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Top Reasons to Go | Getting Oriented | What’s Where | Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tempe Planner | Spa Time in Arizona: Say Ahhh | Valley of the Sun Golf: Driving Ambition
Updated by Elise Riley
The Valley of the Sun, otherwise known as metro Phoenix (i.e., Phoenix and all its suburbs, including Tempe and Scottsdale), is named for its 325-plus days of sunshine each year. Although many come to Phoenix for the golf and the weather, the Valley has much to offer by way of shopping, outdoor activities, and nightlife. The best of the latter is in Scottsdale and the East Valley with their hip dance clubs, old-time saloons, and upscale wine bars.
The Valley marks the northern tip of the Sonoran Desert, a prehistoric seabed that extends into northwestern Mexico with a landscape offering much more than just cacti. Palo verde and mesquite trees, creosote bushes, brittle bush, and agave dot the land, which is accustomed to being scorched by temperatures in excess of 100°F for weeks at a time. Late summer brings precious rain as monsoon storms illuminate the sky with lightning shows and the desert exudes the scent of creosote. Spring sets the Valley blooming, and the giant saguaros are crowned with white flowers for a short time in May—in the evening and cool early mornings—and masses of vibrant wildflowers fill desert crevices and span mountain landscapes.
Top Reasons to Go
Resort spas: With dozens of outstanding desert spas, Phoenix has massaged and wrapped its way to the top of the relaxation destinations list.
Shops and restaurants: Retail centers in Scottsdale and along the Camelback Corridor are another way to retreat and relax in the Valley of the Sun, as are a melting pot of fine and funky dining establishments.
The Heard Museum: This small but world-renowned museum elegantly celebrates Native American people, culture, art, and history.
The great outdoors: Sure there’s urban sprawl, but Phoenix also has cool and accessible places to get away from it all, like the Desert Botanical Garden, Papago Park, Tempe Town Lake, and mountain and desert preserves.
Golf: All year long, links lovers can take their pick of top-rated public and private courses—many with incredibly spectacular views.
Getting Oriented
It can be useful to think of Phoenix as a flower with petals (other communities) growing in every direction from the bud of Sky Harbor Airport. The East Valley includes Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Ahwatukee, Tempe, Mesa, Fountain Hills, and Apache Junction. To the southeast are Chandler and Gilbert. The West Valley includes Glendale, Sun City, Peoria, and Litchfield Park.
Central Avenue, which runs north and south through the heart of Downtown Phoenix, is the city’s east–west dividing line. Everything east of Central is considered the East Valley and everything west of Central is the West Valley.
What’s Where
Downtown Phoenix. As the site of Arizona’s government operations and the state’s largest concentration of skyscrapers, this area used to be strictly business. Nowadays it’s home to some of the Valley’s major museums, galleries, performance venues, and sports arenas, plenty of high-rise homeowners, and a light-rail system that’s changing the face of the city.
Greater Phoenix. Here’s an unusual mix of attractions that includes hip, historic neighborhoods, acres of mountain preserves, cultural and ethnic centers, and corridors of modern commercial enterprise. Hike a couple of peaks, visit the animals at the Phoenix Zoo, zoom over to the Phoenix Art and Heard museums, and then relax at a luxury mountainside resort—all in one day.
Scottsdale. Once an upscale Phoenix sibling, it now flies solo as a top American destination. Scottsdale is a bastion of high-end and specialty shopping, historic sites, elite resorts, restaurants, spas, and golf greens next to desert views.
Tempe and Around. The home of Arizona State University and a creative melting pot of residents, Tempe is equal parts party and performance, especially along its main artery, Mill Avenue, where commerce and culture collide.
Around Phoenix. Venture an hour and a half outside the city to get an authentic taste of the West with dude ranches, villages trapped in time, artists’ havens, and luxury retreats.
The Apache Trail. A road trip for anyone who likes off-the-beaten-path adventures, this 150-mile drive is both scenic and, at times, a bit scary.
Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tempe Planner
When to Go
It’s a common misconception that Phoenix forever hovers around 100°F. That might hold true from May to October, but the winter months have been known to push the mercury down to 35°F. The city also has experienced consecutive days of nonstop rain. Such instances are rare, but it’s good to be prepared and check weather reports before you pack.
Phoenix can get pretty darn hot in summer, so plan your outdoor activities for the cooler parts of the day and save the air-conditioned stuff for when it’s needed: the Heard Museum is not only a must-see, it’s also inside, as are the nearby Phoenix Art Museum and many other popular attractions.
Festivals and Events
January
Barrett-Jackson.
This fabulous car auction attracts thousands every January. | 480/421–6694 | www.barrett-jackson.com.
PF Chang’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon.
Live bands line the marathon course and a concert follows the 26.2-mile race that attracts runners each January. | 800/311–1255 | runrocknroll.competitor.com/arizona.
Russo and Steele.
Every January, the Russo and Steele auction features some of the most sought-after vehicles in the world. | 602/252–2697 | www.russoandsteele.com.
Waste Management Phoenix Open.
Formerly the Phoenix Open, this golf tournament is the “Greatest Show on Grass.” | 602/870–0163 | www.wmphoenixopen.com.
February
The Heard Museum World Championship Hoop Dance Contest.
Every February, the Heard Museum hosts the spectacular Annual World Hoop Dance Championship, with traditional music and costumes. | 602/252–8840 | www.heard.org.
The Parada del Sol Parade and Rodeo.
This annual horse-drawn parade is an Arizona tradition featuring cowboys, cowgirls, horses, and floats. | 480/990–3179 | www.paradadelsol.us.
March
Indian Fair & Market.
More than 700 Native American artists and artisans are showcased at the Heard Museum for this annual event. | 602/252–8840 | www.heard.org.
Country Thunder.
Every year, the Southeast Valley’s Florence becomes Nashville West during the Country Thunder concert series. | 866/802–6418 | www.countrythunder.com.
Ostrich Festival.
The city of Chandler hosts this annual weekend of music, entertainment, and (of course) ostrich races. | 480/963–4571 | www.ostrichfestival.com.
Scottsdale Arts Festival.
This weekend event is jam-packed with arts and crafts—and music. | 480/499–8587 | www.scottsdaleartsfestival.org.
April
Scottsdale Culinary Festival.
Foodies from across the Valley mark their calendars for this week-long outdoor festival, offering creations from some of the best chefs in town. | 480/945–7193 | www.scottsdalefest.org.
October
Arizona State Fair.
Come for classic fair fun, including arm wrestling and calf roping. | 602/252–6771 | www.azstatefair.com.
December
Las Noches de las Luminarias.
Adjacent to the twinkling zoo, the Desert Botanical Garden lights up every night during Las Noches de las Luminarias, when thousands of luminarias (paper bags with lights inside) line the garden’s pathways. Stroll, listen to live music, and enjoy the beauty of the desert. Tickets sell out quickly, so be sure to make a reservation for this annual event. | 480/941–1225 | www.dbg.org.
ZooLights.
The Phoenix Zoo celebrates the holidays each year from Thanksgiving through New Year’s with ZooLights. | 602/286–3800 | www.phoenixzoo.org.
Planning Your Time
Three to five days is an optimal amount of time to spend in Phoenix if you want to relax, get outside to hike or golf, and see the main sites like the Heard Museum and Scottsdale. Extra time will allow you to make some interesting side trips to nearby places like Arcosanti, Wickenburg, Cave Creek, and Carefree.
Remember that the Valley of the Sun is sprawling, so planning ahead will help you save time and gas. If you’re heading to the Heard Museum downtown, for instance, you might want to visit the nearby Arizona Science Center and/or the Phoenix Art Museum, too, both of which are close to the light-rail line. If you’re going to Taliesin West, do so before or after spending time in Scottsdale.
TIP If you’re driving to the Grand Canyon from Phoenix, allow at least two full days, with a minimum drive time of four hours each way. You can always anticipate slow-moving traffic on Interstate 17, but in the afternoon and evening on Friday and Sunday, lengthy standstills are almost guaranteed, so plan ahead if you have a flight to catch.
Getting Here and Around
Air Travel
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) is served by most major airlines and is the largest airport in the area. The Phoenix airport is a 10-minute drive from downtown Phoenix or Tempe, and 25 minutes to north Scottsdale. Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA) is smaller and serves regional carriers. It’s about a 45-minute drive to either downtown Phoenix or north Scottsdale. SuperShuttle vans servicer both airports and take up to seven passengers to different destinations. One-way fares from either airport range from about $13 to $32.
Air Contacts
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). | 602/273–3300 | www.phxskyharbor.com.
Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA). | 480/998–7600 | www.phxmesagateway.org.
SuperShuttle. | 602/244–9000, 800/258–3826 | www.supershuttle.com.
Car Travel
To get around Phoenix, you will need a car. Only the major downtown areas (Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tempe) are pedestrian-friendly. Don’t expect to nab a rental car without a reservation, especially from January to April.
Roads in Phoenix and its suburbs are laid out on an 800-square-mile grid. Grand Avenue, running 20 miles from Downtown to Sun City, is the only diagonal. Central Avenue is the main north–south axis: all roads parallel to and west of Central are numbered avenues; all roads parallel to and east of Central are numbered streets. The numbering begins at Central and increases in each direction.
Public Transportation Travel
The Valley’s light-rail system is convenient for exploring Downtown Phoenix museums or the area near Arizona State University. The fare is $4 per day, and multiday passes are available. Phoenix runs a free Downtown Area Shuttle (DASH), and Tempe operates the Free Local Area Shuttle (FLASH).
Public Transportation Contacts
Valley Metro. | 602/253–5000 | www.valleymetro.org.
Taxi Travel
Taxi fares are unregulated in Phoenix, except at the airport. The 800-square-mile metro area is so large that one-way fares in excess of $50 are not uncommon. Except within a compact area, travel by taxi isn’t recommended. Taxis charge about $5 for the first mile and $2 per mile thereafter, not including tips.
Taxi Contacts
Checker/Yellow Cab. | 480/888–8888 | www.aaayellowaz.com.
Clean Air Cab. | 480/777–9777 | www.cleanaircab.com.
Courier Cab. | 602/232–2222.
Tours
If you’d like a break from driving, consider a tour to see the Valley’s top attractions. Reservations are a must year-round.
Open Road Tours.
This operator offers excursions to Sedona and the Grand Canyon, Phoenix city tours, and Native American–culture trips to the Salt River Pima–Maricopa Indian Reservation. | 602/997–6474, 855/563–8830 | www.openroadtoursusa.com | From $59.
Vaughan’s Southwest Tours.
This 4½-hour city tour stops at the Pueblo Grande Museum, Mummy Mountain, and Old Town Scottsdale. Vaughan’s tours use custom vans and accommodate groups of up to 11 passengers. The company will also take you east to the Apache Trail. | 602/971–1381, 800/513–1381 | www.southwesttours.com | From $60.
Visitor Information
Most Valley cities have tourism centers where you can get maps or excursion suggestions.
Contacts
Greater Phoenix Convention & Visitors Bureau. | 877/225–5749, 602/254–6500 | www.visitphoenix.com.
Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau. | 800/782–1117, 480/421–1004 | www.experiencescottsdale.com.
Spa Time in Arizona: Say Ahhh
OK, so you came, saw, shopped, dined, and recreated. Now it’s time for some rest and relaxation at one (or several) of the many area spas. Arizona’s own approach to pampered repose is world-renowned and worth exploring.
Whether you’re looking for a simple massage or an entire lifestyle change, Arizona rubs just about everyone the right way—from exclusive “immersion environments” of remote destination spas to more accessible and affordable resort and day spas, each with its own signature style and blend of services. In the midst of the Southwest’s deserts and cities, you’ll find spa menus with treatments and treats from around the world: Swedish and Japanese massages, French manicures and Vichy showers, Turkish-style baths, ayurvedic practices from India, California cuisine, and mood music from the Middle East and New Mexico.
A History of Healing
Arizona’s hot, arid climate was considered a cure-all for respiratory ailments and joint pain. The East Coast power elite (Astors, Vanderbilts, and Rockefellers, to name a few) who grew sick of brutal winters and humid summers made a second home out of local resorts and spas. The hospitality industry has been striving to meet high standards for rejuvenation and health ever since.
Rules to Relax By
Observing simple spa rules can ensure ultimate spa satisfaction. First, decide on a budget and research spa menus—many are available online. Plan on a 15%–20% gratuity (cash preferred) for each treatment, though some spas include gratuity in their pricing. Second, book at least a week ahead, longer for the most popular spas like Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain in Paradise Valley. Third, check in at least 20 minutes prior to your first treatment. The earlier you arrive, the longer you can enjoy the spa’s gratis amenities, such as pools and steam rooms.
Day or Destination?
Day spas are just that: they keep daytime hours and offer luxury treatments, but not long-term wellness programs. Destination spas, like Mii amo at Sedona’s Enchantment Resort and Tucson’s exclusive Canyon Ranch, have “immersion environments” with on-site accommodations and curricula designed for an inner- and outer-body overhaul. Most resort spas operate like day spas and don’t require an overnight stay; however, hotel guests take precedence when it comes to booking.
Local Lure and Lore
A few spas are sanctioned to offer the innovative treatments and environments inspired by the traditions of local Native American tribes. Just south of Phoenix, Aji Spa at the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort draws on the surrounding Pima and Maricopa communities to create unique experiences. Many of their treatments employ time-honored healing methods, approved by tribal elders.
A Touch of Romance
If an indulgent spa visit is your ideal romantic getaway, pick a place that truly specializes in making it special. Most spa menus include a couples’ massage, but some focus on creating an entire experience for pairs. Alvadora Spa at the Royal Palms in Phoenix offers romance packages (and discounted rates during the hot summer months) along with twosome-oriented treatments and amenities, while Joya at Paradise Valley’s Omni Scottsdale offers special couples’ packages that include spa treatments and a romantic meal.
Taste Treatment
If you’re focusing on a detoxifying spa experience, the last thing you want to do is replenish with unsavory elements. Camelback Inn in Scottsdale and The Boulders in Carefree have restaurants or cafés that specialize in “spa cuisine,” often surprisingly delicious, health-conscious dishes made with locally grown ingredients—good for you and for the planet.
Valley of the Sun Golf: Driving Ambition
Itching to get into the swing of things? Hoping to partake in some coursework? Looking to get linked in? In other words, would you rather be golfing? You’re in the right place. Despite the dry climate this place is a gold mine of lush greens and far-reaching fairways.
Golf is one of Arizona’s leading draws for locals and visitors from around the world. Big, professional courses mean big business in the Valley of the Sun, evidenced by the more than 200 courses that consume much of the area and surround some of its finest resorts, locally based golf companies such as Ping and Dixon, and the Phoenix Open, an annual tournament and weeklong party that takes place in North Scottsdale at the renowned Tournament Players Club (TPC). All of this means there are courses that cater to nearly every skillset and budget.
Tee-Time Tip
Book online, up to several weeks in advance during winter and spring. Get availability, pricing, and discounted tee-time information by visiting an individual course’s website. For municipal courses, visit www.phoenix.gov/parks or www.azgolf.org and click on “Courses” to see a list of every course in the Valley.
Plan Ahead
Call well ahead for tee times during the cooler months from January to April, especially for popular courses. In summer, it’s not uncommon to schedule a round before dawn. If you’re booking a room at a resort with a course, book your tee time then, too. Last-minute tee times are sometimes available through online reservation services, depending on the season.
Perfect Your Golf Swing
Feel like you need to swing like a pro before you take on the Valley of the Sun’s premier golf courses? Troon North has a solution: the Callaway Golf Performance Center (480/585–5300 | www.troonnorthgolf.com) is a state-of-the-art facility that analyzes your swing and fits your clubs with 3-D imagery and software designed by the experts at Callaway. Golf greats like Phil Mickelson use similar technologies to perfect their games. With only a handful of facilities like this in the country, it’s definitely worth checking out.
Savings Tips
Encanto Park and Papago Golf Course are just two of the city and public courses that are a great value. Check course websites for discounts. Some golf courses offer a discounted twilight rate—and the weather is often much more amenable at this time of day. Fees drop dramatically in summer, but remember that afternoon heat can be sweltering.
”Greener” Greens
Short of creating sand and cactus courses, desert golf facilities are hard-pressed to answer the eco-friendly call, but some are making strides in chipping away their carbon cleat-print. Most courses now use reclaimed water and are experimenting with low-water grasses.
Groups to Guide You
Package deals abound at resorts as well as through booking agencies like Arizona Golf Adventures (800/398–8100 | www.arizonagolfadventures.com), who will plan and schedule a nonstop golf holiday for you. For a copy of the Arizona Golf Guide, contact the Arizona Golf Association (602/944–3035 or 800/458–8484 | www.azgolf.org).