Phoenix Holidays

Desert sunshine, poolside lounging, mountain hikes and margaritas at sunset – Phoenix serves big city energy with a side of cactus-studded calm. It’s hot, it’s happening, and it’s hella relaxing.

Highlights

• Year-round sunshine – 300+ days of sun means the vibes stay high

• Desert hikes without the crowds – hit a trail before breakfast, back by brunch

• Scottsdale’s pool parties and spas – soak, sip, repeat

• Desert Botanical Garden – cacti have never looked so cool

Getting around

Phoenix is super spread out, so while there’s a light rail system and buses, having a car makes life way easier – especially if you’re planning to explore nearby places like Scottsdale, Tempe or Camelback Mountain. The roads are easy to navigate and well signed, and there’s loads of parking pretty much everywhere. If you’re sticking to downtown, you can walk, ride scooters, or hop on the light rail – but to really get the best of Phoenix, it’s worth hitting the road.

Things to do for families in Phoenix

Phoenix is packed with stuff that’ll keep the whole crew smiling. The Phoenix Zoo is one of the best in the country – it’s massive, walkable, and home to lions, giraffes and splash zones. Right next door is the Desert Botanical Garden, with kid-friendly trails and some seriously cool (and weird) plants. The Children’s Museum of Phoenix is a winner for younger kids, full of climbing, crafting and exploring. For teens (or just big kids), the Arizona Science Center is full of hands-on exhibits and a massive planetarium. And when it’s time to cool off? Head to a water park like Hurricane Harbor – slides, waves, and shade for the grown-ups.

Things to do for couples in Phoenix

Whether you're on a romantic getaway or just escaping the winter blues together, Phoenix makes it easy to reconnect. Hike up Camelback Mountain or Piestewa Peak for sunrise – cheesy, but worth it – then recover with brunch and bottomless mimosas. Take a couple’s spa day in Scottsdale (the resorts are next-level), or float together in a salt therapy pool. For something different, go on a desert ATV tour or hot air balloon ride with champagne at the end. Come evening, catch a live jazz show, sip craft cocktails under the stars, or just share tacos and watch the desert sky do its thing. Dreamy.

Things to do for groups in Phoenix

Group getaway? Phoenix says yes. Rent a modern Airbnb with a pool and firepit and you’re halfway there already. Spend the day exploring the shops and restaurants of Roosevelt Row (arts district meets urban cool), or grab rental bikes and cruise along the canals and shaded greenways. Looking for action? Try a sunrise hike or golf round, then hit Old Town Scottsdale for dinner and drinks – it’s like the Vegas of the desert, minus the chaos. Want a break from the sun? Axe throwing, escape rooms, and bowling bars keep the energy going indoors. And when in doubt: brunch. Phoenix brunches hard.

Things to do for foodies in Phoenix

Phoenix has one of the most underrated food scenes in the US – and that’s a win for you. Start with Sonoran-style Mexican food: tacos, chimichangas (yep, they were invented here), and street corn that hits like a flavour bomb. Try a breakfast burrito with green chile, then explore local farmers’ markets and food trucks. There’s amazing Native American cuisine too – fry bread, blue corn dishes and saguaro syrup if you're lucky. The city’s also big on global flavours, vegan eats, craft breweries and rooftop dining. And if you want something fancy? Scottsdale’s restaurant scene knows how to turn it on.