140 / 420
TDI
8
138
INTERVAL INTERNATIONAL
IntervalWorld.com
hy Go?
For the quintessential American Southwest experience. It’s all here: cacti, coyotes, stunning desert scenery,
American Indian history. And yes, a bit of cowboy culture, too. The Phoenix/Scottsdale area has also made its mark as
a modern metropolis, offering unique, renowned museums and lauded golf courses. Known as the Valley of the Sun for
its ever-present rays, the area beckons visitors to explore an array of nature trails and plummet down twisting slides or
lazily float at a water park. Drawing from varied roots, memorable cuisine is plentiful, from dishes that incorporate Native
American staples to Mexican fusion.
w
Arizona, Desert
1 – 13
With cooler daytime temperatures, there’s no
better time to take advantage of the Phoenix
area’s multitude of outdoor draws. After all,
National Geographic
did name Phoenix one of the
best hiking cities in the U.S. And you won’t have
to travel far: Phoenix’s South Mountain Park is the
largest municipal park in the world, with nearly
60 miles (96 kilometers) of desert-mountain
trails on which to
hike
, bike, or ride a horse. In
Scottsdale, take your pick of six trailheads at the
McDowell Sonoran Preserve, home to a diverse
array of plants, birds, and other animals.
27 – 39
It may be hot, but don’t expect sticky — locals
like to describe the Arizona Desert area’s climate
this time of year as a “dry heat.” Either way, there
are plenty of ways to beat high temperatures here.
Linger in the pool or go shopping at the expansive
indoor Scottsdale Fashion Square mall. Area
museums are also top-notch, including Phoenix’s
Musical Instrument Museum
, which displays
more than 6,000 instruments from around the
world. And what better time to treat yourself to ice
cream? Local foodie favorite Sweet Republic offers
artisan creations by the scoop and in sundaes,
floats, and milkshakes.
1.
HEARD MUSEUM:
Experience Southwestern American Indian culture in the 12 impressive exhibit galleries.
2.
DESERT BOTANICAL GARDEN:
Opened in 1939, the garden features cacti, flowers, and other plants of the Southwest.
3.
TALIESIN WEST:
This famed Frank Lloyd Wright design complements the surrounding Sonoran Desert.
4.
HIKING:
The Phoenix metropolitan area is rife with excellent trails, including those at Camelback Mountain.
14 – 26
Spring brings mild weather, with temperatures
averaging a high of 85°F (30°C) and a low of
around 58°F (15°C). And with sunshine spanning
85 percent of Phoenix’s daytime hours, there’s
plenty of time for a round of golf. Play amid cacti
and rock formations at one of Troon North Golf
Club’s two courses, known for their incredible
views of Pinnacle Peak. To get better acquainted
with the area’s wildlife, visit the
Phoenix Zoo
,
which has an Arizona Trail section that’s home to
indigenous wildlife, as well as animals from
around the world. Temperatures cool at night, call-
ing for alfresco dining.
40 – 52
Average highs descend below 100°F (38°C) in
September, and continue to fall for the remainder
of the year. For a dose of history, visit the Deer
Valley Petroglyph Preserve, home to the largest
amount of Native American rock carvings in the
Phoenix area, or the remains of a partially exca-
vated ancient Hohokam village at Pueblo Grande
Museum & Archaeological Park. Intrigued by the
Old West? Explore
Old Town Scottsdale
, with its
rows of original buildings from the late 1800s and
early 1900s. Stop in for live country music and
lunch at the Rusty Spur Saloon.
50 100 150
Weeks
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
Greatest
Demand
Greatest
Availability
Market
Average
2016 – 2017 2016 2017