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Phoenix, Arizona
It's easy to understand why Phoenix was chosen to be the capital of Arizona. The sun shines all day and the nights are pleasantly cool. There are many attractions and activities to enjoy while visiting, it pleases both the sophisticated traveler and the casual vacationer.
When shopping in Phoenix, visitors find a wonderful selection of upscale souvenirs such as beautifully hand-crafted Native American turquoise jewelry and elegant leather goods.
And with some of the world's best chefs, taste buds will be tantalized by indulging in a variety of foods including Italian, Chinese, Mexican and Continental, just to name a few.
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 Grand Canyon National Park
(215) 965-2305
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While it does lie about 220 miles north of Phoenix, any trip to Arizona without a visit to the Grand Canyon is just not a complete trip. The entire canyon, 277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide, and more than 5000 feet deep, is extremely beautiful, with towering buttes, mesas, and valleys within its main gorge. There are many tours available that offer the ability to see this magnificent natural wonder by air, land or water.
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Camelback Mountain
(602) 256-3220
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5700 North Echo Canyon Parkway
Phoenix, AZ 85018
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Its sheer red sandstone cliffs and its telltale hump draw thousands of hikers to Camelback Mountain each year. Hiking to the top is not for beginning hikers, though. The main two trails are strenuous climbs over tricky trails. Some easier trails allow close-up exploration around Camelback's base. Wherever you go, be prepared for crowds; limited parking can mean a substantial wait for a spot at the busy trailheads.
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Scottsdale Fashion Square
(480) 990-7800
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7014 East Camelback Road # 590
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
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The Southwest's address for premier shopping, dining and entertainment and is the largest shopping destination in the Southwest, with a collection of more than 225 retailers including the largest Dillard's in the country. Scottsdale Fashion Square also boasts more than 40 stores exclusive to Arizona, along with a host of entertainment and dining opportunities. The center features a full-service concierge desk, roving concierge, tourism shopping packages, programs and information, valet parking, as well as taxi and limo services.
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Phoenix Zoo
(602) 273-1341
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455 North Galvin Parkway
Phoenix, AZ 85008
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The 125 acre Phoenix Zoo is home to more than 1,300 mammals, birds, and reptiles. The zoo features rare Sumatran tigers, Tropical Flights Aviary, African Savannah and Arizona Trail exhibit, all with native animals in naturalistic exhibitions. Visitors can enjoy up close animal encounters, keeper talks, bike and boat rentals and a variety of retail and food venues.
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Heard Museum
(602) 252-8848
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2301 North Central Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85004
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The Heard Museum is a landmark in Phoenix, a place where visitors from across the globe go to learn about the region's Native cultures and art. The Museum encompasses 130,000 square feet of galleries, classrooms and performance spaces. There are more than 35,000 artifacts in its permanent collection. Three additional gallery spaces, a 400-seat auditorium, an Education Center, Museum Shop and Bookstore, and the indoor/outdoor Arcadia Farms are all additional features. Ample parking is available on the museum grounds.
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Desert Botanical Garden
(480) 941-1225
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1201 North Galvin Parkway
Phoenix, AZ 85008
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Nestled amid the red buttes of Papago Park, the Botanical Garden hosts one of the world's finest collections of desert plants, showcasing 50 acres of beautiful outdoor exhibits. Home to 139 rare, threatened and endangered plant species from around the world, the Garden offers interesting and inspiring experiences. Open year round except July 4 and Christmas.
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Photo credit: Greater Phoenix Convention & Visitors Bureau
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