Top Rated Parks to Visit in Tempe Town Lake

"The McCormick Stillman Railroad Park is a 30-acre park in Scottsdale that offers rides, attractions, and tons of family fun. Take a ride on the Paradise & Pacific Railroad or the Allan Herchell 1950s-vintage carousel, and then explore the Scottsdale Railroad Museum and Model Railroad Building. Kids will love to play on the unique playgrounds, Western Town Play Structure, or get ice cream from Hartley’s General Store."

"Scottsdale’s McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park is the most unique park of its kind in the country. The 30 acre park’s centerpiece is the Paradise & Pacific Railroad, a fully functional 15 gauge railroad with scale steam and diesel locomotives and riding stock. No trip to the park is complete without a ride on the 1950-vintage Allan Hershell carousel or a visit to the Scottsdale Railroad Museum."

"Papago is a nice desert park located near the zoo and the botanical gardens in Scottsdale. And it contains buttes that made due to weather (red rocks buttes), a network of trails to hike, fishing lagoons, and picnic shelters (Ramadas) with awesome views like impressive things. So, do not forget to bring your camera to capture the red buttes."

"Take the easy hike to the infamous “hole in the rock” at Papago Park and take in the epic city views. Papago Park, located in south Scottsdale, is known for its short hikes, scenic rock formations and destination-worthy amenities like the Phoenix Zoo and the Desert Botanical Garden. View this post on Instagram"

"About 8 miles east of downtown, Papago Park is known for its colorful sandstone buttes. There are mountain biking and running trails including the 5K Fitness Trail, Elliot Ramada Loop Trail and Double Butte Loop Trail. The Papago Amphitheater is a nice place to rest or have a picnic."

"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."

"South Mountain Park offers you unrivalled exploration of Arizona's nature trails. The park has an array trails along which you can hike and get to the mountain's top. The hikes are quite fun and have been described as fulfilling by many a tourists in the area."

"When you want an up-close experience with the majestic beauty of the desert, head to Pinnacle Peak Park in Scottsdale. Pinnacle Peak is one of the Valley's most iconic natural landmarks and a popular destination for local hikers and visitors. The 150 acre park is rated as a moderate hike by The Sierra Club, with an approximate elevation gain of 1,300 feet."

"Pinnacle Peak Park is a 150-acre desert park perfect for hikers, trail runners, and mountain bikers. The park features a 1.75-mile one-way trail that provides travelers the chance to stretch their legs. The rough terrain makes the park ideal for great hikes."

"The Enchanted Island Amusement Park at Encanto Park is a family-friendly vintage theme park with a cartoony medieval theme that features themed rides, arcade games, a historic carousel, pedal boats on the lake, a train ride and a splash pad for hot summer days. Situated in the heart of Phoenix’s picturesque Encanto Park, the park also features a variety of fun activities for all ages, such as bumper boats, a tiny coaster, a choo-choo train, paddle boats and canoes, urban fishing, picnicking, and the water-themed Castle Clash, with targets, water guns, and water cannons. 1202 W Encanto Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85007, Phone: 602-254-1200"

"The 222-acre Encanto Park kind of has it all — a fishing spot, quaint boat house, pool, trail, sports complex, golf courses, the Enchanted Island Amusement Park, and an adorable surrounding neighborhood. The grass is up for grabs, the ramadas are first-come, first-serve, and the Amphitheater Island ramadas take reservations. But note: There’s no access to electricity in the park, so you’ll have to go with prepared food at this one."

"You’re not going to want to bring a checkered blanket and a picnic basket to this park. There’s too much to do. Located in Central Phoenix, Encanto Park was named one of the top 12 city parks in the country by Forbes magazine."

"El Dorado Park is one of the biggest municipal parks in Scottsdale, featuring 60 acres of green space and two lakes. This is a popular weekend destination, with four reservable ramadas, seven drop-in ramadas, three reservable picnic areas, and two drop-in picnic areas. There are two playgrounds for the kids, three lighted softball fields, a soccer field, full basketball court, and lighted sand volleyball court."

"For over 50 years, Eldorado Park has provided the Scottsdale community with a place to connect and play. This 60-acre park offers sports and water recreation activities, including a multi-use path, community center, lighted ball fields and more amenities. In addition, visitors find playgrounds, a lake for fishing, swimming pool and picnic areas, all ideal for families to spend the day outdoors."

"You’ll find a fitness center and a rounded path that extends between North and South Lake (go to North for boating and South for picnicking). A little detour off the mile-long Full Loop Trail is Wedge Skate Park. And scattered throughout the grounds are sets of ramadas (for days when the Arizona sun is at its peak)."

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

"This play area has a water tower, spray tubes and plenty of seating for adults. The park has a playground and disc golf course. Details: 9 a.m.-sunset daily through Sept. 28."

"The center has a splash pool with interactive spray and fountain features. The pool has lap lanes and a diving board. Details: Opens Memorial Day weekend."

"Just because you have dietary restrictions doesn't mean you don't love the occasional bakery treat. Luckily, eating gluten-free has gotten a lot easier in the Valley of the Sun, especially when it comes to finding high quality, gluten-free bakery treats. My Gal, Sal Bakery & Catering, an independent north Phoenix bakery, offers an impressive selection of baked goods, including gluten-free pastries and baked goods."

"Ruze Cake House is known for its fresh and innovative cake designs that couples all over the Phoenix area have enjoyed for years. Jessica and her team delight in getting to know their couples and crafting a unique wedding cake that makes their dreams come true. Choose either one of their affordable yet elegantly designed wedding cakes or a breathtaking multi-tiered design that fills an entire table with treats that your guests will love."

"If you’re tired of getting the regular bubble tea, try Ruze Cake House!. This cute tea shop in the Arts District puts a local twist to the classic Taiwanese beveragewith its signature drink, the Ruze. It is a blend of prickly pear tea, prickly pear puree, rosewater syrup, tapioca and milk, crowned with a big poof of cotton candy."

"Looking for a fun pit stop for the sweet tooth in your life?. If so, Růže Cake House absolutely needs to be added to your travel list. Plus, their iconic neon sign is perfect for photos, and choosing a macaroon flavor is almost impossible because the variety is almost endless!"

"You pick the flavors and the toppings until your perfect froyo mix is made. Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt offers nonfat, gluten-free, vegan, no sugar added and low carb options, so there’s something for everyone. At Menchie’s, we make you smile!"

"Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing. With excellent customer service and mouthwatering sushi, the Sakana Restaurant has been a firm local favorite for many years. The portion size is good, the price is fair and you can be rest assured that you are enjoying top-quality products."

"Since 1994, Sakana Sushi & Grill has served the Greater Phoenix Metro area with the highest quality food and service. We curretly have four locations around the Valley in Ahatukee, Glendale, Scottsdale and Superstition Springs."

"If you want dim lighting, a lengthy sushi bar, and a BYOB policy, head just north of the intersection of Seventh and Missouri avenues to Hana Japanese Eatery. This small family-owned and -operated eatery offers dishes like squid maruyaki, scallop edamame kasane age, Hana tempura, and various bento box lunch options. The restaurant's closed Mondays, but on other nights you can enjoy your favorite craft beer or a bottle of sake with a Hana Pecha roll or maguro teriyaki."

"A post shared by Gary Knudson (@adsport) on Feb 11, 2018 at 5:19pm PST. Nothing epitomizes family more than Hana Japanese Eatery, a warm and welcoming spot located in the heart of central Phoenix. Patriarch Kazuto Kishino, and siblings Lori Hashimoto and Koji Hashimoto, own and run the restaurant, which serves Japanese cuisine prepared using the most authentic and revered techniques."

"Lori Hashimoto’s Japanese restaurant covers a lot of ground: sushi, hibachi, katsu, tempura, soba, and much more. The family-style eatery focuses on the classics and is known for cooking them deftly. Grilled seafood including miso-marinated tuna, yellowtail collar, and whole squid are a highlight."

"This Scottsdale hot spot charges premium prices for its sushi, but it provides a premium experience to match. Excellent rice is lightly seasoned but very well-balanced, and paired with selections from a compact menu of fish filled with indulgences like kanpachi, Hokkaido uni and multiple cuts of the highly prized (if brutally overfished) blue fin tuna. If their wasabi lacks the sinus-clearing sting you get at most restaurants, that’s because Roka Akor uses the genuine article, freshly grated — not the harsh, green-dyed horseradish or punchy pickled condiment that many sushi bars advertise as “fresh wasabi."

"Serving a theatre of Japanese cuisine…sushi, sashimi and traditional Japanese dishes with a contemporary twist. Serving a theatre of Japanese cuisine…sushi, sashimi and traditional Japanese dishes with a contemporary twist…"

"Squid Ink is a fusion concept with items ranging from pot stickers, ramen and chicken wings to duck confit and coconut curry shrimp. The sushi menu serves up just about every crowd-pleasing sushi, rolls, and sashimi one could want, including many house specialty rolls. Happy hour daily from 3 p.m."

"Ultra-modern decor sets the stage for this restaurant’s creative sushi & Japanese-fusion plates. Located on Central Avenue at CityScape Phoenix, Squid Ink features a delightful selection of sushi and sashimi, as well as salads, ramen and rice bowls. I recommend the surf n turf house roll."