Air travel from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), gives travelers an aerial view over dozens of landscapes; including mountains, plains, waterways and deserts. Visitors traveling for business may not have much time to get out of Phoenix, but there are still plenty of sights to see downtown. CityScape is a grand courtyard that links live music, quaint retail shops, and major dining attractions.

Key Facts

Interstates 10 and 17 make it an easy drive to Mesa, Chandler and Surprise, which all feature interesting opportunities for visitors to experience life on a ranch, hike on a rocky mountain, or visit some beautiful Southwestern style homes.

The Apache Trail is worth the four-hour drive from Phoenix, and the scenery along the way is more than pleasant. Those who stay close to the city center can check out a Phoenix Suns or Arizona Cardinals game, depending on the season. The Orpheum Theater and the Pueblo Grand Indian Market, both provide local culture and history lessons, as well as artifacts for visitors to peruse.

Hints and Tips

Nonstop flights from DSM to PHX are about three hours long. Connecting flights to thousands of worldwide destinations are made daily from PHX, so expect it to be busy. Rental cars from PHX allow visitors to take in many splendors, including fine dining and nightlife, such as Gallo Blanco. Country music can often be heard from stadiums, street corners and local diners.