Should You Visit Phoenix?

Is Phoenix worth visiting?

Yes, it's worth visiting this city for one to three days because of the many great activities. Phoenix is the capital of the state of Arizona. It's filled with spa resorts and sprawling golf courses, but visitors will also enjoy the many botanical gardens and the impressive hiking trails. The city is often overlooked by tourists, but there are a huge number of beautiful parks in the area that are worth experiencing.

Phoenix, Arizona

Reasons to Visit Phoenix

Museums
You'll find art, science, and cultural museums around town. Favorites include the Heard Museum, the Phoenix Art Museum, S'edav Va'aki Museum, and the Arizona Science Museum.

Food
There are many mom-and-pop shops around town that serve everything from casual meals to quality steaks. There's also a huge selection of Mexican restaurants, as well as other international options such as sushi, dim sum, and Italian.

Nightlife
The best nightlife scene is found in downtown and central Phoenix. There are bars, restaurants, and venues where you can catch a show. North Phoenix also has grown into a popular evening spot with cocktail bars and pubs.

Hiking
You don't have to head far out of town for impressive hiking opportunities. You'll find trails that range from easy to challenging, and many pass through other-worldly landscapes. You'll find popular trails in Usery Mountain Regional Park, Papago Park, White Tank Mountain Regional Park, South Mountain Park and many others.

Shopping
There are plenty of shopping centers, outlets, and malls where you'll find the standard chain stores. You'll also find farmer's markets around town.

Authenticity
Phoenix has an authentic vibe where you can experience local culture, cuisine, and activities without the large tourist crowds of other popular destinations.

Is Phoenix worth visiting in the Summer?

Summer is the high season for travel in Phoenix, so expect more visitors and higher prices. Even though this destination is not very touristy, in the high season it's busier than usual because this is when most visitors come here.

The warm weather in summer is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 36°C (98°F) with daily high temperatures often more than 43°C (110°F).

You'll find plenty to do during summer, as you'll be able to take a hike, browse through museums, and enjoy the evening activities.

Is Phoenix worth visiting in the Autumn?

This is the shoulder season for travel in Phoenix. This destination is not very touristy, and in the shoulder season it can become fairly quiet.

The warm weather in autumn is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 26°C (79°F) with daily high temperatures often more than 34°C (92°F).

During this season it's fun to experience the famous sights and museums and the hiking.

Is Phoenix worth visiting in the Winter?

You'll find the weather to be very nice here during winter with average temperatures around 14°C (58°F).

The low season for travel in Phoenix is during the winter. This destination is not very touristy, so in the low season it can become fairly quiet.

This is a great time of year to browse the museums, taste delicious cuisine, and enjoy an evening out.

Is Phoenix worth visiting in the Spring?

Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Phoenix. This destination is not very touristy, and in the shoulder season it can become fairly quiet.

The warm weather in spring is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 23°C (74°F) with daily high temperatures often more than 32°C (89°F).

You'll find plenty to do during spring, as you'll be able to find the best deals at the shops, spend time at the museums, and grab some drinks at a bar.

Things to Consider Before Visiting Phoenix

Getting Around
The area is not very walkable, and public transit is not great here, so it might be difficult to get around without arranging your own transportation.

The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Phoenix might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Phoenix here or see if Phoenix is expensive here.

Related

What is Phoenix most famous for?

Phoenix is most famous for its desert landscapes, high number of golf courses, and year round warm weather. People visit this impressive city for its great museums, food, nightlife, hiking, and shopping. It is often described as sprawling, desert, and laid back.

What is the most famous sight in Phoenix?

The most popular sight in Phoenix is Desert Botanical Garden. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Phoenix on our travel costs page.

Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for Desert Botanical Garden and other attractions here.

How touristy is Phoenix? Is it a popular city to visit?

Phoenix is an off-the-beaten-path city that many travelers overlook. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)

• Private Scottsdale Off-Road Jeep Tour: $229
• Epic Camelback Mountain Guided Hiking Adventure in Phoenix, Arizona: $145
• 2 Hour Sonoran Desert Private Guided Mountain Bike Tour: $115
• Bulldog Canyon Off-Road Adventure Tour: $125
• Iconic Tom's Thumb Hiking Adventure in Scottsdale: $145
• Paddle Boarding and Kayaking Tour in Canyon Lake: $120
• Black Ops Experience: $259
• Tombstone and Bisbee Sightseeing Tour with Saguaro N.P.: $250

How long should I spend in Phoenix?

The ideal length of time for a trip to Phoenix is one to three days. Since Phoenix has activities such as museums, dining, and nightlife, most people visit for up to three days.

If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Phoenix? and Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Phoenix?.