Here in Arizona, fall is a time of reemergence, awakening and rediscovering the best of what this state has to offer. Namely, that's community — the places and faces that make our desert home, well, home. As we reflect with gratitude on 2024 nearing its close, that's what we kept coming back to: It's in the togetherness. Whether we're crossing our fingers tight for a winning season, devouring the best tacos in town or hitting a trail to take in the top's wondrous vista, we have so much to feel thankful for. So, lest we forget, we wrote a list. We'll start with a gimme. — Becky Bartkowski
Arizona sunsets, duh
Lots of places boast of having the best sunsets. They’re wrong. Arizona sunsets are breathtaking — an ever-changing swirl of purple, orange and sometimes fiery red. The orange and purple of the uniforms of the Phoenix Suns — the most popular sports team in the Valley — reflect this. But nothing beats walking out as the sun starts to set and seeing for yourself. It’s magical. — Bill Goodykoontz
Indigenous chefs celebrate native ingredients
Arizona is home to 22 federally recognized Native American nations, including the Navajo and Tohono O'odham nations. And thanks to trailblazing chefs like Nephi Craig, Denella Belin, Jerald Tso and others, Native American ingredients and recipes take center stage, whether it's fry bread, blue corn or prickly pear. — Endia Fontanez
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It's never not camping season
I’mthankfulthat it’s never not camping season in Arizona.Fall brings colorful foliageand the music of elk bugling. Spring teases out fresh greenery all over the state. Summer is a riot of flowers from Flagstaff to the White Mountains. And winter is our time to reclaim the desert when the wide-open expanses of southeastern Arizona beckon with impossibly starry skies. — Jill Cassidy
Pack up your gear:These Arizona campgrounds were named best in the West
There's so much great music coming out of Arizona
Every year, a shocking number of my favorite records are by Arizona artists. This year’s standouts ranged from “Triple Digits,” an experimental hip-hop headphone record from one of the Valley’s finest, RiTchie with a T of Injury Reserve, to“Astrologer Fleetwood Sprawl”by Astrologer, a 17-song masterstroke of unassuming indie-pop perfection, and “Lighter in the Morning,” the latest from Veronica Everheart, a gifted songwriter with a talent for offsetting vulnerability with electrifying forays into noisier terrain.— Ed Masley
The Latine coffee shop scene is a treasure
I fell in love with my abuelita’s café de olla as a kid. And I’m just about the luckiest zacatecana in Phoenix with the countless Latine-owned coffee shops popping up across the Valley. There’s something about a well-brewed cup of coffee that fills me with long-lasting joy. That’s the feeling I get when at Cuentos Café inside of Palabras Bilingual Bookstore, at Xolo Coffee in Coronado or Futuro, just off Roosevelt Row. — Joanna Jacobo Rivera
We're home to more than 200 museums
Did you know that, in addition to its stunning hiking trails and beautiful landscapes, the Grand Canyon State boasts more than 200 museums? In the middle of the desert, you can be transported back in time or into entirely new worlds. Explore Native American heritage, Hispanic culture, dinosaur exhibits, modern art, miniatures, planes and trains and even visit the world's largest musical instrument museum.— Tiffany Acosta
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We’re rich in road trips
Phoenix is just a day trip away from nationally acclaimed destinations, from the red rocks of Sedona to the saguaro-laden desert vistas of Tucson and thehistoric mining town of Bisbee.Flagstaffin northern Arizona andPinetop-Lakesidein the White Mountains, which The Arizona Republic readers named the winner and runner-up of ourArizona Road Trip Bracket, are favored as ideal destinations for Valley residents. Both are among the best places forleaf peeping through the forestsin the fall, skiing down a mountain in the winter and comfortable temperatures in the summer. — Michael Salerno
Route 66 is a path through history
Created in 1926 as the main federal roadway in the U.S., Route 66 is still traveled to this day. In Arizona, towns like Kingman and Seligman, along with other cities that were not part of the route, such as Oatman, Williams, Flagstaff or Winslow, have managed to preserve the special charm of this almost century-old highway. — Nadia Cantú
Our Chinese food rivals LA
From Cantonesedim sumtonorthern Chinese noodles and Sichuanhot pot, Phoenix’s huge variety of Chinese (and pan-Asian) food satisfies my taste buds in a way only LA has done before. The Valley’s Asian population is changing the urban landscape as it grows, especially in the east Valley. I love going to 99 Ranch or HMart, having a snack of malatang or Korean cold noodles, and then getting my grocery shopping done for the week.— Reia Li
There’s a community for everything – including horror lovers
It takes just one or two people to start a movement. And in Phoenix, that movement is horror. Over the last couple of years, Arizona has made a name for itself as a hub for Halloween fanatics, largely thanks to people like Jason and Gina Swarr of Terror Trader in Chandler. They also put on the annualGathering of the Ghoulsconvention, where like-minded horror fans can meet and mingle, and support local artists at the same time. From horror-inspired drag shows to cult classic movie nights, there's something in the Valley for horror fans from all walks of life. — Endia Fontanez
We even have a horror and sci-fi movie festival
Who doesn’t love a good horror movie? (Or a bad one?) The International Horror and Sci-Fi Festival is now folded into the annual Phoenix Film Festival, and it’s exactly what it sounds like. Monte Yazzie is the horror festival’s director and knows just about all there is to know about horror films. For some reason, the event's a little-known gem. That should change. — Bill Goodykoontz
Phoenix has perfect patio weather (and perfect patios)
Nothing brings me more joy than the promise of patio dining at the first whisper of fall’s cool air, which, for those who live in triple digits, means temperature in the 70s and 80s. The point is, when people in most states are shaking in their boots and dreading what’s ahead, we enjoy dining al fresco. And we've got everything from rooftop bars to little oases, like Schmooze for tea,Wrigley Mansionfor cityviews,Lon’s at the Hermosafor brunch and Arizona Wilderness Brewing forbeer.— Bahar Anooshahr
Greer is another world
When the Valley reaches summer meltdown, Greer feels like a secret escape hatch. The journey is part of the pleasure, a scenic four- to five-hour drive from Phoenix to Big Lake winds through the saguaro-dotted desert, thick ponderosa pine forests, and eventually, wide open meadows surrounded by Aspen groves. It’s remote, which means spotty cell service and plenty of wildlife, great stargazing and sprawling vistas. It feels like one of Arizona’s best-kept secrets. — Felicia Campbell
It's heaven for IPA lovers
When IPAs became popular in the 2010s hipster scene, I tasted one and never looked back. While I still enjoy a darker brew from time to time, the hoppy citrusy taste of an IPA is still my go-to. When I moved to Arizona last October, I didn’t anticipate the brewing scene to almost specialize in IPAs, with nearly every brewery offering an overwhelming number of options. Who knew Arizona would be an IPA lover’s heaven?— Meredith G. White
Iconic music festivals are making comebacks
Two of the coolest music festivals this state has ever seen returned in 2024.FORM festival returned to Arcosantifrom a five-year break for a 10th-anniversary celebration that sold out long before the lineup was announced. And what a lineup, from Angel Olsen and Kim Gordon to Thundercat. A few weeks later,Viva PHX celebrated its 10th anniversaryin downtown Phoenix, coming back from a seven-year break with 70 acts on 10 stages. — Ed Masley
Mexico’s beaches are an easy drive away
Being fewer than four hours from the beach is a luxury. The fact that beaches in Puerto Peñasco are largely uncrowded and unspoiled, is simply incredible. I bypass spring break-favorite Sandy Beach in favor of the tranquility of Las Conchas where the water is warm enough for swimming during the summer and the sandy stretches are sprawling and quiet enough for long, cozy walks during the winter. Best of all, beachfront hotels and house rentals are affordable indulgences, as are oceanside massages. — Felicia Campbell
Metro Phoenix is full of cultural pockets
After living in LA for years, finding small, ethnic neighborhoods in the Valley isn’t quite as easy. But if you follow your nose and taste buds, you’ll find the most savory Iraqi falafels at Casa de Falafel in Glendale, the sweetest handmade Taiwanese boba at Mochi Fresh in Tempe and — hands down, but don’t tell my mom — the finest mole oaxaqueño at Las 15 Salsas in north Phoenix. Visit for the treats; stay for the community. — Joanna Jacobo Rivera
The first morning of 'fall'
“Fall” probably doesn’t mean what you thinkit does in Arizona, if you’re from somewhere else.It’s so hot for so longin summer. But there will be a morning — I swear — when you walk outside and instead of feeling like you walked into an air fryer, there will be a faint chill in the air. Very faint. But well worth it. — Bill Goodykoontz
The dive bar scene rules
I've gone to Gracie's Tax Bar more times than I can count (which is saying something). The reason is simple: It has fried late-night eats and also live music, my favorite combination. The dive bar scene in Phoenix is no joke and accommodates whatever mood you're in. Whether you're looking for a chill night playing card games with friends at Rewined Beer and Wine Bar or you want to root for your favorite teams at The Dirty Drummer, there's something for everyone. — Dina Kaur
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Our concert calendar has range
We don’t get all the tours, but Arizona has evolved into a major U.S. market. Taylor Swift haslaunched two tours in Glendale. MoreLatin actsare bringing huge arena tours through town.The Rolling Stonesplayed State Farm Stadium this year. And we get tons of younger up-and-coming acts working their way up through our smaller venues, from Valley Bar and Rebel Lounge to Crescent Ballroom, the Van Buren and the Marquee Theatre. — Ed Masley
We make the best of fall — even while breaking heat records
Metro Phoenix isn't known for having much of a fall season. But that doesn't stop us from pretending otherwise. There seems to be some kind of unspoken social contract that says it's okay to bring out the jackets as soon as it's not 100. Sure, we all have our differences, but we all silently agree to sweat together over our icedpumpkin spice lattes, pushing up the sleeves of our sweaters to our elbows as the sun continues to beat down on us through September, October and November, it is a bonding moment that people in colder states simply wouldn't understand. And hey, who doesn't love a post-Thanksgiving dinner dip in the pool? — Endia Fontanez
The Arizona hiking trails less traveled
Some hiking trails in Sedona are loved to death. Boynton Canyon, Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock — you know the ones. Tourists can have them as far as I’m concerned. I can get the same scenery all to myself by hikingSedona’s Western Gateway Trailsnetwork or the Scorpion Trail near Sedona’s high school. — Jill Cassidy
Award-winning Mexican food
I’ve tried Mexican food from the Midwest to the East Coast, but nothing compares to the sazón of the Southwest, where the culinary scene in Phoenix feels like a little slice of home to me. Phoenix’s Mexican cuisine — from tacos to mariscos, the Sonoran hot dog and mole — is award-winning. And what better proof than our very own Chef Rene Andrade ofBacanora bringing home a 2024 James Beard Award?— Paula Soria
Look, it really is a dry heat
Living in Arizona is like being in a convection oven. But honestly, I love that dry heat. Sure, everyone knows it gets hot, but at least we’re not sweating through the humidity.— Tiffany Acosta
Evaporative coolers work here — and they're the secret to summer
Yes, it gets hot here. And it’s a dry heat. Before you groan and roll your eyes, let’s talk about swamp coolers, also known as evaporative coolers. Unlike misters, the air cools as it passes over water-soaked membranes, dropping the temperature by 20 degrees without getting everything soggy. I was skeptical, but I bought one and spent so many days outside since. I got so used to it, I thought we were having a mild summer. Then I took a step outside the cooler blast zone and immediately beaded with sweat. These marvels of temperature control only work in bone-dry environments. Makes me grateful for that dry heat. — Felicia Campbell
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We have some of the best hotels in the US
There’s something about the desert that makes it an ideal setting for healing. Some of the best hotels in the nation are wellness resorts in Arizona. Castle Hot Springs in the Bradshaw Mountains is consistentlypraised by Travel + Leisure readers. And just this year Canyon Ranch near Tucson became the first Arizona property to receive thehighest possible honors from the Michelin Group. Arizona hotels praised as some of the nation’s best include the historical like theArizona Biltmoreand Hotel Valley Ho, and newcomers to the tourism scene like the Sedona Landscape Hotel Ambiente and Sam Fox’sThe Global Ambassador. — Michael Salerno
Parks make getting outside easy — and they're everywhere
When I thought of the desert, parks weren’t something I thought I would come across often. At least, not the grassy, tree-filled parks of my southern childhood. But I was wrong. In fact, Arizona has an abundance of parks filled with soft grass, shady trees and gorgeous views that make getting outside much easier.— Meredith G. White
From bears to javelinas, wildlife sightings keep life interesting
Will we go near them? Of course not, but we love catching sight of them when they roam around the northern parts of our state. Add javelinas snacking on Cheetos they found inside of an unlocked car and countless rattlesnake house calls the Department of Game and Wildlife has to make year-round and you’ve got yourself a truly entertaining albeit nerve-wracking wildlife experience in the Sonoran Desert. — Joanna Jacobo Rivera
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The street-style dance scene is incredible
In my last semester of college, a friend introduced me to freestyle. Southern California has a thriving professional dance industry, so when I moved to Phoenix, I was shocked at the passion, talent and energy of the street dance scene. Studios likeJukeboxandHouse of 3rLzconstantly host classes and freestyle sessions, andbreakdancing crewshave a long history here. There are so many opportunities to learn and grow.— Reia Li
Desert winters
Arizona is well known for its great landscapes and sunsets — and its dangerously hot summers. But when those temps dip, living in Phoenix is a dream. The weather in winter is usually cool and pleasant, and fall and spring are the perfect time to do outdoor activities closer to the Valley. — Nadia Cantú
Visiting Arizona wineries just got more delicious
Arizona wineries are leveling up their food options. Gone are the days of munching a couple of crackers between tastes. Los Milics in Elgin has a tapas menu with burrata salad and salmon rillettes. Pillsbury Wine Company in Cottonwood changes its menu and charcuterie monthly. If the banh mi with housemade chips is available, get it. And the pepperoni pizza with salsa macha and a drizzle of honey from Pronghorn Pizza at Dos Cabezas WineWorks in Sonoita is genius. — Jill Cassidy
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Sky Harbor’s international footprint is growing
Phoenix got itsfirst nonstop flight to Paris, right in time for when the city hosted the 2024 Olympics. Air France’s new route out of Sky Harbor delivered a new long-haul international route desired by travelers, though it was far from the only international travel highlight of the year. Condor Airlines’ flights to Frankfurt gota new, more spacious aircraft, Porter Airlineslaunched service to Toronto, and American Airlines expanded its Mexico routes from Phoenix withthe nation’s first nonstop route to Tijuana. — Michael Salerno
Our food festivals are the best
As the weather improves, we get out and celebrate withfood festivals. And we have plenty of them, from Greek,Italian, pizza and taco to whiskey and beer festivals. Arizona State Fair showcases new funky foods every year with portionsizes to feed a family of four. We even have a Garlic festival. And let's not forget our numerous Oktoberfests that invite patrons to dress up and participate in stein-holding and sausage-eating contests.— Bahar Anooshahr
South Mountain’s many trails and lookouts
From my house in central Phoenix, I have a view of South Mountain, and I love seeing its solid blue mass line the horizon. Standing at the base of the mountain, surrounded by cactus and the open sky, is the closest I feel to being back in Tucson, which has mountains on all four sides. South Mountain is full of trails to ramble along andbeautiful spotsto watch the sunset over the city.— Reia Li
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Jerome is perfect
If you like spooky little small towns full of history (and lots of wine) Jerome needs to be on your must-visit list. The tiny former copper mining town is located on a mountain about 100 miles north of Phoenix. From the allegedly haunted Jerome Grand Hotel to the infamous Sliding Jail, there is no shortage of historic landmarks to visit. Whether you decide to sign up for a ghost tour, follow along a wine trail or simply explore the town on your own, it is one of my favorite day trip destinations in Arizona. — Endia Fontanez
We're the place for major events
In the last few years, Arizona has become a hub for major events.RememberSwift City? Super Bowl LVII in 2023 was held at State Farm Stadium and included apregnant Rihannaas the halftime act. The first everTikTok global music eventwas in Mesa at the end of 2023 and the2024 March Madness Final Fourbrought sports fans to metro Phoenix in April. It's about time people started to notice the value and variety the Grand Canyon State has to offer. — Dina Kaur
Our sports fans love a bandwagon — in a fun way
Arizona sports fans are, generally speaking, faithful, loud and desperate for a winner. A two-game Arizona Cardinals winning streak is enough. Standards are higher for the Arizona Diamondbacks, who reached the World Series in 2023 and won it in 2001, and the Phoenix Suns, who have made it to three NBA Finals without winning one. But 300,000 people attended a parade for the Suns in 1993 when theydidn’twin it. Imagine what it will be like if they ever do. — Bill Goodykoontz
