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This time of year in Phoenix, AZ is perfect: temperatures in the 60s and 70s, the patios are open, and hey, you can still even go swimming if you really want to. Phoenix is so nice this time of the year, the Arizona Office of Tourism has spent the last two years marketing Arizona in Chicago by placing giant sunglasses and flip-flops around the city.
From November to mid-March is the perfect time to visit Phoenix. While the hotels and resorts may be a little more expensive in the winter than they are in the summer, you can still find a lot of great deals, even around the holidays! Many of our winter visitors own their own (second) homes here, so even in the busy wintertime, the hotels and resorts still try to lure guests with terrific specials.
If you are planning to visit Phoenix in the winter, I’ve outlined some of the best things winter activities to do in Phoenix. Some of them cost money (Cardinals’ games!), but some are dirt cheap (free!).
Best yet? You don’t have to deal with any snow or sub-zero temperatures! Without further ado, some of the best winter activities in Phoenix!
Winter Activities in Phoenix
References from top to bottom, left to right.
No trip to Phoenix is complete without hiking some mountain: South Mountain, Camelback (the one in the picture), Piestewa Peak, Echo Canyon… the list goes on and on. Sure, the trails can be a little crowded due to the influx of winter visitors, but you cannot beat the temperature.
Pro tip: Go hiking before sunset and time your hike so that you reach the summit just as the sun is setting. There are very few things in life as beautiful as an Arizona sunset, and seeing one from the top of a beautiful mountain like Camelback is a must-do!
A little pricey, but well worth it if you enjoy football: a trip to see the Cardinals play! Technically, the Cardinals stadium is in Glendale, but you’ll think it’s Phoenix if you’re not from here. 😉 You don’t even have to have a Cardinals banner!
Did you know Phoenix has a castle? A desert castle, at that! Tovrea Castle is a gem in the desert of Phoenix, one that if you have time, you should definitely visit!
If you’re interested in taking a tour, the link to days, times, and cost can be found here.
Last but certainly not least, one of my favorite places to visit in the winter is the Desert Botanical Gardens. Not only are the Gardens beautiful, but they really showcase the desert beauty found in the Southwest. You wouldn’t think cacti (the plural of cactus) could be beautiful, but they really are! A bit pricey, but well worth a visit.
Have you ever visited Phoenix, and if so, what did you like the most or least about it? What activities did you do while you were here?
DC @ Young Adult Money says
Our company has a business based in Phoenix. I don’t work with that specific part of the business, but I know that some of my co-workers head down there a few times a year. For Minnesotans, the relative warmth of Phoenix in the winter is essentially Summer haha.
Melissa says
Haha, we have a ton of Minnesotans who vacation here (or stay all winter, if they’re retired), and it’s funny watching them in the winter. They’re all in shorts and flip flops, and native Phoenicians are all in sweatshirts, jeans, and boots. I think both groups think the other is weird 😉
Tonya@Budget and the Beach says
I have to admit I’ve only been to the airport, and have driven through on my way back to LA from the grand canyon and Sedona. The gardens look awesome. I’m very particular to cactuses and succulents.
Melissa says
Our airport is pretty great, and I’m not just saying that because I live here! So if you’re only able to visit the airport, it’s not such a bad thing to see 🙂 There is a ton of art in our airport, so if you have time to spare but can’t leave, I highly recommend walking around the terminals and visiting the art museum in the airport.
I’m glad you’ve seen the Grand Canyon and Sedona!! Those are the best! 🙂
Sarah says
Love this post!! And man, I sure am missing Phx right now!! This is our first time experiencing “winter” and I’m not a fan. It’s been in the 30s and 40s most days which is just too cold to do anything!
In the winter, we would always go to parks, on long walks, eat out on patios (Cave Creek area was always a favorite!), visit the zoo, etc. I can’t wait for warmer weather here in NC so I can get back outside!!
Melissa says
There are soooo many things to do here in the winter, I couldn’t even cover them all! And don’t get me started on walking the bridal path (then going to one of those restaurants on Central, where you can sit on the patios!) And the zoo! I haven’t been in forever, so it slipped my mind. It’s so fun, especially Zoolights!
When it’s warmer in NC, you’ll have to share the fun things to do there! I will be melting indoors, with a $300 electric bill even though the AC is only on 80 degrees. I’ll be jealous then 😉
Christine @ The Wallet Diet says
No love for the Coyotes? 😉 Catching a hockey game is usually a must when I’m in the U.S. Maybe it’s a Canadian thing 🙂
Melissa says
Haha, it’s funny you mention it, because while I haven’t been to a Cards game, I’ve been to several Coyotes games 🙂 My bad! I think I left it off because it’s indoors, and during the wintertime in Phoenix, everyone wants (and should be!) outside. However, going to a Coyotes game and then getting some delicious food (outside on a patio) is DEFINITELY something people should do while they’re here. 🙂
The Coyotes are right next door to the Cards, too. That whole area in Glendale is good if you’re into football or hockey. Baseball and basketball are all downtown Phoenix. Decisions, decisions!
Anne @ Money Propeller says
I would love to visit Phoenix, one day, one day! There are a few people where I live who picked up vacation homes there when the market really hit the bottom, but it is still not a very common destination from here.
Melissa says
Who knows, maybe the next FinCon will be here (or somewhere near here) and you can make it a combo trip! It’s definitely a nice place to visit in the winter, but I wouldn’t recommend it at all in the summer, especially if you’re not used to the heat. It’s a dry heat, but man… it’s tiring! 🙂