Things to Do in Phoenix
Though decidedly urban, Phoenix's proximity to the desert means the allure of the wilderness is ever-present
A visit to Arizona's capital puts you in a position to experience the best of both worlds. Factor in a rich frontier heritage and Native American culture and you're in for a quintessential, yet unique, taste of the American Southwest.
1. South Mountain Park
Grab a bike or slip into your most comfortable walking shoes and head to Phoenix's 16,000-acre South Mountain Park for outdoor fun in one of the biggest urban parks in the world. Take advantage of 50 miles of trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding. A few trails, including the Holbert and Mormon Trails, take you past rock art created by the Hohokam prehistoric people. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife and be aware that a rustle in the grass could be an adorable desert cottontail rabbit or a dangerous rattlesnake. Plan to be at the Buena Vista Lookout at sundown for a view of Phoenix you won't need a camera to remember.
2. Desert Botanical Garden
You'll find that much more than cacti bloom in the desert at Phoenix’s Desert Botanical Garden, where scenic trails invite you to stretch your legs while you learn about the region's diverse flora. The gardens are home to some 20,000 plants. Don’t miss the People and Plants of the Sonora Desert Loop Trail, which gives a fascinating glimpse into the region's history of ethnobotany—the study of human interaction with plants. The display along the Harriet K. Maxwell Desert Wildflower Loop Trail is at its most spectacular in the spring, but is a sight to behold year-round.
3. Old Town Scottsdale
Set aside time for strolling and window shopping in Old Scottsdale, part of the Greater Phoenix area that is home to one of the largest artist communities in the country. Peruse exquisite Native American jewelry in the shops along Fifth Avenue; then check out the art galleries and antique shops that dot Main Street. If you're looking for an authentic memento of your travels, this is the place to find it. If it's a hot day—usually the case in and around Phoenix—cool down with a malt or cone at the Sugar Bowl, a beloved 1950s ice cream parlor that retains its period charm.
4. Phoenix International Raceway
Two weekends a year, in the spring and again in the fall, NASCAR fans flock to the city of Avondale, 15 minutes from Phoenix, to take in the action at Phoenix International Raceway, considered the fastest 1-mile oval track in the world. Plan your trip in March to cheer on the drivers at the CampingWorld.com 500 or come in November and fulfill your need for speed at the Quicken Loans Race for Heroes 500, one of the last competitions of the NASCAR season.
5. Cave Creek Wild West
For an authentic Wild West experience in the Phoenix area, head to Cave Creek, a former gold-mining town 30 miles north of the city. The Cave Creek Museum, open from October to May, offers a crash course in local history. Take photos in Frontier Town, a section of Cave Creek designed to resemble an Old West cowtown, complete with wooden sidewalks and deteriorated buildings. There is no shortage of saloons where you can have a cold drink and a bite to eat. If crafts and antiques are your thing, Cave Creek is the place to do some shopping.
6. Haunted Attractions
If things that go bump in the night pique your interest, spend time at some of the purportedly haunted places in the Phoenix area. Take a stroll around the orchards at Sahuaro Ranch Park in Glendale, said to be frequented by an older woman in a white dress and a man in a black suit. Your hunt might also involve grabbing a bite at Casey Moore’s Oyster Bar in Tempe, where the specter of a girl who allegedly died in an upstairs room is said to show anger when she senses romance among patrons.
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About Phoenix
Escape the chills of winter by exploring a place that prides itself on sunshine.