Tours and Attractions
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Tours in the Valley of the Sun All organized tours require advance reservations, and most require a major credit card to guarantee. Please contact the concierge at ex t. 1240 for information, directions, and reservations. Y Customized Van Tours City Tour Explore the historic areas of Phoenix and Scottsdale. Visit the Pueblo Grande Museum, the 1500 year-old Hohokam ruins from which our “Phoenix” has risen. Approximately 5 hours. GRAND CANYON Early departure between 7:00and 8:00am begins a fabulous day highlighting this most majestic of the world’s wonders. The Cameron Trading Post on Navajo land is included. SEDONA Voted the “Most Scenic Place in America” in 2004, Sedona is a quaint town nestled in the Red Rock Country of Northern AZ. Stops at ancient cliff dwellings and the (former) ghost town of Jerome round out the day. (Also ask us about other van trips that may take you driving along the Apache Trail in the Superstition Mountains, shopping in old Mexico, or visiting local museums!) ÓGRAND CANYON BY AIR 3 Hour aerial tours afford great close-up views of the Canyon from the air. The Deluxe Air Tour lasts approximately 8 hours and includes the sights from the air, as well as lunch and a guided bus tour along the South Rim of the Canyon. Tour can also be upgraded to include a helicopter over the Canyon, or rafting on the Colorado River. z HORSEBACK RIDING Saddle up and see the West!! From beginners to experienced riders, our featured ranches show a warm welcome as they guide you along desert and mountain trails. Some ranches offer meals as well as pick up at the resort for additional fees. B HOT AIR BALLOONING Experience a flight of fantasy with limitless panoramic views of mountains and the Valley with its dramatic desert terrain. Time in the air is approximately 1 hour; cost includes the traditional champagne toast with breakfast or hors d’oeuvres, and pick up at the hotel. Total duration is approximately 3.5 hours. (expectant mothers not allowed) ( JEEP/HUMMER/ATV TOURS Rollicking adventure over the Sonoran desert terrain in a four-wheel drive vehicle offers great fun for all ages (expectant mothers not allowed). Your guide will regale you with information about the desert plants and animals, the geography and geology of the region, as well as the Native American history and folklore. Tours last approximately 3.5-4 hours. E BIKE RENTAL From street bikes to mountain bikes, Arizona Outback Adventures has a bike for you! Located a 16447 N. 91st St at the corner of Bahia & 91st. 480-945-2881. Approximately a 15 -20 minute drive. Open 9:00am until 6:00pm. (no pickup at the resort). How about a motorcycle? (Must have valid motorcycle license to rent, no pickup at resort). Hacienda Harley, 15600 N. Hayden Rd, Scottsdale, 480-905-1903. About a 15 minute drive. SAGUARO LAKE/CANYON LAKE: Enjoy runabouts, pontoons, fishing boats, *kayaks & canoes along with fishing. Fishing & boating supplies at each lake. *Canyon Lake only. 480-986-0969. LAKE PLEASANT: Boats & other watercraft rentals available such jet skies and pontoons. 623-374-5245 Attractions in the Valley of the Sun PUEBLO GRANDE MUSEUM & CULTURAL PARK: Site of the ancient Hohokam ruins upon which Phoenix is built. Monday-Saturday, 9am-4:45pm, Sunday, 1pm-4:45pm. Free on Sunday. 4619 E. Washington St, 602-495-0901. ARCOSANTI (also see “Cosanti”) Cordes Junction 928-632-7135 Located 60 miles north of Phoenix, Soleri’s city of the future rises dramatically from the basalt cliffs near Cordes Junction. It is a prototype “arcology” for 5,000 people combining compact urban structure with large-scale solar greenhouses. Hours: Daily: 9:00am - 5:00pm; Tours: On the hour from 10:00am - 4:00pm Cost: $8.00 donation per person suggested Directions: From the Westin turn left (east) on Greenway Pkwy. At Scottsdale Rd., turn left (north) and drive about 2 miles to access Loop 101. Take Loop 101 West (to the left). Continue to I-17, the Black Canyon Freeway and go north on I-17. Take exit #262 at Cordes Junction. Proceed east (right) 3 miles and follow the signs to Arcosanti. About a 45-minute drive. ARIZONA CARDINALS FOOTBALL Sunday, September 26, 1:15pm vs. Oakland Raiders University of Phoenix Stadium, 1 Cardinals Drive, Glendale 45-55 minute drive ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS BASEBALL Chase Field 401 E Jefferson, Phoenix 30-40 minute drive Saturday, September 25m 5:10 pm vs. LA Dodgers y Sunday, September 26, 1:10pm vs. LA Dodgers ARIZONA HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM 1300 N. College Ave. 480-929-0292 Tempe A wide range of exhibits presents Central Arizona to our visitors - a film on human habitation in the area from prehistory to the present, an interactive computer teaches about the development of the cities and towns. See an actual 35-ft reconstructed section of Roosevelt Dam, the Desert Blooms Gallery and the Changing Exhibits Gallery. Museum Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 10:00am - 4:00pm; Sunday: Noon - 4:00pm Closed: Mondays Cost: $5.00 adults, $4.00 students/seniors Directions: From the Westin turn left (east) on Greenway Pkwy. At Scottsdale Rd., turn right (south) and continue approximately 14 miles to Curry Rd. Turn right (west) on Curry Rd. Turn right (north) on College Ave. and the Museum is on the left. Allow 30 minutes drive time. ARIZONA SCIENCE CENTER 600 E. Washington 602-716-2000 Phoenix (Parking garage on the corner of 5th St & Monroe) The Science Center has a 200-seat planetarium, the IMAX Theater with a 50-foot high and 67-foot wide screen, 350+ hands-on activities, changing exhibits and demonstrations. Also available are Awesome Atom’s science store and toddler area for the 4 yrs and younger set. Hours: Daily: 10:00am - 5:00pm Cost: General Admission Adults: -$9; Seniors/ Children 3-12 yrs -$7 IMAX Theater @ AZ Science Center (film only; w/o admission) Adults- $8; Seniors/ Children 3-12 yrs - $7 Planetarium is an additional $5.00; Seniors/ Children 3-12 yrs - $4.00 *Combo passes also available. Directions: From the Westin turn right (west) on Greenway Pkwy. Go 4 miles and access Hwy #51, the Squaw Peak Pkwy, South. Continue south about 11 miles and access I-10 West (toward L.A.). Immediately exit at 7th St and turn left (south) on 7th St. Turn right on Monroe and access the parking garage on the left. Walk ½ block south. Allow 40 minutes drive time. CASA GRANDE RUINS 1100 Ruins Dr., off State Route #387 520-723-3172 Coolidge Location of the celebrated 4-story house of the Hohokam Indians, discovered in 1684 by Father Kino. There is a visitor’s center available and guided tours on the weekends. Tours are available weekdays with advance notice. Hours: Daily: 8:00am - 5:00pm Cost: $5.00; 16 years & under, free. Directions: From the Westin turn left (east) on Greenway Pkwy., then turn right (south) on Scottsdale Rd. Go 2 miles and turn left (east) on Cactus Rd. Go 2 more miles and access Loop 101 South. Drive 16 miles and merge to the right, accessing Hwy #60 west, the Superstition Fwy. Immediately move to the left lanes and access I-10 East toward Tucson. Take exit #185 and go left, back over the freeway. Turn right on Hwy #387 and go 14 miles. Turn right at the “Stop” sign onto Hwy #87. Go 6 miles on #87, and turn right toward Coolidge. Watch on the right for the turn to the ruins. Allow 1 hour and 45 minutes drive time. CHALLENGER SPACE CENTER 21170 N. 83RD Ave., Peoria 623-322-2001 Experience space flight or do some stargazing, watch a simulated Shuttle launch, or space movie. There are Smithsonian-sponsored and other permanent exhibits, tours (offered hourly) and a 2 hour simulated flight mission (call for specific mission times.) Hours: Monday thru Friday: 9:00am – 4:00pm; Saturdays: 10:00am – 4:00pm Closed: Sundays Cost: General admission: Adult: $6.00; Seniors/ Children $4.00 Simulated flight mission: Adults $17.50; Children $15.00 Directions: Turn left (east) on Greenway Pkwy, then left (north) on Scottsdale Rd. Go 2 miles and access Loop 101 west.; continue on Loop 101 for about 19 miles. Exit at Union Hills Dr., and turn right (west) on Union Hills. Go about ¼ mile and turn right on 83rd Ave. The Center is about 2 miles up on the left. 40 minute drive. COSANTI (also see “Arcosanti”) 6433 Doubletree Ranch Rd. 480-948-6145 Scottsdale Paolo Soleri’s home, presenting his concept of architecture and ecology as one integral unit (arcology), is a designated Arizona State Historic Site. The drafting studio and windbell foundry are housed in earth-formed domes blending with the desert landscape. His famous windbells are sold here and at Arcosanti. Monday through Friday, from about 10am-12pm, you can watch the bells being poured at Cosanti (11am is a good time to be there!). Hours: Monday – Saturday: 9:00am - 5:00pm; Sunday: 11:00am - 5:00pm Cost: No admission fee, $1.00 donation requested. Directions: From the Westin turn left on Greenway Pkwy. Turn right (south) on Scottsdale Rd. and drive about 4 miles to Doubletree Ranch Rd. Turn right (west) on Doubletree and drive about 1 mile. Cosanti is on the left just before 64th St. (watch for the sign “Soleri” on the left). 15 minute drive. CRACKER JAX FAMILY FUN & SPORTS PARK 16001 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale 480-998-2800 Explore an exciting world of sport challenges and family fun – go-karts, bumper boats, and three miniature golf courses, bating cages, double-tiered driving range, arcade and snack bar.