During your Phoenix vacation, don't miss these great establishments and attractions:
Arizona Capitol Museum
In the years before Arizona became a state, the territorial capital moved from Prescott to Tucson, then back to Prescott, before finally settling in Phoenix. In 1898, a stately territorial capitol building was erected (with a copper roof to remind the local citizenry of the importance of that metal in the Arizona economy). Atop this copper roof was placed the statue Winged Victory, which still graces the old capitol building today. This building no longer serves as the actual state capitol, but has been restored to the way it appeared in 1912, the year Arizona became a state. Among the rooms on view are the senate and house chambers, as well as the governor's office. Excellent exhibits provide interesting perspectives on early Arizona events and lifestyles. There are free guided tours at 10am and 2pm.
Arizona Museum for Youth
Using both traditional displays and participatory activities, this museum allows children to explore the fine arts and their own creativity. It's housed in a refurbished grocery store, which for past exhibits has been transformed into a zoo, a ranch, and a foreign country. Exhibits are geared mainly to toddlers through 12-year-olds, but all ages can work together to experience the activities.
Historic Heritage Square
Although the city of Phoenix was founded as recently as 1870, much of its history has been obliterated. However, if you have an appreciation for old homes and want a glimpse of how Phoenix once looked, stroll around this collection of some of the city's few remaining 19th-century houses, which stand here on the original town site. All of the buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and most display Victorian architectural styles popular at the end of the 19th century. Today, the buildings house museums, restaurants, and gift shops. The Eastlake Victorian Rosson House, furnished with period antiques, is open for tours. The Stevens House features the Arizona Doll and Toy Museum. The Forest's Carriage House has a gift shop and ticket window for the Rosson House tours. The Teeter House now serves as a Victorian tearoom (with cocktails and live jazz in the evening); the old Baird Machine Shop contains Pizzeria Bianco; and the Thomas House is home to Bar Bianco.
Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort
If you love to lounge by the pool, then this resort is a great choice. The Falls, a 3-acre water playground, includes two lagoon pools, a 138-foot water slide, 40-foot cascades, a whirlpool tucked into an artificial grotto, and rental cabanas for that extra dash of luxury. If you're a hiker (as I am), you'll want to make this your first choice in the area. The trails of the North Mountain Recreation Area begin on the edge of the property, and from here you can hike for miles through the desert. The resort also has a golf course, though it is a short drive away. All rooms are spacious suites with Southwest-inspired furnishings; corner units are particularly bright. Situated on the shoulder of North Mountain, this resort has walkways and steep roads (get your heart and brakes checked); at the very top of the property is Different Pointe of View, a pricey restaurant with one of the finest views in the city. This resort is slightly more adult-oriented than the nearby Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort, but is very similar.Facilities: 3 restaurants (Mediterranean, American, Mexican); 2 poolside cafes; 5 lounges; 7 pools; golf course; 2 tennis courts; fitness center (extra charge); small full-service spa; 8 Jacuzzis; sauna; steam room; bike rentals; seasonal children's programs; concierge; car-rental desk; free shuttle between Pointe Hilton properties; business center; room service; massage; babysitting; laundry service; dry cleaning.
Hotel San Carlos
If you don't mind staying in downtown Phoenix with the convention crowds, you'll get good value at this historic hotel. Built in 1928 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the San Carlos provides that touch of elegance and charm missing from other downtown choices. Unfortunately, bedrooms are rather small by today's standards, and the decor needs updating. If you're up for a splurge, check out the suites, which are named for celebrities that stayed here in the hotel's heyday.
Embassy Suites Phoenix North
This resortlike hotel in north Phoenix is right off I-17, a 30- to 45-minute drive from the rest of the valley's resorts (and good restaurants) -- but if you happen to have relatives in Sun City or are planning a trip north to Sedona or the Grand Canyon, it's a good choice. The lobby of the mission-style hotel has the feel of a Spanish church interior, but instead of a cloister off the lobby, there's a garden courtyard with a huge pool and lots of palm trees. The guest rooms are all suites, although furnishings are fairly basic and bathrooms small.
Need help booking your trip?
Book online or call
1-800-504-3248(toll free)
Need help booking your trip?
Book online or call
1-800-504-3248(toll free)
Need help booking your trip?
Book online or call
1-800-504-3248(toll free)
Need help booking your trip?
Book online or call
1-800-504-3248(toll free)
Other direct flights to Phoenix (PHX) on Hawaiian Airlines