Summer = Vitamin D coursing through our bodies, making us stronger and happier. Well, aside from being assaulted by the broiler breath of heat in your face, turning you to ash like a vamp at the stake.
Stakecation? Sorry
Pools are a great, affordable at-home oasis keeping you from shriveling in the sun, and in a shock to no one who lives here, pool ownership is higher in Arizona than anywhere else in the country. But not every Arizonan can walk out their door into a splash zone.
Even as wages have inched upward, they haven’t fully outrun the rising cost of living. Recent federal labor data shows that while average pay increased slightly, inflation still climbed faster in many everyday categories, leaving families feeling the squeeze at the grocery store, gas pump, and rent portal alike.
In practical terms, plenty of households are making more money on paper while finding that money somehow evaporates faster in the desert heat. Which means for many Arizonans, summer fun is less “island cabana” and more “how do we survive triple digits without triple-digit spending?”
Fortunately, AZ is rich in adventures that won’t bury you in debt. Whether you're cruising the lake or drifting off to the soothing sound of mountain lions sniffing around your tent, budget-friendly experiences can be found close to home.
Things to do in or around Phoenix
For those sticking it out in the hotter parts of Arizona, the safest options are to stay inside or somewhere you can easily cool down, with plenty of access to water to avoid heat exhaustion.
1. Stay at a Local Resort
Skip the high cost flights and island destinations. Arizona has a LOT of highly rated, all-inclusive resorts a short drive away. Compare prices on sites like TripAdvisor, and search for “Arizona resort discounts for locals”. You’ll be surprised at all the deals out there.
Our budget Pick: hilton phoenix tapatio cliffs resort - starting around $110/night
Our bougie Pick: The Hermosa inn - starting around $209/night
2. Take in the Scenery
Native Southern Arizonans have evolved to be lizard-people who know the best spots to enjoy the sun without dying. Check out all of our Arizona State Parks to find the right adventure for you.
Our Pick: Lake Havasu- $20 – 25 for park entrance fee per vehicle, up to 4 adults
Swim, boat, kayak, fish, eat, cause chaos! It’s great for a weekend getaway or a chill day trip.
3. Visit a Museum or Learning Exhibit
Learning about history, art, science, and different cultures is both entertaining and enriching. Arizona is a major cultural hub with no shortage of exhibits. Check out Lonely Planet’s top 12 museums in Phoenix, the very Instagrammable Museum of Illusions in Scottsdale, Phoenix Art Museum, Arizona Science Center, or the increasingly popular Musical Instrument Museum.
Our Pick: Arizona Science Center- $30/average - Admission and exhibition costs vary widely
They have interactive exhibits for all ages and after hours events for adults. There’s something here for anyone interested in how the world works.
Things to do in Northern Arizona
To those outside the state lines who only know it from the movies, Arizona is thought of as desert, desert…and more desert. But locals know there’s so much more to this state than meets the cinematically-influenced eye.
4. Watch the Stars Dance
DYK? In 2001, Flagstaff was designated the world’s first Dark Sky Place for its leading efforts in preserving the night sky and reducing light pollution. Since then, many AZ communities have joined the Movement, such as Sedona, Camp Verde, Fountain Hills, Cottonwood, and more. These aren’t the only places for stargazing, but they are just about the best.
Our Pick: Wupatki National Monument Parking Lot - $25 per vehicle
A PARKING LOT?! I know, but hear me out. “Parking Lot” in the name does not cheapen the views. Spend the day exploring the trails around the park, and watch the sun go down and the stars come up for a couple hours in the parking lot with wide open views.
5. Get Ghosted in jerome
There are too many “haunted” places in Arizona to count, but a favorite for many is Jerome. Once a copper mining town, it lost its steam when the deposits dwindled and the mines closed down. Now it’s known for being a haunted attraction with some pretty cool scenery.
If you’re looking to spend some cash and get scared out of your wits, you can also stay at the Jerome Grand Hotel which brings out all the paranormal enthusiasts.
Our Pick: Jerome Ghost Walk - $45 for the Ghost Walk tour: up to $84 for other tours offered
Go Off the Beaten Path
Arizona has a lot going on. From haunted hotels to dinosaurs to bat caves, there’s always something interesting and unusual to find here. If you’re exploring the wilderness, whether in the heat of the south or the cooler temps of the north, make sure to pack extra water and food to be safe.
For more ideas, check out Atlas Obscura for 219 things to do in Arizona
Your budget’s been sweating enough already. Simplify things with a low-rate personal loan and make room for more adventures with spontaneous exits off the freeway.
May 21, 2026
Published by SunWest Credit Union
