Tempe, a suburb about ten miles east of downtown Phoenix. The restaurant sits at the top of the hotel with a patio area that makes you feel as though you're sitting ... well ... on top of a rock instead of a hotel. For the best dining experience, be sure to book a table by the floor-to-ceiling windows or a spot on the patio.
Dobbins Lookout
Located in the South Mountain Preserve, Dobbins Lookout offers trekkers uninhibited panoramic views of Phoenix. Visit Phoenix writes that the lookout sits about 2,330 feet above the valley floor and is found along the Holbert Trail. If you're not feeling up to doing the whole hike but still want to see what all the fuss is about you can also drive to the lookout. Dobbins Lookout also has a stone house where sun-weary travelers can get some respite in the shade.
The Compass
Want to get to panoramic views without having to lift a finger? Well, The Compass might just be the solution to your problem! The Compass is a 360-degree revolving (!) restaurant located on the 24th floor of the Hyatt Regency Phoenix that offers restaurant-goers one of the most unique viewpoint experiences in Phoenix. One TripAdvisor reviewer wrote that when it comes to the food though, you're really paying for the view. So, we recommend you grab a cocktail at sunset, a couple of photos, and head to another nearby venue for your main course.
Piestewa Peak
The Phoenix Mountains Preserve area is home to several amazing hiking destinations, including Piestewa Peak. Found along the Piestewa Peak Summit Trail, this lookout is a popular one, according to AllTrails. You can find trekkers heading here to get in a quick 2.1-mile-long weekend hike that offers a break from the city without having to go too far from home. Wanderlog writes that this lookout is one of the highest in the Phoenix mountains so get ready for some incredible views of the city and surrounding nature.
Christopher's at Wrigley Mansion
Looking for the perfect dining spot with a view for you and your bestie(s)? Then you'll want to head to Christopher's at Wrigley Mansion. According to Visit Phoenix, this sprawling complex was built in 1932 by the owner of Wrigley chewing gum, William Wrigley, Jr.! So is it any surprise then that the mansion is sparkling white? Enjoy your drink from the balcony and feel like a millionaire mogul as you gaze out over the city.
Pinnacle Peak
Pinnacle Peak is a great beginner-friendly trail (per Urban Matter) located in the Scottsdale suburb of Phoenix. AllTrails writes that this trail is a great place to check out beautiful wildflowers, spot local birds, and catch rock climbers at their craft. At about 4 miles out and back, this will take you a little over 2 hours to complete. However, it may be a little longer if you take the time to read all the educational signage along the way that identifies local flora (per Modern Hiker).
Talavera
Talavera is a Spanish steakhouse located at the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale. Phoenix Magazine says the restaurant is the perfect place to take your food-fanatic friends or family. Beyond the incredible food, you can also consume amazing views of Phoenix from the Spanish-style covered patio. One Tripadvisor reviewer said it was the absolute perfect spot for her birthday celebration and getting to sit outside under the stars with the mountain views made it extra special.
Lookout Mountain Summit
It's in the name! The Lookout Mountain Summit is another incredible scenic viewpoint in Phoenix and, Visit Phoenix writes, is less busy than other spots like Dobbins or Camelback. This doesn't mean the view is anything to scoff at though. At the summit, you will not only get great views of the city below but also the Phoenix Mountains Preserve areas. The trail is not even a mile long but you'll experience more than 450 feet of elevation change making it a tad more challenging.
Different Pointe of View
Different Pointe of View is one of the more recommended scenic restaurant/bars in Phoenix, Arizona. And for good reason, too! Wanderlog writes that the restaurant in the Hilton Phoenix Tapatio Cliffs Resort features an exquisite wine list, large windows offering panoramic views of the city, and Mediterranean-American-style cuisine. You'll rub shoulders with locals and tourists alike here and that's because the views are just unbeatable. Sip on a glass of wine at one of their outdoor tables and feel the desert breeze in your hair!
North Mountain
To accompany South Mountain, there is also a North Mountain in Phoenix that graces the valley skyline. The Outbound writes that this is an easily accessible spot with regards to its proximity to the northern part of the city and is a short climb to the top. Scenic Lookouts writes that the summit sits at about 2,104 feet and is a paved 1.6-mile loop. From here you will not only see the city, of course, but also all the other mountain areas nearby including the Estrellas and Piestewa Peak.