Cocoons Homestay Hostel LLC

Make time to take a pit stop in Phoenix if you're on a road trip around the wild west of the United States. The thriving metropolis is home to the biggest municipal park in the country. It's a cactus-covered expanse of land that feels a world away from downtown's gleaming skyscrapers. You can flit from dining at on-trend brunch spots to hiking through far-reaching desert landscapes on the same day in this sun-soaked destination. 

Hostels in Phoenix include some set in atmospheric old brick houses and cultural centres hosting art events. Those surrounded by gardens of spiky shrubs give a nod to Arizona's desert scenery. And hostels with their own Zen gardens and rooftop patios are the places to be for after-hours chilling. Look for Phoenix hostels that organise regular family-style dinners if you're looking to meet new travel buddies. Places offering discounts on Grand Canyon tours make it easy for you to tick this wonder of the natural world off your bucket list. 

Phoenix is brimming with intriguing neighbourhoods. There's upmarket Arcadia, which has shopping and dining on the menu, as well as hiking up to Camelback Mountain. Head to Central Phoenix (or CenPho as it's known) for a whole lot of art and culture and to browse the Saturday-morning farmers' market. Youthful Roosevelt Row, meanwhile, has independent open-air cafes, craft-beer bars and independent galleries. The up-and-coming Warehouse District encompasses the city's traditionally Mexican and Chinese neighbourhoods and has a vibrant multicultural feel. 

Even if you're not a fan of basketball, try to catch a Phoenix Suns' game at Talking Stick Resort Arena – the enthusiastic entertainment provided by the mascots and cheerleaders will have you rooting for the team. For a dose of culture, the Heard Museum is dedicated to Native American exhibits, while the Phoenix Art Museum has works from the Renaissance right up to today. Phoenix is a city that's awash with spectacular natural scenery. Head to the 140-acre Desert Botanical Garden in Papago Park to see a fascinating array of cacti, plants and flowers. 

The car is king in the USA, but other transport options in Phoenix include city buses and the 26-mile-long Valley Metro Light Rail. You can get from Sky Harbor Airport on the PHX Sky Train, which links up with the light rail at 44th and Washington Streets, in about 20 minutes. To get around on two wheels, there's the Grid Bike Share system, with more than 500 bikes and 50 hubs dotted around the city.