Arizonans have countless ways to spend a perfect summer vacation.
The state is brimming with cool mountain destinations, and the beaches of Puerto Peñasco, Mexico, and southern California are just a few hours’ drive away.
People who like staying closer to home can take advantage of summer staycation deals and day passes at resorts with great pools and water parks.
And if you just need to get out of Arizona during the hot weather, a few airlines added new flights out of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport in time for the season.
Here’s how to plan your best summer vacation ever with advice about staycation deals, the most scenic Arizona places to explore, ways to save money on gas and what to know if you’re flying.
Arizonans can spend a day or two (or more) living the luxe life for a lower price, as many hotels and resorts offer staycation deals and packages for travelers, some of which are exclusive to Arizona residents. The deals include discounts on the best available rates and perks like dining and spa credits.
More than 40 metro Phoenix hotels charge resort fees. Depending on the hotel, it can add $20 to $80 per night to your bill. Read the fine print of any staycation deal to see if it includes the resort fee.
Want to spend a couple of hours at the pool without staying overnight? Many metro Phoenix hotels and resorts offer day passes through ResortPass.
An Arizona summer vacation can lead you to some most spectacular landscapes.
Three Arizona destinations are among USA TODAY’s Most Treasured Views in America 2025. See why Grand Canyon, Horseshoe Bend and Chiricahua National Monument made the list.
Nothing says Arizona summer like taking a road trip to explore new places and get out of the heat.
Flagstaff was voted No. 1 in The Republic’s 2024 Road Trip Bracket and, more recently, was named by U.S. News & World Report as one of the most underrated U.S. tourist destinations. Flagstaff has the state’s highest peak (Humphreys Peak) and is surrounded by the world’s largest contiguous ponderosa pine forest (Coconino National Forest), allowing for an abundance of hiking, cycling, horseback riding and camping.
People also visit Flagstaff for the outstanding stargazing opportunities. Lowell Observatory, famous as the site where Pluto was discovered, opened its Astronomy Discovery Center in November 2024.
In Mogollon Rim country, Pinetop-Lakeside has mild weather, abundant outdoor activities and cool cabins to rent. Thrill seekers can ride the Sunrise Apache Alpine Coaster at Sunrise Park Resort on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation.
Bisbee, a former mining town in southern Arizona’s Mule Mountains, was named among the best places in the world to travel in 2024 by Atlas Obscura. Things to do include riding underground with a hard hat to tour the Copper Queen Mine, e-bike and Jeep tours of the city’s downtown, ghost tours and seances.
Just 23 miles north of Bisbee is Tombstone, a landmark of Wild West history in part for the O.K. Corral, the site of theinfamousgunfight between lawmen and outlaws.
The Route 66 city of Williams, whose downtown was recently declared by HGTV as one of the most charming in the U.S., is home to Bearizona, a 160-acre drive-through and walk-through animal park that offers up-close wildlife encounters. It’s the only place in Arizona where people can see grizzly bears, who no longer exist in Arizona’s wildlife.
If a scenic train ride sounds good to you, consider Grand Canyon Railway in Williams, which journeys to the South Rim of Grand Canyon daily, or Verde Canyon Railroad in Clarkdale, a historical ride through Arizona’s red-rock country.
Looking for more ideas for “coolcations” in Arizona? Read Roger Naylor’s guide to the 10 best Arizona road trips to take this summer.
The quieter and less crowded part of the Grand Canyon is only open for a few months a year. The 2025 season begins in May and ends in October.
New for summer 2025 is a $55-per-person interpretive bus tour that goes to scenic viewpoints like Cape Royal and a new menu at the Grand Canyon Lodge North Rim’s dining room with new items, including a ceviche dish and a vegan bowl.
Note that camping at Grand Canyon National Park will be more expensive this year.
Gas prices typically become more expensive in Arizona during the summer because it switches to gasoline blend that creates less pollution.
Here’s how motorists can save money at the pump.
Airlines are adding flights at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport this summer.
Frontier Airlines began flights to Everett, Washington, near Seattle, on June 2. On June 12, Spirit Airlines will launch a new flight to Detroit. And Alaska Airlines will begin flights to San Diego, one of the closest U.S. cities to Phoenix with a beach, starting Aug. 20.
Air France’s Paris route, named the sexiest new flight of 2024 by Cranky Flier, expanded to five flights a week in May after debuting last year with only three flights a week.
If you need to park your car at Sky Harbor for your flight, it will cost you $10-$43 per day, depending on where you park.
Two new restaurants, the Coca-Cola Lounge and Garrett Popcorn, recently opened in Terminal 4. Tacos Chiwas, the fan-favorite Phoenix Mexican restaurant, is scheduled to debut its airport location in late June.
Other work is taking place behind the scenes, like the improvements to air conditioning in the terminals, and a new taxiway will help shorten your time spent waiting.
Real ID enforcement began May 7, and its rollout went smoothly nationwide.
Make sure your driver’s license is a Real ID — check that it has a gold or black star on it. Travelers who go to the airport without a Real ID are subject to additional screening.
If you plan to update your driver’s license to an Arizona Travel ID, give yourself at least two weeks before your next flight. Or you can use alternative IDs like passports, a military ID or a Global Entry card.
Also make sure your passport is up to date. Some countries won’t allow entry if it’s close to expiring. Current processing times for applications and renewals are four to six weeks for standard service and two to three weeks for expedited service.
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If you’re traveling outside the U.S. this summer, check the State Department’s latest alerts and advisories.
The Transportation Security Administration recently published new rules banning a commonly used electronic item from being in checked luggage is now only for carry-on.
Portable chargers and power banks containing lithium-ion batteries are prohibited in checked luggage because of the risk of devices overheating and causing fires.
Michael Salerno is an award-winning journalist who’s covered travel and tourism since 2014. His work as The Arizona Republic’s consumer travel reporter aims to help readers navigate the stresses of traveling and get the best value for their money on their vacations. He can be reached at Michael.Salerno@gannett.com. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter: @salerno_phx.
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