Phoenix’s Best Photo Spots

Self-styled as a "fine natural history emporium," this downtown Phoenix shop is set up like a museum - one where you can buy the items on display. Leathered bison private parts or creatures-in-a-jar are here to be collected by the most eccentric of us. From delicate plants to downright creepy pickled animals, Curious Nature is not for everyone - but it's never boring!

Built in 2009 and designed by Janet Echelman this oddly named aerial sculpture is responsible for invigorating the downtown area of Phoenix. The design was inspired by the unique cloud formations in the area. If you're wondering about the name, it was taken from a line of poetry by Ralph Waldo Emerson. During the daytime the structure casts shadows resembling clouds and at night it is colorfully lit to a...

To see unmatched views of Phoenix, drive the winding road to the top of South Mountain to get to Dobbins Lookout. If you stay here long enough to see the sun set, you'll be treated to a red glow that spans across the mountains in the distant. Those who want a bit of exercise can choose to hike the Holbert Trail instead of driving to the lookout.

Superheroes or superhero fans, need to eat too so head to the place that is a comic book heaven. The universes of Marvel, D.C., Fox, and Star Wars all exist simultaneously in this comfort-food zone. Enjoy hero-themed cocktails such as Captain Merica or Devil Dared while munching on Lantern's Avocado Fries or Wonder Wings. And, of course, there are plenty of photo opps with life-size characters such as th...

Legendary artist Yayoi Kusama from Matsumoto in Nagano Prefecture of Japan drew on her traumatic childhood experiences to create her illusory-like works. From her early youth she painted as a way to express her emotions. Kusama's interactive installation is set in a square space consisting of four mirrored walls, a black granite floor, a plexiglass ceiling, and 250 LED programmable lights that flash in a...

Completed in 1931 this wedding cake castle was originally intended to be part of a resort. Decades left untouched, the building fell into disrepair. It has only recently been renovated; tours started in 2012. If you'd like to take a tour, book your tickets well in advance. The tours sell out months ahead. You have your choice of tours - from the standard $20 ticket to the $100 per person tour with tea at...

Don Parks has been a collector for 40 years. He collects statues, signs, and more! His yard has become a local landmark since he bought the house in 1971 and started collecting road signs, telephone booths, fire hydrants, a life size elk, a Humpty Dumpty, a cowboy on horseback, and a Paul Bunyan Muffler Man. Don claims he's never had neighbors complain nor did he ever have anything stolen.

William Lunsford, seller of strange items, candy, soda, and souvenirs, built this stone home/store which now stands in delightfully romantic ruins. This is evidenced by the fact that the location seems to be a favorite spot for lovebirds and newlyweds looking for a charmingly rustic place to memorialize their mutual adoration for photos later to be posted on Instagram and Facebook. (Submitted by Kristina)

Built in the 1930s by Boyce Luther Gulley for his daughter, Mystery Castle is located in the city of Phoenix, Arizona, in the foothills of South Mountain Park. Held together by various materials, the 18-room castle, three-story castle was built using stone, adobe, automobile parts, etc. The castle features a chapel, cantina, and even a dungeon! There are some unfinished parts, and plumbing and electricit...

Take a stroll through this serene garden featuring stone footbridges, traditional lanterns, and more than 50 varieties of plants. It was a gift of Himeji, Japan - the sister city of Phoenix - and built in 1996. Over 50 architects from Himeji contributed to the project. There's also a Japanese tea house where tea ceremonies are performed by the Tankokai tea group. As a cultural center, classes on origami ...

Up to 20,000 Mexican free-tailed bats call this manmade Arizona tunnel their home. It was a recent discovery - people who had lived in the area for decades hadn’t known that these small, flying mammals had commandeered the abandoned storm drain. If you'd like to see the incredible bats exit the cave, plan your visit from May to October just after sunset. Despite their undeserved bad reputation, bats are ...