Sunshine is a constant companion in Phoenix, and many visitors come here just to get more of it. The climate makes Phoenix a top golfing destination, but you can also soak in some rays poolside or on a hike in the dreamy Sonoran desert. Once the sun goes down, get a taste of Phoenix’s vibrant foodie scene in a local restaurant or bar.
After a long day of exploring Phoenix’s best sights, there’s nothing better than coming home to the comfort of a vacation rental. Here are some tips for when you’re out and about the town.
Golf Legends Love Phoenix
With more than 200 courses, Phoenix is a golfer’s playground. Whether you’d rather tee off in the native desert landscape or surrounded by a lush resort, Phoenix offers plenty of opportunities to play to your heart’s content. Test your mettle at TPC Scottsdale —specifically designed to host the PGA Phoenix Open —and enjoy 36 holes on more than 7,000 yards of gorgeous greens.
If you love seeing the pros in action, Phoenix is also home to several major golf events every year, including the LPGA Founders Cup and the PGA Charles Schwab Cup.
Watch a Major League Baseball Game in Phoenix
True baseball fans who just can’t wait for the regular season flock to Phoenix in early spring to see their favorite teams in spring training — and catch some sun, of course. From late February to late March, 15 major league teams play more than 200 games. Low ticket prices and a festive atmosphere make spring training a popular preview of the season to come.
Experience the Quiet Beauty of the Arizona Desert
If you think of a desert as a void, going outside here will change your mind. A hike will show you just how much there is to see, including blooming wildflowers, giant saguaro cacti, red rock buttes, ancient petroglyph carvings, and local wildlife. When darkness sets in, you’ll even find yourself living a stargazer’s dream. Choose from a plethora of trails, including the strenuous but rewarding route up Camelback Mountain, or an easy loop through the sandstone formations of Papago Park. At the park, you can also visit the Desert Botanical Garden to take in the beauty of the local flora.
Soak in the Phoenix Sun from a Pool or Spa
Sunshine is made for days lounging poolside. Several hotels and resorts offer public access to their pools, including the Kimpton Hotel Palomar, where the teal waters sparkle on a rooftop terrace. The adjoining Lustre Rooftop Bar provides small bites and beverages to keep you feeling refreshed.
Looking for a quieter way to wind down? The Phoenix area offers many world-class spas that integrate local ingredients and native traditions.
Get Your Foodie Fix in Phoenix
Phoenix offers a wide selection of Mexican food, especially Sonoran- and Chihuahuan-style cooking. But the area is up-and-coming on other dining fronts as well, from barbecue to some of the best pizza in the U.S. at Pizzeria Bianco. Those looking for libations can certainly find margaritas aplenty, but Phoenix is home to an array of watering holes serving everything from craft cocktails to dive-bar standards at joints like the Bikini Lounge, a Phoenix institution that opened in 1946.
Visit Phoenix Galleries and Museums
Whether you revel in visual arts, performing arts, or local history and culture, Phoenix has an abundance of options. For a look at groundbreaking architecture, take a tour of Taliesin West, the winter home of Frank Lloyd Wright, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Or head to the Heard Museum, which explores the culture and history of 22 regional American Indian tribes.
The Phoenix Art Museum, the largest in the Southwest, features a permanent collection of contemporary and classic art, as well rotating special exhibits. Or check out the galleries in the city’s Warehouse District, which is coming up strong as a redeveloped urban neighborhood.
Explore More of Phoenix, AZ
Between vast golf courses, the unique desert ambiance, and abundant cultural and historical attractions, Phoenix offers so much more to soak in than just the sun. To learn more about visiting — including where to find a great vacation rental to serve as your home base — check out our vacation-made easy guide to Phoenix.
Rest Easy with an Evolve Vacation Rental
The moment you book your vacation, you should start looking forward to your trip — not worrying about the little details. When you choose Evolve for your Phoenix vacation rental, you can feel confident that the home you book will live up to our standards.
Every Evolve vacation rental you book comes with a team of hospitality experts, and we’re here to help make your stay more comfortable 24/7. To help you feel even more confident, we created The Rest Easy Promise: if a stay doesn’t match our standards, we’ll make it right.