Phoenix is the largest and most populous city in the State of Arizona, earning its title of state capital. It is located on the bank of the Salt River, whose waters flow through the very heart of the city itself.

Phoenix is completely surrounded by mountains, with the McDowell Mountains to the north-east, the White Tank Mountains to the west, Superstition Mountains in the far east and the Sierra Estrella in the south-west. These looming surrounds give Phoenix a stunning backdrop from every possible angle, creating a unique atmosphere that is rare to find in any other part of the country. The city is also home to many parks and recreational areas, which adds to the natural beauty that Phoenix humbly possesses.

This city really is the perfect destination for a driving holiday, because with so many surrounding mountains, you are sure to get the urge to explore them. There are over ten car hire depot locations across the city, giving you the freedom of choice when it comes to deciding on a suitable rental car. Once you have your own car, it is up to you where you want to start your discovery of Phoenix. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

1. Phoenix Zoo

The famous Phoenix Zoo is situated on 125 acres of land and features over 2.5 miles of walking trails. The zoo is home to over 1,200 animals, including species from the mammal, fish, invertebrate, bird and reptile families. All of the animals hair from diverse regions, ranging from the Arizona Desert to the lush tropics of Columbia and Indonesia.

The zoo prides itself on its development from its humble beginnings to now one of the most thriving zoos in the U.S. Highlights for visitors include the Safari Cart Tour, the camel rides and the Endangered Species Carousel. Phoenix Zoo is a great day out for the entire family, and with plenty of ample parking for your rental car, there really is no excuse not to pay a visit.

2. South Mountain Scenic Drive

Take a drive through the world's largest park: South Mountain Park. Covering a total of 16,500 acres, this amazing park is home to a multitude of lookouts and is the perfect place to spend an afternoon of driving. The park offers fantastic views of Phoenix and the surrounding valley, with the Summit Lookout highlighting the enormity of this sprawling desert area.

Be sure to take some time to visit the Interpretive Centre, where you will discover the heritage of the area, along with interesting information on the city's mining and botanical features. Enjoy a bite to eat at one of the many beautiful picnic areas or simply take in the stunning views from the comfort of your car.

3. Desert Botanical Gardens

The Desert Botanical Garden of Phoenix is one of the world's best gardens. It is home to more than 20,000 species, with a special focus on native flora. There is a unique collection of succulents, with more than 1300 cactuses featured. These gardens are unlike any other gardens in the world, and are somewhat of a desert oasis.

4. Castles-N-Coasters

For the ultimate in family fun and entertainment, you simply can't go past Castles-N-Coasters. This fun park is the perfect place to spend a day with the kids as it is home to everything their hearts could desire. The two rollercoasters are highlights of the park, and rides such as the bumper boats, Naskarts, carousel and the splash-down log ride also provides for tonnes of fun.

This really is Arizona's finest family fun and thrill park and provides fun for those young and young at heart.

5. Phoenix Art Museum

When it comes to art, Phoenix really knows what it is talking about. Permanent displays at the Phoenix Art Museum include miniature interiors as well as some stunning 20th Century art. Other cultural exhibits include European, Asian, Spanish and Western American art, with some of these groundbreaking exhibitions attracting thousands of visitors.

The Phoenix Art Museum is the southwest's premier destination for world-class visual arts and is home to pieces that span the centuries and the globe. There is also a strong focus on modern and contemporary art, as well as fashion design, which means that practically any art lover will find something they like.

The city of Phoenix is everything an Arizonian city should be. There is everything here for the art, history, adventure or nature lover, so visitors really can't go wrong when they decide to make Phoenix their next driving holiday destination.

Christine Barton