Attraction near Conference
Arizona's cultural identity is deeply shaped by its history and diverse communities.
- Vibrant contemporary arts, crafts, and cuisine
- Spanish colonial influences and Old West heritage
- Ancient cliff dwellings, pueblos, and archaeological sites
- Home to 22 federally recognized Native American tribes
Museums, historic towns, and cultural centers throughout the state provide insight into thousands of years of human history.
1. Museums & Culture
- Musical Instrument Museum (MIM): A world-class museum featuring instruments and music from over 200 countries, highly unique and globally acclaimed.
- Phoenix Theatre Company: Arizona's largest professional theater, offering Broadway-style productions and contemporary performances.
- Arizona Science Center: Featuring the immersive Dorrance DOME planetarium.
- Phoenix Art Museum: The largest art museum in the Southwestern United States.
- Heard Museum: World-renowned for its collection of American Indian art and history.
2. Outdoor Spaces & Entertainment
- Chase Field: Catch a baseball game or tour the stadium, located just blocks from the venue.
- Roosevelt Row (RoRo): A walkable arts district known for its vibrant murals, galleries, and local eateries.
- Desert Botanical Garden: Home to thousands of species of cactus, trees, and flowers from all over the world.
3. Iconic Landscapes
- McDowell Sonoran Preserve: Ideal for visitors wanting a pristine Sonoran Desert hiking experience without traveling far.
- Salt River: A rare chance to see wild horses roaming freely along the Salt River, a short drive from downtown.
- Papago Park: Known for its striking red sandstone formations and the famous "Hole-in-the-Rock," perfect for short visits and sunset views.
- South Mountain Park & Preserve: One of the largest municipal parks in the U.S., ideal for scenic overlooks, desert trails, and photography.
- Camelback Mountain: One of Phoenix's most famous landmarks, offering panoramic city views for those who enjoy hiking and sunrise/sunset scenery.
4. Shopping, Kids & Family Fun
Phoenix offers plenty of shopping destinations and family-friendly attractions ?perfect for extending your trip or bringing the family along.
Shopping
- Scottsdale Fashion Square: Arizona's largest luxury shopping mall featuring Nordstrom, Apple, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and over 200 stores. ~15 miles from downtown Phoenix.
- Phoenix Premium Outlets: Open-air outlet center with 90+ brand stores including Nike, Coach, Michael Kors, and more. ~30 miles west of downtown.
- Arizona Mills: Large indoor outlet and entertainment mall in Tempe with stores, dining, and an IMAX theater. ~10 miles from downtown.
- Kierland Commons: Upscale open-air lifestyle center in north Scottsdale with dining, boutiques, and entertainment. ~20 miles from downtown.
Kids & Family
- OdySea Aquarium: Arizona's largest aquarium with sharks, penguins, sea turtles, and interactive exhibits. Located in Scottsdale, ~20 miles from downtown.
- LEGOLAND Discovery Center: An indoor LEGO-themed attraction with rides, 4D cinema, and building zones at Arizona Mills in Tempe.
- Butterfly Wonderland: Walk through a tropical rainforest with thousands of butterflies, plus 3D theater and insect exhibits. Located in Scottsdale.
- Children's Museum of Phoenix: Three floors of hands-on exhibits for kids ages 0?0, located in downtown Phoenix ?walking distance from the venue.
- Castles N' Coasters: Phoenix's largest amusement park with roller coasters, mini golf, go-karts, and arcade games. ~10 miles from downtown.