Phoenix Biltmore/Scottsdale/Valley of the Sun Arizona Attractions & Activities
Get ready for a day of fun and adventure! Best Western InnSuites is the perfect gateway to the exciting array of attractions and activities in the Phoenix/Scottsdale/Glendale area. Enjoy hands-on museums including Arizona Science Center and Arizona Challenger Space Center. Take in a game of golf or watching a Phoenix Suns-Phoenix Coyotes-Arizona Diamondbacks-Arizona Cardinals game. Best Western InnSuites places you just minutes from the area's most celebrated sights. Enjoy quick access to nearly every museum, Phoenix business, shopping venue, and park imaginable. Looking for a fun adventure? Allow the front desk to arrange a day of desert exploration, horseback riding or hot–air ballooning. Enjoy a unique Sonoran Desert, a nearby saguaro cactus or breath-taking sunset. Some of the exciting attractions near these renowned Phoenix hotel accommodations include:
Hiking/Biking Trails
Dreamy Draw Park / Piestewa Peak (formerly Squaw Peak)
2421 East Northern Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85020
Ph (602) 262-6696
A half-mile from the hotel and surrounding the base of 2,608-foot Piestewa Peak, the Phoenix Mountains Park and Recreation Area and Dreamy Draw Park are gateways into diverse desert that offers everything from fantastic views to secluded valleys. Thousands of hikers each year hike the popular -- and grueling -- trail to the summit of Piestewa Peak. But you don't have to fight crowds to enjoy the area -- the area boasts dozens of miles of trails that allow you to enjoy the glory of the Sonoran Desert in relative solitude.
Camelback Mountain
East McDonald Drive at Tatum Boulevard
Phoenix, AZ
Ph (602) 256-3220
Camelback Mountain, is the premier Phoenix landmark. Tilted layers of red rocks resemble a camel's head and a reclining back. The "camel" can be seen on the left (west) end, lying on a much larger and higher mass (the "Camel's" hump) of Summit elevation is 2704 ft (824 m) -- the peak rises about 1600 ft (488 m) above the elevation of downtown Phoenix.
The Trailhead Bike Shop and Café
6825 North 16th Street A9
Phoenix, AZ
Ph (602) 264-2328
Rent bikes for exploring Phoenix and nearby mountain biking trails
Museums
Phoenix Art Museum
1625 N Central Ave
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Ph (602) 257-1222
Phoenix Art Museum was founded in 1949 and opened in 1959. It is a private not-for-profit organization that evolved from its predecessors, Phoenix Art Center and the Phoenix Fine Arts Association. In 1996, Phoenix Art Museum celebrated the conclusion of an extensive $25 million expansion and renovation which more than doubled its size. At over 160,000 square feet, it is one of the largest general visual arts institutions in the Southwest.
Arizona Science Center
600 E Washington St
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Ph (602) 716-2000
Fax (602) 716-2099
The Arizona Science Center offers hands-on, eye-opening fun with more than 300 interactive exhibits, a state-of-the-art planetarium, five-story giant-screen theater, live demonstrations, and traveling exhibitions.
Phoenix Children's Museum
215 N. 7th Street
Phoenix, Arizona 85034
Ph: 602.253.0501
Acting on the principle that learning is a joy, the Children's Museum of Phoenix's mission is to engage the minds, muscles and imaginations of children and the grown-ups who care about them. With hands-on, interactive exhibits designed for children ages birth to 10, the Museum focuses on learning through play, with emphasis on early childhood education and school-readiness.
Challenger Space Center Museum
21170 N 83rd Ave
Peoria, AZ 85382
Ph 623.322.2001
The Challenger Space Center provides an exciting space-based learning environment where schoolchildren, families, senior citizens, corporate teams and others fly simulated space flight missions where they become flight crews, mission controllers and scientists.
Phoenix Museum of History
105 N 5th Street
Phoenix, Arizona 85004
Ph 602-253-2734
The Phoenix Museum of History is dedicated to collecting, preserving, and exhibiting the early history of Phoenix. Visitors of all ages enjoy interactive and educational exhibits showcasing Phoenix's metamorphosis from a dusty desert town to a modern metropolis. Now in its seventh decade, the museum continues to receive recognition and appreciation for its contribution to the cultural life of Phoenix.
Heard Museum
2301 N Central Avenue
Phoenix, Arizona 85004
Ph (602)252-8848
For nearly 75 years, the Heard Museum has been a Phoenix landmark, a place where visitors from across the globe come to learn about the region's Native cultures and art. With every exhibit the Heard presents, education plays a major role throughout the planning process. Unlike many museums that show "objects on a shelf" the Heard strives to present voices and perceptions of the people who made the work on display, and Native American consultants play a vital role in the development of every exhibition.
Zoo & Botanical Gardens
Phoenix Zoo
455 N Galvin Parkway
Phoenix, AZ 85008
Ph (602) 273-1341
Visit the beautiful Phoenix Zoo, home to over 1,200 animals. Centrally located in the Phoenix metro area, the Phoenix Zoo offers an exciting array of animal exhibits, unique special events, educational programs and outdoor recreational activities for people of all ages.
Desert Botanical Garden
1201 N Galvin Pkwy
Scottsdale, AZ 85250
Ph (480) 941-1217
Nestled amid the red buttes of Papago Park, the Desert Botanical Garden hosts one of the world's finest collections of desert plants. This one-of-a-kind museum showcases 50 acres of beautiful outdoor exhibits. Home to 139 rare, threatened and endangered plant species from around the world.
Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium
16501 W. Northern Avenue
Litchfield Park, AZ 85340
Ph 623-935-WILD
Located along the western edge of the Phoenix metropolitan area in Litchfield Park, the Wildlife World Zoo is home to Arizona's largest collection of exotic animals with over 3000 animals representing nearly 600 species. The all-new Wildlife World Aquarium's campus-like design is unique with some 75 indoor exhibits featuring fish, mammals, birds, invertebrates, amphibians, and reptiles.
Out of Africa Wildlife Park
3505 West Highway 260
Camp Verde AZ 86322
Ph (928) 567-2840
See over 400 animals from all over the world!
Lions, Tigers, Giraffe, Rhinoceros, Black Bear, Camel, Ostrich, Cobras, Zebra, Exotic Birds, Tortoise, Wildebeest, Jaguar, Leopards, Wolves, Hyenas and more!
Amusement Parks
Castle's & Coasters
9445 Metro Parkway East
Phoenix, AZ
Ph 602-997-7575
Waterworld Safari
4243 West Pinnacle Peak Road
Glendale, AZ 85310
Ph 623-581-1947
Sports Venues
InnSuites is Your Sports Connection! Best Western Phoenix InnSuites Hotel and Suites Biltmore/Scottsdale is just a few miles on SR-51 to Downtown Phoenix Sports Events including US Airways Center (Basketball), Chase Field (Baseball). Likewise, Best Western Phoenix InnSuites Hotel and Suites Biltmore/Scottsdale is also just a few miles on Northern Avenue to the Glendale sports activities including the University of Phoenix Stadium (Home of the Arizona Cardinals) and Glendale Arena (Home of the Phoenix Coyotes). The University of Phoenix Stadium is the host of the Fiesta Bowl, Insight Bowl, BCS and other Regional National Championships.
Chase Field AZ Diamondbacks - Baseball
Home of the Arizona Diamondbacks
401 E. Jefferson
Phoenix, AZ 85004
For ticket information call: (602) 514-8400
US Airways Center Phoenix Suns Arena - Basketball / Arena Football
Home of the Phoenix Suns, Phoenix Mercury, and the Arizona Rattlers
201 East Jefferson Street
Phoenix, AZ 85004
For ticket information call: (602) 379-7800
Jobing.com Phoenix Coyotes Arena - Hockey
Home of the Phoenix Coyotes
5800 W. Glenn Drive, Suite 350
Glendale, AZ 85301
For ticket information call: (623) 463-8800
University of Phoenix AZ Cardinals Arena - Football
Home of the Arizona Cardinals
1 Cardinals Way
Glendale, AZ 85305
For ticket information call: (623) 433-7000
Sun Devil Stadium - Football
Home of the Arizona State Sun Devils
500 E Veterans Way
Tempe, AZ 85281
For ticket information call: (480) 965-2381
Phoenix Greyhound Park – Dog Racing
3801 East Washington Street
Phoenix, AZ 85034
Ph 602-273-7181
info@phoenixgreyhoundpark.com
Phoenix Greyhound Park has been a landmark in Phoenix area sports and entertainment for more than 40 years. It is a sure bet for night-time entertainment for nearly one million visitors each year who pass through the doors of the $17 million Grandstand or any one of its 35 off-track betting locations throughout the gate.
Phoenix International Raceway - Nascar
Home of the NASCAR Nextel, Busch & Craftsman Truck Series Arizona Races & Indy Race League Arizona Race
125 S. Avondale Blvd.
Avondale, AZ 85323
For ticket information call: (602) 252-2227
Turf Paradise Horse Racing
1501 West Bell Rd.
Phoenix, AZ 85023
Ph (602) 942-1101
Turf Paradise imports simulcast signals from around the coutry to bring you, the racing fan, the best thoroughbred racing there is to offer. Simulcast racing is available at Turf Paradise seven days a week 364 days per year.
Casinos
Harrah's Casino
15406 Maricopa Road
Maricopa, AZ 85239
Ph (800) 427-7247
Casino Arizona
9700 E. Indian Bend
Scottsdale, Arizona 85256
Ph (480) 850-7777
Gila River Casino
5550 W Wild Horse Pass Rd
Chandler, AZ 85226
Ph (800) 946-4452
Home to 750 hot slots, live poker, blackjack and keno, high-stakes bingo hall as well as a restaurant with buffet, two delis, and a gift shop.
Theatres
Orpheum Theatre
203 West Adams Street
Phoenix, AZ 85003
Ph (602) 534-5600
The 1,364-seat Orpheum audience chamber, now has 1,062 seats on orchestra level, and 302 in the balcony. The auditorium complements the larger nearby America West Arena, Dodge Theatre and Symphony Hall, as well as the smaller stages of the Herberger Theater Center.
Dodge Theatre
400 W Washington Street
Phoenix, AZ 85003
Ph (602) 379-2888
The Dodge Theatre is a state of the art entertainment venue designed specifically for concerts, Broadway shows, family stage shows, boxing, and convention meetings. Our seating can vary from 1,900 to 5,000 for concerts, 5,500 for sporting or corporate events, and with innovative moving sidewalls, provides an intimate setting for proscenium events.
Activities
Golf
While the winter season is sure to be the perfect time to golf, summer is a great time for beginners as well as veteran golfers. The atmosphere is more relaxed; some courses relax their dress code. Also, because the courses are less crowded, players aren't as likely to feel pressured to speed up their game and there are fewer eyes watching when you tee off. Plus, courses that are out of reach, either because of high green fees or scarce tee times, suddenly woo Arizona's 500,000 golfers with drastically reduced rates and perks such as free golf balls, meals and unlimited practice time. Most courses drop their rates by as much as 75% in the summer.
Arizona has more than 300 municipal and resort courses that are open to the public. Here are some that are recommended by the locals:
- Arizona Biltmore Country Club
- Adobe Course, 24th St & E Missouri Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85016, (602)955-9655, resort, 36 hole, 6428 yds, Par 72
- Links Course, 24th St & E Missouri Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85016, (602)955-9655, resort, 36 hole, 6300 yds, Par 71
- El Caro Golf Club, 2222 W Royal Palm Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85021, (602)995-2117, public, 18 hole, 3330 yds, Par 60
- Legacy Golf Resort, The, 6808 S 32nd St, Phoenix, AZ 85042, (602)305-5550, public, 18 hole, 6780 yds, Par 71
- Lookout Mountain GC at Tapatio Cliffs, 11111 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ 85020, (602)866-6356, 18 hole, 6611 yds, Par 72
- Cave Creek Golf Course, 15202 N 19th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85023, (602)866-8076, public, 18 hole, 6876 yds, Par 72
- 500 Club, The, 4707 W Pinnacle Peak Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85310, (623)492-9500, public, 18 hole, 6867 yds, Par 72
- Club West Golf Course, 16400 S 14th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85045, (480)460-4400, public, 18 hole, 7057 yds, Par 72
- Dove Vly Rnch GC, 33244 N Black Mountain Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85327, (480)473-1444, public, 18 hole, 7011 yds, Par 72
- Encanto Nine Golf Course, 2300 N 17th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85007, (602)262-6870, public, 9 hole, 3420 yds, Par 60
- Encanto Park Golf Course, 2705 N 15th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85007, (602)253-3963, public, 18 hole, 6386 yds, Par 70
- Foothills Golf Club, The, 2201 E Clubhouse Dr, Phoenix, AZ 85048, (480)460-4653, public, 18 hole, 6968 yds, Par 72
- Lakes At Ahwatukee, The, 13431 S 44th St, Phoenix, AZ 85044, (480)893-3004, public, 18 hole, 4019 yds, Par 60
- Maryvale Municipal Golf Course, 5902 W Indian School Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85033, (623)846-4022, public, 18 hole
- Ocotillo Golf Resort, 3751 S. Clubhouse Dr, Chandler 480-917-6660
- Palo Verde Golf Course, 6215 N 15th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85015, (602)249-9930, public, 9 hole, 1820 yds, Par 30
- Papago Golf Course, 5595 E Moreland St, Phoenix, AZ 85008, (602)275-8428, public, 18 hole, 7068 yds, Par 72
- Phoenician, The, 6000 E. Camelback Rd, Phoenix 480-423-2449.
- Raven Golf Club at South Mtn, 3636 E Baseline Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85040, (602)243-3636, public, 18 hole, 7078 yds, Par 72
- TPC of Scottsdale, 17020 North Hayden Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85255, Ph (480) 585-4334
- Troon North Golf Club, 10320 E. Dynamite Blvd., Scottsdale 480-585-7700
- Villa de Paz Golf Course, 4220 N 103rd Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85037, (623)877-1172, public, 18 hole, 6140 yds, Par 72
- Vistal Golf Club
- 18-Hole Championship Course, 701 E Thunderbird Tr, Phx, AZ 85040, (602)305-7755, public, 27 hole, Par 71
- 9-Hole Par 3 Short Course, 701 E Thunderbird Tr, Phoenix, AZ 85040, (602)305-7755, public, 27 hole, Par 27
- WeKoPa Golf Club, 18200 E. Ton Vee Circle, Fountain Hills 480-836-9000
- Wigwam Golf Club, 451 N. Litchfield Road, Litchfield Park 623-935-9414
- Wildfire Golf Club
- Faldo Championship Course, 5225 E Pathfinder Dr, Phx, AZ 85054, (480)473-0205, resort, 36 hole, 6846 yds, Par 71
- Palmer Signature Course, 5225 E Pathfinder Dr, Phx, AZ 85054, (480)473-0205, resort, 36 hole, 7145 yds, Par 72
Trying Your Hand at Summer Golf? Then, Here are a Few Tips:
- Start Early. Although courses open near sunrise and golfers are still headed out to play near sunset, many veteran summer golfers avoid early morning because overnight watering creates humidity and damp turf. Others prefer the early-morning tee times to beat the heat.
- Hydrate. This isn't the time for a beer or margarita. Enjoy Gatorade and Bottled water available in clubhouses.
- Shade. Look for courses, such as Arizona Biltmore, that have long stretches of fairway lined with mature shade trees.
- Use sunscreen and reapply often. You'll either sweat it off or towel it off as the day goes on.
- Bring towels to wet and drape over head and shoulders along the back nine.
- Dress for the heat. New fabrics used in golf attire absorb sweat, protect against ultraviolet light and keep you cooler. Wear hats and sunglasses.
Tours/Horseback Riding/Ballooning
Red Rock Western Jeep Tours
928-282-6667 or 800-848-7728
"Western hospitality for over 24 years in Sedona"
Ask about our special negotiated rates with Best Western InnSuites Phoenix Biltmore/Scottsdale!
Cave Creek Trailrides
623-742-6700 or 877-942-6700
Cave Creek Trailrides is offering horse trailrides to the recreating public providing outstanding customer service. We offer 1 hour, 1.5 hour, 2 hour, 3 hour and Sunset rides of 1 hour or 1.5 hour in length.
Ask about our special negotiated rates with Best Western InnSuites Phoenix Biltmore/Scottsdale!
Aerogelic Ballooning
17822 N 10th Ave
Phoenix, AZ 85023
Ph (866)359-8329
Aerogelic Ballooning offers adventures anywhere in Arizona. An aerial tour along with postflight champagne and continental brunch.
Arizona Desert Mountain Tours
6303 E Cochise
Scottsdale, AZ 85253
Ph (480) 860-1777
A wonderful world of adventure awaits you at Arizona Desert Mountain Jeep Tours. They cater to individuals, families, or groups. Being the oldest and one of the largest tour companies they can accommodate groups of 2 to 400 people!
Open Road Tours
522 E Dunlap
Phoenix, AZ 85020
Ph (800)766-7117
Fax (602)997-2276
Open Road offers sightseeing and adventures including the Grand Canyon, Sedona, city tours and more. Let us design your vacation!
Across Arizona Tours
3213 E Rosemonte Dr.
Phoenix, AZ 85050
Ph (602) 233-1813
Across Arizona Tours is dedicated to quality and to your complete satisfaction. Our staff is the most professional in Arizona. Our tours are conducted by the finest guides in deluxe vehicles.
Adventure Jeep Tours
13626 S 32nd Street
Phoenix, AZ 85044
Ph (480) 510-5247
Drive a Jeep Rubicon through Arizona's rugged and beautiful backcountry. Rentals and guided tours available. In either case you drive the most capable Jeep 4x4 ever produced.
Vaughan's Southwest Custom Tours
PO Box 31250
Phoenix, AZ 85046
Ph (800)513-1381
Fax (602)992-5596
Celebrating 21 years of Excellence! Scheduled one-day van tours. Grand Canyon & Navajo Indian Reservation, Sedona with Montezuma's Castle and Jerome, Los Algodones (Mexico), Apache Trail with Dolly's Steamboat, local city tour with Pueblo Grande Museum. Our knowledgeable staff awaits your call.
Arizona Classic Jeep Tours
938 W Glenrosa Ave
Phoenix, AZ 85013
Ph (602) 264-8433
Sunset/sunrise tours, authentic Western cookouts, horseback rides. Custom group tours and catered events.
Arizona Hummer Tours
2934 W Evans
Phoenix, AZ 85053
Ph (602) 692-7124
Arizona's Best Hummer Adventure! Explore the Sonoran Desert, Indian ruins and turquoise mine. Descend Hummer Hill! Exciting, beautiful and informative all rolled into one.
