Located at the intersection of Washington Street and Central Avenue, 'Downtown Phoenix' has something for everyone—museums, cultural venues, sports venues, music halls, theaters and much more. This place is a snapshot of 20th-century architectural style. It has many mid-rise and high-rise buildings and also houses the popular Heritage and Copper Squares, which are the corporate, governmental and cultural hubs of the city. Immerse yourself in world-class museums like the Phoenix Art Museum, or catch a show at the historic Orpheum Theatre. From Roosevelt Row's edgy art scene to the Phoenix Convention Center's bustling events, Downtown Phoenix offers something for everyone.
Named for the Spanish word for "enchanted," this mid-city emerald oasis lives up to its name. 200 acres of no-fee picnic areas and nature trails afford family entertainment. Minutes away from the business district, it is a great place to bring your lunch. For the kids, there is an amusement park called the Enchanted Island, a playground and a swimming pool. Older kids and adults enjoy lighted basketball courts, handball and racquetball courts, softball field, urban fishing, and paddleboats or canoes. Find golf nearby at the Encanto municipal golf course, or the Executive Length course.
Drive through one of the largest parks in the United States that covers over 16,000 acres (6474 hectares). With many lookout points, South Mountain Park, offers fantastic views of Phoenix and the surrounding valley. Summit Lookout is at 2,330 feet (710.18 meters) and highlights the enormity of this sprawling desert area. For visitors, the Interpretive Center takes you through the heritage of the area including mining and botanical history. If you prefer an experience out of the car, hike by the marked trails and study the preserved petroglyphs. Carry lunch and enjoy the park's picnic areas with kids in tow. Remember your sunscreen, hat and drinking water when visiting Arizona's best park.
If you are in Phoenix and enjoy going on easy treks, then Papago Park is the place for you. With its sandstone buttes, marked paths and slight elevation, it is perfect for family hiking trips and there are plenty of easy mountain bike paths. The most notable attraction of the park is the hole in the rock formation, which formed over thousands of years most likely from water erosion. For the more adventurous, visitors can climb the face of the rock for an unparalleled view of Phoenix. Additionally, the park is close to famous attractions such as the Desert Botanical Garden and Phoenix Zoo.
Located close to the city of Scottsdale, the Camelback Mountain watches over Phoenix, Arizona's sweeping semi-arid plains from a spectacular elevation of nearly 2704 feet (824.17 meters). The mountain gets its name from the resemblance it bears to the unmistakable shape of a camel's hump. There are two trails- Echo Canyon and Cholla which beckon rock climbers and make for challenging hiking excursions. Antelope squirrels, hawks, and snakes are the landscape's most widely spread inhabitants. The Praying Monk red sandstone formation is arguably the site's most noticeable sight.