Discover Phoenix
106 carefully curated photography spots with GPS coordinates, shooting tips, and local insights
Dobbin's Lookout at South Mountain Park
A viewpoint offering panoramic views of Phoenix and the surrounding landscape. Perfect for sunset and landscape photography.
Hole in the Rock at Papago Park
A unique rock formation with a natural aperture. Ideal spot for capturing dramatic sunsets and interesting rock structures.
South Mountain Park & Preserve
Offers stunning desert landscapes and mountain vistas, ideal for panoramic shots.
Hole-in-the-Rock
Located in Papago Park, this geological formation offers panoramic views of Tempe and Phoenix. It's a great spot for sunsets and creative compositions.
Marcos de Niza Ridgeline/National Loop Trail
Located in South Mountain Park, this trail offers panoramic views of Phoenix and Chandler. Ideal for landscape and sunrise photography.
Dobbins Lookout
Part of South Mountain Park, offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains. It's a popular spot for sunset and sunrise photography.
Dobbins Lookout (South Mountain Park)
A scenic viewpoint offering panoramic views of Phoenix, ideal for landscape and sunset photography.
Dobbin's Lookout
Located in South Mountain Park, Dobbin's Lookout offers panoramic views of Phoenix, making it ideal for sunset and aerial photography. It's a top spot for capturing the city's skyline and the surrounding mountains.
South Mountain (Mormon Trailhead)
A popular hiking spot with stunning views of the city and diverse desert landscapes, ideal for landscape and outdoor photography.
Marcos de Niza Ridgeline / National Loop
Part of the South Mountain Park, offering breathtaking views and challenging trails. It's ideal for landscape photography and capturing the beauty of the Sonoran Desert.
South Mountain - Dobbins Lookout
A viewpoint offering panoramic views of Phoenix and the surrounding mountains, perfect for landscape and sunset photography.
Hole-in-the-Rock at Papago Park
A geological formation offering panoramic views of Tempe and Phoenix. It's a natural frame for photography compositions.
Papago Park - Hole in the Rock
A unique rock formation offering panoramic views of Phoenix. It's a great spot for sunset photography and offers a captivating geological feature.
Papago Park (Hole in the Rock)
A unique rock formation that offers panoramic views of the city, ideal for landscape and sunset photography.
Papago Park Butte
A unique rock formation offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape, perfect for landscape and adventure photography.
Hole-in-the-Rock Trail
A natural rock formation in Papago Park, providing panoramic views of Tempe and Phoenix. It's a great spot for capturing desert landscapes and unique rock formations.
Hole in the Rock, Papago Park
A unique rock formation offering panoramic views of the city, ideal for sunset and urban landscape photography.
Roosevelt Row Art's District
An area known for its vibrant murals and street art, great for urban photography and capturing the city's artistic vibe.
Hole in the Rock
A unique rock formation at Papago Park, offering scenic views and interesting rock structures, ideal for landscape and urban photography.
Desert Botanical Gardens (Phoenix)
Although located in Phoenix, this garden is a short drive from Goodyear and offers an array of unique plant species and beautiful landscapes. It's ideal for nature and botanical photography.
Roosevelt Row Arts District
This vibrant district is known for its murals, making it perfect for capturing street art and urban landscapes. The area features a mix of historical buildings and new art installations.
South Mountain Park - Mormon Trailhead
One of the largest municipal parks in the U.S., offering extensive hiking trails and breathtaking views of the city.
Downtown Phoenix Parking Garage
Offers a panoramic view of the city skyline, ideal for urban and landscape photography.
Biltmore Resort Area
While not directly in Tempe, this area offers opulent architecture and manicured gardens, and is a short drive away.
Dobbins Lookout on South Mountain
Offers panoramic views of Phoenix, making it ideal for sunset photography and cityscape shots.
Cave Creek Regional Park
This park provides a mix of desert trails, mountain views, and wide-open spaces, making it perfect for landscape and nature photography. It's also a great spot for capturing distant mountain ranges.
South Mountain Park and Preserve
South Mountain Park and Preserve, located directly southwest of downtown Phoenix, is one of the largest municipal parks in the United States, offering over 16,000 acres of Sonoran Desert landscapes, rugged mountain peaks, and iconic saguaro cacti. This location is legendary for its sweeping desert panoramas, dramatic rock formations, and abundant golden-hour light, making it a top choice for landscape, portrait, and nature photography in Phoenix[1][3][4]. The area around 10919 S Central Ave is particularly notable for its accessibility, proximity to the main park entrance, and classic desert vistas that embody the essence of Arizona’s natural beauty. Key features include the distant city skyline, towering saguaros, creosote-covered hills, and the unique interplay of light and shadow across the rugged terrain[1][3][5].
Hole-in-the-Rock Trail at Papago Park
A short hike leads to a natural rock formation offering panoramic views of Papago Park and the surrounding area. It's a great spot for framing photos.
Downtown Phoenix from the Top of a Parking Garage
Offers a panoramic view of the city skyline, perfect for urban and aerial photography.
Derby Sakura Park (Margaret T. Hance Park)
Known for its cherry blossoms, this park offers a serene environment for nature and cultural photography.
Piestewa Peak Summit
This summit offers panoramic views of the Phoenix area, making it an excellent location for landscape and nature photography. The hike is challenging but rewarding, especially during sunrise or sunset when the light casts a golden glow over the cityscape.
South Mountain Park
South Mountain Park offers stunning views of the city skyline and surrounding mountain ranges. It is the largest municipal park in the United States, featuring over 50 miles of hiking and biking trails. The park is also home to several ancient petroglyphs, making it a unique photography opportunity.
Apex Trailhead - South Mountain Park
A popular hiking trail with stunning views of the city, ideal for capturing landscape and action shots.
Marcos de Niza Ridgeline/National Loop
A scenic hiking trail in South Mountain Park, offering panoramic views of Phoenix and the surrounding landscape.
North Mountain Park
Located in nearby Phoenix, North Mountain Park offers steep trails and panoramic views of the city. It is ideal for landscape and urban photography.
Roosevelt Row Parking Garage
This parking garage offers a unique vantage point for capturing the city skyline, making it ideal for URBAN and AERIAL photography. The rooftop provides an elevated view of downtown Phoenix.
Phoenix Japanese Friendship Garden
A serene oasis in the heart of Phoenix, featuring beautiful gardens, water features, and a teahouse. It's ideal for capturing tranquil natural scenes.
Desert Botanical Garden
Home to more than 50,000 plants, the Desert Botanical Garden offers a vibrant setting for photography. Its displays of cacti, succulents, and wildflowers provide a stunning backdrop for NATURE and LANDSCAPE photography. The garden's unique botanicals and seasonal flower blooms make it an ideal location for capturing the beauty of desert flora.
South Mountain Park - Dobbins Lookout
Dobbins Lookout offers panoramic views of the city and is a popular spot for sunset photography. Its elevated position provides breathtaking vistas of Phoenix and the surrounding mountains.
Corona de Loma Trail/Warpaint Loop
Offers scenic desert trails with unique rock formations, ideal for landscape and nature photography.
Desert Botanical Gardens
Showcases a variety of desert flora, providing a unique and vibrant setting for nature photography.
Phoenix Zoo
Home to over 2,000 animals, the Phoenix Zoo offers opportunities for wildlife and nature photography. It features a variety of habitats and a large collection of animals from around the world.
Downtown Phoenix & Roosevelt Row
Vibrant area with colorful murals and urban architecture, ideal for street photography.
Papago Park Butte Loop Trail
A scenic hiking trail offering views of red sandstone formations and surrounding desert landscapes.
Dobbins Lookout (Accessible via Desert Trails)
While not directly in Mesa, Dobbins Lookout in South Mountain Park offers panoramic views of Phoenix, making it a great spot for landscape photography.
Horseback Trailhead at South Mountain Park
Situated near Chandler, this trailhead offers a mix of desert landscapes and mountain vistas, ideal for capturing panoramic views and landscapes.
Heritage Square Phoenix
A historic area featuring Victorian-era homes turned into museums and shops, offering a glimpse into Arizona's past and making it a great location for architecture and street photography.
Papago Park
Known for its unique red rock formations, Papago Park offers scenic views and opportunities for LANDSCAPE and NATURE photography. The park includes the Phoenix Zoo and the Desert Botanical Garden, making it a versatile location for various photography styles.
Heritage Square
A historic district with brick pathways and greenery, surrounded by the Arizona Science Center and other historic buildings. It offers a charming setting for photography.
Arizona Science Center/Heritage Square
Heritage Square offers historic buildings and a touch of greenery, while the Science Center adds a modern architectural element, making it a versatile photography location.
Papago Park (near the zoo)
A scenic park with unique rock formations and gardens, ideal for landscape and nature photography.
Downtown Phoenix - Top of a Parking Garage
Offers a panoramic view of the city skyline, ideal for capturing urban landscapes and sunsets.
North Mountain Trail
This short hike offers great views of the Phoenix area, making it ideal for landscape and nature photography. The steep climb provides a rewarding summit with panoramic views, especially during sunrise or sunset.
Civic Space Park
Civic Space Park is a vibrant urban space in downtown Phoenix, featuring public art installations and modern architecture. It's a great spot for street and urban photography.
Phoenix Courthouse
Known for its unique architecture, this courthouse offers a great spot for urban photography with interesting angles and lines.
Downtown Phoenix (Top of a Parking Garage)
Offers a panoramic view of the city skyline, ideal for urban photography, especially during full sun or shade.
Kierland Commons
An upscale outdoor shopping center with modern architecture and scenic landscaping, suitable for urban and street photography.
Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix
This serene garden features beautiful landscaping, water features, and a variety of plants, making it perfect for NATURE and ARCHITECTURE photography. Visitors can capture tranquil scenes and unique architectural elements.
Washington Street and Central Ave
A vibrant urban crossroads with the light rail, offering dynamic city life scenes. It's perfect for capturing street and urban photography.
Washington Street and Central Avenue
A bustling crossroads in downtown Phoenix, ideal for capturing urban life and street scenes. The area is surrounded by modern architecture and public art.
Roosevelt Row
Known for its vibrant art scene and eclectic street art, Roosevelt Row is perfect for capturing urban life and street photography.
Heard Museum
A world-class museum of Native American art and culture, featuring contemporary and historic architecture, outdoor sculpture gardens, and vibrant courtyard murals. The Heard offers unique opportunities for cultural, architectural, and environmental portrait photography, with bold Southwestern design elements and rotating art installations.
Apache Wash Loop Trail
Located slightly outside Cave Creek, this trail offers scenic views of the desert landscape, ideal for nature and landscape photography.
Papago Park - Public Park
A versatile park offering diverse backdrops, including desert scrub, buttes, and a small pond, making it ideal for portraits and nature photography.
The Churchill
A vibrant hub of restaurants and bars, offering interesting backdrops for portraits and urban photography. It provides a lively atmosphere with unique seating and lighting.
Heritage Square Courtyard
Part of the Heritage Square complex, this courtyard offers a charming blend of historic architecture and greenery, ideal for street and architectural photography.
Phoenix City Hall
This building offers a great backdrop for urban photography with its large steps and tile exterior. It's ideal for editorial-type photos.
Arizona Science Center
A modern architecture building surrounded by the historic Heritage Square, offering a blend of urban and historical photography opportunities.
The Heard Museum
A museum focused on Native American art and culture. The architecture and gardens offer opportunities for cultural and landscape photography.
Top of a Parking Garage
Provides a panoramic view of the Phoenix skyline, ideal for capturing cityscapes and sunsets. The height offers a unique perspective on urban life.
Downtown Phoenix
Downtown Phoenix offers vibrant street and urban photography opportunities, with a mix of modern architecture and bustling city life.
Corona de Loma Trail (Warpaint Loop)
A scenic trail with unique rock formations, this spot is ideal for nature and adventure photography.
Downtown Phoenix Photo Location - Top of a Parking Garage
Offers a panoramic view of the city skyline, ideal for urban and cityscape photography.
Rio Salado Audubon Center
Located along the Salt River and offering a mix of urban and natural environments. It's great for capturing wildlife, especially birds, and offers scenic views of the river and surrounding landscape.
Talking Stick Resort Arena
A venue hosting sports and entertainment events, good for event and street photography.
Corona de Loma Trail - Warpaint Loop
A hiking trail with scenic views of the surrounding landscape, suitable for nature and adventure photography.
Granada Park
A large public park with mountain views, ideal for capturing Piestewa Peak in the background during sunrise or sunset. It offers ample space for picnic photoshoots or setting up props.
Corona de Loma Trail
Located in Ahwatukee, this trail offers scenic views of the surrounding desert landscape, making it suitable for nature and landscape photography.
Saguaro Ranch Park
Saguaro Ranch Park offers scenic views of the majestic saguaro cacti, making it ideal for landscape and nature photography. The area is also suitable for capturing the Arizona sunset.
W. Portland St.
A vibrant street in Downtown Phoenix, offering a variety of urban photography opportunities with its eclectic mix of architecture and street art.
Rio Vista
A scenic area with interesting rock formations, ideal for landscape photography.
North Phoenix Desert
A vast area of desert landscapes, offering opportunities for nature and landscape photography, especially for capturing the majestic saguaro cacti.
Phoenix Japanese Friendship Garden of America
A serene garden with Japanese-inspired landscaping, offering peaceful scenery for nature and botanical photography.
Thunderbird Park
Thunderbird Park offers a mix of hiking trails and scenic views, making it ideal for landscape and nature photography. The park includes three main hills, each with trail options, providing diverse perspectives for photographs. The accessible location with picnic areas adds to its appeal for casual and outdoor photography sessions.
Roosevelt Arch
Note: There is no specific Roosevelt Arch in Phoenix, but Roosevelt Row offers architectural and artistic elements. For a distinct arch, consider the city's general architecture.
Papago Park and the Phoenix Zoo
Papago Park includes the Phoenix Zoo, which offers a variety of wildlife and natural settings for photography.
Ak-Chin Pavilion
An outdoor amphitheater hosting various concerts and events. Suitable for event and street photography.
Heritage Square Park
Similar to Heritage Square but includes more green spaces and walking paths, offering serene urban photography opportunities.
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
Offering aerial views and unique perspectives of planes taking off and landing. Best for aviation enthusiasts.
Bischoff's at the Park
A charming eatery with a beautiful park setting, perfect for capturing relaxed outdoor scenes.
Arizona Capitol Museum
While not directly in El Mirage, this museum offers opportunities for architectural and historical photography in Phoenix. The building's design and surrounding area provide a mix of urban and historical elements.
Castles 'n Coasters
An amusement park with opportunities for capturing vibrant colors and dynamic action shots, especially during evening hours when the rides are lit up.
Highball
A unique bar with a vintage vibe, ideal for capturing urban nightlife and candid moments.
Skunk Creek
Located in the wider area of Phoenix, Skunk Creek offers opportunities for nature and wildlife photography, especially for capturing the creek's surroundings.
Verrado Downtown
A vibrant downtown area with palm-tree lined streets, water fountains, and mountain views. Ideal for capturing urban life, architecture, and natural scenery.
Phoenix Industrial Area
An area with industrial landscapes and urban decay, ideal for capturing unique urban and street photography.
Pioneer Living History Museum
An outdoor museum showcasing Arizona's pioneer past through recreated buildings and artifacts. It's an excellent spot for historical and architectural photography.
Washington Street and Central Ave Crosswalk
A photogenic urban crossroads with dynamic backdrops, offering a vibrant city setting perfect for street photography.
Ahwatukee Foothills
Part of the larger Phoenix area, Ahwatukee Foothills offers scenic views and hiking trails, making it suitable for nature and landscape photography.
Phoenix Art Museum
A large art museum featuring diverse art collections and architectural designs, suitable for cultural and architectural photography.
Phoenix Museum of Natural History
A museum featuring exhibits on natural history, suitable for historical and architecture photography.
Rio Vista Recreation Center
A community center with surrounding parks and play areas, suitable for capturing family and recreational activities.
Margaret T. Hance Park
A public park with lawns and walking paths, offering opportunities for urban and nature photography.
Coldwater Ranch Open Space
A tranquil open space with walking trails and scenic views, ideal for capturing serene landscapes and outdoor activities.
Western Avenue Recreation Center
A community center with outdoor recreational spaces, offering opportunities for casual portraits and lifestyle shots.
Hole in the Rock (Papago Park's alternative: Tempe Hole in Rock is not the same location as Papago's Hole in the Rock)
This is not a unique location as it is already mentioned in Papago Park. Removing for clarity and to avoid duplication.