Phoenix, Arizona offers an impressive range of settings for family holiday photos. From desert landscapes and iconic cacti to lush gardens and urban parks, Phoenix has backdrops that add character to any Phoenix holiday photo. Here’s a guide to some of the best spots in the area to capture your family’s holiday memories.
Papago Park
Papago Park is one of Phoenix’s most iconic outdoor spots, known for its massive sandstone buttes that create a dramatic backdrop. The Hole-in-the-Rock formation is particularly popular, with its naturally formed window that frames the Phoenix skyline. For a holiday photo with a distinctly Arizona feel, this location is perfect.
The park also has scenic walking paths and plenty of space for families to spread out and find unique settings. Arriving early in the morning or close to sunset will give you the best lighting to highlight the warm colors of the sandstone. The rocky terrain and desert plants around Papago make for classic, outdoorsy family photos that capture Phoenix’s desert charm.
Desert Botanical Garden
If you’re looking for an easy place to access Arizona’s native plants, the Desert Botanical Garden is a must. Located within Papago Park, this 140-acre garden showcases a huge variety of cacti, succulents, and desert trees. The garden’s wide paths make it easy to explore and find spots for photos. During the holiday season, the Desert Botanical Garden often hosts Las Noches de las Luminarias, an event where the garden is lined with luminarias and holiday lights.
The Desert Botanical Garden offers multiple backdrops, from towering saguaros to colorful desert blooms, and the addition of lights creates an extra holiday glow. Families can pose beside clusters of cacti, among native wildflowers, or with the lighted paths in the background.
Encanto Park
Encanto Park is a beautiful green oasis right in the heart of Phoenix, featuring lush lawns, palm trees, and scenic waterways. It’s one of the city’s oldest parks, with historic charm and a mix of landscapes. Encanto Park offers a range of spots for holiday photos, including bridges over canals, open green areas, and plenty of large trees that add depth and interest to the background.
The park’s combination of water features and tall palm trees adds a tropical touch, contrasting with the typical desert scenery. Families with young kids will appreciate the playgrounds and picnic areas where you can relax and capture some candid, playful moments.
South Mountain Park and Preserve
If your family wants a bit of adventure mixed with breathtaking views, South Mountain Park and Preserve is a fantastic location for holiday photos. As one of the largest municipal parks in the U.S., it offers miles of trails, scenic overlooks, and towering desert plants, including giant saguaros. The views from higher elevations in the park are amazing, showing off the Phoenix skyline with the rugged beauty of the desert in the foreground.
Japanese Friendship Garden
For families looking for a change from the desert scenery, the Japanese Friendship Garden offers a calm, elegant setting. Located in downtown Phoenix, this beautifully landscaped garden includes koi ponds, waterfalls, stone lanterns, and meticulously manicured plants. The garden’s design provides a serene and timeless backdrop, perfect for capturing holiday photos with a unique twist.
The Japanese Friendship Garden is especially pretty during the fall and winter months, when the colors are at their peak. Families can pose near the pond, on the stone bridges, or beneath the colorful foliage for photos that feel both peaceful and festive.
Heritage Square
For those wanting a bit of history in their holiday photos, Heritage Square in downtown Phoenix is a charming spot filled with Victorian-style architecture and period details. This historic area dates back to the late 1800s and includes beautifully preserved homes, cobblestone walkways, and vintage lampposts that add character to every shot.
During the holidays, Heritage Square is often decorated with wreaths and seasonal decor, making it a lovely place to capture the spirit of the season. The area’s historic buildings create a timeless, classic feel for family photos, and the holiday lights add an extra festive touch.
Your Private Christmas Getaway
Make your Phoenix holiday even more memorable by staying with Paseo Homes. Our vacation rentals are designed to offer all the comforts of home, with amenities that make your stay enjoyable and stress-free. Each property features a fully equipped kitchen, cozy bed linens, high-speed Wi-Fi, and more, ensuring a relaxing and convenient holiday retreat.
With properties across popular communities like Scottsdale, Gilbert, Cave Creek, and Phoenix, you can select a location that fits your holiday plans best. Whether you’re looking for a home with a hot tub, a game room, or a fire pit, Paseo Homes provides everything you need to enjoy your holiday stay. Choose the comfort and space of a private rental and enjoy a holiday experience tailored to you and your family.
Book Your Holiday Getaway to Phoenix
Phoenix’s combination of desert landscapes, beautiful parks, and holiday decor makes it a wonderful place to capture family holiday memories. With a variety of scenic spots, you’ll find the perfect backdrop for every photo. Plan your holiday trip with Paseo Homes. Reach out to us to book your Phoenix vacation rental and enjoy Phoenix this season with your loved ones!
