Phoenix + Scottsdale

The Phoenix/Scottsdale nomenclature can be misleading: When visiting the area collectively known as "the Valley of the Sun," you may cross over into other cities—such as Mesa, Chandler, and Tempe—during your exploring. The airport is surrounded by Phoenix to the west and north, Tempe and Mesa to the east, and Scottsdale to the northeast. Scottsdale has grown so much that the northern part, starting at the 101 freeway, is practically its own city, now called North Scottsdale. You'll do most of your traveling along I-10, which runs east-west (except for one stretch between Phoenix and Chandler, where it runs north-south), and other smaller freeways that help you stay off city streets.

 

WHEN TO GO

Locals say there are ten good months and two bad ones. The bad ones generally start in mid-July and last through September, when the monsoons bring their magnificent lightning storms and heavy rains. Those months are unbearably hot—about 100 degrees every day—so things like CD cases and lipstick are doomed if left in your car. Bring a midweight jacket in the winter, when evenings can dip as low as the 20s. The weather in spring and autumn is absolutely divine.

HOW TO GET THERE

Phoenix and Scottsdale are both served by Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), just three miles from downtown Phoenix and about 30 minutes to an hour from Scottsdale, depending on which end of the city you're headed for (3400 E. Sky Harbor Blvd; 602-273-3321; www.phxskyharbor.com).

GETTING AROUND

Since the area is not pedestrian-friendly, we recommend renting a car. The Valley is so vast, a single cab fare can justify the car rental fee. The drive from Los Angeles takes about five to six hours along Interstate 10; it's the same from San Diego. Tucson is 100 miles southeast, Flagstaff is about 150 miles north, and Palm Springs is four to five hours west.

TOURIST INFO

Greater Phoenix Convention & Visitors Bureau
400 E. Van Buren Street, Suite 600
Phoenix
Arizona
85004
Tel: 877 225 5749
Tel: 602 254 6500
visitors@visitphoenix.com

Biltmore Visitor Information Center
2404 E. Camelback Road, Suite 100E
Phoenix
Arizona
85016
Tel: 602 957 0380

Open Mondays through Wednesdays 10 am to 7 pm, Thursdays and Fridays 10 am to 8 pm, Saturdays 10 am to 6 pm, Sundays noon to 6 pm.

Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau
Galleria Corporate Center
4343 N. Scottsdale Rd., Suite 170
Scottsdale
Arizona
85251
Tel: 800 782 1117
Tel: 480 421 1004
Fax: 480 421 9733

Open Mondays through Fridays 8 am to 5 pm.

Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall
7014 E. Camelback Road
Scottsdale
Arizona
85251
Tel: 480 941 2140

Open Tuesdays through Saturdays 11 am to 4 pm.

Kierland Commons
15044 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 150
Scottsdale
Arizona
85254
Tel: 480 348 1577

Open Tuesdays through Fridays 10 am to 4:30 pm.