Best things to do in Phoenix this summer from free events to road trip-worthy beaches

Summer doesn't officially start until June 20, 2024, but in metro Phoenix the first 100-degree day marks the beginning of the end of long, leisurely midday strolls.

But there's no reason to moan and groan and hide away in the air conditioning for the next few months. There are plenty of amazing things to do to beat the heat and make the most of our hottest season.

Soak in the pool at a luxurious resort in Phoenix and Scottsdale, many of which offer summer staycation deals or day passes to their pools and water parks during the summer. Take your First Friday festivities indoors at one of the free-for-the-night museums or galleries. Or score a hard-to-come-by reservation at a fine dining restaurant and while away the hours over multiple courses.

If you just can't take the heat, then get out of town. Take a lazy float down the Salt River. Spend the weekend at the beach in Puerto Pe?asco, Mexico. Or head to higher elevations for a hike or overnight stay in Flagstaff, Greer or the Mogollon Rim.

And when all else fails, there's always the movies.

Here's a guide to making the most out of the summer 2024 in Arizona.

Splash it up at Phoenix water parks, waterslides and lazy rivers

Metro Phoenix has numerous water parks with lazy rivers, wave pools, thrilling waterslides and shady pools to cool off at, including Six Flags Hurricane Harbor, Golfland Sunsplash and the brand new 38-acre Cannon Beach expected to open in Mesa in June. Plus, hotels including Great Wolf Lodge Arizona and Arizona Grand sell day passes.

Arizona's best beaches

Arizona doesn't have an ocean. But that doesn’t mean we’re short of beaches. Arizona contains miles scenic and surprising beachfront property. That’s always an enticing getaway with summer approaching. So grab a towel, a sand pail and sunscreen, and hit the road for Arizona's best beaches, from Lake Powell to Lake Havasu and more, where you can swim and play in the sand.

Go Salt River Tubing

Spend a chill day floating down the Salt River with Salt River Tubing. Rent a tube, hop on the shuttle bus, then ease back and enjoy the cool water and dramatic desert and canyon scenery. You might even spot some of the wild horses that live along the river.

Rent a cool cabin in the mountains

The promise of cooler temperatures and peaceful days far from the city sends desert dwellers flocking to cabins throughout the summer. Treat yourself to a memorable getaway at one of these 10 cabins for rent in Sedona, Flagstaff, Greer and Payson, Pinetop and Mogollon Rim Country.

Best pie in Arizona: Sample these supreme slices

Nothing brings people together like pie. There are fancier desserts and trendier desserts, but pie is in a league of its own. It's the perfect combination of sweetness and warmth, the most comforting of comfort foods. Here are the best pies in Flagstaff, Tucson, Prescott and more.

Swim and fish at Rockin' River Ranch State Park

The Verde River runs right through Arizona's newest splashy destination, Rockin' River Ranch State Park in Camp Verde, perfect for swimming, fishing or streamside lounging. Six miles of flat trails crisscross the park, and picnic benches are placed throughout, so bring your lunch.

Best weekend road trips: Flagstaff, Prescott and more

Summer is road trip season. If you're looking for inspiration for a long Fourth of July getaway or just any weekend this summer, our guide to top warm-weather road trips in Arizona will help you plan a trip to ancient cultural sites, a lake and the curviest scenic mountain drive around.

Explore the quieter side of Grand Canyon: The North Rim

It takes about six hours to drive from Phoenix to the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, but people who make the trek will be rewarded with cool temps at 8,000 feet and an entirely more peaceful and relaxing experience. Don't miss sunrise at Imperial Point and sunset at Cape Royal.

See a show at the trippy new Las Vegas Sphere

Plan a trip to Sin City and for yourself why people are buzzing about The Sphere, the new concert and entertainment venue near the Las Vegas Strip. Dead & Company is doing a Dead Forever residency at the Sphere through July 13. Psst: Here's where you can park for free in Las Vegas.

Get a summer staycation deal in Phoenix

Locals can live like tourists when hotels and resorts in Phoenix, Scottsdale and the entire metro area drop their rates in summer. Lounge by the pool, treat yourself to a massage or facial and enjoy stunning mountain and desert views. Here are the best 2024 staycation deals in Phoenix, Scottsdale and other parts of the Valley.

Round 1 Japanese arcade: Games, trampolines and more

With video and other games galore, billiards and an indoor sports complex with trampolines and more, Round 1 Japanese arcade is opening a second location in metro Phoenix. The Valley's first Round 1 opened at Arrowhead Towne Center in Glendale; a second Round 1 location is coming to Chandler Fashion Center.

Indoor and outdoor go-kart tracks in metro Phoenix

Make like Speed Racer at one of the many indoor and outdoor go-karting venues in metro Phoenix, each offering unique track layouts and experiences. From Phoenix Kart Racing Association's challenging outdoor asphalt track to Andretti Indoor Karting, there's an experience to suit every driver.

Visit a museum or see a show for free

You just need a library card. The Act One Culture Pass partners with over 175 libraries statewide and covers 26 art and cultural venues and 16 performing arts organizations, including ASU Gammage in Tempe and the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix. Check your library's website for which Culture Passes it offers and the rules for borrowing one.

Restaurants that just make you feel cool

Phoenix might not be known for waterfront dining, but these restaurants go against the grain with tables overlooking lakes, which will at least give you the illusion of a cool breeze.

Step back in time for a bite of history at some of the oldest family-owned restaurants. Though one of them opened without air conditioning back in 1947, they all have AC cranking now.

With fewer crowds, summer is also a great time to work your way through our list of 100 essential Phoenix restaurants. If you make it to them all, you earn major bragging rights.

Iced coffee for life

There's nothing like an iced coffee on a hot summer day. San Diego-based Better Buzz coffee made its Phoenix debut on Seventh Street so you can cool down with their signature iced "Best Drink Ever" ($5.49), a classic Americano with creamy vanilla powder. On the west side, House of Honey in Peoria infuses their espresso with honey from the family's own hives for subtly sweet iced drinks like the cinnamon honey latte.

There's always boba at places like Mango Rabbit Boba, which serves over-the-top anime-themed drinks in Mesa, or freshly made tapioca pearls at Mochi Fresh in Tempe. Even Starbucks is getting in the bubble tea game this summer with a line of its own boba drinks.

Food crawls are a great way to spend the day

Summer is unofficial hot dog season and we have your guide to 20 of the best hot dogs in town. We didn't say fanciest, we said best. This list of 20 dogs ranges from Chicago-style to Sonoran and it basically begs to be treated as a summer dining bucket list.

If eating hot dogs makes you crave a burger, might we suggest eating your way through the reader's choice burger bracket? Or you could just skip ahead to the number one pick.

For a one-stop food crawl, Mekong Plaza is the ultimate destination, with the largest selection of Chinese, Vietnamese, Filipino and Taiwanese restaurants under one roof.

Reach the entertainment and travel editor at [email protected].

Reach the food, dining and nightlife editor at [email protected].

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Things to do in AZ: Best ways to spend summer 2024