Phoenix was founded in 1867 as an agricultural hamlet near the Salt and Gila Rivers, and its incorporation took place in 1881. It became the official capital of Arizona Territory in 1889. It has a scorching desert environment in the Sonoran Desert's northeastern portions. The Hohokam people resided in Phoenix for about 2,000 years before. To make the arid area arable, they created around 135 miles (217 kilometers) of irrigation canals, followed by the Arizona Canal, Central Arizona Project Canal, and Hayden-Rhodes Aqueduct. Cotton, cattle, citrus, the environment, and copper were the "Five C's" that laid the foundation of Phoenix's economy. Following World War 2, at a time when high-tech companies started flocking to the valley, air conditioning made Phoenix's scorching summers more bearable, these factors constituted the major drivers of the city's development.

Almost every city has more than a dozen hidden gems. Phoenix is no different. With the Desert Botanical Garden and Phoenix Zoo already well-known, there's so much more to do and see. Here are some of the best things to do in Phoenix, AZ.

Camelback Mountain
This mountain is one of the most beautiful places to go hiking in Phoenix. In addition, it is among Phoenix's tallest mountains, making it one of the best places to appreciate the full beauty of the entire city. Camelback's summit is 2,700 feet above Phoenix and Scottsdale and is reachable from the 1.2-mile Echo Canyon Trail, which is very steep.

The 1.5-mile Cholla Trail on the east side of the mountain is more accessible until you get to the top. You can also go on one of the many beginner-friendly trails that go around the base of Camelback, which is a lot of fun.

Phoenix Golf Courses
Despite its desert surroundings, Phoenix is becoming one of the best places to play golf. As it turns out, there are hundreds of courses in the Valley of the Sun that people of all skill levels can take.

Because there are so many choices, it may be hard to find the right one. However, you can also join the ranks of politicians and movie stars and play golf at the Arizona Biltmore Golf Club in Phoenix.

Arizona Science Center
In the Arizona Science Center, where interactive displays teach children about anything from electricity to weather patterns to outer space, you may find respite from the scorching Phoenix weather and learn something new. There are also exhibits on the topics of sound, gravity, psychology, and other subjects throughout the center's four levels of exhibitions.

An IMAX Theater also provides instructive entertainment for entire families.
The Arizona Science Center, which serves as the centerpiece of downtown Phoenix's Heritage and Science Park, is open each day between 10 a.m until 5 p.m. However, the entrance to the museum is $18 for adults and $13 for children ages 3 to 17.

Spas
Even if hiking and golfing aren't your thing, consider draping the day in seaweed or immersed in mud instead. As well as being renowned for its lush green golf courses, Phoenix is also famous for its fabulous day and resort spas, which are frequently placed against breathtaking desert backdrops.