The Louis Lee’s Oriental Rock Garden is a Phoenix, Arizona hidden gem…Or at least hidden. It can be found in he residential area, on the outskirts of downtown.
I leisurely drove to the rock garden in the middle of a Monday afternoon and upon approaching the unique home I was surprisingly in awe at what I saw. Amongst the million dollar dwellings in the hills of Phoenix you will come across Louis Lee’s Oriental Rock Garden.
Way back in 1958 Mr. Lee began creating this masterpiece as an answer to having to maintain a typical lawn in the Arizona heat. He started building with rocks but later added arches, buddhas, plates, bottles and even Christmas lights. Though Lee passed away in 2006 and the garden is not open to the public, you can still see plenty from the street. The photos can not do the artistic nature of this home justice. You could easily spend an hour absorbing all of the nooks and crannies of this labor of love. Though, keep in mnd this is a quiet residential neighborhood and the home is occupied.
Have you ever seen a rock garden?
Traveling Soon? Use my Favorite Resources for Booking Your Trip!
Book Your Flight
Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine, because it checks dozens of airlines so you can easily find the best fare deals. You can also select ‘cheapest month’ to find the lowest fares for your destination (I use this all the time!).
Book Your Accommodations
I use both Booking.com and Expedia for hotels, because each offers a couple different hotel choices and I like to compare the reviews on each one. If you have a group or are looking for more of a home atmosphere, head over to VRBO or AirBNB that has houses, apartments and even just a room for rent in every price range.
Book Your Rental Car
If love the freedom to explore like I do, driving from place to place is the best option! I always book with Discover Cars for the best prices and top brand options.
Book Some Fun Tours!
Viator and Get Your Guide are my go-to search engines for cool bucket list experiences! Each one can have different tours, so check both—why limit yourself, right?
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel can be unpredictable. Whether it’s a last-minute cancellation, an injury, or (ugh) theft, things happen. That’s why I recommend never leaving the country without travel insurance. Here are my faves: Safety Wing and World Nomads.
Get Packing & Travel Essentials Ready
Check out the Bucket List Journey Amazon Store to find all my favorite travel essentials. Everything from Packing cubes, to travel adapters and toiletry containers to walking shoes.
*Lastly, check travel.state.gov for visa requirements and safety information.
More About Arizona
A Guide to Visiting Goldfield Ghost Town in Arizona
Take a Helicopter Ride Into the Grand Canyon
Getting Bit By An Ostrich Bird. Not on the Bucket List.
The Cutest Town in Arizona: Jerome
Sedona Chapel of the Holy Cross: Church in the Rock
What to do in Scottsdale, Arizona in 12 Hours
A Unique Arizona Attraction: Mystery Castle in Phoenix
Who owns it now? If it was someone in the family, it seems they would let people come in and see but I understand if its private property; I probably wouldn't want strangers coming and going all hours either!
I love obscure roadside stuff. Can't wait to see your future postings!