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Wander Paradise Valley: Activities Guide

Natalie profile picture Natalie•Nov 27, 2024

Arizona Adventures: Desert Landscapes, Food Tours, Zoo Excursions and More!

Photo courtesy of the Phoenix Zoo

Embark on a thrilling journey through Arizona with these five captivating activities that promise excitement and discovery. These activities offer a perfect blend of exploration, gastronomy, and outdoor enjoyment, making your Arizona visit truly unforgettable. Discover a sprawling desert garden with thousands of plants, complemented by farm-to-table dining options and guided tours showcasing scenic wonders. Immerse yourself in culinary adventures with a local food tour, explore a championship golf course, and visit a diverse zoo with a wide array of animal exhibits. Keep reading for more details:

Penske Racing Museum

Photo courtesy of Penske Racing Museum

  • Distance from Wander: 10 miles

  • Location: 7125 E Chauncey Ln, Phoenix, AZ 85054

  • Hours: 10AM-4PM daily

  • Phone: (480) 538-4444

  • Website: penskeautom1ll.com

The Penske Racing Museum is a must-visit destination for motorsport enthusiasts, showcasing an impressive collection of more than a dozen race cars from the legendary Penske Racing team. Located in Phoenix, Arizona, this museum features a rich display of trophies and memorabilia that chronicle the illustrious history of one of the most successful teams in racing. With over 600 major race wins, including 44 championships and 19 Indianapolis 500 victories, the museum offers visitors a glimpse into the world of professional racing.

Musical Instrument Museum (MIM)

Photo courtesy of Musical Instrument Museum

  • Distance from Wander: 13 miles

  • Location: 4725 E Mayo Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85050

  • Hours: 9AM-5PM daily

  • Phone: (480) 478-6000

  • Website: mim.org

The Musical Instrument Museum is the world's largest museum of its kind, featuring an extraordinary collection of over 15,000 musical instruments from nearly 200 countries and territories. Founded in April 2010 by Robert J. Ulrich, former CEO of Target Corporation, the museum spans 200,000 square feet and offers a unique, immersive experience through its innovative multimedia exhibits. Visitors can explore five Geographic Galleries that showcase global music and cultures, with high-resolution videos and wireless headphones that automatically play music when near an exhibit.

Desert Botanical Garden

Photo courtesy of Desert Botanical Garden

  • Distance from Wander: 5.5 miles 

  • Location: 1201 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008

  • Hours: 7AM-8PM (Hours vary seasonally)

  • Phone: (480) 941-1225

  • Website: https://dbg.org/ 

Explore the Desert Botanical Garden, a sprawling 140-acre desert oasis featuring over 50,000 plants across 55 acres of cultivated land. Discover beautiful outdoor exhibits, including a dining experience at Gertrude's restaurant offering farm-to-table cuisine and a quick bite option at the Patio Café. As one of only 24 botanical gardens accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, this iconic destination attracts over 550,000 annual attendees who come to appreciate and care for the desert landscape.

Tip: Be sure to check out the calendar online for special events and exhibits, including live butterfly exhibits, yoga and meditation classes and live music!

Segway of Scottsdale Tours

Photo courtesy of Segway of Scottsdale Tours

  • Distance from Wander: 4 miles 

  • Location: 7330 E Earll Dr Suite #R, Scottsdale, AZ 85251

  • Hours: 8AM-10PM (Tour times vary) 

  • Phone: (480) 306-4801

  • Website: https://www.segwayofscottsdale.com/ 

Discover the excitement of exploring Scottsdale and Tempe with guided tours that offer unique experiences on Segways, E-Bikes, and a combination of E-Biking and hiking adventures. Enjoy personalized training and narration through mic and earpiece systems, ensuring an enjoyable journey through scenic locations like the Scottsdale Greenbelt, Tempe Town Lake, Papago Park, and Camelback Mountain. These tours provide an insider's perspective on the area's top attractions, from picturesque vistas to exclusive neighborhoods like Paradise Valley, making them ideal for first-time visitors to Scottsdale.

Arizona Food Tours

Photo courtesy of Arizona Food Tours

  • Distance from Wander: 3 miles

  • Location: 7333 E Scottsdale Mall, Scottsdale, AZ 85251

  • Hours: 8AM-8PM (Tour times vary)

  • Phone: (480) 620-4047

  • Website: https://arizonafoodtours.com/ 

Experience the ultimate culinary adventure with Arizona Food Tours, the premier and longest-standing food tour company in the state. Established in 2009 and recently recognized with the 2023 USAToday Readers' Choice Award, Arizona Food Tours offers captivating excursions through historic Old Town Scottsdale. Delight in a "Taste of Old Town Scottsdale" tour, where guests explore locally owned establishments, savoring a full meal with cocktails while immersing in the rich history of the "West's Most Western Town." Treat yourself to the Scottsdale Wine Tour, featuring visits to local tasting rooms and restaurants, pairing exquisite wines with signature dishes in a vibrant Old Town setting.

Silverado Public Golf Course 

Photo courtesy of Silverado Public Golf Course

Experience Scottsdale Silverado's challenging par 70, 18-hole championship course, located centrally in Scottsdale and offering undulating terrain and elevated tee boxes. Golfers of all levels are drawn to Silverado for its affordability and state-of-the-art clubhouse amenities, including a putting/chipping area, warm-up area, and a full-service restaurant with a scenic patio view. The Silverado Pro Shop provides quality golf apparel and equipment, featuring top brands and timeless styles for both on and off the course, making it a one-stop-shop for golf enthusiasts.

Phoenix Zoo

Photo courtesy of the Phoenix Zoo

  • Distance from Wander: 6 miles

  • Location: 455 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008

  • Hours: 9AM-5PM daily  

  • Phone: (602) 286-3800

  • Website: https://www.phoenixzoo.org/ 

Explore the expansive 125-acre Phoenix Zoo, featuring a diverse array of animal exhibits, a children's area, petting zoo, and a narrated tram ride through captivating habitats. For an insider's perspective, participate in a Backstage Adventure, offering unique glimpses into animal habitats and experiences tailored for the same household groups. Originating in 1962 with a vision of wildlife conservation, the Phoenix Zoo has contributed significantly to global conservation efforts and initiatives benefiting endangered Arizona species. Home to over 3,000 animals from around the world, the Zoo is committed to supporting wildlife and habitat conservation in the region and globally.

Tip: Explore neighboring Papago Park, a vast area perfect for hiking and picnicking. For additional information, visit https://www.phoenix.gov/parks/trails/locations/papago-park. 

For questions or assistance with travel recommendations in the area be sure to contact Wander Concierge. Just text 737-377-3205 to get started! Prepare for an unforgettable adventure during your stay at a Wander home!

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