Phoenix Area Attractions

Phoenix in Arizona is no less than a paradise for a family holiday experience. Certainly, with a multitude of its unbelievable tourist attractions, the city promises to soak each of its tourists in fun, amusement, and excitement. The Phoenix area attractions are for the people of all ages, especially children will love them the most. There are many theme parks, golf courses, modern sporting facilities, a great zoo, and architectural sites related to the great architect Frank Lloyd Wright, which are some of the major draws. I dedicate this article on revealing the major Phoenix area attractions.

My Trip

Looking for some thrilling experience, among all the Phoenix area attractions, I and my family first opted for Castles and Coasters at Metro Parkway East. This is comfortably accessible from the Metrocenter that is among the biggest shopping malls in Arizona. Although this is a small amusement park, it offers many exciting options including a great roller coaster, four 18-hole miniature golf courses, and many other rides. Next, we went to the Phoenix Zoo located at the North Galvin Parkway. It is a vast zoo wherein there are over 1,000 animals along with the several endangered species. The main highlights here are the natural zones, the tropical rainforest exhibit, and a children’s petting zoo. The timings of the zoo are daily from 09:00 to 17:00.

The Taliesin West nestled at Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard, Scottsdale is a popular architectural school. Originally, this was intended to be a winter camp made by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1937. Just exploring the several buildings and historic attractions is alluring. In addition, you also come to know about the Wright’s theories. I recommend taking up a guided tour for discounts and full-fledged visit. The timings are daily from 09:00 to 16:15 subject to change as per the season.

Then, we headed to the Papago park where the Arizona Historical Society Museum is one of the main highlights. If you are thinking that this one is a boring museum as its focus is on the history, then you are fortunately wrong because this is one of the must see one even if you are not a great fan of history. The museum has a great collection revealing the central Arizona’s history especially of the 20th century. The preserved artifacts are quite educational. In fact, the entire collection is regarded as the largest collection in the world, which is full of artifacts, documents, and photographs.

In the same park is the Desert Botanical Garden – a unique gift for the botanical aficionados. Surrounded by the red hills of the Papago park, the Desert Botanical Garden is the home to a myriad of desert plants. This collection is regarded as one of the superb collections in the world.

Now, it was the turn of the Downtown attractions. Here, we explored the Arizona Science Center, Phoenix Museum of History, the Phoenix Art Museum, the Heard Museum, and the Burton Barr Central Library. The internationally praised Heard Museum is really among the ideal sites to know about the varied cultures and art of Native Americans of the Southwest, while the Phoenix Art Museum is a famous Valley retreat amidst the desert with the traditional outdoor activities.

Have you seen a museum dedicated to fire episodes? The Hall of Flame Fire Museum and the National Firefighting Hall of Heroes is where you will come across a multitude of fire history exhibits. You will really experience the impact of the fire events that have taken place in the history of mankind.

The Mesa Southwest Museum is really a must see museum. This leading museum of Arizona is where you can explore all about the cultural and natural history right since the time prior to the dinosaurs until the last century.

The next attraction that we visited is really mysterious. Known as the Mystery Castle, here you will come to know about the story of Boyce Luther Gulley who in 1927 had gone to meet a doctor during the lunch hour and since then was missing. He did not return to work nor to his wife. So, where did he go? Nobody knows. But to know what people believe about him, come here along with a guided tour.

The Tonto National Forest is one of the most visited forests with hills, trees, and great flora and fauna. It is the fifth largest forest in the United States.

Lastly, we visited Tempe where all attractions related to history, culture, shopping, dining, nightlife, sports, and special events will keep you engaged.