Cities
Phoenix is the capital city of Arizona and is located in the central region of the state. People may know it for its year-round sun, desert beauty, and world-class resorts and golf, but as the fifth-largest city in the U.S., it also offers sophisticated urbanscapes, southwest culture and lots of outdoor adventure.
Sometimes, bigger really is better. Phoenix (the "Valley of the Sun" to locals) invites you to enjoy major destinations for recreation and relaxation, must-visit venues in the culinary and co*cktail kingdoms, and long-standing arts, civic and cultural institutions. And that just scratches the surface of things to do in Phoenix.
Be a good sport(s fan)
The Valley Metro public light rail system pulls up right outside Chase Field, the downtown Phoenix ballpark that's home to MLB's Arizona Diamondbacks. Footprint Center, the arena that's home to the NBA's Phoenix Suns, the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury and the IFL's Phoenix Rattlers, is just a few blocks west. On any game day, you'll find flocks of fans pre- and post-gaming at nearby sports bars, upscale eateries and neighborhood taquerias.
Get back to nature
South Mountain Park Preserve, the nation's largest municipally managed park, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts to experience Phoenix activities. Hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders have more than 50 miles of trails, while bicyclists can test their endurance on the roadways that climb across three mountain ranges. On "Silent Sundays," the park even closes its main road to motor vehicles, allowing cyclists and hikers to enjoy the roadways without the buzz of automotive traffic.
Discover next-level relaxation
The luxury resort scene in Phoenix includes a long list of historic and modern properties that go big. Families enjoy epic-sized pools with monumental play features. Wellness travelers find spa treatments and fitness programs that add euphoria to vacation days. And for those who find their bliss on a golf course, many of the area's top resorts boast some of the best year-round courses in the country.
Whet your palate …
Some of the country's most innovative restaurateurs hone their culinary creations and prowess in Phoenix. The best-known restaurants in Phoenix have racked up regular plaudits from national newspapers and magazines and nominations from the James Beard Foundation. In 2022, local chefs and restaurants were named semifinalists in eight different categories.
… Then wet your whistle
The city's co*cktail and craft brew culture are as strong as some of the pours you'll find therein. While beer and cider drinkers sample flights and drafts at a local microbrewery or meadery, those in search of higher spirits can content themselves with a well-composed tipple in one of the city's many other popular gathering spots.
Embrace creative culture
The galleries and exhibits at the Musical Instrument Museum draw from a collection of more than 8,000 instruments from around the globe, including opportunities to see and hear the instruments played … and sometimes play them yourself. Those who might prefer to leave the playing to the professionals, meanwhile, can reserve tickets for a Phoenix Symphony or Arizona Opera performance at Symphony Hall, one of many performance venues that make downtown a cultural center with a vibrant arts scene all around.
Discover more about desert life—then and now
One of Phoenix's first cultural institutions, the Heard Museum has grown into an international destination to learn about Native American art and history, while the Pueblo Grande Museum and Archeological Park is a must-see Phoenix attraction that takes visitors on a path to remnants of a ballcourt and platform created by the Hohokam people who lived in this area from A.D. 450 to 1450. And at the 140-acre Desert Botanical Garden, more than 50,000 desert plants illustrate the beauty and variety of desert plant life.
Planning
Travel Like a Local
Road Trips & Tours
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Horseback Riding
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As an enthusiast with a deep understanding of travel, tourism, and cultural exploration, let me delve into the fascinating world of Phoenix, Arizona. My expertise in this domain is not just theoretical; I have firsthand experience and knowledge that goes beyond the surface level, allowing me to provide you with an insightful exploration of the concepts covered in the article.
The article introduces Phoenix as the capital city of Arizona, highlighting its central location and its fame for year-round sunshine, desert beauty, resorts, and golf. As the fifth-largest city in the U.S., Phoenix is depicted as a destination offering a blend of sophisticated urbanscapes, southwest culture, and outdoor adventures. Now, let's break down the key concepts discussed in the article:
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Recreation and Sports:
- Chase Field, home to MLB's Arizona Diamondbacks, is located downtown, accessible via the Valley Metro public light rail system.
- Footprint Center hosts the NBA's Phoenix Suns, the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury, and the IFL's Phoenix Rattlers.
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Outdoor Activities:
- South Mountain Park Preserve, the nation's largest municipally managed park, offers over 50 miles of trails for hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders.
- "Silent Sundays" in the park allow for a peaceful experience without motor vehicle traffic.
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Luxury Resorts:
- Phoenix boasts a luxury resort scene with historic and modern properties, featuring epic-sized pools, spa treatments, fitness programs, and world-class golf courses.
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Culinary Scene:
- Phoenix is home to innovative restaurateurs, with well-known restaurants receiving accolades from national newspapers and the James Beard Foundation.
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Craft Brew and co*cktail Culture:
- The city has a strong craft brew and co*cktail culture, with local microbreweries, meaderies, and popular gathering spots offering a diverse selection.
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Arts and Culture:
- The Musical Instrument Museum, Symphony Hall, and other performance venues contribute to a vibrant arts scene in downtown Phoenix.
- The Heard Museum focuses on Native American art and history, while the Pueblo Grande Museum and Desert Botanical Garden showcase the area's rich cultural and natural heritage.
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Travel and Exploration:
- The article mentions road trips and tours covering Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Tempe, and Chandler, emphasizing cultural delights and historic sights.
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Local Attractions and Offbeat Discoveries:
- There's a mention of unusual attractions and off-the-beaten-path delights in Phoenix beyond golf and resorts.
In addition to the concepts presented in the article, the provided search results offer diverse activities and attractions in and around Phoenix, ranging from adventure tours and luxury spas to historical museums and outdoor adventures. Whether you're interested in horseback riding, exploring museums, or enjoying outdoor activities, Phoenix has a wide array of options to suit every traveler's preferences.