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.

For other places with the same name, see Phoenix (disambiguation).

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 1.5 million in 2014 (with almost 4.5 million in the metro area).

At an elevation of 1,100 ft (340 m), 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
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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

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.

Get in

By plane

🌍 Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX IATA), ☏ +1 602-275-4958. 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, 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

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:

  • Scottsdale Airport (SCF IATA; FAA LID: SDL), around 20 mi (32 km) north in Scottsdale via US 51. It's one of the busiest single-runway airports in the United States, and Signature Flight Support and Ross Aviation operate the two private terminals. 
  • Glendale Municipal Airport (FAA LID: GEU), just west of the AZ-101 Loop and south of W Northern Ave, around 7 mi (11 km) west of Glendale’s central business district in Maricopa County, AZ. Categorized as a general aviation reliever airport and able to accommodate most size aircraft. (updated Mar 2019)
  • Phoenix Goodyear Airport (GYR IATA, formerly known as Goodyear Municipal Airport), to the southwest in Goodyear, just south of I-10 and just west of the Agua Fria River. The airport is not served by any airlines, and is home to several aircraft maintenance and commercial pilot training companies. Lux Air operates the airport's only FBO. 
  • Falcon Field (MSC IATA; FAA LID: FFZ), due east of Phoenix off the Red Mountain Freeway in Maricopa County, just 6 mi (9.7 km) northeast of Mesa, who owns and operates the airport. Falcon Field is home to the CAE Oxford Aviation Academy, the world's largest flight school, and Boeing operates an AH-64 Apache helicopter factory adjacent to the airport. 
  • Chandler Municipal Airport (FAA LID: CHD), just under 30 mi (48 km) southeast of Phoenix via I-10S and AZ-202 Loop E (Santan Freeway) in Chandler. There are no airlines operating at CHD, and it is one of the 50 busiest general aviation airports in the United States, even though its runway limits operations to smaller aircraft and light business jets. 
  • Buckeye Municipal Airport (BXK IATA), 38 mi (61 km) west of Phoenix via I-10 E in the city of Buckeye. There are no commercial services at this airport, which is categorized by the FAA as a general aviation facility. 

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 (56 km) 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.

  • Groome Transportation (formerly Arizona Shuttle), toll-free: +1-800-888-2749. Regularly scheduled shuttle service from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport's two terminals to Tucson, Prescott, Sedona & Flagstaff. A transfer is available to the Grand Canyon, but please call them to request this. (updated Mar 2021)
  • 🌍 El Paso-Los Angeles Limousine Express, (Bus station) 2426 E Jefferson (East of 24th St & Jefferson St next to Valley Metro Light Rail: 24th St/Jefferson or 24th St/Washington; Valley Metro Bus: 1 and 70), ☏ +1 623 932-2182, +1 602 254-4101. Su-M 10AM-3PM; Tu-Sa 3PM-6PM. 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. (updated Nov 2015)
  • Flixbus, (bus stop) 44th St Sky Train Station by airport (at the 44th Street PHX Sky Train Station, the bus will board at the west end of the bus loading zone (which is on the north side of the 44th Street Station), not at the light rail station). They also have additional stops in North Phoenix at a Jacksons/Shell at 21001 N Tatum Blvd (N Tatum/E Deer Valley); E University/Rural in Tempe, W Myrtle/N 59th Ave in Glendale, and at a Walgreens at 1620 N 59th Ave (N 59th Ave & W McDowell Rd) in the west of town. (updated Dec 2018)
  • 🌍 Greyhound Lines, Autobus Americanos & Cruceros USA, (Bus station) 2115 E Buckeye (SW corner of S 24th St & Buckeye Rd, west of the airport terminals & next to the freeway. Valley Metro #13 bus passes by the Greyhound Terminal on its way to/from the airport terminals; you can also take route 70 from 24th St/Jefferson or 24th St/Washington. There are additional terminals at 2647 W Ave, NW of the I-17/W Glendale interchange and another in Mesa), ☏ +1 602-389-4200, toll-free: +1-800-231-2222. 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. (updated Nov 2022)
  • 🌍 Hoang Express, (Bus stop) Lams Supermarket @ 6740 W Indian School Rd (NW of the intersection of N 67th Ave & W Indian School Rd; Valley Metro Bus: 41 & 67), ☏ +1 714-839-3500, +1 408 729-7885, toll-free: +1 888 834-9336. Travels between Southern California (San Diego, El Monte, Los Angeles, Westminster) and Arizona (Phoenix, Chandler and Tempe). (updated Mar 2020)
  • 🌍 Transportes Baldomero Corral (TBC), (Bus stop) 3106 W Thomas Rd (Southwest corner of Thomas Rd and 31st Ave and close to Catalina Dr; Valley Metro Bus: 29 (Thomas Rd and 31st Ave)), ☏ +1 602-258-2445. Service from Hermosillo via Tucson and Nogales. (updated Nov 2015)
  • 🌍 Omnibus Express, (Bus station) 2707 W McDowell Rd (SW corner of W McDowell Rd & N 27th Ave; Valley Metro Bus: 17 and 27), ☏ +1 602-272-3030. They offer bus service between Los Angeles, Phoenix, Tucson and Nogales in U.S. and from Nogales to Cualican along Fed Hwy 15 through multiple cities in Sonora and Sinaloa. (updated Oct 2017)
  • 🌍 Transportes Express, (Office) 131 N 28th Ave (South of N 28th Ave & W McDowell St, behind Rulis Polarizados Window Tint shop. If taking Valley Metro bus routes 3 or 27, get off at Van Buren and 27th Ave and then walk west along the south sidewalk of Van Buren.), ☏ +1 602-442-6670. Runs van shuttles to Phoenix from Nogales via Tucson; Calexico; San Luis and Yuma; Puerto Peñasco or Caborca through Lukeville/Sonoyta; and Douglas/Agua Prieta on separate routes. (updated Nov 2015)
  • 🌍 Transportes Nenas, (Shuttle Depot) 3521 W McDowell St (Next to La Reyna Bakery along W McDowell between N 35th & 36th. If taking Valley Metro bus routes 17 or 35, get off at McDowell Rd and 35th Ave and then walk west along the south sidewalk of McDowell Rd.), ☏ +1 602-442-6802. Runs van shuttles between Phoenix and Rocky Point in Puerto Peñasco via Lukeville and Sonoyta. (updated Nov 2015)
  • 🌍 TUFESA, (Bus station) 1614 N 27th Ave (NW corner of W McDowell Rd & N 27th Ave; Valley Metro Bus: 17 and 27), ☏ +1 602-415-9900. Offers bus service between (Southern) California, Arizona and Nevada in the U.S. and along the Hwy 15 corridor in Sonora and Sinaloa in Mexico. There's also a taxi stand at the Tufesa bus station for onward local travel. (updated Nov 2015)

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

Renting a car like a local

The new Car Rental Facility for the Phoenix Airport is just west of the airport. National polls have shown that Phoenix is the 4th most expensive city in terms of surcharges in the nation. Car rental companies are required to add 29% (that's twenty-nine percent!) to your bill to pay for this state-of-the-art building. Take a cab or public transit to a local office of a car rental company. Do not tell them you are flying in. That way you are a "local rental" and do not have to pay some of the surcharges that are automatic if you rent at the car rental building at the airport. The surcharges finance everything from the local jails to the new Cardinals Stadium. The cab will likely be $25, but the surcharges for a $499 weekly rental will take your bill upwards of $650 and more.

If you're doing a tour of the Southwest, consider flying into Las Vegas and renting your car there — the taxes are much lower and doing a one-way drop off to Phoenix is generally not a problem.

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.

Parks and outdoors
  • 🌍 Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve, 3711 W Deer Valley Rd, ☏ +1 623-582-8007. W-Sa 8AM-2PM. features a museum and visitor center dedicated to the preservation of historic petroglyphs and pictographs at the base of Hedgpeth Hills. A must see for geologists and archaeologists. $9 adults, $8.10 seniors and students, $5 children (ages 7-12), free age 6 and under, free ASU sutudents. (updated Aug 2022)
  • 🌍 Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N Galvin Pkwy (in Papago Park, near the Phoenix Zoo), ☏ +1 480-941-1225. 7AM-8PM. 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. $25 adult, $15 youth, free age 3 and under. (updated Aug 2022)
  • 🌍 Ro Ho En Japanese Friendship Garden, 1125 N 3rd Ave, ☏ +1 602-256-3204. Tu-Su 10AM-3PM; Summer (June–August): Tu-Su 8AM-noon, F-Su 5PM-7:30PM. Japanese-style garden with koi pond and tea house. Closed in the summer due to heat. $10 adult; $8 senior; $7 youth, student, military; free age 6 and under. (updated Aug 2022)
  • 🌍 Phoenix Zoo, 455 N Galvin Pkwy, ☏ +1 602-286-3800. June–August 7AM-1PM; September–October 9AM-5PM. $29.95 adult, $19.95 child. (updated Aug 2022)

Museums
  • 🌍 Arizona Science Center, 600 E Washington St, ☏ +1 602-716-2000. Daily 10:30AM-4PM. This center features 350 permanent hands-on exhibits and regularly hosts nationally acclaimed traveling exhibits. Also features a 5-story IMAX theater and planetarium. General admission: adult $20, child (3-17) $15; planetarium adult $9, child $8. (updated Oct 2021)
  • Phoenix Trolley Museum
  • 🌍 Heard Museum, 2301 N Central Ave (Car: Between E Monte Vista Rd & E Hoover Ave; Valley Metro Light Rail: Encanto/Central; Valley Metro Bus: 0), ☏ +1 602-252-8848. M-Sa 9:30AM to 5PM, Su 11AM-5PM. World famous museum celebrating Native American cultures and arts, especially those of Arizona and New Mexico. Be sure to check out the amazing collection of Hopi Kachina dolls. $15 adults, $13.50 seniors 62+, $7.50 children 6-12, free for children under 6 and American Indians. (updated Nov 2022)
  • 🌍 Phoenix Art Museum, 1625 N Central Ave (Car: NE corner of Central Ave and McDowell Rd; Valley Metro Rail: McDowell/Central Station; Valley Metro Bus: 0 and 17.), ☏ +1 602-257-1222. Tu-Su 10AM-5PM (Th until 9PM). 16,000 artworks with an emphasis on American, Asian, Latin American, and modern and contemporary. Free on the first Friday evening of every month. (updated Mar 2024)
  • 🌍 Arizona State Capitol Museum (Arizona Capitol Museum), 1700 W Washington St, ☏ +1 602-926-3620. M-F 9AM-4PM; Sept-May: Sa 10AM-2PM. The Arizona Capitol Museum uses a balance of technology, hands-on activities, historical artifacts, and public programs to help visitors learn about and interact with the government of the 48th state. Free. (updated Sep 2016)
  • 🌍 The Gallery at City Hall, 200 West Washington St (Corner of 2nd Ave and Washington St). M-F 10AM-2PM. Small, free art gallery on 1st floor of Phoenix City Hall with some of the over 1000 pieces of art on display from the city of Phoenix Municipal Art Collection which began in 1915. Free. (updated Sep 2016)
  • 🌍 Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E Mayo Blvd (Car: Near AZ-51 and AZ-101 intersection; Valley Metro Bus: 44 and 186), ☏ +1 480-478-6000. 9AM-5PM, daily. Has many exhibits where you can see and hear the history of music from around the world. There's also a room for kids of all ages to try out instruments. Adults $20, Teens (13-19) $15, Children (4-12) $10. (updated Feb 2021)
  • 🌍 Phoenix Police Museum, 200 W Jefferson St (Car: NE corner of 2nd Ave and Jefferson; Valley Metro Light Rail: Washington/Central (Westbound) or Jefferson/Central (Eastbound)), ☏ +1 602-534-7278. M-F 9AM-3PM. 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. free. (updated Sep 2016)
  • 🌍 Children's Museum of Phoenix, 215 N 7th St, ☏ +1 602-253-0501. Tu-Su 9AM-4PM. Third best children's museum in the country. (updated Apr 2018)
  • 🌍 Hall Of Flame Fire Museum (National Firefighting Hall of Heroes), 6101 E Van Buren St, ☏ +1 602-275-FIRE (3473). M-Sa 9AM-5PM, Su noon-4PM. Almost an acre of fire history exhibits, with over 90 fully restored pieces of fire apparatus on display, dating from 1725 to 1969. $7 adult, $6 concession, $2 child, children under 3 are free. (updated May 2018)
  • 🌍 Phoenix Space Museum, 17835 N 44th St, ☏ +1 623-322-2001, . 10AM-4PM. 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. (updated Mar 2024)

Historical
  • 🌍 S'edav Va'aki Museum and Archaeological Park, (Museum Bldg) 4619 E Washington St (Museum Bldg at opposite side of parking lot from the entrance at Washington St. Park entrance between S 44th St & SR-143), ☏ +1 602-495-0901. M-Sa 9AM-4:45PM, Su 1PM-4:45PM. 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. Adults (18-54) $6, seniors (55+) $5, children (6-17) $3, children (under 6): Free. (updated Sep 2016)
  • 🌍 Orpheum Theatre, 203 W Adams St, ☏ +1 602-262-6225. Be sure to take a walk around this amazing piece of historic architecture set in downtown Phoenix. Built in 1929 in the Spanish Baroque style, this building feature intricate murals and moldings. 
  • 🌍 USS Arizona Memorial at the Arizona State Capitol, 1700 W Washington. Pay your respects to the victims of Pearl Harbor at the Arizona State Capitol's memorial to the USS Arizona. One of the two 19,585-lb (8880-kg) anchors of the Arizona is displayed. 
  • 🌍 Pioneer Living History Village, 3901 W Pioneer Rd (Take I-17 North of Phoenix to Exit 225 Pioneer Rd. PLHV is just W of the interstate), ☏ +1 623 465-1052. 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. $7, $6 seniors (60+), $5 students (Ages 6-18), children under 5 free. 
  • 🌍 Arizona Biltmore Hotel. 24th St and Camelback Rd. Visit this legendary Phoenix landmark built in 1921 and has hosted famous guests such as Fred Astaire, Marilyn Monroe, Bob Hope, and the President of the United States when he is in town. 
  • 🌍 Wrigley Mansion, 2501 E Telawa Trl (bus 70 from downtown), ☏ +1 602-955-4079. Tours Tu-Su. Take a tour of the amazing architecture and grounds of this historic mansion built by the famous chewing gum magnate. Regular tours $15, lunch tours $30-45, Tuesday tours are free. (updated Sep 2016)
  • 🌍 Tovrea Castle, 5025 E Van Buren St (eastern Phoenix, near airport), ☏ +1 602-256-3221. Hours vary by season; reservations required. 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. Tours are $15. (updated Sep 2016)
  • 🌍 Rosson House Museum, 113 N 6th St (Heritage and Science Park), ☏ +1 602-262-5070. W-Sa 10AM-4PM, Su noon-4PM. A fully-restored 1895 Queen Anne Victorian house museum which interprets the history of Phoenix. The only way to enter the house is through an hour-long tour which runs hourly. $9 adult, $8 concession, $4 child. (updated Sep 2016)

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.

  • 🌍 Castles N' Coasters, 9445 North Metro Parkway East (Car: Near I-17 and Dunlap, just southeast of Metrocenter Mall. Easily visible from the interstate; Transit: Valley Metro Rail and bus routes 27, 35, 90, and 106 to Metro Parkway Station (Thelda Willams Transit Center), then walk south along the outer (eastern) sidewalk of Metro Pkwy.), ☏ +1 602-997-7575. Largest amusement park in town, and the only one with roller coasters and other thrill rides. Also has four mini-golf courses and a two-story arcade. (updated Nov 2022)
  • 🌍 Enchanted Island Amusement Park, 1202 W. Encanto Blvd (Car: Near Encanto Blvd and 15th Ave; Valley Metro Bus: 15), ☏ +1 602-254-1200, . Great rides for children pre-k - 5th grade. There is a train that circles the park. Canoe rental. Single Ride: $5 + tax, Book of 10 rides: $40 + tax, Book of 20 rides: $60 + tax, All-day ride pass: $23.75 + tax, Year pass (12 months): $55 + tax. (updated Nov 2022)
  • Cityscape, One East Washington, ☏ +1 480-947-7772. 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. 
  • Downtown Phoenix Farmers Market, 721 North Central Ave. Sa 8AM-noon; Th 5PM-9PM. Farmers market open year round offering fresh produce, prepared food and food trucks. 
  • The Nash, 110 E. Roosevelt St, ☏ +1 602-795-0464. Venue which hosts live jazz music a few nights every week. Check website for exact event schedule and cost (cover varies from $5 to $15). BYOB-corkage fee of $5 for bottle of wine and $1 for bottle of beer. Listed as Best Jazz Joint in 2013 by the Phoenix New Times. 
  • Rainbow Ryders Hot Air Balloon Rides, 715 E Covey Ln #100 (Car: Off exit 26 from Loop 101; Valley Metro Bus: 7 (7th St & Rose Garden Lane - Careful when crossing if coming from the north!)), toll-free: +1-877-771-0776. Scenic hot air balloon rides daily in Phoenix and Scottsdale. (updated Nov 2022)
  • Arizona Grand Spa, 8000 S Arizona Grand Pkwy, ☏ +1 602-431-6484. 9AM-8PM. A wide variety of spa treatments including a salon, relaxing body treatments, hydrating facials, & “just for kids” treatments. (updated May 2019)

Outdoor recreation
  • 🌍 Camelback Mountain (Echo Canyon Trailhead: E McDonald Dr at Tatum Blvd (for transit users, ride route 44 to McDonald Dr and 47th St and then head east)), ☏ +1 602-256-3220. The most recognizable landmark of the area, Camelback Mountain rises to 2,704 ft (824 m) 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. (updated Mar 2024)
  • 🌍 Piestewa Peak, 2701 E Squaw Peak Ln or 2421 E Northern Ave, ☏ +1 602-262-7901. 5AM-10PM (Dreamy Draw Park), 11PM (Phoenix Mountains Park). 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 2,608 ft (795 m), 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. (updated Oct 2021)
  • 🌍 North Mountain, 7th St north of Peoria Ave (entrance on 7th St, north of Peoria Ave and south of Thunderbird Rd), ☏ +1 602-262-7901. 5AM to 7PM. Picnic areas, hiking trails, excellent view of the city from above. An oasis of desert inside the city limits. free. Good available parking. Easier hike than Piestawa Peak or Camelback Mountain.
  • 🌍 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. 
  • 🌍 Ben Avery Shooting Facility, 4044 W Black Canyon Blvd (take I-17 North to Exit 224 Carefree Hwy (AZ 74); the facility is on the N side of the road just after the interstate), ☏ +1 623 582-8313. The largest outdoor shooting facility in the country. The favorable weather provides excellent year-round conditions for shooting. Eye protection is required; ear protection is recommended. $7 adult all-day pass, 18 and under free. 
  • Oasis Water Park. Hours vary by season. (updated May 2019)

Golf
  • 🌍 Arizona Grand Golf Course, 8000 S Arizona Grand Pkwy, ☏ +1 602-431-6480. Awarded the Four-Star Award by Golf Digest, Arizona Grand Golf Course is one of the most challenging golf courses in the Phoenix area and blends desert target golf with traditional links. (updated May 2019)
  • 🌍 Arizona Biltmore Golf Course. 

Performing arts
  • 🌍 Phoenix Symphony, 455 N 3rd St, ☏ +1 602-495-1999. The city's classical and pops orchestra, presenting a 25-week season of concerts. 
  • Arizona Opera, 4600 N 12th St, ☏ +1 602-266-7464. Presenting a season of five grand opera productions, with emphasis on Verdi, Puccini, and Mozart. 
  • 🌍 Arizona Theatre Company. Professional theater in downtown Phoenix's Herberger theater complex. 
  • Mesa Arts Center, 1 E Main St; Mesa, ☏ +1 480-644-6500. Contemporary art displays and studios. Home of the Southwest Shakespeare Company and the Mesa Symphony Orchestra. 
  • 🌍 Phoenix Theatre, 100 E McDowell Ave (Car: Corner of McDowell and Central Ave; Valley Metro Light Rail: Central/McDowell; Valley Metro Bus: 0 and 17), ☏ +1 602-889-5286. 10AM - 5PM. Professional theatre in an intimate setting. New Works Festival in July. $62. (updated Nov 2022)
  • Carnival of Illusion, 2400 E Missouri Ave, ☏ +1 480-359-7469, . 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. (updated May 2020)

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.

  • 🌍 Arizona Diamondbacks, 7th St and Jefferson, ☏ +1 602-514-8400. Take in a baseball game at the unique Chase Field (often called "The BOB", from its former name of Bank One Ballpark). It has a capacity of 49,033, with a retractable roof, air conditioning, and a swimming pool available for rental. You can get really decent tickets for $12.50. 
  • 🌍 Phoenix Suns, 201 E Jefferson St (Take light rail to 3rd Street/Washington or 3rd Street/Jefferson station), toll-free: +1 800-4NBA-TIX (622-849). Very popular NBA team featuring players such as Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. The Suns play at Footprint Center in downtown Phoenix, which is near a light rail station. Tickets start at $25. 
  • The Arizona Cardinals of the NFL play in suburban Glendale.
  • Phoenix Mercury, 201 E Jefferson St (see "Phoenix Suns" listing for location detail). Very popular WNBA team. Shares Footprint Center in downtown Phoenix with the Suns. 
  • Cactus League Spring Training Baseball, Phoenix and Surrounding Cities. Annually February - March the Phoenix Metropolitan Area hosts 15 Major League Baseball teams for their spring training activities and exhibition games. A great way to spend the afternoon on a beautiful Arizona Spring day. 
  • Arizona State Sun Devils, Mountain America Stadium, 500 E Veterans Way, Tempe, ☏ +1 480-727-0000, toll-free: +1 888-786-3857, . M-F 9AM-5PM. The teams representing Arizona State University, competing for now in the Pac-12 Conference alongside other major universities throughout the western third of the country, but set to join the Big 12 Conference after the 2023–24 school year. 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 the new Mullett Arena (ice hockey), the last of which is the temporary home of the NHL's Arizona Coyotes from 2022–2025 while that team plans to build its own arena in Tempe. However, the baseball team plays in Phoenix proper at Phoenix Municipal Stadium. Tickets are often more affordable than those for professional sports. 
  • 🌍 Grand Canyon Antelopes, GCU Arena, 330 W Camelback Rd, ☏ +1 602-639-8979, toll-free: +1-877-552-7362. The teams representing Grand Canyon University, competing in the Western Athletic Conference. The Antelopes, who don't have a football team, have now 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
  • Phoenix Festival of the Arts, Margaret T. Hance Park, 1202 N. 3rd St. A 3-day festival in December held at Margaret T. Hance Park in downtown Phoenix that features local artists and exhibitors selling art, a community mural, food trucks, performances on 2 stages and a beer and wine garden. Free admission. 
  • Real, Wild and Woody Beer Festival, Phoenix Convention Center (South Building), 33 South 3rd Street. 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. (updated May 2019)
  • First Fridays Artwalk (Roosevelt between Central Avenue and Seventh Street). 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.) 
  • 🌍 Phoenix Film Festival, 7000 E Mayo Blvd, Scottsdale. 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. 
  • Arizona Matsuri, Heritage and Science Park at 7th St/Monroe. Annual festival each spring in downtown Phoenix celebrating Japanese culture. Martial arts, taiko drumming, bonsai, cosplay, food, fashion, music, and more. 
  • Rock n'Roll Arizona Marathon, Rural and Rio Solado Pkwy (202 Fwy [E], Priest Exit[S], Rio Solado [W], Parking [2 mi]). 7:45AM marathon start, 8:15AM half-marathon start. 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. (updated May 2019)
  • Ford Ironman Arizona, Tempe Beach Park, Rio Solado Pkwy. Swim (2.4 mi), bike (112 mi), run (26.2 mi): the same as Ironman in Kona Hawaii. Entry ($425 limited to 1,500) impossible to get unless sponsored by a charity, contestant in previous year, or part of race crew. 
  • Fiesta Bowl, State Farm Stadium, Glendale, 99th Ave/Maryland. One of the 4 big college football bowls. Played at the $430m State Farm Stadium (looks like a giant spaceship with a retractable playing field). Parade on Saturday before bowl at 11AM start at Central Ave/Bethany Home in Phoenix is always quite spectacular and free. 
  • Phoenix Open, TPC Scottsdale, Bell Rd (Loop 101 Fwy (Pima Road), Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd [E]). Noon-dark. 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. 
  • 🌍 Carnival of Illusion (Magic, Mystery & Oooh La La), 2400 E. Missouri Ave. (Arizona Biltmore Resort), ☏ +1 480-359-7469. F Sa at 4:30PM and 7:30PM. National recipients for "Excellence in Magic" Roland Sarlot and Susan Eyed present a Vaudeville-inspired illusion show. Carnival of Illusion is the longest running Arizona theater show in history. (updated Jul 2018)

Learn
  • Arizona State University. In the eastern suburb of Tempe, with three branch campuses around the Phoenix metro area, ASU is one of the largest public universities in the U.S. and is noted for its engineering, business, music, and creative writing programs. 
  • Maricopa Community Colleges. Largest system of community colleges in the United States, with 10 campuses in the metro Maricopa County area; numerous community and adult education programs. 
  • Thunderbird School of Global Management. World famous for being the first and oldest graduate school specializing in international management and global business. Ranked #1 in the world in its field. 

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.

  • 🌍 Bookmans Entertainment Exchange, 8034 N 19th Ave, ☏ +1 602-433-0255. Daily 9AM-10PM. This Tucson-based used bookstore chain also carries used CDs, DVDs, video games, etc. There is an electric vehicle charging station and free Wi-Fi, and pets are welcome in the store. (updated Mar 2017)
  • Hidden Track Bottle Shop, 111 West Monroe Street, Suite 120, ☏ +1 602-566-7932. M-Sa noon-7PM. 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). (updated Aug 2015)
  • The Shops at Norterra. A major retail power center is on I-17 on the north side of Happy Valley Rd. Anchor stores include a Harkins 14-screen cinema, Best Buy, and Dick's Sporting Goods. Many smaller retailers and casual dining restaurants are also in the shopping center. 
  • 🌍 Town & Country Shopping Center, 20th St and Camelback Rd. 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. (updated May 2017)
  • 🌍 Biltmore Fashion Park, 24th St and Camelback Rd. Includes many high-end tenants such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Ralph Lauren, Cartier, and Escada; and many highly-acclaimed eateries. 
  • 🌍 Arizona Hiking Shack, 3244 E Thomas Rd, ☏ +1 602-944-7723. Long-running store with clothing, supplies and gear for hiking, camping, climbing and other outdoor activities. (updated May 2017)
  • 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.
  • Chicago Hamburger Company, 3749 E Indian School Rd, ☏ +1 602-955-4137. M-Sa 10:30AM-8PM. "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. 
  • Chino Bandido, 310 W Bell Rd, ☏ +1 602-375-3639. 11AM-9PM. 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. $5-10. 
  • 🌍 Fry Bread House, 1003 E Indian School Rd, ☏ +1 602-351-2345. M-Th 10AM-7PM, F Sa 10AM-8PM. 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. (updated May 2015)
  • 🌍 Green Restaurant, 2022 N 7th St, ☏ +1 602-258-1870. M-Sa 11AM-9PM. Reputed vegan restaurant. PETA named the secret BBQ Chicken sandwich as the best faux chicken sandwich in the USA. (updated May 2015)
  • 🌍 Matt's Big Breakfast, 825 N 1st St, ☏ +1 602-254-1074. Tu-Su 6:30AM-2:30PM. Very popular breakfast restaurant in downtown Phoenix. 
  • Modern Tortilla, ☏ +1 602-526-5493, . 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. (updated Nov 2018)
  • Tee Pee Mexican Food, 4144 E Indian School Rd, ☏ +1 602-956-0178. M-Sa 11AM-10PM, Su 11AM-9PM. Neighborhood Mexican food restaurant featuring fairly standard Arizona Mexican food fare at reasonable prices. 
  • Aioli Gourmet Burgers, 10652 N 32nd Street, ☏ +1 602-971-5555, . Su-Th 11AM-8PM F Sa 11AM-9PM. Food truck and restaurant serving gourmet burgers. (updated Jul 2019)
  • Oakwood Fire Pizza, ☏ +1 602-526-5493, . 9AM-10PM. Authentic pizza. Food truck services. (updated Jul 2020)
  • 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.
  • Aunt Chilada's Squaw Peak, 7330 N. Dreamy Draw Drive, ☏ +1 602-944-1286. 11AM-1AM. 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. $8-15. 
  • 🌍 Cherryblossom Noodle Cafe, 914 E Camelback Rd, ☏ +1 602-248-9090. 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. (updated May 2015)
  • The Duce, 525 South Central Avenue, ☏ +1 602-866-3823. 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. 
  • 🌍 Garcia's Las Avenidas, 2212 N 35th Ave (near intersection of 35th Ave & Encanto Blvd), ☏ +1 602-272-5584. 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. (updated May 2015)
  • L'amore, 3159 E Lincoln Dr (in the shopping complex on the SE corner of 32nd St & Lincoln Dr), ☏ +1 602-381-3159. M-F 11AM-10PM, Sa 4PM-10PM. Local Italian restaurant on the border of Phoenix and Paradise Valley, features fresh seafood and home made pasta. 
  • La Grande Orange Grocery, 4410 N 40th St (SW corner of 40th St & Campbell), ☏ +1 602-840-7777. Su-Th 6:30AM-9PM, F Sa 6:30AM-10PM. 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. 
  • Los Dos Molinos, 8646 S Central Ave, ☏ +1 602-243-9113. 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. 
  • Majerles Sports Grill, 24 N 2nd St, ☏ +1 602-253-0118. Sports grill and lounge owned by former pro basketball player Dan Majerle. 
  • The Parlor Pizzeria, 1916 East Camelback Rd, ☏ +1 602-248-2480. M-Th 11AM-10PM, F Sa 11AM-11PM. Neighborhood artisan pizza restaurant, which reused the landmark Salon de Venus beauty salon building when it shut down after 60 years. 
  • Phoenix City Grille, 5816 N 16th St. M-Th 11AM-10PM, F Sa 11AM-11PM, Su 10AM-9PM. Southwestern-themed variations on grill fare is offered by this local restaurant. 
  • Pita Jungle, 4340 E Indian School Rd (44th St & Indian School Rd), ☏ +1 602-955-7482. 10:30AM-10PM daily. Offers a selection not only of pitas, but also of other Mediterranean inspired meals in a sit down environment. Multiple locations (7th St & Missouri, Tatum & Deer Valley Rd). Ask for the tapas menu 4-6PM daily.
  • 🌍 Pizzeria Bianco, 623 E Adams St (SW Corner Heritage Sq, 7thSt/Monroe), ☏ +1 602-258-8300. 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). $. (updated May 2017)
  • 🌍 Postino on Central, 5144 N Central Ave, ☏ +1 602-274-5144. Fun little wine cafe on Central Avenue, just north of Camelback Rd. Good wine selection, but the bruschetta boards are the main attraction. (updated May 2015)
  • Texaz Grill, 6003 N 16th St (NE corner of 16th St & Bethany Home Rd), ☏ +1 602-248-STAR (7827). M-Th 11AM-10PM, F 11AM-11PM, Sa noon-11PM, Su 4PM-10PM. 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. 
  • 🌍 Hula's Modern Tiki, 4700 N Central Ave # 122, ☏ +1 602-265-8454. Great island-inspired food and drinks. (updated May 2017)
  • 🌍 Joyride Taco House, 5202 N Central Ave, ☏ +1 602-274-8226. Eatery offering elevated Mexican street eats, drinks & patio seating in a hip, colorful setting. (updated May 2017)

Splurge
  • The Breadfruit, 108 E Pierce St, ☏ +1 602-267-1266. M-Th 5PM-10PM, F Sa 5PM-11PM for food (midnight for drinks). Serving Jamaican food for dinner and also has a rum bar. 
  • 🌍 Durant's, 2611 North Central Ave (on east side of Central at Virginia Ave), ☏ +1 602-264-5967. Classic American "special occasion" restaurant, where the price isn't listed on the menu, and the parking is valet. $30-50. (updated May 2015)
  • El Chorro, 5550 E. Lincoln Drive, Paradise Valley (on Lincoln Drive, just east of Tatum Boulevard), ☏ +1 480-948-5170. Daily 5PM-close; Sunday brunch 9AM-3PM. 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. $20-50. 
  • Fuego at The Clarendon, 401 W Clarendon Ave (1 block S of Bethany Home Rd, 100 yards E of 7th St), ☏ +1 602-469-1730. Tu-Sa 11AM-2PM, 5PM-9PM. Cozy dining room, patio beneath the stars, and a full service bar. Cuban, Puerto Rican and Latin American dishes such as Pernil Asado, Ropa Vieja and Arroz con Gandules. 
  • Rustler's Rooste, 8383 South 48th St, ☏ +1 602-431-6474. Su-Th 5PM-10PM, F Sa 5PM-10PM. 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. $20-30. 
  • The Stockyards Restaurant, 5009 E Washington St, ☏ +1 602-273-7378. 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. $30-50. 
  • Tarbell's, 3213 E Camelback Rd, ☏ +1 602-955-8100. M-Sa 5PM-10PM, Su 5PM-9PM. 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." 
  • 🌍 Quiessance Restaurant, 6106 S 32nd St, ☏ +1 602-276-0601. Farm-to-table fresh delicious food. (updated May 2017)
  • 🌍 Richardson's and Rokerji, 6339 N 16th St, ☏ +1 602-265 5886. 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. (updated May 2017)

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.

  • 🌍 The Lost Leaf, 914 N. 5th St, ☏ +1 602-258-0014. 5PM-2AM. Bar in a renovated bungalow from 1922 that features art and live music nightly with no cover charge. More than 100 different kinds of beer, wine and sake available. 
  • Hanny's, 40 North First Street (SW corner of Adams and 1st St), ☏ +1 602-252-2285. M-F 11AM-1AM, Sa Su 5PM-1AM; bar open daily until 1:30AM. 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 
  • 🌍 Bar Smith's Rooftop Lounge, 130 E. Washington St, ☏ +1 602-456-1991. M-Th 11AM-2PM; F 11AM-2PM, 9:30PM-2AM; Sa 9:30PM-2AM. Downtown Phoenix bar and restaurant with Phoenix's only rooftop dance floor that attracts a young crowd. Nightclub is open W-Sa. 
  • Angels Trumpet Ale House, 810 North Second St (1 block from Roosevelt/Central light rail station), ☏ +1 602-252-2630. Tu-Th 3PM-midnight; F Sa 11AM-midnight; Su 11AM-11PM. 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. 
  • Crescent Ballroom, 308 N 2nd Ave (one block west of Van Buren light rail station), ☏ +1 602-716-2222. M 11AM-1AM; Th F 11AM-2AM; Sa 5PM-2AM; Su 5PM-1AM. 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. 
  • Seamus McCaffrey's, 18 W Monroe, ☏ +1 602-253-6081. Great small Irish pub downtown. Same owner of Rosie McCaffrey's up on Camelback. Live Irish rock music. 
  • 🌍 Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour, 1 West Jefferson St (near the 1st Ave & Jefferson and Central & Washington light rail stations), ☏ +1 602-340-1924. Tu-Su 4PM-2AM. A cocktail parlor situated in a historic building in downtown Phoenix with an extensive drink menu that also serves food. 
  • Valley Bar, 130 N Central Ave (in an alley behind the building and 1 block from the Adams light rail station), ☏ +1 602-368-3121. Daily 4PM-2AM. 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. (updated Nov 2015)
  • Cobra Arcade Bar, 801 North 2nd Street, ☏ +1 602-595-5873. M-W 4PM-midnight, Th-Sa 4PM-2AM, Su noon-midnight. 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. (updated Jan 2016)
  • 🌍 George and Dragon, 4240 N Central Ave, ☏ +1 602-241-0018. British pub offering traditional British food and imported beer. (updated May 2015)
  • 🌍 Linger Longer Lounge, 6522 N 16th St Ste 6, ☏ +1 602-264-4549. 4PM to 2AM daily. 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. (updated May 2015)
  • 🌍 Fuego Bar & Grill, 9118 W Van Buren St, Tolleson, ☏ +1 623 478-7300. 
  • MercBar, 2525 E Camelback Rd (SE corner of 24th St and Camelback), ☏ +1 602-508-9449. A high-end local place with a 'speakeasy' feel to it. It is hidden in the plaza with no sign, but once found it proves to be worth the trouble. Live jazz on Tuesdays. 
  • 🌍 Postino Wine Cafe, 3939 E Campbell Ave (Campell is halfway between Indian School Rd and Camelback Ave, with the best access via 40th St from either road), ☏ +1 602-852-3939. M-Sa 11AM-11PM, Su noon-10PM. 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. (updated May 2017)
  • Half Moon Sports Grill, 2121 East Highland Ave, ☏ +1 602-977-2700. Upscale sports bar with lots of TVs to watch games. Happy hour M-F (3PM to 7PM). 
  • 🌍 The Little Woody, 4228 E Indian School Rd, ☏ +1 602-955-0339. 4PM-2AM. A hip place to enjoy libations and games. (updated May 2017)
  • 🌍 The Yard (Culinary Dropout), 5640 N 7th St, ☏ +1 602-680-4040. Don't have room for your own party, bring it here! Spirits flow, games galore, and lots of friends to visit with. (updated May 2017)
  • 🌍 The Whining Pig, 1612 Bethany Home Rd, ☏ +1 602-633-2134. 3PM-midnight. Eclectic neighborhood bar with very limited space and classic table games. (updated May 2017)
  • The Grand, 718 North Central Ave, ☏ +1 602-795-8552. Open 24 hours a day 7 days a week. 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. (updated May 2017)

Sleep

Budget

Mid-range

Splurge

Summer Travel Resort Deals

The major resorts all have $99/night deals (newer resorts will be $25 more) from Memorial Day thru Labor Day. Included perks, such as 2-for-1 in the hotel restaurants, or $50 hotel credit. Many have standard 2 room suites, and water parks. Highly recommended for families. Distance reference from Phoenix Sky Harbor airport.

  • Update 2019:* The $99/night deals are now $129/night. Beware of $35/night resort fees, sometimes included, be sure to ask.
  • [N 6mi] Hilton Phoenix Resort at the Peak, 7677 N. 16th St. 2-room suites, lazy river, water slide, multiple pools, access to freeway (51), downtown Phoenix (7 miles). One of the Gosnell properties (also Pointe South Mountain - now AZ Grande - and Pointe Tapitao). Very popular with locals on summer weekends.
  • [SE 5mi] Arizona Grande Resort - nice water park, two room suites, water slide, multiple pools.
  • [SE10 mi] Sheraton Wild Horse - big fancy resort on far south side of Phoenix metro area. Water slides, lake, golf. Built in 2005.
  • [NE10 mi] Hyatt Gainey Ranch - Scottsdale (3 mi), beach, multiple pools, dive-in movies, beautiful grounds.
  • [N 15mi] Marriott Desert Ridge - water slides, lazy river, multiple pools, Desert Ridge. Built in 2004.
  • [NE 15mi] Westin Kierland - water slide, lazy river, multiple pools, Kierland Commons (shopping & Shake-Shack). Scottsdale Quarter (restaurants) Built in 2005
  • [N 5mi] Phoenician - water slide (long), golf. ($35 resort fee). Built by Charles Keating, 80s S&L crisis.
  • [N 5mi] Biltmore hotel - water slide, Biltmore (shopping), golf course. ($35 resort fee). Many old Hollywood stars visited, including many recent presidents. A new wing, Terravita, was built some time back, which offered large rooms, free breakfast buffet, and afternoon snacks, free coffee, tea and soda all day. Enjoyed a fun labor day weekend.
  • [NW10 mi] Hilton Pointe Tapitiao - 10000 N 7th St, 2 room suites, nice pool, good hiking, downtown Phoenix (10 mi).
  • 🌍 Arizona Biltmore, 2400 E Missouri Ave (enter off 24th St at Missouri), ☏ +1 602-955-6600. Check-in: 4PM, check-out: noon. The resort is between Piestewa Peak and Camelback Mountain, sitting along the smaller mountains between the two larger peaks. High end resort pricing. 
  • Arizona Grand Resort, 8000 S Arizona Grand Pkwy (at the base of South Mountain Preserve), ☏ +1 877 800 4888. Features a championship golf course, a luxury spa, vacation villas, dining at six restaurants and the Oasis Water Park. (updated May 2019)
  • 🌍 The Camby, 2401 E Camelback Rd (across the street from the upscale Biltmore Fashion Park), ☏ +1 602-468-0700. The former Ritz Carlton was remade into this sleek, contemporary luxury hotel with southwestern touches and modern technology. Upgraded rooms add mountain views. Room service is available 24/7. (updated May 2017)
  • 🌍 The Clarendon Hotel, 401 W Clarendon Ave, ☏ +1 602-252-7363. Part of the Midtown Museum District, independent boutique hotel with free international calls and ag pool area. 
  • 🌍 Hilton Phoenix Resort at the Peak, 7677 N 16th St (on 16th St N of Glendale Ave, S of Northern Ave), ☏ +1 602-997-2626. 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. High resort pricing. 
  • 🌍 Hotel Palomar, 2 East Jefferson St (1 block from Washington/Central station light rail station), ☏ +1 602-253-6633. Boutique hotel at Cityscape shopping and entertainment center with all 242 rooms having city and mountain views. 3rd floor outdoor pool and lounge which is open all year offers views of downtown Phoenix. $119-340, depending on time of year. 
  • 🌍 Hyatt Regency Phoenix, 122 N Second St (across the street from the Convention Center), ☏ +1 602-252-1234. Glass elevator to 13th floor popular with locals for views. Rotating restaurant on top floor. $100-130. 
  • 🌍 Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel, 50 E Adams St, ☏ +1 602-333-0000. (updated Jan 2016)
  • 🌍 Royal Palms Resort & Spa, 5200 E Camelback Rd (at the base of Camelback Mountain, between the Biltmore area and downtown Scottsdale), ☏ +1 602-840-3610. 119 rooms in a variety of configurations: casitas, luxury rooms, spa suites, and villas. The resort also features a luxury spa, dining options and meeting & event facilities. 

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.

Cope

Newspapers
  • The Arizona Republic, 200 E Van Buren St, ☏ +1 602-444-8000. The city’s main newspaper that is read throughout the city and state. 
  • La Voz, 200 E Van Buren St, ☏ +1 602-444-8000. A popular Spanish language newspaper published by The Arizona Republic. 
  • The New Times, 1201 E Jefferson, ☏ +1 602-271-0040. Independent news and information about events, music, food, published under common ownership with New York's Village Voice. 
  • East Valley Tribune ((formerly the Mesa Tribune)), 1620 W. Fountainhead Pkwy # 219, Tempe, ☏ +1 480-874-2863. +1 480-TRIBUNE. Freely distributed "voice of the East Valley" with annual Best of East Valley readers contests and an East Valley Guide with recommendations for food, drinks, entertainment, shopping and a calendar of local events. 
  • Arizona Business Gazette, 200 E Van Buren St, ☏ +1 602-444-7304. Arizona business news, published weekly. 
  • Arizona Capitol Times, 1835 W Adams St, ☏ +1 602-253-7636. Reports on Arizona government, politics and legislative news. 
  • The Echo. Free biweekly gay and lesbian magazine. 

Consulates

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.

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
Routes through Phoenix
Blythe ← Avondale ←  W  E  → Tempe → Tucson
Flagstaff ← Glendale ←  N  S  → END
Quartzsite ← Glendale ←  W  E  → Tempe → Socorro
Peoria ← Glendale ←  W  S  → Scottsdale → Tempe
END ←  W  E  → Tempe → Gilbert


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