The Best Travel Guide to Phoenix, Arizona

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Phoenix

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North America United States Phoenix, Arizona

Overview

Phoenix, Arizona The guide was updated: 2021-05-03

Phoenix is in the unique position of having warm weather year round. While temperatures do reach upwards of 100 degrees in the summer months, it’s dry heat you can breathe—without the downfalls of humidity! Phoenix is also the most populous state capital in the U.S., which translates to a richly diverse collection of cultures and activities. And perhaps most spectacularly, every drive or stroll through the city is accompanied by a backdrop of the Sonoran Desert, sandy mountain ranges and eternal blue skies.

Facts

Population:	1.626 million
Currency:	U.S. Dollars $1 = 100 cents
Search Accommodation:	Hotels »
Emergency numbers:	911
Newspapers:	The Arizona Republic East Valley Tribune The Jewish News of Greater Phoenix Phoenix New Times The State Press College Times The Bachelor's Beat
Opening hours:	Most stores are open seven days a week 10am to 8pm, or later. Bars and clubs tend to close around 2am.
Tourist information:	Greater Phoenix Convention & Visitors Bureau 400 E. Van Buren Street, Suite 600 +1 602 254 6500

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Section in Phoenix, Arizona

Adventures amidst the Sonoran Desert and a rich history create plenty to do in this fantastic city. Much of Phoenix's appeal lies with its natural beauty, from the tremendous mountains erected from the deserts to the museums that have captured the essence of Native Phoenix. There is more excitement beyond the trails and city streets, with an opportunity to see the Phoenix from the skies!

Camelback Mountain

Camelback Mountain

Standing at 2,704 feet tall, Camelback Mountain is conveniently located in the center of the Phoenix Valley. From the mountain's base to its top, the panorama of the beautiful landscape and city is all around, making the hike a must for locals and visitors alike. Hikers may choose from two challenging trails, Echo Canyon or Cholla, with Echo Canyon being steeper and Cholla being longer. Guided hikes are also available. Blue skies and a feeling of accomplishment will meet you at the top of Camelback!

Musical Instrument Museum

Musical Instrument Museum

If you don't know what a Sanza is, you can find out in the Musical Instrument Museum. See their exhibition of more than 6,800 instruments from all over the world, learn about who plays them and what era they come from. Of course, you'll be able to try some of them.

Chase Field

Chase Field

Whether you are a Baseball fan or not, you might want to add a visit of Chase Field to your schedule. This modern baseball park offers informative tours of the stadium with knowledgeable guides. Once the game is on, you will surely enjoy your visit.

The Children’s Museum of Phoenix

The Children’s Museum of Phoenix

This interactive museum is literally a huge playground for children, with activities for all age groups. You'll watch them have fun trying all sorts of devices, contraptions and toys.

Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting

Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting

Hall of Flame is an educational display of fire equipment. It shows the history of firefighting, beginning from the 19th century and ending with the newest trucks from the 70's and '80's.

Phoenix Zoo

Phoenix Zoo

Located close to the Botanical gardens, Phoenix Zoo has all different kinds of animals. There is a large area dedicated to those of the Sonoran desert and you can get quite close to most of them. They also organize daily activities that allow you to interact with the animals, such as camel riding, stingrays petting and goat brushing.

Martin Auto Museum

Martin Auto Museum

A must for those interested in cars and their history. This is a personal collection museum of vintage cars and other memorabilia you can learn interesting facts about.

Arizona Outdoor Fun

Arizona Outdoor Fun

Go on a desert winding road tour on ATVs. It will be a fun ride on these powerful machines and you will learn a lot about the desert as well. Just make sure you wear clothes you are willing to get dirty.

2 Fly Us Hot Air Balloon Rides

2 Fly Us Hot Air Balloon Rides

Escape the city and add another dimension to your Phoenix trip with a hot air balloon ride. 2 Fly Us offers scenic flights over the Valley of the Sun seven days a week. Guests can even choose sunrise or sunset flights, providing the weather is clear and safe. Rides may be scheduled all year round, and each package lasts between 2 and 4 hours (factoring in pick and drop off), with 1 hour for the in-air flight. Booking in advance is required.

Heard Museum

Heard Museum

The Heard Museum has been preserving Native American culture with historical accuracy and diligent sensitivity since 1929. Collaborating with Native peoples from the Phoenix area, Heard is recognized for its educational programs and exhibits, as well as its exciting festivals. Native artists and communities have contributed gorgeous art and their own, first person perspectives. Every first Friday of the month, except for March, the admission is free from 6 to 10pm.

Carnival of Illusion

Carnival of Illusion

Long raved as a must-see event for Phoenix locals and visitors, the Carnival of Illusion brings a taste of old world magic to the Valley of the Sun. The Carnival combines Vaudeville Magic, Mystery and romantic intrigue for a night of endless entertainment. As each show is limited to a few dozen guests, advance reservations are required. Note that children under 13 are not admitted.

South Mountain Park

South Mountain Park

With a surface of more than 16,000 acres, the South Mountain Park and Preserve is the largest municipal park in the nation. On its trails there are activities for everyone, from horseback riding to hiking and mountain biking. Cars enter Summit Road and are allowed to proceed to Dobbins Lookout and Gila Lookout. Dobbins Lookout is perfect for a valley vista, and Gila Lookout provides riveting views of the Gila River Valley. Be wary that the road is not only shared by bikers and hikers, but also contains steep sections and blind curves. Do not exceed 25 mph.

Mystery Castle

Mystery Castle

Born of Boyce Gully's love for his daughter, the Mystery Castle was erected by Gully himself as a testament to imagination, creativity and passion. The castle has now been critically acclaimed and nationally recognized for its fortitude and emotionally stirring qualities. The Mistery Castle is open from October through May.

Arizona Biltmore Resort - Adobe Course

Arizona Biltmore Resort - Adobe Course

50 year-old fairways, spaciously lush layouts, serene mountain vistas and grand history all await guests at the Adobe Golf Course at Arizona Biltmore. The Adobe is Phoenix's diamond of courses, alluring players who retain a respect for golf's rich past.

Orpheum Theater

Orpheum Theater

Bryan Adams, Lewis Black and Feist are just several actors to have passed through the esteemed Orpheum Theater at Phoenix. A Spanish Baroque Revival décor adorns the lobby, while the 1,364-seat auditorium has imposing columns and a hand-painted ceiling depicting the sunset. The Orpheum features the Theatre League’s Broadway Series, national tours, comedy shows and even jazz concerts.

Pueblo Grande Museum

Pueblo Grande Museum

The Pueblo Grande Museum is Phoenix's learning destination for those wishing to venture into the history and ancient cultures of the area. Guests can walk along the outdoor interpretive trail, which features a ballcourt of the Hohokam people, prehistoric ruins of their platform mound, canal waterways, housing replicas and an interpretive agricultural garden. There are also three educational galleries to be explored, where you can learn more about archaeology and the Hohokam people.

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