Best car photo spots in Phoenix

Hand-picked spots in Phoenix

Dobbins Lookout

Scenic & lakeside · Best: Blue hour

Drive up South Mountain to the lookout lot for the whole valley's lights.

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Tempe Town Lake

Scenic & lakeside · Best: Blue hour

Lake, bridges and the Tempe skyline.

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Arizona State Capitol

Historic · Best: Morning

Copper-domed capitol with Wesley Bolin Plaza lots.

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Phoenix Raceway

Industrial · Best: Golden hour

Desert speedway with big lots on non-race days.

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Murals and street art in Phoenix

Murals are the most popular car photo backdrop. Pull up alongside the wall, keep the car parallel to it and shoot from a low angle so the art fills the frame behind the car.

More spots in Phoenix

• Orpheum Theatre Neon & retro
• West Wind Glendale 9 Drive In & Public Market Neon & retro
• Tempe Concrete Arch Highway Bridge Bridges
• Major Troy L. Gilbert Memorial Bridge Bridges
• Deadman's Trestle Bridges
• Salt River Union Pacific Bridge Bridges
• University Bridge Bridges
• Soleri Bridge Bridges

Tips for car photos in Phoenix

• Shoot at golden hour or blue hour. The hour after sunrise and around sunset gives soft light without harsh reflections; blue hour is best for skylines and neon.
• Go early on weekends. Popular mural walls and downtown streets are quiet before 9 AM, so you can park right in front.
• Respect the spot. Stay off private lots when asked, don't block traffic and keep the engine noise down in neighborhoods.
• Hide your plate if you want. Check your shot before you post it.