Overview

Phoenix is the capital city and one of the biggest cities in the US state of Arizona. It is located in the northeastern reaches of the Sonoran Desert and it has hot summers and temperate winters. Phoenix is the 5^th most populous city in America. The greater phoenix area is also known as the Valley of the Sun. The wonderful and unique cuisine of this city has preparations made from cactus, which are not usually found elsewhere. English is the major language spoken in the state, though many people speak Spanish. You can spend quality time with your family, go sightseeing and in many ways collect memories that will stay forever in your heart.

Activities & Attractions

You can visit the Japanese Friendship Garden Ro Ho En. It features nearly 1,500 tons of handpicked rocks, 12-foot high waterfall, Kio pond, flowing streams, and more than 50 varieties of plants. This garden is the product of the shared vision of the cities of Phoenix, and Himeji, Japan. The Desert Botanical Garden is another popular tourist spot. You can see the huge Monarch butterfly if you visit this place in spring and fall.

Tovrea Castle and the Carraro Cactus Garden is a unique place in the city. This garden is full of different varieties of cactus. Other places of interest in the city are Arizona Science Center, Heard Museum, Heritage Square, Mesa southwest, Phoenix Museum of History, and Mystery Castle.

On the first Friday of every month, the local art galleries, shops, and venues open up free to the public. This event is known as First Friday Artwalk and is one of the popular activities in the city. Another annual festival in Phoenix is the Matsuri Festival. This takes place each spring in the city and celebrates the Japanese culture. Events like taiko, martial arts, drumming, cosplay, and bonsai are held.

Lodging

You have plenty of lodging options in Phoenix. You can choose to stay in hotels, inns, bed and breakfasts, rental homes, and motels. RV campsites are available, if you are planning to travel in your recreation vehicle. Some of the popular hotels in Phoenix are: Budget Lodge Downtown Phoenix, Poinate Hilton Tapeto Cliffs Resorts, Marriott's Canyon Villas, and Holiday Inn Express.

Transportation

The Valley Metro's Red Line operates buses that take you to most places of interest in the city. You can also travel around the Old Town and other sightseeing places on the Scottsdale Trolley which is free and frequent. Travelling by car or your RV is also an option that you can choose.