Phoenix Attractions

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.

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.

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Mini Golf Paradise is an indoor 18 hole miniature golf course in a safari setting. There are obstacles that include many jungle animals.

Phoenix Greyhound Park has nightly races year-round.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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!