Phoenix Tourist Attractions
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Situation and characteristicsPhoenix, capital of the state of Arizona, lies in the valley of the Salt River (which is frequently dry), in a basin known as the Valley of the Sun.
Heritage Square
Heritage Square is lined with restored historic homes, some of which house shops and restaurants.
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Phoenix Art Museum
The Phoenix Art Museum has a collection covering the art of the European Renaissance and Baroque, the Far East and the American West.There's fun for the whole family in the interactive ArtWorks Gallery, and imaginations run wild in the historic interiors of the Thorne miniature rooms. With a collection of over 17,000 works, there's something for every taste at the Phoenix Art Museum. You can even match your fashion sense with that of the great designers in the Museum's fashion design gallery, featuring today's hip styles and those spanning the past four centuries from the Museum's collection. The Phoenix Art Museum's stunning exhibitions bring masterpieces from around the globe to your own backyard.Phoenix Art Museum opened in 1959. Its founding and development into the leading art museum in the American Southwest reflects the constant commitment from the community and mirrors the growth of Phoenix from a small desert town to the sixth largest city in the United States. Now, the classically progressive look of its 203,000-square-foot building is a work of art in itself. Designed by New York architects Tod Williams/Billie Tsien & Associates in the mid-1990s and expanded by them in 2006, it integrates art and architecture with the southwestern landscape and provides sweeping interior spaces.
Heard Museum
The renowned Heard Museum in Phoenix is devoted to the art and culture of the Indian peoples of the Southwest (basketwork, pottery, jewelry, textiles; large collection of kachina dolls).The museum's 10 exhibit galleries and outdoor courtyards feature traditional and contemporary Native American art. This is a great place to learn about native history and see traditional arts. Wander through the outdoor sculpture garden or take a garden tour of the museum.
Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting
The Hall of Flame Fire Museum, which also sponsors the National Firefighting Hall of Heroes, is both a historical look at the profession and a tribute to firefighters who have been killed in the line of duty, or noted for their heroism.On display at the museum are exhibits dating back to 1725, including old fire-engines and some very curious types of fire-extinguisher. While most of the focus is on the history of firefighting in America, there are also exhibits from Europe and Japan, offering a more international perspective on the profession.The museum has five exhibit galleries and a small theater that presents videos relating to the history of firefighting. One of the more recent galleries deals with the history of wildland firefighting.The National Firefighting Hall of Heroes displays the names of those killed since 1981. There is also a memorial to the firefighters and police officers killed at the World Trade Center in 2001.
Arizona Mining and Mineral Museum (Closed)
THIS ATTRACTION IS CLOSED.In 2010 the Arizona Mining and Mineral Museum was transferred to the Arizona Historical Society with the collection intended to be used in the new Centennial Museum. Problems with construction and fundraising of the new museum delayed plans. The name of the new museum was also possibly going to be changed, although those efforts were also met with resistance. Plans are still underway.
Burton Barr Central Library
The design of the Burton Barr Central Library was inspired by Monument Valley. The shape is meant to resemble a curving copper mesa with a stainless steel canyon running through the middle. This may take some imagination on the part of the average viewer. The building design also features shade sails on north windows, made by sail makers in Maine.The Crystal Canyon is a five-story atrium with nine skylights that track the sun. A 32-foot high "Floating Ceiling" is suspended by cables over the Great Reading Room.
Encanto Park
Encanto Park is a 222-acre multifunctional area within the city. It contains a placid lagoon, picnic areas, golf courses, tennis courts, baseball diamond, a swimming pool, and lots of space to enjoy a little tranquility and outdoor time in the city. This is a nice place to come with children who can enjoy the small Enchanted Island Amusement Park, designed for children 10 and under, or use the playground. Visitors can also get out on the lake in a paddleboat. The pool is only open seasonally and closes during the winter months.
Enchanted Island
Enchanted Island is located in Phoenix's Encanto Park. This island of fun has activities for children aged 1 to 10 including a playground, rides and games. Visitors can pedal-boat across the lagoon, take a train ride through the park or try their hand at arcade games.
Deer Valley Rock Art Center
The Deer Valley Rock Art Center in Phoenix has more than 1,500 ancient petroglyphs. The center works to preserve the site while allowing the public to see the history that exists in this area.The petrogyphs are located on boulders scattered around the Hedgpeth Hills. Visitors can see the site from a handicapped-accessible walking trail at the base.The well laid out indoor exhibits provide information on the history of the valley and the site.
Phoenix Convention Center & Venues
Located in the heart of Downtown, Phoenix Convention Center & Venues is an exhibition complex, and resident home of the Phoenix Symphony, Ballet Arizona and the Arizona Opera. Venues include the 1 Million sq ft Phoenix Convention Center, Symphony Hall (2400 seats) and Orpheum Theatre (1300 seats). Events include conventions, trade shows, cultural celebrations, performing arts, social galas and corporate events.
Arizona Opera
The Arizona Opera was founded in 1971 by a small group of opera enthusiasts. The first season began with only two performances. Over the years it expanded greatly and today the Arizona Opera presents five productions annually at Symphony Hall in the Phoenix Civic Plaza Convention Center. The performers and contributors are a mix of emerging talent and internationally known figures.The season runs from October through to March.
Phoenix Symphony
The Phoenix Symphony performs classical, pops, chamber and family programs from September to May at Symphony Hall in the Phoenix Civic Plaza Convention Center. The Phoenix Symphony is Arizona's only full-time, professional orchestra.
Shemer Art Centre
The restored 1919 building that houses the Shemer Art Center was the first home built in Arcadia, a section of Phoenix. The center contains fine art exhibits such as traditional and non-traditional works by Arizona artists. The landscaped grounds feature orchards and sculptured gardens.But the center is more than just a gallery, it also offers classes and programs, functioning as a learning center in the community as well.
Arizona State Capitol Museum
Set among beautiful gardens is the old State Capitol (Washington Street and 17th Avenue), built in 1900, which was the seat of government until 1974. The imposing state building is now a museum focusing on the history of Arizona. It is also home to the anchor of USS "Arizona", which was sunk in Pearl Harbor in 1941.The museum features traveling and temporary exhibits.
Castles N' Coasters
Castles N' Coasters is a popular amusement park in Phoenix. It's probably best known for the double-loop roller coaster called Desert Storm, but also has the thrilling Patriot roller coaster as well. In addition there are many other rides including the sky diver that drops you 120 ft, a water ride, mini golf, bumper boats, go-carts and an arcade.
Hotel San Carlos
The San Carlos Hotel in Phoenix is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The hotel opened in 1928 on the site of Phoenix's first elementary school, and boasts the city's first high-rise elevator. It has been in operation continuously since it opened. Famous guests have included Clark Gable, Carole Lombard, and Spencer Tracy.The hotel underwent a renovation to modernize amenities in 2003.
Phoenix Theatre
Phoenix Theatre is the oldest continuously operating theatre company west of the Mississippi River. The Phoenix Players began in 1920 at this location, which was the stables of the Heard Family. When the family offered a portion of their land to the city of Phoenix, they stipulated that the theatre continue as a resident of the site.
Herberger Theater Center
The Herberger Theater Center in Phoenix is a performing arts center featuring music, drama and dance performances all year. It is home to the Arizona Theatre Company.On the second level of the complex is a gallery showcasing the works of local Arizona artists.
Arizona Theatre Company
The Arizona Theatre Company is the State Theatre of Arizona and offers performances in both Tucson and Phoenix. In Phoenix, the company performs at the Herberger Center with shows running from October to May. In Tucson, performances are held at the Temple of Music and Art.In addition to the performances, they also strive to engage the community through a range of lessons, classes, and programs. Youth are a strong focus of the company with many programs designed for students.
Medical Museum
The Medical Museum located in the lobby of the Phoenix Baptist Hospital at 6025 North 20th Avenue in Phoenix has display cases of medical instruments and other medical objects. This interesting collection, dating back to the 1800s, was put together by Dr Robert Kravetz.
US Airways Center (formerly America West Arena)
The US Airways Center in Phoenix is home of the NBA's Phoenix Suns, the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury, and the AFL's Arizona Rattlers. The venue is also used to host major concerts, shows, and other sporting events. Check the calendar when you are in the city to see what's going on at the center.
Arizona Women's Hall of Fame
The Arizona Women's Hall of Fame in Phoenix honors women who have made an outstanding contribution to the state. The building was originally the Carnegie Public Library, which opened in 1908.
Hyatt Regency Hotel
The Hyatt Regency Hotel in downtown Phoenix features a revolving restaurant called Compass Arizona Grill. Visitors can dine while experiencing a 360 degree view over the city.
Waterworld Safari (closed)
ATTRACTION IS CLOSED.Waterworld offers 25 acres of water slides and wave pools. The 1100 foot long lazy river is perfect for those working on their tan, while the playpool is enjoyed by the younger set!
Mini Golf Paradise
Mini Golf Paradise is an indoor 18 hole miniature golf course in a safari setting. There are obstacles that include many jungle animals.
Turf Paradise
Turf Paradise is a horse racing track in Phoenix. There is a family picnic area next to the grandstand with an excellent view of the track.
Arizona Latino Arts and Cultural Center (Galleria 147)
The Arizona Latino Arts and Cultural Center is a celebration of Latino art and culture in the state of Arizona. The main showpiece of the center is Galleria 147, with changing exhibits featuring the works local, national and international artists. There is also a complete events calendar where visitors can see about upcoming performances, lectures, and other happenings. There is also a gift shop, La Tiendita, selling various arts and crafts from Arizona and Latin America.
Chase Field (formerly Bank One Ballpark)
Chase Field is the home of the Arizona Diamondbacks Major League Baseball team. The area is bounded by Jefferson Street on the north, Fourth Street on the west and Seventh Street on the east.The stadium can accommodate various sports including football, soccer, basketball, and baseball. Other events that have taken place in the facility are concerts, motor sports, trade shows, exhibits, band pageants, religious gatherings and running/walking events.
Heritage and Science Park
The main site in Heritage and Science Park is Heritage Square, with eight structures from the late 19th C. Rosson House is the cornerstone of a city block. Museums, shops and restaurants inhabit the structures. They were part of the original Phoenix site. The Science Center and Museum of History are also located within the Park.
Arizona Science Center
The Arizona Science Center in Phoenix (formerly called the Arizona Museum of Science and Technology) has hundreds of interactive exhibits in five galleries, each with a unique theme. In addition there are also featured exhibitions.The facility also has a giant screen theater and a planetarium. The computerized planetarium seats 200 people.The Arizona Science Center seeks also to promote global awareness on issues such as Global Warming and Climate Change through a variety of programs.
Phoenix Museum of History
The Phoenix Museum of History features interactive exhibits on the development of the city and the Salt River Valley. These exhibits include telegraphy, wagon loading, and the design of a Victorian mansion.
Arizona Center
Arizona Center is a marketplace and entertainment complex. Specialty retail shops, restaurants and entertainment are centered around an oasis of palm trees, gardens and fountains.
More Phoenix Pictures
More Arizona Resources
- Phoenix Travel Guide by iExplore
Map of Phoenix Attractions
Map - Phoenix
