Phoenix Travel Information
Getting to and around Phoenix
The easiest way to reach the largest city in Arizona is to fly into PHX/Sky Harbor International Airport. Other smaller airports serving the Greater Phoenix region include the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (which primarily deals with Allegiant Air) and the Phoenix Deer Valley airport (located 15 miles north of downtown). Those traveling by car can easily drive into Phoenix via I-10 (East/West) and I-17 from the North.
Flying to Phoenix
Flights from major cities across the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the globe land at Sky Harbor International Airport. Transportation options from the airport include light rail, buses, and taxis. Travelers can also make arrangements for a shuttle van.
The free PHX Sky Train takes passengers from the airport to a nearby Valley Metro station. From there, visitors can take the light rail or a bus from this station to downtown Phoenix. This trip takes approximately 20 minutes. Guests who are staying in the nearby city of Scottsdale can take a bus from this station and transfer to a bus that will take them directly to Scottsdale. The bus ride from the airport to Scottsdale takes between 45 minutes and an hour.
Tip: Taxis stop at each of the airport’s terminals.
By Car
Visitors who want their own transportation while in the area can easily rent a car from one of the several rental car companies at the airport. The PHX sky-train, as well as a rental car shuttle, can take passengers directly from the airport terminals to the rental car offices. Downtown Phoenix is a 10-minute drive northwest of the airport, and the town of Scottsdale is 20 minutes northeast of the airport.
People who are getting to Phoenix by car will find it easy to navigate. Interstate 10 runs through the city from east to west, and Interstate 17 runs through the city from north to south. Both highways connect to other major highways. Travelers driving around Phoenix during their vacation can get around the city without too much difficulty. Several major roads in the metropolitan area go through and around the periphery of the city. Tip: Central Avenue runs north-south through the city. Roads to the east of Central are labeled as Streets, and roads to the west of Central are Avenues.
Public Transportation
Travelers who have vacation rentals near downtown Phoenix can drive to attractions in the area. Light rail and buses also travel from downtown to many of these attractions.
Those who have chosen vacation rentals near Scottsdale’s golf courses and upscale shops will find that most area attractions are within a 30-minute drive. Downtown Phoenix is approximately 12 miles southwest of Scottsdale. Free trolleys run through downtown Scottsdale. Downtown Scottsdale and Old Town Scottsdale are both near Scottsdale Road. Travelers can take Scottsdale Road through the city.
Other Travel Information
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Frequently Asked Questions
There are plenty of ways to enjoy time in the Valley of the Sun. There are activities for outdoor enthusiasts, family adventurers, history buffs, and art lovers alike. For example:
Spend a Day at the Desert Botanical Garden
Drop by the Papago Park and pay a visit to the Desert Botanical Garden where you can view over 20,000 desert plants gathered in one place in all their glory. You’ll see plants that are native to Arizona as well as beautiful cacti from South America, Baja California, and Australia. Find out why this is one of Phoenix’s Points of Pride.
Take a Hike Up Camelback Mountain
If you want to experience nature and fresh air on your Phoenix getaway, leave vacation rentals behind and get your feet moving up Camelback Mountain. You’ll find this major landmark in the Camelback Mountain Echo Canyon Recreation Area. Enjoy rock climbing if you’re up for more extreme activities, or stick with a hike on the Echo Canyon Trail or the Cholla Trail. Plan on taking an hour and a half to three hours up and back.
Add a Little Culture to Your Visit
Explore the masterpieces of creative expression in the Phoenix Art Museum with an eclectic blend that includes art of the American West, the European Renaissance, the Baroque period, and the Far East. You’ll be able to see pieces that have been gathered from around the world, conveniently displayed in one place to take your breath away.
Get Lost in the Music at the Symphony
If you are a music lover, don’t miss out on the latest at the Phoenix Symphony. Programs include classical music, the pops, family music, and chamber music. Check their schedule for performances throughout the year.
Soak Up Papago Park
When you visit the 1,200 acres at Papago Park, you can golf for the day, fish, take a walk on the nature trails, or hop on a bike. Stop off at the zoo when you want to get wild.
North Mountain Preserve and Shaw Butte
When you want to see local fauna and awe at the flora, the North Mountain Preserve and Shaw Butte are a favorite destination with inviting hiking trails. North Mountain is the tallest mountain in the preserve. See the saguaro cactus for yourself, plan a picnic, and be sure to bring your camera. The beauty surrounding will help you make memories to last a lifetime long after your Phoenix spring break is over. Upon returning to your Phoenix vacation rental or condo at the end of each day, you’ll be anxious to get up and start exploring all over again to see what else Phoenix has to offer.
We are pleased to say we have a number of pet-friendly vacation rentals in the Phoenix area. Check for the "paw" on our vacation rental listings for more information.
Breathtaking national parks and trails galore are just some of the many reasons why a pet-friendly home in Phoenix is the perfect destination for anyone with a furry best friend. Additionally, travelers can find numerous places in Phoenix that welcome their animals as they take time to explore this part of the country.
For many, a trip to Arizona includes a chance to see the glorious Grand Canyon. Leashed pets are allowed at the Grand Canyon on trails above the rim, Mather Campground, Desert View Campground, Trailer Village, and throughout developed areas.
Important Pet Tips for the Arizona Desert
This part of the country can get very hot, especially during the summer. Cats and dogs can easily get overheated in the fierce local sun. Keep in mind, hot asphalt can also pose a danger for pets during Phoenix summers. Early morning walks are a wonderful option to help keep your pets safe while on a vacation getaway to the Valley of the Sun.
Spring Break is the perfect time for an unforgettable vacation. You’re ready to get away and leave the daily grind behind for a few days. What better destination than Phoenix and its warm inviting spring weather? With vacation rentals ripe for the picking, you can book your stay and get ready to experience Phoenix spring break to the fullest.
- Climb Camelback Mountain
- Visit the Desert Botanical Garden
- Explore the South Mountain Park and Preserve
- Enjoy Scottsdale’s chic eateries and Southwestern arts
- Discover American Indian artifacts at the Heard Museum
- Golf at TPC Scottsdale’s Stadium Course, Raven Golf Club at Verrado or We-Ko-Pa
- Catch a Pro Sports Game: Phoenix Suns (NBA), Phoenix Mercury (WNBA), Arizona Cardinals (NFL), Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB), Arizona Coyotes (NHL), Phoenix Rising (USL)
- Don’t forget Spring Training, as the area welcomes MLB teams each year for the spring Cactus League.
- Nearby, Scottsdale is a favorite destination for golf aficionados at the beginning of each year as host to the annual PGA Golf Tour WM Open.
- Eat award-winning cuisine at downtown’s Heritage Square
- Indulge in a desert-inspired spa treatment
- Delve into local culture on Roosevelt Row
- Go on an adventurous day trip to Sedona, Flagstaff, or even the Grand Canyon
Phoenix is a popular destination year-round. However, the busiest seasons are in spring and fall.
When baseball comes to town during Spring Training season, fans flock to Arizona to watch their favorite teams play. We recommend booking a few weeks in advance since rentals book quickly.
Aside from that, people love the mild climate during the spring and fall seasons.
More questions?
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