Phoenix offers a diverse range of sights and attractions for every visitor. The size of the city has ensured development on a massive scale, and while many historical sites have been modernised, many more have been restored to their former glory and are now museums. Regardless of whether you are a sporting buff, food connoisseur, book worm or a lover of history, there will be plenty to keep you amused for the duration of your holiday.
American West Arena
This sporting arena can be fund in downtown Phoenix and is home to the Phoenix Suns NBA, Arizona Rattlers football and the Phoenix Mercury WNBA teams. Guided tours are available of the ‘Purple Palace’, which are very popular with sporting fans from across the world.
Phone: +1 602 379 2000; website: www.americawestarena.com
Arizona Capitol
This no longer serves as the State Capitol, but the building is still a highly impressive piece of architecture. Built in 1898, the original Arizona Capitol has been restored to its former glory and is identical to its 1912 appearance, which is when Arizona gained statehood. Rooms open to the public include the stately senate and house chambers. Phone: +1 602 542 4675
Burton Barr Library
This uniquely distinctive building is reminiscent of something out of a science fiction novel. One of the most striking features is the ribbed copper that semi-covers the exterior, although the computer-controlled louvers and shade sails used to reduce the glaring desert heat are also impressive features.
Phone: +1 602 262 4636; website: www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org
Casa Grande Ruins National Monument
Casa Grande translates as 'big house', and this is one of the largest prehistoric structures in North America. It is also the country’s very first archaeological finding. These important and famous ruins include irrigation canals and day-to-day artefacts such as tools. Some of the relics are up to 1,500 years old and were created by the Hohokam people.
Phone: +1 513 932 4421; website: www.nps.gov/cagr
Desert Botanical Gardens
These gardens were founded in 1937 and house the most extensive collection of desert plants in the world. Popular attractions here include night-blooming flowers, interactive displays and a multitude of wildflowers.
Phone: +1 480 941 1225; website: www.dbg.org
Historic Heritage Square
This is the original town site and unfortunately, it is also one of the last historic areas in the whole city. Situated in downtown Phoenix, 19th century listed Victorian houses line the square, which have all been turned into house museums, restaurants and shops.
Phone: +1 602 262 5029
Mystery Castle
This is one of Phoenix’s must-sees and is an extravagant 18-room mansion which was built in the 1930s. It was made wholly from recycled materials and stones which were collected from the surrounding area. The designer’s daughter still lives here today and offers fascinating guided tours of the unique building.
Phone: +1 602 268 1581
Taliesin West
This famous architectural school was originally built as a winter camp in 1937 by the acclaimed architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Tours are available, which allow visitors to explore the buildings and historic on-site attractions. It is also a chance to learn about Wright's theories such as his combination of indoor and outdoor spaces. Phone: +1 480 860 8810
Wrigley Mansion
William Wrigley Junior is most famous for his chewing gum. He made his fortune through gum and in 1929; he built an Italian-style mansion for his wife. This mansion can be found close to the Arizona Biltmore and is incredibly extravagant yet stylish. Today, the mansion is registered as a National Historic Landmark.
Phone: +1 602 955 4079
Explore the Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon is just 5 hours from Phoenix by car. Many people choose to stay overnight at the Grand Canyon to get the most out of the trip, but it is possible to fly there and back in a day. This world-famous site is a must-see if you are in the area and taking a plane ride over it promises views and sights which are unequalled anywhere else in the world.
Follow the Apache Trail
Enjoy some of the most impressive and stunning scenery in America. You will wind through desert wilderness and get to see views that will take your breath away. The Apache Trail is a natural route that Roosevelt once called 'the most sublimely beautiful panorama nature ever created'.
Indulge yourself at Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa
This spa is regarded as one of the finest in the world and has been nicknamed ‘The Jewel of the Desert’. The spa is set in beautifully landscaped gardens and offers a truly idyllic and relaxing experience. The resort is also home to one of the best swimming pools in the entire city. Private cabanas are available for a fee.
Take a trip to Florence
This historic town boasts a stately Victorian courthouse and over 150 other sites, which are all listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The local museum houses a chilling collection of nooses that were used in executions as well as other local paraphernalia.
Visit a real life Ghost Town
Goldfield ghost town was reconstructed in the 1890s and lies between the Superstition Mountains and the Goldfield Mountains. Taking a walk along the main street in the town is great fun; as you are able fully imagine what life would have been like back in the old days of the Wild West. Activities include mine tours, train rides, Old West gun fights and panning for gold. The Superstition Mountain Museum close by is well worth visiting, as it features a fascinating display on the Lost Dutchman goldmine.
