• I took a weeklong trip to Phoenix for the first time in 2022.
• During the week, I worked and spent my nights and weekends exploring the city and natural areas.
• I loved the food, scenery, and architecture in and around Phoenix, and I can't wait to go back.

I traveled to Phoenix for the people, but I'll be back for the place.

In February 2022, I left my home in New York City to spend a week in Arizona's capital. I was there to visit loved ones, and I was surprised to find that I'd plan a trip to the Southwestern city even if I didn't know anyone.

The warm weather in Phoenix was so refreshing compared to the cold winter back home in New York.

During February in New York, I always miss the warmth of the sun. So my week in Phoenix was a pleasant break from the bitter cold. While it snowed back home, I was experiencing 70-degree days and 50-degree nights in Arizona.

While I was in Phoenix, it seemed like every drive was scenic.

Thanks to the mountains in the distance, there was always a nice view when driving in Phoenix. There are no mountains in my city, so I marveled at these landscapes every day while I was there. 

Some of the tallest nearby mountains include Camelback Mountain, Piestewa Peak, Two Bit Peak, and Mummy Mountain.

Even from the most urban parts of Phoenix, you can see mountains in the distance. Viewing them amid downtown buildings and traffic gave the city a strong sense of place that I don't experience in the northeast.

I was in awe of otherworldly landscapes that were just a day trip away.

I took a day trip to Sedona while visiting Phoenix, and the peaceful hiking trails and epic views of the Red Rocks made it worth the two-hour drive.

Next time, I want to visit the Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, and Glen Canyon, too. 

I was fascinated by the diversity of plant life in Phoenix.

From palm trees to succulents, I noticed that Phoenix was full of plant variety in neighborhoods, on busy streets, and in natural areas.

There are many more kinds of plants native to Arizona than in other US states because of the region's varied climates and altitudes, according to the Arizona Native Plant Society, which estimates about 4,000 native plant species in the state.

For that reason, I'm especially interested in visiting the Desert Botanical Garden during my next trip.

In downtown Phoenix, I wasn't expecting to find an eclectic mix of historical and modern architectural styles.

Art Deco, Spanish Colonial, Victorian, Pueblo Revival, Art Moderne, French Provincial — these are just a handful of architectural styles I saw while strolling the streets of Phoenix. The eclectic mix comes from Phoenix's rich history of various influences, according to Historic Phoenix Districts.

I love photographing various architectural styles, so walking around downtown Phoenix was really inspiring. Next time, I want to explore the architecture outside the downtown area to see more Victorian and Pueblo Revival architecture in residential areas.

I never knew Phoenix was covered in street art, and I was pleasantly surprised by all the colorful murals painted over building facades.

Walking through downtown Phoenix, I felt like I was in an immersive art museum. There seemed to be a mural around every corner with varying styles and color palettes.

I wasn't expecting to find so many good restaurants in Phoenix, but the city has some delectable eats.

I had some of the best guacamole I've ever had, with heaps of pomegranate seeds mixed in, from Barrio Cafe in Phoenix. 

Another great spot, Snooze, is a breakfast eatery with locations across the US, except the northeast. I've been to other Snooze locations in Austin, and the Phoenix location was just as delicious.

After watching the sun go down in Phoenix, I understand why people say sunsets are better in Arizona.

Many of my friends who have lived in the state have told me that sunsets are better in Arizona. After spending a week in Phoenix, I agree.

There's something epic about watching the sunset over a mountain range, and in Arizona, the view felt especially inspiring with so many saturated colors. 

I watched the sunset nearly every day in Phoenix, and I'm sure I will next time, too. 

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