The idea of vacationing in Arizona during the summer might raise a few eyebrows, but hear us out. It’s actually one of the best times to explore everything this state has to offer—minus the large crowds and with some of the best prices of the year! We’re talking lake days, off-the-grid adventures, next-level eats, and poolside escapes. So, get ready to make the most of your summer in Arizona. Now let’s dive in!
Lake Days > Workdays
Arizona isn’t just cacti and canyon views—we’ve got lakes, and they mean business. Start at Lake Pleasant, where you can jet ski, paddle board, or go full yacht life with a Yachtuzzi rental from our local partner at Pleasant Water Sports. Want to turn up the adventure? The floating obstacle course at Paqua Park is like a water-bound jungle gym for grown-ups (and yes, it’s very much worth the GoPro footage). If water sports aren’t your thing, you can always kick back with a sunset dinner cruise at Lake Pleasant or enjoy a live music and wine cruise at Lake Saguaro.
From there, you can explore even more options at Saguaro Lake, Canyon Lake, and Roosevelt Lake—each offering boat rentals, scenic coves, campgrounds, and plenty of wide-open space to cannonball away from responsibility. These lakes are all just a 45-minute to 1-hour drive from Phoenix, making them an easy day trip or afternoon escape. For even more gear and off-the-grid lake adventures, hit up Extreme Arizona for boat, pontoon, or wake boat rentals at Bartlett Lake.
If your summer plans involve sunshine, playlists, and jumping into cool water—Arizona’s got you. And once you’ve dried off, it’s time to get into something just as important: food and drinks!
Bites, Sips, and Everything in Between
After a day on the water, nothing hits quite like good food and a strong drink—and lucky for you, summer means shorter waitlists and more tables for you and your crew.
Start with The Americano, an Italian-inspired steakhouse that’s serving themed Sunday brunches (bonus: there’s a mimosa cart). Downstairs, you’ll find Tell Your Friends, a speakeasy-style bar recently crowned 2025 Bar of the Year. It’s moody, bold, and the drinks go way beyond basic.
Then there’s the hotly anticipated Shiv Supper Club, Scottsdale’s first-ever and newly opened supper club, offering a modern twist on the traditional concept and bringing some much-needed edge to the local dining scene. And if you’re into frozen drinks with a personality, don’t miss the Prickly Pear Frosé Rita at Ghost Ranch.
Thirsty for more? Arizona’s got flavor:
👉 Arizona’s 25 Most Extraordinary Dining Experiences
👉 Old Town Scottsdale’s Hidden Spots
Get Lost in the Views
Arizona doesn’t play when it comes to natural beauty. And summer? The sunsets are truly something else.
Afternoons in the desert can get pretty toasty, so we recommend heading out in the morning and starting your adventures early as well as staying hydrated—especially if you’re heading out for a hike. Papago Park is your go-to for quick trails and incredible sunsets. The climb up Hole-in-the-Rock is short but rewarding, offering sweeping desert views over downtown Phoenix. If you’re aiming to catch the sunset, it’s a manageable trek—just be sure to bring water, and know the views are well worth it.
Over in Tempe, rent a boat or paddleboard on Tempe Town Lake and catch the sun dipping below the skyline from the water. Weekday rentals come with 10% off, making golden hour even sweeter. Want a sunset with a side of dinner? Different Pointe of View at the Pointe Hilton sits 1,800 feet up, offering breathtaking views along with a fantastic dinner menu.
Looking for more spots where great ambiance and stunning scenery come together? Check out:
👉 Extraordinary Dining Experiences in Arizona
This Stay Comes With a Pool
Booking a GoodNight Stay this summer means one thing: private pool season. The majority of our homes are ready for all-day pool hangs, cold drinks, and the occasional cannonball contest. It’s like your own mini resort—but better, because there’s no need to fight over a lounger with strangers.
If you want to shake things up a bit, our ResortPass partnership gives first-time users 10% off with code GOODNIGHTRP24. Think: rooftop pools, luxury cabanas, and spa access at over 1,300 top resorts—no overnight stay required. It’s pool party meets chill retreat, all within reach of your GoodNight Stay.
Kierland Charm
Quick Day Trips (aka the art of escaping your own vacation)
Sometimes you need a little change of scenery—even when you’re already on vacation. Luckily, Arizona makes that easy!
Take a road trip up to Sedona for those red rock views, healing vortexes, or just an excuse to buy a crystal and say it called to you. Or head north to Flagstaff, where pine trees replace palm trees and temps are about 15 degrees cooler. Want to keep it close? Drive through the Superstition Mountains or dip into the Verde Valley wine scene. For a refreshing break, several hikes lead to cooling watering holes, like Beaver Cove in the Verde Valley, where you can unwind and cool off in the tranquil surroundings after your hike.
Plan it out here:
👉 Best Day Trips from Scottsdale
👉 Things to Do in Sedona
Your Summer Pool Party Lineup
Looking to level up your pool days? Arizona’s summer scene just got a major upgrade with some of the coolest spots to splash, sip, and unwind. First up: the all-new Maya Day Club. This completely reimagined Scottsdale hotspot brings together European elegance and desert flair with luxe cabanas, world-class DJs, bottle service, and a jaw-dropping 100-foot wooden goddess watching over the party. It’s a full-blown day-to-night escape, complete with immersive design and a brand-new connection to The Remi hotel.
Craving something more low-key? The Canal Club, located inside The Scott Resort & Spa, offers tropical vibes, poolside brunch, and private cabanas surrounded by lush gardens and glowing fire pits.
Or grab a ResortPass and head to Lylo Swim Club, a mid-century modern retreat in Uptown Phoenix where mezcal mango cocktails and Sonoran-style bites bring island energy to the desert. From high-energy parties to laid-back lounges, Arizona’s poolside scene covers all your summer moods.
Make Arizona Your Summer Home
So, yeah—Arizona brings the heat. But it also brings the lake life, poolside drinks, unbeatable eats, and the kind of summer stories that actually stick. For reservations from June 19th through August 31st, take advantage of 15% OFF select homes when you book your stay using the code HELLOAZSUMMER at checkout!
