Phoenix is in the southwestern state of Arizona in the Sonoran Desert. It offers year-round sunshine with mild temperatures during most of the year. Even summer visitors can escape hot summer days in air conditioned museums or by participating in recreation in the early morning or evening when temperatures are cooler.
History and Geography
While Phoenix didn't incorporate as a city in 1881, settlers have enjoyed the beauty of the Sonoran Desert for centuries. Most widely known are the Hohokam who built the first canal systems that are still in use in various forms today. The Pueblo Grande Museum offers an extensive collection on the anthropological and archeological history of Phoenix including information on the many indigenous tribes throughout the state.
Remaining true to the well-excepted definition of a desert, Phoenicians experience lower rates of rainfall, sparse vegetation and high amounts of rock features. Still, the area also holds many species of plants and wildlife to dazzle visitors with year-round beauty.
Arts and Culture
Phoenix excites visitors with an extensive collection of art galleries ranging from classical and western to more eclectic and ethnic. The city offers one of the country's largest art walks on the first Friday of the month. These First Friday events take place in downtown Phoenix and offer a walking tour of the local eateries and special events interspersed with gallery open houses. Throughout Phoenix, pubs and coffee shops also promote local acts with free performances charming clients with entertainment to accompany their drinks.
Living Museums
Living museums offer information and entertainment that revolves around living specimens. The Phoenix Zoo enchants visitors with a trail through rain forests, Savannah, Sonoran Desert and aquatic encounters. The park's collection of plant species and water misters help cool off the park for early morning jaunts during the hottest parts of the year. The Desert Botanical Gardens neighbor the Phoenix Zoo and highlight the beauty and extreme nature of the desert Southwest.
Outdoor Recreation
South Mountain and Piestwa Peak offer some of the most challenging and forgiving hiking trails in Phoenix. The two mountains provide several treks into desert landscape that bring hikers to lookouts of the valley. South Mountain paths begin at the base of the mountain taking visitors past ocotillo, saguaro and chance encounters with wildlife. Participants can choose from several trails of 1 to 14 miles in length. Piestewa's trail systems range from less than a mile in length to more than 10 miles pleasing both beginners and advanced hikers.
Golf
The weather in Phoenix is eternally perfect for tee time. Even during the summer months, golfers can enjoy morning or evening games. Courses provide aesthetically pleasing and challenging holes for both amateurs and pros making use of natural desert landscaping. Thick, lush fields of wildflowers can swallow a ball like no water trap while saguaros and chaparrals provide new obstacles. Even budget-conscious golfers can indulge in a game at the 500 Club, which includes a GPS with cart rental as well as a team shop and restaurant.
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