One day in Phoenix
Settled in the middle of the desert, Phoenix has plenty of sun throughout the year. A huge city is among the most significant American metropolitan areas with a unique combination of urban attractions and natural landmarks near town. Phoenix is a great place to start an Arizona road trip or visit the Grand Canyon. The city itself has many cool things to do and see, from an excellent restaurant scene, incredible golf resorts, to vibrant nightlife, to name a few.
Foreign visitors need US ESTA to get into the country. If you come from one of 39 countries in the Visa Waiver Program, you can get travel authorization relatively quickly. All you need to do is apply for ESTA online, answer the detailed questionnaire, and the American administration will check your application within three days. It is advised to get travel documents well ahead of your trip. The ESTA is valid for two years, which means you'll have plenty of time for planning.
Best time to visit Phoenix
Unlike most destinations, summer is not the best time to visit Arizona capital. Scorching temperatures and relentless heat on summer days make visits to Phoenix unpleasant. Summer is also Monsoons' time when you can experience thunderstorms and heavy rain in a mostly arid climate. On a positive note, summer brings lower accommodation rates.
The best time to visit is between September and May. Winter temperatures are mild and warm, while spring can be quite hot but bearable. You'll experience a clear sky and lots of sun in peak season.
Phoenix in 24 hours
It would be a shame to spend only one day in this desert metropolis, but if you don't have more time, there is plenty of things to do in one day. You can start with Desert Botanical Garden, which will give you an old western movie feel with cactus, wildflowers, and distinctive rock formations. If you like gardens, this desert one is something different in the right way.
A couple of minutes from downtown is Papago Park, where you can find numerous hiking trails around red butte formations. Among the most iconic Phoenix attractions are Hole-in-the-Rock, a perfect picture opportunity, and a moderate hike. There are a couple of fishing ponds and a Golf Course.
You can continue in one stretch to Phoenix Zoo that hosts more than 3,000 animals on 125 acres. Among diverse animal species in Zoo, there are Bornean orangutans, Sumatran Tigres, giraffes, Asian Elephants, and experiences like Monkey Village, Safari Cruiser, and 4-D Theater.
Head to downtown Phoenix to take a couple of pictures, and explore the heart of the city. Go to Roosevelt Row, the famous art districts. You can enjoy colorful street art, visit numerous galleries and studios.
Old Town Scottsdale is a must-see if you're into Old West. A mix of old-time western setting and hot trendy restaurants, shops, and cafes attract big crowds. For visitors like shopping, Scottsdale Fashion Square is one of the largest malls in the whole US.
Scenic views in Phoenix
Hills and mountains surround the city, so there are some great spots for incredibly scenic views. Camelback Mountain should probably be in your itinerary since it is among the top places near the city. The name of the peak came from its resemblance to a kneeling camel. If you can tackle a moderate hike to 2700 ft, you'll be rewarded with a 360-degree city and metropolitan area panorama.
You can find a similar viewpoint on the southern edge of town at the top of South Moutain Preserve. You can reach the 2330 foot point with the car or try the 2.5 miles Holbert Trail.
Check out Pinterest or Instagram photos from Piestewa Peak as a motivation to climb the second-highest peak within the Phoenix Moutain Preserve. If you're in shape, a 1.2-mile trail won't give you trouble, and the reward is incredible.
Things to do in Phoenix when it rains
If you're unlucky and catch a rainy day in Phoenix, there are some great options. Learn about Native American history and culture in the Heard Museum. You can find artwork from American Indian artists, along with traditional pieces of art. On the more touristy side, it's a great place to get unique souvenirs.
Phoenix Art Museum is the largest such institution in the Southwest with 17,000 exhibits. You can see world-class exhibitions, huge collection, and museum that thrives with igniting imagination for more than 300.000 annual visitors.
The Churchill is a startup community situated in a weird building made from shipping containers. This incubator with numerous restaurants and bars is a place for social interaction and an exciting way to spend a rainy afternoon.
If you visit Phoenix from September to May, you can also catch major sporting events like the Phoenix Suns NBA game or the Arizona Cardinals football match.
Before you pack bags and make reservations, make a reminder on your smartphone to check my ESTA. You should get the approval relatively fast, and then you can arrange tickets and hotels.
Bottom line
If you need to cram all the interesting stuff to do in one day, you will have to pick and choose. The desert city will provide plenty of attractions, the most beautiful weather, and a great dining scene. Phoenix has a bustling club and bar scene with broad live music offering for those who like nightlife.
