When friends and relatives come to visit, you are going to need some ideas about where to go and things to see in the area. Here are some of the best places in the Phoenix area to take out-of-town visitors, with a focus on places that are uniquely Arizona.
While active people would enjoy these places, too, the following attractions are specifically geared toward those people who are not as active, won't be doing a great deal of walking, or need handicapped accessible attractions.
1. Heard Museum
Nothing says the Southwest like the renowned Heard Museum in central Phoenix. The Heard has stunning exhibits, focused on traditional and contemporary Native American art and artifacts. There might be a bit of walking, but you only have to do as much as you'd like, you can take it slow, and it is handicapped accessible.2. Drive Apache Trail
If your relatives don't get nervous in the car, this is a great trip for the sedentary crowd, since they can just sit in the car and enjoy the scenery. You need a driver who doesn't become easily frightened....3. Mystery Castle
South of Phoenix is a castle. Well, not a castle, really. It's a house. Well, not just a house. It's simply...unusual and charming. There's some walking and some steps, but it doesn't require a great deal of energy.4. Arizona Capitol Museum
There is some walking, but as much as you'd like, and it is handicapped accessible. If you live here, and you've never taken a tour of the Arizona Capitol Museum, your guests can be a great excuse for you to go! Take a seat in the gallery of either the State Senate or House of Representatives right next door to the museum. If you still have enough energy, walk among the memorials at Wesley Bolin Plaza, across the street. The museum is impressive and fun, and the plaza is inspiring.5. Phoenix Zoo
Even if walking the zoo may be too much for your guests, the safari train at the zoo can take you on a narrated tour past most of the major attractions. It lasts about 25 minutes. After that, I recommend at least visiting the Arizona Trail exhibit for that unique Arizona experience. It only takes about 1/2 hour and it is very close to the zoo entrance.To see the zoo in ultimate comfort and style, the Phoenix Zoo offers a private, customized one hour Safari Cart Tour of the Zoo for an additional charge. The Phoenix Zoo is handicapped accessible and wheelchairs are available to rent.
