When the leaves start falling back home, license plates from Minnesota, Michigan, Illinois, Washington, and Canada start showing up across the Valley. Arizona's winter visitors, fondly known as snowbirds, come for the sunshine, the open skies, and a slower, friendlier pace of life. Many come back year after year, and plenty eventually decide to stay for good. Whether this is your first winter in the desert or your twentieth, welcome back. Here are some of the things snowbirds love most about the season.
Find your community in Sun City and Sun City West
Sun City was one of the first active adult communities in the country, and it is still a favorite for winter residents. Members of the recreation centers can enjoy pools, fitness rooms, golf courses, bowling, and dozens of clubs for everything from woodworking and pottery to lapidary, quilting, and pickleball. Just to the west, Sun City West offers its own recreation centers with a similar mix of activities.
- ✓Recreation Centers of Sun City (opens in a new tab)Clubs, courses, pools, and events for Sun City cardholders.
- ✓Recreation Centers of Sun City West (opens in a new tab)Golf, fitness, clubs, and classes for Sun City West residents.
Catch spring training baseball
Late winter brings one of the Valley's biggest traditions: Cactus League spring training. Major league teams train at ballparks around the metro area, including Surprise, Glendale, Peoria, Mesa, Scottsdale, Tempe, and Goodyear. The smaller stadiums, sunny afternoons, and relaxed atmosphere make it a perfect outing with friends or visiting grandkids.
- ✓Cactus League (opens in a new tab)Schedules, ballparks, and tickets for spring training in Arizona.
Enjoy the desert in bloom
Winter and early spring are the best times to explore the Sonoran Desert. The Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix has easy, mostly flat paths through cacti, wildflowers, and seasonal exhibits. For a little more adventure, South Mountain Park and Preserve, one of the largest municipal parks in the country, offers trails, scenic drives, and sweeping views of the city.
- ✓Desert Botanical Garden (opens in a new tab)Garden trails, seasonal events, and exhibits in Papago Park.
- ✓South Mountain Park and Preserve (opens in a new tab)Trails and scenic lookouts managed by the City of Phoenix.
Explore museums and culture
On a cooler or cloudier day, the Valley has world-class museums to explore. The Musical Instrument Museum in north Phoenix showcases instruments from around the world, and the Heard Museum shares the art and history of American Indian peoples, with a special focus on the Southwest.
- ✓Musical Instrument Museum (opens in a new tab)Instruments, music, and live performances from around the globe.
- ✓Heard Museum (opens in a new tab)American Indian art and culture in downtown Phoenix.
Take a day trip to Sedona
About two hours north of Phoenix, Sedona's red rock formations are some of the most photographed scenery in the state. Many snowbirds make it an annual tradition to drive up for a day of shopping, scenic overlooks, and lunch with a view.
- ✓Visit Sedona (opens in a new tab)Things to do, scenic drives, and visitor information.
Simple tips for a healthy, happy season
- ✓Drink more water than you think you needThe dry desert air can be dehydrating, even in winter.
- ✓Wear sunscreen and a hatThe Arizona sun is strong year-round.
- ✓Plan outdoor activities for morningsSpring days can warm up quickly by afternoon.
- ✓Keep a local contact listNote nearby doctors, pharmacies, and people to call if you need a hand.
Keeping snowbird parents safe and supported
Many families back home worry about a parent spending the winter far away, and many snowbirds are surprised by how quickly a little extra help can make life easier. If a parent could use a hand with meals, errands, light housekeeping, rides to appointments, or simply some friendly company, non-medical home care can help them enjoy the season with confidence. Our caregivers serve communities across the Valley, including Sun City, Surprise, Glendale, El Mirage, Mesa, Chandler, and Gilbert. Private pay home care is available, and ALTCS home care is available for eligible UnitedHealthcare members.
Enjoy your Arizona winter with peace of mind.
From errands and meals to companionship, our caregivers help snowbirds and their families feel supported at home.