Phoenix, AZ

Travel Guide
Camelback Mountain showing landscape views and a sunset

Phoenix Travel Guide Video

In Arizona’s capital city, discover a lively downtown, many outstanding museums, fascinating Native American historical relics and stunning natural beauty.

Phoenix is a sunny oasis with an equally cheerful atmosphere. Explore Downtown Phoenix on foot to enjoy the warm weather and explore award-winning restaurants, lively nightlife and a charming historic district. Stop at Roosevelt Row to learn about the city’s burgeoning arts and music community.

Discover numerous cultural institutions in Phoenix. Browse through classic and modern art in the Phoenix Art Museum. Learn about the Southwest’s rich Native American history in the Heard Museum. See and play instruments from across the world at the Musical Instrument Museum and learn through interactive exhibits in the Arizona Science Center. The Hall of Flame Fire Museum covers 300 years of firefighting history.

See over 1,000 animals, including many endangered species, in the Phoenix Zoo. Follow themed trails taking you from Arizona, Africa and the tropics to family-friendly farms.

Wrigley Mansion sits atop La Colina Solana, which means small, sunny hill. It certainly lives up to its name. From the stately home enjoy views of Downtown Phoenix, Camelback Mountain and the wider Valley of the Sun.

Find Hole-in-the-Rock on a small sandstone hill in Papago Park. The unique geological phenomenon has been in the works for millions of years and offers stunning panoramic views of Phoenix.

Learn about the Valley of the Sun’s first indigenous residents at Pueblo Grande Museum and Archaeological Park. Discover the homes and tools of a Native American Indian tribe that dates back about 1,500 years.

The Desert Botanical Garden shows that even the driest deserts host a wealth of life. In the Sonoran Desert, pick out the iconic Camelback Mountain, which resembles a resting camel. The mountain’s “hump” offers some of the best views in the state.

Use Phoenix as your gateway to the Valley of the Sun and greater Arizona. Visit nearby Scottsdale, home to the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art and Taliesin West, architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s desert masterpiece. Mesa, Flagstaff and Fountain Hills are also unique destinations worth visiting.

Where to stay in Phoenix

Downtown Phoenix which includes signage and night scenes

Downtown Phoenix

3.5/5(2,458 area reviews)

A true urban neighborhood, Downtown Phoenix boasts major sports venues like Chase Field and Footprint Center, as well as cultural attractions such as the Arizona Science Center and Phoenix Art Museum. Easily accessible via Valley Metro Light Rail, enjoy walkable streets, friendly cafes, and local businesses.

Downtown Phoenix
Old Town

Old Town

Old Town is known for its popular shops, and you can see some sights in the area like Scottsdale Waterfront and Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West.

Old Town
Papago Park featuring desert views as well as a small group of people

Camelback East

4/5(1,116 area reviews)

Adjacent to Paradise Valley and Scottsdale, Camelback East Village boasts two main cores and sits between Piestewa Peak and Camelback Mountain. Explore the vibrant 24th Street and Camelback Road or 44th Street and Van Buren Street areas.

Camelback East
Downtown Scottsdale showing street scenes and a small town or village as well as a family

Downtown Scottsdale

If you're spending some time in Downtown Scottsdale, Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West and Scottsdale Waterfront are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown Scottsdale
Millionaire's tacos with a view of the ceviche station. LOVED dinner at Deseo

Paradise Valley Village

While visiting Paradise Valley Village, you might make a stop by sights like Kierland Commons and Orange Tree Golf Course.

Paradise Valley Village
Deer Valley featuring a sunset and desert views

Deer Valley

3.5/5(888 area reviews)

Nestled in northwestern Phoenix, Deer Valley boasts the Adobe Dam Regional Park, offering a sports complex, golf course, and kart racing track. Explore the Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve, home to over 1500 petroglyphs, for a unique experience.

Deer Valley
Arizona Grand Resort & Spa
Arizona Grand Resort & Spa
4 out of 5
8000 S. Arizona Grand Parkway, Phoenix, AZ
The price is $131 per night from May 23 to May 24
$131
$232 total
includes taxes & fees
May 23 - May 24
Stay at this spa resort in Phoenix. Enjoy 6 outdoor pools, 2 restaurants, and a golf course. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,408 reviews)
"The sitting area in the lobby overlooking the golf course was very relaxing. plenty of seating and food and drinks available. We could have sat there our entire stay."

Reviewed on May 1, 2024

Arizona Grand Resort & Spa
Wyndham Phoenix Airport/Tempe
Wyndham Phoenix Airport/Tempe
3.5 out of 5
1600 S 52nd St, Tempe, AZ
The price is $87 per night from May 12 to May 13
$87
$99 total
includes taxes & fees
May 12 - May 13
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Tempe. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the convenient parking in ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,352 reviews)
"Thanks for your excellent service !!"

Reviewed on Apr 28, 2024

Wyndham Phoenix Airport/Tempe
3 Palms
3 Palms
3.5 out of 5
7707 E McDowell Rd, Scottsdale, AZ
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is $60 per night from May 30 to May 31
$60
$73 total
includes taxes & fees
May 30 - May 31
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Scottsdale. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8/10 Very Good! (4,294 reviews)
Great place to stay
"Room was very clean & comfortable. The grounds are very well maintained all the staff was friendly & helpful. The manager Stephanie was quick & helpful to correct a booking issue that arose at checkin. I look forward to my next visit to 3 palms."

Reviewed on Apr 30, 2024

3 Palms
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Metro PHX Apartments
Metro PHX Apartments
3.5 out of 5
Phoenix
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly aparthotel in Phoenix. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and private pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
6.4/10 (1,790 reviews)
"All good but the roaches!"

Reviewed on Apr 27, 2024

Metro PHX Apartments
Hotel Scottsdale
Hotel Scottsdale
3.5 out of 5
3275 N Drinkwater Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly aparthotel in Scottsdale. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,302 reviews)
"The hotel is clean, it is under remodeling but it is quiet and convenient still. Room is modern with nice furniture and bathroom mirror with lights. :)"

Reviewed on Apr 28, 2024

Hotel Scottsdale
Metro Scottsdale Apartments
Metro Scottsdale Apartments
3 out of 5
9880 N Scottsdale Rd, Paradise Valley, AZ
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Paradise Valley. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
6.6/10 (765 reviews)
"Very nice and very convenient check in process, Almost all contact is via online website and it’s so easy,"

Reviewed on Apr 28, 2024

Metro Scottsdale Apartments
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Getting around Phoenix

Renting a car is essential if you want to be able to get the most out of your Phoenix experience, as the city and its surroundings are extremely spaced out and public transportation isn’t always reliable. Pick up a rental car from the airport or the city center. There is a public bus system, the Valley Metro, but this has been designed with commuters in mind, so it isn’t that useful for tourists. Visit the Valley Metro Regional Public Transportation Authority website. Browse Phoenix rental cars.

Best time to visit

Enjoy the Phoenix weather at its most pleasant between November and March, when temperatures should rarely climb above the high 70s F (20s C). From April onwards, expect temperatures to soar as high as a sizzling 106 F (41 C). This means the only way to experience the wealth of fantastic outdoor opportunities available in the city and the surrounding desert is to travel in winter or at the very start of spring.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Phoenix

4.1
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
2951
" "5 - Excellent 34.70539809479008%
4 - Good
3740
" "4 - Good 43.98447606727038%
3 - Okay
1501
" "3 - Okay 17.652593202399153%
2 - Disappointing
174
" "2 - Disappointing 2.0463365870869104%
1 - Terrible
137
" "1 - Terrible 1.611196048453487%

5/5 - Excellent

LoriAmberttuex
Jun 5, 2020

I love Phoenix. Trust me, it has it's faults in it's stars but with all that I still LOVE this town.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
Jun 4, 2020

As with any city, some areas were very nice and others not so nice. It was very hot there.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Jun 4, 2020

I love Phoenix it’s got lots to do and definitely pool capital of the world.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Jun 3, 2020

Its HOT!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Jun 3, 2020

Was a noce quite trip to visit family

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
Jun 2, 2020

Be carefully peopple drive very bad and so fast. they dont respect speed limits.

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