When to go
As the fifth largest city in the United States - and the largest in the American Southwest - Phoenix is a natural place to seek some fun in the sun, and some top travel deals. People flock to the capital of Arizona thanks to its year-round excellent weather and its bustling nightlife. Many great vacation deals are to be had in Phoenix, which is surprising considering that the city originally sprang up for agricultural reasons. From cheap flights to great discount travel opportunities, Phoenix is a natural choice for anyone looking to get away from everyday life.
With its excellent year-round weather, it's not surprising that people plan vacations to Phoenix from January through December. The most popular time to visit Phoenix is the winter, especially if you live in a cold, northern area. However, it's recommended visiting the city during its off-season from June to September; during that time, the very best airline ticket prices are available, and incredible deals on hotels are plentiful. Regardless of when you come here, though, Phoenix has something for everyone - and vacation deals abound.
How to get there
Phoenix is served by the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), making it very convenient to fly right in and get started on your trip. It's usually easy to find cheap plane tickets for flights into this airport, since it is usually quite busy and is very popular. Either way, if you have to arrive by plane then Sky Harbor is pretty much your only option.
If you'll be arriving in Phoenix by car, you should have no problems. Interstate 10 enters the city from the south and the west, while Interstate 17 enters at the north. Beyond the interstates, US Route 60 comes in from the east, making entering the city from that direction easy. If you fly in but need to rent a car, there are plenty of car deals at places right by Sky Harbor; from there, you can easily navigate the city.
Where to stay
Hotel deals of all kinds are yours for the taking in Phoenix, regardless of budget. If you're looking for top of the line accommodation, the Royal Palms Resort And Spa (5200 E Camelback Road, Phoenix) is pretty much the best you can get. For more reasonable prices - but exceptional quality - you can always try staying at the Arizona Biltmore (2400 E Missouri Avenue, Phoenix), which routinely receives rave reviews and is a great place to compare rates. Finally, budget-friendly accommodations in Phoenix can be found at many hotels near the airport; the Embassy Suites Phoenix - Airport (1515 N 44th St, Phoenix) is one really good possibility for folks on a budget.
What to do
Phoenix really does have a little bit of something for everybody. The Desert Botanical Garden is a fun place to while away a few hours while in the city, and it gives you a nice overview of regional plants as well. The internationally acclaimed Phoenix Zoo is well worth a visit, especially if you are a major fan of animals or if you're traveling with children. Finally, Enchanted Island is Phoenix's answer to the amusement park genre, and it's a lot of fun - especially on a nice day.
Where to eat
If you're a fan of Mexican food, then you absolutely must stop in at Los Dos Molinos (8646 S Central Ave, Phoenix). Exceptional Mexican fare is on the menu, and the price is never excessive. Another great place to get acquainted with Southwestern style food is at Padre Murphy's (4338 West Bell Road, Glendale). You simply can't do much better in the Phoenix area. Finally, for a casual environment and extraordinary food, swing into Cibo (603 N 5th Ave, Phoenix); from pizza to basic American cuisine, it's a winner.