Glittering like a jewel under the bright Southwestern sun, the dazzling surroundings and the eight months of nearly perfect weather in Phoenix  have drawn people to this fascinating Arizona city.  It is easy to understand why Phoenix was chosen as the  capital of Arizona, Phoenix is an ideal travel destination.  It is known for its warm temperatures and low humidity. Lying on flat desert and surrounded by mountains and green irrigated fields,  it is a resort, convention, and government center as well as a thriving industrial area.

By day, the sun fairly sparkles, and as evening nears the sunsets splash purple and blazing orange across the vast horizon. It is because of these wondrous sights that Phoenix's metro area is called the Valley of the Sun. This once sleepy agricultural town is now increasingly active and constantly expanding.

Residents have no qualms about driving 200 miles for a picnic or a swim, and visitors should be prepared to follow their example by securing a rental car in order to get around.  There is so much to see and do that you will want to explore in all directions. The highway system is easy to understand and to follow.  Even if you don't venture beyond the downtown area, you will find a surprising energy and level of activity amid the buildings at Van Buren and Third streets in the newly restored and renovated Copper Square area.   If you have not visited downtown Phoenix for awhile, the winning combination of quality restaurants, museums, shops, and nightclubs will surely exceed your expectations.

The sun shines all day; the nights are pleasantly cool. There are so many activities and attractions to enjoy while visiting Phoenix. As a vacation spot it pleases both the sophisticated traveler and the casual vacationer.

Population: 1,321,154
Time Zone:  Mountain Standard Time
Language:  English

Average Temperatures:

How to Get There:

By Air

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
3400 Sky Harbor Blvd. Phoenix AZ 85034, 602-273-8880.  Located 10 minutes from downtown Phoenix and less than 30 minutes from Scottsdale, the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport lies at the heart of the southwestern United States. There are hundreds of nonstop and connecting flights from points around the globe each day. The airport is served by many of the national and international airlines as well as certain regional carriers.

Scottsdale Airport
15000 N. Airport Drive, Scottsdale, AZ 85260 , 480-312-2321. Located close to Scottsdale, this regional airport is an ideal choice for leisure and business travelers, seeking close proximity to world class resorts, hotels, restaurants, golf courses, and corporate centers, with an average of 360 VFR days yearly.

Ground Transportation:
Most of the major car rental companies, as well as taxi and limousine service is available at the Phoenix Airport. Limited services available at the Scottsdale Airport.

By Car:
The city is accessible via Interstate 10 from the west (Los Angeles) and southeast (Tucson) and Interstate 17 from the north (Flagstaff)

By Train:

Amtrak
3400 East Sky Harbor Blvd. G.A.I.T. desk in each terminal, Phoenix, AZ 85034, 800-USA-RAIL. This is a stop for Amtrak Thruway connecting bus service. only.  Amtrak trains do not stop in Phoenix.

By Bus:

Greyhound
2115 E Buckeye Rd. Phoenix AZ 85034, 602-389-4200.

How to Get Around:
The easiest and most convenient way to get around is by either personal or rental car. Other services are available:

Valley Metro – bus system, 602-253-5000

Downtown Area Shuttle (DASH)
Bus service within the downtown area

Free Local Area Shuttle Service (FLASH)Provides service around a loop for Arizona State University.

Pioneer Village Annual Bridal Fair
Held in early March, Location: Pioneer Living History Village, 623-465-1952.
With its picturesque romantic sunsets, 1880's white wedding chapel, the white gazebo surrounded by mountains and the 1800's Opera House, Pioneer Village has become a popular location to hold a Bridal Fair. 

The Annual Heard Museum Guild Indian Fair & Market
Held in early March, Heard Museum. 602-252-8840. Call for additional information

Aloha Festival
Held in mid March. Location:  Heritage & Science Park, 480-967-7366. Admission Free. The Arizona Aloha Festival provides fun activities, demonstrations and displays to round out the island experience.

The American Tenors- Annual Endowment Benefit
Held in mid March, Location: Chandler Center for the Arts, 480-782-2680.
The Chandler Center for the Arts represents a culmination of the unique cooperative efforts between the Chandler Unified School District and the City of Chandler.

October

Rainbow Festival
Held in early October, Location:  Heritage & Science Park, 602-252-6284. Call for additional information. Annual Festival. 

November

Annual Sedona Red Rock Fantasy
Held mid November – early January, Location: Los Abrigados Resort & Spa, 928-282-1777. Nestled within the world-renowned red rocks of Sedona, Red Rock Fantasy is a festival of more than a million lights providing a man-made marvel within the scenic beauty that has drawn visitors for the past one hundred years. Boasting forty-one displays created by families from the Southwest, the festival promises never-before-seen marvels of light that leave children in wonderment and move adult minds to enjoy the holidays as they did when they were young. It is a magic that can bring cartoon favorites to life, challenge children to scavenger hunts within the displays, or illuminate a 25' swan in dazzling, blue moonlight. That is the magic that has made Red Rock Fantasy a favorite among Arizonans and visitors to the state alike.

Entertainment

Actors Theatre of Phoenix
112 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004, 602-253-6701. Call for performance schedule.
A professional theatre company in the heart of downtown Phoenix. Presenting New York quality productions at the city's premier arts venue - classics, contemporary and musicals.

Arizona Opera Company
4600 N. 12th St. Phoenix, AZ 85014, 877-639-0188. Call for performance schedule.
Arizona Opera is the only professional producer of grand opera in the state. The company produces five operas annually in its home cities of Phoenix and Tucson. 

Arizona Theatre Company
502 W. Roosevelt St. Phoenix, AZ 85003, 602- 256-6995. Call for performance schedule.
The Arizona Theatre Company is one of the state’s leading professional theatre, performing six productions at the Temple of Music and Art in Tucson and at the Herberger Theater Center.

ASU Public Events at Gammage Auditorium
1200 S Forest Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281, 480-965-5062. Call for performance schedule. Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, Gammage seats 3,000 and presents a year-round season of nationally touring Broadway musicals, plus much more.

Ballet Arizona
3645 E. Indian School Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85018, 602-381-0184 .Ballet Arizona is one of the Southwest's premier professional ballet companies. Performances are held at The Orpheum Theatre in Phoenix and at various locations throughout the state.

Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre
5247 E. Brown Rd. Mesa, AZ 85205, 888-504-7256. This 500-seat, year-round, professional dinner theater presents full-length Broadway musicals and comedies combined with a savory buffet meal to create a dinner-and-show package that is exception.

Dodge Theatre
400 W. Washington St. Phoenix, AZ 85001, 602-379-2800. It is completely different and is a state-of-the-art entertainment venue designed specifically for concerts, Broadway and family stage shows, boxing and conventions.

Herberger Theatre Center
222 E. Monroe,Phoenix, AZ 85004, 602-252-8497. The Herberger Theater Center is a two-stage complex featuring year-round music, drama and dance performances presented by four resident professional performing companies.

Phoenix Symphony
455 N. 3rd St. Phoenix, AZ 85004, 800-776-9080. Call for performance schedule.
One of Arizona's largest performing arts groups presents classics, pops, family, chamber concerts and special events.

Phoenix Theatre
100 E. McDowell Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85004, 602-889-5284.
Phoenix Theatre, founded in 1920, is one of the oldest theatre companies in Arizona, and one of the oldest continuously operating arts groups in the country. The theatre is known for producing, and redefining.

Valley Youth Theatre
525 N. 1st St. Phoenix, AZ 85004, 602-253-8188.
Valley Youth Theatre has state-of-the-art technical capabilities in its 202-seat proscenium-style theater.

Sports

Arizona Cardinals
Phoenix, AZ 85001, Professional Football – NFL, 800-999-1402
Season runs September – January, Call for schedule.

Arizona Diamondbacks
Phoenix, AZ 85001, Professional Baseball - MLB, 602-514-8400
Season runs April - October. Hit a home run with by arranging an outing to beautiful Bank One Ballpark to enjoy exciting Arizona Diamondbacks baseball.

Phoenix Coyotes
Professional Hockey – NHL, ALLTEL Ice Den, 9375 E. Bell Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85260,
480- 473-5600. Call for schedule. Games played at America West Arena.

Phoenix Suns
Professional Basketball – NBA, 201 E. Jefferson St. Phoenix, AZ 85004, 602-379-7900
Season runs October – April, call for schedule. Phoenix's own National Basketball Association team plays at America West Arena.

Arizona Center
400 E. Van Buren Street between Third and Fifths Street, (602) 949-4353 (602) 271-4000.
Shopping, dining, and entertainment are what make the Arizona Center a "must see" downtown marketplace. Shopping is made simple at the marketplace with over 50 specialty shops and carts. Each of the nine-full service restaurants feature al fresco dining. After sunset, popular nightclubs offer country/western dancing, sing-along piano bar, and a sports bar with more than 50 big screen TV's. For maximum comfort the state's largest computerized misting system, keeps the temperature 10 degrees cooler throughout the Arizona Center.

Blockbuster Desert Sky Pavilion
2121 N. 83rd Avenue, (602) 254-7200
Designed specifically for musical performances, the facility has hosted most of the nation's top entertainers as well as some of the best outdoor concerts. On a summer night, patrons can come out to enjoy the entertainment comfortably with a specially designed cooling system that combines air conditioning with fans. Come out with your towels and lawn chairs and groove to the music.

Camelback Mountain
Echo Canyon Recreation, Phoenix Mountain Preserve, Phoenix, (602) 256-3220.
Distinguished by its sheer red cliffs, the Camelback Mountain and Echo Canyon Recreation area is the city's most prominent landmark. This 75.8-acre park featuring the Praying Monk Rock formation and the famed camel's silhouette, is a popular area for hiking and climbing. Rising 1,300 feet to the summit the Echo Canyon Trail reverberates the majestic beauty found within the Sonoran Desert. While making your way along the trails, you will encounter some of the most colorful plants and vivid wildlife to inhabit this region.

The Herberger Theater Center
222 E. Monroe St. (602) 254-7399, (602) 252-8497 Reservations, Ticket Office Hours: Monday- Friday 10am to 6 pm, Saturday noon to 6pm . And one hour prior to center performances.
Located in downtown Phoenix, The Herberger Theater Center divided into two theaters, one seating 815, the other holding 350. Whether your agenda includes the theater or the ballet, the Herberger Theater Center's Center Stage is the home to the Arizona Theatre Company, and Ballet Arizona. Stage West, the center's second theater, provides a more intimate performance with the likes of Actors Theatre of Phoenix, Arizona Theatre Company, Childsplay and Centre Dance Ensemble. Also a variety of visiting dance troupes, orchestras and plays are presented year-round. The Hereberger Theater Center caters to young and old, always bringing the stage alive with each of its performances.

Patriots Square Park
Washington Street and Central Avenue, (602) 262-4627
The heart of downtown is adorned with two and a half acres of bountiful grass, shade providing trees and benches, a performing arts stage, and food kiosks. This area comprises Patriots Square Park, a popular site for city celebrations as well as quaint lunches in the park. In addition to the aesthetic appeal of Patriots Square Park, it serves as a cover for a large underground parking garage.

Phoenix Symphony Hall and Terrace
225 E. Adams Street, (602) 262-6225,
The Phoenix Symphony Hall and Symphony Hall Terrace are home to the Phoenix Symphony and the Arizona Opera. Symphony Hall has hosted innumerable Theatre and musical events. It is at Symphony hall where top performers and touring shows perform. While a variety of festivals and specials events grace the outside Symphony Terrace.

Pueblo Grand Museum and Cultural Park
4613 E. Washington Street, (602) 495- 0901, Hours: Monday - Saturday 9:00 am- 4:45 pm, Sunday 1:00- 4:45 pm. The Pueblo Grand Museum and Cultural Park is the only National Historic Landmark in the city of Phoenix. This is the kind of place that appeals to everyone in that it is not only a museum, but also a Native -American archaeological site. This archaeology site includes a Hohokam culture ruin. The ruin was once the site of a thriving indigenous chief city. After learning of their ingenuity in adapting to desert life, the site draws on a feeling of mystery as to why a civilization of superb farmers would abandon their home.

Ak-Chin Him-Dak (Eco-Museum)
46875 N. EcoMuseum, Phoenix, (602) 568-9487.
Located 40 miles south of downtown Phoenix, the Ak-Chin Him-Dak Museum is known as the "museum with out walls". Assembled by the Ak-Chin tribe the museum stands a part from most in that the tribal members themselves have been the ones to conduct excavations, catalogue artifacts, and document their own oral history.

America West Arena
201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, (602) 379-7800.
Phoenix Suns, Phoenix Coyotes, the Arizona Rattlers, Phoenix Mercury, and the Arizona Sandsharks all call America West Arena home. The one million square-foot, 20,000-seat multipurpose America West Arena hosts more than 180 events a year. This sports / concert arena electrifies Phoenix by bringing enthusiasm and excitement downtown.

Botanical Desert Gardens
1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, (602) 941-1217, Hours: October - April, 8am to 8pm daily
May-September, 7am to 8pm daily, Closed on Christmas Day.
Housing half of all the variety of cactus in the world, the Desert Botanical Garden includes 150 acres of plants from the world's deserts. Founded 1937, this non-profit museum illustrates the beauty of over a thousand plant species adapted for the arid landscape. Sponsoring programs in research, plant conservation, and environmental education the garden emphasizes harmony with the desert by displaying not only vivacious plant life, but by also incorporating exhibits that depict the relationship between modern day cities and the desert. Self-guided nature walk, public lectures, Cactus Show.

Encanto Park & Recreation Area
2605 N. 15th Avenue, Phoenix, (602) 261-8994, Prices: Free.
Spanning over 220-acres, Encanto Park is the city's largest flatland park. Offering a perfect spot for family cookouts, Encanto Park facilities includes picnic areas, a lagoon, boat house, swimming pool, nature trail, urban fishing, two golf courses, softball diamonds, basketball - tennis courts, and the KiddieLand/Enchanted Island Amusement Park. Visitors can rent canoes and paddle boats and joining the fish and ducks out on the lagoon or toss a Frisbee throughout the park's grassy areas. A perfect place to relax and spend a weekend having fun in the sun.

Heard Museum
22 E. Monte Vista Road, Phoenix, (602) 252-8844, Hours: Mon-Sat 9:30 to 5:00, Sun 12:00pm to 5:00pm, Closed Major Holidays.
In 1929 Dwight B. and Mai Bartlett Heard founded The Heard Museum as a private, non-profit museum to house their personal collection of artifacts and art. The focus of the museum resides on the cultures of the Southwest. Tracing the history of the region from 15,000BC to the present, it includes everything from prehistoric to contemporary. The museum's best-known collection features a large number of Hopi Kachina Dolls. The appreciation and respect for the arts and lifestyles of Southwest Native American culture is promoted as the evolving philosophy of the Heard. Especially oriented toward children, the museum has a hands-on exhibit called "Old Ways, New Ways", which focuses on the Southwest Zuni, Northwest Coast Tsimshiam and the Great Plains Kiowa. The Heard museum holds over 32,000 ethnographic objects and contemporary work of art, 10 galleries, a new auditorium, education center, and an indoor/outdoor cafe.

Historic Heritage Square
113 N. Sixth and Monroe Street, (602) 262-5071 or (602) 262-5029,
Arizona Doll & Toy Museum (602) 253-9337
Farmer's Market - Open every Thursday from late October through May 20, 10am-2pm.
Heritage Square represents the Victorian root from which Phoenix originated in the 1860's. A Victorian complex in the heart of downtown. Heritage Square is a refreshing site among the relatively young city. Historical city park has eight turn-of-the-century houses, including the restored 1895 Victorian Rosson House. . The Farmer's Market presenting everything from fresh produce to other fine goods, fills the street of the square every Thursday. The available guided walking tours will wind you through the historical buildings, museums, restaurants and gift shops that encompass the remaining residential structures from the original townsite of Phoenix.

Mystery Castle
800 E. Mineral Road, (602) 268-1581, Hours: Thursday-Sunday 11:00am-4:00pm.
Over a period of 18 years, one man built this 8,000 square-foot stone and sand castle. Constructed by Boyce Luther Gulley for his daughter, Mary Lou the castle features 18 furnished rooms with Southwestern Antiques, 13 fireplaces, a cantilevered stairway, parapets, many charming little nooks and crannies and a chapel. Visit the castle and be prepared to be whisked away into a Southwestern fairytale.

Orpheum Theatre
203 W. Adams St., (602) 252-9678 or (602) 994-2787, Hours: Daily, Children under age two free, if not occupying a seat.
Built in 1929, this elaborate Spanish Baroque style remains as the last historic theater in downtown Phoenix. Although it retains its original architectural and historical identity, renovations have transformed the theater into a technically-modern events venue. The Orpheum's stage is filled with an array of performing groups, from local, regional and national touring productions to performance companies and nonprofit performing arts group.

Papago Park / Hole-In-The-Rock
Galvin Parkway and Van Buren Street, (602) 256-3220.
Papago Park facilities include lagoon, desert hills and rugged mountains, a golf course, museums, picnic areas, fishing, and hiking. The Hole-In-The-Rock landmark is a great hit with the kids. Papago Park serves as a great place to sit back, relax and enjoy the sites that surround you.

Phoenix Art Museum
1625 N. Central Avenue, (602) 257-1222, Hours: Tuesday-Wednesday 10:00am - 5:00pm, Thursday-Friday 10:00 am- 9:00pm, Saturday-Sunday 10:00am - 5:00pm.
The Phoenix Art Museum is credited as being the largest visual arts museum in the Southwest. This museum specializes in contemporary Southwestern art, but also has other collections that cover North American art in general, sculpture, photography, 14th century fashion and decorative objects, exhibition of Renaissance work, the famous Throne Miniature Rooms historic interiors. The museum has expanded from its traditional exhibitions, and now offers a wide range of exhibitions throughout its 65,000 square feet of gallery space. Tours Available.

Phoenix Zoo
455 N. Galvin Parkway, (602) 273-1341, Hours: May 1 through Labor Day : 7:30am - 4:00pm
Winter Hours: 9am - 5pm.
Take a leisurely drive through desert rock formation to the Phoenix Zoo, located in a section of the Papago Park. So, after a picnic in the park, come and visit the thousands of wild beasts, and endangered animals that roam here. A 125 acre zoo is home to more than 1,300 mammals, birds, and reptiles. The zoo features rare Sumatran tigers, Tropical Flights Aviary, African Savannah, Arizona Trail exhibit, all with native animals in naturalistic exhibitions. Plan to spend the entire day visiting the zoo's exhibits. From the children's petting zoo to the zoo's exhibit of things that go "boo!" in the Sonoran Desert night, there isn't one exhibit worth missing!