Phoenix: "Valley of the Sun"
Surrounded by the dramatic landscape of the Sonoran Desert, Phoenix combines the charm of the Old West with the energetic buzz of a modern, thriving metropolis. Over the past 40 years Phoenix has more than quadrupled in population, making it the sixth largest city in the nation today. Although the city now sprawls through the nearby desert, there are still enough towering cactus and craggy mountains nearby to give you an idea of what the settlers must have seen when they arrived here on horseback.
With more than 330 days of sunshine a year, it’s no wonder that Phoenix is known around the world as a haven for outdoor recreation. You can laze in the sun and soak up the desert heat, take a dip in an oasis of cool water or indulge in a game of tennis or golf almost any day of the year. For adventure seekers the options are limitless—including everything from hot air ballooning and horseback riding to rock climbing and white water rafting.
When the sun sinks below the desert floor, the city’s cultural attractions come to life. Phoenix offers an impressive array of music, dance, theater and symphony concerts, as well as an incredible variety of culinary delights. Scottsdale, a neighboring town, is especially renowned as a visual arts center, ranking behind only New York and Santa Fe in its concentration of art galleries.
Whether you stay for a season or a lifetime, Phoenix will extend a warm desert welcome and a lingering embrace to all who make their home in the ‘Valley of the Sun.’
City Resources
Greater Phoenix Convention and Visitors Bureau
Get detailed information about Phoenix, its neighborhoods, history, attractions, as well as maps and directions.
Events Guide
Find out about the latest events and happenings in Phoenix, get the scoop on the best restaurants in town and check out the top family-friendly attractions.
State Information
This handy guide is filled with everything you need to know about nursing in Arizona, including state nursing associations, CE requirements, salary information and more.
Arizona Republic
A daily newspaper, covering local, national and international news, classifieds, recreational guides and more.
New Times
A free weekly journal with comprehensive listings of cultural events, concert schedules and restaurant reviews.
The Phoenix Business Journal
Featuring both local and national business news, this newspaper includes a directory of employment services, commercial real estate and classifieds.
Phoenix Zoo
Home to over 1,200 animals, the Phoenix Zoo is divided into four unique areas, each featuring animals from different regions of the world, educational programs and activities.
Out of Africa Wildlife Park
Located in an exotic garden setting, this park is home to Bengal and white tigers, black leopards, wolves, lions and a variety of other fascinating creatures.
Arizona Museum for Youth
An art museum you can kid around in! Housed in a refurbished grocery store, this museum encourages children to explore the fine arts and their own creativity.
Arizona Science Center
Eyes pop, mouths drop and science excites at this kid-friendly learning center.
Castles & Coasters
Phoenix’s biggest thrill park offers coasters, water rides, bumper bashing, an arcade and four 18-hole miniature golf courses.
Hall of Flame Fire Fighting Museum
The world's largest fire fighting museum houses a fascinating collection of beautifully restored vintage fire trucks dating back to 1725.
Hiking
Before you grab your hiking boots, find out about the best nature preserves and hiking trails in the Phoenix area.
Biking Trails
Learn about the best urban and off-the-beaten track biking trails in and around the city.
Golf
Get all the facts and figures on Phoenix’s numerous golf courses, including fees, statistics and scorecards.
Shopping
Get the scoop on the city’s premier malls, outlet centers and specialty shops.
Sporting Events
Find out about the city’s upcoming sporting events, including football, baseball, basketball and hockey.
Horseback Riding
Saddle up and enjoy horseback rides along Arizona’s most scenic trails.
Desert Botanical Garden
This garden offers the world’s largest collection of arid-land plants from deserts across the globe.
Grand Canyon National Park
One of the seven natural wonders of the world, the Grand Canyon is Arizona’s premier attraction.
Heard Museum
This museum is world renowned for its impressive Native American art collections.
Phoenix Art Museum
One of the largest art museums in the Southwest, this center houses more than 16,000 works of art from centuries past and modern times.
Mesa Southwest Museum
This museum of cultural and natural history, features permanent and changing exhibitions that appeal to kids and adults alike.
