Phoenix Attractions - Things To Do

Hikers, bikers and climbers in Greater Phoenix have come to the same conclusion as coyotes, roadrunners and jackrabbits: The Sonoran Desert is a great place to play.

Three major mountains buttress Phoenix, providing visitors an outlet for every grade of outdoor pursuit. And because the Sonoran Desert is one of the most ecologically diverse deserts in the world, explorers will discover an extraordinary range of plant and animal life that varies with changes in elevation and climate.

For locals and guests alike, hiking, biking and horseback riding on Phoenix's many mountain trails is a daily ritual. Many visitors are also surprised to learn that seven large lakes within a leisurely drive of the city offer picturesque settings for water recreation.

You can make the most of a foray into our desert playground by working with a recreational outfitter. Let a professional guide supply insight and entertainment as you soak in the scenery from the saddle of horse, the basket of a hot-air balloon, or the backseat of a Jeep or Hummer. For visitors who prefer sightseeing sans the high adrenaline, a guided road tour is an enjoyable option.

There's no wrong way to experience the natural splendor of the Sonoran Desert. The only tragedy would be to miss it.


Gold Coast Helicopters
6801 N. Glen Harbor Blvd., Glendale Municipal Airport; Glendale, AZ 85307
(623) 935-3388 | Fax (623) 935-6568
Providing helicopter tours, charter and executive transport in Phoenix and throughout Arizona. Discounts and package deals available. For information, call, fax or email to see what we can do for you!

Grand Canyon Airlines, Inc.
P.O. Box 3038, Grand Canyon National Park Airport; Grand Canyon, AZ 86023
(866) 235-9422 | (928) 638-2463 | Fax (928) 638-9461
Affordable family air tours! Experience the Canyon's majesty from the air aboard our "high wing" 19-passenger Vistaliner aircraft. Operating aerial sightseeing tours since 1927.

A Balloon Experience Hot Air Balloon Company
2243 E. Rose Garden Loop, Ste. 1; Phoenix, AZ 85024
(800) 831-7610 | (480) 502-6999 | Fax (602) 867-2030
Since 1978, 205,000 passengers have made our Sonoran Desert flight the highlight of their visit. Hotel transfers are available. Daily flights year round. Individuals and groups are welcomed. All major credit cards are accepted. Staff is FAA certified, uniformed and insured.

Enchanted Island Amusement Park
1202 W. Encanto Blvd.; Phoenix, AZ 85007
(602) 254-1200 Ext. 226 | Fax (602) 254-1264
Ideal for your corporate events and group outings of 100-5,000. Enjoy our private picnic grounds with 7.5 acres of scenic waterways nestled in the heart of Phoenix. Personalize your picnic by choosing from one of our many meal options. All food is served buffet style and is freshly prepared by our professional catering service. All picnics include unlimited ride wristbands, as well as pedal boat and canoe rides. Enchanted Island features an antique 1948 Carousel and C.P. Huntington train, along with eight other fun-filled attractions. An ideal spot for birthday parties, play groups and school groups.

The Phoenix Zoo
455 N. Galvin Parkway, Papago Park; Phoenix, AZ 85008
(602) 273-1341 | Fax (602) 286-3809
More than 1,300 animals, exhibited throughout five unique trails. Open every day 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Summer hours (June-Sept) hours are 7 a.m.-2 p.m. (weekdays) and 7 a.m.-4 p.m. (weekends). The Phoenix Zoo offers unique event venues indoors and out and customized group events for 25-5,000+. Visitors will enjoy daily up close animal encounters, keeper talks, bike and boat rentals and a variety of retail and food venues. Be sure to visit the new Monkey Village exhibit-a walk through environment that brings you face to face with the animals. Check the Zoo's website often for updates on special events, daily programs and other activities such as Night Camp and Camp Zoo.

Grand Canyon Railway
1201 W. Route 66, Ste. 200; Flagstaff, AZ 86001
(800) 843-8724 | (928) 773-1976 | Fax (928) 773-1610
Make your trip to the Grand Canyon historic. Stay in one of Northern Arizona's finest hotel properties adjacent to the Grand Canyon Railway Depot. Ride an authentic, century-old rail line from Williams to the heart of the Grand Canyon National Park. Enjoy good company and live entertainment as you travel to one of the most beautiful places in the world. Select from four classes of service on vintage rail cars that date back to the 1920s pulled by historic locomotives. Steam engines pull the train from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend with streamliner diesels doing the work the rest of the year. Packages with hotel: train and meals available. Daily service: large-group capacity, charters available.