Phoenix Arizona

Welcome to Phoenix, Arizona

66 degrees average winter temperature
102 degrees average summer temperature

Surrounded by beautiful Sonoran desert, Phoenix is the heart of the Valley of the Sun. As the 14th largest metro area by population in the United States, Phoenix is the largest city by land area and the largest capitol city in the Unite States.

Phoenix was founded in 1861 near the Salt River and later incorporated in 1861. The city is known for its political culture and has been the home to numerous famous American politicians and dignitaries, such as Barry Goldwater, John McCain, Carl Hayden and Sandra Day O’Connor.

Downtown Phoenix is steeped in cultural history, arts and entertainment, unique dining experiences, all blended together to create a diverse environment suitable for the urban lifestyle. Located in downtown Phoenix, you can enjoy a stroll through Heritage Park, take in a show at the Phelps Dodge Tower or tour the Hall of Flame Fire Museum. If classic music and dance are more your style, you will appreciate the Phoenix Symphony Hall or the Herberger Theater Center. Also located in downtown Phoenix is the Arizona Science Center.

Phoenix is the Capitol for the state of Arizona. The Capitol building was opened in 1901 when Arizona was still a territory. Inside the building, you will find relics from the U.S.S. Arizona which sunk at Pearl Harbor during World War II. Throughout the second story is ornate wood work which really captures the time and place. Still today there are the well preserved chambers of early Arizona law-makers. The state Capitol is open to the public for tours.

Transportation, Travel

In 2010 Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport celebrated its 75th anniversary. In the 1930’s Sky Harbor only had one runway. Today, the airport has 4 terminals and accommodates 17 different airlines including Continental, US Airways, Southwest, British Airways and Air Canada.

Just a few minutes from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is the city’s public transportation hub. Phoenicians and visitors alike can enjoy the transportation services provided the Phoenix METRO light rail, public bus line, DASH (Downtown Area Shuttle) and DEE (Downtown Evening Express).

Entertainment, Shopping, Dining

Phoenix is home to the 2011 National League West Champions, the Arizona Diamondbacks. Since 1998, Chase Field has seen nearly 17.5 million fans pass through its gates. With a signature swimming pool and retractable roof top, Chase Field has become one of baseball’s most recognizable landmarks.

Just a few yards down the way is US Airways Center, home to the Phoenix Suns and the women's basketball team, the Phoenix Mercury. US Airways Center also hosts a plethora of sold out events every year, like the annual Phoenix Tequila Fest, WWE Raw, Cirque Due Soleil and concerts from big names like Lady Gaga to George Straight.

Downtown Phoenix has the sports arena covered but the Biltmore Fashion Park is the place to be for shopping. At the Biltmore Fashion Park, you can find all the trendy designs from Saks Fifth Avenue to Macy’s. After a hard day of shopping, you can refill with a fine dining experience at restaurants like Stingray Sushi, The Capital Grille or Ruth Chris Steak House. Besides the Biltmore Fashion Park, Phoenix and the surrounding metro cities provide plenty of shopping and dining options.

The Phoenix Zoo sprawls over 125 acres with 4 uniquely different trails called Africa, Tropics, Arizona and Children’s. There are 1200 animals on exhibit ranging from mammals, fish, invertebrates, birds and reptiles. Valley residents enjoy the annual ZooLights Festival which runs from November 24th through January 9th each year.

Also located in Phoenix is the Desert Botanical Garden. For more than 70 years, the Desert Botanical Garden has been teaching and inspiring visitors from the local community and around the world with research, exhibits designed to help us unders