Travel, Day Trips from Phoenix

Timeless Attractions in Phoenix

There are some attractions in Phoenix that will never lose their appeal or importance. Amazing geological histories lie beneath and within the state’s mountains and desert. You’ll see such natural wonders at the Arizona Mining and Mineral Museum, where thousands of specimens are on display. The museum also hosts workshops and classes for aspiring jewelers, or those just looking to make some fabulous home-crafted accessories. Another variable facet in Arizona is its wealth of multiculturalism. The Alwun House has been registered and recognized as a historic property, for its architectural designs. Today it is a gallery and showcase for local artists, many displaying multi-ethnic themes, and the setting of a lustrous garden tour.

You’re driving around Phoenix, looking for cool places to go. Sundial Circle in the nearby town of Carefree is where you will see a manmade wonder, the third-largest Western sundial. This colossal clock measures about ninety feet in diameter. Searching for other large spectacles? Check out the second-largest fountain, in Fountain Hills. This spectacular spout reaches a height of 550 feet!

Stonehenge has long been considered a source of early-recorded seasonal and weather changes. In Phoenix, Papago Park has its own grand monument known as the Hole in the Rock. It is believed that the Hohokams used part of the five million year old sandstone to etch markings for Nature cycles – can you see it? While at Papago, it’s hard to miss another prominent construction, Governor Hunt’s Pyramid Tomb. George Wiley Paul Hunt, the seven-time Government elect, is buried in this structure, along with his wife and in-laws. Once you’re on the search for interesting public places, head over to South Mountain Park, where you will find the truly one-of-a-kind Mystery Castle. The three story home, built from quite an assortment of materials ranging from the usual housing parts to automotive and railroad pieces, was Boyce Luther Gulley’s posthumous dedication to his still-living wife and daughter.

Unique Destinations for Weekend Fun

Need to get the kids out for a bit? Take them to Rooster Cogburn’s Ostrich Ranch. They’ll be able to feed the quirky birds, as well as be amused by the deer and miniature donkeys. Or head over to the Stuffington Bear Factory, and let them create their own special plush doll. How often do you grab a snack before or after a show? The Great Arizona Puppet Theater is a unique alternative to the movies and can be preceded or followed by a tour of the Cerreta Candy Company in Glendale. This family business has an assortment of delicious confections.

The Sky is the Limit

Test your athletic skills and hand-eye coordination at a variety of Phoenix venues! The Challenger Space Center in Peoria offers visitors many programs and camps to explore the stars-lounge in the planetarium’s displays, see how it feels to be on a space ride, or have a turn at the telescope. Channel your favorite car or kart driver with classes at the Bondurant School of High Performance Driving. Or why not gather a few friends for paintball at Westworld in Scottsdale? Choose from the outdoor Splatter Ranch, or the indoor Xtreme Pursuit, and have a ball!