Natural Beauty – and Plenty of Outdoor Fun

The Phoenix area’s natural beauty and outdoor fun is just another reason for the city’s appeal.  The city’s natural surroundings invite residents to take part in a vast range of outdoor and sports activities.  And thanks to the 325 days of sunshine each year, Phoenix is perfect for outdoor fun. It’s no surprise that golf is a big sport everywhere in Arizona including the Phoenix metro area. With more than 200 golf courses including a number of world-class courses designed by Arnold Palmer and Gary Player and  there are golf greens for every skill level.

There are also seven lakes within an hour of  Phoenix that offer fishing, boating, water skiing, picnic areas and camping.  In addition, there are three major mountains that surround Phoenix with  perfect terrain for hiking, climbing or just enjoying nature. Peaks in the Phoenix Mountain range include Lookout Mountain, Camelback Mountain, Stony Mountain and Piestewa Peak.

Prefer spectator sports? You’re in luck here! Greater Phoenix is one of 10 metropolitan areas that have major professional sports (below).

Arizona Diamondbacks and Cactus League (MLB)

Phoenix Suns basketball (NBA)

Firebird International and Phoenix International Raceways

Arizona Cardinals football (NFL)

Phoenix Coyotes hockey (NHL)

Phoenix Mercury women’s basketball (WNBA).

Annual sports events include the Safeway International LPGA Tournament; FBR Open Golf Tournament; The Tradition Senior PGA Tour; The Waste Management Phoenix Open; and the Arizona Men’s Tennis Classic.

Other sports events include the Senior Pro Rodeo; Coors Light World Finals Drag Boat Racing; NHRA World Series of Drag Racing; the; and the Checker O’Reilly Auto Parts 500 plus Cactus League Spring Training and the Fiesta Bowl Football Classic. The Thunderbird Classic Hot Air Balloon Race also attracts millions of visitors each year who come to see thousands of colorful hot air balloons in the Arizona skies.