For guaranteed fun in the sun, plan a vacation to the Phoenix area in March or April. Whether you and your travel companions want an active adventure, a relaxing getaway, or a mix of the two, the aptly-named “Valley of the Sun” provides options to suit every taste.
Travel time: Get to Phoenix from RST in as little as 5-1/2 hours with a brief layover in Minneapolis or Chicago. Find your flight here.
Travel tip: Book your flight to Phoenix one to three months in advance. This is the sweet spot when you’ll get the benefit of lower prices while avoiding any price surges in the weeks leading up to your departure.
Phoenix forecast: Warm and sunny — ideal for outdoor activities.
- Average daily high temps in the mid-70s in March and the 80s in April.
- Blue skies prevail, with an average of only three rainy days in March and two in April.
- Blooming cacti and wildflowers brighten the desert this time of year!
Top springtime attraction: MLB Spring Training
- Eat an ooey, gooey ice cream treat at the landmark Sugar Bowl ice cream parlor in historic Old Town Scottsdale.
College students
- Pack your cowboy boots for a visit to Old Town Scottsdale’s restaurants, bars, and live music venues. It’ll bring some Western charm to your night out! If you’re fit and ready for an adventure, hike Camelback Mountain, a 2.6-mile point-to-point trail near Paradise Valley that summits at 2,680 feet and is generally considered a challenging route. Make sure you bring plenty of water.
- On a budget? Check out these free and cheap things to do in Phoenix, including museums, botanical gardens, outdoor activities, and more.
Adults
- Pamper yourself at one of the area’s many spa resorts. Even if you’re not staying onsite, you can get a day pass and buy services at some spa hotels. Treat yourself to 18 holes at one of the area’s nearly 200 golf courses, including renowned spots like We-Ko-Pa Golf Club, SunRidge Canyon, and Troon North.
- Enjoy the local food scene, from famous steakhouses to local gems serving Southwestern and Mexican dishes. You’ll find that many restaurants prioritize fresh, local ingredients.
