8 Fun Things to Do When Traveling to Phoenix in the Summer

Don’t let rising temps hold you back — Phoenix offers a world of reasons to visit during the summer. Although the mercury can rise to more than 100 degrees, as any local will tell you, “It’s a dry heat,” with summer humidity levels staying between 19 and 33 percent, providing the perfect backdrop for a range of Phoenix attractions.

Whether you prefer to enjoy refreshing dip in a lake, a wild slide through a water park or an afternoon of air-conditioned entertainment, here are eight fun things to do in Phoenix this summer. As always, check for travel guidelines and closures before planning your trip.

Ditch the Crowds

Daytime high temperatures in Phoenix can sound intense to many folks, who instead opt for more traditional vacations at the seashore or mountains. That means savvy travelers like you get to enjoy the Valley of the Sun’s many entertainments without having to shuffle through shoulder-to-shoulder crowds. Take a stroll or light rail ride to downtown Phoenix’s monthly Artlink First Fridays Art Walk, or enjoy restaurants, museums and other attractions sans the long wait times.

Watch the Sun Rise

Although daytime may feel scorching, temperatures in the area can drop at night by 20 to 30 degrees. The coolest time of day in Phoenix during summer months is just before the sun rises, when the thermometer can dip as low as the upper 70s.

Set an alarm early and head out for a hike up Camelback Mountain, Piestewa Peak or the Papago Buttes — all stunning places to watch the desert come alive with shades of mauve and lavender to greet the day.

Take Them Out to the Ball Game

American as apple pie, baseball goes hand in hand with summertime fun, and Phoenix is no exception. Head out to see the Arizona Diamondbacks play an afternoon game in climate-controlled comfort.

Treat yourself to a ticket in the All-You-Can-Eat Seats to nosh on unlimited hot dogs, peanuts, chips, soda and other ballpark treats, or book a table to watch batting practice and the game from a table at Cold Beer & Cheeseburgers or Bourbon & Bones.

Sip Coffee Alfresco

If one of your vacation delights includes grabbing a cup of coffee seated in a picturesque sidewalk café, there are plenty of opportunities in Phoenix.

Nestle under cheerful umbrellas in a lush garden at the Breakfast Club in ultra-hip CityScape downtown, or enjoy old-world ambience and views of the desert foothills at Black Mountain Coffee Shop & Café, tucked in Carefree’s Spanish Village.

Enjoy Water Activities

There’s no need to miss out on dipping your toes in the water on a desert vacay. On your Phoenix vacation, plan a visit to one of several lakes surrounding the area, with sandy shorelines and boating activities, as well as the Salt River to the east where you can tube through dramatic desert vistas.

Wander Through a Museum

When it’s time to get out of the midday sun, there are plenty of activities to enjoy indoors. Explore the area’s American Indian heritage at the Heard Museum in downtown Phoenix.

Or visit dozens of other world-class museums, like the Arizona Science Center or the Children’s Museum of Phoenix in the city center, the Arizona Museum of Natural History in Mesa, or the Arizona Heritage Center in Tempe.

Explore After Dark

After the sun goes down, the desert heat drops 20 degrees or more. Take advantage of sunset-and-beyond activities like the Glendale Summer Band Concert Series, the longest-running of its kind in Arizona.

Take a dinner tour on Dolly Steamboat at Canyon Lake east of the city or grab a paddle and enjoy a moonlight kayak excursion on Tempe Town Lake.

Get the Deal

Typically, hotel and tourism rates rise after the Memorial Day weekend as summer vacation season kicks off. The Valley of the Sun is just the opposite.

Stretch your vacation dollars by looking for off-season pricing at everything from hotels and tours to golf courses and restaurants. For example, The Westin Kierland Golf Club offers great rates, and summer is one of the best times to enjoy the club’s 27-hole course.