Phoenix, just saying the name brings visions of a city where it’s hot. The joke it yes it’s 120 outside but it’s a dry heat. So what is there to see and do on an overnight in Phoenix.
First of all most crew hotels are near the airport which means crews are near downtown Tempe and the Phoenix light rail system. Most crew hotels will take you any where within about 5 miles of your hotel which puts downtown Tempe within range and the light rail station at 44th and Washington.Below is a map of the Phoenix/Tempe light rail system. Tickets are $2 each way or $5 for an all day pass. The trains are clean and for the most part on time.Stops downtown are next to the Convention Center if coming from the airport and eastbound back to the airport, there is a stop between the US Airways Center where the Phoenix Suns play and the Arizona Diamondback Stadium, less than a block from either.Stops in Tempe will place you near downtown Tempe where there are lots of shops and restaurants. 
You can get to the light rail system from the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport via the airport tram system. Currently the tram goes from Terminal 4 where you cross a bridge to get to the light rail stop at 44th and Washington. Current plans call for the airport tram to serve all terminals by early 2015.
So what to see and do in Phoenix on a layover….
Dale Chihuly has returned to the Desert Botanical Gardens in Phoenix. The exhibit runs through Sunday, May 18, 2014. This outdoor exhibit is well worth a visit if you can find the time. Desert Botanical Garden is located at1201 N. Galvin Parkway, about 7 minutes from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. Tickets run $10-$22. Special nighttime events called Chihuly After Dark take place Saturdays, March 22 and 29; and April 5, 12 and 19, 2014. These after dark events are wonderful to attend and a great way to spend an evening.
The Desert Botanical Garden last hosted a Dale Chihuly Exhibit back in 2008/2009. So what’s it all about. It is an exhibition of glass art sculptures by Dale Chihuly. The glass, artfully placed to complement the desert plants and environment is incredible to view outdoors amidst the cactus and desert environment. This is an exhibit well worth your time so make plans to see this exhibit while it is in town.The nearest shopping mall to the Phoenix Airport is the Arizona Center about 2.5 miles west of the airport. South and east of the airport along I-10 is Arizona Mills. Otherwise head over to downtown Tempe where you will find an assortment of shops, bars and restaurants. The Mill Avenue District is one area to head for.
Most airport hotels located around the airport will provided transportation to and from downtown Phoenix. Check at the front desk because some of them also have discount coupons to select restaurants in that area you can use.For nonrev’s who love golf, you are going to find over 250 golf courses to select from in the Greater Phoenix/Tempe area. Even if you have a long layover of several hours at Sky Harbor you can get a round of golf in. Here are the four courses closest to Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport.
Karsten Golf Course: About eight minutes from Sky Harbor, this is the perfect track to play on a layover. Run by Arizona State University, Phil Mickelson’s alma mater, Karsten is known as one of the most difficult college courses in the country.
TPC of Scottsdale, Stadium course: Located about 20 minutes south of the airport, this course was designed by Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish. The track, measuring 7,089 yards, is home to the Phoenix Open. It has a deep rough and more than 70 bunkers.
Phantom Horse Golf Club: Phantom Horse is only a 10-minute drive from the airport, a gift considering what’s in store. All courses aspire to have memorable holes; few do the way this track does. Jailhouse Steps (No. 12) and Alcatraz (No. 18) will stay with you for years.
Wigwam Resort and Golf Club: Designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., this club is about 30 minutes from the airport. Wigwam’s Gold course and Blue course, two of the three tracks there, recently got a $5 million facelift.
Another thing Phoenix is known for is fantastic spa resorts. Whether for a day or a week, you will find plenty of ways to unwind and relax. All of the spas below offer treatments you can enjoy while on a layover or fly in and enjoy a few days of relaxation. Here is a list of the top spas in the greater Phoenix area.
4 Star Spas in the Greater Phoenix Area
- Aji Spa at the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa – Phoenix
- Alvadora Spa at the Royal Palms Resort & Spa – Phoenix
- The Centre for Well Being at The Phoenician – Scottsdale
- The Sanctuary Spa at Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain – Paradise Valley
- Spa at Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North – Scottsdale
- Willow Stream Spa at Scottsdale Fairmont Princess – Scottsdale
3 Star Spas in the Greater Phoenix Area
- Revive Spa at JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort – Phoenix
- The Spa at JW Marriott Camelback Inn – Scottsdale
Concerts and Sporting Events in Phoenix
The light rail allows nonrev’s to easily get to concerts and sporting events taking place in downtown Phoenix. Summertime means you can hop of the Light Rail for $4 roundtrip and get dropped off a block from the Arizona Diamondbacks Ballpark and from October to April you can attend a Phoenix Sun’s game. Then when the teams are not playing, often on the weekends, major concerts take place in one of these stadiums. The Phoenix Symphony Hall is also located downtown, next to the Light Rail station. Security is good around the rail station downtown and the Light Rail is less than a block from either stadium. Major events also take place at the Convention Center which is one of the stops of the Light Rail.
Check out schedules and buy tickets: (Click on the link)
Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives in Phoenix
There have been 16 restaurants covered by Guy Fieri in his show.
The one nearest to the airport and crew hotels is (none offer a crew discount)
Curry Corner 1212 E. Apache Blvd
Tempe, AZ
Next closest would be:
DeFalco’s Italian Deli & Grocery 2334 N Scottsdale Rd
Scottsdale, AZ
Los Taquitos 4747 E Elliot Rd Ste 17
Phoenix, AZ
Downtown you will find
The Duce 525 S Central Ave
Phoenix, AZ
Matt’s Big Breakfast 801 N 1st St
Phoenix, AZ
You will also find a Matt’s Big Breakfast at the Phoenix Airport.
Overnight in… Phoenix