Romantic Restaurants, Getaway Places 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."

"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."

"Located at the Arizona Mills in Tempe, Sea Life Arizona is a 26,000-square foot interactive aquarium that is home to thousands of aquatic and marine creatures in a variety of habitats. The family-friendly park features state-of-the-art attractions such as a 360° ocean tunnel where visitors can see sharks, rays and turtles glide past and over them, an interactive scavenger hunt, and several interactive touch pools where sea creatures can be touched. The first-of-its-kind, outdoor Colorado River Adventure attraction allows kids to twist, turn and control the water path of the Colorado River from the Rocky Mountains to the Sea of Cortez and learn how land-locked desert cities affect the ocean."

"SEA LIFE is the world’s largest family of aquariums and includes SEA LIFE Aquariums in North America including SEA LIFE Arizona, Carlsbad, Charlotte-Concord, Dallas/Fort Worth, Kansas City, Mall of America, Michigan, New Jersey (opening soon), Orlando, and San Antonio (opening soon). From its origins in 1979 in Oban, Scotland, SEA LIFE now provides immersive marine experiences in nearly 50 locations in 17 countries around the world. We aim share our passion for the creatures of the oceans and to make our guests fall in love with them."

"5000 S Arizona Mills Cir Suite 145Tempe, AZ 85282(877) 526-3960. Click Here To See Ticket Price. SEA Life Arizona is one of our favorite kid-friendly attractions in the area."

"This farmhouse turned eatery, nestled in the historic Farm at South Mountain, is a love fest both in setting and cuisine. Its rural tranquility offers a lush backdrop for guests as well as chef Dustin Christofolo, whose daily menu of contemporary American farm cuisine includes ingredients harvested at next-door Soil & Seed Garden. Whether clinking glasses of vino at the exclusive Brick Oven Table on the patio or holding hands over a dish of dreamy homemade pasta in front of a crackling fire, Quiessence at The Farm has amore written all over it."

"No list of the most romantic restaurants in Phoenix would be complete without mentioning one of the absolute most amorous spots in the city, Quiessence at The Farm. Serving up a true love fest of flavours and ambiance, the tranquil setting lends itself to an idyllic romantic evening for two. Ingredients are harvested next door, ensuring food is fresh and fantastic."

"Quiessence restaurant is located in the back of The Farm at South Mountain, an oasis that takes you just slightly outside the typical desert landscape. You can dine either on the farmhouse patio or out on the lawn beneath the Valley sky. The menu is made up of local ingredients from the farm and other local businesses."

"This pizzeria prides itself on keeping the East Coast traditions alive in a snug environment made for the family as well as for food. There’s nothing better than a pizza made by an Italian-American family who knows pizza!"

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

"Tempe History Museum is showing two exhibitions focused on video game culture, and also has a robust lineup of artifacts related to historical and contemporary Tempe. Current exhibits include "Video Invaders" and "Two Players, Two Quarters: Such and Champ Style." The latter features works by a local father and son whose work is also on view in several murals around metro Phoenix. Museum Day hours are 10 a.m."

"The museum explores Tempe history through collections, research services, exhibits and programs that captivate and connect with audiences throughout the community and beyond. Open Tuesday – Sunday. Closed Mondays and major holidays."

"Available all day, five Slice Specials let you mix and match a huge slice cut from a 24-inch pie, salad, wings – or even a second slice – plus a drink for $4.49-$8.99, depending on your choices. Options include basic cheese or pepperoni to specialties like the Hawaiian, Margherita or pesto chicken."

"Located southwest of Phoenix, Estrella Mountain Regional Park boasts 20,000 acres of pristine desert, mountains and even a large wetland. Amenities are available to visitors, including baseball fields, the only grass picnic area (65-acres) in the Maricopa County Park System, a golf course, fishing from the Gila River, and over 33 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Short hikes include the 2.4-mile Baseline Trail and all day hikes include the Pedersen Trail which encompasses 8.7 miles."

"Silver Rose Bakery in Phoenix specializes in creating wedding cakes that are moist and flavorful. They take pride in crafting elegant tastes that keep their customers coming back. Choose from one of Michael & Priscilla’s artfully designed cakes, or they will take your designs and turn them into a tasty reality that all of your guests will love and compliment on your wedding day."