20+ Best Phoenix Photography Locations

From jaw-dropping desert views to colorful murals, Phoenix, Arizona, has no shortage of fantastic photo opportunities across the Valley. 

Whether you’re looking for a romantic backdrop for engagement photos, a cool spot to take senior portraits, the perfect backdrop for family pictures, or even the most instagrammable spots to capture on your vacation, we’ve got you covered! 

Don’t miss these great Phoenix photography locations to take photos in and around the valley!

Phoenix

1. Desert Botanical Garden

The Desert Botanical Garden is easily one of the best locations in Phoenix for photos. This popular tourist destination is filled with lush, green desert plants and plenty of cacti to create one of the most beautiful backdrops in Phoenix! 

2. Papago Park

Located next to the Phoenix Zoo, Papago Park is filled with unique rock formations, red sandstone buttes, palm trees, beautiful lakes, and more to offer endless photographic possibilities, from beautiful family photos to romantic engagement shots. 

Tip: Take a short hike up to “Hole-in-the-Rock” for a scenic shot of Downtown Tempe and Arizona State University.

3. Downtown Phoenix & Roosevelt Row

Downtown Phoenix is filled with excellent photo spots that offer a unique urban feel. However, of all the places to take photos in Downtown Phoenix, Roosevelt Row Arts District stands out since it is filled with colorful street art, murals, and more!

4. Japanese Friendship Garden

Also located in Phoenix, AZ, the Japanese Friendship Garden offers the perfect spot for family portraits, senior photos, and more. The peaceful location features a teahouse, tea garden, bridges, streams, waterfalls, and a koi pond.

5. South Mountain Park & Preserve

If you’re looking for beautiful rural photos in the desert, South Mountain Park & Preserve is one of the best locations to take pictures. If you’d like to take a hike, climb up to Dobbins Lookout for unmatched views of the Phoenix area. 

Tip: Finish your hike around sunset to capture spectacular views of the Arizona sky. 

6. Camelback Mountain

The hike to the top is challenging, but the great photos you’ll get from the top of Camelback Mountain are certainly worth the trek!

7. Tovrea Castle at Carraro Heights

Although Arizona doesn’t have many historic buildings, Tovrea Castle at Carraro Heights is a National Historic Landmark surrounded by desert plants and cacti that provides a great photo backdrop for your next photography session.

Scottsdale

8. Sugar Bowl

Located in Old Town Scottsdale, the Sugar Bowl Ice Cream Parlor and Restaurant is a charming diner with retro décor and pink walls unchanged since the 1950s. While you’re here, grab a few photos sipping a milkshake!

9. The Scott Resort

The Scott Resort is one of the most popular luxury hotels in Scottsdale and one of the most instagrammable places in the area. The Cuban-inspired décor, beautiful interiors, and gorgeous amenities will offer you plenty of photo opportunities.

10. McDowell Sonoran Preserve

The Sonoran Desert offers the best backdrop for desert photos in Scottsdale. You’ll be able to find plenty of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails to venture off on to find the perfect location for a photoshoot. Plus, the sunsets here are spectacular!

11. Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA)

The SMoCA is one of the best museums in Scottsdale and has tons of unique exhibits and beautiful pieces of artwork that offer creative backdrops for photos. Since the displays are constantly changing, you’ll have a new experience every time you visit!

Mesa

12. Salt River

The Salt River runs from the Theodore Roosevelt Lake in Eastern Arizona until it converges with the Gila River near Goodyear. However, you can go tubing on the Salt River in Mesa, and the surrounding area is a great spot to take photos. 

Tip: Keep your eyes peeled to spot some of the wild horses roaming around the lake.

13. Usery Mountain Regional Park

This regional park in Mesa offers a great backdrop for family photos off the beaten path. You’ll see plenty of plants, wildlife, and more at this scenic destination.

Gilbert

14. Downtown Gilbert

Much like Downtown Phoenix, Downtown Gilbert offers plenty of colorful murals, unique architecture, and the perfect mix of small-town vibes and a big-city feel that makes it one of the best locations for family photos, senior pictures, and more.

15. Water Tower Plaza

The Gilbert Water Tower offers a unique backdrop for a photo. The area also has a splash pad, benches, and shade trees, and it’s within walking distance of tons of popular restaurants, making it a fun place to hang out after your photography session.

Tempe

16. Tempe Town Lake

Tempe Town Lake is a popular spot for proposals, and it’s easy to see why! The Elmore Pedestrian Foot Bridge is an ultramodern bridge offering an excellent spot to pose, and the sparkling Tempe skyline provides the perfect backdrop to create a beautiful photo composition.

Glendale

17. Sahuaro Ranch Park

If you find yourself in West Phoenix, you can’t miss the chance for a photoshoot at Sahuaro Ranch Park. This location is a popular destination for family photos and features historic ranch buildings, a rose garden, and even the occasional peacock roaming around.

Chandler

18. Downtown Chandler

Searching for photo locations in Phoenix that offer charming boutiques, colorful street art, and vibrant buildings? Look no further than Downtown Chandler—a spot filled with plenty of photo-worthy spots around every corner.

19. Veteran’s Oasis Park

If you want to feel like you’ve escaped Arizona during your photoshoot, check out this popular park in Chandler, filled with fishing lakes, scenic hiking trails, and more.

Bonus Locations for Family Photos & More

Although these spots are outside the Phoenix Metro area, if you’re willing to travel, they’ll provide an excellent desert backdrop for your photoshoot!

• Superstition Mountains 
• Lost Dutchman State Park 
• San Tan Valley
  

Capture Unforgettable Memories at the Best Photo Locations in Phoenix

Whether you’re looking for a vibrant urban backdrop or a peaceful desert oasis, you’ll find no shortage of places to capture the perfect shot around the Valley! 

If you’re traveling to Phoenix and searching for a place to stay, look no further than our comfortable, luxury vacation rentals. Our stylish homes in Central Scottsdale provide the perfect launching point to explore the famous photo locations on this list in Scottsdale, Phoenix, Mesa, Chandler, and beyond during your vacation. 

Browse our wide selection of homes to discover the luxury amenities, thoughtful finishes, and spacious accommodations that await you in Scottdale, Arizona!