Large casino open 24 hours, 7 days a week. Several restaurants, alcohol, and entertainment. Bingo, Keno, Blackjack, Poker, slot machines, and more! (http://www.harrahs.com/casinos/harrahs-phoenix-ak-chin/hotel-casino/property-home.shtml)
International raceway hosting regular events such as NHRA, monster trucks, drag racing, and more. Also home to the famed Bondurant Racing School (www.firebirdraceway.com)
1880’s Wild West theme town, complete with staged shoot-outs, stagecoach rides through the desert, a saloon and steakhouse, and more! (www.rawhide.com)
Casa Grande Ruins National Monument
Within these ruins in the Casa Grande, or "Big House," one of the largest and most prehistoric structures ever built in North America. Built by the Hohokam around 1100. Casa Grande Ruins, the nation's first archaeological preserve, became a national monument in 1918. Displays of Hohokam artifacts, information, guided tours, and lectures are available at the visitor center.
Picacho Peak State Park
The only Civil War battle of Arizona was here in 1862. Every March over 200 re-enactors converge on foot and horseback for visitors to watch mock battles and more! Also fabulous hiking and topography. Dense stands of saguaro cactus and various kinds of desert vegetation invite year-round nature study. A self-guided interpretive walk is marked.
Casa Grande
Rich with cultural diversity and rural flavor. Its mild climate and scenic attractions appeal to both winter visitors and summer tourists. Casa Grande bears the name of the famous Hohokam Indian Ruins. The Casa Grande Valley Historical Society Museum preserves the area's Native American, pioneer, mining, and agricultural history. A historic fieldstone church and one room schoolhouse are on the grounds.
Florence
The Pinal County Seat is home to the Pinal County government complex. Florence is one of the oldest communities in Arizona and has more that 150 buildings and sites listed on the National Historic Register of Historic Places.
Box Canyon
The narrow canyon walls were formed when runoff from the Gila River caused yellow tufa rock and black lava basalt to separate. Day trips for four-wheel-drive vehicles along rugged dirt roads are offered.
Gila River Indian Center
The center features an interpretive walking tour of Heritage Park, a Native American museum, a gift shop, and a restaurant featuring Indian fry bread and other Southwestern foods.
Boyce Thompson Arboretum
Scenic trails with views of beautiful desert trees, shrubs, perennials, and cacti from Arizona and other arid lands. Picnic tables available.
Kitt Peak National Observatory
Nearly 7,000 feet above sea level. The world's largest telescope tracks the sun daily. It's only one of several telescopes perched on the mountaintop. Bring your lunch!
Old Tucson
Hollywood in the desert, where hundreds of TV and movie stars played out their scenes in famous Westerns. Visit shops, saloons, and movie settings, enjoy rides and food, see live shootouts.
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
Live animals, birds, and plants of the Sonoran Desert in a beautiful, naturalistic setting. Bookstore, gift shop and restaurant on the grounds.
Major League Baseball Spring Training games, all Phoenix has to offer, and much more!
Puerto Penasco, Mexico- 280 Miles
Aka Rocky Point. The closest beach in Mexico, on the Gulf. Dozens of resorts, restaurants, boating, secluded picturesque beaches (www.puerto-penasco.com)
San Diego, California-320 Miles
4 hour drive to the ocean!