Hike Red Rocks & Explore Botanical Gardens in Phoenix
Tips on renting in Phoenix
Getting Around
What to Pack
Must-Try Activities
Smart Spending Tips
Phoenix is a desert city that operates on its own terms. The sun is intense, the landscape is striking, and the pace of life moves between wide-open outdoor mornings and long, cool evenings on a shaded patio. A vacation rental gives you the right setup for both: a home with air conditioning, a private pool if you choose wisely, and enough space for the whole group to decompress after a day in the Arizona heat.
Wildlife, gardens, and the outdoors
The Phoenix Zoo draws families with more than 1,400 animals along trails like the Arizona Trail and the Africa Trail, while the Children’s Trail adds a petting zoo and hands-on exhibits for younger visitors. The Desert Botanical Garden offers a completely different kind of outdoor time, its collection of Sonoran Desert plants laid out across a landscape that looks unlike anywhere else in the country. The Japanese Friendship Garden, a 3.5-acre space with koi ponds and authentic tea houses, offers a quieter counterpoint worth building into the day.
Culture and history worth your time
The Heard Museum is one of the most respected institutions in the American Southwest, with a collection of Native American art and historical artifacts that earns serious attention from visitors of every age. Phoenix carries a deep connection to the cultures and communities that have shaped the Sonoran Desert for centuries, and the Heard brings that story into focus with clarity and care.
Family fun and water relief
When the temperature climbs, Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Phoenix delivers on the promise of water slides, lazy rivers, and full-day distractions that no museum can match in mid-July. Enchanted Island Amusement Park, located inside the 222-acre Encanto Park, offers a gentler option for younger kids, with rides, a scenic lagoon, and picnic areas that make a half-day here feel easy and unhurried. The Scottsdale Quarter Splash Pad rounds out the water options for families with small children.
What to look for in a Phoenix rental
A private pool is not just a nice amenity in Phoenix; it is often the feature that defines your trip. Look for rentals with a fully equipped kitchen and a shaded deck or patio for evening outdoor dining. Free parking on premises matters because you will be driving everywhere. Central air conditioning and ceiling fans are non-negotiable from May through September, when daytime highs regularly push past 105 degrees.
Quick tips before you book
- Confirm the pool is heated or confirm you are visiting during warm months when it will not need to be
- Check air conditioning specs, window units will not cut it in an Arizona summer
- Verify free parking on premises, street parking in Scottsdale and central Phoenix can be unpredictable
- Read the noise policy if you are staying near Old Town Scottsdale, weekend nights run loud
- Confirm the pet-friendly policy and fees before booking if you are bringing a dog
- Look for scenic views and outdoor furniture, Phoenix evenings are genuinely beautiful
Browse all Phoenix vacation rentals on Lake.com, or explore more Arizona getaways on Lake.com.
Nearby cities
Mesa
Explore Mesa, where you can kayak the stunning Salt River and spot wild horses in their natural habitat.
Chandler
Explore Chandler and experience the vibrant Ostrich Festival, a unique celebration of local culture and family fun.
San Tan Valley
Explore San Tan Valley and hike the scenic San Tan Mountain Regional Park trails for breathtaking desert views.
Arizona City
Make Arizona City your next lakefront escape with scenic views at Paradise Lake and peaceful desert surroundings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to see what Phoenix has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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Papago Park stands as a top attraction in Phoenix due to its diverse array of outdoor and cultural experiences. The park is home to the world-class Phoenix Zoo and the stunning Desert Botanical Garden, as well as the popular Hole-in-the-Rock Trail, a 0.2-mile hike offering breathtaking views and a unique rock formation. With over 1,500 acres of hiking and biking trails, picnic areas, and amenities like the Papago Ponds fishing lagoon and the Papago Golf Course, Papago Park is an urban oasis that caters to a wide range of interests and activities, making it a must-visit for nature enthusiasts and outdoor lovers.
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For a seamless boating experience on Theodore Roosevelt Lake, head to the Schoolhouse Point boat ramp, located at the east end of the lake near where the Salt River enters. This ramp is long and wide, making it the easiest and most convenient launch point. From Phoenix, it’s about a 2-hour drive, and the ramp is particularly ideal for those looking to avoid crowded areas and enjoy the lake’s serene beauty.
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For a quintessential tubing experience near Phoenix, the Salt River in Tonto National Forest is unparalleled. This gentle, meandering waterway offers a refreshing float through scenic landscapes, including towering saguaro cacti and lush greenery, with occasional glimpses of wild horses. Tube rentals, which include shuttle service, are available for $28, making it an accessible and enjoyable outing for families and groups, best enjoyed during the warm summer months.
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To witness the breathtaking sunsets in Phoenix, head to South Mountain, where the Dobbins Lookout offers stunning views just a half hour outside the city. Papago Park is another must-visit, with its iconic Hole-in-the-Rock formation providing panoramic views of downtown Phoenix and the surrounding desert. For a more adventurous experience, hike the Camelback Mountains, a moderately complex route with panoramic views of Phoenix and the Superstition Mountains, or visit Lost Dutchman State Park near the Superstition Mountains for a serene sunset experience amidst the Sonoran Desert.
