Welcome to Phoenix Attractions

There are a lot of choices when it comes to attractions in Phoenix. One of the biggest is the World Series winning Arizona Diamondbacks. Another hot attraction for visitors and locals alike is the Arizona Science Center with its more than 300 interactive exhibits. Great fun can be found for kids and adults at the city’s Encanto Park, featuring Kiddieland Enchanted Island Amusement Park, two golf courses, and a lake. Several mountains surround the city and offer varied levels of challenge for hikers and mountain bikers. South Mountain Park is the world’s largest city park on nearly 17,000 acres. Its climb to the top is worth the scenic panoramic views. Let onlinehotels.com show you some of our favorite places to stay and to play.

Arizona Diamondbacks
The Arizona Diamondbacks is a franchise team that began in March 1998 and won Major League Baseball's World Series in 2001. The team made history by becoming the youngest expansion club to win the World Series. The Diamondbacks play at the Bank One Ballpark, which has a retractable roof that shields fans and players from Phoenix's scorching heat. Check the team's website for playing schedules.

Arizona Science Center
The Arizona Science Center has more than 300 interactive exhibits, a planetarium, a giant five-story theater, and live demonstrations. Some of the exhibits discuss Arizona's geology and meteorology, explain the physiology of the human body, and demonstrate the affects of the basic forces of gravity, friction, and magnetism. The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., but is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas. This science center is located on East Washington Street in Phoenix.

Arizona State Capitol Museum
This isn't just the place where state government business is conducted. The Arizona State Capitol Museum features exhibits that detail the state's history. One presentation explains the sinking of the USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor during World War II. The museum also has new interactive exhibits that feature Arizona Game and Fish, the story of the Arizona Rough Riders, and the state's legislative process. Tours are given at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The Arizona State Capitol Museum is in Phoenix.

The Desert Botanical Garden
The Desert Botanical Garden was founded in 1937 and has several trails, bird tours, and family activities. The garden is a living museum that focuses on researching desert landscapes and on educating the public. Guests can take some of the garden home with them by purchasing a plant or other gifts at the Garden Shop. There is also a restaurant on the garden's grounds. The Desert Botanical Garden is open daily except on Christmas and July Fourth. Tours are given from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. October through April and from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. May through September. This attraction is in Phoenix.

Encanto Park
Encanto Park is a great place for kids and adults with a swimming pool, hiking trails, a Kiddieland/Enchanted Island Amusement Park, and two golf courses. Guests can also rent paddle boats or a canoe so they can float on the park's lagoon. Encanto Park also has baseball, basketball, and tennis facilities. This park is located in Phoenix on 222 acres.

Historic Heritage Square
There are several places to visit at Phoenix's Historic Heritage Square. The Rosson House, a home from the 1800s, was once an important part of the city. Heritage Square also has museums, shops, and restaurants that once stood on Phoenix's original site.

Phoenix Suns and Mercury
Phoenix's basketball fans have plenty of opportunities to watch the sport live. The city has both a National Basketball Association team and a Women's National Basketball Association team. The NBA's Phoenix Suns became a franchise in 1968. The team landed in the playoffs in only its second season, made it to several division championships, has won the Pacific Division title, and has made several NBA Finals appearances in the Suns' 35-year history. The Suns play at the American West Arena. Phoenix's other professional basketball team, the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury, has also had success. The Mercury was one of the charter teams when the WNBA began in 1996. The team has made nine playoff appearances and went to the WNBA's championship series in 1998. Like the Suns, the Mercury also plays at the American West Arena.

Phoenix Symphony
The Phoenix Symphony is the state's only full-time, professional symphony orchestra. It is also Arizona's largest performing arts group. The Phoenix symphony began as a part-time orchestra that played only four concerts a season. Now, the orchestra has 75 members and plays more than 160 concerts a year. The group is considered to be one of the top regional symphonies in the country. The symphony's season starts in September and ends in early June. The orchestra performs at Symphony Hall.

The Phoenix Zoo
Tourists at the Phoenix Zoo can choose four different trails to visit. The Africa Trail features animals, such as giraffes, hippos, and zebras. The Arizona Trail showcases the desert region's flora and fauna. The Discovery Trail is an interactive exhibit designed especially for children, and the Tropics Trail takes guests on a virtual trip from Asia to South America. The Phoenix Zoo is a relatively young zoo that opened in 1962. The zoo has been recognized internationally for its commitment to wildlife preservation and the saving of endangered species. The zoo is open every day, but has seasonal hours and is closed on Christmas.

Pueblo Grande Museum and Archaeological Park
This attraction has historical significance. Pueblo Grande Museum and Archaeological Park is located on the ruins of a 1,500-year-old Hohokam village in Phoenix. Pueblo Grande Museum has been open for more than 70 years and researchers study and interpret Hohokam culture here. Museum visitors receive a hands-on view of Hohokam life when they visit the park, which is on 102 acres. Guests can explore an 800-year-old Hohokam platform mound, an excavated ball court, and a trail. Pueblo Grande Museum is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. and from 1 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. on Sunday. Sundays are a great day to visit this site because admission is free.

South Mountain Park
South Mountain Park is the world's largest city park on nearly 17,000 acres in Phoenix. The park has mountain and desert trails that hikers, bikers, and horseback riders will enjoy. Many of these trails lead visitors to a scenic panoramic view of Phoenix's skyline. South Mountain Park has an Environmental Center that has displays explaining the park's history from ancient to modern times. Guests who want to go on group tours or participate in educational programs must call the park in advance for reservations.