Phoenix Travel Guide

Overview and Things to Consider

Phoenix is a young city by eastern US standards, built in the desert and sprawling across hundreds of square miles. Downtown is in the middle of a revival, and Scottsdale brings upscale resort culture. Hiking and desert recreation are the center of the experience.

Winter brings retirees and escapees from the northern cold. The art scene has grown a lot, the food scene keeps getting more sophisticated, and the surrounding desert puts hiking and national parks within short drives.

Getting There and Around

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) is convenient. After that you need a rental car: the city is extremely car-dependent, public transit is minimal, and the distances between neighborhoods are significant.

A 15-minute drive can take 30 minutes in traffic. Parking is abundant and cheap, the freeways dominate, and you can spend hours driving between attractions.

What's Changed Since 2016

Phoenix has experienced steady growth. Downtown has revitalized with restaurants and cultural venues. The food scene has matured significantly. New hotels and resorts continue opening. The city has become more touristy while maintaining its modern feel.

Housing prices are up, and some neighborhoods have gentrified. Infrastructure has improved overall. As a tourism destination, Phoenix is still less established than other major cities.

Ideas to Consider for Your Visit

Camelback Mountain is an accessible hike with city views. Taliesin West, Frank Lloyd Wright's winter home, matters architecturally. The Desert Botanical Garden shows off desert plants, and Papago Park and South Mountain Park are good for a hike.

Downtown Phoenix has galleries, restaurants and cultural venues; Old Town Scottsdale has upscale shopping and dining. Sedona and its red rock scenery are 2 hours away. Eat Southwestern food alongside contemporary cooking. Desert wellness culture is big here, so a spa visit fits, and the art scene runs to galleries and installations.

Realities to Be Aware Of

Summer is brutally hot - 115+ degrees regularly from June-August. Winter is when most visitors come. The sprawl means you're always driving. Public transit is minimal. Some neighborhoods are better than others.

The desert heat is serious, so plan outdoor activities for early morning or evening. Water is a concern in the region. The city lacks the density and walkability of eastern cities. Scorpions and rattlesnakes are out there.

If Phoenix Is Part of a Longer Trip

Phoenix is a hub for the Southwest, with the Sonoran Desert spread around the city. Sedona is 2 hours north, Flagstaff 3.5 hours north and the Grand Canyon 4 hours north. Las Vegas is 5 hours northwest.

Phoenix works as a base for desert exploration or as part of a Southwest national parks trip. Plan 2-4 days.

Yearly Things to Consider

Winter (December-February) is perfect: 70-80 degrees and clear skies, ideal for outdoor activities. Spring (March-May) is pleasant. Summer is brutal. Autumn turns warm and pleasant again.

Winter is peak season, expensive and crowded. For the best weather with manageable crowds, go in November, December, February or March. Avoid June-August entirely. Spring and fall are pleasant and less crowded.

Ideas for Itineraries

Two Days in Phoenix

Day one: Desert Botanical Garden, downtown Phoenix exploration, Southwestern dinner. Day two: Camelback Mountain hike or Taliesin West visit, Old Town Scottsdale shopping.

Four Days: Phoenix and Sedona

Days 1-2: Phoenix - Desert Botanical Garden, hiking, downtown. Days 3-4: Drive to Sedona, red rock scenery, art galleries, higher elevation and cooler temperatures.

Three Days: Desert Exploration

Day one: Desert Botanical Garden, hiking nearby. Day two: Camelback Mountain or Papago Park hike, Old Town Scottsdale. Day three: Taliesin West or day trip toward Sedona.

Five Days: Phoenix Base for Southwest

Days 1-2: Phoenix city and desert activities. Days 3-4: Day trips to Sedona or Grand Canyon. Day 5: Phoenix museums, shopping, final explorations.