The fifth largest city in the nation, Phoenix has many attractions providing culture and entertainment on all levels. It is a natural draw for outdoor enthusiasts and photographers. Not only does Phoenix have its own stunning views, but it's just hours away from the Grand Canyon, nearby Sedona, and many other breathtaking sites.

Several of the nations sports teams have their spring training homes in Phoenix providing many hours of game pleasure:  the Chicago Cubs play at Hohokam Park, the Milwaukee Brewers at Maryvale Sports Park, the Seattle Mariners at the Peoria Stadium Complex, Oakland Athletics at the Phoenix Municipal Stadium, the San Francisco Giants at Scottsdale Stadium, the Kansas City Royals at Surprise Stadium, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Tempe Diablo Stadium.  Of special note is the new NFL Cardinals Stadium, opened for the 2006 season and host for the 2008 Super Bowl.

The Copper Square district in historic downtown Phoenix offers something for everyone.  For shoppers, there's the Arizona Center.   Museum enthusiasts can visit the Arizona Science Center and history buffs can learn more about the Valley's establishment at the Phoenix Museum of History.  Sports buffs will check into Chase Field, (formerly Bank One Ball Park) for the Arizona Diamondbacks, or US Airways Center for the Phoenix Suns. There are plenty of clubs, bars, music, dance, and theatrical venues for night life entertainment. In downtown Phoenix there's the Opera and the Symphony Hall. The Arizona Theatre Company and Black Theater Troupe offer dramas, musicals, and numerous other works. There's plenty of action at the Herberger Theatre Center and Orpheum Theatre as well.  The Dodge Theatre features high-tech, state-of-the-art entertainment, plays, concerts and boxing.  Copper Square is also home to many fine dining establishments.  For coffeehouse enthusiasts there's the Willow House; and those seeking an Irish joke or song can seek out Seamus Mccafrey's Irish Pub. I f you're looking for some chuckles, try Rascal's Comedy Club.  To the east of downtown lay the Desert Botanical Garden a perfect place for nature lovers to sample the serene beauty of native and rare cacti, succulents, desert trees and flowers. 

West of Phoenix is the area of Glendale, one of the nation's hottest areas of growth.  Located here are the new NFL Cardinals Stadium, host of the 2008 Super Bowl, and the Glendale Arena, home of the Phoenix Coyotes and one of the area's top entertainment venues.

If you're in north Phoenix, the Pioneer Arizona Living History Village Museum is a great place to experience Phoenix life in earlier times. In south Phoenix you'll find the popular Mystery Castle and South Mountain Park.

Nearby Downtown Scottsdale is a must for art enthusiasts along Main Street and in the Marshall Way Arts District. Old Town Scottsdale abounds with rustic storefronts and wooden sidewalks. Here you will find fine jewelry and unique Mexican imports you cannot leave behind. One of the country's most unique holdings of contemporary art can be found at the "museum without walls" at the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art. Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin West winter home is open for tours in North Scottsdale.

Tempe is the home of Arizona State University, the ASU Sun Devil Stadium and Fiesta Bowl, ASU Wells Fargo Arena.  Frank Lloyd Wright's Gammage Auditorium is also located on campus. The University keeps the neighborhood humming and the ever popular Tempe Beach Park keeps swimmers, bikers, and joggers in shape. 

Mesa draws a great deal of attention with it's one-of-a-kind newly opened Mesa Arts Center and the Mesa Arizona Temple.

Founded on the ruins of a former civilization, Phoenix was selected as an appropriate name by city founders in 1868.  The most popular time to visit is between the months of October and May. After that, the temperatures climb, however, locals consider the dry heat to be very tolerable.