Day Trip: Arizona Capitol

Whether you’re an Arizona native or you just moved to the Grand Canyon State, there’s always something new to learn about where you live. Sure, you’ve explored Downtown Phoenix, but have you been to the true center of the city? Rub elbows with legislators and lobbyists at the historical area around the Arizona Capitol.

Photography by Mary Grace Grabill

3 Places To Eat

A Mission Possible Cafe

Stop in for a philanthropic breakfast or lunch of omelets, burgers, salads or dessert at Mission Possible Cafe. At the nonprofit eatery, all of the proceeds go toward funding Phoenix Rescue Mission’s rehabilitation and vocational training programs for people experiencing homelessness.
1516 W. Van Buren St.
602-688-6240, missionpossiblecafe.com

B Tres Leches Cafe

This locally owned coffee shop is inspired by Mexican flavors and Chicano culture. Sample a range of aguas frescas (refreshing fruit drinks), aguas sucias (which include espresso), teas, lattes, fruit smoothies and more. Be sure to grab a concha (Mexican pastry) before leaving.
1714 W. Van Buren St.
602-368-1804, treslechesaz.com

C Taquerias El Chino

Satisfy your Mexican food cravings at this locally owned taco shop. Though they are a taqueria, PHOENIX awarded them Best Red and Green Chile Burritos in the 2017 Best of the Valley issue.
1803 W. Van Buren St.
602-254-6808, facebook.com/taquerias.elchinousa

3 Things To Do

D Arizona Capitol Museum

Learn about the cultural, political and social history of the Grand Canyon State at the Arizona Capitol Museum. Artifacts from the USS Arizona are housed in the museum, along with a robe worn by United States Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor and a Martin Luther King Jr. exhibit that includes a recording of the speech he delivered at Arizona State University in 1964.
1700 W. Washington St.
602-926-3620, azlibrary.gov

E Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza

Located just across the street from the Capitol, Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza features more than 30 memorials, including one for Arizona pioneer women, and another for World War I Veterans.
1700 W. Washington St.
602-926-3620, azlibrary.gov

F Historic Supreme Court Chamber

Visit the Arizona Supreme Court, which stood next to the Capitol for more than 30 years before moving closer to Downtown Phoenix. The room still has the original wooden court bench, metal light fixtures and doorknobs that are embossed with the state emblem. Many historic cases, like Miranda v. Arizona and the In re Gault case, were argued in this room.
1700 W. Washington St.
602-926-3620, azlibrary.gov

Photo Op

USS Arizona Memorial

Head over to the east side of  Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza to take a photo with the USS Arizona Memorial, overlooking Downtown Phoenix. Combine Arizona’s history that surrounds you with Arizona’s future in the background for the perfect picture.
1700 W. Washington St.
602-926-3620, azlibrary.gov