Asonta Benetti is a freelance travel, food and drink writer based in Phoenix, Arizona. She also writes for Thrillist, Food and Wine, Eater and more. 

Asonta Benetti

Asonta Benetti

Contributing Writer, Arizona

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Articles (2)

The 20 best things to do in Phoenix right now

The 20 best things to do in Phoenix right now

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
The 10 best beach towns in California right now

The 10 best beach towns in California right now

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.