Phoenix Attractions
Phoenix Vacation Photos
Desert Botanical Garden
Nestled within the Sonoran Desert, this remarkable attraction showcases over 4,000 species of trees, cacti, plant life and flowers. Featured exhibits include:the Desert Discovery Trail; flourishing with Southern Arizona plants and cacti;Plants & People of the Sonoran Desert, a history of the natives and their environmental resourcefulness;Sonoran Desert Nature Trail, a 1/2 mile hike with scenic mountains in the backdrop.
Temporary exhibits include:Manolo Valdes &; Sculpture in the Garden, a riveting display of Spain's most charismatic contemporary artist; and Spring Butterfly Exhibit in the Marshall Butterfly Pavilion, a captivating encounter with thousands of fluttering butterflies. In the spring, Jazz concerts sonically resonate through the gardens. Each month, exhibits are constantly revolving. Please check with the museum for the most up-to-date information. (480-941-1225 / Open Oct.-Apr., daily 8am-8pm, May-Sept., daily 7am-8pm)
Phoenix Zoo
A focus on desert wildlife and heat-seeking animals is what makes the Phoenix Zoo so unique. Come and explore an entourage of over 1,300 reptiles and animals from Africa, Arizona and the Tropics. Watch the playful baboons interact and frolic. See the enormous beauty of the Galapagos tortoises. Look for Bornean orangutans hanging from the trees. Notice the African lions standing tall and proud in their den. Admire the colorful feather display of the Palawan peacock pheasant. All habitats are intricately re-created to make the animals feel as close to their natural environs as possible. ( 455 N. Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008 / Call for seasonal hours, 602-273-1341)
Pueblo Grande Museum & Archaeological Park
Situated in downtown Phoenix near the Sky Harbor Airport rests the ancient ruins of the Hohokam village. For over 1000 years this civilization prospered until it mysteriously vanished in the mid-1400's. Some say it's because a drought left the earth unfertile, thus forcing the inhabitants to seek land elsewhere. At the Pueblo Grande Museum and Archaeological Park, a collection of old artifacts have been excavated including: pottery, tools, jewelry and an impressive canal system that still exists today.
Also featured are recreated houses of the Hohokam, to provide a glimpse of how they lived. For the youngsters who prefer a hands-on approach, the "Dig it" exhibit lets them search for archeological finds at a re-created dig site. ( 4619 East Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 / 602-495-0901 / Mon-Sat: 9:00am-4:45pm; Sun: 1:00-4:45pm)
