Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Chandler, Arizona to Phoenix, Arizona

Driving from Chandler, Arizona to Phoenix, Arizona may seem like a short trip, but it can become tedious if you drive straight through. Luckily for travelers, there are many unexpected places to stop and visit along the way. The drive from Chandler to Phoenix is approximately 20 miles and takes about 30 minutes without traffic. Below is a list of five must-see places to stop along this drive.

Halfway Point: Phoenix, AZ

Before we begin listing our recommended stops, we have to make mention of the halfway point of this route: Phoenix, AZ. While Phoenix is a well-known city, there are still a ton of places that people might not have heard of before and are worth a stop. Phoenix offers a variety of activities, including visiting world-renowned museums like the Phoenix Art Museum and Scientific American Museum. Phoenix also offers a plethora of outdoor adventures such as hiking and biking in the Papago Park. Let's discover five more unique spots along the Chandler to Phoenix route.

1. Mesa Arizona Temple

The Mesa Arizona Temple is a popular destination for visitors. It also happens to be the largest LDS temple in the state. The temple is a stunning building that has been an integral part of local Latter-Day Saint culture since 1927. Inside, visitors can learn about the history of the temple and the church. Don't forget to take some time to explore the beautiful landscaped gardens and fountains on the temple grounds. Local favorite food at this temple is J Dawgs, which serves up delicious hot dogs.

2. Golfland Sunsplash

Looking for something more active and entertaining? Golfland Sunsplash is just the place. Built-in 1973, it is the largest and most visited water park in Mesa. Visitors can enjoy more than 30 unique attractions, including waterslides, miniature golf courses, arcade games, and laser tag. Apart from satisfying adrenaline, you can culminate the fun in this park with a visit to their food court, which offers a great variety of snacks, from cotton candy to orange chicken.

3. Boyce Thompson Arboretum

The Boyce Thompson Arboretum is a botanical garden located in Superior; it features over 3200 desert plants from around the world. The main attractions include a herb garden, butterfly garden, hummingbird garden, and even a tropical rainforest. There are well-kept hiking trails throughout the garden that visitors can follow to see more of the gardens' flora and enjoy a leisurely walk. Local favorite food here is the enchiladas at Los Hermanos.

4. Superstition Mountains

By travelling through Apache Junction, visitors can have access to the Superstition Mountains, an area of Arizona that is infamous for the legends about the Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine. The mountains offer breathtaking views of the desert landscape, rocky peaks, deep canyons, and plenty of trails for exploring. As visitors pass through highway 88, they will be welcomed to the famous Tortilla Flat restaurant that serves fantastic burgers and famous prickly pear ice cream.

5. Desert Botanical Garden

Right before you reach the final destination, Phoenix, another must-see garden attraction is the Desert Botanical Garden. This garden features unique and varied exhibits of desert plants from around the world. It is a perfect spot for taking a relaxing stroll while admiring the impressive desert flora and charming skyline views. Hungry visitors can taste pizza and beer at Gertrude's Restaurant inside the garden.

Plan Your Road Trip Today

In conclusion, taking a short road trip through Arizona offers travelers an excellent chance to be surprised by hidden attractions while appreciating the desert surroundings. By visiting places like the Boyce Thompson Arboretum, Mesa Arizona Temple, and Superstition Mountains, visitors can see some of Arizona's most unique and natural locations. This road trip offers visitors a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of the big city and trade it for a bit of quiet solitude, but visit some of the best that Phoenix has to offer, such as its stunning gardens and world-class museums. So pack your bags and make the most of Arizona by embarking on this excellent journey today.