Bike Riding in Phoenix!

Breathing in the fresh air . . . warm sunshine on your face . . . sounds of children playing.

Phoenix has phenomenal weather this time of year.  It’s sunny, clear, and warm during the day and slightly chilly in the evenings.  It’s a great time for being outside and enjoying our phenomenal climate. It’s a perfect time for bike riding in Phoenix!

This the time of year that Ron and I dust off the bikes, pump up the tires, and head outdoors.  Sometimes we pedal around downtown, sometimes we head out to one of the many bike trails, and sometimes we just head out to one of our favorite nearby neighborhoods.

Exploring the Willo and Encanto-Palmcroft Districts

Lamp post in Willo District, Phoenix

One of our favorite places to ride bikes is through the historic Willo and Encanto-Palmcroft Districts, a couple of Phoenix’s notable residential neighborhoods located about a mile from the downtown.

It’s a fun and relaxing ride.  Wide tree-lined streets adorned with Victorian streetlamps.  Neighborhoods filled with stately homes, graceful gardens, and beautifully landscaped yards.

In these historic neighborhoods, each home is unique.  No cookie cutter designs here!

Vine Covered home in Palm Croft District, Phoenix

Rambling ranch styles next door to adorable English bungalows.  Half-timbered Tudor designs and Spanish colonials.  Earthy mission styled adobe homes with red-tiled rooves.  Although most homes have been restored, exterior features resemble what they looked like in previous decades.

Hob Nobs Cafe in Phoenix

Many of the local businesses in the area are charming and unique, and one such place is Hob Nobs.  It’s a local hang-out where you can grab a quick cup of coffee, enjoy a leisurely weekend brunch, or splurge on a homemade pastry.  This picturesque little restaurant with the charming green roof has the appearance of coming right out of a storybook!

But besides its appearance, there’s also a strong sense of community here.

Roses and Lamp Posts in Palmcroft

For example, because these are older neighborhoods, lot sizes and shapes vary.  However, residents have used it to their advantage.  These small unclaimed shapes of land have been converted into community gardens and social gathering places.  Benches sit under the shelter of large sweeping trees, beckoning residents and guests to sit, relax, and watch the world go by.

Benches at Encanto Park

These distinctive neighborhood features, as well as their close proximity to downtown are main reasons why these neighborhoods are appealing (and pricey) today.

Willo and Encanto-Palmcroft are not the only historic neighborhood districts in the downtown, and bike riding is one of the best ways to tour these residential areas.  There’s no need to worry about parking, the streets are pedestrian and bike friendly, and it’s a great way to get some exercise.

Grid Bikes in Phoenix

Even if you’re visiting or you don’t own a bike, it is easy to rent one.  I’ve included a link to Grid Bike Share which has quite a few bike rental locations.

If you’re a visitor or a native to Phoenix, this is the perfect time of year for being outdoors.  And Phoenix is great bike-friendly city!