An Overview of Phoenix, Arizona as a Vacation Destination

Originally the founder wanted to name the old settlement in honor of the Civil War general, but the early settlers would have none of it. Lord Dappa hit upon the suggestion that the town was rising from the ruins of the ancient Hohokam settlement and so Phoenix was baptized and the name stuck.

Phoenix is now the state capital of Arizona and the only state capital that boasts a population in excess of a million. Located in the Valley of the Sun (or simply "The Valley" to local residents) it is surrounded on all four sides by mountains and enjoys a warm, dry climate which many winter visitors enjoy especially amongst the retired community.

Agriculture is as important as it has always been with a series of dams augmenting the irrigation efforts men have been making in the Valley for hundreds of years and creating this green oasis in the middle of the arid, Arizona desert. Cotton, oranges, lemons and a range of tropical fruit are all grown here as are vegetables and specialist items which have thrived in the climate and rich soils of the basin region.

More recently, Phoenix has developed as a leading cutting edge center for state of the art technology and research companies particularly for those in the communications, aerospace and electronics sectors. The cultural diversity and fast growing population has also produced a wide range of tourist and cultural attractions and tourism has grown dramatically in this friendly climate.

Phoenix is a vibrant mix of old and young vying with each other for attention with the skyline dotted with high-rise office buildings and modern architecture competing with Indian and Spanish-Mexican colonial work and all of it underpinned by a Wild West cowboy feel. 

The great outdoors plays a very important part for all residents and sport in particular is vitally important with a large number of teams calling Phoenix home including the Phoenix Cardinals for football and the Phoenix Suns for baseball. There are also a very large number of golf courses for those who prefer a more sedate sporting activity while the surrounding mountains provide great opportunities for hiking, cycling and horse riding while the dams and rivers supply great water recreation opportunities too.

Residents and visitors alike are able to enjoy a large number of attractions and features of interest. There is a world famous zoo, the Phoenix Zoo, which is playing a key role in the preservation and reintroduction of endangered species through conservation and breeding programs. Housing over 200 endangered species, the Phoenix Zoo is particularly famous for its collection and work with orangutans and the Sumatran tiger.

There are also a number of historic areas which are happily preserved as a result of carefully and conscientious management by the city authorities as well as the Arizona Historical Society Museum and numerous endowments and foundations, notably from the Heard family.

Phoenix has something for everyone and provides an ideal climate to enjoy life all year round. Visitors and residents alike are able to enjoy a very wide range of amenities and attractions in a clean and relatively crime free city with the natural benefits of the surrounding countryside.