Phoenix offers a fun and exciting getaway for anyone looking to get away from the normal daily grind. Whether you’re in Phoenix for just one day or have time for an extended visit, here are some of the city’s must-see attractions.
chase field
Formerly known as Bank One Ballpark, Chase Field was the first baseball facility in the world to combine a retractable roof, air conditioning, and a natural grass field. The retractable roof can be closed in less than five minutes, in case the city has a rare day of bad weather. For baseball fans, a visit to this state-of-the-art facility is a special treat. If you’re not interested in going to a game, or one isn’t scheduled when you’ll be in town, you can still see the field. Just go for lunch or dinner at Friday’s Front Row Sports Grill, located in the left field corner of the stadium. The grill is open 363 days a year from 11 am to midnight. On match days you have to call to buy tickets to eat there, and fifty percent of the ticket price is credited to your food and beverage bill. Concerts, trade shows and religious events are also held at Chase Field.
the phoenix zoo
The Phoenix Zoo is one of the youngest zoos in the country. Not only is it a successful zoo, it is a private non-profit zoo. That means it operates strictly without any government funding. The Phoenix Zoo is fully supported by donors and private organizations. The zoo has also been very active in wildlife conservation programs. It is open every day of the year, including December 25. In summer it is advisable to arrive as early as possible, as many animals seek shade and hide during the heat of the day.
Desert Botanical Garden
The Desert Botanical Garden has one of the best collections of desert plants in the world and is one of 44 botanical gardens accredited by the American Association of Museums. Located in Papago Park in downtown Phoenix, the Desert Botanical Garden consists of 50 acres of beautiful outdoor exhibits and is home to 139 rare, threatened, and endangered plant species from around the world. There is no better place to enjoy the beauty of the desert than the Desert Botanical Garden.
Listen Museum
Every major city, and most minor ones, has a museum. However, the Heard Museum is unique, not only because of the exhibits it puts on, but also because of the style and grace with which it displays them. The museum exhibits more than 32,000 cultural and fine art pieces. There are permanent exhibits, such as the famous Barry Goldwater Collection of Kachina Dolls, as well as special exhibits throughout the year. Some of the special annual events include the World Hoop Dance Contest Championships held each February, and the Heard Museum Guild Indian Fair and Market each March.
Golf at Gold Canyon Ranch, Dinosaur Course
This golf course, located in Apache Junction, is one of the best golf courses in Arizona. The good news is that it is a public course. If you like golf, you will be challenged while enjoying the spectacular scenery. The Dinosaur Course is considered the more challenging and the better of the two courses. This means that it is also more difficult to get a tee time there than at the other course, Sidewinder.