Summer City Guide: Phoenix

When it comes to summer activities, the warm weather always brings out the best in us. So for 15 straight days, we're going to be dropping City Guides telling you the best concerts to see, outdoor activities to do, and places to eat, shop and stay with a summer focus. Next up, Phoenix. With that, here's our Summer 2013 essentials in the Valley of the Sun.

Download Summer City Guide: Phoenix As A PDF

Still touring off their latest album, Mumford & Sons finds their way to Desert Sky Pavilion (June 5) to kick off the summer. And they certainly know how to put on a show.

Website: mumfordandsons.com

Fitz & The Tantrums is one of those bands that you should never pass up a chance to see live. With that in mind, make sure you swing through to check them out at the Crescent Ballroom (August 4) and dance the night away.

Website: fitzandthetantrums.com

Who cares who Aunt Chilada is, her place has been serving up sizzling Southwestern fare for over 100 years. That taco recipe has got to be golden by now.

Website: auntchiladas.com

They take their ’50s era seriously at MacAlpine’s Soda Fountain. Slide up to the bar for an authentic Old Fashioned Malt, served from a waitress who looks like she never left that decade.

Website: facebook.com/MacAlpines

You’re in the land of deserts and rocks, so why not get out and enjoy the free views? Papago Park is also home to the Desert Botanical Garden and Phoenix Zoo.

Website: phoenix.gov

Get ideas for your own 8x10-foot apartment from the man who could build a home like no one else: Frank Lloyd Wright. You’ll rarely come across a National Historic Landmark as unique as Taliesin West, so take notes.

Website: franklloydwright.org

Wander down one of Phoenix’s most creative nooks, Roosevelt Row, known affectionately by the locals as RoRo. Every first and third Friday a pop-up market appears, so don’t be a stranger.

Website: rooseveltrow.org

It calls itself “the antidote to the everyday,” and looks like a conglomeration of backyard garage workshops. But one of the great things about MADE art boutique is that you can sell as well as buy here, so if you’re running low on funds, grab some clay and get busy.

Website: madephx.com

If you’re lucky enough to book a room here for your stay, you might just want to enjoy Phoenix from the comforts of the hotel. The award-winning Oasis pool looks as though it was transplanted from one of the nearby resorts, and the rooftop deck and lounge would be the perfect way to greet the Phoenix sunrise – whether you’re just waking up or just getting back.

Website: theclarendon.net

Pick your theme for the night with one of 128 individually decorated guest rooms in Phoenix’s only historic boutique hotel. Who knows what you’ll find in there. (We have no idea.)

Website: hotelsancarlos.com