Visiting Phoenix and Central Arizona

Phoenix, and it’s surrounding central Arizona area, is known to attract visitors from all over the country – especially those looking to escape frigid winter weather. Spring offers a similar haven for many travelers – the weather can range from cool or warm, to downright perfect. February and March yield, along with fabulous temperatures, excellent vacation opportunities. From the many Spring Training options around the valley, to the lakes that are great for boating and fishing, and even the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Coyotes are hitting the stretch run of their seasons. Walk, drive, ride a bike, or ride the Lightrail around the Valley of the Sun and explore.

As the state capital, Phoenix is the central hub of activity in the state – Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport welcomes out-of-state visitors and is easily accessed from I-10. Home to the Suns, the Coyotes, as well as the Diamondbacks, who begin Spring Training in March at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, in Scottsdale. Phoenix also hosts a major St. Patrick’s Day parade through the streets of downtown – plan for March 17, starting at 3rd St. south from Sheridan to Moreland. Phoenix is also home to the Desert Botanical Garden, which hosts Avant-Garden: World Celebration on March 22. Come and listen to the DJ Miguel Ivery celebrate world cultures through music and dance – a 21 and over event.

If you have the urge to take in some local sports, you can catch the Suns at the U.S. Airways Center, just off the Lightrail in downtown, or you can head west into Glendale, where the Coyotes host opponents at the Jobing.com Arena.

Just east of Phoenix is Tempe. A college town, Tempe is home to Arizona State University, Tempe Town Lake, and plenty of nightlife activities. Spring is a great time for baseball – although not quite the seriousness of the regular season play, plan for some exciting Spring Training baseball at Tempe Diablo Stadium. Watch as the Angels begin their spring schedule on March 5, and play through April 1. You can check a local bar like Yucca Tap Room, which features live, free music every night. If you’re in town on Sunday, March 3, be sure to head over to Yucca for Valley Fever, a revolving concert event featuring the likes of Chip Hanna, the Tony Martinez Band, and Barefoot and Pregnant – just to name a few.

North of Tempe is Scottsdale – a shoppers paradise. Head to Scottsdale Fashion Square, one of the state’s trendiest and nicest malls, where you can indulge in a little shopping, grab a bite to eat, or do some people watching – it’s a great way to spend an afternoon. March 9 through March 12 head to WestWorld of Scottsdale for the 3rd Annual Goodguys Spring Nationals, a collection of 2,000 custom hot rods, classic cruisers – it’s real, American muscle.

Phoenix and Central Arizona Hotel Map