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Weekend Getaways to Phoenix

Phoenix
photo courtesy of the Arizona Office of Tourism
Nearly perfect year-round weather and several impeccably designed championship courses have made Phoenix one of the top golf destinations in the world. But there's more to this mild-mannered metropolis than pristine greens and tee times. The greater Phoenix area also offers visitors an array of impressive cultural attractions. Visit the internationally renowned Heard Museum for an in-depth look at Native American history or peruse the fine collection at the Phoenix Museum of Art. Enjoy a ballet performance at the ornate Orpheum Theater or catch a Broadway show at the state-of-the-art Dodge. In addition to golf, the city offers access to numerous outdoor endeavors including rock climbing, hot-air ballooning, desert jeep tours and more. Family-friendly attractions, first-rate shopping, dining and entertainment, and spectacular recreational activities make Phoenix a must-visit destination.
 
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Don't-Miss Attractions
TripAdvisor's editorial team reviewed our attractions database and selected the best local attractions to highlight in this itinerary. Some are popular, some are off the beaten path, but all are worth a visit.
Native American historyNative American history
Heard Museum: The foremost showcase of Native American art and culture in the U.S., the Heard Museum reveals the cultures of tribes in the region through exhibits, demonstrations and live performances and displays the work of contemporary Native American artists. Artists demonstrate their work during the week and musicians perform on most weekends.
Address: 2301 North Central Ave., Phoenix, Arizona
Phone: 602-252-8848
Admission fee
Pueblo Grande: More than 1,000 years old, these ruins from a Native American village and the artifacts unearthed from the area tell a fascinating story of the lives of the inhabitants. Hands-on activities, hikes and tours enhance the learning experience.
Address: 4619 E. Washington, Phoenix, Arizona
Phone: 602-495-0901
Admission fee
Raise the drawbridgeRaise the drawbridge
Mystery Castle: Built by a father to realize his daughter's dream, this three-story castle, completed in 1945, is made of stone, adobe, automobile parts and petroglyphs and is held together by a cement mixture including goat's milk. Take a tour - usually led by the daughter, who still lives there - of this odd, yet imaginative dwelling.
Address: 800 East Mineral Road, Phoenix, Arizona
Phone: 602-268-1581
Admission fee
Kid stuffKid stuff
Phoenix Zoo: You'll find nearly any animal you can think of at this 125-acre, internationally renowned zoo, where fascinating trails lead you through an African savanna, a tropical rainforest and the Arizona environs, complete with wildlife of the respective region. Highlights are the giant Galapagos tortoises and a baboon colony.
Address: 455 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, Arizona
Phone: 602-273-1341
Admission fee
Castles N' Coasters: One of the oldest amusement parks in Phoenix, Castles N' Coasters retains the family-friendly atmosphere of old-time parks. Impressive thrill-seeker roller coaster rides are balanced by ground-based, and tamer, choices. A three-story arcade boasts over 350 games.
Address: 9445 N. Metro Parkway E, Phoenix, Arizona
Phone: 602-997-7577
Admission fee
Tee timeTee time
Arizona Grand Golf Course: An excellent golf course with beautiful landscaping and a welcoming feel, this club offers two different styles of golf, traditional and desert.
Address: 8000 S Arizona Grand Parkway, (Formerly Phantom Horse Golf Club), Phoenix, Arizona
Phone: 602 431 6480
Greens fee
For art loversFor art lovers
Phoenix Art Museum: One of the largest art museums in the Southwest, the museum houses a permanent collection of some 16,000 works of art spanning the centuries and also includes a popular miniatures collection and a "Please Touch" children's gallery.
Address: 1625 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, Arizona
Phone: 602-257-1222
Admission fee
RestaurantsRestaurants
Pizzeria Bianco: This small restaurant serves up pizzas with big flavor due to the hand-made dough and wood-burning ovens.
Address: 623 E Adams St, Phoenix, Arizona
Phone: (602) 258-8300
T. Cook's: Located in the Royal Palms Hotel this elegant restaurant is a favorite for romantic dining and special occasion dinners.
Address: 5200 E Camelback Rd, Phoenix, Arizona
Phone: (602) 840-3610
Things to doMore attractions
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Phoenix Traveler Lists

Traveler Lists — Created by real travelers to give you ideas
on where to go and what to do on your next trip.
 
Where to Stay
Our editorial team selected local hotels and resorts that have good reputations and good deals. Because we know travelers' budgets differ vastly, we chose hotels at different price points rather than listing the city's top five hotels, which might all be in the same price range.
Luxury hotelsLuxury hotels
Royal Palms Resort and Spa
Popularity index: #1 in Phoenix
Orbitz.com View Hotel Photos, Reviews & More Compare & Save on Hotels at Orbitz
Expedia.com Photos, Reviews and the Guaranteed Lowest Prices
hotels.com Low Rates Guaranteed! Click or Call an Expert at 1-800-43-HOTEL
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JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa Phoenix
Popularity index: #5 in Phoenix
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Marriott.com Get Marriott's Best Rate Guarantee & Earn Rewards
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Moderate hotelsModerate hotels
Doubletree Guest Suites Phoenix Gateway Center
Popularity index: #8 in Phoenix
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DoubleTree.com Book For Our Best Rates, Guaranteed Exclusive Rates, Offers, & Packages
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Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort
Popularity index: #17 in Phoenix
Hilton.com Book For Our Best Rates, Guaranteed. Exclusive Rates, Offers & Special Packages
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Budget hotelsBudget hotels
Sleep Inn Airport
Popularity index: #34 in Phoenix
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SleepInn.com Free Internet, Breakfast & Fitness Rooms. Best Web Rate Guaranteed!
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Holiday Inn Phoenix-West
Popularity index: #88 in Phoenix
HolidayInn.com Kids Eat Free. Free Internet. Book online or call 877-270-6397.
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Expedia.com Photos, Reviews and the Guaranteed Lowest Prices
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Recommended Reading
"Phoenix Puts Some Zest on the Menu"  Washington Post (free registration required), Feb 11, 2007
Dining in Phoenix is an increasingly interesting experience.
"Cool time in a hot town"  canada.com / The Edmonton Journal, Nov 25, 2006
Discover the endless variety of travel experiences Phoenix has to offer.
"Phoenix: It's not L.A.'s generic equivalent"  Los Angeles Times (free registration required), Mar 20, 2005
The first Friday of every month finds Phoenix teeming with tourists in search of an alternative.
"Fun soars in Phoenix"  canoe.ca / Sun Media, Feb 4, 2007
Discover the many attractions and outdoor activities this city has to offer.
 View all articles, guidebooks and user reviews about Phoenix