Hotels near Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX).A STEM gallery explores the science of soundwaves and frequency, while the Mechanical Music Gallery showcases player pianos, automatons, and music boxes that play themselves. No, you can’t touch everything here, but a highlight for many visitors (especially kids) is the Experience Gallery, where you can bang gongs and thump on massive communal drums. Strum a Peruvian harp or try your luck at coaxing sci-fi-style wails out of a Theremin at this utterly unique museum showcasing more than 8,000 musical instruments from more than 200 countries. Grab a quick bite at the cafe, or enjoy a sit-down meal of farm-to-table fare at the garden restaurant. The garden also hosts musical performances and art installations. Five themed trails cut through the gardens, which grow against the backdrop of the Papago Buttes, a cluster of striking red rock formations. Thousands of agave and cacti grow here, alongside 485 rare and endangered species.

Looking for something less taxing than a sweaty mountain hike? Explore more than 50,000 plant displays in this gorgeously landscaped 140-acre botanical garden devoted to desert flora. Camelback Mountain is located just twenty minutes’ drive from downtown Phoenix, so you won’t have to wait long after finishing to reward yourself with a snack and a cool drink. As you hike, you’ll be surrounded by the colorful pink, orange, and red hues of the sandstone terrain from which saguaro and prickly pear cactus grow. Both are challenging, featuring rocky terrain, steep ascents, and some climbing.

There are two trails to take to the 1,420-foot summit, the Cholla Trail and the slightly harder Echo Canyon Trail. This mountain earned its name from a pair of peaks that resemble the hump of a camel’s back, and its reputation as a tough but rewarding hike thanks to panoramic views of the Valley of the Sun.

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