From local street art and quirky bars to contemporary architecture and inviting botanical gardens, Arizona boasts an abundance of #instaworthy spaces and locations you don’t want to miss.
The Scott Resort and Spa, Scottsdale
Just outside Old Town Scottsdale, lies a lush desert oasis inspired by the 1920’s Bauhaus design movement. Recently, it was transformed into a light and plant-filled paradise.
On-site, there’s a unique little restaurant that emanates swanky Havana vibes. Surrounded by vintage décor, while enjoying their delicious Cuban/New American dishes, you will feel like you are in the heart of Cuba.
Boulders Resort and Spa, Scottsdale
Located on the edge of the town, this North Scottsdale retreat is more #instaworthy than the desert itself.
Sweetly named “Rosie’s Rock,” this stunning boulder is perched alongside one of the tee boxes of the gorgeous South Course, making it the perfect place for a golf outing. The balancing rock shot alone is worth the drive.
Have a photo of you taken from the right angle, and you will look like the strongest person in the world.
This rare collection of mammoth boulders lined along the horizon is a result of an earthquake that took place 12 million years ago.
Růže Cake House, Scottsdale
Being “grammable” is deeply embedded into the store’s business model, or at least it appears so. From cactus-shaped cookies to the cute neon sign, the Růže Cake House is a great place, to, as they would put it, “stop and smell the roses.”
This pastry shop and cafe located in the Arts District of Old Town is every influencer’s dream. All of their recipes and Boba teas are created in-house.
Their signature drink, the “Růže,” is to die for. Created with tapioca pearls, rose syrup, prickly pear puree, and prickly pear tea, it’s a must-try for every visitor. The hot pink liquid served in a stunning glass is definitely something you want to have on your ‘gram.
Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix
This flowering desert oasis is a place where you just need to sit back, relax, and the perfect selfie will come naturally.
The colorful plethora of specimen plants will give you and your camera a lot to work with. The Succulent Galleries area and the surrounding copper cultural arches leave no one unimpressed.
This surreal garden is located in the shadows of Papago Buttes. It boasts more than 50,000 plant displays.
Home to plants from all around the world, the garden is a succulent and incredibly diverse ecosystem with snaking trails that let you explore it hours on end.
Aside from their permanent exhibits, the Desert Botanical Garden hosts an array of fun events during the holiday season, such as the Dueling Pianos singalong experience, Dog’s Day in the Garden, and the wonderful Las Noches de Las Luminarias.
Camelback Mountain, Paradise Valley
In the city’s backyard, you will find some of the best sights in the state. This Phoenix icon is located just 20 minutes from downtown.
But do know that this unique piece of nature is a double-edged sword—if you want a quality Insta snap, it will make you work for it.
The wonderful trails strewn across the valley are great for burning off the calories from last night’s frozen Margaritas. To grab an iconic desert shot, you’ll have to climb Scottsdale’s most popular StairMaster. Undoubtedly, the view is worth the effort.
Roosevelt Row, Phoenix
We measure the value of classic art by the galleries and museums it is housed in. When it comes to modern art, we do it a bit differently—one of the parameters being how “Instagram-worthy” it is.
Vice’s 2016 Creators Project named the Roosevelt Row one of the most Instagrammed art spaces. Roosevelt Row’s many wonderful galleries and street murals account for its booming popularity. It’s a field day for every lover of street art.
Wonderspaces, Scottsdale
For many, Wonderspaces Arizona has become a prime selfie spot in the Valley. Its goal is to bring cutting-edge artwork to new audiences. Visitors get to interact with immersive installations and “Instagramming” is encouraged.
In fact, you need to use a smartphone to fully enjoy some exhibits as it can help you see what is hidden to the naked eye, revealing the science behind the illusion. The “Blooms” exhibit is the perfect example of this.
But perhaps the exhibit that stands out the most is the huge, mesmerizing grid of hanging lights that create shifting patterns as one moves through the one-on-a-kind lattice wok.
Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art
The indoor and outdoor exhibits of the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art are sure to offer you endless inspiration, as well as provide you with many Instagram photo ops.
This oasis of unique contemporary art, design, and architecture is a perfect place to recharge on a scorching hot day.
The Knight Rise by James Turrel is a particularly noteworthy exhibit. This modern art masterpiece manages to intrigue every visitor who comes to explore its wonders.
Rebecca is a translator and avid traveller, a book worm and horror flick enthusiast. Her job has given her the amazing opportunity to travel to dozens of countries around the world, and writing on Rough Draft gives her a chance to try to showcase some of them.
