Car Rental in Phoenix

Head 30 minutes outside of central Phoenix, past Scottsdale, to find Camelback Mountain. U.S. News ranks a visit to Camelback Mountain the number one thing you can do when you visit Phoenix, and when you get there you'll understand this peak's popularity. There you'll find hikes of varying difficulty degrees, and since the park is open from sunup to sundown, it makes a perfect daytime activity. Pack sunscreen and water, and bring a picnic lunch with you, which you can enjoy in Echo Canyon Park (where Camelback Mountain sits) at one of the public picnic areas. A visit to Camelback Mountain is free.

About 8 miles from Phoenix's city center (18 minutes by car) is Papago Park. The park sits within both Phoenix and Tempe city limits. Though it's probably close to where you're staying, Papago Park is worth a day trip. The desert park spans more than 1,400 acres between the two cities. It houses many of Phoenix's popular attractions, including Hole in the Rock and the Phoenix Zoo. For the budding zoologists in your family, the Papago Ponds are worth visiting after you see the zoo. You'll find beautiful fish species, toads, and even bats living there.

If you're up for a long day trip, make the two-hour drive to Sedona to spend a day in some of the most enchanting scenery you'll find in the Southwest. Sedona is the perfect destination for active people and families with kids who love to run around. State parks, hiking trails, swimming, and more outdoor adventures await you in Sedona. Plus, you'll get to soak in the natural red rock formations that make it such a picturesque place to visit. You'll be glad you made the two-hour trek!

Phoenix traffic isn't bad compared to other cities. Congestion happens in any big city, but compared with other major metropolitan areas, a commute in Phoenix isn't as stressful. That being said, you can make smart driving moves, even as a tourist, to keep yourself out of the worst of Phoenix traffic. The Phoenix New Times offers several driving hacks that will get you around Phoenix speedily, even during rush hour, like choosing State Route 51 for northern commuting.

If you'll be driving a lot in the city, visit during the slow season so you don't have to deal with as many tourists. Mid-summer is the least busy time to visit Phoenix, though you can get away with spring or fall if you don't mind a bit of an extra crowd. The summer is hot, but it's dry, so you won't feel the heat the same way you would in other parts of the country such as Florida. The worst time to visit if you're not a fan of congested roads and confused tourist drivers is winter. People flock to Phoenix during the winter to take advantage of the mild temperature and outdoor activities.