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Truth be told, the Phoenix area is rather expansive; in fact, the University of Phoenix Stadium is located in Glendale, seven miles north of downtown. You will need a vehicle to get around. The good news is accessible van rentals are available through Wheelchair Getaways (www.wheelchairgetaways.com), Accessible Vans of America (http://www.accessiblevans.com/), and Wheelers (http://www.accessiblevanrentals.com/). Super Shuttle (http://www.supershuttle.com/) also provides lift-equipped hotel transfers, with advance reservations.

Native American Culture
Native American history is a big draw to the Phoenix area, largely because of the excellent local museums. The Pueblo Grande Museum and Archaeological Park (http://www.pueblogrande.com/) tops the list, as it features an in-depth look at the mysterious Hohokam Indians.

There is barrier-free access to all of the interpretive exhibits inside the museum, and a wide paved trail through the outside archeological site. The latter also includes reproductions of some Hohokam homes. Not only is this a fascinating site, but it's also one of the best bargains in Phoenix, with an admission of just $2.

No visit to Phoenix is complete without a visit to the Heard Museum (http://www.heard.org/); billed as the place to learn about the Native American cultures of the Southwest, including the Hopi, Navajo, Apache, and Yapi tribes. You could easily spend the whole day there, and with the Arcadia Farms Cafe on-site, you don’t even have to leave for lunch.

This Phoenix mainstay is well known for its extensive collection of Native American art, unique exhibits, and innovative programming. A must-see is the Katsina Doll Gallery, which houses a collection of over 500 Hopi katsina dolls. And don’t miss the daily artist demonstrations that feature everything from beadwork to pottery making. Access is excellent throughout this downtown museum, with accessible parking and barrier-free access in all the galleries.

Garden in the Desert
Round out your post-game Phoenix visit with a stop at the Desert Botanical Garden (http://www.dbg.org/). Located on 1,450 acres near the Phoenix Zoo, this massive garden features more than 50,000 plants, a butterfly pavilion, and five themed interpretive trails. Access is good throughout the complex, with most of the trails offering level access.

For an added treat, plan your visit on a Sunday afternoon and enjoy the winter concert series at Ullman Terrace. It’s a great place to relax, nosh on a light lunch, and listen to blues, jazz, Spanish guitar, or salsa music. Indeed, it’s the perfect way to top off your Phoenix visit.

Candy Harrington writes exclusively on the subject of accessible travel. Her newest book, 101 Accessible Vacations; Travel Ideas for Wheelers and Slow Walkers contains access information on over 101 cities, lodging options, national parks, cruises, tourist attractions, and recreational activities around the world. Visit www.101AccessibleVacations.com for more information.

Want to read more about exploring Arizona? See A Scottsdale Spa Getaway.