Phoenix, United States travel guide

Valley of the Sun: desert hikes, resort luxury, Southwestern culture and endless sunshine.

Best time to visit: November-April (mild, sunny)
Average daily budget: $150 to $300 USD
Ideal trip length: 3 to 5 days

Phoenix, the heart of the Valley of the Sun, is a sprawling desert metropolis of endless sunshine, dramatic Sonoran landscapes and luxurious resorts. Hike Camelback Mountain, explore the world's largest desert botanical garden, soak up Southwestern and Native American culture, and base yourself amid the spas and golf of Scottsdale. With Sedona and the Grand Canyon within reach, it's a gateway to the Southwest. Joy Plus times the desert hikes, the resorts and the day trips around the heat.

Phoenix itinerary

Day 1, Get oriented

Morning: Hike Camelback Mountain. The Valley's iconic summit hike with panoramic views, start at dawn to beat the heat.

Afternoon: Explore Downtown Phoenix, Museums, sports arenas, the Roosevelt Row arts district and a growing dining and nightlife scene.

Evening: Explore the Desert Botanical Garden. The world's largest collection of desert plants, stunning at sunset and during seasonal light shows.

Day 2, Go deeper

Morning: Visit the Heard Museum. An outstanding museum of Native American art and culture, among the best in the country.

Afternoon: Explore Scottsdale, Upscale resorts, spas, golf, Old Town's galleries and the liveliest nightlife in the Valley.

Evening: Discover Old Town Scottsdale. Art galleries, Western heritage, boutiques and the Valley's best dining and nightlife.

Day 3, Hidden side

Morning: Take a desert jeep or hot-air balloon tour. Experience the Sonoran Desert's saguaros and dramatic landscapes up close.

Afternoon: Explore Old Town Scottsdale, Walkable district of Western heritage, art galleries, boutiques, restaurants and bars.

Evening: Sunset hikes in the Phoenix Mountains Preserve or Papago Park.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Best neighbourhoods

Downtown Phoenix: Museums, sports arenas, the Roosevelt Row arts district and a growing dining and nightlife scene.
Scottsdale: Upscale resorts, spas, golf, Old Town's galleries and the liveliest nightlife in the Valley.
Old Town Scottsdale: Walkable district of Western heritage, art galleries, boutiques, restaurants and bars.
Tempe: A youthful college town on the lake, with Mill Avenue's bars, restaurants and energy.
Camelback & Arcadia: Leafy upscale area near the iconic Camelback Mountain, with trendy restaurants.

Must-do experiences

Hike Camelback Mountain: The Valley's iconic summit hike with panoramic views, start at dawn to beat the heat.
Explore the Desert Botanical Garden: The world's largest collection of desert plants, stunning at sunset and during seasonal light shows.
Discover Old Town Scottsdale: Art galleries, Western heritage, boutiques and the Valley's best dining and nightlife.
Visit the Heard Museum: An outstanding museum of Native American art and culture, among the best in the country.
Take a desert jeep or hot-air balloon tour: Experience the Sonoran Desert's saguaros and dramatic landscapes up close.

Hidden gems

Sunset hikes in the Phoenix Mountains Preserve or Papago Park.
The Musical Instrument Museum, a surprising world-class collection.
Roosevelt Row's murals, galleries and First Friday art walk.
A day trip to the red rocks of Sedona, about two hours north.

Daily budget

$150 to $300 USD per day.

What to eat

Sonoran-style Mexican food and hot dogs
Southwestern and chile-spiced cuisine
Prickly pear margaritas
Upscale resort and farm-to-table dining

Getting around

Phoenix is one of the most spread-out cities in the US, so a rental car is essential for getting around and reaching hikes, Scottsdale and day trips to Sedona or the Grand Canyon. There's a light-rail line linking downtown Phoenix, Tempe and the airport area, useful for those corridors, but limited elsewhere. Plan outdoor activities for early morning or evening in the warmer months, and always carry water in the desert heat.

Safety

Phoenix is generally safe in its tourist areas like Scottsdale, Old Town, Tempe and the resort districts, with normal big-city caution advised downtown and at night. By far the biggest risk is the desert heat: summer temperatures are extreme and dangerous, so hike at dawn, carry plenty of water, wear sun protection, and never underestimate the sun. Watch for flash floods during monsoon season (July-September).

Frequently asked questions

How many days do you need in Phoenix?

Three to five days is ideal. Two to three days cover the city's hikes, the Desert Botanical Garden, the museums and Old Town Scottsdale, while extra days let you relax at a resort or take day trips to Sedona and the Grand Canyon. The Valley is spread out, so allow time for driving between areas.

Is Phoenix safe for solo travellers?

Yes, the main tourist and resort areas like Scottsdale, Old Town and Tempe are generally safe with normal big-city caution. Use awareness downtown and at night. The biggest real risk is the desert heat rather than crime, so hike early, carry water and protect yourself from the sun at all times.

When is the best time to visit Phoenix?

November to April is the best time, with mild, sunny, comfortable weather perfect for hiking, golf and exploring. Summers (May-September) are extremely hot, often exceeding 40°C/110°F, making outdoor activity dangerous midday, though resort deals are cheaper. Spring and autumn offer the best balance of warmth and comfort.

Do you need a car in Phoenix?

Yes, essentially. Phoenix is extremely spread out, so a rental car is essential for getting around and reaching hikes, Scottsdale and day trips to Sedona or the Grand Canyon. A light-rail line connects downtown, Tempe and the airport, but it's limited, so nearly all visitors rely on a car or rideshare.

What day trips can you take from Phoenix?

Phoenix is a great Southwest base. Sedona's red rocks are about two hours north, the Grand Canyon's South Rim around 3.5 to 4 hours, and you can also reach Tucson, the mining town of Jerome, Montezuma Castle and the desert landscapes of the Sonoran region. Many visitors combine Phoenix with Sedona and the Grand Canyon in one trip.

How hot does Phoenix get?

Very hot. Summer daytime temperatures regularly exceed 40°C (104°F) and often reach 43-46°C (110-115°F) from June to August, which can be dangerous for outdoor activity. Hiking is best at dawn, and water and sun protection are essential. From November to April, the weather is mild and pleasant, which is why it's the peak season.

Is Phoenix expensive?

It varies by season. Winter is peak season with higher resort prices, while summer offers steep discounts despite the heat. Save by hiking the free trails, visiting the parks, eating Sonoran Mexican food, and travelling in the shoulder months of spring and autumn for a balance of good weather and value.

Tours and activities in Phoenix | Phoenix in 3 days | Phoenix in 5 days | Phoenix in 7 days