Summertime in Phoenix
What to see, eat, and drink
You may be wondering why on earth would you consider visiting a desert state in the summertime?? I know I even heard these words coming out of my own mouth, but believe me when I say there is so much to enjoy during summertime in Phoenix, Arizona. You will find more than just cheaper hotel fares as this is down season. Follow along and let’s dive into planning your next trip to Phoenix whether it be the Summer or another season.
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What to see in the Summertime in Phoenix:
Hike (climb) Camel Back Mountain
Yes, heat exhaustion is a thing and you should always stay hydrating when doing anything outdoorsy, but especially in the summer in Phoenix. Everything in moderation is key so plan to hike early in the morning as it is cooler. I would not recommend hiking in the afternoon as this hike (climb) is not for the faint of heart. I highly recommend setting your alarm for an early morning hike with workout clothes, hiking boots, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a camelback. Cars will be lined alongside the road and giant cacti before you reach the entrance since this is the available parking for hiking Camel Back.
There are two trails at Camel Back: Cholla and Echo Canyon. Cholla is the easier of the two, but again I remind you it is not even for the faintest of heart. Even if you cannot make the entire hike you will come across amazing views of the sunrise across Phoenix. Learn about all the various hikes at Camel Back here.
Stop at Lux for a great post workout breakfast.
Looking for more simple hiking trails? Consider South Mountain, Papago Park, or Hole in the Rock.
Day Trip to Sedona
Sedona does offer cooler climates making the hikes more manageable, especially when spending summertime in Phoenix. If you can get through Camel Back you will find Cathedral Rock to be a breeze. There are some tight squeezes and straight up climbs, but once at the top you are looking out onto nature into the valleys of deserts and other red cliffs vs, the city of Phoenix you will see at Camel Back.
Make sure to nourish yourself after hiking in the downtown village of Sedona called Tlaquepaque. My favorite spot is Pump House Station. Everything on the menu sounds good! I advise going with someone and trading half of your meal to try more menu items. The inside of Pump House reminds me of a wooden cottage, but grab a spot on the back porch to enjoy your meal on their green space of florals. Oh wow! Let me tell you go for the club and pressed Italian. I can honestly say I do not like sandwiches, but I finished this entire meal. Hiking Cathedral Rock can take all the credit for that and Pump House’s incredible chef.
After lunch walk around the village shops. You will be amazed at how beautiful all the florals and tiles are throughout! Make sure to check back on my next post covering more on what to do in Sedona if staying over the weekend.
Sandals| Shorts (affiliate links)
If you have time before heading back to Phoenix I highly recommend Page Springs Cellars. They offer not only a cottage style winery, but a winery path that leads to a creek to cool off in while sipping on a glass of wine. The environment is very serene.
Visit Old Scottsdale
You will be taken back in time and feel like you are in an old western movie where there’s only room for one cowboy in town. It was really neat experiencing what a western town felt like. If you are looking for souvenirs, cactus items, gems, or Indian novelties this is your place. A short walk from Old Scottsdale is Diego Pops for a colorful lunch experience.
Where to eat in the Summertime in Phoenix:
Even if it is hot outside enjoy a couple of meals out on the patio as all patios have misters to keep you cool while enjoying the outside environment.
If you are looking for dinner with a view, perhaps a view with the same mountain you climb during your trip, make a reservation at the Wrigley Mansion and go around sunset. The views in the dining room are beautiful at the golden hour. You are free to roam around the Mansion at your leisure learning about the history of the Wrigley family and their gum factory business.
Along the Scottsdale waterfront you will find Culinary Dropout with eclectic seating with live music and chandeliers. I would opt to order many of the small dishes to share with your table. My favorites were the brussel sprouts, pretzel with cheese fondue, and charcuterie board. This is where I found my favorite local beer the Orange Blossom. Papago brewing no longer exists, but Husk has now acquired this creamy beer. 
Hands down the best coffee in Phoenix. Lux is a trendy spot with plenty of seating for a quick bite, or a great work spot. After a hot hike I was looking for something refreshing so I selected the parfait, but the key here is to substitute plain yogurt for the maple yogurt. Power move you must make.
I had seen pictures of Diego Pops before visiting and its charming, colorful décor caught my eye to where I wanted to visit. Not only is it eclectically colorful, but the food and margs are great too. You have the choice of many different sauces to add to your meal that fall in line with the decor ranging in many rainbow colors. I had not seen this before so I liked their unique twist here.
What I recommend ordering:
- Brussel Sprout Nachos: comes drizzled with the roasted garlic beet crema sauce (it’s pink and sooooo good)
- Variety of tacos and try out the different sauces with the tacos of your choosing
You cannot leave Tempe/ Phoenix without coming here! If a restaurant can change my perspective on something I do not like or normally enjoy it is a winner in my eyes. Not only am I not a sandwich eater (until Pump House Station) I am not a breakfast gal. So follow my lead here and try some if not all of these items:
- Pancake Flight of:
- sweet potato with candied pecans
- sunburst cake with blackberries
- blueberry Danish, upside down pineapple cake
- AND the best for last the sinful pancake filled with white chocolate chips, maple syrup, and candied bacon.
- Eggs Benedict – eggs are huge reason I do not enjoy breakfast, but I LOVED this
- Breakfast burrito
- Brewmosa (yes that’s a wheat beer with orange juice)
- Snoozefashioned (iced coffee with an old fashioned – I do not enjoy The Old Fashioned, but this changed the game completely for me) It was sweet and had caffeine. What more is there to love about it??
Open only from 6:30am to 2:30pm make sure to come early as there is always a wait.
Where to grab a drink in the Summertime in Phoenix:
You MUST drink enough water during the summertime in Phoenix! Heat exhaustion is a thing, and it is key to take care of your body. Chances are you are on vacation when visiting Phoenix so you may want a different beverage than just water. Here is a list of places a recommend you try out:
- Huss Brewing
- Probably my favorite brewery for the quality taste in each of their beers.
- Four Peaks
- Try the most and sample with a flight!
- SanTan
- The downtown area of Chandler has the old western days feel to it, and I love the tall palms that line the roads. They have a great amount of air conditioned space inside with many tvs. Great spot to grab american type food and one of their brews.
- Digeo Pops
- Pair their margaritas with the brussel sprout nachos! They have a patio with misters or inside seating. Either offers a great spot to hangout with friends.
- Snooze A.M. Eatery
- They have such unique delicious beverages grab one with your brunch. I recommend the brewmosa!
If you are interested in more parts of the state of of Arizona I HIGHLY recommend Lonely Planet! I utilize their resources to plan out ALL of my travels.