Top 4 Things To Do In Phoenix During Summer

May 26, 2025

Summer in Phoenix is not for the weak. With the temperature happily soaring above 110°F on a daily basis, the desert doesn't mess around. That doesn't mean that nothing can be done, however. Actually, if you get the timing (and the water intake) right, Phoenix offers some experiences that you will just be unable to find elsewhere. From desert excursions to refreshing getaways, these are the top four things to do in Phoenix during the hot summer months — no spin, no sugarcoating, just plain talking and good ideas.

1. Sunrise Hike at Camelback Mountain

You've heard it a million times, but here it is again: Camelback is a Phoenix institution. The trails — Echo Canyon and Cholla — are not to be taken lightly, particularly if it's hot outside. But the secret: go early. And by early, I mean extremely, extremely early. As in, before sunup. Not only will you miss the blistering heat (and some of the crowds), but you'll also be rewarded with one of the most stunning sunrises of your life. Camelback's no beginner trail -- it's steep, it's bouldery, and it'll challenge your cardio. But if you can handle it, the reward at the top is Arizona magic, plain and simple. Just make sure to bring a water bottle, hike in actual shoes (not flip-flops -- come on), and don't get complacent about the lack of a blazing sun thinking the heat won't be an issue, a must-visit on the list of things to do in Phoenix.

2. Relax by a Resort Pool (Even If You Live in the Area)

You don't have to be a guest to experience the resort lifestyle in Phoenix. During summer, several of the city's high-end resorts have day passes available — an awesome idea if you want to swim in style without shelling out several hundred for an overnight stay. These pools are just not pools. Picture lazy rivers, swim-up bars, waterfalls, cabanas under a canopy, and DJs by the pool. Resorts such as the Arizona Biltmore, JW Marriott Desert Ridge, and The Phoenician turn their pools into mini water parks — but with drinks and fewer brats (depending on the resort). Day-pass prices are variable, but during summer (i.e., off season), you can expect bargains, a must-visit on the list of things to do in Phoenix.

3. Downtown Phoenix and Roosevelt Row Nightlife

At dusk (when you don't have to sweat every 3 seconds), downtown Phoenix is alive and kicking- there are a lot of things to do in Philadelphia. Roosevelt Row — or "RoRo" if you're adorable — is the city's artsy, gritty-chic core. The buildings peak with murals, indie coffee houses double as galleries, and live music erupts in the unlikeliest of places. Summer evenings = roof lounge, neighborhood craft breweries, and speakeasy attitude. Catch it just right, and you can be part of First Fridays, a monthly street party/art walk that makes RoRo an open-air art and community celebration. Guilty confession: Phoenix isn't NYC, but it's more locally flavored than a city its size ought to be, particularly when the mercury dips below "oven."

4. See the Desert Indoors at the Desert Botanical Garden or OdySea Aquarium

Alright, you're in a desert metropolis. You want to get out into the desert. But it's 115 degrees and your flip-flops are soldering onto the sidewalk. Fair. Here's the trick. The Papago Park Desert Botanical Garden is open absurdly early during the summer, so you can trail the cactus-lined trails early in the morning before the sun is merciless. They even offer summer evening events such as flashlight nights and live music. It's the perfect way to discover the quirky Sonoran Desert terrain without becoming a sun-dried tomato. If you'd rather have A/C and a break from the sand, go north to Scottsdale's OdySea Aquarium. It's enormous, family-oriented (if that's your thing), and shark, sea turtle, and about as cool-air-filled as anything can be, so that you won't even know you're in the desert, a must-visit on the list of things to do in Phoenix. By the end of 2034, the travel and tourism industry in the United States is predicted to grow to a value of $3.1 trillion, according to recent projections.

Final Thoughts: Summer in Phoenix Isn't a Joke — But It Doesn't Have to Suck

Yes, Summer is blistering in Phoenix. Swelteringly, without argument, hot. But. Don't write off the season. With. A bit of planning ahead for the heat, there are a lot of things to do in Phoenix. There are sun-up hikes with no lines of human bodies shoulder-to-shoulder, discount resorts without getting them in the springtime, and the ability to see this. Zoinks. Desert town. In A. Whole. New. Way. Hydrate, slather on sunscreen as if you mean it, and don't test your mettle by hiking at noon. Phoenix honors those who show respect — and if you do, you'll find that even in the peak of summer, there's more to this city than the thermometer. PS: When in Phoenix, do visit San Francisco for a memorable experience. Check out our website for more details.