Are you looking for a unique outdoor experience in Maricopa County, Arizona? Look no further than the Phoenix Japanese Friendship Garden, Desert Botanical Garden, Discovery Center, and OdySea Aquarium. Each of these attractions offers something special for visitors of all ages. The Phoenix Japanese Friendship Garden is a tranquil oasis located just east of downtown Phoenix in Papago Park. This garden is home to over 50,000 different plants, including rare desert species.
Visitors can explore five main trails that highlight different aspects of native desert life. General admission gives access to all trails, including the Desert Wildflower Loop Trail and the Plants and People of the Sonoran Desert Loop Trail. If you're visiting in early spring or late fall, be sure to stop by the tented butterfly pavilion and you'll be surrounded by hundreds of monarchs and swallowtails. The Desert Botanical Garden remains open until 8:00 p.m., making it a great spot for a night out. Enjoy spectacular sunsets and art installations illuminated under the stars.
If you wake up early, the garden allows visitors to bring their dogs during the morning hours for a special event called “Dog Day”. Check out the daily schedule of activities, exhibits, events and classes in the Garden. The Discovery Center at Lake Pleasant is another great outdoor destination in Maricopa County. This museum has hosted over 400 national and international exhibitions over the past 50 years. Thanks to contributions from the Reclamation Office and Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department, visitors can enjoy a beautiful place to connect with nature while learning about the history of Lake Pleasant. Finally, OdySea Aquarium is the largest aquarium in Arizona.
It is home to more than 2 million gallons of water with 370 species and 65 exhibits. Highlights include the world's only tactile display of Russian sturgeons, two tactile stingray displays, and a tactile tidal pool (some tactile exhibits may be temporarily closed).For an unforgettable outdoor experience in Maricopa County, Arizona, be sure to check out these four attractions! From the tranquil Phoenix Japanese Friendship Garden to the exciting OdySea Aquarium, there's something for everyone to enjoy. The Phoenix Japanese Friendship Garden is a peaceful oasis that features over 50,000 plants and five main trails that highlight different aspects of native desert life. The Desert Botanical Garden is open until 8:00 p.m., making it a great spot for a night out with spectacular sunsets and art installations illuminated under the stars. The Discovery Center at Lake Pleasant is a great outdoor destination that allows visitors to connect with nature while learning about the history of Lake Pleasant.
Finally, OdySea Aquarium is home to more than 2 million gallons of water with 370 species and 65 exhibits that are sure to amaze visitors of all ages. If you're looking for an unforgettable outdoor experience in Maricopa County, Arizona, these four attractions are sure to provide something special for everyone!.
