Asonta Benetti

Everyone needs to see the Grand Canyon at some point, right? This gorgeously isolated piece of magic lies waiting in the vast Arizona desert, 75 miles from the closest city (Flagstaff, for the record). Phoenix is more than 200 miles away, meaning getting to the Grand Canyon without a car isn’t quite as simple as you’d expect for somewhere visited by millions of people annually. Luckily for curious visitors, we’ve put together the essential guide to getting from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon, covering planes, trains and automobiles. And, erm, helicopters, because why not? These are the best ways to get from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon. Yes, the trip is completely worth it. RECOMMENDED:🏜 The best places to stay in the Grand Canyon📍 The best things to do in Phoenix🏞️ The best national parks in the USA 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.

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. 

Less than an hour away from the hustle of San Francisco is the coastal community of Half Moon Bay. Built to flow along the jagged coastline, visitors come to escape big city life, enjoying a walkable Main Street filled with boutiques and galleries. Driving into Half Moon Bay, it’s hard to miss the vast swaths of agricultural land that mingle around and with the town, one of its traditional industries. The area is known particularly for artichokes, houseplants, Christmas trees and pumpkins. The town is even dubbed the World Pumpkin Capital; the honorific comes in handy for Half Moon Bay’s biggest event of the year.  Every October, the sidewalks and parking lots swell with tourists descending into town for the Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival (Oct 18, 19 9am–5pm). For 53 years, some of the best artisans in the country have come to showcase their wares over a few fall days. However, things really kick off by commemorating some particularly impressive pumpkins. As the home for the Safeway World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off, the largest gourds around all head to Half Moon Bay to be rolled onto the scales. At stake: bragging rights, naturally, along with cash prizes, including a $30,000 check if your pumpkin can break the standing world record. Photograph: Courtesy Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Festival These are not your typical grocery store produce. Pumpkins at this competition come in around the size of a small car, using a five-ton digital scale to mark the official weight; th

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