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Uniquely Arizona video: 10 weirdest things to see and do<\/p>\n
From Chloride to Santa Claus to a giant green tiki head perfect for selfie stops, Arizona is full of unexpected things to see. Here are the 10 best.<\/p>\n
The 10 iconic spots in metro Phoenix you must visit poll<\/a> launched last week, with 10 worthy contenders going head to head in a reader poll to determine the best can’t-miss spots for first timers<\/a>, taking your family or friends, or for those who just have a layover.<\/p>\n Round 1 of voting closed with hundreds of readers voting to determine the three finalists. The top three have made it to the second round of the iconic spots in metro Phoenix you must visit poll.<\/p>\n Vote for your favorite<\/a>\u00a0before midnight on Sunday, Oct. 5. The winner of the most iconic spot in metro Phoenix you must visit poll will be announced on Wednesday, Oct. 8.<\/p>\n But first, let’s meet the final three contenders.<\/p>\n Vote on the best metro Phoenix spots for new visitorsMusical Instrument Museum<\/p>\n The\u00a0Musical Instrument Museum<\/a>\u00a0isn\u2019t just a museum: It\u2019s a full-on sonic journey through global sound. Nestled in north Phoenix, the museum houses over\u00a013,000 instruments<\/a>\u00a0from more than 200 countries.<\/p>\n What makes it an iconic Phoenix experience is how interactive it is. With headphones provided upon entry, you can walk past exhibits and hear the instruments being played in their home cultures \u2014 whether it\u2019s a Chinese guzheng, a Nigerian talking drum or Johnny Cash\u2019s guitar.<\/p>\n The Artist Gallery features legendary performers like Taylor Swift, Elvis, and Celia Cruz, but what truly cements this museum as a must-visit is its immersive Experience Gallery, where you can play gongs, harps, and other instruments.<\/p>\n Camelback Mountain in Phoenix<\/p>\n Camelback Mountain<\/a>\u00a0is the hike that defines Phoenix. If there\u2019s one trail that\u2019s become a rite of passage for locals, snowbirds, and celebrities alike, it\u2019s this one.<\/p>\n Towering in the heart of the Valley, the mountain is instantly recognizable for its camel-shaped silhouette and is home to two of the most popular and grueling summit trails: Echo Canyon and Cholla. It\u2019s not a walk in the park \u2014 expect steep inclines, scrambling over rocks, and zero shade. Just be warned: This hike is no joke. If you’re not a seasoned hiker or you show up at noon in July with no water\u2026 well, that rescue helicopter might end up being your ride down.<\/p>\n However, the payoff is a jaw-dropping, 360-degree view of Phoenix that feels downright cinematic.\u00a0Katy Perry<\/a>, Luke Bryan, Michael Phelps and JJ Watt, have all laced up their boots to take on Camelback, making it a star-studded stomping ground.<\/p>\n Desert Botanical Garden<\/p>\n The\u00a0Desert Botanical Garden<\/a>\u00a0is a true Phoenix gem, showcasing the rugged beauty and diversity of the Sonoran Desert like nowhere else. Tucked inside Papago Park, this\u00a0140-acre garden<\/a>\u00a0is home to more than 50,000 arid plants, with trails that wind through towering cacti, vibrant wildflowers, and rare succulents.<\/p>\n It’s not just a place to admire desert flora; it\u2019s a living museum that offers art installations, seasonal light shows like\u00a0Las Noches de las Luminarias<\/a>, and even concerts under the stars. Whether you’re a nature lover or just want that perfect golden hour photo, the Garden offers a peaceful escape and an iconic slice of Phoenix\u2019s natural soul.<\/p>\n Got a story you want to share? Reach out at\u00a0Tiffany.Acosta@gannett.com<\/a>. Follow\u00a0@tiffsario<\/a>\u00a0on Instagram.<\/p>\n Looking for the best things to do in Arizona<\/a>? Sign up for our newsletter.<\/p>\n