10 Must See Destinations: Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix was founded in 1861 and named after the mythical bird that rises from the ashes of its predecessor. Originally, Phoenix was a small agricultural town, but it quickly grew as the railroad and mining industries developed in the late 1800s. Today, Phoenix is the largest city in Arizona and the fifth-largest city in the United States, with a population of over 1.7 million people.
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Visit the Desert Botanical Garden: This 140-acre garden features over 50,000 plants from deserts around the world, as well as seasonal exhibits and events.
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Explore the Heard Museum: The Heard Museum is dedicated to the art and culture of Native Americans, with exhibits on pottery, jewelry, textiles, and more.
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Hike Camelback Mountain: Camelback Mountain is a popular hiking spot with scenic views of the city. It's a challenging hike, so be sure to bring plenty of water and wear proper shoes.
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See a show at the Orpheum Theatre: The Orpheum Theatre is a historic theater that opened in 1929 and has been restored to its original grandeur. It hosts concerts, plays, and other performances throughout the year.
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Visit the Phoenix Art Museum: The Phoenix Art Museum features over 18,000 works of art from around the world, including contemporary art, fashion, and photography.
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Take a hot air balloon ride: Hot air balloon rides are a popular way to see the Sonoran Desert from above. Many companies offer sunrise or sunset rides with views of the city and surrounding mountains.
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See the animals at the Phoenix Zoo: The Phoenix Zoo is home to over 3,000 animals from around the world, including lions, tigers, and bears.
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Visit the Arizona Science Center: The Arizona Science Center is a hands-on museum with exhibits on space, technology, and the human body.
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Explore the Musical Instrument Museum: The Musical Instrument Museum has a collection of over 7,000 instruments from around the world, with interactive exhibits and performances.
- Visit the Pueblo Grande Museum and Archaeological Park: The Pueblo Grande Museum and Archaeological Park features a preserved Hohokam archaeological site and museum exhibits on the ancient Native American civilization that once inhabited the area.