Summertime in Phoenix requires one of two things: getting the heck out of town, or finding the very best spots to make the heat worth bearing! Lucky for you, I’m here to help with the latter. Keep reading to discover some of my favorite things to do in Phoenix in the summer.
There are a bunch of newly-opened spots in downtown Phoenix that will fill up your calendar all summer long. And poolside relaxation? If you haven’t indulged in the Valley’s many beautiful resorts, now is the summer to fix that.
BARCOA
Summertime means margaritas. Obviously! And just in time for summer, Barcoa Agaveria has opened its doors. You won’t find anything but agave spirits on their cocktail menu – but that doesn’t mean that they lack variety. Tequila, mezcal, sotol, and bacanora come out to play, with cocktails ranging from the decadent to the refreshing. And tequila shots? Naturally! The space sports two separate bars – the upstairs Cantina, and the downstairs basement bar – and both boast plenty of agave spirits to sip and savor.
First & Last
Another spot to add to the list of new restaurants in Phoenix, First & Last opened earlier this year and has quickly become a Roosevelt Row staple. With an ever-changing menu of comforting dishes, playful cocktails, and a beautiful space filled with tons of plants, it’s a little desert oasis that you won’t want to leave.
Sottise / Restaurant Progress
If you’re looking for restaurants’ whose interior design matches the excellence of their food, look no further than these two! Both concepts are intimate, thoughtfully designed, and serve up plates filled with top-quality ingredients. The French cuisine-focused Sottise, the newest of the two, is a must for all Francophiles craving a taste of Paris.
Sake Haus
Another new restaurant – Downtown Phoenix really is flourishing! Sake, sushi, Japanese whisky, and moody decor makes this bar feel like it’s been pulled right out of Tokyo. Their nigiri is incredible, and their happy hour is even better – stop by during the week from 4-6pm for $5 off their awesome Omakase.
Highball Cocktail Bar
One of my favorite things to do around Phoenix when the temperatures rise is to try out new happy hours! The dark, cool lounge of Highball offers the ultimate escape from the intense summer heat. And their award-winning drinks certainly help!
They open at 6pm and serve up craft cocktails and small bites until 1am – so whether you’re kicking off a cozy happy hour or need a great late-night spot, this bar fits the bill.
Torchy’s Tacos
You know this Texas gal is so excited for the first Phoenix location of Torchy’s! The Texas chain just opened a spot on Camelback in the Biltmore area. Phoenix obviously has a ton of truly amazing taco options to choose from, but if you’re craving TexMex, nothing beats Torchy’s. Look up their secret menu before you give it a try!
The Best Phoenix Pools & Spas
When it comes to things to do in Phoenix in summer, you can never go wrong with a pool day! Thankfully, the valley does not lack for amazing pools and spas. As the home to some of the best resorts in the country, we have access to some of the most gorgeous spots to relax or play – with wonderful cocktails and poolsite bites, to boot! Many of our local resorts and hotels offer day passes through ResortPass. You can book online or give the hotel concierge a call to inquire!
FOR POOL ADVENTURES WITH THE KIDDOS
Hilton Phoenix Resort at the Peak
FOR A QUIET SPOT TO READ YOUR BOOK
FOR A LUXURIOUS GETAWAY
The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain
FOR A VIBEY GIRLS’ DAY
For even more things to do in Phoenix in the summer, check out this post from June!
xo M
