The most populous city in the state of Arizona and its capital, Phoenix has warm weather year-round with temperatures reaching over 100F during peak summer. All the attractions on this page can be covered in one day.
- Arizona State Capitol
- Old Town Scottsdale
- Musical Instrument Museum
- Hiking in Phoenix
Arizona State Capitol – The original Arizona Capitol building was built between 1899-1901 in downtown Phoenix. For decades, this original Capitol building served as the sole home of Arizona’s state government. However, once the state Legislature and the Governor’s Office moved into their own buildings, the historic Capitol underwent restoration and was reborn as the Arizona Capitol Museum in 1979.
Today, the Arizona state Capitol includes not only this original Capitol but also the executive tower, and the Senate and House of Representatives which are located on either side of the Arizona Capitol Museum. The Arizona Executive Tower opened in 1974 and was built behind the Arizona Capitol Museum. This tower, separate from the legislative buildings, houses the governor’s office.
Inside the Arizona Capitol Museum – The Rotunda floor, dome, and the original House chamber.
The museum, also gives a glimpse into the Arizona government, while highlighting several notable events and people in Arizona history. The first floor honors the U.S.S. Arizona, one of the battleships destroyed at Pearl Harbor. An exhibit also pays tribute to the Legacy of the Buffalo Soldiers. The statue of ‘Copper Minor’ represents Arizona’s major copper industry which was its pride.
Old Town Scottsdale – Located about 14 miles from Phoenix, old town Scottsdale is a lively and fun area, perfect for spending an afternoon or evening. Covered sidewalks line the front of western-themed buildings and interesting shops sell all kinds of items, from Mexican blankets, clothing, and trinkets to Native American art, crafts, and jewelry. The center of Old Town Scottsdale is located at the intersection of East Main Street and North Scottsdale Road.
Old Town Scottsdale also has great dining options, with restaurants featuring cozy outdoor patios. As you stroll around old town check out the many sculptures in front of shops.
Musical Instrument Museum – Opened in 2010, the museum has a collection of over 15,000 musical instruments and associated objects from nearly 200 countries and territories.
There is a room in the museum where you can try your hands playing the instruments on display.
Hitting the hiking trails in Phoenix – We stayed with our dear friends Sheela and Sudhakar in Phoenix. On one of the days we went on a hike early in the morning on a trail close to their residence. The trail leads to the Lost Ranch ruins in South Mountain Park.
Taliesin West – We did not make it to this place on this trip but this place is worth a visit. Taliesin West was the winter home of architect Frank Lloyd Wright and is today the headquarters of the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation and the School of Architecture at Taliesin West. Students transition between Taliesin in Wisconsin and Taliesin West in Scottsdale, spending summers in the north and winters in the south, same as they have been doing for decades.