Arizona nightlife can include a night at the theater, taking in a professional sports event at one of the Phoenix area venues, or treating yourself to a rewarding dining experience at one of the many great restaurants in the state. For some, however, a little more action will be part of the plan, in which case the Arizona night clubs and bars will likely be the aim. The fun doesn't have to stop in Arizona when the sun goes down, especially if you find yourself in one of the bigger cities. The larger cities offer increased amounts of Arizona clubs and bars, making them the best places to look for some lively nighttime fun.

When it comes to the best nightlife in Arizona, the Phoenix area is the first destination most visitors consider. In Downtown Phoenix, there is a collection of bars, many of which are sports bars, and the nightlife tends to revolve largely around sports in general. Downtown Phoenix is home to both the US Airways Center and Chase Field, and when these sports and entertainment venues aren't hosting sports events, they often host other kinds of events, such as concerts. It is also possible to catch a performing arts event or a concert at one of the Downtown theaters. Adding to the Phoenix Arizona nightlife options are the area casinos, with the Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino being one of the best places to gamble, hang out at a bar, dine, or catch some live entertainment.

Phoenix is home to some good bars and clubs, but those who are seeking out the best nightlife in Arizona will likely prefer the scene in nearby Scottsdale. This city boasts the most chic Arizona night clubs and bars, and it's not uncommon to see flashy cars driving down the lively streets of Old Town Scottsdale. Stetson Drive is a particularly good road to cruise when looking for some good clubs in Scottsdale, and you'll want to make sure that you're dressed to impress if you are thinking of visiting one of them. As is true of the Phoenix hotels, the Scottsdale hotels offer some tempting bars and clubs that are also worth keeping in mind when looking to go out on the town in the Phoenix area.

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When it comes to enjoying some Arizona nightlife in the Phoenix area, nearby Tempe offers some enticing options, thanks in part to the fact that it is a college town. Arizona State University students contribute to the relatively young nightlife scene in Tempe, and since most of the bars and clubs are found in the same general area, you can pretty much park the car and forget about it for the night. Some of the bars and clubs in Tempe offer live music from time to time, so music lovers might consult the schedule of events for any given night while in the area.

While the Phoenix area is where you will find the best nightlife in Arizona, Tucson also deserves some consideration for those who are looking to enjoy some nighttime action. Tucson is home to the University of Arizona, and the school's campus offers plenty in the way of entertainment, with the Main Gate area also being a prime spot for nighttime fun. The Main Gate Square is often the scene for concerts and symphony performances. Fourth Avenue and the Downtown District are also usually hopping once the sun sets over Tucson, and between them, they offer a satisfying array of bars, clubs, and restaurants. Should the college bars in Tucson not exactly be your cup of tea, perhaps a wine bar or a quiet neighborhood bar will do. Tucson Arizona nightlife offers something for everyone, and there's plenty to do during the day as well, such as hiking in Saguaro National Park or taking to the skies in a hot air balloon.

The Phoenix and Tucson areas offer the best nightlife in Arizona, and as you move out of these areas, the choices for lively bars and clubs gets relatively slim. Flagstaff offers some relatively good nightlife if you are thinking of heading there, and many a venue around town is known to offer live music on any given night. As you move north into Grand Canyon National Park, enjoying some lively nightlife is the last thing on many visitors' minds, especially since the options are almost non-existent. It's pretty much all about daytime activities at the Grand Canyon, and most people are too tired to go out when night finally sets in.