Overview

A desert might be an unlikely setting for the sixth largest and sunniest metropolis in the nation, but visitors to Phoenix get it. The Sonoran Desert is one of the world’s most colorful and lush deserts, and a backdrop of rugged mountains and stereotypical cacti make this an ideal location for palm-tree-rowed, warm-weather resorts. With more than 200 professional and beginner golf courses, Phoenix is not without rolling green grass hills either. Sports are a spectacle in this city, too, with teams in all four major professional sport leagues: NBA, MLB, NFL and NHL.

Arizona has more than 20 American Indian tribes, so it may come as no surprise that Phoenix still has real live cowboys. The Heard Museum and Pueblo Grande Museum and Cultural Park give insight into these lifestyles. If the desert landscape captivates you, explore the world’s largest collection of desert plants at the Desert Botanical Garden. Phoenix Art Museum has the Southwest’s largest art collection, and the Hall of Flame has the world’s largest fire-fighting equipment collection. Not hands-on enough for the family? Then try the Arizona Science Center or Phoenix Zoo.

Foodies are drawn to Phoenix. Time and again, Pizzeria Bianco has earned the title of best pizza in America. Kai is the world’s only Five Diamond Native American restaurant. El Chorro Lodge has unmatched mountain views and cinnamon rolls, and Vincent’s on Camelback melds Southwestern and French flair for an unforgettable dining experience. Shopping is almost as essential as eating on vacation, and for that visitors have the high-end Scottsdale Fashion Square, charming outdoor shopping venues and numerous boutiques. With an average rainfall of 7.7 inches, the only thing you shouldn’t expect in Phoenix is a rainy day.