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Greater Phoenix is a destination that is evolving, rising, and creating deeper, richer travel experiences. Phoenix is the fifth largest city in the U.S., the third for its hotel pipeline (124 projects/16,303 rooms), and first for number of rooms currently under construction according to Lodging Econometrics’ Q4-2025 U.S. Construction Pipeline Trend Report. This trend will continue as Phoenix had most new hotel project announcements in the U.S. in Q4 of 2025. The city has seen its visitor experience transform with 63 new hotels (5,861 rooms) and over $600 million in renovations across 23 properties since 2022. 

Atari Hotels, in partnership with Intersection Development, is planning a new hotel and entertainment complex in downtown Phoenix, with construction expected to begin in late 2026. The concept is designed around video games and sci-fi themes, with spaces intended for gaming and esports, along with live events, restaurants, bars, and other nightlife-style experiences. The project is also expected to include design references to Atari’s history as a classic video game brand. 

Greater Phoenix welcomed its second Kimpton property in early 2026 with the debut of Kimpton Miralina Resort & Villas. Taking over the former site of the Scottsdale Plaza Resort, the reenergized and rebranded property will sit just minutes from top shopping and dining destinations. The 404-suite resort will undergo a complete transformation featuring modernized guestrooms, new dining concepts, six swimming pools, and a refreshed spa and wellness program. 

Two new hotels are set to open adjacent to the site of the exciting Cannon Beach and Revel Surf locations in Mesa. The first is a Tapestry Collection by Hilton that will feature 155 rooms, including three-bedroom suites that are ideal for families as well as a private entrance to the surf park along with admission. Across the way there will be an Aloft Hotel by Marriott that will offer 150 modern, sleek rooms that will be another great accommodation next to the exciting family-entertainment park. 

Two recently renovated properties highlight the continued evolution of Greater Phoenix’s resort portfolio, offering updated and refreshed guest experiences in multiple areas of the city. Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort, the first of its kind in Arizona, recently renovated and rebranded with six new dining concepts led by celebrity chef Richard Blais, as well as an expanded pool area, modernized Spa Avania, and new meeting spaces. In Downtown Phoenix, Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix recently completed a multi-Millon dollar renovation to all 242 guest rooms and suites, featuring updated bathrooms, modern furnishings, and curated local artwork. This provides Phoenix guests with contemporary accommodations just steps away from major sporting and event venues.  

For brands, destinations, and personalities driving the travel industry forward, Waymo is a ride-hailing service app that launched in the Greater Phoenix area in December 2022 with a fleet of fully autonomous Jaguar I-PACEs electric vehicles. Their total service area as of July 2024 is 315 square miles of the Greater Phoenix area. The Waymo app services Phoenicians and travelers that are looking for a different take on rideshare that is quick, inclusive, sustainable, and innovative. It also offers the first and only autonomous vehicle airport service in the world. 

Sonoran cuisine is most often linked to Sonoran-style Mexican food inspired by the city of Sonora, Mexico. Phoenix redefines Sonoran cuisine to include various ingredients and types of cuisine, including Native American cuisine and chefs that are using foods and spirits that are sourced from the Sonoran Desert. Sonoran cuisine ingredients include mesquite, Sonoran wheat, tepary beans, nopal (cactus), chiltepin peppers, squash, corn (maize), and prickly pear. 

The Sonoran Desert has become the source for the cuisine in Greater Phoenix. From celebrity chef concepts to local gems, indulge in the elevated flavors and character of the Sonoran Desert ingredients.  

A renowned restaurant located in the heart of Phoenix’s Melrose District, Valentine is famous for its modern farm-to-table experience, where locally sourced ingredients are creatively incorporated into thoughtful dishes. The restaurant celebrates the vibrant flavors of the Sonoran Desert and boasts an outstanding pastry menu. These pastries include Sonoran ingredients like white Sonoran wheat, mesquite flour, chiltepin, and squash.  

Bacanora is an intimate space of 36 seats that often sells out their reservations and for good reason. This restaurant offers diners mesquite-cooked Sonoran Desert fare and an extensive list of cocktails each with their own Mexican flavor, including those with the restaurant’s namesake agave spirit. The unique cooking methods, ingredients, and complexity of Bacanora led to Chef Rene Andrade winning the 2024 James Beard Award for Best Chef: Southwest.  

Chef Andrade also opened Bacanora’s sister-shop called Huarachis Taqueria. Huarachis Taqueria is colorful and energetic, accepting only walk-ins at the Central Avenue taqueria. Guests can expect starters like quesadillas and esquites, taco entrees such as chicharron and carne asada, sides including Bacanora beans, and a wonderful cocktails and wines list.  

Chilte is Chef Lawrence Smith’s newest brainchild. Short for chiltepin, meaning small but mighty; the concept started in a pop-up tent and has aimed to disrupt the industry at every level. Chef Lawrence Smith was named one of 2024’s best new chefs by Food & Wine and was a James Beard Emerging Chef nominee in 2025 for his inventive Sonoran Mexican food.   

Fry Bread House serves traditional fry bread creations including the Native Taco as well as posole, menudo, tamales, and stews. Cecilia Miller, a Tohono O’odham Nation community member, opened her restaurant in 1992 and received a James Beard Award “American Classics” for herself and Fry Bread House in 2012 for her efforts to preserve native roots through food and culture.     

Queen Creek Olive Mill is a unique location set in the outskirts of Greater Phoenix. Offering dining options, guided tours, and events, guests taste authentic Sonoran Desert olive oils or other locally sourced cooking products. A guided tour of the mill is a great way to learn the history of its existence and importance within the community, while experiencing the flavor of its ingredients. There are four different dining concepts available to try at the mill, including a farm-to-table cafe, coffee shop, deli, and an outdoor Italian restaurant that is ideal for fall dining.  

With conditions comparable to the regions of California, Argentina, and the Mediterranean, Arizona land can grow and sustain many crops including grapes for locally grown wines. Arizona is home to three prominent designated wine grape-growing regions, known by the Arizona Wine Growers Association as American Viticultural Areas (AVA). The Greater Phoenix area has several wineries including GenuWine Arizona where visitors and locals alike can taste Arizona grown wines.  

Greater Phoenix has seen an influx of new, elegant restaurants. From celebrity chef concepts to local gems, indulge in the elevated flavors and character of the Sonoran Desert ingredients.   

Restaurants like FnB, known for sourcing local ingredients and crafting menus that evolve with seasonal availability, continue to put Phoenix on the national culinary map. Chef Charleen Badman has been nominated for Outstanding Chef, while six local chefs earned 2026 nominations for Best Chef: Southwest—Roberto Centeno of Espiritu, TJ Culp of Restaurant Progress, Armando Hernandez and Nadia Holguin of Tacos Chiwas, Scott Holmes of Little Miss BBQ, and Kyle Kent of Chula Seafood. 

Espiritu Cocktails + Comida is a Mexican seafood-centric restaurant and cocktail bar led by Chef Roberto Centeno, a 2026 James Beard nominee for Best Chef: Southwest. With a creative and curated menu, they bring a unique flare to the cocktail scene paired with latin-inspired dishes like roasted elote, grilled oysters, and birria dumplings.  

Indibar is Greater Phoenix's innovative take on traditional Indian dining. Chefs Ajay Singh and Nigel Lobo have reimagined classic recipes with global flair, serving vibrant curries, elegant chaats, and dosas presented in authentic styles but with a contemporary twist. Paired with spice-infused craft cocktails and served in a lively yet elegant atmosphere, Indibar offers a dining experience that is worthy of their 2026 James Beard Award nomination for Best New Restaurant. 

Celebrating the cultures and recipes of Thailand, Yotaka “Sunny” and Alex Martin opened the beloved Lom Wong in 2019, making it their goal to share the unique regional dishes they knew and loved. Lom Wong’s mission is to be sincere to the ingredients, techniques, and service styles that are found in the Thai villages that inspired the restaurant. Lom Wong has drawn attention nationwide. Chef Yotaka Martin is the 2025 James Beard Award winner for Best Chef: Southwest.  

Bacanora is an intimate space of 36 seats that sells out of their reservations monthly, and for good reason. This restaurant offers diners mesquite-cooked Sonoran Desert fare and an extensive list of cocktails each with their own Mexican flavor, including those with the restaurant’s namesake agave spirit, Bacanora. Chef Rene Andrade is the 2024 James Beard Award winner for Best Chef: Southwest. 

Chilte is Chopped Chef Lawrence Smith’s newest brainchild. Short for chiltepin, meaning small but mighty, the concept started in a pop-up tent and has aimed to disrupt the industry at every level. Chef Lawrence Smith was named one of Food & Wine’s best new chefs in 2024 and was a 2025 James Beard Award nominee for Emerging Chef.  

The cocktail, and non-alcoholic cocktail scene in downtown Phoenix is vibrant with the world-class Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour spearheaded by mixologist master Ross Simon. Ross was recently nominated for the Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service award for his work at Bitter & Twisted and its next-door sister concept Little Rituals.  

Phoenix hosts bespoke experiences that redefine luxury. With an abundance of history, majestic scenery, and around 300 days of sunshine per year, the Greater Phoenix area is a desert oasis. The city sets itself apart with ventures that visitors can only enjoy in Phoenix, and nowhere else.   

In addition to the new resorts Phoenix is welcoming to its hotel portfolio, the city is also home to historic gems that utilize the restorative properties of the Sonoran Desert. Arizona Biltmore, LXR Hotels & Resorts, stands out because of its bold Frank Lloyd Wright-influenced architecture, unparalleled hospitality, and storied history.  Tucked into the Bradshaw Mountains, guests will find the lush and magical oasis of Castle Hot Springs. This resort experience allows guests to unwind in the hot springs or go on an adventure in the Sonoran Desert, taking them on a memorable journey of rejuvenation.   

The JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa is a luxurious desert oasis nestled at the base of Camelback Mountain. The resort recently completed a $24 million transformation of its award-winning spa in January 2026, introducing a personalized wellness experience rooted in the ariVéa philosophy—a holistic approach that blends timeless rituals with the tranquility and healing energy of the desert. 

The Global Ambassador Hotel is spearheaded by local restauranter Sam Fox and features many luxe amenities such as a wellness center, world-class spa, a member only club with exclusive access, and 141 luxurious rooms. Dining is at the forefront of The Global Ambassador as Fox’s five on-site dining options include a signature lobby bar, a Parisian bistro and brasserie, a Mexican and Peruvian poolside eatery, a Parisian steakhouse, and a Mediterranean rooftop restaurant called théa.  

Revive Spa at JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa offers local treatments and techniques such as the Turquoise Ritual, a healing exercise that uses indigenous turquoise gemstones and a desert clay body mask to relax and rejuvenate the body. 

There are several ways to honor the Sonoran Desert and the Indigenous peoples who paved the way for what Phoenix is today. Established in 1929, Heard Museum is one of the nation's top preservers and advocates of traditional Native American art.  Within are the most beautiful and vibrant sculptures, jewelry and other historic artifacts from both past and present. The Heard Museum proudly hosts the annual Hoop Dancing World Championships where each hoop dancer has their own unique style that honors their sacred history, where they can use up to 50 hoops in manipulated designs combined with creative choreography to make a performance that is unlike any other.   

Kai Restaurant at Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass, Arizona’s only AAA Five Diamond award and Forbes Five-Star award-winning restaurant, takes guests through a journey of Indigenous cuisine using native ingredients and cooking methods. Each course is a narrative of flavor, innovation, and elegance. Their esteemed wine program is procured by James Beard nominee Darren Greenspon and offers unique pairings with the traditional prepared cuisines.    

Visitors can shop at all the top brands at the recently refreshed Biltmore Fashion Park. Native Art Market in Old Town Scottsdale is another great shop for visitors looking for something handmade by Indigenous artists and designers.  

Greater Phoenix is home to both natural and historic landmarks that serve as modern-day must-sees, while offering a glimpse into the region’s past. Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West is an incredible story of architecture that is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Camelback Mountain is a Phoenix staple. Seasoned hikers can choose from two challenging trails that ascend 1,420 feet to the summit, which offers 360-degree views of the surrounding city. Sunset is the perfect time for the Instagram-worthy desert shots.  

Another landmark is Hole-in-the-Rock Trail at Papago Park, which climbs 200 feet in 1/10 of a mile to an intriguing formation that is thought to have been used by the ancient Hohokam civilization to track the position of the sun through a hole in the "ceiling."  And the park’s 2.3-mile Double Butte Loop for those who want a deeper exploration of the desert. Experienced hikers can also venture on the Holbert Trail at South Mountain Park and Preserve for petroglyph sightings and to connect to Dobbins Lookout, a popular spot for panoramic views of the city.  

Piestewa Peak is another popular area where Phoenix locals and visitors alike can escape to nature. Located in the Phoenix Mountains Preserve, Piestewa Peak has the second highest peak in Phoenix. The Summit Trail is rated ‘extremely difficult’ but is also extremely rewarding with a 360-degree view of Phoenix waiting for hikers at the top. The mountain was named after the first known Native American woman to die in combat in the U.S. Military, Army Spc. Lori Ann Piestewa.    

Dobbins Lookout is the highest point of South Mountain Park and Preserve, one of Phoenix's backyard desert playgrounds and one of the nation’s largest municipal parks. Drive or hike to the top for stunning views and pictures in the stone rotunda. 

Offering bucket list experiences, outdoor adventure for any skill type, and golf excursions for any age, Greater Phoenix is the perfect destination for multi-generational travel.  

Several museums in Phoenix cater to a multi-generational travel dynamic. The largest of its kind, the Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) includes a mesmerizing display of musical instruments and is perhaps the most educational museum in the Phoenix area. Over 7,500 instruments from 200 countries garner the walls of the museum in an endless display of musical history. For the kids, MIM has an experience gallery where kids and their families can play some of the instruments on view in the museum. For adults and concert lovers, MIM also is home to an acoustically superb theater that hosts three hundred artists per year.   

Desert Botanical Garden is a great way for the entire family to enjoy the outdoors with a mesmerizing display of 50,000 desert plants that are nestled amongst the red Papago Buttes, featuring vibrant wildflowers, Sonoran-desert specific plants, world-class art exhibits, and educational classes that feature the Garden’s knowledge and conservation efforts.  The Garden is fully wheelchair accessible with most trails being stroller accessible. Desert Botanical Garden also welcomed back Gertrude’s by Tarbell’s—helmed by Mark Tarbell, James Beard Award nominee, Iron Chef America winner, and Arizona Culinary Hall of Fame inductee. Tarbell’s locally inspired menu celebrates Arizona’s ingredients, blending Sonoran flavors with the garden’s breathtaking setting.   

When family-friendly meets luxury, Phoenix presents the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa. The resort offers an on-site spa, championship golf at Wildfire Golf Club, five pools, a lazy river, two new restaurant concepts, 17 world-class pickleball courts, a renovated wellness area, and the AquaRidge Waterpark. Celebrity Chef Angelo Sosa opened Kembara and Tía Carmen at this resort, bringing a stark contrast between the two concepts that make for a dynamic experience for resort dining. Kembara has a dark, neon ambiance that resembles the Asian street food culture that its menu pays homage to. Tía Carmen exudes a bright, warm ambiance that welcomes guests into tía’s kitchen while also celebrating the local landscape, farmers, and community of the Southwest.  

In addition to the several top-rated golf courses in Greater Phoenix like Troon North Golf Club at Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North or Fairmont Scottsdale Princess’s TPC Scottsdale, the whole family can join in on the golfing fun with mini golf courses like Puttshack  and Popstroke.  

Some other outings for the whole family include Phoenix’s many adventure activities. Witness the majestic starry night skies and traverse desert washes with Stellar Adventures or explore the flora and fauna on horseback with KOLI Equestrian Center.  

What are some of the must-see neighborhoods, restaurants, activities, and landmarks in Greater Phoenix? Check out Visit Phoenix’s curated bucket list for visitors and locals alike.  

Visit the Melrose District, a 1-mile stretch that is home to some of the best antique shops, art, dining, patio dining, and dancing. Also known as “The Curve” for its winding nature in an otherwise grided city and the “gayborhood” thanks to its high concentration of LGBTQ+ bars and rainbow flags perched outside allied businesses, this neighborhood is an absolute must for a sense of this city's pride as well as its midcentury roots. 

Grab a pizza at Pizzeria Bianco for a taste of the best pizza in the country. Started by James Beard Award Winning Chef, Chris Bianco, in 1988 and recently featured on Netflix’s “Chef’s Table,” Pizzeria Bianco is known for their artisanal pizzas made with intentionally selected ingredients from local farmers.    

Take a trip to Cosanti, an imaginative dwelling and cultural treasure located in Paradise Valley, Arizona. Dating back to the late 1950s and early 1960s, Cosanti is listed on the Arizona Registry of Historic Places and was built by Italian-born architect, urban designer, and philosopher Paolo Soleri. Including Cosanti, less than ten of Soleri’s projects have survived. Ancient concepts influenced Soleri’s thoughts on how humans can create a built world to live in that is in balance with nature. He called this idea “arcology,” a blend of architecture and ecology. Guided tours at Cosanti are currently unavailable, but guests are still welcome to visit and shop at this astounding architectural feat. Live bronze pours take place Monday through Friday at 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. during normal weather conditions.  

Catch a Spring Training Game during the spring season at one of the ten Cactus League stadiums around the Greater Phoenix area. Phoenix is one of two destinations in the U.S. that holds a Spring Training season hosting 15 Major League Baseball teams like the Arizona Diamondbacks, Chicago Cubs, Seattle Mariners, Los Angeles Dodgers, and more.  

Soar amongst the sky over the breathtaking Sonoran Desert during a hot-air balloon excursion. Hot Air Expeditions takes guests as high as 5,000 ft., giving riders a serene, 360-degree view of the stunning desert terrain and botanicals. During these once in a lifetime tours, lucky riders may see desert wildlife such as wild horses, coyotes, javelinas, and jackrabbits.   

Go tubing on the Lower Salt River for the serene desert views. Tubers might even catch a glimpse of the wild horses that roam the area, or a bald eagle soaring above them.  

Phoenix has a vibrant and diverse arts and culture scene that extends into the picturesque murals of Roosevelt Row and beyond. Restaurants and museums take part in the celebration of art by hosting galleries and offering "Pay What You Wish” admission on certain days to experience the exhibits, including the ones inside the Phoenix Art Museum. The Phoenix Art Museum displays modern and contemporary art, photography, fashion design, and more. The museum is the largest of its kind in the Southwest and has over 20,000 pieces of art spanning various time periods, genres, and cultures. On any day of the month, Phoenix has a vibrant and diverse arts and culture scene that extends far beyond the picturesque murals of Roosevelt Row. Such hotels as FOUND:RE Phoenix Hotel and Cambria Hotel Downtown Phoenix Convention Center have integrated murals and installations by local artists as a part of their identity.   

The city is also home to a wide variety of performing arts groups and venues. The Black Theatre Troupe (BTT) has a mission of educating and entertaining a diverse community, with an emphasis on people of color. The BTT was established amid the racial tensions of the 1970s and today serves to enlighten Phoenix communities with shows that highlight African American experience and culture. The Herberger Theater Center is a leading force in cultivating the growth of the performing arts scene in Phoenix. This performance and arts venue have contributed to the cultural and educational development of the city with vibrant performances, diverse art experiences and the ability to connect others to art.   

The Japanese Friendship Garden is a serene Japanese Garden located in the heart of Phoenix, created by Himeji Mayor Matsuji Totani to cement bonds of friendship between Japan and the United States – more specifically between the peoples of Himeji and Phoenix. All the decorative features are gifts from the City of Himeji and its citizens and took hundreds of hours to design. The garden features a teahouse, 1,500 tons of hand-picked rock, stone foot bridges, lanterns, flowing streams, a 14-foot waterfall, a koi pond with over 300 colorful Koi fish, and more than 85 varieties of plants. 

There are also many places around Phoenix to catch the hottest nationally touring and local artists.  In the downtown area there are eccentric smaller venues such as Valley Bar, Crescent Ballroom, and The Van Buren that host musicians, comedians and various other performers. The city also hosts fun and exciting music festivals such as the charitable M3F Festival, featuring a melting pot of genres and performers. The returning VIVA PHX festival, bringing in a mix of musical acts while integrating the culture and cuisine of Phoenix.  

Following a history of successful events like Super Bowls, NCAAM Final Fours, and the WNBA All Star Game, Phoenix is set to host a robust lineup of events like the 2026 NCAA Women’s Final Four and the 2027 NBA All-Star Game. Cherished local traditions such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open and Cactus League Spring Training attract visitors from across the globe for multiple weeks in the Spring.  In the Fall, Phoenix hosts other marquee sporting events such as The Chase of the NASCAR Cup Series at Phoenix Raceway, the Charles Schwab Cup Championship, and the Barrett-Jackson collector car auction.  

Phoenix is also building on its abundance of sporting activities available for visitors. Golfing enthusiasts in Phoenix are indulged in lush resort courses that are designed by some of the legends of the game. The Wildfire Golf Club at JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa is a true golf getaway featuring the Nick Faldo championship course with large greens and over 100 bunkers.  A cohesive 18-hole course showcasing the unique beauty of the Sonoran Desert, The Phoenician Golf Course is designed to provide a natural rhythm and flow. The course plays to a par 71 and offers four sets of tees, ranging from 4,575 yards from the forward tees to 6,518 yards from the players’ tees.   

Greater Phoenix is home to several major professional sports teams and venues, including the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field, the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium, Phoenix Rising FC at Phoenix Rising FC Stadium, and the Phoenix Suns and the Phoenix Mercury at Mortgage Matchup Center. 

There are also several sports attractions available for fans to enjoy between games and events. Families visiting the Greater Phoenix area can enjoy go-karting at the Andretti Karting Center locations, see the historic car collection at the Penske Racing Museum, or ride high-speed ATVs through the Sonoran Desert with Stellar Adventures.  

Adult visitors can enjoy premier sportsbooks such as the DraftKings Sportsbook at TPC Scottsdale, as well as Caesars Sportsbook at Chase Field and the BetMGM Sportsbook at State Farm Stadium during games and events. 

Phoenix is a destination where visitors can leave with greater appreciation for culture, history, and science. Several attractions within the city are not only unique and exciting for visitors, but also educational and notable for their cultural and historical significance.  

The Arizona Boardwalk is a multi-purpose entertainment complex that includes the OdySea Aquarium, Butterfly Wonderland, and several other exhilarating attractions suited for the whole family. OdySea Aquarium is a 200 square foot, scientific journey that is home to over 6,000 sea animals including over 300 distinct species spread amongst 70 exhibits. Butterfly Wonderland is the largest butterfly conservatory in the country and is also home to many other majestic animals to watch such as rainforest birds and reptiles. A Phoenix staple since 1962; the Phoenix Zoo is a 125-acre facility dedicated to the preservation and education of exotic wildlife.  The zoo offers unparalleled experiences and tours that allow guests to get up close and personal with the animals, whilst learning about their backgrounds, habitats, and more. The zoo features over 3,000 animals such as Asian elephants, Sumatran tigers, and Komodo dragons whilst also featuring outdoor cafes, shops, gardens and interactive animal encounters.  

A historical location for visitors to see is the S’edav Va’aki Museum, where visitors can explore a 2/3-mile outdoor trail featuring a prehistoric va’aki, replica native houses, art, and other indigenous archeology.  

There are several other attractions in Greater Phoenix that provide an exciting activity and educational experience. The Children’s Museum of Phoenix is an excellent place for the entire family to enjoy interactive games and special activities, with over 48,000 square feet of space dedicated to stimulating creativity, exploration, and learning amongst young visitors. Visitors can also learn more about the history of our emergency first responders at the Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting, where they showcase one of the world's largest collections of firefighting equipment and memorabilia. Guests can also learn more about Arizona’s state significance at both the Arizona Capitol Museum and the Arizona Museum of Natural History.   

Greater Phoenix has a plethora of barrier-free hikes and walks for those with accessibility needs. Papago Park’s Elliot Ramada Loop Trail provides a 2.7-mile loop on paved and dirt conditions that are designed to provide a smooth hiking condition for visitors of all experience levels. Just a few miles away from Papago Park is another accessible-friendly hiking spot, Tempe Town Lake. This paved path contains a 7.5-mile walk around the water surrounded by grassy areas, a park, and nearby Downtown Tempe skyline. Another great hiking area for all guests is the Canal Path trails throughout Greater Phoenix that is accessible to all.   

The Arizona Diamondbacks have debuted a new experience at Chase Field for baseball fans with neurodivergences. Recently implemented in April, the Sensory Room at Chase Field is equipped with adjustable lighting, calming images and some of the most comfortable seating in the ballpark. The room caters to all sensory needs, abilities and ages and lets every fan feel comfortable during their ballpark experience.   

The Musical Instrument Museum shares the world of music with all. The museum provides a variety of accessible transportation methods for touring the property, including wheelchairs, scooters, and walkers. An American Sign Language interpreter can be provided to hard of hearing guests, while the museum also offers transcripts and captioning. In addition, headphones are provided for self-guided audio tours, and neurodivergent guests are also welcome to bring noise-cancelling headphones.   

Arizona Boardwalk’s OdySea Aquarium is the first location of its kind to receive recognition for their dedication to accessibility. In 2019, the OdySea Aquarium became a Certified Autism Center via the International Board of Credentialing and Continued Education Standards. The aquarium provides physical needs as well, as the property is wheelchair accessible and makes the service available to guests free of charge. 

Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin West recently debuted accessibility accommodations to improve the experience for all attendees. The facility upgraded their walking terrain that now includes accessible features such as custom handrails, ramps, and easily accessible restrooms. Accessible tours are offered on the property, which navigate along a less strenuous path, providing a much easier, more pleasant experience for guests with disabilities.   

With three locations in the Phoenix Valley area, Ability360 offers a top-of-the-line athletic and sporting experience for those with accommodation needs. Unique to the Western United States, the center offers a plethora of recreational and athletic programs for all individuals with accessible needs. Some features and facilities offered by Ability360 include a full-court basketball court, fitness center and recently opened aquatic center. Additionally, Ability360 offers a full care community to live with trained caregivers to cater to every home care need.   

Waymo has garnered attention from the National Federation of the Blind and the Department of Transportation for its role in empowering individuals with disabilities, particularly those who are blind. The blind community views Waymo as a symbol of resilience and a reaffirmation of their independence. Through partnerships with disability advocates, Waymo has integrated features like enhanced audio cues and sound-based guidance, offering a new level of safety, confidence, and security to the autonomous fleet. The Waymo One app enhances accessibility with wayfinding tools to identify the vehicle upon arrival, pinpoint the destination at the end of the ride, and provide in-car audio descriptions that narrate the journey. 

Even as the temperatures rise, the centuries-old Sonoran Desert continually inspires new ways for each of us to embrace the summer months in Phoenix. To explore the extraordinary. To seek new perspectives. And to find the coolest ways to beat the heat. 

JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa is home to AquaRidge WaterPark, along with impressive additions. AquaRidge boasts an expansive 140,000-square-foot water experience, an enhanced lazy river, a refreshed Wildfire Grove, and a lively Havasu Playground. The Havasu Playground boasts three new exhilarating water slides, including the only dual-person vertical wall tube slide at a resort west of the Mississippi. Adventure Water Park at Westin Kierland Resort & Spa puts forward an enjoyable aquatic experience for the whole family. The water park has the Kierland FlowRider, a surfing simulator, a lazy river, a 110-foot waterslide, and an adult pool. 

Revel Surf is a new premier surf park that brings all the most exciting parts of the ocean to Arizona. With hands-on beginner lessons and softer simulated waves for guests new to surfing, or advanced sessions with more difficult simulated waves for experienced guests, Revel Surf caters to all skill levels. The complex is home to a surf lagoon, a river surf experience, a skate park, a cliff jumping pool, an artificial beach, and a surfside dining experience. 

Carry On is a 1960s/early 70s airplane-inspired bar reminiscent of vintage luxury transportation and the golden age of travel – complete with boarding passes, flight attendants, pilots, and rolling beverage carts. Upon takeoff, cocktails inspired by the point of departure are served, and more concoctions inspired by the destination are served prior to disembarking. Century Grand is a multi-bar concept in which each location has its own significant theme and individual twists. Grab a ticket to board Platform 18, a 1920’s themed bar train car with virtual windows that transport visitors into an entirely new atmosphere. Dive into UnderTow, an oceanic themed bar that specializes in rum cocktails with tropical ingredients and flavors. 

Arizona Science Center officially opened its reimagined Dorrance DOME in partnership with leading immersive tech company Cosm. The planetarium is the most technologically advanced in all North America, featuring an 18-meter diameter, CX System LED dome display with 8K+ resolution and 100x the brightness of most planetarium projection domes using Cosm’s CX System. 

Wonderspaces Arizona presents extraordinary art installations and signature cocktails to experience together with friends and family. The unique exhibits feature immersive, thought-provoking and conversation-starting concepts that will make your visit a fun and unforgettable journey. 

Scottsdale Fashion Square provides a luxurious and vibrant indoor shopping experience in the heart of Scottsdale. The three-story mall is filled with high-end brands in a plethora of categories from clothing to technology.