Arizona: But It's a Dry Heat
With a wealth of scenic wonders, an abundance of sunshine and high mountain peaks, you can enjoy numerous recreational activities in Arizona. You can ski down a snow-covered mountain and take a walk in the desert all in the same afternoon.
In Phoenix you’ll enjoy spectacular scenic views along with all of the advantages of living in a major metropolitan environment. Phoenix is a thriving city, with Spanish and Native American ambience, culture and architecture.
It has numerous shopping centers, museums and excellent theaters. Although not yet as famous as some others, the Phoenix Zoo is establishing itself as one of the nation's premier zoos. Come hear roaring lions, growling bears and howling coyotes. See colorful flamingos, slithering snakes and giant elephants. You can experience all this and much more in this innovative zoo as you stroll down four separate trails, each presenting animals and plant life from a different climatic area and habitat of the world.
Be sure to visit the zoo's Harmony Farm, one of the newest exhibits. It offers opportunities for interaction with a variety of domestic animals for city kids and adults alike.
You can definitely catch some rays in Tucson, the city that boasts 3,800 hours of sunshine per year! Experience the Southwest's famous outdoor lifestyle, year-round blue skies and amazing beauty.
Tucson is a fast-growing metropolis, combining the best elements of modern life with centuries-old history. Pueblo-style buildings, dude ranches, ghost towns and gorgeous sunsets are just a few things that give Tucson its southwest flair. Take a walk through the "OK Corral" rebuilt to be as it was in the late 1880s, and picture yourself in the picture where the image of the "Old West" is alive and well.
Ski down the slopes of the San Francisco Peaks in Northern Arizona. There you’ll find resorts with both beginner and advanced trails. Enjoy winter activities like snowboarding, telemarking (downhill cross-country skiing) and cross-country skiing. Many resorts offer lessons for all ages. North of Flagstaff, 2 1/2 hours away from Phoenix and 4 and a half hours from Tucson, the San Francisco Peaks offer spectacular views and beautiful weather. Area ski resorts are usually open from mid-December to mid-April.
Picture yourself soaking up the sun, breathing fresh air and being surrounded by red-colored rocks at the mouth of the renown Oak Creek Canyon. You are in Sedona, known as "Red Rock Country," just a short drive from Phoenix and four hours from Tucson. Try a variety of activities including hiking, biking, swimming, fishing and camping all year at Red Rock and Slide Rock, two Arizona state parks located in Sedona. Both parks offer spectacular views and the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors.
Visit contemporary and traditional art galleries while in Sedona and see why it is one of the top art destinations in the United States. Sit in the sun and enjoy a cappuccino or take a drive around town to view several public sculptures that are on display all over the city.
Return to list of places to travel
