Phoenix Travel Guide: Travel and tourist information, things to do and see in Phoenix

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Phoenix, in the SW United States (285 mls SE of Las Vegas, 217 mls S of Grand Canyon, 117 mls NW of Tucson. 4 mls from Sky Harbor International Airport), is Arizona's capital city and is surrounded by mountains on 3 sides, the sprawling metropolitan area of Phoenix lies on flat ground and encompasses almost 2,000 sq mls at an altitude of 1,092 ft.

Starting life as an ancient agricultural Indian village, it has evolved into a sprawling modern metropolis, the 6th largest city in the USA. The rapid urban growth has filled what is known as the 'Valley of the Sun', encompassing the neighbouring towns of Scottsdale, Mesa and Tempe which collectively claim to have more 5-star hotels than any other city in the USA.

With upmarket resorts and spas, fashionable shopping plazas, luxurious restaurants and superb golf courses, together with an average of over 315 days of sunshine a year, the area has become a popular winter getaway for the rest of the country.

Despite Phoenix offering so much for the tourist, most are primarily drawn to its cactus lined scenery and magnificent landscapes of the Red Rock Country around nearby Sedona, whose landscape of canyons, pinnacles and red cliffs have been the setting for numerous 'Wild West' films and fictional novels. The Apache Trail is a popular winding scenic drive that tours through some of the beautiful rugged terrain of central Arizona, passing through the Superstitious Mountains, ghost towns and ancient ruins.

This area attracts the middle to upmarket, couples of all ages. There is not much on offer for children, better option for families is to stay in the suburbs and travel in for the day. Phoenix is popular with British and Americans, and well adapted for business travellers.

There are 50,000 guest rooms in the resort, ranging from 5-star luxury to more modest choices, spread around a wide area. Those summer visitors who can handle the 100°F (plus) temperatures can often enjoy rates reduced by as much as 70%.

Shopping here offers an impressive selection, there are plentiful malls include downtown's stunning state-of-the-art Arizona Center and Metrocenter, one of the state's largest shopping centres, with 250 establishments.

During the daytime popular activities inclde river floats, horseback and jeep desert tours, mountain hikes, hot-air balloon rides, gliding and sky-diving.

Golfing enthusiasts will head for the world-class courses, including those in neighbouring Paradise Valley and Scottsdale. There is also the Phoenix Zoo, Botanical gardens and the Heard Museum for Native American artefacts and fine art.

The nightlife here brings the opera, symphony, ballet and theatre performances making for a lively cultural scene downtown most of the year. Country music is popular and Phoenix is a great town for jazz. Stand-up comedy, murder mystery theatre with audience participation and karaoke are also favoured.

There are dozens of fine restaurants ranging from elegant grill rooms to casual cowboy-style outdoor barbecues. Also Southwestern, Caribbean, Mexican, European and Far Eastern specialities. There is a wide selection of establishments makes dining on a modest budget fairly easy. The usual selection of fast-food options can also be found.

Suggest a change to the Phoenix Things to do section (click to dropdown)

Population: 295.734.100
Languages: English 82%, Spanish 11% (2000)
Currency: US dollar
Currency code: USD
Local Times:
U.S.A. - District of Columbia - Washington DC

U.S.A. - Florida - Orlando

U.S.A. - California - San Francisco

U.S.A. - New York - New York

U.S.A. - Nevada - Las Vegas

Country Dialling Code: +1
Voltage: 120V 60Hz
Electrical plugs:
2 parallel flat prongs

2 Parallel flat prongs with an earth connector

The USA is home to several of the world's most exciting cities, some truly mind-blowing landscapes, a strong sense of regionalism, a trenchant mythology, more history than the country gives itself credit for and, arguably, some of the most approachable natives in the world.

America was 'discovered' by Columbus in 1492 and for 500 years people have travelled here seeking a better life in the 'land of opportunity'. The land was fought over by colonial powers for centuries and finally won its independence from Britain in 1783. Despite the near annihilation of the Native American population, one of the bloodiest civil wars the world had seen, and racism (Native Americans were not granted citizenship until 1924 and racial segregation was the norm until as late as the 1950s), the American people have succeeded in forging one of the worlds most united, democratic and tolerant nations, a fascinating melting-pot of cultures, and the undisputed military and economic heavyweight of the world.

The country is made up of 48 contiguous states of the continental USA, plus the huge state of Alaska, northwest of Canada, and the volcanic islands of Hawaii, 2,000 miles (3,219km) out into the Pacific. There are also the US territories, which include Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the Midway Islands and US Virgin Islands. Tourism is focused mainly in the great cities such as New York and Washington, as well as sunshine states such as Florida, California and Hawaii. However the mind-blowing landscapes, found in the wealth of magnificent National Parks like Yosemite, Yellowstone and the Adirondacks, as well as spectacular sights like the Grand Canyon and the Rocky Mountains, are what make the USA so unique. With all this on their doorstep, it's easy to understand why a significant proportion of Americans have never bothered getting a passport.

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