The fifth most-populated city in the United States and the largest in Arizona, Phoenix has been a major city in the United States since its inception in 1881. Today, it is home to professional sports teams, the hottest temperatures in the country, parks, museums, theaters, shopping centers, restaurants and more. It is a major metropolis in every way, and there are a limitless amount of activities to choose from during the summer months.
Rock Climbing
Rock climbing is one of Phoenix's main attractions for fitness enthusiasts. Whether climbing at an indoor facilities such as the Solid Rock Gym, Rocks & Ropes or the Phoenix Rock Gym or taking advantage of the great outdoors, there are plenty of climbing opportunities to choose from.
As far as outdoor settings go, Phoenix is surrounded by canyons and mountains, with places such as Echo Canyon, Praying Monk, The Hole in the Rock and ASU Mountain providing some of the more accessible areas.
New climbers can take classes at one of the indoor rock climbing facilities, and those who already own their own gear can head out into the mountains surrounding the city for the more aggressive, off-the-beaten-path climbing areas.
Dining Out
Phoenix is a massive city, and no matter what type of cuisine you crave you can find it. The summer months are also popular with many travelers because of the outdoor sections at many of the restaurants. Whether you are looking for a quick and healthy breakfast to get your day of exploring underway or need a pick-me-up after a long day of hiking one of the shopping centers or parks and trails around the city, the restaurant experience in Phoenix is worth the time, day or night.
Choices include places such as Taggia's, which is an organic Italian/Mediterranean restaurant, or the completely organic fare at the Painted Horse Cafe, as well as True Food Kitchen and many others.
Parks and Hiking
There are thousands of acres of hand to choose from when it comes to hiking in and around Phoenix. Whether you prefer desert trails and parks to the mountains surrounding the city, there are dozens of choices for the outdoor enthusiast.
Choices include South Mountain Park, Papago Park or the Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area. In addition, there are also outdoor programs and educational facilities if you or your children are interested in learning more, ranging from ballet classes for toddlers to ceramics classes to Dutch oven cooking classes taught by park rangers.
Water Parks
Phoenix is one of the hottest cities in the world, and the summer months can be scathing. Although some of the city's parks close down during the hottest parts of the day, there is a perfect way to cool off after a long walk or busy morning or afternoon hiking--visit one of the various water parks throughout the city.
Phoenix has several water parks for you to choose from, such as the Wet 'n' Wild Phoenix, the Oasis at Pointe South Mountain or the Falls Water Village at Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort, making for a pleasant transition from the heat of the peak summer days.
Museums
Museums are another popular summer activity with travelers, because of the vast and unique history that Arizona has compared to other states. From the Mexican history to the Native American to the pre-Columbian Hohokam culture, the area around Phoenix has been a cultural headquarters for centuries. There are dozens of museums to choose from depending on what type of history you are interested in discovering, ranging from Pueblo Grande Museum and Archeological Park to the Heard Museum.
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