· US

Fountain Hills

Fountain Hills, Arizona, United States

Fountain Hills in Arizona, United States, is a charming town renowned for its stunning natural beauty and unique attractions. Located just northeast of Scottsdale, Fountain Hills is home to the world's fourth-tallest fou…

#scenic views#desert landscape#fountain#outdoor activities#retirement community

1/1

Stay & fly Things to do Videos Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Fountain Hills.

Top Hotels in Fountain Hills

Top Flights to Fountain Hills

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Fountain Hills.

Tours

Fountain Park

Fountain Park features one of the world's tallest fountains, set against the scenic backdrop of the surrounding mountains. A great place for walking or picnicking.

Shopping

Art on the Avenue

Explore a range of local art from paintings to sculptures along Avenue of the Fountains.

Outdoor

McDowell Mountain Regional Park

Experience expansive desert views and engage in various outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

From travelers

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Fountain Hills.

Currency

$ | USD | US Dollar

Population

As of the latest estimates, the approximate total population of Fountain Hills, Arizona, is 25,000.

Languages

English, English

Average weather

Fountain Hills

Jan

18°5°

Feb

20°7°

Mar

23°9°

Apr

28°13°

May

33°18°

Jun

39°23°

Jul

41°27°

Aug

40°26°

Sep

37°22°

Oct

31°16°

Nov

24°10°

Dec

19°5°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Fountain Hills.

What people love

Fountain Hills, located in Arizona, United States, offers several advantages for travelers. Here are some of the pros of traveling to Fountain Hills:

Scenic Beauty: Fountain Hills is known for its stunning natural beauty, with the centerpiece being the Fountain Hills Fountain, one of the tallest fountains in the world. The town is surrounded by the McDowell Mountains and offers breathtaking views of the desert landscape.
Outdoor Activities: The area around Fountain Hills provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and golfing. The McDowell Mountain Regional Park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking.
Arts and Culture: Fountain Hills has a vibrant arts and culture scene, with galleries, public art installations, and cultural events throughout the year. The town is home to the Fountain Hills Theater, which hosts a variety of performances including plays, musicals, and concerts.
Relaxing Atmosphere: Fountain Hills is known for its peaceful and laid-back atmosphere, making it a great destination for those looking to relax and unwind. Visitors can enjoy the tranquility of the desert landscape and the calming sound of the fountain.
Proximity to Attractions: Fountain Hills is located near several popular attractions in the Phoenix metropolitan area, including Scottsdale and its renowned shopping and dining options, as well as the Tonto National Forest for outdoor adventures.

Overall, Fountain Hills offers a unique blend of natural beauty, outdoor activities, arts and culture, and a relaxing atmosphere, making it a great destination for travelers looking to experience the best of Arizona.

What to know

Some possible cons of traveling to Fountain Hills, Arizona, include:

Limited public transportation: Fountain Hills is a relatively small town and may have limited public transportation options. This can make it challenging for travelers who rely on public transportation to get around.
Limited nightlife and entertainment options: Fountain Hills is known for its peaceful and quiet atmosphere, which may not be ideal for travelers looking for a vibrant nightlife scene or a wide variety of entertainment options.
Extreme heat: Arizona is known for its hot desert climate, and Fountain Hills is no exception. Traveling to Fountain Hills during the summer months can mean dealing with extremely high temperatures, which may be uncomfortable for some travelers.
Limited dining options: While Fountain Hills does have some restaurants and cafes, the dining scene may be limited compared to larger cities. Travelers who enjoy exploring a wide variety of culinary options may find the choices in Fountain Hills to be somewhat limited.
Remote location: Fountain Hills is located about 30 minutes northeast of Scottsdale, so travelers looking to explore other areas in the region may find it inconvenient to travel back and forth.

Overall, while Fountain Hills offers natural beauty and a peaceful atmosphere, travelers should be aware of the potential limitations in terms of transportation, entertainment, dining options, weather, and location.

Fountain Hills, Arizona, is a town located in Maricopa County, approximately 20 miles northeast of Phoenix. It was established in the late 1960s and is named after the large fountain that is a central feature of the community. Here is a detailed history of Fountain Hills:

Early History

Before the town was established, the area that is now Fountain Hills was primarily desert and used by the Yavapai people, who were the original inhabitants of this region. The land later became part of the Pemberton Ranch.

Establishment and Development

1960s: The town's development began in earnest in 1969 when McCulloch Properties (now known as MCO Properties) purchased the land. The company was led by Robert P. McCulloch, who was also known for purchasing the London Bridge and relocating it to Lake Havasu City, Arizona. McCulloch envisioned creating a master-planned community in the desert.
1970: The town's most iconic feature, the fountain, was completed on December 15, 1970. Designed by architect Charles Wood, the fountain is one of the world's tallest man-made fountains, capable of reaching heights of up to 560 feet. It operates every hour for 15 minutes and is a major attraction in Fountain Hills.

Incorporation and Growth

1989: Fountain Hills was incorporated as a town. The incorporation allowed for more local governance and the development of municipal services to support the growing population.
1990s-2000s: The town experienced significant growth during this period, attracting residents who were drawn to its scenic beauty, outdoor recreational opportunities, and small-town charm. The population increased, and new housing developments, schools, and businesses were established.

Notable Figures

Robert P. McCulloch: As the founder of Fountain Hills, McCulloch's vision and investment were crucial to the town's development. His influence is still evident today in the town's layout and attractions.

Landmarks and Attractions

The Fountain: The centerpiece of the town, located in Fountain Park, it draws visitors from around the world. The park also hosts various community events and festivals.
Fountain Hills Artists' Gallery: Showcases the work of local artists and is a hub for the town's vibrant arts community.
The River of Time Museum: Offers exhibits on the history and culture of the Lower Verde River Valley, including Native American history and the development of the area.
McDowell Mountain Regional Park: Located nearby, this park provides opportunities for hiking, biking, and enjoying the natural beauty of the Sonoran Desert.

Recent Developments

Fountain Hills continues to thrive as a residential community with a focus on maintaining its natural beauty and providing a high quality of life for its residents. The town hosts several annual events, including the Fountain Festival of Fine Arts & Crafts and the St. Patrick's Day celebration, which features the fountain being dyed green.

Fountain Hills is known for its scenic views, community spirit, and the iconic fountain, which remains a symbol of the town's unique identity and history.