It’s no question why Phoenix is called the Valley of the Sun, with temperatures reaching up to 119°F (48.3°C). However, the city’s year-round warmth, along with its size, draws in visitors every year. Some of the best things to do in Phoenix include attractions like the Desert Botanical Gardens, the Phoenix Art Museum, and major-league baseball games at Chase Field. Day trips to Grand Canyon National Park, Red Rock State Park, Petrified Forest National Park, and Tombstone serve as a nice break from the chaos of a hugely populated area.
If you’re looking for some fun in the sun, the best time to visit Phoenix is from November to April when temperatures are pleasantly warm and you can make the most of the city’s outdoor attractions. But if you’re looking to beat the crowds and explore Phoenix on a budget, consider visiting on either side of summer, in May or October, when hotel rates are lower and the heat isn’t at its peak. Summer can be unbearable with temperatures over 100°F (38°C).
While the city’s buses are very affordable, they tend to stick to the main traffic arteries. For travelers, the Valley Metro Rail is a more convenient and sustainable option, with the light rail system stopping at key destinations like the Phoenix Art Museum and Arizona Science Center. However, if you’re looking for a more independent choice, you can pedal your way through the city’s downtown area on a bike. There is a bike-share program with stations in Phoenix, Mesa, Tempe, and Scottsdale.
The city is surrounded by incredible mountains and hiking trails, so hiking shoes and outdoor gear are essential. To beat the afternoon heat, try leaving early in the morning to hike either Camelback Mountain or North Mountain, not far from the city center. If you still want incredible panoramas without the sweat, you can drive to Dobbins Lookout in South Mountain Park and Preserve, the highest point you can drive to in the area.
Local Currency US Dollar ($) | Time Zone MST (UTC -7) | Country Code +1 | Language(s) English | Attractions 34 | Tours 240 | Reviews 17,442 |
Phoenix is known for its year-round sunny weather, expansive desert landscapes, and baseball spring training headquarters. A hub for outdoor enthusiasts, Phoenix makes a great base for exploring the Sonoran Desert and landmarks like Camelback Mountain. Culture seekers can get their fill at Heritage Square, the Musical Instrument Museum, or nearby Scottsdale.
...MoreWhen temps rise past the triple digits, there are plenty of things to do in Phoenix to stay cool, including visiting some of the city’s indoor attractions, like the Arizona Science Center or Phoenix Art Museum. Take the kids to the SEA LIFE® Aquarium or LEGOLAND® Discovery Center, or head to nearby Scottsdale for air-conditioned shopping at Fashion Square mall.
...MoreYes. It’s popular with outdoor adventurers and visitors seeking refuge from cold winter climates, though summers can be scorching. It's at the doorstep of the Sonoran Desert and Tonto National Forest for easy access to hiking, mountain biking, and ATV tours—all popular things to do in Phoenix.
...MoreIf you have just one day in Phoenix, explore local history at the Arizona Capitol Museum, or enjoy a meal in style at historic estates like the Wrigley Mansion and Arizona Biltmore. Get outdoors with a hike up Camelback Mountain or along the scenic Apache Trail in the Superstition Mountains.
...MoreWide-open desert landscapes like the Sonoran Desert and Monument Valley make Arizona a popular destination for hiking, mountain biking, scenic drives, and ATV tours. A rim walk along the Grand Canyon is a must for first-time visitors, while stylish Sedona and Scottsdale are havens for shopping, dining, and wellness.
...MoreDrawing more than 6 million visitors annually, the Grand Canyon is Arizona's top attraction. Carved over millions of years by the Colorado River, this natural wonder is a staggering gorge that runs a mile (1.6 km) deep into the desert’s sandstone bluffs.
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