What to Do in Phoenix During The Summer: Top 10 Activities
Phoenix is always sizzling with spectacular things to do, but The Valley of the Sun truly sparkles in the summertime. Even though the city gets blisteringly hot, you’ve got nothing to fear because there are oodles of cool ways to beat the summer heat. From outdoor excursions to indoor escapades, Phoenix is brimming with activities that will keep you entertained and refreshed all season long. So, what to do in Phoenix during the summer? Let’s take a look!
Grand Canyon Day Trip
The drive from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon is only around 3.5 hours, making it easily accessible for a day jaunt. Along the way, you can enjoy scenic desert landscapes, and you might even spy on some wiley wildlife like mule deer or coyotes.
The two billion-years old, breathtaking geology of the Grand Canyon is 18 miles long and over 6,000 feet deep. That means it represents virtually endless opportunities for hikes, mountain biking, rock climbing, bird watching – or just soaking up the sun and savoring the natural majesty.
For a short but satisfying hike in the cool morning hours, we love the South Kaibab Trail to Cedar Ridge. It’s only a mile long, but the trail is bursting with jaw-dropping views, and it’s stuffed with local wildlife. The trail is also well-maintained and relatively easy to trek, making it a great experience for all skill levels. Love to go mountain biking? We tap Bright Angel trail for the most thrilling biking and sensational views.
But you’re not limited to hiking and biking in the Canyon. This national treasure is also a host of other activities such as touring on live mules, rafting in the Colorado River, educational nature tours, cultural appreciation of the native Pueblo people, and you can even take a nostalgic train trip on the Grand Canyon Railway.
Watch a Ball Game
Escape the scorching heat outside as you step into the comfy, climate-controlled Chase Field stadium, where the Arizona Diamondbacks bring baseball to life (they’re actually a favorite pick for the World Series in 2024!). Chase Field has a retractable roof, which is cool in itself, but it also tamps down that sizzling hot AZ sun.
If catching a game isn’t on your list of things to do in Phoenix in the summer, no worries. Chase Field has lots of other entertainment to offer, including blockbuster music concerts like Def Leppard or Greenday. The stadium is also open to other venues, such as trade shows, rodeos, and more.
Enjoy Water Activities in Phoenix
Hands down, one of the best hot day activities to do in Phoenix in the summer is to get wet! We love Great Wolf Lodge, a family-friendly favorite in Scottsdale (it’s only about a half-hour drive from Phoenix). Splash around in their indoor water park, or catch some rays in the outdoor Racoon Lagoon. This water park has untold summertime aquatic adventures to offer, including tubing and simulated surfing at Wolf Rider Wipeout. Or check out the Lodge’s many waterslides that will send chills down your spine.
If you’re looking for more remote, nature-centric watertime excitement, we recommend a trip to Saguaro Lake, which is about 40 miles outside Phoenix. Here you can rent your own kayak or boat and loll on the lulling lake waters. Or, you can take a narrated cruise and learn about the history of the lake and surrounding areas. After your water ride, don’t miss Saguaro Lake Ranch, a restaurant known for its sensational cowboy cocktails and mouth-watering barbeque.
If you want full-on water excitement, skip on over to Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Phoenix, the biggest water theme park in the state of Arizona. Water slides (we love the Anaconda!), wading pools, water roller coasters, tubing, shopping, dining – this is a fun water-lovers paradise, and it’s perfect for the whole family.
Wander Through a Museum in Phoenix
If you’re wondering what to do in Phoenix during the summer to beat the heat – a visit to an air-conditioned museum is a perfect way to dodge the rising mercury. Take a leisurely stroll through the halls of the Heard Museum, dedicated to Native American culture and art where you can marvel at the intricate beadwork, ceremonial kachina dolls, and vibrant paintings on display.
Or, head over to the Arizona Science Center for interactive exhibits on technology and space exploration. The kids love this cool spot because they can engage their inner scientists with hands-on activities that are both fun and educational.
Are you into art? If so, you’ll love the Phoenix Art Museum, showcasing modern and contemporary works alongside classic pieces. Admire sculptures, photography, and installations that reflect diverse artistic expressions.
What about summertime fun for music lovers? Phoenix has you covered too. Visit the Musical Instrument Museum, where you can explore instruments from around the world. From African drums to European violins, immerse yourself in global musical traditions.
Go Stargazing
Phoenix has tons to offer on the ground level, but its desert expanses and craggy mountain views are the perfect backdrop for aspiring astronomers and sky-gazing enthusiasts. Sadly, the city of Phoenix itself isn’t the best place to view the nighttime stars because of light pollution. But that’s no barrier to cool, nighttime views.
One of our favorite things to do in Phoenix in the summer is to pop in to see the friendly budtenders at Cannabist in Tempe, score some sweet flower, and then head out to Tempe Lake with our besties and marvel at the wicked-awesome views of the starry night skies. It’s the perfect way to appreciate the cosmic beauty above. And because the desert temps drop at night, it’s a great way to chill out with pals.
Or, check out Lowell Observatory. It offers a perfect setting to explore the wonders of the universe. This observatory is located in Flagstaff, just a couple of hours’ drive from Phoenix, and it provides visitors with high-quality telescopes and expert guidance for observing celestial bodies. Whether you’re a novice or an astronomy enthusiast, gazing at planets, stars, and galaxies through these high-powered ‘scopes is truly mesmerizing at Lowell.
Hot Air Balloon Morning Ride
Get a jump on the heat during summer in Phoenix by taking an early morning hot air balloon sojourn. As you soar through the air, you’ll have eye-popping, panoramic views of the desert terrain below while floating through the cool morning breeze. The tranquility of being up in the air is unmatched, making it an ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
If you’re looking for a thrilling and unique way to experience The Valley of the Sun in the summer, we recommend reaching out to Hot Air Expeditions, where their seasoned professionals will lift you as high as 5,000 feet into the air, and you can get a bird’s eye view of the Sonoran Desert, Downtown Phoenix, Lake Pleasant, and other mind-blowing scenes. Oh, and don’t forget to have your camera or phone at the ready because these aerial views are seriously Insta-worthy!
Rafting on the Salt River
Gather your friends and family, put on your sunscreen, and get ready for a thrilling ride down the cool waters of the Salt River. Feel the rush as you navigate through exciting rapids and admire the stunning desert scenery surrounding you.
No matter what your rafting experience level is, there are options for everyone. We like Mild to Wild for its impressive buffet of rafting tours on Salt River. This 25-year-old raft and adventure tour company has excursions for any skill level and for any preference.
Whether you’re looking for a white knuckle ride on class five “violent rapids” or a class one rolling water experience, Mild to Wild has your back. Enjoy a half-day trip or make it a full-day adventure – either way, you’re guaranteed to have an unforgettable experience.
Indoor Skydiving
Looking for an adrenaline rush without braving the blazing heat? Imagine being suspended mid-air, feeling weightless as the wind rushes past you, all while safely enclosed within a vertical wind tunnel. It’s an exhilarating experience that simulates the sensation of skydiving without having to jump out of a perfectly good airplane.
Whoosh into iFly for an unparalleled adventure of indoor skydiving in Phoenix. iFly’s climate-controlled facility lets you feel the sensation of skydiving as you balance and float in a tube that is pumped with high-speed jets, lifting you off the ground and into the air like a crazy cool bird. No experience is required, and even seasoned skydiving enthusiasts will have a killer time.
Phoenix Zoo and Botanical Desert Garden
Since 1962, the Phoenix Zoo has been marveling locals and tourists alike. This 125-acre haven for wildlife, birds, reptiles, and marine life is crammed with all sorts of entertainment and educational opportunities. Better yet, the Phoenix Zoo was ranked the #1 best zoo in the nation in 2024!
Located on North Galvin Parkway in the heart of Phoenix, the zoo promises tons of fun, like backstage views of exotic flamingos, Asian elephants, and mesmerizing experiences at Stingray Bay. You can ditch the worst of the heat by visiting early. The zoo also has tram tours throughout the park so you can catch a breeze on a summer day in Phoenix.
Another great outing is a visit to the Phoenix Desert Botanical Garden, also located on Glavin Parkway, which has been going strong for 85 years. This 140+ acre destination boasts over 50,000 different plant displays and outdoor exhibits throughout the grounds (including over 500 rare and endangered plant species). It’s also the proud home of some of the most stunning succulents and cute cacti you’ll ever lay your eyes on.
But what about dealing with the summer heat? No worries. Go early in the morning. Or even better – explore the gardens after the sun goes down during their Flashlight Nights tour, where guests use flashlights to illuminate the grounds (check before you go because Flashlight Nights is an occasional event at the Gardens).
Explore the City of Phoenix
When the sun sets in the summertime in Phoenix, the night comes alive with endless downtown entertainment. Sample lively libations at Rips Bar on 16th St while joining in on a rousing round of karaoke. The Beaver Bar on 19th Ave is another great spot to cool off with killer beer specials and amazing home-cooked food (we love bellying up to a plate of their fried pickles and a tall draft beer).
If boozy bar hopping isn’t your idea of beating the summer heat, that’s totally ok. Take the shops at The Churchill, for example. Located on North 1st St., this 9,000-square-foot indoor courtyard is home to an array of storefronts, artisanal pop-ups, eateries, and bars. What makes this so cool? The 16-foot diameter fans, two giant evaporative cooling units, and a misting system that keeps the indoors pleasingly nippy – that’s what.
There are loads of other indoor entertainment and music venues downtown too. Check out The Nash, where jazz music is king. Named after Phoenix’s own jazz drummer, Lewis Nash, this music destination offers workshops, concerts, jam sessions, and jazz camps – all in the comfort of air conditioning!
Oh, and we can’t emphasize this enough – the food – good golly, it’s off the hook in PHX. If you ever find yourself asking what to do in Phoenix during the summer, your knee-jerk reaction should always be, “EAT!” The Valley of the Sun has exceptional dining options. From street food to five-star lux – this city has the best treats and eats.
Best known for the flavors of the Southwest, we urge you to head over to Los Dos Molinos, where you’ll sample the best Mexican food north of the border. We love their scratch-made green corn tamales and their garlic pork roast burrito is the bomb (warning – it’s spicy!).
Looking for an old-school dining experience? Step back in time at Durant’s, the iconic pink stucco steakhouse that opened in Phoenix in 1950. Not much has changed at Durant’s in the last 74 years, and that’s just how the locals like it. Serving up perfectly seared steaks, divinely crafted cocktails, and legendary strawberry shortcakes – Durant’s is the perfect place to dine in style and ditch the summertime heat.
Conclusion
If you’re still asking about what to do in Phoenix during the summer after reading this inside scoop, then we’re stumped because this glimmering desert gem has everything you need to survive the heat of the season. From indoor skydiving to splish-splashing at one of the many water parks (oh, and the food, so yummo!) – you simply can’t go wrong while visiting Phoenix in the summer.
Media credit: Unless otherwise noted, the conceptual images of things to do in Phoenix during the summer are copyright of LaJolla.com
Named after Pearl Street in La Jolla, Pearl is the unofficial mascot of the various elves on the daily news desk at LaJolla.com. We’re writers, editors, and people who work on websites; sometimes so many people work on one project that no one feels like they should take the credit.
