How to Have a "Staycation" in Phoenix

Summer is quickly approaching and a vacation may seem like an unaffordable luxury. A lagging economy and prohibitive transportation costs are forcing many families to stay in their own hometown. This is not a burden, but a blessing. Staycations (vacations close to home) are becoming more and more popular. They allow people to save money while supporting their local economy. Summer is usually Phoenix's off season and locals can take advantage of great deals available in their own backyard. Follow the steps below to have an amazing staycation in Phoenix, Arizona.

Stay at a Resort. Feel like you are miles away while staying close to home by making reservations at a local resort. Many hotels and resorts are offering deals and summer packages including extras like discounted spa treatments and gas cards. When making reservations, don't forget to ask about any deals for locals. Some packages are not advertised and it is always good practice to ask.

Arizona Office of Tourism Summer Travel Deals

Phoenix Resort Summer Packages

Phoenix Resorts Offering Summer Deals

Visit Neighboring Cities. Tempe, Mesa, and Scottsdale want you to support the local economy by visiting their cities. As such, they are offering deals on their websites to combat their 60% drop in revenue over the summer months. Mesa is offering "Mesa Money" and "Savings Tip Sheets" to help you plan your vacation.

Mesa Summer Values

Scottsdale Summer Packages

Tempe Summer Specials

Attend Local Attractions. There is a lot to see in Phoenix and if you are like most Phoenicians, you have yet to see many popular destinations. Start planning them now. Most attractions are affordable and some are even offering summer specials. To get you started, check out the Desert Botanical Gardens, the Phoenix Zoo, the Wildlife World Zoo, the Heard Museum, the Arizona Science Center, the Phoenix Art Museum, the Challenger Space Center, Taliesin West, Arcosanti, Arizona Mining and Mineral Museum, and the Arizona Historical Society. Want the scoop on local attractions? Simply stop in any Phoenix motel and head over to the tourist section near the check-in counter. You will find countless brochures detailing local attractions with maps, rates, and even coupons.

Things to Do in Phoenix

Go for Day Hikes. The greater Phoenix area offers amazing hikes for all levels of experience. It's just a matter of becoming familiar with your surroundings. Stop into a bookstore and go to the Local Interest section. There will be maps and books on popular day hikes in Phoenix. You can also check out the latest issue of Arizona Highways for some local hiking adventures. "Fat Man's Pass" at South Mountain has been voted Phoenix's Best Family Hike.

AZ Highways Hiking Guide

"Fat Man's Pass" Hike at South Mountain

Hikes in the Greater Phoenix Area

Best Easy Day Hikes in Phoenix

Dine Out. Local restaurants need your money. Break out of your comfort zone and try some new local restaurants. Search for local reviews and try something new and different. A fun way to dine out in style is to work your way through Phoenix Magazine's "The Valley's 50 Best Dishes."

Phoenix Magazines "The Valley's 50 Best Dishes"

Don't forget to act like a tourist! Pretend this is the first you have seen the city and look for adventures with fresh eyes. Take pictures at all your destinations and compile an Around Arizona photo album. The photo album will serve as a great travel guide when you have out of state visitors looking for something to do.