I’ve lived in Arizona for almost 20 years and this was my first visit. It’s a beautiful park and I can’t believe I waited so long. Many areas to see, so many that you probably won’t be able to see them all in a single visit. I definitely recommend walking the large loop trail through the canyon as that’s the most scenic area. The trails are all very well maintained and pretty easy to walk. If the weather is cool enough, just about anyone can handle them. I would plan on spending about three hours to see all of the best areas. If it were closer I would certainly consider getting an annual pass.

This is one of those must see places. It’s more like a nature hike than a straight botanical garden so bring good walking or hiking shoes and some water. Well behaved dogs are welcome too. Great views and some AZ history along the way. If you are lucky you might see some Coati’s who live on property.

My favorite botanical garden in the state! Its always such a pleasant experience and the grounds are immaculate. Become a member to save $$. There's a lot to see. Ive been many times and always find something new. Easy trails to hike and follow, nice facilities and gift shop. The park employees are always gracious and very helpful. Definitely worth the drive.

This was my first time here and I was so impressed I will be purchasing a yearly membership the next time I go, which hopefully will be soon. It's great for a half day hike, we only did a part of it and found so many interesting things. I posted pictures on Google earlier. Had an amazing day with my friends and I highly recommend visiting this place. They also have plants for sale and a reasonably priced gift shop!

We went to Boyce Thompson Arboretum over the weekend. It is located in Superior, Arizona which is about an hour away from us. We live in the East Valley. You can bring your dogs to explore with you. Reminder to bring your own poop bags, water and a secure leash. We enjoyed the hiking trails along with the gardens with different region themes such as South America, and a garden with plants that attract butterflies and humming birds. They offer shaded areas and seating through out which helped us take breaks and enjoy the views. It is truly an experience that provides many opportunities to stop and take in beautiful landscape and photos. We plan on coming back since there is more left to explore. The admission to enter is $24.95 for adults and youth (13-17) $10 for children (5-12), and free for members and children under 5 yrs old.

Highly recommend a visit. The drive is lovely and parking is easy. We intend to visit often so the dual membership made sense. Check in with or purchase tickets @ front desk/ cashier. If you have membership then use telephone number. Collect/photo a map. We arrived at 4:30pm and went to Ayers Lake to catch the golden hour and take photos. Gorgeous gardens and reflections from the small lake. This trail closes for the night exhibit. We loved to chase the almost full moon photo shoots in this visit. The night flight exhibit was delightful with sculptures lit from beneath. The trail is lit and easy to follow. Assorted healthy plants are available to purchase as you walk in and its well priced. Nice gift store and friendly staff. Bring bug spray for sure, hat if its a day hike. Hot chocolate in a flask and something to snack on at night if desired. Comfy shoes. It started to get cold as the evening progressed. Enjoy!

I am amazed that this arboretum has every facility and exhibit to connect with nature and fully enjoy the environment. It has beautiful views from the Ayer lake and the suspension bridge is beautifully designed. This was my second time and my children ages 5 and 8 were able to do the entire arboretum loop (given many rest stops and snack breaks) Make sure to pack snacks and a big water bottle. There are refilling stations along the way. We saw some adorable coatimundi hanging around Scavenger House this trip and were amazed how long they hung around! Highly recommend this place as a day trip from Phoenix. About 80 min drive from Scottsdale to the arboretum. There is also a great children’s garden activity area best for toddlers age.

Beautiful place to go with your family! The scenery is top notch and the weather is nice and sunny. This is also like a museum considering the fact that there are old parts of the scenery from thousands of years old. The wildlife is vast and there is a couple of birds of prey here. Totally recommend all day! P.S: Keep an eye out on the rams in on the cliff side!

Very pleasant dinner cruise. Staff friendly and helpful. Great scenery, good music. Dinner was better than average (bbq ribs AND chicken - large portions. The 16 mile drive to and from Hwy 60 in the dark was a little hairy. Allow lots of time to go slow.

This cruise had unbelievably gorgeous views with great narration by the captain. We saw the Canyon Lake area including much desert scenery and stupendous mountain views! We even lucked out and saw a bald eagle on her nest and a group of Bighorn sheep! 10 out of 10 stars. A must see!

April 5th 2025 Being an Az native, I’m sad to say I didn’t know this entertainment existed. I learned about the “sunset dinner cruise”from my mom who is actually friends with “Dolly” the original owner. The new owners kept the name and Dolly is still representing the company with enthusiasm. My wife and I did the sunset dinner cruise and boy did it not disappoint! Captain Ron was fun, knowledgeable about the lake and its history, the staff on board were attentive and hustled in our meal distribution. The food was excellent! The sites were amazing and stunning. We saw a lot of big horn sheep on the cliff face and witnessed up close 3 blue herons flying low across the water. For the price this was a fantastic way to spend the evening with my wife.

We had been staying in Apache Junction for the winter and decided to take the Dolly Steamboat cruise on Canyon Lake. The regular cruise is 90 minutes long and takes you around the lake and back. The canyons are impressive and beautiful. I understand you sometimes get to see sheep, but we had no luck on this outing.

I had a great time on this short afternoon cruise. You get to see beautiful views along the way as you listen to the history of the place.

This experience was amazing. The only reason I’m not giving it 5 stars is because my friend and I almost got stranded with no ride back to the city and didn’t receive any help from the staff. They said it happens often that a ride share will drop people off only to leave them with no cell service to arrange for a ride back. We were refused access to WiFi at the ticket booth and had to find a shop that would offer WiFi to customers only. If you journey out it’s a great experience just make sure you have a ride back because you won’t get help finding one!!

Tourist trap. The staff was friendly. The building didn't feel authentic. I bought the combo tickets - mine tour, mystery shack and train ride. Mine tour was informative, interesting but short. The mystery shack does not allow you to carry babies in and when I bought combo tickets at mining tour booth they failed to tell me that even though I made sure to ask questions about having a baby. Train was was neat ride and the conductor had great stories! I'm a sucker for gift shops but didn't buy anything because it felt too over priced. Bathrooms were clean. Overall worth checking out at least once.

It was a very cute town. They have fun people on the train ride and mine tours with lots of interesting facts. We ate at the Saloon and they had live music. Lots of gift shops! Free to get into Ghost town and wander but $10.00 and up for everything else. We had a great time. Beautiful view of the Superstition Mtn.

After watching this mining town on ghost adventures and tfil overnight Elton it was awesome to check it out in person. The tour guides were awesome in listening to people and their experiences. Actually using an EMF detector and letting us have moments in silence to interact with any entity. *Only issue is there should maybe be a age limit for the night tour because there were a few children that would keep interrupting silence moments or just talking and didn't want to be in the dark which was a little disruptive. The town looks like it would be fun to check out in the day time

This place was so cool. Had a blast with my family. Handmade crafts. Stories and fun shoot outs in the street. Lots to do.

This place is pretty special to me, a place we visit to just relax and enjoy our desert beauty and embrace the Wild West feel. Don’t let the touristy vibes deter you. The shops are fun and the food is simple but tasty at both the quick service and the Mammoth Saloon. I usually go to the snack bar and save room for scooped ice cream and FRESH (you can smell them as you walk up) waffle cones. Make sure to bring some sun screen and ability to take some time to take the train or mine tour. Also, parking lot is dirt and unmarked, just to give a heads up. To my experience, people are usually really cool with lining up and leaving room. Have a great time!

We had a fun day at Goldfield Ghost Town and Mine. We toured the mine to see how gold was mined by hand. We saw a wild west shootout. We rode the train around town. And we walked through a mystery house. We really enjoyed it.

The town is well worth stopping at even tho its a tourist trap. It has some great food, russlers, cowboys and "Ladies". Just alot of fun. $$

Archaeology is an interest of mine, and I make sure to set aside time to visit any place that preserves ancient history, whenever one is nearby. A visit to Phoenix, Arizona meant an opportunity to visit Casa Grande Ruins National Monument. This monument preserves the structural dwellings of the Hohokam people who lived and thrived in this desert area. The centerpiece of this attraction is the big house, which is only partially intact, as some of it has eroded over time. There is a roof that was built in more recent times, presumably to help protect the structure. It looks a little odd, and certainly not natural, but I get why the National Park officials did this. There are other, smaller structures surrounding the big house, plus educational information available as you walk around. No one is completely sure what this structure was used for but, given the presence of holes in the sides of the structure that align with the solstices, there is a good chance that astronomy was part of its purpose. The parking lot at Casa Grande Ruins National Monument is large, and there is a visitor’s center and bookstore. One thing to keep in mind is that the visitor’s center may not be open when you visit, for example on Sunday’s during part of the year. But the monument itself will still be open for exploring the structures, even if the visitor’s center is locked. Casa Grande Ruins National Monument isn’t very big, and you can be in and out in about an hour or so. It’s certainly a site worth seeing, and a good side trip option for archaeological lovers who happen to be in the Phoenix area.

Drove to Ruins on Monday Oct 6th. Got there 10 AM. Although the park website and NPS app state that the Visitor Center is open, the park is in fact closed. I can understand that the park is closed due to the government shutdown, but please update the information to state that it is. Hopefully this post will be helpful to others who are looking to visit during this time.

I have been visiting this site since I was in school in the 1990s Good location for a day trip from Phoenix and Tucson There is a lot to learn here Visit at different times of year to get an idea of life year round back in those days Check out the gift shop too, many cool items there you won't fi nd other places

Interesting and informative national monument with intriguing artifacts. Excellent film that runs regularly. Nicely appointed gift shop. Well worth the trip!

Beautiful ruins. Easy access to walk up to. Informative signs. Clean public restrooms and no fee. Picnic benches and some shade available if you'd like to sit or eat.

The visitor center isn't open on Sunday which doesn't make sense. Why close on most people's free day? The signs are also confusibg. I walked to the ruins, and realized the way I walked had keep out signs.

What a find! Randomly turned down the access road to this monument to see what it was all about. It was beautiful, historic and well worth the stop. Free to park in the ample lot and walk through the exhibit. The adjacent museum has great artifacts and information along with AC, flush toilets, and a few snacks. Accessible for wheelchairs to the monument, as well.

This event was well worth the money! We had a great time! The paintings were fun and easy to complete. My husband and I enjoyed wine and a tasty charcuterie board of treats while painting. We are eager to attend the next “Paint and Sip” event. This made a great date night, but there were groups of friends and families attending and painting as well. Everyone left with smiles on their faces.

The Queen Creek Olive Mill put on the most beautiful baby shower for my daughter! From the first conversation to the day of the shower, Erika made the entire process effortless for us. The decor was whimsical just like my daughter wanted and the food was outstanding. Everyone that attended commented on how fantastic this venue was. The Queen Creek Olive Mill went above and beyond my expectations. I highly recommend having your event with them.

Why am I just learning about the Queen Creek Olive Mill?! This place was such a cool experience! I went there just to check out what they had to offer, and I was so pleasantly surprised to see they served food and had a nice little nook aesthetic going on. I had unfortunately already eaten before I arrived, so I didn't get the chance to indulge in their food, but their menu options looked great, and I'm genuinely eager to go back soon just to try them out! The whole atmosphere was fantastic, and to me it felt like a wonderland. Please don't be like me and think that just because it says "Olive Mill," that's all they've got - not at all, they are serving up so much more! Not only do they have just about every type of olive oil, flavored and non-flavored, you could think of, but they even had a section where you could shop for alcohol, and I forgot to mention for my coffee lovers, there's a coffee stand! Beyond the dining area and incredible variety of products, I believe there's more to the property than what meets the eye, you can probably do some exploring around there as well. This place is definitely a unique and delightful destination. If you're looking for something a bit different but with a lovely setting, definitely check out Queen Creek Olive Mill. I'll be back for that food!

Locally very popular, offering a great selection of olive oils and olive products with abundant samples for tasting. An eclectic menu and reasonable prices draw large crowds at dinner time, so arrive early. While the line was long, counter service was quick and our order was ready in about 15 minutes. Everything was delicious, including the panko encrusted fish, pizza, pesto, and pulled pork. It's easy to see why the Olive Mill is a favorite.

Beautiful grounds for a day trip from Phoenix area. The store has many oils, vinegars, tapenades, wines, jams, kitchen supplies, and spa items. They even have a refrigerated meal area to take their foods to go! We took the tour ($8 in 2025). It was a nice introduction to the history of The Olive Mill and the oil making process. After the tour they offer several food and dessert options. This will be perfect when the weather cools and you can take advantage of the outside fireplace seating. Would make a perfect wedding location if they offer that service.

Erika and her team were amazing at me and my husbands marriage ceremony and reception. They made sure everyone ate and offered to serve me and my husband food. They were super nice and respectful. If we could have another marriage there we would do it all over again here. Affordable and you can decorate it however you want! Thankyou guys for making the night so special for us :).

Very quick tour of olive mill area. Nice lunch and olive oil shopping. My spouse said, I enjoyed the visit. Glad they had shipping to the house.

Really nice, very clean paved walking path around the lake. It is a reclaimed water lake so a little smelly at times. There is a really cool splash pad. A very nice playground. A musical instrument play area. Multiple covered areas to sit at. Such a nice little community surrounding it. Multiple bathrooms and drinking fountains. Parking was pretty easy.

Absolutely beautiful! The fountain is breathtaking to watch, especially when it shoots high into the sky — it’s the perfect centerpiece of the town. The park itself is very clean, peaceful, and well-maintained, with plenty of walking paths, green spaces, and spots to relax by the lake. It’s a great place for families, couples, or even just to enjoy some quiet time outdoors. Whether you come for a picnic, a walk, or just to see the fountain, it never disappoints. Highly recommend visiting if you’re in the area! 🌿💧✨

Very nice and peaceful park with a nice walking trail and a Frisbee golf course. It's a well maintained park with nice bathrooms and plenty of benches. Come right before the top of an hour and watch the magnificent fountain for 15 minutes. I've visited twice now and I enjoy this park.

I was heading out of town but wanted to see th famous fountain. Found out it only goes off every hour on the hour for 15 mins. When I drove up it had already been going off for 8 mins. It is beautiful. Neat to see. They cut it off and water comes cascading down. I found that they normally only run 2 pumps so it shoots up about 300'. Only on special occasions do they use 3 pumps to get it 500 or so feet. Which I'm sure would be awesome. If you are in the area check it out. Parking was easy off a side street. Looked like the surrounding grounds were home to disk golf. And FYI the grass was sopping wet in certain areas so be mindful of that when waking to the waters edge.

The park was super relaxing and peaceful. It had a wide variety of birds, which made the experience even more enjoyable. I especially loved watching the Red-winged Blackbirds and the vibrant red patches on their wings. The park was clean, and thanks to the fountain, there was a refreshing breeze that felt amazing—especially in the Arizona heat.

Beautiful and excellently maintained park and lake and mile plus trail around it. Although I live 20 minutes away, I'll drive there often for a walk with wife and dog. People (and dogs) are always friendly and courteous. Get there on the hour in the evening so you can watch the fountain for 15 minutes.

Visited Fountain Hills, Arizona around noon in early October. The weather was pleasant, and the place was calm and scenic. Plenty of open spaces and activities for kids — a great spot for a relaxing family outing.

Me and my kids we love this place. We discovered it and will always make this a place to go back to for years to come! It is absolutely beautiful. I’ve seen so much wild wildlife here so many beautiful families here just enjoying the nature and just being with Family and friends and taking family pictures and having picnics and trail hiking I just loved the vibe the feeling the experience was everything. I’m so happy I discovered this place.♥️

I came to visit during the weekday mid afternoon. There were several people, dogs bikers but you are able to have the space you need without feeling crowed. The Riparian Preserve offers different trails that are paved and non-paved so it can be enjoyed by everyone. Great location for professional or non-professional photos, spending time alone, spending time with people, and/or enjoying the beauty of it all. The trails are all labeled with orange signs or you can find small maps. They offer educational signage about wildlife, plants and the solar system. The preserve is well taken care of and has plenty of areas to be explored.

This is a really great spot for walking, running, and walking the dog, especially in the summer since there is lots of shade. The scenery and wildlife is spectacular: birds, squirrels, bunnies, etc. There is a mix between paved trails and dirt trails, so can be a good spot for those who have mobility issues. Lots of ponds/lakes for fishing. There are a few restrooms around the perimeter. The preserve connects to several trails that can take you to other great parks in Gilbert. Parking can be difficult as the lot is very small.

Great park for walking. Unfortunately a lot of the ponds are currently dry. The paths are well maintained and clean. There are a few homeless that made me a bit uncomfortable but generally I felt safe. There are so many ducks and birds it is amazing. The community around the park is very nice. I go here to walk or run the trails and very much enjoy it.

Large nature preserve Park in Gilbert. Native vegetation and also non-native ones grace the Park. Cotton tails rabbits sightings delights visitors throughout the Park. Several ponds, some dry, are scattered through the parks perimeter along with expansive pic-nic areas situated by the ponds or on tree enclosed coves (which require Pryor reservation). It takes at least a couple of hours to explore the Park's entire vast acreage. It is definitely an enjoyable, free and refreshing way to commune with mother nature on a weekend (very busy) or a weekday, if possible.

Brilliant idea from the Gilbert civil engineering urban planning departments. Free, safe, and well maintained park. Perfect desert oasis with much wildlife in the city! Highly recommended for homeschool moms searching for a life science field trip.

Arrived at 6:00 AM and birds were very loud and active. This place is amazing, and it's free. If you live close by you need to take the time and visit. Bring your binoculars.

I’d give this place 10 stars if I could! The Desert Botanical Garden is absolutely beautiful and so well maintained. Every trail and exhibit is thoughtfully designed, and you can really see the care that goes into keeping everything in top shape. The staff were attentive, friendly, and incredibly knowledgeable; they were happy to answer questions and share insights about the plants and desert landscape. It’s such a peaceful and inspiring place to explore, whether you’re a local or just visiting. There’s also a restaurant on site that feels like fine dining without being stuffy. The food was excellent, the atmosphere was relaxing, and they cater to a wide range of dietary needs. Overall, it’s a must-visit spot in Phoenix.

The botanical garden is a must visit. The trails are no lesser than any state park/national park. The gathering tours were really informative. The staff is friendly. Gift store is so beautiful. There are water stations every now and there. Hydration is not all a problem. Loved watching butterflies and hummingbirds in the butterflies trail. Saguaros are unique.

Must experience. Absolutely beautiful. We were fortunate to arrive after the monsoonal rains. Everything was green and blooming. We arrived a little before sunset, so we're able to see the gardens during the day, at sunset with a beautiful Arizona sky, and the gardens lit at night. The Botanical garden is open till 9:00 pm. If you have a layover at Phoenix Airport, the gardens aren't very far away. I would encourage anyone younger old to take time to visit.

I was not sure if I would like this, but I ended up loving it. It can be a bit of a walk, but I went in Nov and it was not overwhelmingly hot, but still warm. I enjoyed the cactus and plants so much, they bloom beautifully. Of course they have a lovely butterfly exhibit so worth going to. The shop and restaurant was not to bad, slightly pricey, still nice though. I had a refreshing margarita. I would recommending giving this place a visit, was most enjoyable.

The Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix is absolutely incredible! I was blown away by the breathtaking views—towering saguaros and colorful cacti create this surreal, almost magical desert landscape. There are so many cool cactuses, from spiky barrels to funky agaves, and I loved wandering the shaded trails snapping photos. It’s super peaceful, like a total escape from the city, with hummingbirds zipping around adding to the calm. The paths are easy to navigate, and the sunset glow on the red buttes was unreal. It’s about $40 to enter, but worth every penny for the curated beauty. I’d recommend it to anyone who loves nature or just wants a chill, inspiring outing. Bring water if it’s warm, and go early for fewer crowds. I’m already excited to come back!

I love this place! It makes me happy. It gives me time to reflect and regain focus on life. We all have a happy place we go to recharge. This is one of many places I go to feel a sense of peace. I love nature, so this is a great place to visit. It’s also a learning experience as well. Many different types of plants and cactuses. They also have special events. A lot of fun stuff. I enjoy going when it’s cooler out. I make it a me day. Enjoy! 😊

Desert Botanical Garden is a fantastic place to visit. There are so many varieties of desert plants, and the massive cactuses are especially impressive. The butterfly garden is also great, with lots of different species to see. If you’re visiting on a hot day, make sure to stay hydrated—thankfully, there are water stations throughout the grounds. The staff are friendly and there’s tons of helpful information about Arizona’s incredible cacti. The entry fee is a bit pricey, but for a one-time visit, it’s worth it.

The Phoenix Zoo is such a fun place to visit! Definitely bring good walking shoes — there’s plenty to see and explore. We went in December, and the weather was perfect, though we did need light jackets. We especially loved seeing the lion, and the ZooLights experience was an absolute blast. A great place for families or anyone who loves animals!

It is a good size and very accessible with adult scooters, kid and adult animal themed scooters, and stroller rentals. The zoo membership was worth it since it pays for itself in about 2 visits. The cafe is decent and if you come on less busy days or less peak hours, it is really peaceful and serene with lots of areas to sit. The animal variety is pretty good for being in the desert and it even has a Siberian Amur tiger, one of the most expensive zoo animals and endangered big cats, that not even the San Diego Zoo has.

Had a great time at the Phoenix Zoo! The animals seem well taken care of. Enclosures are fairly large and well kept. There are animal ambassadors at most of the areas that are very informative and knowledgeable. They were able to answer all our questions and some were quite funny. They have the only open walk through attraction with squirrel monkeys in the United States, which is in my opinion a must see for any visitor to the zoo. Also you can feed giraffes, ride a camel or play in the water park. Their is something for everyone. Overall my experience was enjoyable and I recommend if your are in Phoenix to add a stop at the zoo!

We recently went here for zoo lights as part of an event from work, and it was beautiful. We have never been here for this, but now that we have, we enjoyed it very much. All of the lights and the details that they did to make all of it happen was worth it. I didn't take many pictures as I was enjoying my self that I forgot.. but it is beautiful and a really great experience. The animals are sleeping so you dont really see them. The trails are closed to some areas, but they make the animals come to life with, all the lights! There was only a few things open for snacks and drinks, and they had long lines so I guess bring yoir drinks and snacks with you? Otherwise is a really great experience for everyone!

Beautiful zoo. Lots of remodeling and upgrades being done. Nice tram tour of park, only $6. Today was the Dia de los muertos event, was awesome.

We had a wonderful time at the Phoenix Zoo! The grounds were clean, well-maintained, and thoughtfully designed. For being in the desert, there was plenty of shade, which made walking around very comfortable even on a warm day. There were lots of drink stations and food options throughout the zoo, so it was easy to grab a refreshment or snack without having to go far. The layout was easy to follow with maps and signs everywhere, which made exploring stress-free and enjoyable. The giraffe area was absolutely huge, and we loved the elevated platform walkway that connects exhibits that gives a unique view of the animals below. Overall, the Phoenix Zoo is a fun, family-friendly place that clearly takes pride in both guest experience and animal care.

You can't go wrong with the Phoenix Zoo. Plenty of wild animals and you'll get your steps in. They offer strollers, wheelchairs, and scooters for a fee. Kids love this place. Annual pass is affordable for the entire family.

Excellent museum! It is a huge place. You wear a headset which plays music as you approach the various exhibits. Exhibits are well labeled and so many interesting details. I loved hearing and seeing people playing the instruments on display via the headset and videos. There is a room where kids and adults can play a variety of instruments. Highly recommend!

Very amazing and educational museum. Would definitely recommend to anyone to go! 2 stories of history and cultures! Plan for it to take a good portion of your day. They have a cafeteria on site that has amazing food as well! Also an interactive instrument room where you can try out some of the different instruments you saw in the exhibits!

This museum is now firmly within my top 5 favorite museums in the world. I was pleasantly surprised at how large the museum is after deciding to visit last-minute. The exhibits are thoughtfully curated and include not only visuals but optional audio for everything you are viewing. With interesting facts about instruments, artists, and music styles from around the world. I only had the chance to see about 1/4 of all they have in my quick 2 hour visit so I’d recommend planing a few hours to come here and experience it all. There is a gallery where you can play a variety of instruments which as a musician was a dream. I’ve always wanted to play a harp and got the chance to do so here! The gift shop had such a fun variety of unique items, I came away with jewelry made from piano strings that I love! And on top of it all, this museum was truly inclusive for folks who need special accessibility accommodations. I recently injured my foot putting me on crutches. The staff kindly offered my choice of a wheelchair or electric scooter at no charge to use while in the museum. I can’t wait for the day I can come back to experience more!!

It is the best museum I ever seen! I am not a fan of music, but I am deeply touched by all kinds of music and instruments from all over the world, hundreds of countries and hundreds cultures. Staff in this museum are super nice, they are ready to answer your questions and provide useful information you need. This museum is not only good for adults, but also great place for kids! If you want your kid to learn instruments, bring kids to this museum and kids will start to fall in love with music. I will definitely come back to this museum again with my kid. Overall, I strongly recommend this museum. It is the No.1 best museum among the hundreds of museums I have seen.

An incredible collection of instruments spanning the globe. Our visit was particularly auspicious as it coincided with the "Stradivarius and the Golden Age of Violins and Guitars" exhibit. The violins and bows were exquisite. Plan to spend the day wandering through the various rooms to learn about cultural context and history.

MIM is worth the drive, no matter where you're staying in Phoenix. It's not just for music lovers, but also about history and engineering. We drove up from Tempe with our ASU student - we already plan to go back! The mechanical music room was fascinating and the artists room had so much variety - do not say no to the headphones. The experience of floating in and out of the sounds of the instruments on display really was magic. We finished with watching the short introduction film they offered. After experiencing the museum, it really brought home the universality of music through out all of human history... and it seems all to be represented right there in MIM. Really well organized and displayed: unique instruments, how instruments are made, antidotes from artists, instruments and musical styles from every corner of the world. Love!

A very fun place to visit! I thought a museum about musical instruments may not be very large or interesting, yet MIM changed my mind completely. It not only shows music from different countries, but also demonstrates the deeper cultures behind the music. As the picture shows, “Music is the language of the soul.” I think everyone who love music should visit this place, and you will see a much bigger world!

First time setting foot on this property. From check-in to check-out it was an absolute pleasure to stay here! Been to Vegas, stayed at a resort in Scottsdale, so I had a little apprehension about stating further out of the Phoenix area. This property has everything you need to enjoy a vacation with the family or stay on business. Rooms were beautiful, comfortable, and clean. Great selection of slot machines, a seperate smoking section with slot machines, lots of table games with reasonable minimum bet levels. We also had the opportunity to play Ak-Chin Southern Dunes golf course. I don't tote myself as anything close to a golfer, but have had opportunities to play unbelievable courses across Colorado, Utah, Arizona, Oregon, and Nevada. This golf course is well worth planning an entire weekend getaway! Back to the hotel. They have an in-house Dunkin Donuts that opens early, and a wicked steakhouse, along with a couple of other restaurants in the hotel. I love my whiskies and bourbons and Chop l, Block, and Brew did not disappoint with their selection. We even walked over to the adjoining bowling alleys and threw some stones. My only regret was that I didn't get to check out the pool, but I did see it from my hotel room, and it looked wonderful. All staff from the front desk, the security guards, the staff at all the different restaurants, the casino dealers, to the gift shop were always pleasant and wonderful to talk to.

Hubs and I wanted to have a nice romantic staycay getaway for just the two of us. We had heard that this place was amazing and very reasonable priced. That was not our take at all. We first arrived and we checked in no warm welcome. Very confusing check in set up. We got to our room and we had been given 3 keys but no reason was to why. We tried to turn on the ac and it did not work below 75F . I went back downstairs and asked why the ac was not working. I was told at first that it sho7be working if we put a key by the front door and not to remove it or the ac would go off again. I we t back upstairs and to,d my husband and we sat there and tried to relax. However he started to have an asthma attack really bad. I called down to the front and advised them if would could switch rooms, we were told due to us being there for an extended period of time we could not move rooms. We also asked if there was any rooms that had balcony doors that could open and the guy said no. Funny bc we were looking right out the window and saw the balcony door… We spoke to a supervisor and she said we could transfer rooms but we would have to pay the difference between our room and the new room. We agreed , moved rooms bug it did not help. We were miserable and the room still stunk was smaller and we were charged more for less. We could not sleep well .my husband kept his I g asthma attacks and did not rest well at all. After our Check out the next day they charge our card a total of like 260.00 bucks for one night. They said there was a 50 extra hold in case of room charges we were never told this. They did end up crediting the 50 fee and the room change charge We were totally unhappy with the entire time and did not enjoy and of it at all. we will definitely not be going bsck. Communication is definitely lacking, room cleanliness is terrible. They entire night was horrible.

WARNING! Be prepared to pay unexpected fees. we arrived a before the 4 PM check in time. So they charged an extra $38.78 I have checked in early at many hotels, many chains all across the country and at resorts worldwide and never had this happen. Also, if you like a rock hard bed and very small room this is the place for you if you prefer a comfortable bed and a place to sit then definitely not. Pool area feels more like a prison compound than it does like a resort. I recommend traveling a little further north and going to a truly nice casino hotel.

So, we didn't know what to think of the hotel, being it was so economically priced. It was very clean, everything was stocked and,well... GREAT! It was pet friendly and the amenities were outstanding. We plan on visiting the hotel again, but next time we plan on staying and using resort for at least a few days! We have not one bad thing to say about "Harrah's" AK-CHIN Hotel and casino. It was amazing! Also, the staff and the parking were amazing. Thanks again!

We enjoy Ak-Chin .. even tho it's 45min to an hr drive, so worth it!! The restaurants are vey nice, always GREAT service, Nicole at Oak & Fork is sooo great at customer service!! .. Everyone @ Chop & Block too (the food & desserts are so yummy!!) We have stayed and the rooms are nice, very comfy ... Slot machines (love the variety) Table game dealers are nice and willing to help teach you the game! .. Summer we loved the pool & cabanas ... Yup, it's one of our favorite places for fun!!

The hotel is conveniently located 5-10 min from the friend I was visiting. The room was average. The service was very good. My issue was with Caesar rewards. Apparently, even though I called the Harrah's to make the reservation, I was transferred to a 3rd party vendor. Harrah's refused to award me the Caesar reward points that I should have gotten for our stay. The rewards were one of my main reasons for choosing the hotel since there is a Laquinta down the street that's even closer to my friends house.

We did not stay at the hotel. We have been going to this Casino for over 11 years. We went last Saturday and I am a diamond plus member with a Caesars Reward visa card. I went to play after 25 points no free play. I went to the total rewards desk and asked why I didn't have any free play. She said they changed my free play from M-F. I told her it was always Saturday thru Sunday. She said they have made changes. She was very nice, she gave me a local number to call. I waited until Monday and called. I called that number and was told to call another number after 9 am. I finally got through at 9:30 am. I explained what happen She had me hold on and called marketing. She told me they wanted more patrons to come during the week. I said I would like to talk to Marketing. She took my name and number and stated they would call me back that same day. I have not heard one word. Here is the kicker my husband is also a diamond plus member and he still gets free play on the weekend. I actually have more points than him. They have taken most of the perks away so why should we keep patronizing this casino. They are on a path of losing more customers.

An absolute gem! There is so much history and exhibits at this museum. From the paintings, to the baskets and sculptures, Bob Haozous and HOME exhibits. Incredible collection of Hopi dolls and beadwork. I loved the substance of stars and courtyard. Learning the history of Indian boarding schools was also a highlight. I highly recommend if you want to learn about the history of Native Americans.

What an amazing place — this museum honestly blew me away! 💛 It’s modern, spacious, full of light and air — every corner feels alive. The exhibits are interactive and beautifully put together, and there was even a whole section about the stars — unexpectedly inspiring and so well done. We joined a guided tour that was supposed to be 45 minutes — but it went closer to 55, and it still felt like five minutes. The guide was incredible — so passionate and easy to listen to, sharing fascinating stories about Native American history and art. That hour just flew by. They also have a Family Room — a really lovely space for kids to explore and play while learning. I was there without my children this time, but I know they’d absolutely love it. It’s one of those places that’s interesting for both adults and kids — there’s something for everyone. I came around 2 p.m., and the museum closes at 4 — big mistake, two hours weren’t nearly enough. I didn’t get to see a couple of galleries, and I barely had time to peek into the gift shop — which, by the way, is fantastic. So many handmade things — pottery, jewelry, paintings — all authentic, unique, and full of soul. I could’ve easily spent another hour just there. There’s also a cozy café and a small bookstore — perfect if you want to sit for a bit and soak in the atmosphere. Next time I’m in Phoenix, I’m definitely coming back — and I’ll make sure to spend the whole day here. Such a beautiful, thoughtful, and inspiring place. 🌿

Marvelous museum, so glad we were able to go while I was in Arizona. Many interesting artifacts, artwork, exhibits from Native American artists showcased in several galleries. There are tours you can take with docents. We went through the museum on our own. Highly recommend a visit if you are in the state of AZ.

This is a beautiful museum with lots of exhibits and history. It is nice to get an honest account of what has happened to this culture. The "away from home: American Indian boarding school stories" is a must-see. The docents that work there are very friendly and take you on the tours. The only reason I gave it a four is because the lady behind the counter was not very friendly and very gruff. Maybe she had a bad day. Do not bring small backpacks. There is also a lot of security patrolling the museum at all times.

The architecture of the museum was quite unique and even a bit whimsical—I really liked that. Each gallery had its own distinct vibe, which made exploring the space enjoyable. Everything was beautifully curated and visually striking. However, the overall concept left me feeling emotionally overwhelmed. I usually enjoy viewing art, but the tragic history of Native Americans and the way they were treated made me feel incredibly sad—so much so that it gave me a stomachache. You can truly feel the pain, sorrow, and suffering expressed through their artwork, which is deeply moving but also incredibly heavy and heartbreaking.

My first time at the Heard Museum was memorable. It's not the biggest museum, but it has a lot of galleries and rooms. What strikes me about this museum is that it's has the best Native American antiquities and my favorite was the American history of taking away Native American children from their family to be reeducated in a white American school and way of life. The part that moved me was all the children being ripped away from their parents and once they reached their destination, each child was given a mandatory hair cut, the first step of stripping them of their heritage, culture and identity. It was horrific what these children went through, and having a Native American heritage myself, it was really moving Another part of this museum worth going to is their cafe. The people there are so friendly like our server, Christopher. The atmosphere and the food was worth the money spent. I bought the hummus sandwich since I'm a vegetarian and for dessert my partner and I shared a fried bread sundae which was delicious 😋🤤. I definitely recommend this place and the museum itself

The staff were very helpful. Enjoyed celebrating the Navajo veterans community on Veterans Day

Lovely zoo with aquarium, restaurants and animal encounters. It also has a few rides and tours. We went today, 9/8/2025, and it absolutely as dead as could be. The heat was oppressive (but we knew it would be) and most of the attractions were for the summer. We pretty much had the place to ourselves and we really enjoyed our visit. We will be back in the Fall and in the Winter. We watched the Sea Lion show and we're lucky enough to see every big cat in action. The tram ride was wonderful and provided a great little break from walking. Our guide was great! The knowledgeable staff was friendly and available. The only thing that keeps this review from being a 5 is the lack of seating throughout the park and the aquarium. But, truly an absolutely awesome experience!

We had a nice morning here at the zoo. It's larger than we thought...you can walk for quite a while. We went to the sea lion show and it was a hoot. Penguin feeding was ok...not great. The aquarium part of the tour is good. There are 2 or 3 buildings with aquariums I believe. The hands on stingray tank is cool. They actually love to be touched. We learned they call this type of stingray "Puppies of the Sea" lol. There are some food places on site. We had some brisket at the BBQ place which was just ok. We purchased tickets on Groupon...I think we saved $6 per ticket.

We have been wanting to visit this park since we've moved to Arizona 3 years ago. Since it's located in the West Valley that's a big plus for us because we live in the West Valley and most of the fun attractions for kids are in the East Valley I require a long drive. I had a lot of observations about this venue which I will summarize with pros and cons PROS ~Lots to explore- Over 200 acres! ~Unique venue- zoo, aquarium, amusement park rides all in one ~ No crowds- This was our 1st visit. We went on a Sunday w/ beautiful weather. One person in our group said she had never experienced crowds in any of her many visits through the years ~ Sea Lion Show was very well done and included in admission ~ Lots of shade- which ia so nive on warmer days ~ Large variety of animals ~ Free Parking ~ Several restaurants CONS ~ Admission Price is on the high side ~ No family memberships ~ Walking pathways are dirt, so wear good walking shoes ~ No outside food allowed A Family membership plan for locals would be a great incentive to visit. Memberships that include rides would also be great. I would like to acknowledge EMPLOYEE TROY. He talked to us near the Kangaroo area, and told us all about the baby kangaroos. He was very professional, knowledgeable & friendly. Food was very good at the restaurant that we ate at called SLICE. Overall this was a 3.5 to 4.0 experience for me, but I am rounding up to 4.0, because there were a lot of positive things about our visit. Ultimately for local families I think that the high price is an obstacle. We are an extended family with four grandchildren and we are always looking for Great Value memberships locally that we can bring our grandkids to and enjoy throughout the year. It would be such a benefit to so many to create a family type of membership that would allow us to return on a regular basis at an affordable price. The ability to bring food in would also be great because a lot of families do like to pack food to save money. There are a lot of areas where picnic tables could be added. ~ Thank you for a memorable day!

If you are in or near Phoenix AZ I highly recommend stopping here. Although a lot of the enclosures were empty, there was still plenty to see. A lot of the animals were interactive. I like how they have an outdoor section on the right, then an aquarium section on the left. That way you can go back and forth to cool down. I’ve also been to zoos with snack stands but this one has actual restaurants. I believe only the pizza place was open. Which was good but not great for the price and size. I do wish they put more effort into the enclosures for the animals to cool down. Some just had a puddle of water and no shade. I was on the verge of a heat stroke so I can only imagine how hot some of these animals are in the summer. Overall it was a cool experience. You can feed giraffes, go up in the air over a bunch of enclosures, food and gift shops.

We had a really great time here today. Went on a Thursday in November and the weather was great, had a minimal crowd and virtually all the animals were out to see. We started on the right side of the park, walked back to have lunch at Dillons Bbq, which was delicious, and really enjoyed the huge fish tank in the restaurant. We then ventured around the aquarium park and finished up in Adventure Land where we took the tram tour, which I highly recommend. Spent about 5 hours in total at the zoo.

What a great zoo and aquarium. It seems to be slow but it was amazing to see the animals so up close. Monkeys are on little islands, peacocks are rooming freely. They have giraffe you can feed and various animal encounters too.

Great place to see wonderful animals and make memories with family and friends. You don't want to miss the opportunity to feed the giraffes, birds, fish, and goats - what a blast for my 4 year old granddaughter! If you really like going several times a year, be sure to get the membership. The membership pays for itself after 2 visits. There are refill cup options and reasonable food prices. There is also a nice restaurant attached to the zoo.

We got free ticket to the museum through our local library. The museum isn’t that big, but it was fun! They have a downstairs area that is a replica of a western town in the 1800s.

I discovered this when looking over the culture passes at my local library and I am so happy we chose this. We are fortunate to be less than an hour from here and that makes a great day trip. The museum staff was so friendly and knowledgeable. They take such pride in their museum and such joy in sharing it with others. I'm excited to see them expand and look forward to visiting in the future.

The gift shop is nearby and a great place to pick up gift items. Staff is very friendly. Highly recommend a stop here. (Sigler is their new name)

This museum is awesome. They have beautiful photos and awesome videos. But th best part is down stair their set up is amazing! We enjoyed it very much. 😊

The top portion is just an art gallery...but just wait until you go downstairs into an interactive section of the museum with recreation of buildings, a holograms in a recreation of a general store, a recreation of one of the smallest bars in America, and a saddle you can sit on. Be warned, you are able to fall out of the saddle if you don't balance yourself correctly. Overall a great Western museum that excels most in historical recreations. Staff was also nice and helpful!

An absolutely pleasant experience. I've been to Wickenburg, Arizona many times. This was the first time I went to the museum. Most of all the volunteers were kind and helpful. They had a wonderful Cowgirl exhibit and art show, but don't forget to check out their downstairs blast from the past.

BEST place to see western art pieces! I definitely did not expect any of what I saw in the museum. The museum is pretty large with different exhibits. The sculptures are genius and so are the paintings! The downstairs was also incredibly interesting. The different displays they had give you some insight on the town of Wickenburg and its beginnings and was so insightful.

This place is incredible. I stumbled upon it when I was in Yuma and decided to visit for my grandmother‘s birthday. What a treat. Fascinating to see the old mining town, and what it would look like to live back in the 1800s. I’m definitely going again and this time, I’ll take the whole day to tour the 1.5 mile town. I’m so excited!!! So many unbelievable and mind blowing artifacts….takes you back to a more simplistic time where hard-work and friendship were common, danger, trust, togetherness and community reigned supreme. A spectacular visit, incredible craftsmanship, preserved history up close and personal. I am so blessed and grateful to have experienced this amazing place, even if just for a day. 😍

It was a little too hot to walk the entire town, but the drive to the mine and the mine was so cool! There were so many awesome sculptures that the drive to the mine itself felt like its own experience. The fluorescent walls almost seem unreal! We didn't realize we were coming during the off season but the owner was nice enough to give us a tour. Absolutely loved it! As long as you respect the rules and do your research, you'll have a good time. A hidden gem for sure!

Very nice self guided tour of the old town. Cost is $20 just for the town. If you pay $75 for the mine tour the town tour is free or included. Highly recommend the mine tour! The UV wall of stones is breath taking. Our guide was the owner of the mine and it was fun to hear his story. Well worth a visit. Very unique. Dog friendly on the walking tour but not recommended in mine. Allow 4-5 hrs. Mine tours are only at 1 & 3pm

Amazing place! Worth every penny. Town needs a couple hours. The mine tour was very interesting, and the rocks under those lights were beautiful.

Great experience for only $20 each! We didn't take the $75 mine tour. We instead enjoyed the $20 stroll around the old mining town. They let us bring our Chupacabra too. Beautiful easy walk through Arizona Mining history.

This is one of the best ghost towns I've been to. You can walk into almost every building and actually touch things. The owner is very knowledgeable, and the bonus is... THE MINE TOUR. It's worth the cost of admission.

Very friendly and polite staff. The guide to the mines was awesome! We had a great time. Highly recommend taking the tour of the mine. The town has so many historical artifacts. The owners have done an amazing job conserving this historical place. If you happen to travel to Yuma definitely check this place out.

Extraordinary experience! There’s not much to do, but lots of Art to see - could seem scary but feel very safe on the contrary. The staff were friendly and happy to chat (they also gifted us some postcards!) Remember to bring some water as can become very hot and humid in summer time.

I went to Slab City to visit my brother who lives there. I took him to the mountain. It was beautiful! A reminder of God's love for everyone... Rich or poor, we are all blessed by HIS presence. The art is from the soul and what a talent! Leonard made this from adobe and concrete! The walk up was steep, be careful! I was out of breath, but I made it! And WHAT A VIEW!! The staff are friendly and there are portapaddies there.

Great place to be reminded that God loves us so much that he sent Jesus to die on the cross for our sins, and we are saved by faith alone! It's nice that there is a docent on site to answer questions. Listen to the audio tour while walking.

Huell Howser would be proud! Visiting this small painted hill in the middle of nowhere is a spiritual journey. Coming around that last bend in the road, it appears. You know you have arrived. This was one man's singular mission. He had something to say, something he wanted the world to know, and he found a unique way of expressing this, in the desert wasteland east of the Salton Sea. It is to be seen. For me, it was on my bucket list. Be aware. The road out there is not as you would imagine. It is worse. It has not been maintained in many decades. The docent who greeted all visitors was kind, friendly, and helpful. I took his photo with his permission. I met a lot of good people there.

This is a special place (also when you're not religious). The staff is very friendly and sweet. Artist Ron was painting some old parts and I could paint a bit with him. Lovely place, lovely people.

Very unique and cool art installation and dedication to one’s savior. I’m personally not religious but found this pretty neat. Be aware as of today, you’re not allowed to walk up/inside some parts due to renovations. Got here on a Sunday around 3:30pm and there was no one here. Prime for picture taking.

beautiful piece of public art surrounded by a vibrant community of desert artists who are so committed to keeping the original vision alive! talked to one of the main preservationists and he explained that it gets painted daily and cared for very thoroughly. felt like being in another world and everyone was so kind. very spiritual experience even for those who are not all about jesus

Joshua tree and all it has to offer is amazing. In this week's visit, we were planning for the new moon and astro photography. We parked in the lot and walked in to set up the tripod for some long exposure shots. Clear skies, perfect weather in July, summer breeze, and only one other photographer so no light noise! I couldn't have asked for a better set up!

This was our group's FAVORITE stop in all of Joshua Tree! We had an entire sunset photoshoot, met some Europeans flying a drone, built a rock tower, and loved walking around the cacti. Watch your feet so that you don't step on any of them! Come here during golden hour, you won't regret it! There is a nice 1/4 mile walking trail around the garden, with many chances to walk off the trail and approach cacti. Nice parking lot with no water for the public.

It was cool to visit there. There were bees that super bothered us, but other than that, it was cool to see the cacti and panoramic view. Even in 7 AM, the sun was unforgivingly hot.

Absolutely stunning spot! The Cholla Cactus Garden in Joshua Tree offers incredible nature and breathtaking views. The layout is perfect, you can easily capture beautiful photos without other tourists constantly in the frame. It wasn’t crowded at all during my visit (a Sunday afternoon in mid-May), which made it even more enjoyable. Definitely a must-see if you’re anywhere near Joshua Tree!

Beautiful garden especially at sunset. Be careful with the small cacti on the ground.

One of the most magical places on this planet. You see nature's magnificent work at its best. Hundreds and thousands of cholla cactus standing proudly in the windy air of Joshua Tree National Park. The best time to visit is during sunset or sunrise when the entire place is cast with the golden light of the desert sun. Now, be careful to keep a safe distance from these 'teddy bear' cacti and don't try to wander off the trail.

My favorite place in Joshua Tree NP. A beautiful garden where you can really spend some time. It's a bit tricky to find the walking paths in between the cacti, as the paths are not very clear/visible. After some time you just get that it's up to you to decide where you want to walk and how far inside of the garden do you want to get. No toilet around.

It’s an interesting area of the park - the most fertile in terms of vegetation and someone used to support grazing at one point! The trail here is very poorly marked - only a mile loop that takes maybe 20-30 minutes. It’s pretty easy to walk through and there’s minimal elevation changes but there’s so many curves and turns that are not noted or lack signs.

Hidden Valley Trail is a 1-mile loop with about 100 feet of elevation gain. The path is clear and easy to follow. Super good way to knock out amazing views of the park in a shorter amount of time. You pass massive boulders, Joshua trees, and desert plants. Short side trails lead to rock formations. Signs share the history of cattle rustlers hiding herds here.

It is beautiful and easy to walk. We saw some people hiking up the hills. There are restrooms and also a camping ground. We had a great time and I would recommend stopping by, although it is not outstanding compared to the rest. Hope you will enjoy it! Lots of parking space available:)

This review is about stargazing at night at Hidden Valley. My go-to first stop for stargazing. Could have driven to Arch Rock but the rock and surrounding Joshua trees formed great backdrop when taking Milky Way photos! Can be a little crowded at night, so be prepared to have your photos tinted red from folks exiting the parking lot or from distant traffic along the main route.

Such a nice enjoyable hike! Easy loop with beautiful views of the rock.

Really loved this loop! First time experiencing JTNP and this was a fantastic hike. It’s easy and you really get to experience what JTNP is all about. We went in the evening and it wasn’t too hot and wasn’t crowded.

This trail is Majestic. If your schedule only permits a short hike, this is the one to take. It is wonderful that Joshua Tree National Park allows all type of rock climbing from repelling to free form. Be safe and have fun.

I came to try their Dates milkshake, and buy some Dates. The 2Ib was for $25 so i passed. The milkshake was not make to order, I was supervised when he handed to me almost immediately, it was really frozen and hard to drink, it was for $9.95 and that was more than the average, and there was nothing special about it. They sell different made in house syrups and sauce and some cake. I did not try them I felt that they were overpriced. There was plenty of parking

The food is tasty (typical American food), and the shakes are a must. Too sweet for my taste, but I see the appeal.

Very good restaurant and the personnel are very friendly to everyone and the outside environment is perfect to people who visit palm dessert. One thing you MUST try is the date shake and everything is awesome. It’s not to big portions and not to small. Very good restaurant MUST TRY!!!

We went for breakfast and had a great experience. The Date Shakes were absolutely delicious—definitely a highlight. We also tried the green sauce chilaquiles with carne asada and really enjoyed them. There's a shop on-site where you can browse their merchandise, souvenirs, and a variety of date products. Inside the shop, there’s also a café if you’re just looking for a drink. I’d definitely return, even if it’s just for another date milkshake.

Beautiful spot nestled into the desert oasis. Outdoor seating for most. Service was amazing, and it was busy. The walk was nice and the shop has tons of goodies. The food was amazing. We started with the stuffed, bacon wrapped dates...delish! Chicken and waffles were outstanding. Highly recommended, enjoy!

We had a very yummy lunch. We sat on the patio which was lovely. The weather was perfect that day. I had the benedict with fruit on the side, it was delicious. The grounds were nice to walk around. The date shakes were also a must have!! Our young kids enjoyed it too.

Early morning breakfast, I came with friends at 8:30am and was only the 2nd people here...by the time I left it was completely full, no tables by 10:30am. They have plenty of parking with overflow parking on the east side of the parking lot under the palm trees. The service and our waiter were amazing, we were served fast, and our server was attentive to our needs, there was 8 of us, so we used 2 tables. Breakfast was good, nothing fancy, just good breakfast. The grounds are beautiful, and the weather was nice for an early morning breakfast with friends...side note....it is Fly season and they were out in abundance trying to catch a bite so be aware of the pesky things.

A very well maintained sprawling state park with tons of beautiful trails and serene desert campsites and well maintained bathrooms and a gorgeous visitor center! Be aware that most if not all trails from what I can tell do not allow dogs, even on leashes

Really stunning area with lots to explore. We focused on the sculptures during our visit, spent hours but still didn't explore all! Will be back for sure.

This place is one of my favorite places in California because of the amazing hike into the canyon. I love the dinosaurs nearby and the town feels like it was frozen in time. Very much old California and the Wild West. Plus you have the mountains that are snowcapped in the winter about half an hour away and the beach 2 hours away. Beautiful place to explore the desert and see wild sheep (borregos) if you are lucky! 🐏

We had an amazing visit! We went early spring and several things were blooming. The stars were wonderful. The hiking was great. Especially the Palm Canyon trail! The oasis is amazing and some bighorn sheep came close to the trail. The welcome center is nice and the volunteers there are incredibly helpful. One of the naturalists (Ms. Bussey I think, sorry if that's wrong) helped us decided between two trail and her advice was so valuable.

Off roading is a family favorite! We go a few times a year and use the showers and restroom provided by the park and tent or trailer camp. There is nothing better than waking up to the smell of a 2 stroke and the sound of fun!

This is an incredible desert park and is a gift that keeps on giving. Plenty of off roading, primitive camping, a great visitor center and a genuinely welcoming town. The desert is beautiful 365 days a year but always pay attention to the weather and park rangers’ advice!

Huge area to spread out in, great hiking trails for all abilities, a few cool towns to shop and resupply...mostly great campers from all over the country. Camp grounds were loud with the "city folk" on the weekends but boondocking is better as long as we all respect the minimal rules. Thank you CA parks!

A hot 90° but pleasant trip to the Living Desert zoo & Gardens. It was off season on a Tuesday afternoon, so it wasn't crowded at all. We were able to take our time. I really enjoyed their model trains and miniature city! Learn names of the plants & Cacti. The big cats are beautiful. Visited the nutrition center and vet hospital. We saw a bunch of baby tortoise, the 2 new super cute baby giraffe, 2 wallaby with joeys in their pouches. And a new comer, a badger. There was a ton of construction happening, so I'll have to come back when that's finished to see the new lion exhibit and during the season when its bustling! Super friendly staff and feed the giraffe.

Visited here with my boyfriend, mom and toddler. We’re from out of town and were skeptical about spending $40 each to get in, but I’m so glad we did. We spent a couple hours there and easily could have spent some extra time there. They let you feed the giraffes which I thought was so cool and probably the highlight for me. They just had babies in September so that was also really cool. We were there at just the right time as they just added an exhibit for monkeys. I love me some monkeys. They also recently added a splash pad for kids to play at and that was a great little stop to cool down for my little one. I loved how open the exhibits were and how much extra space the animals had comparative to some of the other zoos I’ve been to. Highly recommend checking this zoo out.

This place is absolutely amazing. You can tell this is a sanctuary for animals and not a place where they are put on display. The staff care so much for these animals and it shows. My husband and I visit every year and we also love to come for the holiday light fest they have at night during late November through December. It’s such a gorgeous place to visit and walk through. Literally fun for all ages. I fed the giraffes this time too and it was so awesome to be so up close with them. You can also be up close with the wallaby’s in their enclosure and watch them hop around which was so fun.

We found this on our visit to Palm Springs and decided to take a couple hours out of our day and go. Ticketing was very easy and there was no line to speak of. Loved the way the grounds were laid out and the different fauna and flora, the towering palm trees, the agaves, aloes and the different types of desert plant life. We were surprised to see as many active animals as we did and the number of animals was impressive. The gentleman at the rhino exhibit took his time and gave us lots of info on the rhino’s. Fun and informative way to spend a coupe hours while in the Palm Springs area.

Excellent place for all ages! Great interactions with the animals and staff. Plenty of places to eat or bring your own food and drink. Handicap accessible for a majority of the park. There are several unpaved trails that take you through the botanical cactus deserts. There is also a beginner half mile hiking trail accessible inside the park. Plenty of trees for shade while walking around the park. plenty if chairs and benches throughout the park. You could stay there all day and relax watching the animals. Will definitely make the trip to visit again!

We were there for the first time this morning. What a great zoo! It is extremely clean and well organized. The animal enclosures and habitats were great. The volunteer man who was working at the bobcat exhibit was excellent! He was extremely friendly and knowledgeable. Those two bobcats we're adorable. We will definitely be back!

Absolutely stunning and super organized zoo! Way more fun than I expected for just $40 ticket price! The miniture area is so sick 🤯🤯also those animal live here looks so happy, and fat! Lmao

It's been so long since I have been back home. How refreshing to know that Villagefest is still going on. It's grown so much. What an amazing evening and awesome weather. If you come in for a visit make sure you visit Villagefest. I would highly recommend.

A variety of food, wares, & bands. This was a fun way to eat, buy, enjoy entertainment, & get your steps in !

This place is a RIP off... they charged my kids the same price for 2 different tattoos.. one kid had 2 small turtles and the other had both hands done... they were both bad , quickly done didnt look anything like the pic they showed. wouldn't re-do or give the money back... live the street fair but I will never go back to the henna place and do not recommend anyone to go there unless they have the gentleman do the work.

We absolutely love visiting the Palm Springs area this time of year. The Thursday night Villagefest it's always a great way to spend the evening. great food, great shopping. Something for everyone

Awesome street fair in Palm Springs! Every Thursday locals gather to showcase their businesses. Food, art, music, and much more as you walk down the street. Vendors are offering free samples and the food is impressive. We purchased mini donuts which were heavenly. We also got clam chowder that was prefect for the chilly evening! Going back next week to try more foods!

Not the office, Villagefest itself. No longer glamorous, Palm Springs is no longer interesting, mostly just hucksters trying to pawn off clip art as originals for $500-$9000 and other junk sellers. A few bright lights among the (some awful) live musicians: the wonderful sounding Native man playing wood flutes, etc. Buy a CD. How do you find downtown Palm Springs? It's where the Walgreens and Motel 6's get closer together. But seriously, if you're not over 80 you probably don't want to be here (and probably if you're 80+ as well).

A must see, must experience in the area! Great way to spend your night. Best burgers in town are in a tent in town! Run! Don't walk. Fun night!

Fantastic museum! Three levels of completely different art from Native American to Modern! Sculpture to paintings! Also currently two very exciting exhibitions are on display. With 2 beautiful sculpture gardens that have been created that are stunningly peaceful and a place to sit and just take in their beauty! Outside too is the famous Aluminaire House..well worth a view! The staff are knowledgeable and helpful and make for a pleasant and comfortable visit.

Walking through the Palm Springs Art Museum feels like stepping into a dream woven from imagination, light, and meaning. Every turn invites you to pause, reflect, and feel something new. 1. The Tower of Plates – A tall spiral of soft yellow bowls, stacked with gentle motion like a dance paused mid-twirl. It feels playful and peaceful — like balancing the everyday with the infinite. 2. The Sitting Couple – So real, you almost say hello. But they’re sculptures — a tribute to quiet moments, rest, and togetherness. There’s something comforting in their calm. 3. The Painted Man and the World – A large figure with bright colors and a globe at his feet. It speaks of responsibility, hope, and the weight of being human. It feels like a reminder: the world is in our hands. 4. The Red Heart Seat – Bold, soft, and shaped like love. Whether it’s a chair, a sculpture, or both — it radiates joy. It’s the kind of piece that makes kids smile and artists stop to think. 5. The Upper Gallery View – Smooth floors, open light, and a graceful path around sculptures that feel like guardians of time. There’s space to breathe here. 6. The Starburst Chandelier – A sculpture above, reaching out like a frozen firework or cosmic flower. It brings energy to the ceiling, like light suspended mid-bloom. 7. Etched Faces in Grey – Delicate lines form quiet faces — as if the wall is remembering stories from another time. Subtle, thoughtful, and timeless. 8. The Glowing Core Artwork – A burst of color and light layered over blueprints and dreams. It feels like electricity made poetic — like the spirit of invention glowing from the inside out. 9. The Mountain Sculpture – Earthy, raw, and textured. Like a piece of nature brought indoors to tell its story. You don’t just look at it — you feel it. 10. The Seated Figure of Squares – Made of many blocks, yet whole and strong. Sitting with arms around knees — like someone thinking deeply. Peaceful. Present. Beautiful in its stillness. ⸻ Final Reflection: PSAM is a place for thinkers, feelers, and wanderers. It doesn’t shout. It invites. Whether you’re wide awake or walking between worlds, it welcomes your gaze with kindness and color. Update: “Originally gave 5 stars based on what I thought was a positive experience. But after being unexpectedly fired and realizing how fake the environment really was, I can no longer recommend this place. Disappointed and hurt by how things turned out.”

The Palm Springs Art Museum is an absolute gem and a must-visit for anyone in the area. Tucked beautifully against the San Jacinto Mountains, the museum's location alone is breathtaking, but the treasures inside are what truly make it a world-class institution. ​The collection is incredibly diverse and thoughtfully curated, offering a fantastic journey through modern and contemporary art, as well as significant Native American and Western American works. I was particularly impressed by the glass sculptures and the outdoor sculpture garden, which feels like a serene extension of the desert landscape itself. ​The building's architecture is a work of art in its own right, with its clean lines and open spaces perfectly complementing the pieces on display. The atmosphere is calm and inviting, allowing you to take your time and truly connect with the art. The staff is also exceptionally friendly and knowledgeable, adding to the welcoming experience. ​Whether you're a seasoned art aficionado or just looking for a peaceful and inspiring way to spend an afternoon, the Palm Springs Art Museum exceeds all expectations. It's a five-star experience from start to finish.

Beautifully curated collection, with some very unique pieces. The sculpture garden is small but very well designed with beautiful sculptures of different media (blown glass, aluminum, metal). It was a perfect way to enjoy a couple of hours before hotel check-in.

I ended up here since they have free admission on Thursdays 5-8pm. They had a live DJ and a bunch of wonderful exhibits to check out. Definitely worth checking out if you have some spare time.

I have been going to the Palm Springs Art Museum for over thirty years. It rocks and rolls with me. The Palm Springs Art Museum rocks because it perfectly blends a diverse, world-class collection with the unique architectural heritage of the Coachella Valley. It rocks because it challenges your mind. The museum rocks because it combines internationally important modern art with a dedicated focus on the unique architectural style and rich Native American history of its desert location. The important thing about The Palm 🌴 Springs Museum of Art is that it rocks your mind and soothes your soul.

Very nice property, exhibits swamped out periodically. Staff is great and knowledgelable The cafe was really nice, the food was great, the outdoor space has a chill vibe..

View and ride up was spectacular. Did a 2 mile hike. Be aware it's much colder up there than where you park. After our hike the tram had electrical issues. Luckily we weren't stuck on it. It was down for several hours. Luckily it was back online that evening to take us down.

The tram is a fun experience and lifts you 8500 feet above the desert to a much cooler environment. We hiked to the summit of San Jacinto. We moved fast but if you are going to hike be prepared with water and some food. Also be prepared to scramble up some boulders at the summit! The mountains are covered with a forest providing some shade. Wear good shoes for hiking

This was an awesome experience, and Gil, our tram operator, was fantastic. My friend was having issues with vertigo, and he handled it wonderfully. There was music playing, the view was magnificent, and even though it was quite a bit colder up top, the views made it more than worth it. The dine option with the ticket was okay. The food was basic, but for a few dollars more, it's good. I have a milk allergy, so I was unable to get the mashed potatoes, meatloaf, or lasagna, but they had chicken. It had a good flavor, but was very dry. The veggies & salad were pretty tasty, and the potatoes were just OK. No rave reviews, but for the price okay. Overall, with the tram, hike, ambiance, and friendly staff, I would definitely recommend trying this.

The experience was excellent. There was no wind to speak of and the ride was super smooth going both ways, but steep and perhaps no ideal for people who are sensitive to heights. The views in the car and ontop of the mountain are spectacular. The food was well above average. The hike opportunities are nice and not very strenuous, although the high altitude and the thinner air will exert your body disproportionally. Would recommend the ride to anyone who is not fazed by heights.

I went on a business meeting and had one spare day so decided to and see the tramway. It was an amazing experience specially that tramway rotate while climbing using wires and pulley. Huge difference in temperature on top of the hill so always bring a good jacket. Ticket was 35 USD, but you have to wait minimum 1 hour. There is no public transportation so us UBER.

What an incredible experience. The tram ride itself was fun. Parking is designated. The place is clean and well maintained. And the staff were all great. The hike and views in the area is easy even kids enjoyed.

This is a must do in Palm Springs. The tram has a rotating floor that continuously rotates which gives you a 360⁰ view. If you have a fear of heights, stay towards the middle of the tram and away from the windows! Once you make it to the top, there are restrooms and a restaurant available. The temperature is significantly cooler than at the bottom of the mountain. There are several overlook spots offering great photo opportunities!

These outlets are next to each other premium desert hills outlets and the cabezon outlets. Lots of different stores to do your shopping for all budgets. A few restaurants and eateries along the way. Plenty of parking but can get busy. You'll find some discounts in some of the stores. The premises are kept neat and clean restrooms available too. A nice walk with beautiful views of the mountains and sunset. Some art work throughout. Will definitely return.

Absolutely a must stop on the 10 fwy if you're driving to and from los angeles to palm springs. Pretty much all name brands are here. Roomy walkways. Plenty of restrooms and parking. Clean, luxurious and modern shopping.

It's so nice shopping in this area. The stores are very clean and the sales clerks are very welcoming and polite. It's nice to be able to step outside and get a breath of fresh air when going to the next shop

Beautiful outlet that we randomly decided to stop buy on our trip back from Palm Springs glad we did much nicer than the one in camarillo which was really surprising very clean huge variety of stores might be my new favorite outlet to go to now!

Last time I visited this place was 2015, how time flies! It is completely different now and I do think the selection of brands shrinks quite a bit. I’m here for the billabong outlet shops but unfortunately it is closed but not correctly marked in google maps. I hope there are more shops for food and drinks. The Starbucks gets overcrowded because a lack of coffee shops & bubble tea shops. It gets overheated at noon and it’s easy to get dehydrated. When everyone wants a iced drink Starbucks become almost the only shop that you can get a refresher from

ILLEGAL PUPPY SALES WITH NO CONCERN. Solicitors selling illegally bred small puppies in OVER 100 DEGREE HEAT. Security does nothing! It is VERY obvious these people are selling puppies to the point of verbally asking for sales. Absolutely letting animal abuse happen without any concern. DO BETTER! UPDATE: I received great concern on the matter from Desert Hills and say they are taking the matter seriously. I hope this gets solved! I’m keeping this up to spread awareness to not support backyard breeders.

First time visiting. Lots and lots of stores to shop from very enjoyable to walk-through especially at night time. Lots of restaurants and parking spaces as well. They even have a McDonald’s close by and it’s a great for kids because they have tablets on the tables for them to play with while the adults catch a breather. I highly recommend it now we return.

Went there for a wedding. Unfortunately the party did not put major details of where the wedding itself is being held so I had to roam around the casino to find it. I attempted to ask several employees where the wedding venue was and not one of them could give me any direction as to where we should be going other than follow the lighted sign that says event area. It's unfortunate that employees don't quite know where things are where they work. The wedding hall was beautiful with a nice size room. Could easily hold 100 people comfortably. The room of which we had the reception in was called the Bordeaux room. They had it set up beautifully. The food was catered by the hotel and absolutely delicious.

My girlfriend and I had never been to Harrah's before. It was a beautiful day, so we decided to get a cabana and spend the day at the pool. Everything was great. Our pool server, Araceli, did a great job up until the bill arrived. Our bill totaled $69.00 but when the bill was presented it was $82.80. I took a harder look at the bill and saw that our server had added on a 20% tip bringing the $69.00 bill to $82.80. I also noticed that the pool will add a service charge of 20% to parties with 6 or more guests. Well, it was just the 2 of us. So what is happening is the check is presented with a tip already included and with the intention of adding another tip to the draft. This is a common form of theft in restaurants. I called the food and beverage manager 2 weeks ago to inform them of this. I was told it would take 24-48 hours before someone got back to me. It has been two very long weeks with no phone call back. I can only determine that Harrah's doesn't care about fraud being committed by their staff, and getting back to me? Keep your eyes open.

Had a nice staycation at Harrah’s with my wife a couple weeks back during the heatwave. The pool was fun and we spent almost half a day there. We got in very early and on a weekday so it wasn’t busy at all. The casinos were good, although one did end up eating out money before we ever got to play. The attendant was reluctant to return or cash but did so any way. Would definitely return.

We had a great stay at Harrah's this weekend. The front desk attendant Nolan was super helpful and friendly it's the 3rd time he has been the one to help us and it always goes so smoothly! Also this time we needed a few things from housekeeping and Alicia who was working the 4th floor in the dive tower was super warm and friendly and immediately got us everything we needed!!! The lazy river was nice because we had our young girls with us only thing there is I wish it had been a little warmer. My husband watched the girls while I did a little gambleing had a great time the alot selection seemed better this visit then some prior, and also was helped out on the floor by Elidia who was right there to help me out with a smile....the whole experience was an absolute pleasure! From start to finish. Clean room, friendly staff, nice pool and fun games what more could you ask for.

We got a cabana at the lazy river to celebrate some big achievements and while the wait staff was nice, the river itself was FREEZING. Apparently the heater broke and they didn’t bother telling anyone until it was too late. We drove an hour to get there and the kids would’ve been disappointed. So we sucked it up and froze. Not wanting to be a Karen, I didn’t say anything, so not sure if they would’ve done anything for us. It was a very disappointing experience overall. The only benefit was that because it was so cold, it wasn’t busy. I’d rather have enjoyed warm water though. The food and drinks were ok. Nothing to rave about and nothing to complain about (it was pricey, but you’ve gotta expect that at this point).

This resort has its pros and cons. Average hotel and casino. Complimentary room was large and spacious but lacked amenities. No coffee, no complimentary water. Restaurant options are great but overpriced. Spa was below average and overpriced. Location is hard to get to. Pool and lazy river and outdoor bar are great. Smokey casino with table games that are below average (especially blackjack) compared to other casinos Iv been to with more relaxed rules and table minimums. Likely won’t return.

Our favorite SoCal casino resort. Great pool with lazy river. The restaurant has very good Mexican food, chips and salsa are tasty. Very nice spa on site and gym with modern equipment on the second floor. Get a wellness room for in room yoga accessories. The onsite brewery makes some tasty brews with DJ and live music.

Very unfriendly and rigid manager ruined family outing. We wanted to sit in the picnic area. It was completely empty. We were going to buy bottles and food but we wanted to eat our own cheese with the wine. They refused, made it uncomfortable and were completely uncompromising. We’ve always come here and done this. Always buy lots of wine. We’ll avoid this winery from now on and recommend to all our friends to do the same.

We came for the members dinner tonight and have been members here since the early 2000s. The venue had to change due to the weather conditions, but Wilson Creek Rose vacation and pivoted in high fashion. It was seamless and pulled off without looking like there was any effort. It’s a great tribute to why we joined winery and thank you again for an amazing night celebrating your 25th anniversary

We attended a wedding in the vineyard, followed by the reception at the winery (did not spend the night). OUTSTANDING! A beautiful venue with friendly and helpful staff. An added shout out to the wait staff team during cocktail hour and reception ... the entire team did a phenomenal job from start to finish.

I was so excited to photograph this company Christmas party. This winery was my dear friend's absolute favorite – he used to spoil me with their chocolate cups and almond champagne. Being able to work here as a photographer, I can confidently say the experience was everything I'd hoped for. It’s easy to see why this place held such a special spot in his heart; it certainly didn't disappoint.

We have frequented at least 3 different times for events and individual tasting. each time, wines were average at best and grounds had commercial vibes. Staff were pushing for purchase and usually inattentive. My family and I prefer visiting other nearby wineries for better taste, price, and service.

The place is pretty, and it can accommodate large numbers of people, something that can be a plus or a minus, depending. However, I have to say, food quality is terrible. I don’t think we’ll be coming here again. It’s a place for crowds. The kids area is quite far from the dinning areas so kids cannot go and play after they finish their meager kids menu food.

The food at the grille was not the best. It tasted like 7-11 food. The wine, however, was amazing. They just opened up the vineyard tour the weekend of 6/28/25, and it was great. About 1.5 hour tour with 8 glasses of wine included. Traci, the tour guide was phenomenal. Full of energy and enthusiasm.

Great and professional theater experience, and it's right here in our backyard! We saw Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and it was phenomenal. Perfect for a fun night on the town, dinner and a show with lots of fun places nearby after or before the show. Highly recommended!

HIGH-QUALITY PERFORMANCES! The Old Town Temecula Community Theater is outstanding! Each event I’ve attended here has been fun and enjoyable. I’ve seen play productions, concerts, and recently the Annual Jazz Festival! The seats are SO comfortable here and there’s plenty of ramps for disabled guests. The volunteers and staff are very welcoming and helpful. The venue is intimate which allows each seat to provide a great view! The theater seats have a lot of leg room. There’s upstairs seating, but it’s limited. You can also find a small balcony section on each upper side of the theater, however, they’re also limited in space. Most seats will be found at the bottom level. The theater’s box office can be found in the neighboring venue, The Merc. Additionally, the theater has a set of restrooms across from it and a snack shop that has wine, soda. candy and other goodies. The venue is family friendly and has a great atmosphere. Being in the heart of Old Town Temecula, one has several food options before and after an event as there’s many restaurants and bars nearby! I have an appreciation for this theater as they really reach out to the community and tickets aren’t overpriced!

Most wonderful Theater!! Such a treasure and such an enrichment for the community in this town!! Great selections of shows as well! I've seen several shows there myself AND also performed there myself with the local Southwest Women's Chorus (look us up OR join!). The acoustics are superb, the staff is so friendly and helpful. The shows reach from performances of non-local artists to performances of local artist. Variety of shows are great! Really one of the best venues in the whole Temecula Valley! I recommend to buy tickets ahead of time because shows can sell out very quickly. Definitely give this Theater a visit!!

Small venue, but that is a good thing. We sat in the balcony. Interestingly, the balcony is just one row of seats. That makes egress and access difficult. But the center seats in the balcony have the best view, so tripping over your neighbors is worth it!

Saw Led Zepagain here and it was a great venue! Sound & lighting were were really good. Seating was comfortable. There were no signs posted for the entrance so we walk around building twice to find it. Parking is $26 in the lots & you have to pay thru your phone. Not even the lot attendant could get it to work right. I had to park 4 blocks away at the city hall parking structure, which is free but made us miss 25 minutes of the show.

A must see when you're in town. Lots of restored old buildings, food options (try Goat and Vine restaurant) and shops. Make sure to also go down the side streets as there are other shops around that are worth visiting. Lastly, there's a public parking about 2 blocks up away from the main street that helps avoid competing in finding parking.

Great venue, not a bad seat in the house. The place has the feel of a Broadway theater, with a gorgeous outdoor courtyard serving as a lobby. Saw the Andrew Lloyd Webber spectacular and it was a great tribute to the composer! Thoroughly enjoyed it!