Arizona Biltmore
Known throughout the world as the "Jewel of the Desert," the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa provides a restful oasis of 39 acres covered with lush gardens, glistening swimming pools, and Frank Lloyd Wright-influenced architecture. Set in the heart of Phoenix, the Arizona Biltmore has been a favorite of celebrities and U.S. presidents throughout its colorful history.2400 East Missouri Avenue; Phoenix (602) 955-6600 http://www.arizonabiltmore.com/ 

Burton Barr Central Library
Inspired by Monument Valley, the building's shape resembles a curving copper mesa split by a stainless steel canyon. Focusing on light and illusion, the design features shade sails on north windows fashioned by sail makers in Maine, an entrance tunnel with one back-lit wall and another of blue Venetian plaster with splashes of brightly colored Venetian plaster throughout the building.  The Crystal Canyon, a five-story atrium, has nine skylights at the top to track the sun. The glass-enclosed elevators and grand staircase are surrounded by a black bottom pool which mirrors their images and that of the Crystal Canyon.  A 32-foot high "Floating Ceiling" is suspended by cables over the Great Reading Room of 43,000 square feet on the fifth floor. Six-inch-wide skylights run the entire 300 foot length of the east and west walls. Round skylights covered by lenses create an illusion of flames at noon on the summer solstice, June 21st. 1221 N. Central Ave.; Phoenix (602) 262-4636 http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/index.jsp 

Deer Valley Rock Art Center
The Deer Valley Rock Art Center, a 47-acre nature preserve that contains more than 1,500 petroglyphs, merges past, present and future. Managed by Arizona State University's Department of Anthropology, the center features petroglyphs left on more than 500 boulders throughout the Hedgpeth Hills, a sacred Indian site. In the visitor's center, designed by famed Southwest architect Will Bruder, interpretive displays examine the process of petroglyph production, preservation and interpretation. 3711 W. Deer Valley Road; Phoenix (623) 582-8007 www.asu.edu/clas/shesc/dvrac/ 

Goldfield Ghost Town and Mine Tours, Inc
It's the closest ghost town to Phoenix, situated at the base of the Superstition Mountains and featuring a huge steakhouse and western type activities: panning, horseback riding and riding the rails. There's also a mine tour, reptile exhibit, prospector/miner museum, jeep tour of the Superstitions, gift stores and the Church on the Mount ("Old-time religion in an old-time setting."). 4650 N. Mammoth Mine Rd.; Apache Junction (480) 834-8153
Idaho Road and Apache Trail; Apache Junction (480) 983-0333 www.goldfieldghosttown.com 

Enchanted Island Amusement Park
One of the Valley’s best places to take the family is conveniently located just west of 7th Avenue on Encanto Blvd, right in the heart of Phoenix’s picturesque Encanto Park. Enchanted Island is filled with charm and magic, offering nine fanciful rides and a variety of popular attractions geared especially toward children aged 2 to 10. Ride the historic Encanto Carousel, pedal-boat across fish-filled lagoons, test your skill at our arcade games, and share the memories over a fluffy ball of cotton candy. 1202 W. Encanto Blvd; Phoenix (602) 254-1200 ext 221 http://www.enchantedisland.com/ 

Fort McDowell Adventures
Scenic, festive, and authentic, Fort McDowell Adventures is your complete source for The Wild West Experience including jeep tours, horse stables, hayrides, a petting zoo, and more.  Located on the 25,000 acre Yavapai Indian Reservation, we are just minutes from the finest resorts and hotels in Scottsdale, or Phoenix, Arizona.14803 N. Hiawatha Hood Road; Fort McDowell (480) 816-6465 http://www.fortmcdowelladventures.com/ 

Historic Heritage Square
A reminder of Phoenix's proud past, Historic Heritage Square recalls the city's Victorian past. The Rosson House is the cornerstone of a city block of museums, gift shops and restaurants housed in buildings that date from the late 1800s and represent the only remaining group of residential structures from the original town site of Phoenix. 115 N. Sixth St.; Phoenix (602) 262-5071 www.phoenix.gov/parks/heritage.html 

Hotel San Carlos
Completed in early 1927, the San Carlos was touted as one of the most modern hotels in the Southwest being the first high-rise, fully air-conditioned, luxuriously appointed and elevatored hotel of that day.  As the only historic hotel still operating downtown, the Hotel San Carlos plays a major role in the growth of Phoenix's future by preserving its link to the past. We invite you to experience "the courtesies of a gentler era." 202 North Central Ave.; Phoenix (602) 253-4121 http://www.hotelsancarlos.com/index2.html 

Japanese Friendship Garden - Ro Ho En
The essence of the Japanese culture is brought to the desert through the three and a half-acre authentic Japanese Friendship Garden in downtown Phoenix. The garden and teahouse celebrate the spirit of understanding and promote educational and cultural awareness between the East and West. The garden features more than 50 varieties of plants, flowing streams, a 12-foot waterfall and a Koi pond. The garden is a joint project between Phoenix and its sister city of Himeji, Japan. 1125 N. Third Ave.; Phoenix (602) 256-3204  www.phoenix.gov/parks/jfg.html 

Mystery Castle
Built in the 1930’s by Boyce Luther Gulley, this 18-room, 8,000-sq. ft. castle was built to satisfy the fantasies of his daughter, Mary Lou.  It is built with a variety of materials -stone, adobe, automobile parts, salvaged rail tracks from a mine, telephone poles, etc. It features a chapel, cantina, and a dungeon. Mary Lou still lives there, conducting tours and recounting how her father filled the castle with antiques and in the process of fulfilling her dream, regained his health. 800 E. Mineral Rd.; Phoenix (602) 268-1581 

Papago Park/Hole-In-The-Rock
This fabulous park, located on 1,200 acres of rolling desert hills and rugged mountains, features a golf course, museums, picnic areas, fishing lagoons (urban fishing license required), hiking trails and the Hole-In-The-Rock landmark. Galvin Parkway and Van Buren Street; Phoenix (602) 256-3220 www.phoenix.gov/parks/papago.html 

Patriots Square Park
Located in the heart of downtown Phoenix, Patriots Square Park features two-and-a-half acres of open space with grass, trees, benches, an outdoor performing arts stage and two food kiosks. NOTE: The Park is open for regular use. Due to construction of the new Light Rail Project, the park will not be rented or used for special events until construction is completed. This restriction is estimated to run through December 2008. Washington Street and Central Avenue; Phoenix (602) 262-4627 www.phoenix.gov/parks/patriots.html 

Phoenix Mountains Park and Recreation Area
Piestewa Peak, part of the Phoenix Mountains Preserve, is one of the city's best-known landmarks. The park features a 1.2-mile trail to the peak's 2,608-foot summit, which offers a spectacular view of the Valley of the Sun. The area boasts dozens of miles of trails that allow you to enjoy the glory of the Sonoran Desert in relative solitude.
2701 E. Squaw Peak Lane; Phoenix (602) 262-7901 www.phoenix.gov/parks/phxmtns.html 

Pinnacle Peak Patio Steakhouse
When first opened in 1957, the Pinnacle Peak was a general store and rest stop for travelers heading to nearby lakes. To boost sales of his small business, the owner decided to serve dinner on the weekends. It was a great success - and the rest is restaurant history. What started as a weekend cookout has grown into the world's largest western steakhouse with seating for 1800 people inside and outside for 2000.  10426 E. Jomax Rd.; Scottsdale (480) 615-1113 (800) 635-9466 www.pppatio.com  

Pueblo Grande Museum and Archaeological Park
Pueblo Grande is the only National Historic Landmark in the city. The park includes a 1,500-year-old Hohokam culture ruin along an interpretive trail as well as an onsite museum with three exhibit galleries and a theater featuring exhibits of the Hohokam and other cultures of the Southwest. The site also includes some of the last remaining intact Hohokam irrigation canals. Pueblo Grande Museum and Archaeological Park is dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of southwest cultures, past and present. 4619 E. Washington St.; Phoenix (602) 495-0901 www.phoenix.gov/parks/pueblo.html 

Rawhide
Rawhide has a chuck wagon full of fun in store for you -- gunfights, stunt shows, shootin' gallery, gold panning, stagecoach rides, desert train, camel rides, pettin' ranch, burro rides, live country music, Sundown Cookouts, a real blacksmith, and much more. Treat yourself to the finest USDA Choice mesquite-grilled cowboy steaks this side of the Rockies at the world-famous Rawhide Steakhouse & Golden Belle Saloon. Dine on delicious barbecue baby back pork ribs, barbecue chicken, cowboy beans, and Rawhide's signature fresh-baked apple pie with cinnamon-swirl ice cream -- all served to toe tappin', boot scootin' live entertainment. 5700 West North Loop Rd; Chandler (480) 502-5600 or (800) 527-1880 http://www.rawhide.com/ 

Rockin’ R Ranch
Welcome to the ROCKIN' R RANCH and PONDEROSA GARDEN AND RECEPTION CENTER. We are Arizona's Wild West Town. Bring the whole family and enjoy gunfights and gold panning, western shops, and hot dutchoven biscuits. Savor an all-you-can-eat BBQ beef or chicken dinner with all the trimmins' followed by a spectacular western stage show featuring the world famous "ROCKIN R WRANGLERS".6136 E. Baseline; Mesa (480) 832-1539 http://www.rockinr.net/home.htm 

Santa’s: A Christmas Theme park
November thru January
Experience a holiday extravaganza like never before, as one of the largest holiday-themed entertainment parks. Santa and his crew will park their sleigh at the Firebird Raceway, where visitors can experience a magical world of glittering lights, breathtaking rides, delicious food and engaging performances.20000 Maricopa Rd; Chandler (888) PHX-SANTA http://www.visitsantas.com/index.asp 

Shemer Art Center and Museum
The Shemer Art Center and Museum are located in an historic home built in 1919. Donated to the city in 1984 by Martha Evvard Shemer, the range of exhibitions is diverse, including traditional and nontraditional works by Arizona artists. Fun and affordable visual art classes are offered year round by practicing artists. Its mission is to provide the community a unique and inviting atmosphere to enjoy, promote and learn about visual art through exhibitions, classes and outreach programs.5005 E. Camelback Road (map), 602-262-4727 www.phoenix.gov/parks/shemer.html 

South Mountain Park
South Mountain is the largest municipal park in the world. The 16,500-acre park is home to more than 300 specimens of plant life and a wide variety of fauna, including rabbits, foxes, coyotes, snakes, lizards and birds. The park features picnic areas and ramadas, hiking trails and spectacular lookouts. South Mountain Park is the home of the 10,907-square-foot South Mountain Environmental Education Center, 602-534-6324. 10919 S. Central Ave.; Phoenix (602) 495-0222 www.phoenix.gov/parks/southmnt.html 

St. Mary's Basilica
St. Mary's Basilica is the oldest Catholic Church in Phoenix, founded in 1881. Its Spanish Revival Architecture is renowned throughout the city of Phoenix. St. Mary's is listed on the National Historic Register, and is a Phoenix Point of Pride. Third and Monroe streets; Phoenix (602) 354-2100 www.stmarysbasilica.org 

Telephone Pioneers of America Park
A park of a different kind, Telephone Pioneers of America Park is the nation's first barrier-free park, designed to meet the needs of physically-challenged individuals. The park, built by volunteers on land donated by the City of Phoenix, was funded entirely through donations. The park features two baseball fields, a therapeutic heated pool, a wheelchair-accessible playground, an 18-station exercise course, racquetball, volleyball, tennis, basketball and shuffleboard and an activity room. Ramadas, grills and picnic facilities also are available. The park houses the Adaptive Recreation Services office, which offers a variety of social and recreation programs and special events for people with disabilities, including Special Olympics and outdoor adventure opportunities.1946 W. Morningside Drive; Phoenix (602) 262-4543/(602) 495-2404 pool www.phoenix.gov/parks/telepark.html  

Thomas J. Pappas School
The Thomas J. Pappas School was founded in 1989. In its early existence, there were only eight children and the school was held at a shelter. Soon it became obvious there were going to be more children, and it needed to move to other locations in the downtown Phoenix area. In 1997, the new Pappas School was built for children Kindergarten to 5th grade. The school's mission is to develop within all students the leadership qualities to fulfill their roles as responsible citizens of a changing world and to provide enrichment opportunities to curtail homelessness. 355 N. Fifth Ave.; Phoenix (602) 452-4750 www.tjpappasschool.org 

Tortilla Flat, Arizona
Tortilla Flat is an authentic remnant of an old west town, nestled in the midst of the Tonto National Forest, Superstition Mountain Range. As well as being home for six adventurous people, Tortilla Flat has a charm that has surpassed time.1 Main St; Tortilla Flat (480) 984-1776 www.tortillaflataz.com 

Tovrea Castle and Carraro Cactus Garden
From 1928 to 1930, Alessio Carraro, an Italian immigrant, his son Leo and a crew of about 20 workers shaped the 277 acres of creosote-studded landscape into a spectacular desert paradise. Crowning this landscape was the magnificent wedding cake-shaped "castle" reminiscent of his Italian homeland. Carraro hired a talented Russian gardener named Moktachev to develop the gardens while the castle was built. Now owned by the city of Phoenix, the castle is an historic preservation project of the Phoenix Historic Preservation Office and the Parks and Recreation Department. The city has completed a garden restoration project on the grounds. The castle, currently under restoration, will be open to the public on a limited basis upon completion. Please call ahead for tours - Advanced registration is REQUIRED. There will be NO on-site registrations accepted. For registration and weather questions call (602) 256-3155)5041 E. Van Buren St.; Phoenix (602) 262-6412 www.phoenix.gov/parks/tovrea.html 

Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza
Wesley Bolin Plaza honors the late governor who was better known as the Secretary of State. The plaza covers two square blocks of the State Capitol grounds and is the site of 23 memorials commemorating the achievements of Governor Bolin and other prominent Arizonans The plaza is home to 27 memorials among the more prominent are the mast and anchor of the USS Arizona, memorials to major wars such as World War I, World War II, the Vietnam War, the Korean War and Desert Storm.  The plaza is a frequent site for political rallies, peaceful demonstrations and memorial ceremonies. 1700 W. Washington St.; Phoenix (602) 542-4581 www.azleg.state.az.us/museum/tourpg1.htm

Wrigley Mansion
Built between 1929 and 1931 by chewing gum magnate, William Wrigley, Jr., as a 50th wedding anniversary gift for his beloved wife, Ada, the mansion was one of five Wrigley homes. The mansion, which cost $250,000 - $300,000 to build, remained the largest private residence in the state until the early 1960s. It was appropriately named "La Colina Solana" – the sunny hill. It affords dramatic views of the Valley of the Sun, downtown Phoenix, and nearby Camelback mountain. Public tours are available. 2501 E. Telawa Trail; Phoenix (602) 955-4079 www.wrigleymansionclub.com