Oases in the desert: Phoenix's parks and gardens feature lagoons, plants, pools, and more

For an immersive experience that invites you to glimpse some of the customs and architecture of the east, right here in the west, the Japanese Friendship Garden is the perfect hidden gem. In 1976, Phoenix and Himeji, Japan, became sister cities, and the garden represents this relationship. Located in the heart of downtown, the 3.5-acre garden includes a teahouse, strolling paths, gently flowing streams, a 12-foot waterfall, more than 300 koi fish, and serene landscapes.

Events and workshops—from tea ceremonies and meditation to Aikido (martial art), and Nihongo (language)—take place throughout the year, so be sure to take advantage of this amazing space you might otherwise miss.

Open daily to the public, the Desert Arboretum Park at Arizona State University is home to desert horticulture that takes you through the state's vast history of plants. Olive trees, date palms, cacti, and much more make up this "living laboratory" that's important to both classroom and public education.

Housing more than 900 species, the space is Arizona's largest public arboretum and contains trees that were planted as far back as 1908. Tree tours based on themes such as "Medicinal Plants,” "Edible Landscapes,” and "Tropical Trip" are offered throughout the year, so be sure to check this season's tour schedule. The university truly prides itself on the knowledge and resources it has to offer when it comes to horticulture and even provides virtual tours for those wanting to learn from their own home.

Located in Sahuaro Ranch Park, in front of the Glendale Library, Xeriscape Botanical Gardens is an award-winning desertscape that invites you to explore hundreds of species of plants. Follow a short trail that winds past cacti, trees, blossoms, and other flora that call the Sonoran Desert home.

Xeriscaping is simply a form of landscape design that requires little to no irrigation or maintenance and is popular in conservation-conscious regions. A sculpture garden can be found behind the library, and the park is also home to historic ranch homes, an orchard, a rose garden, as well as additional trails to complete your adventure. The garden is free and open to the public from dawn to dusk.

You won't see a tumbleweeds or cowboys, but you'll feel as if it’s possible at Spur Cross Ranch, a county park filled with flora, fauna and hiking trails. This conservation area also features ancient petroglyphs, a river that flows throughout much of the year (rainfall permitting), barely touched paths ready to explore, and views that will take your breath away.

At 2 miles, Elephant Mountain Trail is the longest trail in the park, but it can be strenuous. The Limestone Trail connects to it, creating a much longer loop that allows you to see a wide variety of plants and animals, all while getting a great hike, bike ride, or horseback ride in. The park is conveniently located less than 40 miles from downtown Phoenix but secluded enough to allow visitors to wander desert trails through a saguaro forest. Allow yourself some time to enjoy the hike and embrace all the wildlife the Sonoran Desert has to offer.