With just under 300 days of glorious sunshine each year, Phoenix is pleasant all year round and offers a trip to remember. The ideal place to explore on four wheels, the city boasts a mesmerizing terrain, thought-provoking museums and some of the best cuisine in this south-western pocket of the States.
Botanical beauty
Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Desert Botanical Garden. With more than 50,000 plants to see and 140 acres to explore, here you can take to the trails and check out the endangered species the centre cares for.
For something a little different, embark on the Birds in the Garden tour which runs throughout the year. You’ll join the experts as you trek around the gardens looking for the native birds who call this slice of desert home.
Dance to the beat of your own drum
Turn your attention to the Musical Instrument Museum, Phoenix’s top attraction that’s ideal for families and visitors of all ages. Showcasing more than 6,000 instruments from around the world, including an enormoussousaphone and Hawaiian ukuleles, here you can wander the galleries and learn all about music from across the globe.
Catch a lively performance while you’re visiting the MIM, with shows taking place in the evening and featuring all different styles of music.
The jewel in the city’s crown
Enjoy a dose of culture at the Heard Museum of Native Cultures and Art. It’s an enthralling place to explore, dedicated to the advancement of American Indian art.
Founded in 1929, the museum has grown in both reputation and stature, gaining awards for its exhibitions and welcoming more than 40,000 visitors each year. Look out for the Hopi Katsina dolls and the collection of Navajo and Zuni jewellery on display.
Head to natural wonders
A trip to Arizona wouldn’t be complete without a stop at the Grand Canyon. One of the seven natural wonders of the world, at 28 kilometers wide and more than a kilometer deep, its sheer size and scale is enough to take your breath away. Mixed with the smell of the pine forests, the colourful rock formations and incredible wildlife, it makes for a must-visit landmark.
Situated around a three-and-a-half-hour drive north of Phoenix, it’s worth spending a few days in the Grand Canyon National Park to take in everything it has to offer. Paddle along the Colorado River aboard a kayak, hike the trails or simply soak up the spectacular views from Cape Royal.
You can break up your journey to the canyon with a stop over in Flagstaff, north of the Coconino National Forest. Flagstaff itself is worthy of a day trip, with famous sights such as the Lowell Observatory, where Pluto was discovered. Humphreys Peak is the highest point in Arizona and capped with a soft blanket of snow, while the Lava River Cave lays claim to being the longest cave in the state.
With its epic landscapes, captivating museums and vibrant city life, car rental in Phoenix is the perfect way to make the most of your time in this fascinating corner of the United States.
