Getting Around Town
Valley Metro connects with the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport Shuttle at the 44th Street/Washington stop. A system of buses and light rail runs through downtown Phoenix and makes stops across the metro area. For more information: valleymetro.org.
Lodging, Dining and Entertainment Information
Arizonaguide.com is the most comprehensive index covering Phoenix metro cities (including Tempe, Scottsdale, Mesa, Chandler, and Gilbert) and surrounding areas. It is the official site for the Arizona Office of Tourism.
Top 5 Things to Do in Phoenix
1. Watch Spring Training
If you are a die-hard baseball fan or just like to watch a game in a warm, sunny stadium, schedule your trip to coincide with the annual Cactus League spring training, which begins in mid-February and lasts for six weeks. Major League Baseball teams keep a temporary home base in nine stadiums across the metro area and play a packed schedule of games to decide team rosters. Cactus League play can be just as exciting as the major leagues, and tickets are far cheaper and more accessible. For more information: cactusleague.com and mlb.com.
2. Tour the Desert Botanical Garden
Nestled in Papago Park in the center of the Phoenix metro area, Desert Botanical Garden is a 145-acre Sonoran Desert preserve showcasing more than 50,000 plants. Interpretive trails wind through the park and indoor exhibits explain Sonoran Desert ecosystems. Check the website for special events and exhibits. Admission is $18 for adults, $15 for seniors and $8 for children ages 12 and under. Located at 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix. Open daily 8 a.m.-8 p.m. For more information: dbg.org.
3. Climb Camelback Mountain
Rise above the urban buzz with a lung busting 1.2-mile hike (one way) to the 2,704-foot high summit of Camelback Mountain located in the Echo Canyon Recreation Area in Paradise Valley. The trail gains a steady 1,200 feet elevation and, consequently, is a favorite among fitness buffs and those who enjoy an expansive view of the entire Valley. No water is available in the preserve so bring plenty. Access to this public preserve is free (open sunrise to sunset), although parking is limited. Take Tatum Boulevard to East McDonald Drive and then to Echo Canyon Circle. For more information on trails, weather, and hiking restrictions, go to phoenix.gov/recreation/rec/parks.
4. Shop at Fashion Square
With more than 250 stores, including Macy’s, Nordstrom, and Neiman Marcus, the upscale Fashion Square in Scottsdale is arguably the classiest mall in Arizona. Excellent restaurants and an independent movie theater round out the cultural experience and make it possible to easily spend a day here. Located at 7014-590 East Camelback Road. Open Mon. – Sat. 10 a.m.- 9 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. For more information: fasionsquare.com.
5. Go to the Heard Museum
Established in 1929 and located in downtown Phoenix, the Heard is home to extensive collections of historic Native American art (40,000 pieces) and ancient artifacts as well as exhibits on Native American and Southwest arts and culture. Collections include baskets, textiles, ceramics and kachina dolls from Southwest Native American tribes and the home exhibit, “Native People in the Southwest,” which features a Navajo hogan and live presentations by native artists. Admission is $15 for adults; $7.50 for children ages 6-12; 5 and under are free. Located at 2301 North Central Ave. Open Mon. – Sat. 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. For more information: heard.org.
On the Way
Arcosanti
Driving across the high desert north of the Phoenix metro area, you will spot an odd collection of buildings to the east in what looks to be the middle of nowhere. It is Arcosanti, the half-finished utopian community designed by late-architect Paolo Soleri. Arcosanti is surrounded by the Agua Fria National Monument and offers an intimate yet unusual glimpse of life in the desert. Learn about the late Soleri’s vision for deep green living with a free tour of the eco-friendly, uber hippie complex that is comprised of apartments, workshops (world famous wind chimes are made here), desert gardens and a café and retail store. Located 65 miles north of Phoenix just off I-17, exit 262 Cordes Junction. For more information: arcosanti.org.
Jerome
A 19th-century mining boomtown turned bohemian artists’ enclave, Jerome is perched on top of Cleopatra Hill in the Bradshaw Mountains overlooking central Arizona. The small community is full of funky shops, artist studios, antique stores and coffee nooks. Walk down the main street that is literally carved into a cliff and appreciate one of the most eclectic and historic towns in Arizona. From I-17, take AZ 260 and then US 89A up the hill to Jerome. For more information: azjerome.com.
