Phoenix Overview

Phoenix--a desert oasis rising from the ruins of an ancient people, like its legendary namesake. A top resort and spa destination, this sprawling metropolis attracts the modern pioneer, ready to embrace the casual lifestyle in the Valley of the Sun.

Districts

Phoenix, known as "The Valley of the Sun" for its 300-plus days of sunshine each year, is fragmented into many neighborhoods and suburbs. Visitors first notice the sprawling low profile of most of the valley, with two exceptional high-rise downtown neighborhoods.

Greater Phoenix includes the older North Central Phoenix area, which extends through the central Camelback corridor to just past Northern Avenue. "North Central" is relative, as the area has grown so much in recent years. The growing west side continues to spread outward. Visit charming Historic Downtown Glendale and Catlin Court for first-rate antique opportunities.

Entertainment

As one of the fastest growing cities in the nation, Phoenix offers a constantly changing mix of entertainment for its swelling population. Whether your tastes run to gourmet dining, championship golfing, or rocketing in circles on a double loop roller coaster, this city will not disappoint you.

For kids of all ages there are roller coasters and video games galore at Castles and Coasters. Across town, Gameworks pushes the technological envelope with the latest in interactive video games. Jeepers has rides, games, and challenges for the smaller tykes, while bigger folk can indulge in shoot 'em up action with a sci-fi twist at Stratum Light Speed Entertainment Center.

Dining and Drinking

Centered at 24th Street and Camelback, this could be called the culinary vortex of the Valley. Many of the area's top restaurants are located here. Just to the north and the south of Camelback Road, from Central Avenue east to 44th Street, you'll find a super selection of comfortable neighborhood places to dine and drink. So, whether you have an appetite for sizzling Southwestern, exotic Asian, innovative Italian, or home-style All-American, there's a place that will please every palate in the Valley of the Sun.

Where To Stay

Accommodations range from luxury to budget, with most offering pools and whirlpools. The highest concentrations of resorts in the Phoenix area occur in four areas: the Biltmore District, Downtown Phoenix, Scottsdale, and North-Central Phoenix near Metrocenter Mall.

Swanky accommodations are also available a little further east on Resort Row in Scottsdale, which is known as "the West's most Western town." Resort staffs in the Valley of the Sun are purveyors of attentive service and notable accommodations. Wherever you choose to hang your hat, you are certain to find the desert a unique and memorable stay.

Did You Know?

Phoenix's South Mountain Park is the largest municipal park in the world, covering 20,000 acres.

Orientation/Geography

Phoenix, the state capital, sits in south central Arizona. The Mexican border, at Nogales, is 162 miles south, while the Grand Canyon beckons 221 miles to the north. The California state line, by car, lies 138 miles west and New Mexico 246 miles to the east.


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