A Fresh Perspective on Travel Every Day
Phoenix is the heart of the Valley of the Sun. It is the fifth-largest metro area in the US, but this city does not enthusiastically embrace the hustle and bustle of its counterparts. Instead, sunshine and saguaro cacti rule supreme, setting the scene for an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise.
The sprawling city of Phoenix, Arizona, may have a pricey, metropolitan feel in its downtown district; however, it also hosts a plethora of free or cheap outdoor, arts, adventure, and cultural activities. Scattered across the Valley of the Sun, you can find numerous museums, trails, markets, and historic sites to visit at a low cost. Whether you’re a regular visitor or a first-time traveler, here’s how to see the best of Phoenix without breaking the bank.
Phoenix may be one of the USA’s hottest cities, but there are numerous places in and around this Southwestern destination to cool down with a refreshing dip. When exploring the desert, any body of water feels like an oasis – including the 20ftArizona Falls, a gathering place for locals in the Acadia neighborhood since the 1800s. Despite the sandy desert, sandy beaches are harder to come by in Greater Phoenix; however, lakes and rivers in the region offer alluring places to swim, surrounded by cacti, where you can catch carp in the depths and even spot wild horses while on the water.
Phoenix offers exciting diversity, urban sophistication, and natural serenity, too.
Cloudless skies, warm temperatures and more than 300 annual days of glorious sunshine – the weather in Phoenix is pretty perfect year-round. Even during the hottest months, the low humidity encourages activities such as exploring downtown’s vibrant street murals and immersing yourself in the unique desert ecosystem. So, when is the best time to visit Phoenix?
While there’s plenty to see in Phoenix, the state capital serves as an ideal base for exploring the myriad attractions of Arizona and experiencing the diverse offerings of this beautiful state. Enjoy local arts, food, and nightlife in the city, and then venture into Arizona’s stunning open spaces.
Looking at the sophisticated metropolis of Phoenix, Arizona, it’s hard to imagine that this was once a peaceful agricultural area composed of small villages divided by irrigation channels carved out of the Sonoran Desert by Indigenous Hohokam people more than 2000 years ago.
Experience the vibrant culture of Phoenix in May with various events that cater to all interests. From food festivals to outdoor concerts, the city comes alive as the weather warms up.
Phoenix serves as an ideal base for travelers seeking to explore natural wonders such as the Grand Canyon, Lake Powell, and Sedona’s iconic red rocks. The city’s vibrant culture and rich history also provide plenty of attractions right at your doorstep.
Phoenix nightlife offers an exciting mix of vibrant bars and clubs, catering to various tastes and preferences. Whether you are looking for a relaxed atmosphere to unwind with friends or a lively club to dance the night away, Phoenix has it all. Moreover, the city’s diverse offerings ensure that there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Whether you wish to cheer on your hometown team during spring training, indulge in luxurious spa treatments, or enjoy vibrant outdoor leisure activities, Scottsdale has something for every visitor. Here are essential experiences you shouldn’t miss when you’re in the area.
Exhibits aren’t just for looking at the Children’s Museum of Phoenix. This is a place where children, typically up to the age of 10, can crawl, climb, draw, build, read, slide, pedal, design, create, feel, and explore.
Aerial Photo of Phoenix, Arizona, captured in 1972. This remarkable photograph is sourced from the Environmental Protection Agency.
One might assume that, given Phoenix, Arizona’s status as one of the ten largest cities in the U.S., it would surely have an Amtrak train station. However, that is not the case. Arizona hosts only eight Amtrak train stations, each identified by a three-character code akin to airports:
Mystery Castle is aPhoenix Point of Pride, named as such by the Phoenix Pride Commission. It was built by Boyce Luther Gulley, who abandoned his wife and daughter in Seattle, circa 1927, after learning that he had tuberculosis. He traveled to Phoenix and started building a “castle” that he had promised to his little girl once while constructing sand castles on a beach. Mary Lou Gulley was a toddler when her father unexpectedly left and never returned.
If you’re planning to travel to the Greater Phoenix area this December and are looking for some great holiday concerts, shows, and theatrical performances to put you in the Christmas mood, you’re in luck. Phoenix, Scottsdale, and the surrounding area have tons of holiday offerings this time of year—you just have to know the right places to look.
Several movie theaters in Phoenix and Scottsdale offer a unique movie-going experience: food and drinks served directly to you during the film. With luxury seating and prompt food and beverage service inside the theater, you may find it hard to leave once the credits roll.
A Phoenix to Sedona drive is one of the most underrated road trips in the US. Unlike many of the country’s grand road trips, this Sedona road trip can easily be accomplished in a day. The journey spans Arizona from Phoenix to Sedona, covering 117 miles in just over two hours. This scenic drive transitions from a bustling city into the mesmerizing red rock landscapes of Sedona, showcasing breathtaking natural beauty and numerous hiking opportunities. Along the way, you can also explore cultural landmarks like Montezuma Castle National Monument.