Carefree Resort and Villas
Activities Guide
Top 40 Things to See and Do in the Greater Phoenix Area:
1. Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa, (602) 955-6600
It’s difficult for one resort to stand out from the multitude of world class facilities
in this area, but this one has a particular claim to fame: Its classic design came
from the drafting table of Frank Lloyd Wright in 1929.
2. Arizona Capitol Museum, (602) 542-4675
This historic copper-domed building has served as the capitol since Arizona was a
territory. Its historic exhibits attract visitors daily.
3. Arizona’s Salt River Tubing Recreation, (480) 984-3305
Enjoy a cool and relaxing desert adventure while drifting down the lower Salt
River and taking in its natural wonders of wild horse, blue herons, and majestic
mountains.
4. Arizona Science Center, (602) 716-2000
The Arizona Science Center offers hands-on, eye-opening fun with more than 300
interactive exhibits, a state of the art planetarium, five story IMAX theatre, live
demonstrations and traveling exhibitions.
5. Arizona State University/Mill Avenue, (480) 965-9011
Enjoy a theatrical production or cheer for Sun Devils sports teams before strolling
over to Mill Avenue-the most happening thoroughfare in the area, known for its
cool shops, restaurants, rowdy block parties and festivals.
6. Biltmore Fashion Park, (602) 955-8400
Shopping doesn’t get much better than this! Situated in a lush setting of gardens
and fountains, this outdoor shopping center features 60 upscale stores and
numerous gourmet restaurants.
7. Camelback Mountain, (602) 261-8318
Climb the city’s most famous landmark, the mountain resembling a crouching
dromedary, for superb Valley views. Or visit the Echo Canyon recreation area,
where sheer red cliffs and hiking paths attract outdoor enthusiasts.
8. Challenger Learning Center, (623) 322-2001
Visit the final frontier at this world class space-science education facility. It
features a mission control room modeled after NASA’s Johnson Space Center and
offers simulated space missions.
9. Chase Field, (602) 462-6000
Home of the 2001 World Series Champions the Arizona Diamondbacks! You can
arrange to tour the modern retractable-roof stadium by calling (602) 462-6799.
10.Desert Botanical Gardens, (480) 941-1225
Be careful smelling these flowers, many are blooming prickly cacti! This
fascinating garden features one of the world’s most diverse collections of
succulent plants. Enjoy the year-round concert series and family activities.
11.Desert Ridge Marketplace, (480) 513-7586
This marketplace is nothing you’ve ever experienced! It’s 1.2 million square feet
of shopping, dining, and entertainment. Color, energy and fun are the themes of
the day here.
12.Dolly Steamboat Excursion at Canyon Lake, (480) 827-9144
A paddle-wheel steamboat takes visitors on a leisurely tour between steep canyon
walls and cliffs covered with saguaros. Look closely for bighorn sheep, they
inhabit the area and make appearances from time to time.
13.Glendale Arena, (623) 772-3200
The new Glendale Arena, home to the NHL’s Phoenix Coyotes, boasts state of the
art technology with full view seating for 17, 600 spectators. The arena also hosts
ice skating shows, major concerts and family shows.
14.Goldfield Ghost Town, (480) 983-0333
This genuine ghost town-a remnant of an 1892 gold strike in the Superstition
Mountains-attracts visitors to period buildings, a museum, railroad, steakhouse,
saloon, and shops.
15.Heard Museum North, (480) 488-9817
If you’re interested in ancient cultures of the Southwest, visit this world-renowned
museum. A staggering collection of Native American art and artifacts await you.
Located at El Pedregal Festival Marketplace.
16.Herberger Theatre Center, (602) 254-7399
Step out for a taste of our modern culture at this beautifully designed, intimate
theatre, home to the Arizona Theatre Company, Ballet Arizona, and Actors
Theatre of Phoenix.
17.Kierland Commons, (480) 348-1577
Kierland Commons is a 38-acre “main street” development that incorporates
retail, entertainment, and restaurant components. A lushly landscaped central
plaza with a distinctive fountain helps create an intimate gathering place at the
heart of the grounds.
18.McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, (480) 312-2312
The little ones especially enjoy the half size steam train and carousel at this one
time ranch, and the big kids and kids at heart enjoy the excursion, too. Treat
yourself to an ice cream cone at the Aguila Depot.
19.Old Town Scottsdale, (480) 312-2394
This historic oasis in the middle of downtown Scottsdale features dozens of
unique shops, art galleries, watering holes and restaurants, all within a short
walking distance.
20.Orpheum Theatre, (602) 534-9575
This Spanish Baroque Revival playhouse, built in 1929, once saw the likes of
Mae West and W.C. Fields. The standout now hosts a wide range of performing
arts.
21.Papago Park/Hole in the Rock, (602) 256-3220
More than 1,200 acres of rolling desert hills and rugged mountains feature a golf
course, museums, picnic areas, fishing lagoons, hiking trails and the famous
peeking through rock landmark.
22.Patriots Square Park, (602) 262-4627
Take a break from downtown boutique shopping at this charming park in the
middle of it all. Grab a sandwich and make it a picnic.
23.Phoenix Art Museum, (602) 257-1222
Brush up on your art savvy at this important venue, considered a major player in
the Southwest’s art landscape. It houses 17,000 artworks in various collections
and hosts more than 20 significant exhibitions annually.
24.Phoenix Heritage Square, (602) 262-5071
Stroll through a city block of museums, gift shops and restaurants in buildings
that date back to the late 1800’s, anchored by the Rosson House.
25.Phoenix International Raceway, (602) 252-2227
Witness high-octane action November through April as NASCAR competitors,
Indy cars, midget and sports cars zip around a one-mile paved oval.
26.Phoenix Mountains Park and Recreation Area, (602) 262-7901
One of the area’s best-known landmarks features a 1.2 mile trail to the peak’s
summit. Some hike it for exercise but most head up for the unbeatable Valley
view. Most commonly known as Piestewa Peak.
27.Phoenix Museum of History, (602) 253-2734
The museum entertains visitors with interactive and educational exhibits
showcasing the history of Phoenix’s metamorphosis from law and disorder in the
pioneer days to its present status as a modern metropolis. Discover how time and
place have influenced modern Phoenix.
28.The Phoenix Zoo, (602) 273-1341
One of the area’s most popular visitor destinations, this zoo displays a collection
of animals that ranks among the best in the world.
29.Pioneer Living History Museum, (623) 465-1052
On weekends, shoot-outs and costumed performers bring this 93-acre museum to
life. Explore the blacksmith shop, Victorian home, dance hall, church and
miner’s cabin.
30.Pueblo Grande Museum and Archaeological Park, (602) 495-0901
Experience an interesting juxtaposition of centuries and cultures as cars whoosh
by on nearby freeways and jets thunder above this prehistoric Hohokam ruin in
the center of the city.
31.Rawhide Western Town and Steakhouse, (480) 502-5600
Rawhide Western Town provides quality 1880’s style family entertainment.
Gunfights, stuntmen, Main Street and theatre-style entertainment, stagecoach
rides, a petting zoo, bull riding (mechanical and the real thing), gold panning,
more than a dozen games, rides, attractions and 12 unique shopping experiences.
32.Schnepf Farms, (480) 987-3100
Pull on your blue jeans before you head to this working farm, where visitors enjoy
picking their own fruits and vegetables. A country store and bakery add to the
hometown appeal.
33.Scottsdale Fashion Square, (480) 990-7800
One of the largest shopping destinations in the Southwest, Scottsdale Fashion
Square features more than 225 retailers and is home to more than 40 exclusive
merchants not represented anywhere else in Arizona.
34.Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, (480) 994-2787
Hungry for the art that pushes the boundaries? The newest major art museum in
the area does exactly that, with changing exhibits that challenge, entertain and
oftentimes mystify.
35.St Mary’s Basilica, (602) 354-2100
Erected in 1881, the oldest standing church in Phoenix adds historic flavor to the
downtown area.
36.Taliesin West, (480) 860-2700
Tour the winter home of the master himself. Famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright
designed this sprawling wonder, which now serves as a school of architecture.
37.Turf Paradise Horse Racing, (888) 942-1101
Bring the family for a day at the races and enjoy live thoroughbred action
throughout the longest racing season in the country. The facility provides great
food at the Turf Club and several special event days including concerts.
38.US Airways Center, (602) 379-7800
Sports fans have it made in Phoenix. The Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury
basketball teams and the Arizona Rattlers football team all draw big crowds to
this arena. Concerts and other public events also rock the Center.
39.Wildlife World Zoo, (623) 935-9453
This unique attraction began as a breeding facility for rare and endangered species
and evolved into one of the area’s most impressive zoos.
40.Wrigley Mansion, (602) 955-4079
This hilltop masterpiece, built by chewing gum Magnate William Wrigley Jr,
shows just how good life could be in early 1900’s.