Ed L.
Yelp
On my last evening here in Phoenix / Tempe, Arizona, I decided to pick up dinner nearby and walk to Papago Park to check things out and eat outdoors and enjoy the last of my vacation in 2021. It was nice and breezy, while being in the low 50's F. Quite enjoyable.
I arrived here about 5:30pm after picking up dinner and there was a few people hanging out. I also saw couple of families with their kids and their dogs. Papago Park is pretty large, although I didn't walk around the circumference of the park. The desert landscape was interesting and definitely not what I am used to seeing, but it was a vacation. There's a handful of lakes here that complete the park, along with the Phoenix Zoo as well to complement the entire property. My time spent here was probably 2 hours, so I can get back to my hotel in time to get a full night's sleep before an early wake up call to get myself back to the airport for the ride home. The interesting thing about Papago Park is that it's connected to a golf course too. The entire block that is Papago Park includes the zoo and the golf course. Not many parks and open spaces can boast that kind of thing. With that said, I found myself a spot overlooking a lake and it was nice. It was peaceful and quiet, as most parks are.
I would advise not coming here late at night, since things tend to happen late at night or early evening randomly. For the most part though, it was an enjoyable time spent here at Papago Park here in Tempe, Arizona, especially after eating dinner before sunset. The overall experience here at Papago Park was very nice and therapeutic. The desert scene in a park is so much different than the ones I'm used to in Honolulu, HI. A lot less green, but more yellows, oranges, and browns that make up this fascinating and inspirational landscape that is Papago Park. I walked around after eating my dinner and checked things out. It was genuinely a good experience for me, especially at a tail end of a vacation that included a 50km timed foot race in Glendale a few days prior to this visit. It was nice to see families and people visit the outdoors, especially with the whole covid thing that is still ongoing. I did enjoy everything there is to see here in Papago Park. I walked a bunch around the park to clear my head and walked off dinner a bit before heading back to the hotel. If you are in the area and want a boost of inspiration, consider coming to the Papago Park in sunny Tempe, Arizona. It's quite unique!
Papago Park is located in the heart of Tempe, Arizona. Like many community parks, admission is free, which is always nice. Come as you go, kind of thing. Nearby is the main line of N Scottsdale Road, which is close enough to the Arizona State University - Tempe campus. I wished that I did see the Pheonix Zoo, but that's a visit for another time. As far as parking goes, you'd want to consult local area maps and consider street parking for your options. Since I walked here from my hotel on N Scottsdale Road, I don't know if there's private parking strictly for Papago Park itself, but I hope there is. If you are coming on public transportation, consider the right routes and times to make your trip here the best ever. Best bet would be to come here either early in the morning to catch the sunrise and to beat the heat or the sunset. Regardless of when you come, have a wonderful time here. I know I did and hope to come again soon. Oh, there's always Uber and Lyft too, if you need them to come here to Papago Park.
5.0 stars for the overall experience.
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