Phoenix, settled in 1871, of Maricopa county, is the capital of Arizona. It lies along the Salt River in the south-central part of the state, about 120 miles (190 km) north of the Mexico border and midway between El Paso, Texas, and Los Angeles, California. The Salt River valley, popularly called the Valley of the Sun, includes not only Phoenix but also nearby cities such as Mesa, Scottsdale, and Tempe. Phoenix plays a prominent role in the economy of the Mountain West region of the country, serving as a financial, communications, and transportation hub. 

Decking the Valley of the Sun is an unending grid system that bleeds into contiguous cities like Scottsdale, Glendale, Tempe and Mesa. Abrupt rocky clumps at Papago Park, Camelback Mountain, South Mountain Park and Piestawa Peak, break up Phoenix’s sprawl, and bring a western-style desertscape to the middle of the city. Greater Phoenix’s appeal lies in these pockets of desert wilderness, the year-round sunshine and the many chances to explore the beautiful landscape of Arizona and create unique experiences and adventures in the mysteriously beautiful desert. 

You can indulge every whim at Scottsdale’s opulent resorts, tee off at innumerable golf courses, watch big sporting moments at heavyweight arenas and brush up on America’s greatest architect at Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West architecture lab. Phoenix is a major hub for music where you can attend concerts for both major artists and upcoming bands. There are no limits to the experiences and adventures you can have in Phoenix. 

Let’s explore the best things to do in and around Phoenix, Arizona.