Jan 27, 2023

Located in the southeastern outskirts of Phoenix, the city of Chandler, AZ is a perfect base to discover the urban and natural attractions that southern Arizona has to offer and go on exciting day trips in your new 2023 Cadillac Escalade. Whether you are searching for sprawling nature reserves to go hiking, interesting museums to learn about the region’s history, or well-known tourist attractions, here are three great spots you can visit without driving too far from downtown Chandler.

1. Phoenix

Without a doubt, the most popular day trip destination among Chandler residents is downtown Phoenix. Known for its year-round sun and the southwestern hospitality of its residents, the capital and most populous city in the state of Arizona has something to offer for all types of visitors. Driving to downtown Phoenix from the Chandler city center takes about half an hour via route I-10.

Some of the local landmarks and tourist attractions you should not miss while exploring downtown Phoenix include the St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Basilica, the Arizona Science Center, Civic Space Park, and the Arizona Capitol Museum. Other popular spots outside the city center include The Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix, the Desert Botanical Garden, the Phoenix Mountains Preserve, and the Phoenix Art Museum.

2. Tonto National Forest

Located a little under 90 miles northeast of the Chandler city center, Tonto National Forest is a well-known nature reserve that can be reached in about one hour and a half via route AZ-87. A sprawling area featuring several different types of cacti and boasting forested mountains, rivers, and a plethora of nature trails, this national forest is the perfect spot for a nature escape in the area.

Managed by the United States Forest Service and encompassing an area of nearly three million acres, Tonto National Forest is among the ten largest national forests in the entire country. Welcoming more than six million visitors every year, this place offers excellent opportunities for hiking and wildlife watching, providing habitat to bald eagles, New Mexico black bears, coyotes, and North American cougars.

3. South Mountain Park and Preserve

Offering fantastic views of downtown Phoenix and its surrounding areas, South Mountain Park and Preserve is a popular weekend destination among residents of the Phoenix metropolitan area. Open every day of the week between 5:00 am and 7:00 pm, this public recreation area is located about 15 miles northwest of the Chandler city center and is a perfect spot to go on a challenging hike or have a picnic with your friends or family.

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