Phoenix

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.

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, 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. Exurbs such as Apache Junction, Fountain Hills, Queen Creek, and Sun City are becoming part 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. On the hottest days, it has reached 122°F (50°C) (record high on June 26, 1990). 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

Talk
English is the dominant language in Phoenix. However, Spanish is very widely spoken in Phoenix like much of the Southwest with a large Hispanic population. Spanish is a language often used for day-to-day discourse in many places, although English is the language of preference, especially when dealing with businesses and government.

By plane

 * Terminal 3 (John S McCain III Terminal): Advanced Air, Air Canada/Air Canada Express/Air Canada Rouge, Alaska Airlines, Allegiant, Boutique Air, Breeze Airways, Contour Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Denver Air Connection, Frontier Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Southern Airways Express, Spirit Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, and United Airlines.
 * Terminal 4 (Barry M Goldwater Terminal): American Airlines, British Airways, Condor Airlines, Flair Airlines, Lynx, Southwest Airlines, Volaris, WestJet.
 * To get to/from the airport:
 * Valley Metro #13 goes west to S 75th Ave along S Buckeye (via Greyhound depot) from Terminal 2.
 * 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

 * 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.

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 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:
 * I-17.svg Interstate 17 (I-17)/Black Canyon Freeway – running north from Phoenix to Flagstaff.
 * I-10.svg 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.svg 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.

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 US$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 US$10-15 for a fairly local trip to well over US$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 US$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 (US$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. Extensive metropolitan bus system, and light rail line. The light rail line runs from north-central Phoenix, along the Central Ave. corridor, through downtown, past the airport, and to Tempe and Mesa. One-ride or all day passes may be purchased at varying prices depending on service and location.
 * A single ride on a non-express bus or the light rail is $2.
 * 1-day passes are $4 from machines, but $6 on board buses.
 * The DASH is a free bus that runs M-F 6:30AM-6:30PM between downtown and the state capitol stopping at various government buildings such as city hall.

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.

Museums

 * Phoenix Trolley Museum
 * Musical Instrument Museum 2, Phoenix AZ.JPG
 * Musical Instrument Museum 2, Phoenix AZ.JPG
 * Musical Instrument Museum 2, Phoenix AZ.JPG
 * Musical Instrument Museum 2, Phoenix AZ.JPG

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.



Outdoor recreation

 * Good available parking. Easier hike than Piestawa Peak or Camelback Mountain.
 * Good available parking. Easier hike than Piestawa Peak or Camelback Mountain.
 * Good available parking. Easier hike than Piestawa Peak or Camelback Mountain.

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.
 * The Arizona Cardinals of the NFL play in suburban Glendale.
 * The Arizona Cardinals of the NFL play in suburban Glendale.

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.


 * 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)
 * 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)
 * 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)
 * 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)
 * 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)
 * 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)
 * 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.

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.
 * Salad And Go, several locations Bethany Home & 7th St, Dunlap & 7th St. Inexpensive fresh salads and wraps, highly recommended (excellent caprese salad).
 * Salad And Go, several locations Bethany Home & 7th St, Dunlap & 7th St. Inexpensive fresh salads and wraps, highly recommended (excellent caprese salad).
 * Salad And Go, several locations Bethany Home & 7th St, Dunlap & 7th St. Inexpensive fresh salads and wraps, highly recommended (excellent caprese salad).
 * Salad And Go, several locations Bethany Home & 7th St, Dunlap & 7th St. Inexpensive fresh salads and wraps, highly recommended (excellent caprese salad).
 * Salad And Go, several locations Bethany Home & 7th St, Dunlap & 7th St. Inexpensive fresh salads and wraps, highly recommended (excellent caprese salad).
 * Salad And Go, several locations Bethany Home & 7th St, Dunlap & 7th St. Inexpensive fresh salads and wraps, highly recommended (excellent caprese salad).
 * Salad And Go, several locations Bethany Home & 7th St, Dunlap & 7th St. Inexpensive fresh salads and wraps, highly recommended (excellent caprese salad).
 * Salad And Go, several locations Bethany Home & 7th St, Dunlap & 7th St. Inexpensive fresh salads and wraps, highly recommended (excellent caprese salad).
 * Salad And Go, several locations Bethany Home & 7th St, Dunlap & 7th St. Inexpensive fresh salads and wraps, highly recommended (excellent caprese salad).
 * Salad And Go, several locations Bethany Home & 7th St, Dunlap & 7th St. Inexpensive fresh salads and wraps, highly recommended (excellent caprese salad).

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.
 * Multiple locations (7th St & Missouri, Tatum & Deer Valley Rd). Ask for the tapas menu 4-6PM daily.
 * Multiple locations (7th St & Missouri, Tatum & Deer Valley Rd). Ask for the tapas menu 4-6PM daily.
 * Multiple locations (7th St & Missouri, Tatum & Deer Valley Rd). Ask for the tapas menu 4-6PM daily.
 * Multiple locations (7th St & Missouri, Tatum & Deer Valley Rd). Ask for the tapas menu 4-6PM daily.
 * Multiple locations (7th St & Missouri, Tatum & Deer Valley Rd). Ask for the tapas menu 4-6PM daily.
 * Multiple locations (7th St & Missouri, Tatum & Deer Valley Rd). Ask for the tapas menu 4-6PM daily.
 * Multiple locations (7th St & Missouri, Tatum & Deer Valley Rd). Ask for the tapas menu 4-6PM daily.
 * Multiple locations (7th St & Missouri, Tatum & Deer Valley Rd). Ask for the tapas menu 4-6PM daily.
 * Multiple locations (7th St & Missouri, Tatum & Deer Valley Rd). Ask for the tapas menu 4-6PM daily.
 * Multiple locations (7th St & Missouri, Tatum & Deer Valley Rd). Ask for the tapas menu 4-6PM daily.
 * Multiple locations (7th St & Missouri, Tatum & Deer Valley Rd). Ask for the tapas menu 4-6PM daily.

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
 * Lolo's chicken and waffles, pre-security
 * 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.



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.

Consulates
The nearest cities for additional foreign consulates for the west coast are in Los Angeles and San Francisco. The following are the consul generals in Arizona:
 * 🇪🇨 Ecuador
 * 🇸🇻 El Salvador
 * 🇬🇹 Guatemala
 * 🇭🇳 Honduras
 * 🇲🇽 Mexico

Honorary consulates are typically individual representatives of nations who represent the interest of certain business functions, and are not full-fledged national consulates. Their ability to assist you with individual legal or official matters may be limited.


 * 🇦🇹 Austria
 * 🇧🇪 Belgium


 * 🇩🇰 Denmark
 * 🇪🇪 Estonia
 * 🇫🇷 France
 * 🇩🇪 Germany
 * 🇮🇸 Iceland
 * 🇮🇹 Italy


 * 🇵🇪 Peru
 * 🇪🇸 Spain
 * 🇱🇰 Sri Lanka
 * 🇸🇪 Sweden
 * 🇬🇧 United Kingdom

LGBT+ travelers
The Melrose District on 7th Avenue, between Indian School Rd and Camelback Rd, is a popular location for LGBT+ bars, restaurants, and shops.

While many American cities will hold Pride Parades in June, Phoenix holds its Pride Parade outside of the summer months due to excessive heat that is often present during that time of the year. For years prior to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the parade was held in April. After the Pandemic, the event has been held in October.

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