Overview
Phoenix is the capital of the state of Arizona, the most populous city in the American Southwest. Warm and sunny winter weather have ensured a thriving tourism industry, and the city has become the region's primary political, cultural, economic, and transportation center. Phoenix is extremely hot and dry in the summertime, so always have sunscreen with you! It had about 1,625,000 residents in 2021, and is the fifth largest city in the United States.
22 sights · 37 things to do · 33 places to eat · 16 bars & cafés · 30 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Phoenix
Phoenix Zoo
Arizona Science Center
This center features 350 permanent hands-on exhibits and regularly hosts nationally acclaimed traveling exhibits. Also features a 5-story IMAX theater and planetarium.
Musical Instrument Museum
Has many exhibits where you can see and hear the history of music from around the world, using a spatially sensitive audio guide that plays example tracks automatically when you get proximal to one of the displayed instr…
Hall Of Flame Fire Museum
Almost an acre of fire history exhibits, with over 90 fully restored pieces of fire apparatus on display, dating from 1725 to 1969.
Pioneer Living History Village
A historically accurate recreation of an 1800s frontier town between Phoenix and Anthem. Over 30 buildings provide a living example of what frontier life was like then.
Wrigley Mansion
Take a tour of the amazing architecture and grounds of this historic mansion built by the famous chewing gum magnate.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Nov–Apr. Summer highs reach about 106°F; winter lows dip to about 45°F. Very hot (May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Jan and Feb.
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- PHX Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Phoenix — 6 mi away (major hub). Directions
- AZA Mesa Gateway Airport, Mesa — 28 mi away. Directions
There are more than 20 airports within 50 nautical miles of Phoenix. The Deer Valley Airport is the busiest private airport in Arizona and one of the most important business jet hubs west of the Mississippi. Air charter companies including Valley Jet and Phoenix Jet Charter offer access to private planes based at any of the airports in the Phoenix-area, with planes ranging from luxury jets to cost-effective single & twin-engine planes. Other private aviation airports include:
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $70–$150 a night (typical $110), from 6 listed prices.
- Typical meal: about $20 per person at listed restaurants.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$110, mid-range ~$180, comfortable ~$320.
Options are grouped as Budget, Mid-range, Splurge in the Sleep guide ↓.
Sample 3-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Ro Ho En Japanese Friendship Garden, Phoenix Art Museum, Heard Museum
- Lunch Matt's Big Breakfast
- Afternoon Enchanted Island Amusement Park, USS Arizona Memorial at the Arizona State Capitol
- Dinner Durant's
- Evening Bar Smith's Rooftop Lounge
Day 2
- Morning Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix Zoo, Hall Of Flame Fire Museum
- Lunch Quiessance Restaurant
- Afternoon Tovrea Castle, S'edav Va'aki Museum and Archaeological Park
- Dinner Pizzeria Bianco
- Evening The Little Woody
Day 3
- Morning Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve, Castles N' Coasters, Phoenix Space Museum
- Lunch Richardson's and Rokerji
- Afternoon Musical Instrument Museum, Pioneer Living History Village
- Dinner Joyride Taco House
- Evening Linger Longer Lounge
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
Why would anybody want to start a city in the middle of a desert? The answer is, surprisingly, agriculture. The Salt and Verde Rivers of central Arizona were exploited for large-scale agriculture by Native Americans as early as the 11th century. The area that now encompasses Phoenix was a center of the Hohokam culture, which built large canal systems and a network of towns and villages, whose remains may be viewed in the city to this day. White settlers discovered the remnants of the Hohokam culture in the 19th century. The city's name reflects its history as a city "reborn from the ashes" of the previous settlement.
European-American settlement of the area commenced in the 1860s, and the city was founded in 1871. In 1911 the completion of the first of several large reservoirs in the mountains north and east of Phoenix insured its success as a center for irrigation-based agriculture. Many tens of thousands of acres were planted in citrus and cotton and other crops, and for many years, intensive, year-round irrigated agriculture formed the basis of the economy. The area is being revived, and trendy hotels, bars, shops and restaurants are making it a place to be again.
Its hot, dry climate had enticed many Easterners and Midwesterners to relocate to Phoenix. High-tech industry began to flourish after World War II, and since that time the growth of Phoenix has been explosive. As a result, a population of just over 100,000 in 1950 has grown to over 1.6 million in 2024 (with almost 5 million in the metro area).
At an elevation of 1100 ft, it is in the biologically unique Sonoran Desert. Over time it has merged with the neighboring cities of Scottsdale, Tempe, Glendale, Peoria, Chandler, and Gilbert to form the Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area. Towns once considered to be exurbs such as Apache Junction, Fountain Hills, Queen Creek, and Sun City are rapidly developing parts of this metropolitan area as well.
Climate
Phoenix has an arid climate with long, hot summers and very mild winters. It has the highest average temperature of any metropolitan area in the States. The weather varies enormously from one season to the next. While it's not as cold as in the northern states during the winter, it does freeze sometimes, and temperatures in the 30s°F (that's around or slightly above 0°C) are not unheard of, with even a slight dusting of snow every few years. In the summer, very hot and dry heat is the norm with average daytime highs of 107°F. On the hottest days, it has reached 122°F (record high on June 26, 1990). Overnight lows in the summer average around 86°F, though there are nights where the overnight low doesn't go below 93°F. Monsoon rains with flooding, lightning, sometimes with haboob's (dust storms rolling in from the desert) occur regularly from July to September during the late afternoon and evening, occasionally overnight also. In some neighborhoods, cicadas make loud sounds (100 decibels).
Tourist information
- Visit Phoenix website
Get in
By plane
Go Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
It is the main air gateway to Arizona. It is at the southeast end of Downtown. It is a hub for American Airlines and Southwest Airlines. There are only two terminals: 3 and 4. Terminal 1 was demolished in 1991 and Terminal 2 in 2020; the remaining terminals were not renumbered.
- Terminal 3 (John S McCain III Terminal): Advanced Air, Air Canada/Air Canada Express/Air Canada Rouge, Alaska Airlines, Allegiant, Breeze Airways, Delta Air Lines, Denver Air Connection, Frontier Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Porter Airlines, Southern Airways Express, Sun Country Airlines, and United Airlines.
- Terminal 4 (Barry M Goldwater Terminal): Air France, AeroMexico, American Airlines, British Airways, China Airlines, Contour Airlines, Flair Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Starlux, Volaris, WestJet..
- To get to/from the airport via public transit:
- Valley Metro #13 goes west to S 75th Ave along S Buckeye Road (via Greyhound depot) from the 24th Street SkyTrain station.
- The free PHX SkyTrain goes from Terminal 3/4 to 44th & Washington St Station where you can catch the #1 (west to the downtown Central Station or east to Priest & Washington in Tempe); #44 bus (north to the Desert Ridge Marriott Resort in Deer Valley along N 44th St & Tatum); or the light rail (east to Tempe & Mesa or west to Midtown and northern Phoenix along Central Ave).
Alternative airports
- Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA) +1 480-988-7600 is east of Phoenix, in neighboring Mesa. It is served by Allegiant Air from all over the U.S. and Sun Country from Minneapolis-St Paul. This is a smaller airport but is being redeveloped into a major regional airport.
Go Phoenix Deer Valley Airport (DVT)
The busiest general aviation airport in the U.S. The FBO Cutter Aviation (732 W Deer Valley Rd) provides aviation fuel and a variety of guest services.
Private aviation
There are more than 20 airports within 50 nautical miles of Phoenix. The Deer Valley Airport is the busiest private airport in Arizona and one of the most important business jet hubs west of the Mississippi. Air charter companies including Valley Jet and Phoenix Jet Charter offer access to private planes based at any of the airports in the Phoenix-area, with planes ranging from luxury jets to cost-effective single & twin-engine planes. Other private aviation airports include:
By train
Amtrak passenger train service to Phoenix has been discontinued, making it the largest city without Amtrak service in the US. The nearest station is 35 mi south of Phoenix in the town of Maricopa and is connected to Phoenix, Tempe and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport by an Amtrak Thruway shuttle bus (operated by Stagecoach Express) or by taxi. Maricopa is served by the Sunset Limited which runs three times a week between New Orleans and Los Angeles. Additionally, Amtrak's Texas Eagle service between San Antonio and Chicago incorporates the Sunset Limited to provide a direct connection to Los Angeles with the same stops as the Sunset Limited between San Antonio and Los Angeles. Both trains stop in Benson, Tucson, Maricopa and Yuma.
Alternatives: disembark at Flagstaff instead and take a Greyhound bus into Phoenix from there or disembark in Tucson and take a Greyhound bus into Phoenix; the Greyhound station in Tucson is about 5-6 blocks west of the Amtrak depot. The Southwest Chief runs through Flagstaff on its way between Chicago and Los Angeles with stops in Winslow, Flagstaff, Williams and Kingman. For much of its route, the Southwest Chief follows historic Route 66 and offers an interesting perspective of the historic road and its surroundings.
By car
There are 3 main routes that enter through Phoenix:
- Interstate 17 (I-17)/Black Canyon Freeway – running north from Phoenix to Flagstaff.
- Interstate 10 (I-10)/Papago Freeway – running east–west across Arizona, from Tucson and New Mexico to the south, to California top the west.
- US 60/Grand Ave & Superstition Freeway – running (generally) east-west across Arizona, from Globe and New Mexico from the east (also known as the Superstition Freeway), to Wickenburg to the northwest (known as the Phoenix-Wickenburg Highway). This road also connects with Route 93, which goes between Wickenburg and Las Vegas.
By bus
Long-distance bus lines and van shuttles serve Phoenix from Los Angeles, Las Vegas, El Paso, Tucson, Sedona, Flagstaff, Yuma & Nogales in the U.S. and from Nogales, Hermosillo, Puerto Peñasco and Culiacán in Mexico. Each company has a stop or its own bus station in different parts of town that are far from each other. The bus stations and stops in the neighborhoods northwest of the I-17/I-10 junction, northwest of the downtown core, are in rough neighborhoods.
Go El Paso-Los Angeles Limousine Express
It's the only one in or near downtown. Travels along I-10 between Los Angeles & El Paso on one route and up to Las Vegas on another route.
Go Flixbus (operated by Alvand Transportation, Bee Line Transportation, Jet Limousines, Fast Deer Charters, Greyhound Lines)
They also have additional stops at the Greyhound Station 2115 W Buckeye; University & Rural Rd in Tempe; 2467 W Glendale Ave in Glendale; and W Hayward & N 59th Ave in Glendale. Check tickets and website to determine which stop to go to.
Go Greyhound Lines, Autobus Americanos, Cruceros USA, Flixbus
Greyhound travels primarily on Interstate 10 (Los Angeles-Phoenix-Tuscon-El Paso); I-17 (Phoenix-Sedona-Flagstaff). Some of its schedules continue east on I-40 towards Oklahoma City whiles others go west towards Las Vegas from Flagstaff; AZ-85/I-8 (Phoenix-Gila Bend-Yuma-San Diego). Passengers transfer to other buses in Los Angeles, El Paso, Flagstaff, Oklahoma City, Las Vegas, San Diego and/or San Bernardino to get to other cities in the U.S. and in Nogales, Calexico/Mexicali and El Paso/Cd Juarez to get to other cities in Mexico. Prices vary by destination.
Go Transportes Nenas
Runs van shuttles between Phoenix and Rocky Point in Puerto Peñasco via Lukeville and Sonoyta.
Get around
Like many metro areas in the Southwest, Phoenix and its surroundings are pretty car centric. If you plan to stay or visit any of the cities on the periphery of the metro area, a car will likely be required. However, if you plan to stick to the immediate Phoenix area (including Tempe), the Light Rail is a viable option, with an all-day adult pass costing $4. So if you are in the United States without a car, consider that. There are also rental scooters with drop-off points at almost every block in the city center. Taxis are typically fairly easy to find in proximity to major light rail stops and in popular areas, and will run you from $10-15 for a fairly local trip to well over $100 for a ride to a distant suburb.
By e-scooter
The fastest and most comfortable way to get around downtown, especially in summer months when temperatures soar, is by e-scooter. The most popular rental company is Lime, their scooters are easily recognizable by their green and black color scheme. There are over 1000 scooters in the downtown area, which can be rented and dropped off in any of 400 stations.
Rental fees start at $1 for short rides so they are very competitive with bus fares. Look out for promotions and special deals, which often include a number of free rides.
To rent a scooter, you'll need a smartphone and the rental company's software on it, that can be downloaded free of charge. You will also need a credit card to pay for the service.
Unlike in most European cities, e-scooters in Phoenix do not follow a free-floating model but must be rented from any of the stations and also parked in a station to end the ride. If you don't park the scooter properly, you risk getting billed continuously. Scooters are restricted to roads and cycle roads; it is prohibited to scoot on sidewalks ($250 fine if caught). When leaving the downtown area, scooters will slow down to 4 km/h and eventually stop completely, so keep an eye on the map. Scooting is also prohibited on university premises.
By car
Surface roads are usually easy to navigate. The area's roads are designed around a grid system, where most roads are numbered based on their distance from the city center. Addresses also conform to the numbering of the roads around them. Nearly all streets run with the compass directions, and there's a major thoroughfare at every mile in each direction. Central Ave divides east from west while Washington St divides north from south. The numbered roads go north and south, parallel to Central Ave, with "avenues" west of Central and "streets" east of Central Ave such as 7th Ave going parallel on the west side of Central Ave while 7th St parallels along the east. The named roads go across east and west and can be "roads", "avenues" or "streets". This also applies to the extended metro area, though addresses in places like Tempe and Mesa have their own numbering system and are not based on downtown Phoenix.
There is an extensive network of freeways, most built since 1987 and some more recent. Heavy construction on some segments and interchanges continues. Check construction schedules and closures in the local media.
Drinking and driving laws are very heavily enforced in Phoenix, especially in Scottsdale and Tempe. Harsh DUI laws & police traps ensure you will most likely be pulled over during peak bar hours 11PM-2:30AM. Mandatory jail time and extremely heavy fines make drinking and driving a very unwise decision in Maricopa County.
- Car rental is the most convenient form of transportation for visitors, with local companies offering better prices but national chains offering more convenience vis-a-vis return policies and times.
- Car hire Unlike most cities, in Phoenix you can get a sedan, SUV or even a limo to pick you up for about the same price as a cab.
- Ride-sharing (Uber/Lyft), is very popular. Waymo (self-driving vehicles) are available in certain parts (mainly downtown Phoenix and parts of the eastern suburbs), though you need to enroll to use.
By public transit
Valley Metro provides public transit for the entire Phoenix metro area, with an extensive bus and light rail system. Bus lines run along every major street about every 30 minutes on average, though coverage gets spotty once you get to the further suburbs. There are also two kinds of express busses, the Express and the RAPID, which run from various park-and-ride centers to downtown. The Express runs a few times a day in each direction and is intended for commuters, while the RAPID has more frequent service and runs during peak hours; both only operate on weekdays. The light rail has two lines: the A Line runs east-west from downtown Phoenix, past the airport, and to Tempe and Mesa, while the B Line runs north-south mostly along the Central Ave. corridor, with a connection to the A Line in downtown.
If you intend to make use of public transit, it's highly recommended you get a reloadable Copper card (available at light rail stations, transit centers, and most gas stations or grocery stores) or download the Valley Metro app onto your phone, as the old paper passes have been discontinued. Rides on non-express busses or the light rail are $2 with low fare caps: $4 a day, $20 a week, and $64 a month (the same as the paper passes); a one-way trip with one transfer will make you hit the daily fare cap. The Express and RAPID busses are $3.25 a ride with a separate fare cap system that matches the higher price. You can still pay for a single ride with cash on busses or at the light rail stations, but unless you just plan on taking one or two rides a day the smart card or app will save you a good chunk of money. Note that you cannot link the card and app together (though you can reload the card from the app), it's recommended you pick one and stick to using it.
Phoenix and some of the larger suburbs also have free circulators that typically run around their downtown area. Phoenix in particular has the DASH, which runs from downtown to the state capitol every 12 minutes, and the ALEX and MARY, which run throughout the Ahwatukee and Maryvale neighborhoods respectively every hour.
See
- The cultural, governmental, and business center of the city is Copper Square, which is striving to become one of the southwest's most distinctive urban centers. Copper Square was built around the original Phoenix historic town site. Its boundaries extend from Fillmore to south of Jackson Street, 7th Street to 3rd Avenue. Revitalization plans in the area are expected to cost more than $4 billion and aim to increase artistic, cultural and entertainment activity. The presence of two state universities (Arizona State University and University of Arizona) and a new convention center are also significantly changing the physical and economic shape of the Phoenix downtown area.
- Downtown and Central Phoenix are home to several historic neighborhoods. These range from turn of the century Victorian to mid-century modern architecture. Some of the more well-known districts include Coronado, Encanto-Palmcroft, FQ Story, Willo and Woodlea. The historic homes in these districts are private residences and not normally open to the public, but the neighborhoods are very pleasant to walk around. Some districts hold annual home tours when several houses in a neighborhood are open to the public, all covered by one ticket usually costing about $10. For example, the FQ Story home tour is normally held shortly before Christmas.
- Roosevelt Historic District. This area has retooled itself from a run-down, drug-infested area to the epicenter of the Central Phoenix art scene. This emerging neighborhood has become home to artist live/work spaces, gallery spaces and studio spaces. Since 1994 the monthly First Friday's (first Friday each month) artwalk (7th St to 3rd Ave) has grown to become the largest monthly artwalk in the U.S. Increasing interest in this area has prompted Rooselvelt Row to becoming more pedestrian-friendly and is supportive of small local independent businesses that give Downtown Phoenix character.
- Scottsdale Old Town. Scottsdale Rd & Indian School. Restaurants and art galleries. Thursday evening art walk 7-9p.
Parks and outdoors
See Desert Botanical Garden
50 acres of exhibits showcasing desert plants, with an emphasis on plant life of the Sonoran Desert and arid lands around the world. It includes many examples of ethnobotany, or how plants are used to survive in the desert. As a consequence of the many plants in this area there are also many desert animals such as lizards, birds, and occasional roadrunners.
Museums
See Musical Instrument Museum
Has many exhibits where you can see and hear the history of music from around the world, using a spatially sensitive audio guide that plays example tracks automatically when you get proximal to one of the displayed instruments. The main exhibition is organized geographically, with examples from all seven continents. Another exhibit shows the instruments of famous musicians that have ended up in the museum's collection, including Clara Rockmore's theramin. There's also a room for kids of all ages to try out instruments.
See Phoenix Police Museum
On the first floor of the historic city hall, it gives the history of the Phoenix Police Department in historic and modern context. Starts with a rock with shackles, which was the original jail. Even has the police department's first helicopter. There's a small exhibit dedicated to Miranda and Miranda rights and a memorial for 9/11.
See Phoenix Space Museum
The Earth & Space Expedition Center is a public museum, that is open Saturdays from 11AM-3PM. Space exhibits include a ten-foot Shuttle Atlantis display courtesy of Honeywell, a deep space gallery, and a large scale solar system model. The center features autographed memorabilia and mission patches from past Space Missions, as well as a large inflatable Planetarium and a pair of amazing Magic Planets. The Galaxy Gift Shop offers hundreds of educational space and science items, including books, toys, puzzles, gadgets and games.
Historical
See S'edav Va'aki Museum and Archaeological Park
The U.S.'s only city-operated archaeological site, preserving a 1500-year-old Hohokam ruin in the shadow of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. This ruin is one of only two Hohokam mounds remaining in the metro Phoenix area (the other being the underdeveloped Mesa Grande ruins). The museum and site is comparable to the more famous (and more remote) Casa Grande Ruins National Monument, but the visible ruins are not as large.
See Tovrea Castle
Tovrea Castle is a historic structure and landmark, which is particularly visible to drivers on Arizona State Route 202. It was intended as a centerpiece for a resort, but was used as a private residence for the Tovrea family, who owned the Phoenix Stockyards which once were adjacent to the property. The rococo style building was constructed in a unique three-tier fashion which has resemblance to a traditional multilayered wedding cake. The castle is now part of the Phoenix parks system and is designated as one of the Phoenix Points of Pride. The park shows over 5,000 cacti in over 100 varieties, all maintained by volunteers of the Tovrea Carraro Society. There's only 1-2 tours on weekend mornings, so they can sell out months in advance.
Do
Winter visitors to the area will generally be looking for outdoor events. The area has many resorts with the relevant amenities, such as golf courses and the requisite pools and other activities on site. In the summer, due to the extreme heat, virtually everyone tries to avoid being outside more than necessary.
Do Cityscape
Mixed use urban project which includes retail, shopping and entertainment such as a pub, comedy club, bowling alley and various restaurants. From late November through early January there is a holiday ice skating rink called Cityskate which has an admission fee ($12 to $15 which includes skate rental), nightly lightshows from 7 to 10PM and a 36 foot tall Christmas tree.
Outdoor recreation
Do Camelback Mountain
The most recognizable landmark of the area, Camelback Mountain rises to 2704 ft at its summit. It sits between Phoenix to the south and Paradise Valley to the North. The lower areas of the mountain contain some of the most exclusive residences in the Valley, with the upper sections now part of a park. There are very challenging and difficult hiking trails to the summit that are not recommended for any but experienced hikers. As well, parking near the mountain is extremely limited. The mountain consists of red rock, and is in the general shape of a camel's silhouette. A rock formation on the mountain is known as Praying Monk. The park also contains Echo Canyon.
Do Piestewa Peak
In the middle of Phoenix lies Phoenix Mountains Park. The park offers a strenuous one- to two-hour hike to the top of Piestewa Peak, offering fantastic 360° views of the city and its surrounding environment. There are several alternative hiking trails (trail 304, 202, 8A) besides the very popular peak trail. The other well-known mountain in the area (Camelback Mountain being the most well known). The peak was known as "Squaw Peak" before being renamed in honor of Army Spc. Lori Ann Piestewa who was the first Native American woman killed in combat in the U.S. military in 2003. Due to the name change, visitors will find references to the peak under both names (for instance, the road leading to the park on the south side of the mountain still has the prior name). This mountain, whose summit rises to 2608 ft, is much more accessible to visitors than is Camelback Mountain (come early on weekends during winter months for parking). There are picnic areas on the south side of the mountain (Phoenix Mountains Park entrance on Squaw Peak Ln) and the north side (Dreamy Draw Park, entrance via Northern Ave, but it is closed until 2023 for redevelopment). Especially during the hot summer months (up to 110-115°F/43°C in the afternoon), use caution and bring lots of water and a hat. There is no shade and parts of the trail can be quite steep and rocky. The park also has several picnic areas.
- Good available parking. Easier hike than Piestawa Peak or Camelback Mountain.
Do South Mountain Park
South Mountain Park and Preserve is the largest municipal park in the United States. With more than 16,000 acres, it has 51 miles of trails for horseback riding, hiking and mountain biking. By driving up the scenic Summit Road to Dobbins Lookout, you will be treated to spectacular views of metropolitan Phoenix area.
Golf
Do Arizona Biltmore Golf Course
Performing arts
Do Mesa Arts Center
Contemporary art displays and studios. Home of the Southwest Shakespeare Company and the Mesa Symphony Orchestra.
Do Carnival of Illusion
The Carnival of Illusion Parlour Show presents national quality magic in an intimate setting at the Historic Arizona Biltmore Resort and is limited to 125 guests. The hosts are the National Recipients for Excellence in Magic and have performed as house entertainers at the world's top resorts, for Fortune 100 CEOs, to the 200 Most Powerful Women in America.
Sports
Tickets to professional sports events are expensive, but there are still $12.50 seats at the Diamondbacks games, not available until 2 hours before the game. Definitely not the best seats, but worth visiting the downtown Phoenix ballpark.
Spring Training Cactus League is a great way to see baseball players. Very relaxed and inexpensive. Games are in different locations in Mesa, Peoria, and Phoenix.
The Cardinals stadium is worth a visit, as it looks like a giant spaceship by the side of the freeway.
- The Arizona Cardinals of the NFL play in suburban Glendale.
Do Arizona State Sun Devils
The teams representing Arizona State University, competing as one of the newest members of the Big 12 Conference. Most of the athletic facilities are on campus, with the best-known being Mountain America Stadium (historically Sun Devil Stadium; football), Desert Financial Arena (basketball), and Mullett Arena (ice hockey). Mullett Arena was the temporary home of the NHL's Arizona Coyotes from 2022–2024 until that team was sold to the owners of the NBA's Utah Jazz, and now hosts the Suns' NBA G League affiliate, the Valley Suns. However, the baseball team plays in Phoenix proper at Phoenix Municipal Stadium. Tickets are often more affordable than those for professional sports.
Do Grand Canyon Antelopes
The teams representing Grand Canyon University, which joined the Mountain West Conference in July 2025. The Antelopes, who don't have a football team (unlike all other full members of their new conference), have completed a transition to NCAA Division I sports. As with ASU, most of GCU's athletic facilities are on campus. In the last few years, the GCU student section, known as the Havocs, has developed a reputation as one of the loudest and most energetic in American college sports.
Events
Do Real, Wild and Woody Beer Festival
Annual one-day beer festival in late July hosted by Arizona Craft Brewers Guild in downtown Phoenix with more than 50 local brewers offering local and unusual beers. The admission fee ($60 for 2019) includes attendance to the event, 20 beer sampling tickets and food samples. An event for those aged 21 and older.
Do First Fridays Artwalk
On the first Friday of every month, hundreds of local art galleries, venues, and shops open up free to the public. This local tradition has been going strong since 1994 and has become the largest art walk in the United States. A great place to see and be seen. (Parking at Burton Barr library for First Friday is forbidden, and parking is difficult to obtain nearby. Consider taking the light rail.)
Do Phoenix Film Festival
The celebration takes place annually (April) in the city of Phoenix, Arizona. The festival began as a showcase for feature films made for under $1 million and short films made for under $50,000, however, it is quickly climbing its way into elite status in the film circuit due to its first class treatment of filmmakers.
Do Rock n'Roll Arizona Marathon
Annual moving mass of humanity for the Rock N'Roll half-marathon, and marathon in mid-January. Bands at every mile. Big party in the evening of the marathon. Starts in Phoenix (Washington St/7th Ave) and weaves through Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tempe to finish in the ASU athletic center. Pretty flat course, reasonable crowd support. Expo in Phoenix Convention Center, Monroe/3rd St.
Do Phoenix Open
Phoenix Open Golf tournament in Feb draws a lot of big-name players. Big party atmosphere at the 16th hole. Lots of happenings in the evening at the Birds Nest.
Learn
Buy
Time-honored souvenirs from Phoenix are scorpion bolo ties and saguaro-cactus salt and pepper shakers. Look for them at various gift shops in Terminal 3 and 4 of Sky Harbor International Airport. These gift shops are also known to stock the ever-popular Cactus Candy and a wide variety of hot sauces.
Shop Hidden Track Bottle Shop
Boutique wine store in downtown Phoenix that offer wine (tasted and selected by owners), beer, chocolate, pasta and snacks. Occasional wine tastings and delivery (for a fee) of wine is available. One block from the Van Buren St light rail station and free covered parking (garage entrance on the west side of the building).
Shop Town & Country Shopping Center
To the west of Biltmore Fashion Square is a mall that has been revamped and in conjunction with the Colonnade, Camelback Center serve as a bustling shopping area for the Camelback corridor. With many shopping and dinning options for both deep pockets and value seekers, nearby hotels, condos, and apartments the area has become an uptown destination or at least the beginning of your night.
- Desert Ridge, 21001 N Tatum Blvd (North of 101 freeway). Large open shopping area with Target, Kohls and other large department stores and many restaurants, (Thirsty Lion, Flower Child, Barrio Queen, The Keg, Mimi's Cafe, Macaroni Grill just a few)
Groceries and other basics
The major supermarket chains in Phoenix are Fry's (which is owned by Kroger), Safeway, WinCo, Albertsons, and Bashas'. In addition the nation's largest discount store chain, Walmart, has several stores in Phoenix most of which are also open 24 hours and some WinCo and Fry's stores in Phoenix are also open 24 hours as well.
In addition, many specialty supermarkets such as Aldi, Sprouts Farmers Market, Trader Joe's and Whole Foods can also be found throughout the area.
Eat
Budget
- For cheap eats, look out for many 24-hour Mexican food places such as Filiberto's and other restaurants offer a burrito the size of your forearm for less than $4.
Eat Chicago Hamburger Company
"Home of the Original Windy City Slider" is the restaurant's slogan, and the small burgers (along with larger fare) are found here. A Chicago themed sandwich shop offering hot dogs, sandwiches and even Frito Pie (according to the menu, a former manager from Texas added it to the menu and they've left it on). This place is more what you would expect of a traditional burger joint than Delux Burger (listed below). Delux is when you want something more formal, Chicago Hamburger Company is when you want to grab a traditional burger shop-lunch.
Eat Chino Bandido
Strange and wonderful fusion of Mexican and Asian cuisine. It can take a little bit of work to understand how to order, so using the online interactive menu ahead of time is useful for first-timers. Ask for a sample spoon if you're not sure about a flavor combination.
Eat Fry Bread House
Since 1992 this Tohono O'odham-owned and -operated restaurant has served authentic Native American cuisine, based on family recipes that the restaurant owner learned as a child. Specializes in frybread in all its varieties. Features an all-Native American staff.
Eat Green Restaurant
Reputed vegan restaurant. PETA named the secret BBQ Chicken sandwich as the best faux chicken sandwich in the USA.
Eat Matt's Big Breakfast
Very popular breakfast restaurant in downtown Phoenix.
Eat Modern Tortilla
Food truck which turns up at various random events and locations (a calendar is posted on their website). Street tacos, burritos, quesadillas: a mix of southwest culinary roots with classical training.
Eat Tee Pee Mexican Food
Neighborhood Mexican food restaurant featuring fairly standard Arizona Mexican food fare at reasonable prices.
Eat Aioli Gourmet Burgers
Food truck and restaurant serving gourmet burgers.
Eat Oakwood Fire Pizza
Authentic pizza. Food truck services.
- Salad And Go, several locations Bethany Home & 7th St, Dunlap & 7th St. Inexpensive fresh salads and wraps, highly recommended (excellent caprese salad).
Eat Pete’s Fish & Chips
A local tradition open since 1947, serving seafood and burgers with their signature Pete's sauce. All locations are cash only, but have ATMs on site.
Mid-range
- Phoenix has experienced an explosion of eateries since 2018. Uptown on 7th St between Missouri and Glendale Ave. Camelback between 24th St and 44th St. Tatum Blvd between Shea and Greenway. Some notables: Buck and Rider, 4225 E Camelback; Chelseas Kitchen, 5040 N 40th St; Hillstone, 2650 E Camelback; North Italia, 4925 N 40th St; The Yard, 5640 N 7th St; Luci's 7100 N 12th St (breakfast/lunch); Snooze, 2045 E Camelback (Town and Country; breakfast/lunch); Pizzeria Bianco, 4743 N 20th St (Town and Country); Sicilian Butcher, 15530 N Tatum Blvd.
Eat Aunt Chilada's Squaw Peak
A historic family-run Mexican restaurant that's a popular local hangout. Large patios and beautiful traditional decor, as well as a Palapa bar and Bocce court. Excellent chips and salsa. Band every Friday night, Sunday open mic night. Breakfast on weekends.
Eat Cherryblossom Noodle Cafe
An interesting fusion of Japanese and Italian cuisine. One of the only places in the valley to offer an authentic Japanese beer, Calpico, a creamy beer with Japanese calpico brand drink mixed with lager beer.
Eat The Duce
Large warehouse with vintage design that contains a restaurant (food served from 1965 streamline trailer), soda fountain, bar, ice cream shop, boxing ring and clothing shop.
Eat Garcia's Las Avenidas
Founded in 1957, about a half-mile north of the original location that was just south of McDowell Rd. on 35th Ave. A chain was later spawned from the restaurant, but this location remained outside the chain and under family control. Arguably, along with Macayo's, served to define what was expected of Phoenix area Mexican food.
Eat L'amore
Local Italian restaurant on the border of Phoenix and Paradise Valley, features fresh seafood and homemade pasta. Reservations required.
Eat La Grande Orange Grocery
Popular neighborhood cafe featuring breakfast, sandwiches and grocery items, as well as pizzeria next door. Parking is often difficult in the area, though valet parking is offered as well as curbside service.
Eat Los Dos Molinos
Sonoran-style dominates Phoenix-area Mexican cookery, but Los Dos celebrates the cuisine of New Mexico -- which means lots of very hot chiles. This long-established and highly regarded restaurant is a must for all true chile-heads. Reservations not accepted.
Eat Majerles Sports Grill
Sports grill and lounge owned by former pro basketball player Dan Majerle.
Eat The Parlor Pizzeria
Neighborhood artisan pizza restaurant, which reused the landmark Salon de Venus beauty salon building when it shut down after 60 years.
Eat Phoenix City Grille
Southwestern-themed variations on grill fare is offered by this local restaurant.
- Multiple locations (7th St & Missouri, Tatum & Deer Valley Rd). Ask for the tapas menu 4-6PM daily.
Eat Pita Jungle
Offers a selection not only of pitas, but also of other Mediterranean inspired meals in a sit down environment.
Eat Pizzeria Bianco
Winner of numerous awards. The chef, Chris Bianco, no longer cooks all pies, but is on premises most of the time. Small restaurant, expect lines at popular eating times (F Sa 6:30-8PM).
Eat Postino on Central
Fun little wine cafe on Central Avenue, just north of Camelback Rd. Good wine selection, but the bruschetta boards are the main attraction.
Eat Texaz Grill
Originally named "Lone Star Steaks" the restaurant changed its name when a national chain moved to town and wanted to sue. Offers reasonably priced steaks and exceptional Texas fare. Specialties are Chicken Fried Steak, choice aged beef and home made desserts.
Eat Hula's Modern Tiki
Great island-inspired food and drinks.
Eat Joyride Taco House
Eatery offering elevated Mexican street eats, drinks & patio seating in a hip, colorful setting.
Splurge
Eat Durant's
Classic American "special occasion" restaurant, where the price isn't listed on the menu, and the parking is valet.
Eat El Chorro
At the base of both Camelback and Mummy mountains, this restaurant is well-known to locals for its views of stunning desert scenery and for the historic charm of its buildings. Even if you've just dropping by for drinks on the patio, don't miss trying the complimentary sticky buns.
Eat Rustler's Rooste
A steakhouse adjacent to Arizona Grand Resort, it shares an elevated, picturesque view of the metro-Phoenix area. A gigantic live bull in a pen at the front of the restaurant, a slide to the downstairs seating, cotton candy at the end of the meal, and loud live country western music are part of the ambiance. In addition to common steakhouse fare, local items include Rattlesnake with Prickly Pear Cactus Fries.
Eat The Stockyards Restaurant
Billed as "Arizona's Original Steakhouse", the aptly named restaurant opened for public dinning in 1947. "Steak on the hoof" was visible to visitors as they entered and exited the restaurant, as it was adjacent to the Tovrea families' 200-acre feedlot and packing house, which accommodated more than 300,000 head of cattle each year. While the cattle are now gone, the authentic western cuisine and "refreshments" remain. Includes the 1889 Saloon, which features authentic 19th-century Old West decor and furnishings, and the famous Gold Room.
Eat Tarbell's
Chef Mark Tarbell's namesake restaurant, it features Southwestern themed cuisine and local organic ingredients. Per the website, dress is "resort casual" defined as "everything from denim to diamonds."
Eat Quiessance Restaurant
Farm-to-table fresh delicious food.
Eat Richardson's and Rokerji
Richardson's serves some of the spiciest New Mexican cuisine in Arizona on copper-topped tables and bars. The Rokerij (pronounced ro-ker-ee) means “smokehouse in Dutch” and features a great selection of steaks, chops, fresh fish and “small plates.” Don’t miss the down stairs bar. Both feature dim-lighting and great service. Reservations for parties of 6 or more suggested.
Vegetarian
- True Foods, Biltmore shopping center (24th/Camelback) and The Quarter (Hayden/Greenway & Scottsdale Rd - N Scottsdale). Good variety of vegetarian options (as well as meat)
- Flower Child, Uptown (Camelback/Central), Desert Ridge (Tatum/101), Arcadia (44th St/Camelback). Similar menu to True Foods, counter service.
- Original Chop Shop, Arcadia (32nd St/Campbell), Scottsdale (Old Town), N Scottsdale (101/Scottsdale Rd), Tempe (Rural/University), Chandler . Fast casual, counter service, good vegetarian options, along with traditional meat protein.
Phoenix SkyHarbor Airport
- Terminal 4, great eating options both in pre-security and next to boarding gates.
- Deluxe, A22, very good burgers
- Chelsea's kitchen, before security, fresh menu
- La Grande Orange, D1
- Matts Big Breakfast,
- Four Peaks Brewery
- Barrio Cafe
- Cowboy Ciao, B22
- Sir Vezas Taco Garage, C13
- Los Taquitos, C3
- Zinc Brasserie,
Drink
Phoenix as a metropolitan area offers a considerable amount of nightlife, though with the fact that the city is so spread out it can be difficult and dangerous to attempt traversing the city on a big night out. Generally, the nightlife is centered around the sub-cities of the metro area. Within Phoenix, bars tend to cluster within the Midtown or Downtown areas, while in the surrounding areas, Scottsdale offers a lively bar and club scene, Tempe is popular with students given the proximity to the University, and the city centers for Chandler and Glendale both offer some good options if you're in the suburbs. Downtown Mesa lacks any appreciable nightlife given its strong ties to the Mormon church.
Drink Hanny's
Swanky and stylish bar and restaurant in a historic Phoenix building constructed in the 1940s serving food such as pizza, sandwiches and salads and a variety of cocktails. $5 classic martinis served all day
Drink Bar Smith's Rooftop Lounge
Downtown Phoenix bar and restaurant with Phoenix's only rooftop dance floor that attracts a young crowd. Nightclub is open W-Sa.
Drink Angels Trumpet Ale House
Bar and restaurant with 31 rotating craft beers on tap serving lunch and dinner. 3,000-foot patio with a diverse menu with snacks, flatbreads and sandwiches.
Drink Crescent Ballroom
A 7000-square-foot lounge, restaurant and music venue in a red brick warehouse built in 1917 which hosts live music every day. Happy hour is Monday-Thursday from 3-6PM and Friday from 11AM-6PM with $2 PBR, $3 wells and $3 local drafts.
Drink Seamus McCaffrey's
Great small Irish pub downtown. Same owner of Rosie McCaffrey's up on Camelback. Live Irish rock music.
Drink Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour
A cocktail parlor situated in a historic building in downtown Phoenix with an extensive drink menu that also serves food.
Drink Valley Bar
Basement bar and live music venue in downtown Phoenix that serves food and has a game room with darts, shuffleboard and a pool room. Some events have an admission charge and some events are free, check calendar on website for exact schedule and prices.
Drink Cobra Arcade Bar
3300-square-foot Arcade Bar (21 and over) that has 40 vintage arcade games like Ms. Pac Man, Centipede, etc (25 cents a play) that serves beer, wine and cocktails. Happy hour M-F from 4 to 7PM and a live DJ plays Th-Sa nights.
Drink George and Dragon
British pub offering traditional British food and imported beer.
Drink Linger Longer Lounge
Neighborhood lounge with game room with electronic darts and arcade ball machines. 16 drafts or cocktails on tap and happy hour from 4PM to 7PM on weekdays and all day Sunday with drink and food specials. A takeaway case with beer and wine to go is available.
Drink Postino Wine Cafe
A wine cafe in the former Arcadia post office. In addition to wines, the cafe features panninis and salads. The cafe also offers $5 glasses of wine each day until 4PM.
Drink Half Moon Sports Grill
Upscale sports bar with lots of TVs to watch games. Happy hour M-F (3PM to 7PM).
Drink The Little Woody
A hip place to enjoy libations and games.
Drink The Yard (Culinary Dropout)
Don't have room for your own party, bring it here! Spirits flow, games galore, and lots of friends to visit with.
Drink The Whining Pig
Eclectic neighborhood bar with very limited space and classic table games.
Drink The Grand
24 hour coffee shop, bistro and bar that serves food in downtown Phoenix. Live events on some nights such as open mic storytelling and live music.
Sleep
Budget
Mid-range
Stay Hotel San Carlos
A boutique hotel that is a historic state landmark and a tourist site. Built in 1928 it is a member of the Historic Hotels of America and the National Trust of Historic Preservation. It has a heated rooftop pool with sundeck and a Vietnamese restaurant in the hotel. In the middle of downtown Phoenix near a Phoenix light rail station.
Splurge
Stay Hilton Phoenix Resort at the Peak
Major resort close to Piestewa Peak, this was the original Pointe resort built in the Valley. It used to be referred to only as the Pointe. With the addition of other Pointe Hilton resorts (at Tapatio Cliffs to the northwest and the former Pointe South Mountain, now the Arizona Grand Resort) the name was changed to Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak. Then the mountain's name was changed to Piestewa Peak. To locals, both this and the Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs are known for their waterparks, with multiple pools, cabanas and even a waterslide.
Stay safe
Despite being a nice vacation destination, Phoenix is a major American city and as such does contain a fair amount of violent crime. Some parts of the city (and even a few parts of some of the suburbs) should be avoided at night. Downtown Phoenix is safe during the day, but does have a problem with the homeless/transients, some of whom approach well-dressed office workers and tourists asking for spare change. South Phoenix can be unsafe in some areas.
Maryvale, a commercial/residential district on the west side of the city of Phoenix (extending north into Glendale as well), should be avoided at almost all times unless there is a specific reason to go there.
Most of the suburban areas are safe during day and night; however, parts of Mesa and Glendale can be dangerous at night. There have been assaults on a few university students in some portions of Tempe, near the main campus of Arizona State University (ASU). The ASU campus is equipped with several emergency call boxes.
The Sunnyslope area (north central city of Phoenix) has some homeless and other crime issues but a police station at Peoria and 7th Ave has dramatically reduced crime.
The town of Guadalupe (immediately west of Tempe and bounded by Interstate 10 on the west) is unsafe at night, but is an incredibly interesting Hispanic/Native American community to visit during the day. Be warned though that the speed limit suddenly falls from 40mph to 25mph as you enter the town.
In every portion of the Phoenix area, just use common sense and be aware of your surroundings.
Phoenix also has one of the highest car theft rates in the country, with a car stolen every 7 minutes. In addition, red light running is more common in Phoenix than any other city in the U.S. Use caution at every turn.
Speeding, tailgating and aggressive driving are common on the freeways.
Be aware of traffic and speed enforcement cameras at most major intersections. Always anticipate someone attempting to beat the amber light before it turns red to avoid being issued a very expensive traffic ticket (usually in the amount of $300 or more). If you see sudden braking, make sure you're going the speed limit. Sometimes, camera vans are set up on the side of the road to snatch speeders, especially in the Northeastern parts of the Valley.
In Phoenix, your car can easily get dangerously hot if parked in the sun. This is an easy way to give yourself heatstroke if you spend much time in it.
Go next
- "Old Town" Scottsdale in the northeast Phoenix metropolitan area is the single most tourist friendly area in the valley.
- Downtown Tempe has a lively night life, being a college town. Accessible by light rail.
- Many visitors come to Peoria during the spring to see their favorite professional baseball team in the Cactus League for Spring Training.
- Mesa serves as the location for a Mormon (Latter Day Saints) Temple and is Arizona's third largest city after Tucson. Accessible by light rail.
- Small towns Cave Creek and Carefree lie just north of the city.
- Hiking near Phoenix is popular due to central Arizona's climate and large tracts of public land. Several designated National Forest and BLM wilderness areas are within easy driving distance and offer treks ranging from day hikes to multi-day backpacking trips. South Mountain Park, within the city limits, is a popular destination to experience the Sonoran Desert on foot.
- Camelback Mountain - very popular hike in central Phoenix. Great views from top. Two routes:
- Echo Canyon (West entry - Macdonald/Tatum). Arrive early on weekends for trailhead parking (50 cars), or walk 1/2 mi to satellite parking. 1.25 mi steep hike.
- East entry (Invergorden/Jackrabbit). Park 1/2 mi from trailhead. Easier route 1.5 mi, skirts Phoenician (Keating resort), less developed.
- Squaw Peak (Piestewa Peak) (Lincoln Dr/20th St) - Arrive early on weekends. Good parking close to trailhead. 1.25 mi hike (easier than Camelback Mtn). Great views (just 3 mi from Camelback Mtn). Park of Phoenix Preserve (48th St to 7th Ave), lots of good hiking and mountain biking. Dogs allowed on trail 300 from Squaw Peak parking.
- If you would like to see areas outside of the Phoenix metropolitan area, you might want to visit Tucson, Las Vegas, or San Diego. For cooler weather, head up to I-17 to Flagstaff or Sedona.
- A good option for a day trip, or longer, out of Phoenix is a drive north to Sedona. If you have three days or more, head out to Las Vegas via Monument Valley and the Grand Canyon.
- Montezuma Castle National Monument (cliff dwelling), near Camp Verde, Arizona is on I-17 between Phoenix and Flagstaff
Nearby
Glendale
City / town · 21 listings · 7 mi away
Scottsdale
City / town · 63 listings · 8 mi away
Peoria
City / town · 8 listings · 11 mi away
Guadalupe
City / town · 11 mi away
Tempe
City / town · 64 listings · 12 mi away
Sun City
City / town · 9 listings · 13 mi away
Mesa
City / town · 62 listings · 16 mi away
El Mirage
City / town · 11 listings · 16 mi away
My experience
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