Phoenix Travel Forum

My family and I (16 year old daughter) are coming to Phoenix on July 4th.. We are staying downtown at the Amerisuites hotel.. Firstly, has anyone ever stayed there and secondly if you were a tourist and just checked into this hotel and have a rental car what would be some of the places that you would NOT want to miss...? We are going to be there for 3 days and really have no itenirary planned as of yet.. I know that we want to go to Tuscon and Scottsdale because they are a short distance. Any other ideas? I will take any advice on the heat as well.. Thanks..

- Heard Museum, just north of Downtown
- Wild Animal Park Zoo, far west of town
- Arizona Biltmore Resort (even just to drive by it)
- Botanical Gardens, just east of Downtown
- Mesa Southwest Museum, east of town in Downtown Mesa
- Mesa Mormon Temple (quite a sight), east of town in Mesa

When you come to Tucson, make sure to hit the Desert Museum, San Xavier Mission, Saguaro National Park and definitely try to make a sunset at Gates Pass. Be sure to drive around Downtown Tucson, particularly the El Presidio neighborhood and Barrio Viejo. A visit to Fourth Avenue is also a must (near Sixth Street). If you have time, I'd also suggest Mount Lemmon and/or Sabino Canyon. And, if you don't hit the Phoenix Botanical Gardens, be sure to hit the Tucson one.
On the way to Tucson, there's Casa Grande National Monument in Coolidge. There's a site right by Phoenix though that also offers a nice museum called Pueblo Grande Museum and Cultural Park. Also, taking Highway 79 to Tucson instead of I-10 is a great back way as it's just all untouched desert, and gives you a good view of the Catalinas when you hit Tucson.

For the outdoor stuff, try to do it early, as soon as the places open. You'll want to stay inside mostly, though, or in your car. Always carry water with you. It may be in your best interest to carry a gallon bottle of water in your car, and refill it when you run out (25 cents at water stations located at some gas stations and most supermarkets).

Hope that helps. Let me know if you need more tips.

Hi, I've stayed at different Amerisuites and they are
usually upscale and very comfortable with very good amenities
such as a snack bar, free breakfast, indoor pool,exercise rooms,etc.
Also, they are usually located near shopping malls,etc.

The heat of the day will be your major problem. Even people
who live in Arizona try to do their activities before 11a.m. or in the
evenings. Wear hats and apply sun block to avoid heat stroke and
sunburn. Drink plenty cold fluids and keep cool as much as possible.
Have fun.

There are many places if you don't mind a 2 hour drive. You can go to Prescott, beautiful old town north of Phoenix. One of the positives is that it's about 5-10 degrees cooler up there. Antique stores, western looking bars, cafes, restaurants, so much to see. Also Sedona, that is a little further out but SO worth the drive. Make sure you look into possible road closures do to the fire we are fighting up there. Near Sedona, there is this gorgeous artsy old looking little town called Jerome. Worth going if you are already heading to Sedona. If you choose to stay in town only, the city of Glendale has so many antique shops and little stores to walk through in the old town. Also, take a look at www.azcentral.com website for info on 4th of July fireworks. I know Tempe Town Lake has a nice show. ENJOY!