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Before you go
Your trip to Phoenix.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Phoenix – Arizona Destination Phoenix and Sedona (United States) — Phoenix; Scottsdale; Sedona Capital
How to get there
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Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) 6 km
Approximate distances. Check flights and bus, train or boat schedules before you travel.
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) is about 6 km from downtown. An automated people mover links the terminals to the light rail station, which runs to downtown, Tempe and Mesa. By car, I-10 connects Phoenix to Los Angeles and Tucson, and I-17 runs north to Flagstaff.
How many days
Two days cover the Desert Botanical Garden, the Heard Museum and a hike on one of the city’s mountains. With three days, you have an extra day for the Musical Instrument Museum and Scottsdale.
When to go
From October to April days are usually mild and dry, with cool nights in winter. In summer thermometers often reach 40 °C or more, and the monsoon season from July to September brings storms with wind and dust. In that period outdoor activities are left for the earliest hours.
The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.
Do you need a car?
It helps a lot. The light rail links the airport, downtown, the Heard Museum and Tempe, but the Desert Botanical Garden, the Musical Instrument Museum and the trails are easier to reach by car.
Suggested itinerary
An order that works
Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.
One day in Phoenix
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Morning
Desert Botanical Garden
Start early at the Desert Botanical Garden in Papago Park and walk the trails among saguaros and other cacti. Then see the red rocks of Hole-in-the-Rock in the same park.
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Afternoon
Heard Museum
In downtown, visit the Heard Museum with galleries of pottery, weaving and jewelry of the Southwest peoples and the collection of kachina dolls.
2 days in Phoenix
Day 1
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All day
Botanical garden and Heard Museum
Do the Desert Botanical Garden in the morning and the Heard Museum in the afternoon, ending the day at a downtown restaurant.
Day 2
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Morning
Hike and Musical Instrument Museum
Early in the morning hike Camelback or South Mountain before the heat, then head to the Musical Instrument Museum north of the city.
Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.
Before you go
Frequently asked questions
What to do in Phoenix?
Visit the Desert Botanical Garden, the Heard Museum and the Musical Instrument Museum, hike Camelback or South Mountain, and go to Scottsdale for Taliesin West and the old town.
What time zone is Phoenix in?
Phoenix is on UTC-7 year-round because Arizona does not observe daylight saving time.
How to cope with Phoenix summer heat?
Schedule outdoor excursions for the early morning hours, carry plenty of water and wear a hat. Some city trails close on days of extreme heat; check ahead.
Do prices in Phoenix include tax?
No. Arizona and city sales taxes are added at the register, and hotels and rental cars have their own fees. Check the final amount before paying.