Phoenix
Encounters with nature and urban atmosphere in the desert
Phoenix and the neighboring cities of Scottsdale, Glendale, and other locations in Arizona’s Valley of the Sun are well-known for their sunny temperature and breathtaking desert vistas. They also provide a thriving cultural scene, an abundance of luxurious options, and chances for outdoor activities. Phoenix is sometimes considered the starting point for vacation excursions because the famous Grand Canyon is only four hours away. However, the state’s capital city has other sites that, although maybe not as magnificent, are nonetheless rather amazing.
Adventure and Scenery in the Desert
A favorite place for runners, hikers, and cyclists, Camelback Mountain in Scottsdale offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains lining the Mogollon Rim as well as the valley bottom. Another popular destination for pleasure that horseback riders especially like is South Mountain Park, the largest municipal park in the United States. Learn about the ecosystem and take in the sights of sentinels like agave, yucca, ocotillo, palo verde, mesquite, and saguaro cacti at Phoenix’s Desert Botanical Garden in Papago Park.
The Southwest’s Soul
You should not miss the Heard Museum in Phoenix if you want to view its vast collection of Native American artifacts and learn from the docents how the Native Americans survived in the arid climate. Platform mounds and irrigation canals are among the artifacts of Hohokam culture that are preserved at the S’edav Va’aki Museum, east of downtown.
The Phoenix area celebrates culture in all its manifestations, from its quirky districts like Roosevelt Row to the Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture campus outside Scottsdale (also known as Taliesin West) and Paolo Soleri’s Arcosanti.
You can spend your mornings touring contemporary Native American art galleries in Phoenix and Scottsdale, and your afternoons touring the magnificent Spanish Colonial architecture of St. Mary’s Basilica in downtown Phoenix. Don’t miss Heritage Square in downtown, which features Victorian and Queen Anne buildings.
World-class collections can be found in dozens of museums, such as the stunning Phoenix Art Museum and the 15,000-item Musical Instrument Museum.
Global Feelings
The Valley of the Sun has an aura of sophistication because of this acceptance of the outside world. While cowboy culture is still very much alive and well (for a taste of the Old West, head to Heritage Square in Old Town Scottsdale), it coexists with downtown Phoenix’s CityScape’s thriving eating and rooftop nightlife scene.
Due to its proximity to Mexico and its sizable Hispanic population, a number of the area’s restaurants are well-known for serving delicious and authentic food. The city is home to people from all over the world, and the food options range from delicious pasta and pierogis to sophisticated French, Vietnamese, and Brazilian cuisine.
Resort Lifestyle
The region is also well-versed in unwinding and relishing life under the sun. It’s always easy to locate recreational opportunities such as Rainbow Ryders Hot Air Balloon trips and the Big Surf water park.
Thousands of people visit this oasis in the northern Sonoran Desert, which is home to hundreds of well-maintained resorts, emerald golf courses, and world-class spas strewn throughout the valley.