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Sonoran Desert in bloom, Phoenix

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Things to see in Phoenix

Tourist information: 

Greater Phoenix Convention and Visitors Bureau
100 North Third Street, Convention Center West Building (across from the Hyatt Regency), Phoenix.
Tel: (602) 254 6500.
Website: www.visitphoenix.com

Downtown Phoenix Visitor Information Center
125 N. Second Street, Suite 120 (across from the main entrance of the Hyatt Regency Phoenix) Phoenix.
Tel: (602) 254 6500.
Hours: Mon-Fri 8 - 5.
Website: www.visitphoenix.com

Scottsdale Convention and Visitors Bureau Galleria Corporate Center 4343 North Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale.
Tel: (1) 800 782 1117.
Hours: Mon - Fri 0800 – 1700. (Closed weekends and major holidays)
Website: www.experiencescottsdale.com

 

Arizona Science Center

Interactive displays and engaging scientific experiments make this visitor attraction an ideal location for an entertaining day out. Located in downtown Phoenix, this state-of-the-art facility offers visitors the chance to experiment with light, race their friends to the ceiling in pulley chairs or test their nerves by lying on a bed of nails. When the excitement gets too much, the adjoining IMAX cinema offers the latest films in spectacular 3D, while the ultra modern Dorrance Planetarium encourages visitors to sit back and enjoy a range of animated journeys into space.

Admission Fees: Yes
Disabled Access: Yes
Unesco: No
Address: 600 East Washington Street, Phoenix, United States
Telephone: (602) 257 1222.
Website: www.phxart.org
Desert Botanical Garden

The Desert Botanical Garden is a striking oasis in the vast Sonoran Desert. It is home to a plethora of cacti and other exotic plants, all arranged around winding trails and static horticultural displays. Throughout the year, visitors are invited to join the gardens in celebrating a variety of unique festivals, from the Dia de los Muertos celebration (Day of the Dead), to Las Noches de Las Luminarias (Night of the Candles) which sees the endless desert trails lit by thousands of flickering flames. The garden has a strong focus on conservation and education, but extends its displays to evening music events and even private wedding parties.

Opening Times: Mon – Sun 0800 - 2000
Admission Fees: Yes
Disabled Access: Yes
Unesco: No
Address: 1201 North Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, United States
Telephone: (480) 941 1225.
Website: www.dbg.org
Grayhawk Golf Club

A golf club may not be a typical sightseeing location for holidaymakers, but when that golf club is home to more PGA events and world tours than you could shake a five iron at, and regularly features in the USA’s top ten golfing locations, then visitors to Phoenix might just think again. The Grayhawk Golf Club is a favourite location of world class golfers who are spoilt for choice between the Talon and Raptor courses, and aside from the stunning views of the McDowall Mountains, visitors are treated to the culinary delights of the Quill Creek Cafe and the relaxing ambience of Phil’s Grill.

Opening Times: Mon – Sun 0800 – 2100 (closed public holidays).
Admission Fees: Yes
Disabled Access: Yes
Unesco: No
Address: 8620 E Thompson Peak Parkway, Scottsdale, United States
Telephone: (480) 502 1800
Website: http://www.grayhawkgolf.com
Heard Museum

Located in the heart of Phoenix, this cultural favourite houses an impressive collection of Native American art and artefacts that depict how ancient traditions have inspired modern developments in art and technology. Visitors can take a break from wandering through the ten exhibition galleries to enjoy a southwest-inspired meal in the Courtyard cafe. The menu changes with the seasons, but there will still be plenty of corn or fried greens throughout the year. Round off a tour here with a visit to the museum’s shop which is home to the Berlin Gallery, a renowned retail outlet for contemporary Native American artwork.

Opening Times: Mon – Sat 0930 – 1700, Sun 1100 – 1700. (Closed 1500 Christmas Eve and all day Christmas Day)
Admission Fees: Yes
Disabled Access: Yes
Unesco: No
Address: 2301 North Central Avenue, Phoenix, United States
Telephone: (602) 252 8848.
Website: www.heard.org
Phoenix Art Museum

Located on North Central Avenue, the Phoenix Art Museum houses an inspiring collection of artistic talent in a wide range of media. Frequently changing exhibitions showcase everything from contemporary art, to photography and fashion. Visitors can take advantage of a unique opportunity to watch feature films in the museum’s own cinema or enjoy interactive discussions and debates with guest speakers. The museum’s main anthology boasts a vast number of pieces ranging from Asian art to Modern European collected works.

Admission Fees: Yes
Disabled Access: Yes
Unesco: No
Address: 1625 North Central Avenue (Central Avenue and McDowell Road), Phoenix, United States
Telephone: (602) 257 1222.
Website: www.phxart.org
Phoenix Zoo

Over 1300 animals call the Phoenix Zoo home, including 200 species that are considered to be endangered. Visitors can learn about the zoo’s participation in survival plans for 37 species which are facing extinction, as well as enjoy the less serious events hosted throughout the year. Daily activities include camel rides, trips on a safari train, and the recent edition of a Koala exhibit gives visitors the chance to get up close and personal with these cuddly creatures. A range of restaurants serve everything from pizzas to Mexican food, and coffee shop is the perfect watering hole for humans.

Opening Times: June – August Mon – Fri 0700 – 1400, Sat – Sun 0700 – 1600; September – November Mon – Sun 0900 – 1700; November – January Mon – Sun 0900 – 1600; January – May Mon – Sun 0900 - 1700
Admission Fees: Yes
Disabled Access: Yes
Unesco: No
Address: 445 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, United States
Telephone: (602) 273 1341
Website: www.phoenixzoo.org
Pueblo Grande Museum and Archaeological Park

These preserved ruins of a 1500 year-old native American Indian Hohokam village have been transformed into an interactive museum excavated ball court, recreated housing and reproduced canal structures, all of which are located along the length of an outdoor trail. Three purpose-built galleries feature educational displays, and a nearby theatre showcases an informative video, designed to provide visitors with an overview of the site. Regular special events and demonstrations are staged throughout the year, and the indoor displays are child friendly.

Admission Fees: Yes
Disabled Access: Yes
Unesco: No
Address: 4619 East Washington Street, Phoenix, United States
Telephone: (602) 495 5645.
Website: www.pueblogrande.com
Taliesin West

This dramatic building was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, the celebrated American architect and designer, as his winter home. Today, an invitation is extended to the public to enjoy guided tours of this stunning personal residence. Taliesin West is run by the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation and also operates as a school of architecture. Tours are tailored to suit individual preferences and vary in length.

Opening Times: Opening times: Mon – Sat 0900 – 1600 (Except Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter)
Admission Fees: Yes
Disabled Access: Yes
Unesco: No
Address: 12621 North Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard, Phoenix, United States
Telephone: (480) 860 2700.
Website: www.franklloydwright.org
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