Asonta Benetti

Looking for how to keep busy in Phoenix? Our guide is here to share the best of what the city has to offer. I’ve lived in the Valley of the Sun for over 25 years; as the city continues to grow and flourish, so does the number of attractions, must-sees and places to check out. And while the Phoenix metro region includes numerous other areas worth checking out like Scottsdale and Tempe, we’ve kept this list to Phoenix proper, because quite frankly, there’s a ton going on here that often gets overlooked. Use this guide to make sure you’re not missing out on the best the city has to offer. June 2025: Summer is a unique time in Phoenix, since visitors drop off and residents often flock out of town seeking cooler weather. The result for those who stay is a chance to take advantage of what the city has to offer with possibly fewer crowds and cheaper prices—and, let’s face it, most places you’re going to have AC anyway. Mostly indoor activities have been added to this roundup, like baseball games at the covered Chase Field and WNBA games at PHX Arena. The Wrigley Mansion and BARCOA Agaveria have been included, too, as now is the time to enjoy fabulous dining and drinks. RECOMMENDED: 🎡 The best attractions in Phoenix🍽️ The best restaurants in Phoenix🏘️ The best Airbnbs in Phoenix🏨 The best cheap hotels in Phoenix🛏 Or stay at the best hotels in Phoenix Asonta Benetti is a writer based in Phoenix. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their ci

It’s no secret that California is home to some absolute gems. Its national parks are what dreams are made of, from Yosemite to Joshua Tree, and its cities are home to some of the best restaurants and nightlife spots around.  But don’t forget about another thing Cali does very, very well: beach life. The beach towns here are home to glistening white sands and rugged coastlines perfect for hiking, as well as cute small town communities and culture spots. Basically, California’s beach towns have it all. Here are our favourites.  RECOMMENDED:🏨 The best hotels in California🏘️ The best Airbnbs in California🥾 The best places to hike in the Bay Area🏕️ The best camping in California This guide was written by travel writer Asonta Benetti. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

It’s a bit unfair that the popular and fun-loving Palm Springs gets the most attention from the Coachella Valley. Yes, Palm Springs is nice, but what most visitors don’t realize is that it is only one of nine towns spread across the Valley. There’s of course Indio and the famous Coachella festival, Indian Wells and its tennis tournament, as well as half a dozen other towns—including the delightfully laid-back Palm Desert.  A low-key and luxurious cousin to Palm Springs—but still full of midcentury charm—Palm Desert sits about 12 miles farther southeast (roughly a half-hour drive). The quieter lifestyle has attracted some serious wealth, as witnessed by the number of art galleries along the El Paseo Shopping District as well as the affluent Bighorn Golf Club and neighboring homes. But it’s equally easygoing, with family-friendly activities, restaurants that celebrate California’s bounty of ingredients, and fabulous hiking trails (at least outside of the scorching summer). It is absolutely worth a weekend visit to enjoy all that Palm Desert has to offer—and don’t be surprised if by checkout time, you’re ready to book your next stay. Here are five places to eat, drink, stay and explore while you’re there. Photograph: Asonta Benetti for Time OutBreakfast at Mojave Resort in Palm Desert Mojave Resort A love letter to retro hotels of decades past, Mojave Resort is tucked into the quiet, residential streets of Palm Desert. A renovated single-story motel, the boutique spot welcomes