Top Rated Parks to Visit in Maricopa

"Looking for some fun sightseeing options in Phoenix, Arizona?. The South Mountain Park and Preserve is a great urban park to do the trick, and it’s officially considered a Phoenix Point of Pride while being among America’s largest parks of its kind. South Mountain Park and Preserve first began being plotted back in the 1920s, and it now has more than 16,000 acres to its name, consisting of 60 trails and plenty of stunning desert panoramas to take in."

"You can start your Phoenix Vacation by exploring the South Mountain Park with its variety of flora and fauna. It is also the home of the chuckwalla specie, a rare form of lizard. Enjoy the breathtaking view of the Phoenix at the lookout point at 1,000 above the desert floor."

"Desert Breeze Park has one of three spray pads in Chandler, one of two urban fishing lakes in the city, two playgrounds, four tennis courts and a volleyball court. One of the more popular parks in the East Valley, Desert Breeze Park is 47 acres of fun for the whole family. It has one of three spray pads in Chandler, one of two urban fishing lakes in the city, two playgrounds, four tennis courts and a volleyball court."

"Desert Breeze Park is a lovely destination for people wanting to walk around, play, or host a picnic — so much so that on the weekends it’s always busy!. However, if you take the time to go on a weekday, you’ll find a park that’s serene and open — with plenty of places to fish or sit in the shade!"

"Enjoy boat and bike rentals, two large corporate picnic areas, playgrounds, 15 ramadas, urban fishing and seasonal movies in the park."

"Visiting this park will allow you and your canine to honor a K-9 who gave his life in the line of duty in 2005."

"Quiessence is a farm-to-table restaurant set on the beautiful 10-acre working The Farm at South Mountain outside Phoenix. Set in a historic home just south of Southern Avenue in the charming area of the South Mountain Village known as The Farm District, Quiessence delivers an authentic “farm-to-table” experience using locally sourced produce, meat, and wine. The restaurant serves a market-driven menu of locally sourced and organic cuisine such as artisan bread and cheeses, charcuterie meats, handcrafted pasta, and freshly harvested vegetables, edible flowers, eggs and herbs in a variety of options."

"32nd St., Phoenix, 602-276-0601, qatthefarm.com Tucked away on The Farm at South Mountain, on 10 acres of pastoral paradise, the Q is perfect for a romantic, get-away-from-it-all dinner. Executive chef and co-owner Dustin Christofolo turns out exceptional house-baked breads, house-made pasta and produce from the property’s garden, but first, the stunning charcuterie board to jump-start your unforgettable date night."

"Set within the Sheraton Grand Hotel at Wild Horse Pass, Kai Restaurant is a five-star, award-winning restaurant that serves elite interpretations of Native American fare. The elegantly appointed dining establishment features calming décor in warm earthy tones and floor-to-ceiling windows with spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding desert landscape. The restaurant specializes in using fresh locally sourced ingredients and regional produce along with rich Arizona-made olive oil to prepare sublime dishes with time-honored Native American techniques."

"The ancient farmed and wild foods of the Sonoran Desert get a global filter at Kai, owned by the Gila River Indian Community. Chef Ryan Swanson’s “Pee-posh garden” unites the best of the desert’s seasonal bounty in one dish, emulating a garden. Right now, that means “plants” like hedgehog mushrooms, fermented I’itoi onion, and pickled baby corn from an Akimel O’odham farm, all interspersed with espuma and frozen pesto."

"Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account. One of Chef Swanson's favorite seafood creations: Steelhead Trout & Sturgeon Roe with warm tomato gazpacho water, Arizona juniper, nasturtium petals and charred leeks. Kai - the name means “seed” in the language of the native Pima tribe whose home is nearby - is Arizona’s only restaurant to have secured AAA’s prestigious five-star rating."

"A three-course dinner ($44.95) will be served 10 a.m.- 9 p.m. and offer choice of a salad or lobster bisque starter, an entrée of pan roasted teriyaki glazed turkey and a full complement of sides like Portuguese sausage stuffing, sesame carrots and truffle mashed potatoes. Select a maple brown sugar pumpkin tart or chocolate torte for dessert."

"The outdoor dining and atmosphere couldn't be better with the beautiful JW Marriott hotel grounds the exterior. Roy's offers an aloha hour most evenings featuring special appetizers and beverages. The restaurant is known for its high-end Hawaiian fusion fare in a contemporary setting."

"A three-course dinner ($44.95) will be served 10 a.m.- 9 p.m. and offer choice of a salad or lobster bisque starter, an entrée of pan roasted teriyaki glazed turkey and a full complement of sides like Portuguese sausage stuffing, sesame carrots and truffle mashed potatoes. Select a maple brown sugar pumpkin tart or chocolate torte for dessert."

"The outdoor dining and atmosphere couldn't be better with the beautiful JW Marriott hotel grounds the exterior. Roy's offers an aloha hour most evenings featuring special appetizers and beverages. The restaurant is known for its high-end Hawaiian fusion fare in a contemporary setting."

"Ling & Louie’s Asian Bar and Grill is where authentic Chinese food and distinct specialties from Asia come together in a vibrant contemporary restaurant. Combining authentic Asian food with American hospitality, stylish interiors with affordable prices, familiar with new dishes, spicy with mild offerings, the restaurant is a marriage of the best of Eastern and Western traditions. Check the website for happy hour locations and specials at the two locations."

"A post shared by Ling & Louie's Restaurants (@lingandlouies). 9397 E Shea Blvd | Scottsdale | lingandlouies.com. Looking for a fun and unique dining experience?"