Things to Do and Places to See Around the Valley
Desert Botanical Garden
1201 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008
Discover the tranquil vibrancy of desert plants nestled amid the red rocks of the Papago Buttes. Visitors can stroll through five thematic trails to explore the fascinating beauty of the Sonoran Desert, from towering cacti and alluring succulents to brilliant wildflowers and lush trees.
Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix
1125 N 3rd Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85003
We are a traditional Japanese stroll garden in the heart of Downtown Phoenix. The garden was designed and built by garden master designer "Mr. Nozomu Okita" with the cooperation of Phoenix Sister City Himeji garden association. This truly unique point of pride sits on 3.5 acres and includes a traditional Tea House. This tranquil and beautiful setting features more than 1,500 tons of hand-picked rock, stone footbridges, lanterns and more than 50 varieties of plants. As you stroll the path, you will enjoy flowing streams, a 14-foot waterfall, and a Koi pond with over 1,000 colorful Koi fish.
Agritopia
Park by Joe's Farm Grill or one of the other fine farm to table restaurants and Grab a bite to eat and then take a self guided tour of the gardens located directly behind the restaurants.
3000 E Ray Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85296 (Joe's Farm Grill)
Agritopia is a 166-acre mixed use planned community in Gilbert, Arizona designed to encourage agrarianism combined with a sense of community among the socioeconomic ranges. It is an agrihood with housing plots, a certified organic farm, and commercial spaces.
Rose Garden at Mesa Community College
1833 W Southern Ave, Mesa, AZ 85202
Designed by landscape architect LeRoy Brady (and Arizona Chapter CRFG member!), the Desert Southwest's largest rose garden, where nearly 8000 rose bushes bloom in the desert. Take time to smell the roses by taking a stroll through The Garden and view its tremendous number of vibrant colors, flower forms and growth habits. The terrace areas of the East and West gardens can be reserved for intimate settings such as weddings, music ensembles, theatrical readings, and art displays. Tours are also available.
Biosphere 2
32540 S Biosphere Rd, Oracle, AZ 85739
(107 miles form ASU Tempe Campus)
Biosphere 2 advances our understanding of natural and human-made ecosystems through integrated research that drives the discovery and development of interventions that increase the resilience and sustainability of Earth systems and human quality of life. We advance research in our unique facilities, conduct interdisciplinary science education, and foster leadership initiatives focused on developing scalable solutions for our planet and beyond.
Boyce Thompson Arboretum
37615 E Arboretum Way, Superior, AZ 85173
(approx 56 miles from ASU Tempe campus)
Arizona's oldest and largest botanical garden is located in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, just one hour east of Phoenix, Arizona. Five miles of garden paths and trails wind through 343 acres of plant exhibits and striking landscapes. Over 2,600 different types of plants from the deserts of Australia, North and South America, southern Africa, and other arid-land regions of the world blend seamlessly into an incomparable natural setting. Nestled along Queen Creek at the foot of Picketpost Mountain, the Arboretum is a haven for plant lovers, photographers, birders, and nature enthusiasts of all ages.
Mission Garden
946 W Mission Ln, Tucson, AZ 85745
(approx 108 miles from ASU Tempe campus)
A living agricultural museum of Sonoran Desert-adapted heritage fruit trees, traditional local heirloom crops and edible native plants. The Garden is managed by Friends of Tucson's Birthplace, a 501(c)3 non-profit with no religious affiliation. Mission Garden is located at the foot of Sentinel Peak, at the site of the Native American village of Cuk Ṣon (pronounced Chuk Shon), a place sacred to the Tohono O’odham. Current garden plots include: Native Plants, Early Agriculture, Hohokam, O’odham Before European Contact, O’odham After European Contact, Spanish, Mexican, Chinese, Yoeme, Africa in the Americas, Medicinal, and Youth. Areas in development include the Grassland, Territorial, Statehood and Tomorrow’s gardens, as well as the Trail of Ndé (Apache) Plants.
Tucson Botanical Gardens
2150 N Alvernon Way, Tucson, AZ 85712
(approx 110 miles from ASU Tempe campus)
Located on the site of the historic Porter property, Tucson Botanical Gardens (TBG) is a five-and-a-half acre collection of 20 gardens in the heart of Tucson, Arizona. A true urban oasis, TBG was selected #4 in USA Today’s 10Best Botanical Gardens Readers’ Choice Awards for 2023. Gardens include the Cactus & Succulent Garden, Barrio Garden, Children’s Garden, Herb Garden, and many more that showcase the diversity of plants that can thrive in the Sonoran Desert. Tropical butterflies from around the world are featured in the Cox Butterfly & Orchid Pavilion from October through May. TBG offers rotating art displays, community classes, events, and international exhibits. The Gardens' café offers refreshments, breakfast, and lunch, and is the perfect resting spot after wandering the Gardens.