I’m a New Yorker who visited Phoenix for the first time, and 8 things surprised me

During February in New York, I always miss the warmth of the sun. So my week in Phoenix was a pleasant break from the bitter cold. While it snowed back home, I was experiencing 70-degree days and 50-degree nights in Arizona.

Thanks to the mountains in the distance, there was always a nice view when driving in Phoenix. There are no mountains in my city, so I marveled at these landscapes every day while I was there. 

Some of the tallest nearby mountains include Camelback Mountain, Piestewa Peak, Two Bit Peak, and Mummy Mountain.

Even from the most urban parts of Phoenix, you can see mountains in the distance. Viewing them amid downtown buildings and traffic gave the city a strong sense of place that I don’t experience in the northeast.

I took a day trip to Sedona while visiting Phoenix, and the peaceful hiking trails and epic views of the Red Rocks made it worth the two-hour drive.

Next time, I want to visit the Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, and Glen Canyon, too. 

From palm trees to succulents, I noticed that Phoenix was full of plant variety in neighborhoods, on busy streets, and in natural areas.

There are many more kinds of plants native to Arizona than in other US states because of the region’s varied climates and altitudes, according to the Arizona Native Plant Society, which estimates about 4,000 native plant species in the state.

For that reason, I’m especially interested in visiting the Desert Botanical Garden during my next trip.

Art Deco, Spanish Colonial, Victorian, Pueblo Revival, Art Moderne, French Provincial — these are just a handful of architectural styles I saw while strolling the streets of Phoenix. The eclectic mix comes from Phoenix’s rich history of various influences, according to Historic Phoenix Districts.

I love photographing various architectural styles, so walking around downtown Phoenix was really inspiring. Next time, I want to explore the architecture outside the downtown area to see more Victorian and Pueblo Revival architecture in residential areas.

Walking through downtown Phoenix, I felt like I was in an immersive art museum. There seemed to be a mural around every corner with varying styles and color palettes.

I had some of the best guacamole I’ve ever had, with heaps of pomegranate seeds mixed in, from Barrio Cafe in Phoenix. 

Another great spot, Snooze, is a breakfast eatery with locations across the US, except the northeast. I’ve been to other Snooze locations in Austin, and the Phoenix location was just as delicious.

Many of my friends who have lived in the state have told me that sunsets are better in Arizona. After spending a week in Phoenix, I agree.

There’s something epic about watching the sunset over a mountain range, and in Arizona, the view felt especially inspiring with so many saturated colors. 

I watched the sunset nearly every day in Phoenix, and I’m sure I will next time, too.