Planning your Phoenix Vacation in Arizona

Visiting Phoenix Arizona

Phoenix is a city like no other. The brilliant, blazing sunsets, palm lined streets, and mountain views that surround this jewel in the desert make it a sought after vacation destination. Imagine a city steeped in Native American history, dedicated to historical preservation, rich in technology, speckled with modern and progressive buildings against a backdrop of cloudless azure skies and multi-colored mountains and you have Phoenix. The city is broken into two major business sections, creating a skyline for downtown and one for midtown. These two areas are separated by the historic districts that dot the map. The vibrant downtown is home to the Arizona Center, a unique collection of shops and eateries offering concerts and events through out the year. Phoenix is home to four professional sports teams, including the World Series Champion Arizona Diamondbacks. The city’s average annual temperature of 72 degrees makes it perfect for hosting year round events. From the Arizona State Fair to a wide variety of weekend events there is always something to do in the Valley of the Sun. With all it has to offer Phoenix draws visitors from all over the world for business, pleasure, and a little of both. It boasts an array of hotel accommodations to fit just about any need or budget. Shopping is incredible here from an outlet mall that is home to over 170 famous name stores, restaurants, and an IMAX theatre to small boutiques offering Native American crafts. When it comes to dining, the city offers up a wide variety of options. From small eclectic coffee houses serving up veggie sandwiches to World Class restaurants rolling out the latest culinary delights, Phoenix has it all. And the nightlife here heats up hotter than the Phoenix sun with a plethora of clubs and several venues serving up the arts.

Phoenix Climate

Phoenix has a dry desert climate and experiences low humidity. Summers in Phoenix are hot with high average temperatures often rising above 100 degrees. Highs in this range are common through September. The average summer temperature ranges from 89 to 93 degrees. Average October temperatures are in the mid 70s with November averages dropping to the low 60s. Winters are mild with average temperatures ranging from the mid to high 50s, a lovely retreat from cold Northern winters. Spring temperatures warm to an average in early season of the low 60s with the May temperatures averages in the high 70s.

Phoenix Hiking

Phoenix offers up some of the most unique hiking options available anywhere. The various mountains that surround the city provide all sorts of challenges. Hiking is so popular in Phoenix it has become a social activity. Clubs meet regularly to hike their preferred area mountain and then go to a favorite Phoenix coffee house or café. The wide paved trail of North Mountain leads upward at a rather gradual incline, and is a favorite of the beginner. This hike offers little danger, but is still strenuous enough to create a challenge. Squaw Peak offers an alternative to the gym, groups of hikers make the aerobically challenging climb to the top as a way of getting their exercise. For an adventure of a different sort, the trails of Papago Park pass through the Hohokam ruins. Hikers here enjoy the easy trek alongside “red rock” sandstone buttes. The trail at South Mountain offers great fun for the intermediate hiker, the untamed terrain provides some tricky little climbs on the way to the top. For a challenge that is definitely not for the beginner, Camelback Mountain offers a strenuous climb up its massive face. Whatever hike you choose, you are sure to love the beautiful scenic panoramas that unfold before your eyes as you ascend these gifts of nature.

Phoenix Travel Tips

Phoenix boasts an average of over 300 sunny days a year. This combined with mild year round temperatures has a lot of people spending time outdoors. The Phoenix sun can be intense even in the winter so it would be wise to bring plenty of sunscreen with a high SPF. If you plan to be in the pool be sure to reapply the sunscreen as it washes off in water and with perspiration. During summer afternoons when temperatures are above 100 degrees, be careful to pace yourself so that you don’t over do it. Drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated. If you leave your car parked in the direct sunlight cover the steering wheel with a towel, the inside temperatures can get very hot. The desert climate can dry out your skin, so it is a good idea to wear lotion. Ones with moisturizers are best. As with any big city be careful to not walk alone at night in remote areas and always be aware of what is going on around you. Phoenix, Arizona is a safe place to visit, but it’s still a good idea to use traveler’s checks instead of cash. Do not to leave valuables in your car or leave your car unlocked. ATM’s and currency exchange is readily accessible throughout the area, and many hotels have concierges to help you make arrangements if needed.