Staycation season is once again nigh! For our 2026 roundup, we’ve biased our coverage in favor of new resorts, reimagined pools, upgraded menus and all things fresh for your in-town summer escape.
From Cocktail Camp to Gammage shows, here are the top Valley events to stay cool this summer.
Pack your bag and drive across town for a budget-friendly stay at one of the Valley’s many celebrated resorts. Bonus: staycays in Northern and Southern Arizona for adventurous weekenders.
A glimpse of the goings on in the Valley this May and June.
Desert DigestFood & DrinkListsSummer Eats: 5 Watermelon Salads to Order Now
Marilyn HawkesJuly 16, 2021
If you’re a big fan of watermelon, now is the time to indulge – the juicy fruit is at the peak of its growing season. Watermelon is not only sweet and refreshing, it’s also a low-calorie snack that provides much-needed hydration during scorching Arizona summers. You can eat watermelon straight from the rind or use the luscious red fruit in a variety of dishes. To that end, we’ve rounded up five places in the Valley to enjoy watermelon salad. Alma West x...
With widespread vaccination and decreasing COVID-19 numbers, this summer offers shimmering hope – and smoking deals – for some good, old-fashioned fun at Valley resorts. Smiles are returning to the faces, indeed.
The PHiXJW Marriott Desert Ridge Offers Splash into Summer Staycation Package
Leah LeMoineJuly 26, 2019
This is your last month to take advantage of jaw-dropping discounts on resort stays and spa treatments.
Here are five things that serve as badges of honor for surviving Arizona's warmest season – if you dare to venture out of the air-conditioning, that is.
Triple-digit heat getting you down? There’s an Arizona craft brew for that.
Triple-digit heat? Bring it on!
CultureThe PHiXWe Tried ItLocally Owned Shops You Have to Check Out This Summer
Mirelle InglefieldMay 8, 2019
Summertime Stash: Shopping With PHOENIX Art Director Mirelle Inglefield.
AdventuresDon’t Be That Guy: Summer Hiking Tips to Avoid a Camelback Rescue
Lauren LoftusJune 6, 2017
Last year, on June 19, Phoenix broke a daily heat record reaching 118 degrees, killing four hikers in the Phoenix and Tucson area. Unfortunately, this wasn’t a singular incident. Phoenix weather routinely tops a scorching 110 degrees in the summer. Yet people continue to think they can handle hiking around the Valley despite the heat, especially, it seems, Camelback Mountain – the Phoenix hiking trail equivalent of L.A.’s Runyon Canyon in terms of popularity, but with steep ascents and tricky switchbacks over unforgiving desert landscape. It seems there’s always a helicopter rescue or five every year. Don’t forget who pays for those rescues… us, taxpayers.
CultureDear Summer, We Need To Talk
Lauren LoftusSeptember 30, 2016
Dear Summer,
It's not you, it's us.
You were really, really hot, we'll admit, perhaps more so than any summer we can remember. And sure, you had your perks – we'll miss the lighter traffic on our morning commutes, and the weekend escapes to cool, breezy hikes up north were downright pleasant, and, of course, the heavily-discounted deals on local resort staycations made us feel like high rollers. But no amount of trips to AC-blasted grocery stores or $11 poolside piña coladas or reclining seat movie theaters could truly make us compatible (besides, your blockbusters this year stunk).
OK, fine. It is you. You're clingy and persistent; overbearing and stifling. We always had to do what you wanted. Did you ever consider that sometimes we didn't feel like hibernating inside just to maintain a normal body temperature? Netflix and chill took on a new, very un-sexy meaning with you.