Phoenix

Phoenix, sometimes known as "LA without the Pacific," mixes high-end shopping, a thriving food scene, and resort life in the Sonoran Desert. Arizona's capital is no shortage of enjoyable activities. It's no surprise that the Greater Phoenix Area is known as the Valley of the Sun: this region in south-central Arizona receives more than 300 days of sunlight every year.

Camelback Peak, a mountain around 12 miles northeast of downtown famed for its expansive vistas of the city, is a popular destination for both tourists and locals. Museums are some of the greatest sites to visit in Phoenix, and two fan favorites are the Musical Instrument Museum, which has 8,000 instruments from over 200 nations, and the Heard Museum, which is dedicated to the promotion of Native American art. Papago Park, located near downtown, also has a golf course, zoo, and desert botanical garden, as well as several hiking and bicycling routes.

Phoenix became the sixth most populous metropolis in the United States. With the construction of opulent resorts, hundreds of golf courses, a thriving bar scene, and affordable accommodation rates, it's easy to understand why this city has become a favorite retreat for snowbirds, families, and 20-somethings alike.

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