Why Phoenix is the Perfect Summer Destination: Unbeatable Deals and Adventures
A summer escape to Phoenix? Yes, it's an ideal choice for savvy travelers seeking value. Enjoy top-tier resorts at up to 50% off peak rates, poolside relaxation, stunning natural sites, world-class museums, and acclaimed dining. Phoenix offers something for every traveler this summer. Here are five compelling reasons:
For Families
Start your day early at the Phoenix Zoo, opening at 7 a.m. from June through August. See over 3,000 animals at their most active, including celebrity sloth Fernando and Arabian oryxes. Meet new stars like Rayma, a 13-year-old Bornean orangutan with her companion Daniel (14 years old), and baby Masai giraffe Moshi debuting on the Africa Trail, alongside an expanded elephant habitat for Reba, Sheena, and Indu.
For more animal magic, visit OdySea in the Desert: Pangaea: Land of the Dinosaurs features 50+ animatronic dinosaurs; Butterfly Wonderland offers a vibrant indoor conservatory; and OdySea Aquarium includes the immersive Voyager submarine ride.
Explore hands-on science at the Arizona Science Center with the Evans Family SkyCycle or the Mummies of the World exhibit (through Sept. 2). At the Children’s Museum of Phoenix, Playologists guide fun in the Noodle Forest and Book Loft.
For pure splash time, try Golfland Sunsplash, Big Surf, or Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Phoenix (with Dive 'N' Movies and Friday Fun Nights). Families at Westin Kierland Resort and Spa can enjoy pools, a water park, lazy river, and FlowRider—all on-site.
Opt for history at the 90th-anniversary Wigwam resort on 440 lush acres. Camp Wigwam (Fridays-Sundays) offers water relays, slides, pool movies, and Disney breakfasts for kids, while parents relax at the golf course or spa.
For Relaxation Seekers
Phoenix's legendary spas shine brighter with summer discounts, delivering ultimate pampering.
At the Phoenician Spa, with its rooftop pool and DIY aromatherapy bar, book one treatment like the Sonoran Signature Scrub, Massage, and Wrap, and get 50% off a second (May 28-September 30).
The JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa offers the Camelback Spa Soother Package: massage plus Desert Rain Loofah with sea salt, almond oil, botanicals, and Vichy shower.
Discover the Aji Spa at Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass, inspired by local indigenous traditions. Book a treatment and enjoy lunch at the spa café (try the flatbread pizza).
For Nature Lovers
Embrace early mornings or evenings for safe outdoor adventures, following all heat precautions.
At the Desert Botanical Garden, join Monday birding walks or Saturday flashlight tours for night-blooming plants and nocturnal creatures (June 1-August 31).
Hike South Mountain Park and Preserve's 2.5-mile Holbert Trail to Dobbins Lookout or the easy 1-mile Merkle Trail at Usery Mountain Regional Park. Check Maricopa County parks for guided hikes like "Eat the Desert" or "In Search of Scorpions."
Paddle the Salt River with 360 Adventures, Arizona Outback Adventures, or Salt River Tubing. Try a nighttime Glow Paddle on Tempe Town Lake.
Cruise Saguaro Lake on the air-conditioned Desert Belle for 90-minute narrated tours (12:30 p.m. daily).
For Foodies
Phoenix's top restaurants offer summer specials like chefs' tables and deals, making fine dining accessible.
At Lon’s, dine in the 57-degree wine cellar on chef Jeremy Pacheco's five-course tasting menu ($69, May 30-September 15).
Secure tables at James Beard favorites: FnB (chef Charleen Badman's local-global menu) or Pizzeria Bianco (Chris Bianco's wood-fired pizzas).
Downtown newcomers: The Farish House (historic bistro), Arizona Wilderness DTPHX, Paz Cantina (tacos), and The Larder + The Delta (Southern-Arizona fusion).
For Arts and Culture Fans
Summer ignites Phoenix's arts scene. Start at the Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) with 6,800+ global instruments, Experiences (Polynesia, India, France), and Musical Icons (Johnny Cash/June Carter in June, Elvis in August).
Catch Yayoi Kusama's You Who Are Getting Obliterated in the Dancing Swarm of Fireflies at Phoenix Art Museum. At Heard Museum, see Color Riot! How Color Changed Navajo Textiles amid 40,000+ Native American artworks.
Join First or Third Fridays art walks in Roosevelt Row, Grand Avenue Arts District, Central Arts District, and Phoenix Warehouse District.
Explore Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin West on a Friday Night Lights tour.
