Papago Park

If you still have energy after exploring Tempe Beach Park, you can cross the Mill Avenue Bridge to Papago Park, where you’ll find a day’s worth of activities including Desert Botanical Garden, Rolling Hills Golf Course, the Phoenix Zoo as well as some of the best photo ops in the valley. If you make it to Hunt’s Tomb, you’ll be treated to a breathtaking hilltop view of the valley.

The park is spread out over nearly 1,500 acres and two cities, so it’s best to use your bike if you want to even begin to cover some of the ground. At the southwestern end of Papago Park, there are light rail stops along Washington Ave., where you can leave your bike and board the train towards Mesa.