Having been around for nearly three decades, Rainbow Ryders Inc. is one of Southwest's foremost hot air balloon company. Experience the scenic vistas of Scottsdale and Phoenix from a breathtaking view-point and you can also bring someone special along. At the end of each ride, receive the company's first flight certificate to commemorate your flight. Offering year-round sunrise flights, depending upon the weather, and sunset flights during winter, this panoramic adventure is a perfect addition to any itinerary.
Located near the heart of Scottsdale, the Camelback Mountain watches over Phoenix, Arizona's sweeping semi-arid plains from a spectacular elevation of nearly 1,400 feet (426.72 meters). The mountain gets its name from the resemblance it bears to the unmistakable shape of a camel's hump. The north trailhead offers views of red cliffs rising 200 feet (61 meters) in some areas, beckoning rock climbers with its challenges. Antelope squirrels, lizards, and snakes are the landscape's most widely-spread inhabitants. The Praying Monk red sandstone formation is arguably the site's most noticeable sight.
Music lovers should head to the Musical Instrument Museum which has a collection of 15,000 musical instruments as well as multimedia exhibits. The collection of musical instruments comes from every corner of the world. Many so strange, they are exhibited along with an instructional video. Visitors get the opportunity to learn the diverse music styles that exists around the globe. The museum also has live performances held at its theater.
Amidst the buzzing cityscape of Phoenix lies a serene retreat that is known as the Phoenix Mountain Preserve. From soaring peaks to plunging valleys, the park displays a varied topography with multiple trails cutting through. Amidst a craggy landscape of steep ascents and rugged terrain, a generous population of succulent plants are scattered throughout, with a few flowering shrubs, typical of the desert climes reign here. Most of its area is accessible to civilians and is hence a common choice for family picnics and hikes. A few of the most prominent parks enclosed by the preserve are the Piestewa Peak Recreation Area, the Camelback Mountain Park and the Lookout Mountain Preserve. Although surrounded by the city, the Phoenix Mountain Preserve is a slice of wilderness that evokes a sense of isolation that is a welcome reprieve from the bustling city.
The Desert Botanical Garden began in the 1930's with the goal of preserving the area's pristine desert environment. Today, the garden helps save endangered plants, with the focus still on native flora and special emphasis on succulents. The cactus collection is world-renowned and between the months of March through May, the seasonal blooms are spectacular. The garden hosts numerous events throughout the year, some of which include the popular 'Butterfly Habitat' during the spring and the 'Luminarias' during the holiday season. If you come during the summer months, don't forget your hat and sunscreen!
One of the largest in the Southwest, the Phoenix Art Museum includes a staggering collection of exhibits from the world over. Permanent displays in this facility include miniature interiors as well as 20th-century art. Featured pieces cover contemporary art and fashion design with international exhibits from Europe, Asia, Latin America as well as Western America. Interactive, hands-on activities are featured for kids at the PhxArtKids space. Traveling displays are often included in the museum's highlights. Exhibits include popular works by Sui Jianguo, Lawrence Weiner and Pete Wegner.
Located in the bustling CityScape in Downtown Phoenix, Gypsy Bar is a top destination for nightlife. Gypsy Bar has all the features of a happening nightclub, from the lively dance floor to the sound and video system, VIP bottle service and full bar. But Gypsy Bar goes a step beyond the normal nightclub setup, adding in an arcade game lounge with classic games like Pac-Man, air hockey, skee ball and many more. If you're looking for a place to spend the evening without ever getting bored, head to Gypsy Bar.
If you're looking to do something a little more engaging than lounging in a bar during the weekend, head over to Lucky Strike. Here, you can get all the playful ambiance of a trendy bar and restaurant with the added fun of bowling. Neon-lit lanes end in giant screens showing sports, movies or music videos, so you never miss a thing while you lounge on your cushy couches waiting your turn. If you worked up an appetite with all the bowling, head over to the bar and enjoy snacks like sliders, tacos and fries along with your drink. Overall, Lucky Strike promises a whale of a time with your friends and family.
Copper Blues is a sleek rock bar downtown Phoenix. Featuring live music, an impressive selection of more than 60 tap beers, good food and an amazing outdoor patio on the second floor, this venue is one of the most popular destinations in the city.
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 an 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.
Stand Up Live is one of the exclusive theaters dedicated to comedy in the city. Featuring well known acts, the state-of-the-art theater ensures an unforgettable experience. Crack up over some burgers, sliders or wings from the menu along with a signature cocktail from their full service bar.
This interesting museum opened in 1993 and offers a colorful history of the Phoenix Police Department. Learn more about various men and women who have kept law and order in the city. Located in downtown Phoenix, exhibits include recreations of old jail cells from the 19th and 20th centuries as well as a Model-T police car from 1919. The kids can play 'cops' and try on old police uniforms.