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From Wikitravel

For other places with the same name, see Phoenix (disambiguation).

Phoenix [1] is the capital of the state of Arizona as well as the most populous city in the American Southwest and fifth largest city in the United States. Founded in 1871, it has become the region's primary political, cultural, economic, and transportation center. At an elevation of 1100 ft (335 m), it is situated in the biologically unique Sonoran Desert.

[edit] Understand

Why would anybody want to start a city in the middle of a desert? The answer is, surprisingly, agriculture. The Salt and Verde Rivers of central Arizona were exploited for large-scale agriculture by Native Americans as early as the 11th century. The area that now encompasses Phoenix was a center of the Hohokam culture, which built large canal systems and a network of towns and villages, whose remains may be viewed in the city to this day. White settlers discovered the remnants of the Hohokam culture in the 19th century. The city's name reflects its history as a city "reborn from the ashes" of the previous settlement.

Anglo-American settlement of the area commenced in the 1860s, and in 1911 the completion of the first of several large reservoirs in the mountains north and east of Phoenix insured its success as a center for irrigation-based agriculture. Many tens of thousands of acres were planted in citrus and cotton and other crops, and for many years, intensive, year-round irrigated agriculture formed the basis of the economy. Recent years are seeing a revival, and trendy hotels, bars, shops and restaurants are making it a place to be again.

Warm and sunny winter weather also ensured a thriving tourism industry, and encouraged many Easterners and Midwesterners to relocate to Phoenix. High-tech industry began to flourish after World War II, and since that time the growth of Phoenix has been explosive. As a result, a population of just over 100,000 in 1950 has given way to a 2006 estimate of 1,512,986 (with the metro area estimated at 4,039,182)[2].

[edit] Talk

English is the dominant language in Phoenix. However, like much of the Southwest with a large Hispanic population, Spanish is very widely spoken in Phoenix. Spanish is a language often used for day-to-day discourse in many places, although English is the language of preference, especially when dealing with businesses and government.

[edit] Climate

Climate	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Daily highs (°F)	65	69	74	83	92	102	104	102	97	86	73	65
Nightly lows (°F)	43	47	51	58	66	75	81	80	75	63	50	44
Precipitation (in)	0.8	0.8	1.1	0.3	0.2	0.1	1.0	0.9	0.8	0.8	0.7	0.9
Check Phoenix's 7 day forecast at NOAA

Phoenix has an arid climate with long, hot summers and very mild winters. It has the highest average temperature of any metropolitan area in the States. The weather varies enormously from one season to the next. While it's not as cold as in the northern states during the winter, it does freeze sometimes, and temperatures in the 30s°F (-1°C) are not unheard of. In the summer, very hot and dry heat is the norm. On the hottest days, it can get up to 115°F (46°C) or more. Monsoon rains with lightning occur regularly from July to September during the late afternoon and evening, occasionally overnight also. April is the most ideal month. In some neighborhoods, cicada make loud sounds from sunset to sunrise.

[edit] Districts

Downtown This area spans approximately two to three square miles, with main arteries running along Central Avenue and Washington/Jefferson Streets respectively. Three out of the five tallest skyscrapers in Arizona are in Downtown Phoenix.

Midtown There are a handful of officially recognized and protected historic neighborhoods and a variety of cultural, performance, and sporting venues in this area of town.

West Phoenix Includes Maryvale and Estrella, this area has seen its better days and is suffering urban decline. However, a highlight in the area includes the Cricket Pavilion which is a great place to see a concert.

North Phoenix Includes Deer Valley, Desert View, North Mountain, North Gateway, and New Village. The Phoenix Mountains are located here and offer a plethora of hiking and outdoor activities.

Camelback East A very upscale area of town which contains the famous Biltmore Hotel, Papago Park, the Phoenix Zoo, and world class resorts. The surrounding area is also known to feature expensive office space, upscale stores, and luxury homes.

South Phoenix This area is home to South Mountain Regional Park, the largest municipal park in the country. However, the neighborhood at it's base is fairly run-down and many sections are not safe. Laveen is a semi-rural area that is nonetheless seeing increasing development.

Ahwatukee An upscale neighborhood of Phoenix, Arizona bordered on the north by South Mountain Regional Park, on the east by I-10 and the cities of Chandler and Tempe.

See also Greater Phoenix for destinations in the sprawling Phoenix metropolitan area.

[edit] Get in

[edit] By plane

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (IATA: PHX) +1 602 275-4958 [3] is the main air gateway to Arizona. It is in East Phoenix 3 mi (5 km) from downtown. It is the primary hub for US Airways [4] and a major hub for Great Lakes Airlines [5] and Southwest Airlines [6].

• Terminal 2: Alaska Airlines, Continental, Great Lakes Airlines, United
• Terminal 3: Airtran, American, Delta, Frontier, Hawaiian Airlines, Jet Blue, Midwest Airlines, Northwest Airlines, Sun Country Airlines
• Terminal 4: Aeroméxico, Air Canada, British Airways, Southwest Airlines, US Airways, WestJet

Phoenix Transit Bus-Red Line and #13 run from the airport into the city.

[edit] Alternative Airports

• Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (IATA: AZA) +1 480 988-7600 [7] is located east of Phoenix, in neighboring Mesa. It is served mainly by Allegiant Air [8], although Vision Airlines [9] also offers service from North Las Vegas. Currently, this is a smaller-sized airport but is in the process of being redeveloped into a major regional airport.

• Phoenix Deer Valley Airport (IATA: DVT) +1 623 869-0975 [10], located just 15 mi (24 km) north of downtown, is the busiest general aviation airport in the U.S.

[edit] By train

Due to a dispute among the Arizona Department of Transportation, the Union Pacific Railroad, and Amtrak, passenger train service to Phoenix has been discontinued. Amtrak passengers may disembark at Maricopa, Arizona (25 mi/40 km south of Phoenix) and arrange their own travel into the city. No regular shuttle service currently exists. (Alternative: they may disembark at Flagstaff instead and take a bus into Phoenix from there. The Maricopa-Phoenix route, which uses taxi services, takes about an hour but one likely has to wait for the taxi after calling; the Flagstaff-Phoenix route takes three hours.) (Another alternative: disembark in Tucson and take a Greyhound bus into Phoenix; the Greyhound station in Tucson is about 5-6 blocks west of the Amtrak depot.)

[edit] By car

Interstate 10 enters Phoenix from the south and west, and Interstate 17 comes in from the north. US Route 60 is also a major route into Phoenix from the east. Arizona State Route 87 comes in south from Payson.

[edit] By bus

• Amtrak [11] sells tickets to and from Flagstaff.
• Arizona Shuttle [12] offers shuttle service between Sky Harbor and Tucson.
• Greyhound Bus Lines, 2115 E Buckeye Rd, +1 602 389-4200, [13]. This is a large bus terminal adjacent to Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport.
• MaricopaXpress [14], a commuter service offering two morning inbound trips from the town of Maricopa and two afternoon outbound trips. $3 and under.
• ProSedan [15]. +1 480 203-1235 Taxi, Limousine, Bus, and Town Car Service. Authorized Phoenix airport livery service.

• TUFESA Bus Lines, Bus service to/from Mexico.

• Silver Spur Tours' [16] +1 928 226-7212 or 800-600-4006 Shuttle service to and from Flagstaff, Sedona, Williams, Grand Canyon. Mercedes built Sprinter Vans for luxurious comfort, chilled water, sodas and snacks always included. guided tours available. Guided tours, VIP pick up and tours. Luxury and Style always Standard.

[edit] Get around

Renting a car like a local The new Car Rental Facility for the Phoenix Airport is just west of the airport itself. National polls have shown that Phoenix is the 4th highest city in terms of surcharges in the nation. Car rental companies are required to add 29% (that's twenty-nine percent!) to your bill to pay for this state of the art building. Take a cab to a local office of a car rental company. Do not tell them you are flying in. That way you are a "local rental" and do not have to pay some of the surcharges that are automatic if you rent at the car rental building at the airport. The surcharges finance everything from the local jails to the new Cardinals Stadium. The cab will likely be $25, but the surcharges for a $499 weekly rental will take your bill upwards of $650 and more. That cab looks a little cheaper now, doesn't it? Alternatively, if you're doing a tour of the Southwest, consider flying into Las Vegas and renting your car there — the taxes are much lower and doing a one-way drop off to Phoenix is generally not a problem.

Due to the high level of suburban sprawl in the city, getting anywhere on foot is almost an impossibility (especially in the hot summer). The limited options for public transportation mean that using a car will be a necessity for many travelers in Phoenix. Unless you plan to stay downtown or in a single location elsewhere, you will find that a car is very convenient.

Surface roads are usually easy to navigate. The area's roads are designed around a grid system, where most roads are numbered based on their distance from the city center. Addresses also conform to the numbering of the roads around them. Nearly all streets run with the compass directions, and there's a major thoroughfare every mile in each direction. This also applies to the extended metro area, though addresses in places like Tempe and Mesa are not based on downtown Phoenix.

There is an extensive network of freeways, most built since 1987. Note: Heavy construction on some segments and interchanges continues. Check construction schedules and closures in the local media.

Drinking and driving is a extreme don't do in phoenix, especially in Scottsdale and Tempe. Harsh DUI laws & police traps ensure you will most likely be pulled over during peak bar hours 11PM-2:30AM.

• Valley Metro [17]. Extensive metropolitan bus system, and light rail line. The light rail line runs from north-central Phoenix, along the Central Ave. corridor, through downtown, past the airport, and to Tempe and Mesa. Passes are good for unlimited rides on light rail and buses.

• Car rental is the most convenient form of transportation for visitors, with local companies offering better prices but national chains offering more convenience vis-a-vis return policies and times.

Car Hire Unlike most cities, in Phoenix you can get a sedan, SUV or even a limo to pick you up for about the same price as a cab. Companies providing such services include:

• Scottsdale Car Service [18]
• Skycar Limousines [19]
• Vip Limousines [20]
• Execucar [21]
• Yellow Cab [22]
• Scottsdale Car Service, ☎ +1 480 502-2221, [23]. 24/7.  edit

[edit][add listing] See

Individual listings can be found in Phoenix's district articles

In Phoenix-proper, see:

• Arizona Science Center, 600 E. Washington St, ☎ +1 602 716-2000, [24]. Science and Technology, along with a planetarium and IMAX theatre. Be sure to stop in and see one of the many renowned traveling exhibits that make a stop here.  edit

• Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N Galvin Pkwy, ☎ +1 480 941-1225, [25]. Plant life of the Sonoran Desert, and of arid lands around the world.  edit

• Heard Museum, 2301 N Central Ave, ☎ +1 602 252-8848, [26]. World famous museum celebrating Native American cultures and arts, especially those of Arizona and New Mexico. Be sure to check out the amazing collection of Hopi Kachina dolls.  edit

• Pueblo Grande Museum and Archaeological Park, 4619 E Washington St, ☎ +1 602 495-0901, [27]. M-Sa 9AM-4:45PM, Su 1PM-4:45PM. The U.S.'s only city-operated archaeological site, exploring and interpreting the pre-Columbian Hohokam civilization. Very fascinating look into the ancient inhabitants of the Phoenix area.  edit

• Phoenix Art Museum, 1625 N Central Ave, ☎ +1 602 257-1222, [28]. Tu-Su 10AM-5PM (Th until 9PM). 16,000 artworks with an emphasis on American, Asian, Latin American, and modern and contemporary. Free on the first Friday evening of every month.  edit

• Ro Ho En Japanese Friendship Garden, 1125 N 3rd Ave, ☎ +1 602 256-3204, [29]. Tu-Su 10AM-3PM. Japanese-style garden with koi pond and tea house. Closed in the summer due to heat. $5, Student/Senior/Military $3, Under 12 free.  edit

[edit][add listing] Do

• Arizona Grand Spa, 8000 S Arizona Grand Pkwy, ☎ +1 602 431-6484, [30]. 9AM-8PM. Rejuvenate your mind, body & soul with a wide variety of spa treatments from this spa. Services include a salon, relaxing body treatments, hydrating facials, & “just for kids” treatments.  edit

• Arizona Grand Golf Course, 8000 S Arizona Grand Pkwy, ☎ +1 602 431-6480, [31]. Awarded the Four Star Award by Golf Digest, Arizona Grand Golf Course is one of the most challenging golf courses in the Phoenix area and blends desert target golf with traditional links.  edit

• Arizona Grand Athletic Club, 8000 S Arizona Grand Pkwy, ☎ +1 602 431-6484, [32]. Arizona Grand Athletic club is one of the top fitness facilities in Arizona with weight rooms, fitness classes, a heated lap pool, indoor racquetball court, golf instruction and personal training instruction.  edit

• Piestewa Peak (formerly Squaw Peak), 2701 E Squaw Peak Ln (enter off of Lincoln Dr, just west of S.R. 51), [33]. 5AM-11PM daily. Right in the middle of Phoenix lies Phoenix Mountains Park. The park offers a strenuous one to two hour hike to the top of Piestewa Peak (elevation 2,610 ft/795 m), offering fantastic 360° views of the city and its surrounding environment. Especially during the hot summer months (up to 110-115°F/43°C in the afternoon), use caution and bring lots of water and a hat. There is no shade and parts of the trail can be quite steep and rocky. The Park also has several picnic areas.  edit

• Phoenix Symphony, 455 N 3rd St, ☎ +1 602-495-1999, [34]. The city's classical and pops orchestra, presenting a 25-week season of concerts.  edit

• Arizona Opera, 4600 N 12th St, ☎ +1 602 266-7464, [35]. Presenting a season of five grand opera productions, with emphasis on Verdi, Puccini, and Mozart.  edit

• Arizona Theatre Company, [36]. Professional theater in downtown Phoenix's Herberger theater complex.  edit

• Mesa Arts Center, 1 E Main St, [[Mesa]], ☎ +1 480 644-6500, [37]. Visit the newly constructed and award winning MAC. Home of contemporary art displays and studios, as well as the Southwest Shakespeare Company [38] and the Mesa Symphony Orchestra.  edit

• Desert Storm Hummer Tours, ☎ +1 866-374-8637, [39]. Since 1995, Desert Storm Hummer has specialized in Sonoran Desert adventures. If you are truly adventurous, experience the dark side of the desert. Night vision tours let you witness desert life after dark!  edit

[edit] Professional Sports

Unfortunately professional sports events are pricing themselves out of the pocket of the average traveler. There are still $10.00 seats at the Diamondbacks games, not available until 2 hours before the game. Definitely not the best seats, but worth visiting the downtown Phoenix ballpark at a cost of $357 million in 1999.

Spring Training Cactus League is a great way to see baseball players. Very relaxed and inexpensive. Games are in different locations in Mesa, Peoria, and Phoenix.

Arizona State University football (college and not professional) is another more affordable way to enjoy a football game.

The Cardinals stadium is worth a visit as looks like a giant spaceship by the side of the freeway. Built at the bargain price of $427 million in 2006.

• Arizona Diamondbacks, 7th St and Jefferson, ☎ +1 602 514-8400, [40]. Take in a baseball game at this unique stadium. Formerly known as Bank One Ballpark (The BOB), the home of the 2001 World Series Champion Arizona Diamondbacks, capacity 49,033, with a retractable roof and air conditioning. You can get really decent tickets for $12.50.  edit

• Phoenix Suns, 201 E Jefferson St, ☎ +1 800-4NBA-TIX, [41]. Very popular NBA team featuring all-stars such as Steve Nash and Amare Stoudemire. Tickets start at $25..  edit

• Arizona Cardinals, 1 Cardinals Dr, Glendale, ☎ +1 623 433-7100, [42]. Check out the newest NFL stadium in the country named by Business Week as one of the 10 “most impressive” sports facilities on the globe due to the combination of its retractable roof and roll-in natural grass field.  edit

• Phoenix Coyotes, 9400 Maryland Ave, Glendale, ☎ +1 623 772-3800, [43]. NHL Hockey team. Maybe you can see the world famous Wayne Gretzky since he is involved in team management.  edit

• Cactus League Spring Training Baseball, Phoenix and Surrounding Cities, [44]. Annually February - March the Phoenix Metropolitan Area hosts 9 Major League Baseball teams for their spring training activities and exhibition games. A great way to spend the afternoon on a beautiful Arizona Spring day.  edit

[edit] Events

• First Fridays Artwalk, (Free parking at Burton Barr Central Library 1221 N Central Ave), [45]. On the first Friday of every month, hundreds of local art galleries, venues, and shops open up free to the public. This local tradition has been going strong since 1994 and has become the largest art walk in the United States. A great place to see and be seen.  edit

• Phoenix Film Festival, 7000 E Mayo Blvd, Scottsdale, [46]. The celebration takes place annually (April) in the city of Phoenix, Arizona. The festival began as a showcase for feature films made for under $1 million and short films made for under $50,000, however, it is quickly climbing its way into elite status in the film circuit due to its first class treatment of filmmakers.  edit

• Arizona Matsuri, Heritage and Science Park at 7th St/Monroe, [47]. Annual festival each spring in downtown Phoenix celebrating Japanese culture. Martial arts, taiko drumming, bonsai, cosplay, food, fashion, music, and more.  edit

• PF Changs Rock n'Roll Marathon, Rural and Rio Solado Pkwy (202 Fwy [E], Priest Exit[S], Rio Solado [W], Parking [2 mi]), [48]. Annual moving mass of humanity (17 Jan 2010) for the PF Changs Rock N'Roll half-marathon (23,000 in 2009), and marathon (6,500 in 2009). Bands at every mile. Big party in the evening of the marathon. Starts in Phoenix (Washington St/7th Ave) and weaves through Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tempe to finish in the ASU athletic center. Pretty flat course, reasonable crowd support. Expo in Phoenix Convention Center, Monroe/3rd St.  edit

• Ford Ironman Arizona, Tempe Beach Park, Rio Solado Pkwy, [49]. 23 Nov 2009; 7AM-9AM. Swim(2.4 mi)/Bike(112 mi)/Run(26.2 mi) same as Ironman in Kona Hawaii. Entry ($425 limited to 1,500) impossible to get unless sponsored by a charity, contestant in previous year, or part of race crew.  edit

• Fiesta Bowl, University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, AZ 99th Ave/Maryland, [50]. Jan 4, 2010, 6PM. One of the 4 big college football bowls. Played at the $430m University of Phoenix football stadium (looks like a giant spaceship with a retractable playing field). Parade on Saturday before bowl at 11AM start at Central Ave/Bethany Home in Phoenix is always quite spectacular and free.  edit

• Phoenix Open, TPC Scottsdale, Bell Rd. 22-28 Feb 2010, noon-dark. Phoenix Open Golf tournament, draws a lot of big players, Tiger Woods to compete in 2010. Big party atmosphere at the 16th hole. Lots of happenings in the evening at the Birds Nest.  edit

[edit] Learn

If these institutions offer something for the traveler, i.e. short courses, etc., they should be listed here. If they offer campus museums, enjoyable or historical campus scenery or architecture etc. they belong in the See or Do sections. If they are really of no interest to anyone but enrolled students, please leave them out.

• Arizona State University, [51]. Located in the eastern suburb of Tempe, with three branch campuses around the Phoenix metro area, ASU is one of the largest public universities in the U.S. and is noted for its engineering, business, music, and creative writing programs.  edit

• Maricopa Community Colleges, [52]. Largest system of community colleges in the United States, with 10 campuses in the metro Maricopa County area; numerous community and adult education programs.  edit

• Phoenix School of Law, [53]. New law school, relatively open admissions policy.  edit

• Thunderbird School of Global Management, [54]. World famous for being the first and oldest graduate school specializing in international management and global business. Ranked #1 in the world in it's field.  edit

[edit] Work

[edit][add listing] Buy

Time-honored souvenirs from Phoenix are scorpion bolo ties and saguaro-cactus salt and pepper shakers. Look for them at various gift shops in Terminal 3 and 4 of Sky Harbor International Airport. These gift shops are also known to stock the ever-popular Cactus Candy and a wide variety of hot sauces.

[edit][add listing] Eat

• Phantom Horse Grill, 8000 S Arizona Grand Pkwy, ☎ +1 602 438-9000, [55]. This bright and airy American Grill at Arizona Grand Resort offers breakfast, lunch and dinner daily and features an adjacent sports bar with satellite televisions for the sports fanatic.  edit

• For cheap eats, look out for many 24-hour Mexican food places such as Filiberto's, Raliberto's and other restaurants offer a burrito the size of your forearm for less than $4.

[edit] Mid-range

• Los Dos Molinos, 8646 S Central Ave, ☎ +1 602 243-9113. Sonoran-style dominates Phoenix-area Mexican cookery, but Los Dos celebrates the cuisine of the Rio Grande Valley -- which means lots of very hot chiles. This long-established and highly regarded restaurant is a must for all true chile-heads. Reservations not accepted.  edit

• Old Town Tortilla Factory, 6910 E Main St, ☎ +1 480 945-4567, [56]. 5PM-11PM daily. Modern Southwest cooking with Sonoran touches. Try the Red Chile Pork Chop, with an unlikely but tasty ancho-raspberry sauce. Patio seating, heated in winter, misted in summer. Reservations only accepted for groups of 6 or more, so prepare to wait (preferably in the adjacent tequillaria). $30.  edit

[edit][add listing] Drink

• In The Scene Limousine, 645 W 24th St, Ste 102, Tempe, ☎ +1 602 996-5466, [57]. 24/7. If you are going out to enjoy the nightlife of Phoenix, remember that we have some of the toughest DUI laws in the entire nation - and that it is risking your life and the lives of others on the road. Order a limo, party bus sedan or SUV before you drink and drive. $66+.  edit

• Amsterdam 718 N Central Ave, +1 602 258-6122‎ [58]. Classy, creative nightclub. Very fun and trendy.

[edit][add listing] Sleep

[edit] Budget

• Hostelling International Phoenix (The Metcalf House), 1026 N 9th St, ☎ +1 602 254-9803, [59]. Beds start at $18 per night. Closed during the months of July and August.  edit

• The Lodge at Sun Ridge, 12129 W Bell Rd, Surprise, ☎ +1 800-337-6667, [60]. Near Phoenix, is conveniently located between the three Sun Cities in the Northwest Phoenix valley, offers an unbelievable opportunity to enjoy the splendor of Arizona at incredibly affordable prices.  edit

[edit] Mid-range

• AmeriSuites Phoenix North, 10838 N 25th Ave, ☎ +1 602 997-8800, [61]. Located just north of downtown Phoenix and a short distance from the new Glendale Arena and Cardinals Football Stadium.  edit

• Canyonview Resorts Club South Mountain Preserve, 4647 E Francisco Dr, ☎ +1 888-828-6745, [62]. Gently cradled in the largest regional wilderness park preserve in the country covering over 50 sq mi of pristine Sonoran desert Canyonview is truly a place of deep relaxation and natural beauty.  edit

• Embassy Suites Biltmore Hotel, 2630 E Camelback Rd, ☎ +1 602 955-3992, [63]. Next to the Biltmore Fashion Park offering over 70 shops and 14 restaurants. The Phoenix Airport is 8 mi away.  edit

• The Legacy Golf Resort, 6808 S 32nd St, ☎ +1 602 305-5500, [64]. 328 luxuriously appointed oversized condominiums, all with fully equipped kitchens or sleek kitchen-bars and washer/dryers.  edit

• Hyatt Regency Phoenix, 122 N Second St, [65]. Downtown hotel offering a panoramic view of the state capitol from its revolving restaurant – The Compass.  edit

• MainStay Suites at Phoenix MetroCenter, 9455 N Black Canyon Hwy, ☎ +1 602 395-0900 (fax: +1 602 395-1900), [66]. A pet-friendly extended stay hotel located near downtown and the University of Phoenix Stadium.  edit

• Phoenix Inn Suites, 2310 E Highland Ave, ☎ +1 602 956-5221, [67]. All suite accommodations with complimentary breakfast buffet, high speed Internet, and 24 hr business center.  edit

• Quality Inn and Suites Downtown, 202 E McDowell Rd, ☎ +1 602-528-9100, [68]. This hotel is in the central business and arts district.  edit

• Ramada Plaza Hotel at Phoenix MetroCenter, 12027 N 28th Dr, ☎ +1 602 866-7000 (fax: +1 602 866-7000), [69]. A 170-room hotel by Phoenix MetroCenter Mall. Features wedding reception packages, conference room floor plans and area guide and tours.  edit

• Sleep Inn, 9455 N Black Canyon Hwy, ☎ +1 480-967-7100 (fax: +1 480 921-7400), [70]. A Phoenix hotel near Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.  edit

• Sleep Inn Phoenix North, 18235 N 27th Ave, ☎ +1 602 504-1200 (fax: +1 602 504-6100), [71]. A North Phoenix hotel near Deer Valley Airport.  edit

• Sheraton Crescent Hotel, 2620 W Dunlap Ave, ☎ +1 602 943-8200. Located in the heart of Phoenix's bustling high-tech commerce corridor and 30 min from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, the Sheraton Crescent Hotel is also close to the MetroCenter Mall, NHL hockey at the Glendale Arena, and baseball spring training at the Peoria Sports Complex.  edit

• SpringHill Suites Downtown, 802 E Van Buren St, ☎ +1 602 307-9929, [72]. All-suite hotel with microwave, fridge, free wired/wireless internet in every room. Pool, small gym, free breakfast, free airport shuttle. From $150.  edit

• Wyndham Phoenix Hotel, 50 E. Adams St, ☎ +1 602 333-0000, [73]. Only a short walk from the convention center, shops and restaurants at the Arizona Center and Collier Center, America West Arena, Bank One Ballpark, the Herberger and Orpheum Theaters, Symphony Hall, and the Dodge Theatre.  edit

[edit] Splurge

Summer Travel Resort Deals The major resorts all have $99/night deals (newer resorts will be $25 more) from Memorial Day thru Labor Day. Included perks, such as 2-for-1 in the hotel restaurants, or $50 hotel credit. Many have standard 2 room suites, and water parks. Highly recommended for families. Distance reference from Phoenix Sky Harbor airport. [N6 mi] Hilton Pointe Squaw Peak Resort, 7500 N. 16th St. 2 room suites, lazy river, water slide, multiple pools, access to freeway (51), downtown Phoenix (5 miles). One of the Gosnell properties (also Pointe South Mountain - now AZ Grande - and Pointe Tapitao). Very popular with locals on summer weekends. Take my family at least one time each summer. [SE5 mi] Arizona Grande Resort - nice water park, two room suites, water slide, multiple pools, AZ Mills (shopping 2mi), airport, Tempe (5 mi), downtown Phoenix (5 mi). [SE10 mi] Sheraton Wild Horse - big fancy resort on far South side of Phoenix metro area. Water slides, lake, golf, Phoenix (12 mi). Built in 2005. [NE10 mi] Hyatt Gainey Ranch - Scottsdale (3 mi), beach, multiple pools, dive-in movies, beautiful grounds. [N12 mi] Marriott Desert Ridge - water slides, lazy river, multiple pools, Desert Ridge (shopping 1 mi), Phoenix (12 mi). Built in 2004. [NE15 mi] Westin Kierland - water slide, lazy river, multiple pools, Kierland Commons (shopping), Scottsdale (4 mi). Built in 2005 [N5 mi] Phoenician - water slide (long), golf, Scottsdale (2 mi), airport (5 mi), Phoenix downtown (6 mi). ($35 resort fee) [N5 mi] Biltmore hotel - water slide, Biltmore (shopping), golf course. ($35 resort fee). [NW10 mi] Hilton Pointe Tapitiao - 10000 N 7th St, 2 room suites, nice pool, good hiking, downtown Phoenix (10 mi).

• Arizona Grand Resort, 8000 S Arizona Grand Pkwy, ☎ +1 602 438-9000, [74]. A luxury resort located in a desert oasis at the base of South Mountain Preserve in Arizona. This family friendly vacation resort features a championship golf course, a luxury spa, vacation villas, dining at six restaurants and The Oasis Water Park.  edit

• Royal Palms Resort & Spa, 5200 E Camelback Rd, ☎ +1 602 840-3610, [75]. The resort is situated at the base of Camelback Mountain, between the Biltmore area and downtown Scottsdale, 7 mi from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. The luxury resort features 119 rooms in a variety of configurations: casitas, luxury guest rooms, spa suites, and villas. The resort also features a luxury spa, dining options and meeting & event facilities.  edit

[edit] Stay safe

Despite being a nice vacation destination, Phoenix is a major American city and as such does contain a fair amount of violent crime. Some parts of the city (and even a few parts of some of the suburbs) should be avoided at night. Downtown Phoenix is safe during the day, but does have a problem with the homeless/transients, some of whom approach well-dressed office workers and tourists asking for spare change. If visiting downtown at night (such as a Diamondbacks or Suns game), always go with a group. South Phoenix can be unsafe in some areas.

Maryvale, a commercial/residential district on the west side of the city of Phoenix (extending north into Glendale as well), should be avoided at almost all times unless there is a specific reason to go there.

Most of the suburban areas are safe during day and night; however, parts of Mesa and Glendale can be dangerous at night. Some portions of Tempe, near the main campus of Arizona State University (ASU), have seen assaults in the recent past on a few university students. The ASU campus is equipped with several emergency call boxes.

The Sunnyslope area (north central city of Phoenix) has some homeless and other crime issues and should be avoided at night.

The town of Guadalupe (immediately west of Tempe and bounded by Interstate 10 on the west) is unsafe at night, but is an incredibly interesting Hispanic/Native American community to visit during the day.

In every portion of the Phoenix area, just use common sense and be aware of your surroundings.

Phoenix also has one of the highest car theft rates in the country, with a car stolen every 7 minutes. In addition, red light running is more common in Phoenix than any other city in the U.S. Use caution at every turn.

Be aware of traffic and speed enforcement cameras at most major intersections. Always anticipate someone attempting to beat the amber light before it turns red to avoid being issued a very expensive traffic ticket (usually in the amount of $300 or more).

[edit] Cope

[edit] Newspapers

• The Arizona Republic, 200 E Van Buren St, ☎ +1 602 444-8000, [76]. The city’s main newspaper that is read throughout the city and state.  edit

• La Voz, 200 E Van Buren St, ☎ +1 602 444-8000, [77]. A popular Spanish language newspaper published by The Arizona Republic.  edit

• The New Times, 1201 E Jefferson, ☎ +1 602 271-0040, [78]. A great source of independent news and information about events, music, food, etc. The closest thing Phoenix has to New York's Village Voice (and the two have recently come under common ownership).  edit

• Asian American Times, 668 N 44th St, Ste 343, [79]. Excellent Chinese-American newspaper with articles printed in English and Chinese.  edit

• Arizona Business Gazette, 200 E Van Buren St, ☎ +1 602 444-7304, [80]. Arizona business news, published weekly.  edit

• Arizona Capitol Times, 1835 W Adams St, ☎ +1 602 253-7636, [81]. Reports on Arizona government, politics and legislative news.  edit

[edit] Consulates

• British Honorary Consulate, 2425 E Camelback Rd, Ste 1020, ☎ +1 602 515-1029.  edit

• Canadian Consulate, 2415 E Camelback Rd.  edit

• Guatemalan Consulate, 4747 N 7th St, Ste 410, ☎ +1 602 200-3660.  edit

• Honduran Consulate, 4040 E Mcdowell Rd, ☎ +1 602 273-0547.  edit

• Italian Consulate, 2525 E Camelback Rd, Ste 840, ☎ +1 602 956-3334.  edit

• Mexican Consulate, 1990 W Camelback Rd, Ste 110, ☎ +1 602 242-7398.  edit

• Sri Lankian Honorary Consulate, 329 W Cypress St, ☎ +1 602 254-1899.  edit

• Swedish Honorary Consulate, 2 North Central Ave, Ste 2200, ☎ +1 602 364-7450.  edit

• Belgian Honorary Consul, 2944 N 44th St, Ste 200, ☎ +1 602 852-3878.  edit

• Cyprian Honorary Consul, 1277 E Missouri, ☎ +1 602 264-9701.  edit

• Salvadorian Honorary Consul, 4521 E Charles Dr, ☎ +1 602 948-4899.  edit

• French Honorary Consul, 2 N Central Ave, Ste #2200, ☎ +1 602 716-8222.  edit

• German Honorary Consul, 1007 E Missouri Ave, ☎ +1 602 265-4428.  edit

• Icelandic Honorary Consul, 2999 N 44th St, Ste 640, ☎ +1 602 956-8474.  edit

• Spanish Honorary Consul, 3134 E Camelback Rd, ☎ +1 602 955-2055.  edit

[edit] Get out

• Small towns Cave Creek/Carefree lie just north of the city.
• If you would like to see areas outside of the Phoenix metropolitan area, you might want to visit Tucson, Las Vegas, or San Diego. For cooler weather, head up to I-17 to Flagstaff or Sedona.
• A good option for a day trip, or longer, out of Phoenix is a drive north to Sedona. If you have three days or more, head out to Las Vegas via Monument Valley and the Grand Canyon.
• Montezuma Castle National Monument (cliff dwelling), located near Camp Verde, Arizona is on I-17 between Phoenix and Flagstaff
• Hiking near Phoenix is popular due to central Arizona's climate and large tracts of public land. Several designated National Forest and BLM wilderness areas are within easy driving distance and offer treks ranging from day hikes to multi-day backpacking trips. South Mountain Park, within the city limits, is a popular destination to experience the Sonoran Desert on foot.
• Camelback Mountain - very popular hike in central Phoenix. Great views from top. Two routes:
  • Echo Canyon (West entry - Macdonald/Tatum). Arrive early on weekends for trailhead parking (50 cars), or walk 1/2 mi to satellite parking. 1.25 mi steep hike.
  • East entry (Invergorden/Jackrabbit). Park 1/2 mi from trailhead. Easier route 1.5 mi, skirts Phoenician (Keating resort), less developed.
• Squaw Peak (Piestewa Peak) (Lincoln Dr/20th St) - Arrive early on weekends. Good parking close to trailhead. 1.25 mi hike (easier than Camelback Mtn). Great views (just 3 mi from Camelback Mtn). Park of Phoenix Preserve (48th St to 7th Ave), lots of good hiking and mountain biking. Dogs allowed on trail 300 from Squaw Peak parking.

Routes through Phoenix

Blythe ← Glendale ←

W  E

→ Tempe → Tucson

This is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow!