Hotels in Phoenix and Central Cities
Visiting Phoenix & Central Arizona
As the desert air begins to cool, Phoenix and the surrounding central Arizona communities react accordingly, enjoying a variety of seasonal festivals, sporting events, outdoor recreation, and more.
As the fall rolls around, the Valley turns red, and it’s not the color on the leaves. No, sports fans are donning the color of the Arizona Cardinals, the state’s most beloved pro team. The Cards will play eight home games from September through early January at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale.
Similarly, over in downtown Phoenix, the NBA’s Phoenix Suns run the hardwood from late October all the way until mid April. Check out the purple and orange this season at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Many believe young shooting guard Devin Booker is poised for a breakout year.
It’s not all dunks and deep shots in the Valley – upcoming annual events in Phoenix like Oktoberfest at Tempe Town Lake and Zoo Lights at the Phoenix Zoo are sure to delight.
Outside of the metro area, the community of Parker will be hosting a few choice events for visitors to chew on as well. Check out the Parker “425”, a very popular off-road race held at the Parker Python. There are non-race events, too – check out the Downtown Experience, meet-and-greets, and more.
Over in Tempe – home of Arizona State University – the Tempe Fall Festival of the Arts brings around 400 artists booths to Mill Avenue for three days in December.
The city of Scottsdale comes to life this coming winter as well – the Waterfront Fire Art and Wine Festival comes to downtown in early February. The festival begins in the morning, offering tons of fine arts, tasty treats, live music, and more.
Aerial View of Phoenix, Arizona
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Top Things to Do
Popular Motorcycle Rides
Take I-17 in Phoenix to AZ-69 and stop off at Prescott to browse Old West attractions. Travel AZ-89A along 35 miles of twisting road to Jerome. Explore shops, eateries and the Gold King Mine Museum. Ride 10 miles to Cottonwood and visit Dead Horse Ranch State Park. Enjoy a 20-mile ride to Sedona to view stunning red rock formations. Continue to Slide Rock State Park or travel the scenic roads of the Coconino National Forest.
Attractions
The Phoenix Zoo is home to more than 1400 animals. Tour Monkey Village, ride the safari train, and watch tigers and elephants in their habitats. The Desert Botanical Garden spans 50 acres. Stroll among winding paths and enjoy the world’s largest collection of desert plants. Hike Echo Canyon and Cholla Trail for panoramic views from Camelback Mountain. Explore the Arizona Science Center at family-friendly Heritage and Science Park.
Golf
Enjoy dozens of beautiful golf courses for all ages and skill levels. Play with a desert backdrop at Troon North and We-Ko-Pa, or enjoy scenic surroundings and resort-style amenities at Arizona Biltmore and Gainey Rancy. Golfers who would like to retrace the steps of PGA legends won’t want to miss TPC Scottsdale Stadium, home of the Phoenix Open. Wherever you decide to play, you can count on gorgeous weather.
Sports
Phoenix boasts four major professional sports teams, the NBA Phoenix Suns, the MLB Diamondbacks, the NFL Arizona Cardinals and the NHL Arizona Coyotes. See golf superstars at the PGA Open in Scottsdale, or watch thrilling NASCAR races at Phoenix International Raceway. The metro area also hosts a number of college football playoffs including the Fiesta Bowl, Cactus Bowl and the NCAA Final Four playoffs.
Cactus League Spring Training
The Greater Phoenix area is a popular destination for baseball fans in March and early April. At Cactus League Spring Training you’ll have a chance to see 15 Major League Baseball teams play games at stadiums in Phoenix, Glendale, Scottsdale, Peoria and Surprise. Whether you are a fan of the Anaheim Angels, San Francisco Giants or Chicago White Sox, it’s a great opportunity to see professional players in action and ask for autographs.
Museums
Explore the art and history of 22 regional American Indian tribes at the Heard Museum. See, hear and play musical instruments from all over the world at the Musical Instrument Museum. The collection includes instruments from famous musicians. View contemporary works and classic masterpieces at the Phoenix Art Museum, the largest fine art museum in the Southwest. The Penske Racing Museum exhibits impressive racecars, trophies and memorabilia from more than 40 years of automobile racing.
