How to pick the perfect vacation rental in Phoenix

You don’t have to look hard to see the appeal of vacationing in Phoenix; it is nicknamed the “Valley of the Sun,” after all. The city boasts more than 200 golf courses, such as Papago Golf Course and Raven Golf Club, in a variety of geographical settings. There are also plenty of hiking opportunities, such as the popular Camelback Mountain, that offer breathtaking views of the city and its surrounding landscape. Visitors seeking a more laid-back experience can stay downtown and hop between dozens of art galleries and restaurants.

Follow these tips to help you pick the perfect Phoenix vacation rental for your travel plans.

• Where to stay to go golfing:Phoenix’s numerous golf courses range in setting from isolated desert landscapes to lush fairways dotted by pine trees. Book a vacation rental near Papago Park to access the Papago Golf Course, which offers a stunning view of nearby buttes and is also home to the Phoenix Zoo. Book a vacation rental near South Mountain to be close to Raven Golf Club, which boasts postcard-worthy greens and doubles as a wedding venue. Really, no matter where you stay in Phoenix, a top-notch golfing experience is only a swing away.
• Where to stay to go hiking:Located 10 minutes northeast of downtown Phoenix, Camelback Mountain earned its name for its two challenging trails, Echo Canyon and Cholla, whose “humps” give the mountain the appearance of a camel. Climbers who scale the heights—1,200 feet from base to summit—will be rewarded with a picturesque view of the city from. Camelback Mountain is one of Phoenix’s most popular hiking destinations, so it’s best to go on a weekday. Climbers should opt for early morning hikes during the sweltering summers, and make sure to bring plenty of water. Book a vacation rental in the vibrant Arcadia district to visit Camelback Mountain.
• Where to stay to see local art:If you want to have your finger on the pulse of Phoenix’s local art scene, book a vacation rental in the Roosevelt Row Arts District in downtown Phoenix. This walkable district is home to numerous art galleries and impressive murals. Roosevelt Row also hosts an art walk on the first Friday of every month from 6-10 p.m., featuring more than 70 artists and vendors.
• Where to stay for the Arizona State Fair:Attracting more than 1 million guests every year, the Arizona State Fair is the largest festival in the state and the third-most attended state fair in the United States. The massive festival boasts all your state fair essentials: midway rides, games, livestock, delicious food, and a robust musical lineup of national headlining artists. The 2018 State Fair included performances from Gary Allan, the Flaming Lips, and Pitbull, just to name a few. Located just 5 minutes northwest of downtown Phoenix, the Arizona State Fair runs every Wednesday-Sunday throughout the month of October. Book a vacation rental in the Encanto-Palmcroft Historic District to visit the Arizona State Fair.
• How to choose your Phoenix rental experience:If you want to experience all the qualities that make Phoenix such a bustling metropolitan area, your best bet is to stay in the downtown area, where local art vendors and great food are always within walking distance. If you’re looking to appreciate the city’s more natural, outdoorsy elements, then try venturing slightly east of downtown toward Papago Park, or north near Camelback Mountain. And if you’re visiting the Valley of the Sun to golf, you’re in luck: Top-notch courses populate the entire city. Where you stay all depends on which kind of course you prefer.