Phoenix Attractions: Things to do in Phoenix

Phoenix is the fifth largest city in the United States, and has a wide range of attractions. It's an ideal getaway destination during fall as well as spring seasons. Make sure you spend ample time there, because it has a lot to offer to its visitors. The best and the most popular destinations in Phoenix are listed below.

The Heard Museum
The history and way of life of native Americans is exhibited in the glass and clay displays at the Heard Museum. The museum is home to 35,000 artifacts that display the culture and lifestyle of the native American population. The festivals, exhibitions and the art demonstrations attract people from all over the globe. A whopping 250,000 enthusiasts visit this museum annually.

The Papago Park
It is an amazing picnic spot with natural, scenic beauty. The 1,200-acre park is lined with beautiful rock formations, rugged hills and sandstone formations. It is an ideal place to go hiking. Golf lovers can have a good time at the many golf facilities available here. Fishing lagoons, bike paths and grills also contribute to make this tourist spot very popular among tourists.

Desert Botanical Garden and the Phoenix Zoo
The Desert Botanical Garden is one of the best maintained facilities in the United States. It has a unique collection of desert plants from all around the world, displayed in a peculiar, outdoor environment. 50,000 plants are arranged in a thematic trail of 5 areas: conservation, desert-living, plants, people of the Sonoran Desert and desert wildflowers. Besides this, there are regular lecture series, exhibits, workshops, tours, concerts and special events. The garden provides a fun and informative way to learn about the plant kingdom.

The Phoenix Zoo is home to 1,300 animals from different habitats of the world. It is the largest, non-profit, privately owned zoo in the country. Children just love the company of animals in the Children's Trail. There are 3 more trails in the zoo: Arizona Trail, Africa Trail and the Tropical Trail. The latest attraction at the zoo is a Monkey Village. One can discover more about the monkeys while having a stroll with them.

Historic Heritage Square
You can have a 'walk down history' in the Heritage Square city block, which dates back to the 1800s. This area is a tribute to the great Victorian past of the city. The Rosson House built in 1895, is an old intersection of shops, restaurants and a block of museums which have a charming, timeless appeal. It is one of the few surviving architectures of the old city.

Piestewa Peak and South Mountain Regional Park
Hiking freaks will surely love to visit this part of Phoenix. The Piestewa Peak Park features a lot of hiking trails where you can spend some quality time along with your pets. It offers a spectacular view of the Phoenix area from an elevation of 2,608 feet. The South Mountain Regional Park consists of nearly 60 hiking trails along with biking and horse riding activities. It is the biggest municipal park in the United States; and loved by people interested in a variety of activities.

The Golf Events
Phoenix is a must-visit place for every golf lover. 150 world-class golf courses are spread in and around the entire city. Most of the major PGA and LPGA tournaments are played every year. It also boasts of some of the best coaching and training facilities in the United States. A number of municipal and private golf facilities in the city provide an excellent playing environment. Perhaps, you might get a chance to practice with your favorite golfer when you are in Phoenix!

Home to the Best Sports
Besides being the focus of all the golfing action, Phoenix has the distinction of being one of the eight cities in the United States that have a professional team in all four major American sports: basketball, baseball, football and hockey. You can come here any time of the year and catch sight of your favorite team in action. You may be lucky enough to get really close to your favorite stars and collect some autographs for yourself.

Other Major Places
A very delightful option is to get rejuvenated at one of the world's best resorts and spas: The Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa. It has played host to a wide range of celebrities and US presidents throughout its history. Children love to visit the Wrigley Mansion, a famous property of chewing gum magnate William Wrigley Jr., which is now a private club and offers some of the best cuisines in the world.

The list of attractions can go on and on! Once you arrive in Phoenix, the number of options are limitless. The city represents the American way of life. The finest museums, landmarks, places of tourist importance, hotels, nightlife, sporting centers or the best stuff in fashion; you name it and you will find it here. Phoenix, is indeed, worth a visit!