Phoenix Arizona is state capital and is the 5th largest city in the United States, with a population of 1.4 million in the city proper and 3.4 million in its enormous, two thousand mile metropolitan area. The metro area, called The Valley of the Sun, or just “The Valley”, encompasses the cities of Tempe, Scottsdale, Glendale and Mesa. This sprawl perhaps lacks a visual aesthetic and may dilute the character of the city, but there’s no denying Phoenix’s fast-paced vitality or the plethora of activities open to its visitors.

Shoppers will find pleasant, upscale galleries and Boutiques in Scottsdale’s Old Town. Scottsdale is also home to the Fashion Square. Copper Square in downtown Phoenix has specialty shops galore, along with places to eat and drink before taking in sporting or cultural event.

Basketball fans visiting the Phoenix area can watch the Suns play at the American Western Arena. Baseball fans will want to head over to the Bank 1 Ballpark for the Arizona Diamondbacks. Racing fans will be happy to know that Phoenix hosts both Indy and NASCAR races. Golf widows and widowers will have plenty of time on their hands thanks to the area 50+ top-ranked golf courses. Arizona football fans already know that Arizona State University call Tempe home, as do her fighting Sun Devils.

Outdoor adventure in Phoenix is as close as the Phoenix Mountains Preserve, with lots of hiking, biking and camping especially on Camel Back Mountain. There are even trials that your dog can hike with you, but even big dogs always watch out for rattlesnakes and coyote packs. Many of Phoenix’s parks have fully wheelchair accessible trails, like the Penny Howe Barrier Free Trail at North Mountain Park.

There are countless other ways to enjoy the outdoors in Phoenix. The Sonoma desert looks great from a balloon, and there are several companies that can give you a ride, like the Hot Air Balloon Company. Desert Storm Hummer Tours have you roaring across the sands and offer several tours a day. If that all sound a little too dusty then there’s always tubing down the Salt River near Mesa. The kids are sure to have fun at Ecanto Park, a 222-acre oasis with a Lagoon, Kiddieland & the Enchanted Island.

For a little culture one can visit the Phoenix Museum of Art or the Heard Museum, which now has the largest collection of Kachina Dolls in the country. Native American history comes alive at the Pueblo Grande Museum. Visitors can see some a show at the excellent Orpheum Theater or watch and independent film at the Valley Art Theater.

When the sun goes down in Phoenix there’s plenty of college nightlife on Mill Avenue. Hungry visitors will find the nearby House of Tricks is a great place for New American Cuisine. Gay and Lesbian travelers will find Tempe friendly, especially at the Amsterdam Bar or Ain’t Nobody’s Bizness.

Visitors to Phoenix will (hopefully) want to avoid the stretch of Van Buren between downtown and the Airport, as it’s a haven for prostitutes and other shady types. Phoenix is no stranger to 3 digit temperatures in the summer (yes its’ dry, but so is an oven), so be prepared with sunscreen, wide-brimmed hats and lot of drinking water. Phoenix has asked its citizens to designate 30 “Points of Pride” all over the city. These are the spots the locals want you to see, and most are definitely worth your time.