Visiting Phoenix and Central Arizona

From the Diamondbacks to the Suns, or Tempe Town Lake to the Chandler Center for the Arts – Phoenix and central Arizona offer an array of things to see and do, creating a desert paradise during the spring. Head west and check out Goodyear, a fine city and home to the Goodyear Ballpark and Recreational Complex, which hosts Cactus League Spring Training games. Phoenix, the state capital, is great for stand-up comedy, a baseball game, or a round of golf at any one of the courses around the area.

The Phoenix area is a sprawling metropolis of interesting and historic sights, combined with modern amenities, including an above ground Light Rail system offering swift access to many local attractions.

Head into downtown Phoenix to explore the Heard Museum, where through August 31, visitors will be checking out Geronimo: The Apache Experience – an informative and interesting exhibit. Make your way to the Phoenix Desert Botanical Garden, hosts of the 11th Annual Spring Butterfly Exhibit at the Marshall Butterfly Pavilion – the exhibit is open through May 13. April 27-28, check out the stand-up comedy of Wayne Brady when he performs at the Stand Up Live Comedy Club in downtown Phoenix.

Sports fans have some options in Phoenix. Home to the Phoenix Suns and the Arizona Diamondbacks, downtown Phoenix features both U.S. Airways Arena and Chase Field. With games running through April 25, be sure to watch as the Suns battle the Oklahoma City Thunder on April18, or check out the season finale on April 25 against the San Antonio Spurs.

Baseball fans visiting Phoenix make time to visit Chase Field. April and May feature exciting early-season action, as the Diamondbacks take on the Philadelphia Phillies starting April 23, and in May watch as they play the rival Los Angeles Dodgers beginning May 21 – 23.

Fans of live performances head to Mesa and the Mesa Arts Center. Beginning May 25 and playing through Jun 3, enjoy the classic play, Hairspray. Earlier in the Month, the Mesa Arts Center hosts the classic Shakespeare play Much Ado About Nothing, with live performances held from April 19 – May 5.

Scottsdale, a fine city set east of Phoenix, hosts the 2012 Scottsdale Culinary Festival at the Scottsdale Center for the Arts. Set for April 17-22, the Scottsdale Culinary Festival features beer and wine tastings, and local chefs highlight the annual event – perfect for foodies, or central Arizona visitors hoping for an engaging afternoon.

Chandler, south of Scottsdale, is home to the Firebird International Speedway. Plan for April 21 and 22, when Firebird International Raceway hosts the 14th Annual Napa Auto Parts Monster Truck Nationals. May 12, Chandler hosts an event for National Train Day at the Arizona Railway Museum.

Phoenix and Central Arizona Hotel Map