Phoenix Arizona Vacation Guide
Phoenix, Arizona is the perfect place for a vacation in the desert sun. Like many western towns, Phoenix's history is intertwined with the growth of the Southern Pacific Railroad that connected the area to both California and Chicago in 1926. Located in an area known as "The Valley of the Sun," Phoenix sees sunshine an average of 325 days a year. When the east coast is freezing, The Valley of the Sun is a nice, balmy 80 degrees or so. As one of the fastest growing American cities, Phoenix is loaded with cultural attractions, restaurants, museums, and other activities you might expect from a booming metropolis. Outdoor enthusiasts can find plenty to keep them busy as well. A day's itinerary can include hiking, golfing, tennis, sight-seeing, shopping, or just lounging by a pool. Renting Phoenix vacation homes is the best way to enjoy all the city's offerings and live like a local.Phoenix, the state capital of Arizona, buzzes with cultural attractions that pay homage to the Native American and Wild West heritage of the city. One such venue is the Arizona Mining and Mineral Museum, which displays examples of the gold and copper early settlers sought. There is also a collection of dinosaur fossils and the tools used to excavate them. The Heard Museum depicts Native American cultures and has an exhibit entitled Native Peoples of the Southwest, which examines the culture of each of the major tribes of the region. Exhibits include an extensive collection of Katsina dolls that show the various types of kachina spirits that populate both the Hopi and Zuni religions. The Crossroads Gallery has an excellent display of Native American art.
If you want to experience Phoenix's Great Outdoors, a good place to start is South Mountain Park Preserve. This 16,000 acre nature preserve contains miles of hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking trails. One of the most popular hikes takes visitors to the top of Buena Vista Lookout for a panoramic view of the Phoenix area. A more challenging hike takes visitors to the top of Camelback Mountain, the highest peak around Phoenix with incredible views of the area, in the Echo Canyon Recreation Area.
Golfers make the pilgrimage in droves to the Valley of the Sun. The area is fast becoming a favorite golf destination with more than 200 courses. Phoenix house rentals can often be found along the fairways of beautiful golf communities. The Boulders, designed by Jay Morrish, offers a stiff test of golfing skill with incredible desert vistas. The TPC of Scottsdale, designed by Morrish and Tom Weiskopf, is home each year to the Phoenix Open. The Pete Dye designed ASU-Karsten Golf Course is part of Arizona State University and mixes undulating greens with tricky tee shots to produce a good test of golfing skill. There are hundreds of other courses in the region, all offering interesting challenges.
A vacation in Phoenix offers something for everyone. Team sports enthusiasts can catch an Arizona Diamondbacks game at Bank One Park or watch the Phoenix Suns N.B.A team at American West Arena. Shoppers will want to make a beeline for Arizona Mills, a huge outlet mall located in nearby Mesa. Pamper yourself during a visit to one of the many day-spas that pepper the area. Architectural buffs will want to check out the Arizona Biltmore, a hotel influenced by the work of famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Phoenix and Phoenix home rentals have everything you need to enjoy your vacation in the Valley of the Sun.
