Arizona is often described as a land of contrasts because of its changing scenery. This is especially true of Phoenix, which has all types of activities for all types of travelers. Families can partake in Old West experiences like gold-panning; active vacationers can experience the Golf Capital of the World; shopping and entertainment enthusiasts can visit the bustling downtown life; and adventurers can explore the surrounding natural and historical phenomenons.

Family Fun

Every year, families across the nation plan vacations with visions of spectacular sightseeing, temperate weather and unique experiences. Greater Phoenix offers this unique combination of climate, culture and natural beauty.

The Old West Experience can be relived every day through gold-panning expeditions, horseback rides, hayride cookouts or visiting Rawhide – an authentic 1880’s western town with old-fashioned shoot-outs. Desert jeep tours also offer a unique opportunity to experience the Southwest by taking you deep into the Sonoran Desert where experienced guides identify indigenous flora and fauna. Other Greater Phoenix attractions and activities for the entire family include the Phoenix Zoo, Desert Botanical Garden, Island of Big Surf water park. Watersports such as skiing, swimming or boating are popular at nearby lakes, which are bordered by majestic canyon walls, statuesque saguaro cacti and other marvels of nature. For more adventurous visitors, activities such as tubing or rafting on the Verde and Salt Rivers are popular, as are hiking and exploring the Sonoran Desert. The less adventurous, but equally energetic, might enjoy some of the best shopping in the Southwest by visiting exclusive shops and galleries.

Golf Heaven


The rules of the game may be the same, but the golf experience in Phoenix is different. Greater Phoenix offers a panoramic sideshow that makes golfers pause on every tee. With 200-plus courses in Greater Phoenix it is no wonder the National Golf Foundation calls it the Golf Capital of the World. With so many exceptional courses to choose from, visitors are never challenged to book a course that matches their style and budget.

Downtown
 Copper Square

Downtown Phoenix has become a destination unto itself thanks to several multi-million-dollar projects that have generated life into the heart of the nation’s fifth-largest city. It has many upcoming projects that have the downtown area brimming with energy and excitement.

The Phoenix Convention Center is undergoing a $600 million renovation and will elevate Phoenix to top-tier status in the convention market.
Metro light rail will begin service in December 2008, providing visitors with convenient access from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport to the downtown area, including the convention area as well as many other venues.
The Bud Light Paseo, a key feature of the $67 million expansion and renovation recently completed on America West Arena, includes state-of-the-art audio and video technology in order to perform impressive light shows.

Day Trips


Greater Phoenix is ideally positioned for day trips around the state. Natural and historical wonders are only a few hours drive away.

One of the most popular day trips is a natural wonder of the world: the Grand Canyon. Its spectacular vistas of canyon walls have been sculpted from the earth over the millennia by the Colorado River. The shifting sun creates a palette of constantly changing colors, from deep russet to pale pink, from wash granite to golden brown. The Grand Canyon is great to experience through nature walks and mule rides into the Canyon, or by driving around its scenic edge.

Volcanic debris, cliff-sided canyons, sparkling lakes, towering saguaro cacti and a vast array of wildflowers are also just a drive away on the Apache Trail. This world-famous unpaved trail was used by Apache Indians as a short-cut through the mountains to reach early Salt River settlers. The trail twists through the back of the Superstition Mountains from Apache Junction to Roosevelt Lake and the town of Globe. The ghost town of Goldfield, the Old Western town of Tortilla Flat (population 6), the Boyce-Thompson Arboretum, Tonto National Monument and Weavers Needle Lookout are a few interesting points along the trail. Other scenic stops include The Lost Dutchman State Park with its mythical lost gold mine, and Roosevelt Dam.

Montezuma Castle and Well is also within reach from Phoenix. The impressive ancient Native American cliff dwelling is nestled high above Beaver Creek and is more than six centuries old. The Sinaguas, Pueblo Indians who moved into this region during the 12th century, built the dwelling from limestone and adobe. About seven miles northeast of the castle is Montezuma Well, a limestone sink hole with a natural spring used by native Americans for irrigation.

For more information, please call (602) 254-6500 or visit www.visitphoenix.com.

In addition to the above projects, downtown offers numerous cultural venues providing captivating exhibits, including the Arizona Science Center, Phoenix Art Museum, First Fridays art walk and the Heard Museum. The performing arts can be experienced at the historic Orpheum Theatre, the Herberger Theater Center and the Dodge Theatre. Also, Phoenix Symphony Hall is undergoing an $18.5 million renovation in association with the Convention Center expansion project.

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