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36 Hours in Phoenix

By Abbie Kozolchyk Updated Feb. 15, 2024

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February heralds baseball and bachelorette season in greater Phoenix, Arizona’s sprawling capital and the nation’s fifth-largest city, where 15 Major League teams gather for spring training and innumerable bridal parties descend on the local clubs and cabanas . Not that you need be a baseball fan or bridesmaid to want to visit this time of year: Highs in the 70s and wildflowers in bloom make a persuasive case for hitting the city’s trails, dining patios and — several stories up — a new rooftop restaurant with panoramic mountain and skyline views. Another notable addition: Waymo ’s driverless electric cars (which have not been without hiccups ). Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport allows them to pick up and drop off at the airport train station, and is now ramping up curbside service at the terminals. Strap in for a psychologically wild ride, though the actual driving is shockingly smooth.

Recommendations

• Papago Park , known for its otherworldly red rock buttes, offers a mix of trails, historic sites and botanic gardens, among other attractions.
• The Heard Museum houses an expansive collection of Native American art — from beadwork and basketry to murals and multimedia installations — that spans cultures and centuries.
• Roosevelt Row is a walkable exception to Phoenix’s car-town rep — an artsy downtown enclave where you can stroll among galleries, cafes, bars and boutiques.
• Barrio Café , a regional Mexican restaurant and local institution, serves beloved stuffed chiles, a 12-hour pork (cochinita pibil) and, during happy hour, excellent tacos.
• Camelback Mountain , named for its hump, is the tallest peak in town and the biggest lure for hardcore hikers from around the world who scramble up for the 360-degree views on top.
• Piestewa Peak is Phoenix’s second-tallest mountain, and its Summit Trail makes for a less technically challenging (though still strenuous and gorgeous) hike than Camelback.
• The Judith Tunnell Accessible Trail offers a low-key desert stroll along a paved path with plenty of room for mobility devices and easy parking lot access in South Mountain Park and Preserve .
• Musical Instrument Museum (often called MIM) is home to thousands of instruments from around the world as well as a special theater that warrants an after-hours visit.
• Phoenix Art Museum , one of the largest art museums in the Southwest, sparkles anew with the artist Yayoi Kusama’s recently restored infinity mirror room and the sequin-spangled fashion galleries.
• Taliesin West , in a secluded swath of Scottsdale desert, served as winter home and studio for the architect Frank Lloyd Wright and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site open to tours.
• Théa is a new rooftop restaurant that serves Mediterranean specialties like spicy Greek whipped feta and herby Turkish flatbread against the backdrop of Camelback Mountain.
• Morning Glory Café , an alfresco breakfast spot within the Farm at South Mountain , sources many ingredients directly from the surrounding fields and hen coops.
• Fry Bread House , a Native-owned, family-run restaurant, uses soft, steaming fry bread in tacos as well as in honeyed, sugar-coated treats.
• Huarachis Taqueria , a kitschy new spot from a nationally acclaimed local chef, woos carnivores with tongue-and-short-rib tacos, and vegetarians with mushroom and potato versions.
• Cocina 10 is a Mexican restaurant that offers creative dishes, like jackfruit al pastor, and live music in a century-old garage.
• McArthur’s is the place to go for pancakes and eggs before touring the historic grounds and architectural highlights of the Arizona Biltmore , a Waldorf Astoria Resort.
• The Nash is a vibrant downtown jazz club that serves wine, craft beer and snacks.
• Antique Sugar is a pilgrimage-inspiring vintage shop with more than a century’s worth of wares that include 1920s flapper dresses, midcentury rockabilly finds and 90s nostalgia-wear.
• Made Art Boutique sells embroidered mini-canvases, enamel pendants, wood carvings and other eminently portable works by Arizona artists.
• Phoenix General is a design-forward take on an old-school Arizona general store, where the likes of rattlesnake-adorned hoodies are displayed alongside cactus-scented soaps and chic tote bags.
• The Global Ambassador is a new luxury hotel in east Phoenix with five onsite restaurants and an outdoor pool. The guest rooms and spa are meticulously appointed (think plush Frette robes and Dyson hair dryers).The hotel also offers guided hikes up the neighboring Camelback mountain. Rooms in February start at $730.
• The new Moxy Phoenix Downtown is a fun hotel (the reception desk doubles as a bar with candy and board games on hand) that makes sure even the smallest rooms are well stocked: The help-yourself “Stash” cabinet on every floor contains backup blankets and towels, toothbrushes and toothpaste and all-important post-hike soaps. Rooms in February start at $244.
• The Egyptian Motor Hotel is a recently reborn historic icon, and remarkably kitted out (with everything from cute retro fridges to Southwestern fleece shawls in each room) for lodgings that are so inexpensive. There’s an excellent onsite Mexican restaurant, Chilte , and a lot of live events in the courtyard (this is not a quiet place to drift off before 11 p.m. on weekends). Rooms in February start at $169.
• For short-term rentals , look in the quiet and atypically lush Arcadia neighborhood, where orange trees and palms shroud its many ranch-style homes. The area is an easy drive to most attractions.
• Though Phoenix has walkable neighborhoods here and there, cars reign supreme in a city so sprawling. The new and ever-expanding Waymo driverless electric car service is a clean alternative. The city also has a public bus , rail and streetcar system.

An earlier version of this article misstated the start time for guided tours at Taliesin West. It is 10 a.m., not 10:40 a.m.

An earlier version of this article misstated the entry fee for the Desert Botanical Garden. It is $29.95, not $24.95.

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Phoenix   Travel Guide

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20 Best Things to Do in Phoenix, Arizona

Begin your introduction to the Valley of the Sun with a visit to downtown Phoenix, home to some of the city's top attractions, including the Phoenix Art Museum , Heritage Square and the Heard Museum . Travelers on the hunt for a more laid-back

• All Things To Do

Desert Botanical Garden Desert Botanical Garden

U.S. News Insider Tip:  Springtime is a particularly colorful season to visit the Desert Botanical Garden. Visitors who arrive mid-February through mid-June will see an abundance of blooming cactus just begging for attention. – Jill Schildhouse

The desert may seem like the last place you'd expect to find flora. Yet the Desert Botanical Garden is home to thousands of species of cacti, trees and flowers from all around the world. The garden's brightly colored plants sharply contrast the Sonoran Desert's cinnamon-red buttes, and numerous hiking trails – like the Plants and People of the Sonoran Desert and the Harriet K. Maxwell Desert Wildflower Loop trails – allow you to experience the region's natural wonders the way early settlers once did. The Desert Botanical Garden also hosts numerous events, including culinary demonstrations and outdoor concert series.

Camelback Mountain Camelback Mountain free

As one of the highest peaks in Phoenix, Camelback Mountain is among the most scenic hiking spots in the city. Soaring more 2,700 feet in elevation, Camelback's summit offers spectacular views of Phoenix and Scottsdale and can be reached from the 2.5-mile (incredibly steep) out-and-back Echo Canyon Trail. If you're looking for a slightly easier trek, the 2.6-mile out-and-back Cholla Trail on the east side of the mountain offers a more gradual incline, at least until you near the summit. You can also try one of the several beginner-friendly trails that circle Camelback's base, such as the Bobby's Rock Trail. Hiking Camelback Mountain is best attempted earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon when the desert heat is bearable (in fact, it's closed from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on days with excessive heat warnings). But no matter when you decide to climb, make sure you have plenty of water and sunscreen. For a unique perspective of the mountain, consider a sunrise hot air balloon ride (one of the best Arizona tours ).

Recent travelers who scaled the mountain said the arduous journey is well worth the incredible views, though they do warn this experience is not for the faint of heart. Reviewers also suggested bringing your camera, as the views at the summit and along the way are photo-worthy. Visitors also warn that you should be prepared to share the trails with lots of other hikers.

Musical Instrument Museum Musical Instrument Museum

U.S. News Insider Tip: When hunger strikes, visit the on-site Café Allegro, which tantalizes customers' taste buds with a seasonal menu showcasing local produce, regional dishes and cuisines from around the world. There are plenty of vegan, vegetarian and kid-friendly options, too. – Jill Schildhouse

The Musical Instrument Museum, located about 20 miles north of downtown Phoenix, invites visitors to check out its collection of more than 8,000 instruments from around the world. Travelers will find instruments, concert footage, clothing of renowned musicians and more. Visitors can even see how instruments are preserved and restored in the Conservation Lab before actually playing instruments in the Experience Gallery. Many parents said their children especially enjoyed experimenting with the instruments in the Experience and Encore galleries (the latter of which is geared toward kids who are prekindergarten to second grade), advising future visitors to make it the last stop in the museum because the kids will not want to leave.

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Heard Museum Heard Museum

If you're a history buff or an art aficionado (or both), take advantage of the spectacular exhibits – and air conditioning – housed in the Heard Museum. According to many, the Heard Museum is one of the country's finest Native American museums and offers a comprehensible introduction to Arizona's original residents. With the help of pre-Colombian to contemporary art and a variety of traditional artifacts, the Heard Museum conveys the life and culture of Native Americans in the Southwest. 

Recent visitors recommend setting aside at least half a day to see the exhibits housed here. Many also praised the docents and suggested joining a free tour to get the most out of your time here. You'll also want to take a spin through the gift shop, according to reviewers.

Phoenix Art Museum Phoenix Art Museum

Housed within a notable example of Modernist architecture (it was partially designed by Frank Lloyd Wright) is the largest art museum in the Southwest United States (with more than 20,000 works of art, some of them dating as far back as the Renaissance). From Diego Rivera to Frederic Remington, Georgia O'Keeffe to Frida Kahlo, the Phoenix Art Museum's permanent collection caters to a wide variety of tastes, and often welcomes top-notch traveling exhibits. Be sure to check out the popular Thorne Miniature Rooms, and if you're traveling with kids, take advantage of the museum's youth-oriented activities; you can pick up a guide for navigating the museum with kids (which includes a scavenger hunt) at the front desk.

Recent visitors praised the museum's size and layout, and its ability to appeal to a variety of age groups. Reviewers also offered kudos for the on-site restaurant and gift shop, and say this is a great place to beat the heat on hot summer days. Those without a taste for modern art may not enjoy their visit as much; despite its diverse collections, expect to see a lot of more recent artworks. If you'd like a little guidance navigating the museum's collection, consider signing up for one of its docent-led public tours, which are offered every day that the museum is open.

South Mountain Park South Mountain Park free

Arizona offers a seemingly endless array of outdoor experiences. And Phoenix's South Mountain Park is no exception. The park, which spans more than 16,000 acres and is one of the country’s largest municipally managed parks, boasts three mountain ranges and more than 50 miles of trails. Hikers should consider the Dobbins Lookout summit, which is accessible by major hiking trails and Summit Road. Standing at 2,330 feet, the lookout provides panoramic valley views. If your feet need a break, the park's trails are also open to horseback riding and mountain biking. Along with its hiking trails, the park is also home to an education center that interpretive exhibits. From the center, you can embark on the Judith Tunnell Accessible Trail, which comprises two barrier-free, half-mile loops. Mystery Castle is another must-see. This 18-room home was built in 1945 by Boyce Gulley for his daughter Mary Lou. It's open for tours between October and May.

Recent visitors loved the scenic trails at South Mountain Park. The views and plant life were popular. Some travelers also praised the beautiful drives. Note that the roads are very popular with cyclists – drivers should prepare to share the road and keep an eye out for two-wheeled transport.

Papago Park Papago Park free

Home to the Desert Botanical Garden and the Phoenix Zoo , Papago Park is popular with locals and visitors alike thanks to its proximity to downtown Phoenix (less than 10 miles east) and its massive red butte formations. There are options for all activity levels, from the west side trails to the east side trails to the popular Hole-in-the-Rock trail . Dogs are welcome, too.

Before it was a park, this land served many purposes. It was a reservation for Indigenous tribes, a fish hatchery during the Great Depression, a prisoner-of-war camp during World War II and a veterans affairs hospital.

Hole in the Rock Hole in the Rock free

Papago Park features several hikes – perhaps the most distinctive is Hole in the Rock. Nestled in and among the red butte formations of the park, this short but spectacular hike (it is only 0.3 miles out and back) features a dramatic endpoint. After hiking up 200 feet of steps, visitors arrive at a lookout onto nearby lagoons and the more distant city. Historians believe the Hohokam civilization, which was present in this area, may have used the rock formation to track the position of the sun through a hole in the top of the rock.

Recent visitors raved about the views from the hike’s summit. Many recommended timing your visit to appreciate a beautiful Arizona sunset. Several noted that the hike is busy with visitors, but well-appointed. There are public restrooms, picnic areas and a nearby parking lot. What's more, the trail is just a half-mile from the Phoenix Zoo .

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Phoenix Zoo Phoenix Zoo

The Phoenix Zoo is a great place to enjoy nature without your little ones dying of boredom. There are four trails that wind through the numerous habitats populated by more than 3,000 animals living east of downtown Phoenix. The zoo houses a variety of animals, including cheetahs, monkeys, Asian elephants, three-toed box turtles and Mexican gray wolves. Take younger tots to the Red Barn petting zoo or to the giraffe encounter where they can get some face time with the animals. When their little legs start to tire, consider the 25-minute narrated safari cruiser tour, which only costs a few extra dollars and provides a good orientation of the zoo.

Recent visitors (especially those with kids in tow) had fun at the zoo, and praised the clean grounds and abundant activities. However, some travelers were disappointed with the added costs for activities, as well as the high admission price overall. Those who visited in the hot summer months warned that some of the animals may not be as active/visible due to the heat. However, if you visit in the summer you'll be able to take advantage of the zoo's water features (it's home to multiple splash pads).

Taliesin West Taliesin West

U.S. News Insider Tip:  While the audio tour is nice, taking a guided tour with a passionate docent reveals more intimate stories about Frank Lloyd Wright and provides exclusive access to his private living spaces. These tickets often sell out in advance, so plan ahead. – Jill Schildhouse

Renowned American architect Frank Lloyd Wright loved the Sonoran Desert, and he used these nearly 500 acres at the base of the McDowell Mountains as his winter home and school. With the help of his art and architecture students, Wright constructed apartments, studios and theaters using local materials to help the camp blend with its natural surroundings. This National Historic Landmark and UNESCO World Heritage Site is still used as an educational space for budding artists and architects. What's more, it's considered one of the top things to do in Arizona .

Tee off at one of Phoenix's golf courses Tee off at one of Phoenix's golf courses

Despite its desert surroundings, Phoenix is emerging as a premier golf destination. In fact, the Valley of the Sun is home to nearly 200 courses with difficulty levels ranging from beginner to expert.

Finding the right course may be a feat in itself, thanks to all of the options. For an authentic Phoenician golf experience, follow in the footsteps of movie stars and politicians and head to the Arizona Biltmore Golf Club. Constructed in 1928 and known as "the granddaddy" of Phoenix country clubs, the Arizona Biltmore is home to two 18-hole PGA Championship courses, as well as a driving range, a putting green, a pro shop and a full-service restaurant. Because of its reputation, you'll want to reserve tee times well in advance, plus, you should plan your tee time for early morning or later in the evening to avoid the Arizona heat. The club is part of the Arizona Biltmore Resort in downtown Phoenix. Reserve your tee times online at the course's website . Prices and availability may vary.

Indulge in a spa treatment Indulge in a spa treatment

U.S. News Insider Tip: The world-renowned Sisley-Paris Spa resides within Well & Being Spa at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess — there are only three U.S. locations and this is the largest. These ultra-luxe European-style facial treatments and body rituals are a highly sensorial experience. – Jill Schildhouse

If hiking or golf isn't really your cup of tea, consider a day spent wrapped in seaweed or soaking in mud. Alongside its luscious green golf courses, Phoenix is also known for its outstanding day and resort spas , which are often set among jaw-dropping desert scenes. When winter strikes or everyday life becomes too overwhelming, many weary travelers head to the Valley of the Sun for hot rock massages and salt scrubs. And since many spas incorporate botanicals sourced from the Sonoran Desert (like prickly pear and cactus flower) into their treatments, a visit to the spa can be as educational as it is restorative. 

Arizona Science Center Arizona Science Center

Seek refuge from the broiling Phoenix weather in the Arizona Science Center, one of the top things to do in Arizona . Here, interactive displays teach kids about everything from electricity to weather patterns to outer space. Other topics covered across the center's four levels of exhibits include sound, gravity and psychology, among others. An Imax theater also offers family-friendly, educational entertainment.

Recent visitors were pleased with the activities offered here, especially the temporary exhibits. However, some felt the tickets were pricey, especially for families. Reviewers also suggested purchasing your tickets online in advance to avoid having to wait in long admission lines. 

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Pueblo Grande Museum Pueblo Grande Museum

History and archaeology buffs should put a trip to Pueblo Grande, a National Historic Landmark and the largest preserved archaeological site within Phoenix, at the top of their list of things to do. This site features the ruins of an ancient Hohokam village, which was occupied for more than 1,000 years until around A.D. 1450. Walk among what's left of houses, storage facilities, play areas and cemeteries on a short, accessible trail. You can also view artifacts found during the site's excavation at the small on-site museum.

Recent visitors called this site a "hidden gem" and praised the well-maintained grounds, as well as the small museum. Reviewers recommend setting aside at least an hour to enjoy the attraction, though some reported spending more than two hours here. Though there are a few interactive exhibits in the museum for children, most said this attraction is best enjoyed by adults.

Children's Museum of Phoenix Children's Museum of Phoenix

Boasting more than 300 play experiences across three floors, the Children's Museum of Phoenix is a hit with kids. Spanning more than 48,000 square feet, the museum offers a range of exhibits suitable for infants and kids up to age 10. Exhibits include a miniature grocery store, a noodle "forest" made from suspended pool noodles, a climbing structure and a fort-building area, among other activities.

Recent visitors loved the museum, saying it was a great place for kids to burn off energy. Many families said they spent several hours here thanks to the variety of exhibits. Others appreciated the museum's efforts to cater to infants and toddlers with designated spaces. Some reviewers said it was the best children's museum they'd ever been to.

Heritage Square Heritage Square free

Visitors to Arizona may not associate the southwest with Victorian-era history and architecture. Heritage Square will change that. Located downtown, this walkable area dates back to the 1800s. Fans of delicate Queen Anne architecture will enjoy the restored Rosson House Museum, which features period decor, while others will delight in the tasty restaurants and attractive views in the area. Note that the 1895 Rosson House Museum is accessible exclusively by guided tour. Tours visit all areas of the home, including several bedrooms, a nursery, a bathroom and a doctor's office (the home's original owner was a doctor who occasionally saw patients at the house).

Recent visitors enjoyed this trip back in time, praising the historic preservation of Heritage Square and the many eateries. Many were intrigued by the history of the square, but some noted that it could be easily seen in a short period of time. Consider adding a stop at the Arizona Science Center as the two attractions sit within walking distance of each other.

Butterfly Wonderland Butterfly Wonderland

U.S. News Insider Tip:  Want to increase the chances of having butterflies land on you? Wear brightly colored clothing – reds, yellows and oranges are more likely to attract them. Just don't reach out for them or handle them in any way, as they are fragile. – Jill Schildhouse

Unbeknownst to most visitors and even some locals, there's a rainforest in the Scottsdale desert – and it's home to the largest butterfly conservatory in the United States. Here, visitors will find some of the only humid terrain in the state (around 80% humidity and 80 degrees year-round), making this enclosure the perfect habitat for thousands of butterflies across up to 70 different species. Before entering the conservatory, visitors begin with a viewing of "Flight of the Butterflies" in the 3D theater to gain a better appreciation for a monarch butterfly's intense annual migration. Next, stop by the Butterfly Emergence Gallery, where live chrysalis morph into beautiful butterflies right before your eyes. Once inside the conservatory, be sure to look at all the foliage high and low, because the magical butterflies flit about everywhere.

Wrigley Mansion Wrigley Mansion

Back in 1932, chewing gum magnate William Wrigley Jr. designed the Wrigley Mansion as a winter getaway home and a 50th anniversary gift to his wife. Set atop a hill overlooking 360-degree views of the entire Phoenix Valley, this property is a stunning mixture of Spanish, California Monterey and Mediterranean architectural styles. Today, it's been lovingly restored into a premier fine dining and special event venue. Docent-led tours of the mansion, which take about 45 minutes to an hour, cost $20 per person; advance reservations are recommended. Between the grand staircase, the Switchboard Room and the hand-painted ceiling, you'll definitely feel as though you've stepped back in time.

In 2021, the property became the much-anticipated site of James Beard Award-winning chef Christopher Gross' latest concept, Christopher's at Wrigley Mansion. The all-glass space features an eight-course tasting menu (think: wagyu carpaccio, foie gras soup and scallops with caviar) with optional wine pairings. For a less grand, but equally delicious experience, enjoy small plates (such as escargot, smoked salmon BLT and Moroccan lamb sausage with couscous) and cocktails on the patio, overlooking the city (especially impressive near sunset). Another on-site restaurant, Geordie's by Chef David Brito, is the ideal spot to enjoy a special Sunday brunch or live jazz with dinner. Wine enthusiasts will be impressed by the Wrigley Mansion's wine program, which has earned the "Best of Award of Excellence" from Wine Spectator magazine for multiple consecutive years.

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McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park free

In the heart of Scottsdale lies the 30-acre McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park. Part municipal park, part railway museum and part kid-friendly fun zone, this unique site brings together a functional railroad, carousel, shops and even quintessential park space. There are a variety of activities offered here, from traditional playgrounds to an enormous model railroad building – not to mention frequent special events like a holiday lights display and summer concert series.

Recent visitors enjoyed their time at the park. Many noted it was a family-friendly destination, and budget-friendly to boot. Often some attraction or area is closed on a given day, but most travelers found that there were still enough activities available to happily pass a few hours. This attraction appealed to everyone from solo adult travelers to families visiting town.

Chase Field Chase Field

Watching the Arizona Diamondbacks play at Chase Field is a worthwhile experience, even if you aren't a die-hard baseball fan, according to recent visitors. Reviewers appreciated the kid-friendly atmosphere, air conditioning and retractable roof, and the park's unique amenities, including the lifeguard-staffed pool and hot tub that sits 415 feet from home plate. Even if you aren't in town for a game, you can still see the ballpark on a tour, which are available three times a day Monday through Saturday throughout the year. Tours, which last 75 minutes, visit the press interview room, the 20th Anniversary Experience (which features artifacts and memorabilia), the dugout and more. Note: The tour does not go on to the field. After, grab a bite to eat or a cold one at the Four Peaks Draft Room.

Chase Field is located one block south of the Arizona Science Center in the downtown area. Tours cost approximately $14 for adults, $12 for seniors and $10 for children 12 and younger. Tours are offered at 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. For more information, check out Chase Field's official website .

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What to do in Phoenix: The Ultimate 5-Day Phoenix Itinerary

Visiting Phoenix, but not sure what to do while you’re in town? No worries, I got you. This 2-5 day Phoenix itinerary outlines all the best things to do in Phoenix from breakfast to after-dinner drinks, and everything in between.

Known for its golf courses, shopping, hiking, and resorts, Phoenix has become one of the top U.S. travel destinations in the country. Completely surrounded by mountains, showing off beautiful weather (almost) year-round, and stuffed to the brim with entertainment, fine dining, and fun things to do, it’s no wonder you’re looking to build your Phoenix itinerary.

I moved to Phoenix when I was 19 and I spent 9 years exploring every nook and cranny in this town. Despite being famous for it, Phoenix is so much more than golf courses and shopping. We’ve got some crazy hikes, amazingly talented local artists, cool-ass museums, and so much more. So, if you’re ready to plan your Phoenix itinerary like a local, read on my friend.

About this Phoenix Itinerary

In this Phoenix Itinerary, I go over everything you need to know to plan your trip to the Valley of the Sun. I’ll help you decide which time of year to visit, where to stay, and what to do while you’re here. 

This guide was written with the idea that you are staying in Phoenix for up to 5 days. That means that every day’s schedule both begins and ends in Phoenix. This Phoenix itinerary will guide you through the main attractions in town, and it also includes two day trips, one to Sedona and one to Tombstone. If you’re planning a 5-day trip to Phoenix and don’t want to dip out to some of the other cool towns in AZ, or if you want to swap out an activity from the schedule, I’ve also included a few extra fun activities at the end of the guide that you can mix and match with. 

A quick note: The Phoenix Metropolitan Area includes a number of different cities. So, when I say “Phoenix itinerary,” I’m also including places like Scottsdale, Tempe, and North Phoenix.

How to use this Phoenix Itinerary for 2-5 Days of Travel

If you only have 24 hours in Phoenix, click here to read my 24-hours in Phoenix Itinerary where I’ve included the absolute must-dos in town. But if you’re planning a longer stay, you can customize the itinerary below to fit any length of time from a weekend trip all the way up to 5 days in the valley. Each day scheduled below is written to stand alone or work as a consecutive schedule, so you can mix and match with the things that sound interesting to you. Luckily, Phoenix was created with a great freeway system so it is super easy to get around to different parts of the valley in very little time. This means you can feel free to swap any of the below dates and mix and match itineraries to your heart’s content.

Best time of year to visit Phoenix

Unless you’ve been living under a rock your whole life, you’ve probably heard that Phoenix can get pretty hot. In fact, as I’m writing this, it is currently 105° outside. BUT, I am publishing this post in the summer, which is not when I recommend you come to visit. 

The best time of year to visit Phoenix is any month from the beginning of October through the end of April, although I highly recommend the spring or fall when the weather is in the high-seventies to low-eighties.

Phoenix is also beautiful to visit in the winter. We don’t get snow, but you can hang out with the palm trees and gorgeous weather in the perfect 72°.

Where to stay in Phoenix

Thanks to our many freeways, Phoenix is a pretty easy place to get around. Not to mention almost the entire valley is built on a grid system, so it’s almost impossible to get lost. In fact, when I first moved to Phoenix in 2013, I’d recently broken my iPhone and had to learn how to get around without a GPS or smartphone to help me out, and I rarely ran into any problems— even downtown!

What this means for you is that it doesn’t matter so much where you stay. We’re going to explore the whole valley anyway. So, instead of picking a hotel based on location and convenience, pick a part of town that matches your vibe. Here are just a few examples to help you find the right location for you:

Known for its luxury and resort, Scottsdale is a desert oasis hidden under the McDowell Mountains. If you’re looking to feel pampered and relaxed, as well as just a stone’s throw away from boutique shopping and art galleries, Scottsdale is the place for you. Here are a few of the 5-star resorts available to book in Scottsdale:

The Phoenician

The Hyatt Regency

Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

The Westin Kierland Resort and Spa

Downtown Phoenix

If you’re looking for true city vibes, Downtown Phoenix is your place. Here, bars, theaters, museums, and sports arenas are sprinkled between high-rise buildings. Here are just a few of your options for staying in Downtown Phoenix:

Hyatt Regency Phoenix

Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix

The Westin Phoenix Downtown

The Clarendon Hotel and Spa

Home to the Sun Devils, Tempe is where Arizona State University has sat since 1885. You may have heard of ASU’s reputation as a party school, and, for better or worse, the university has rubbed off on its hometown. If you’re looking for some nightlife in town, Mill Avenue in Tempe is probably where you’re going to end up. Here are a few hotels you might want to check out:

Canopy by Hilton Tempe Downtown

Tempe Mission Palms

Marriott Phoenix Resort Tempe at the Buttes

Graduate Tempe

North Phoenix

North Phoenix is the perfect place to stay if you’re looking to get away from the crowds and get in on some gorgeous views. Further away from the hustle and bustle of the city, North Phoenix is on the edge of the desert and surrounded by the Phoenix Mountains. Here are a few options for staying in North Phoenix:

Hilton Garden Inn North Phoenix

Courtyard by Marriott North Phoenix

Drury Inn and Suites North Phoenix

Hilton Phoenix Tapatio Cliffs Resort

Not really what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other hotels in the Phoenix area!

Prefer more intimate housing? Click here to check out private vacation rentals in town.

How to get around during your trip to Phoenix

Unlike other big cities like New York or Los Angeles, Phoenix does not have the most intricate metro system. In order to get the most out of your trip, I highly recommend renting a car while you’re in town, especially if you decide to do one of the day trips I recommend below. 

The Ultimate 5-Day Phoenix Itinerary

Finally, let’s get into the good stuff…

This Phoenix itinerary is built to be completely customizable. If you don’t like one of the activity options, feel free to swap it out with one of the bonus activities listed at the end of this article! The same thing goes if you’d rather not take a day trip to Sedona or Tombstone. If that’s the case, feel free to fill those days with some of the bonus activities as well. 

Phoenix Itinerary Day 1: Arrive in Phoenix

Arrive in Phoenix → Pick up rental car → Lunch at Green New American Vegetarian → Check in to hotel or vacation rental Restaurant → Desert Botanical Gardens → (Optional) Evening Hike at Papago Park Butte Loop → Dinner in Downtown Tempe → Nightlife on Mill Avenue

Arrive and Get Settled

Welcome to Phoenix, the Valley of the Sun! We’ve got a busy 5 days ahead of us, so we’re going to start off a little slow today. 

After your plane hits the tarmac and you’ve gathered your belongings from the luggage carousel, go ahead and pick up your rental car. Depending on what time your plane has landed, it may be too early to check in at your hotel or vacation rental. If that’s the case, I recommend enjoying lunch at Green New American Vegetarian before you drop off your bags. There is a location in downtown Phoenix as well as in Tempe, so you can pick whichever option is closer to where you’re staying.

Now that you’ve got a full belly to curb the jet lag, go ahead and check in to your room. At this point, you’ve got a choice. You can either drop off your bags and head back out, or you can flop onto your bed for a few hours and recuperate from your travels. Seriously, no judgment if you choose the second option.

Our first adventure— Desert Botanical Gardens

If you chose to get right into it, it’s time for our first adventure. We’re going to head to East Phoenix where the Desert Botanical Garden sits right in between Scottsdale and Tempe. The garden is a gorgeous park blossoming with hundreds of desert plants. There are plenty of trails to wander around and immerse yourself in the desert beauty. If you come in spring, you’re in for an extra special treat as many of the plants will be in full bloom. 

You’ll need about two hours to explore the park.

Optional Evening Hike: Papago Park Butte Loop

Phoenix is a hub for hiking. And it’s no wonder since it’s completely surrounded by desert mountains. There are more than 230 hikes around town, so if hiking is your thing, you’ll have plenty of opportunities while you’re here. While the Desert Botanical Garden does have a few trails to wander, they’re more meant for wandering than for hiking. If you’re looking for a bit more exercise, I recommend checking out Papago Park Butte Loop . It’s right next door to the Botanical Garden and is an easy hike that will only take you about 45 minutes to complete. While there isn’t much of an incline on this trail, the hike is well worth it for the strange rock formations that line the path.

Dinner and Nightlife in Downtown Tempe

After you’re done exploring the desert, you’re just a hop, skip, and jump away from Mill Avenue in Downtown Tempe. This is a great place to get dinner since there are a plethora of options. I recommend trying some authentic Mexican cuisine at Loco Patron . After dinner, it’s time to party like a Phoenician. Mill Avenue is right next door to the state university, so you know the bars and entertainment are going to be top-notch. You can even join the Arizona P a rty Bike on a pub crawl, or create your own personal crawl by exploring the many bars and clubs dotted along the main street. 

Phoenix Itinerary Day 2: Let’s Get Cultured!

Sunrise hot air balloon ride → (Optional) Dixie Loop Trail hike → Breakfast at Eggstacy → The MIM (and/or) The Heard Museum → See a play at Phoenix Theater Company → After-show drinks at Highball Cocktails Speakeasy

Cross off a bucket-list experience first thing in the morning— Sunrise hot air balloon ride

Rise and shine, starshine! I hope you didn’t party too hard last night because we’ve got an early morning today. Hopefully, you’ve shaken off the rest of your jet lag by now because it’s time for adventure. We’re going to start day 2 with one of the coolest experiences you can do in Phoenix: a sunrise hot air balloon ride. Rainbow Ryders is here to help you fulfill a one-of-a-kind bucket list experience by taking you up to 3,000 feet in the air just after sunrise. See the Sonoran Desert vistas from a bird’s eye view that most people never get to see and conclude your flight with a celebratory toast and a commemorative flight certificate. 

The flight on the balloon is about an hour, and the full experience takes about three hours. 

Optional Morning Hike: Dixie Mountain Loop Trail

For all my hikers out there, I got you. If you’re one of those people who love the outdoors, I am including an optional hike every day in this Phoenix itinerary. If you’re not a hiker, no worries. Feel free to skip these activities and move on to the next, or simply fill in the space with one of the optional activities from the end of this article. 

Dixie Mountain Loop Trail is a moderate trail in North Phoenix. In many areas, the hills of the desert block out the view from the city, giving off the effect that you’re completely lost in nature. It’s a great place to get in touch with the desert and appreciate Arizona’s wide, blue skies.

The full loop takes about two hours to complete, or you can just go part way and turn around to match whatever time frame you’re working with.

Breakfast at Eggstacy

We’re staying in the general area of North Phoenix this morning, which is great because that means you can grab breakfast at one of my favorite restaurants, Eggstacy at Norterra . My roommate (who’s a total foodie and a professionally trained chef) introduced me to this gem of a breakfast joint. Here, the food is fresh and the portions are huge. And I mean, huge . My favorite dish is the berry crepes which come with three ginormous crepes stuffed with blackberries, blueberries, and strawberries.

Fair warning, this is a popular local place and on weekends the wait times can run long.

Let’s Get Cultured! A choice of two museums 

We’ve got two fantastic museum options, depending on your interests. If you’ve got the time, I highly recommend visiting both. Each museum takes about 2-4 hours, so it’s possible to squeeze both museums in one day if you skip breakfast and the optional hike. If that doesn’t feel like an option to you, pick your fav. 

Option A: The Musical Instrument Museum

If you have any interest in music at all, as in, if you like to listen to music, play music, sing music, etc., then visiting the Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) is a must while you’re in Phoenix. This is the only global instrument museum in the world, which is pretty darn special. The MIIM’s curated collection is enough to keep anyone immersed in the museum for hours. 

They even have an award-winning café, Café Allegro, which is where we’ll be having lunch today. The café has an ever-changing menu of global cuisine, and always offers vegan and vegetarian options. 

I recommend spending about 3-4 hours at the museum, including time for lunch. 

Option B: The Heard Museum

The most prominent museum for Native American art and culture, The Heard Museum is a very important stop on your Phoenix adventure. The museum teaches about different Native American cultures and displays art from contemporary artists. 

The Heard Museum also has its own café, The Courtyard Café , where they serve classic southwestern dishes. This is a great option for lunch if you choose to visit the Heard Museum instead of the MIM.

I recommend spending about 2-3 hours at the museum, including time for lunch. 

Get entertained by local actors at the Phoenix Theater Company

If you’ve chosen to visit The Heard Museum, you’ve already made your way to downtown Phoenix. However, if you’re still up north, at this point you’ll make your way downtown. 

One of my favorite things to do in Phoenix is to see a play at the Phoenix Theater Company. From hilarious to heartwarming, the Phoenix Theater always puts on a great show. Not to mention, it’s a historical monument. It was founded over a hundred years ago, and inside its theater is where Stephen Spielberg hosted his first film screening when he was 17. Click here to see the current season and what’s showing while you’re in town.

The theater has its own restaurant which opens at 5 pm and stops serving 40 minutes before showtime. The ArtBar+Bistro serves light salads and sandwiches. I personally haven’t eaten here, but the atmosphere looks delightful. Since the theater is downtown, there are plenty of other options for dinner nearby as well. I recommend trying the fully vegan restaurant, The Coronado , which is only a five-minute drive from the theater.

Optional nighttime activity: Jump back in time to the 1920s by visiting a speakeasy

I’ve listed this activity as optional because you probably had a late night last night, you got up early this morning, and (spoiler alert!) you’re going to get up early again tomorrow. It’s possible that by the time the show at the Phoenix Theater Company wraps up you’ll be ready for bed. If that’s the case, off with you! Go get your beauty sleep and no one will judge you for not staying up. However, if you are a night owl like me (at least when I’m on vacation), then I’ve got one more activity in store for you today and it’s gonna be the cat’s pajamas!

Drift back in time to the days of prohibition. We’re going to a speakeasy, baby! No, you don’t need to don a flapper dress and a cigarette holder to enter, and there is no password, but Highball Cocktails’ elegant, dimly-lit lounge will make you feel as though you’ve been whisked away into the 1920s.

Phoenix Itinerary Day 3: Day Trip to Sedona

Drive to Sedona →  Red Rocks Jeep Tour → (Optional) Hike Devil’s Bridge → Lunch in Uptown → Shopping, exploring, and dinner in Uptown Sedona → Drive back to Phoenix

Sedona is famous for her ethereal red rock formations, as well as for being a spiritual vortex. This town is one of my favorite places in Arizona, and a must-do for anyone who loves nature, hiking, or shopping.

Drive to Sedona

Sedona is about a two-hour drive from Phoenix. There’s a lot to do there and we’ve only got a day, so I recommend getting an early start. Since we’ll want to make the most of our time, I don’t recommend stopping for a big breakfast. Instead, take a few snacks you can eat on the road, or have some leftovers from yesterday. 

Adventurous Jeep Tour on the Red Rocks

The desert of Sedona is unlike anything you will see anywhere else, and Pink Jeep Tours will get you up close and personal with the wilderness. On their most popular tour, the Broken Arrow Tour , you’ll ride along in a pink Jeep Wrangler and climb over steep red rock mountains as a guide takes you deep into the backcountry that is untouched by any other explorers. 

Plan for about two hours for this adventure.

Optional Hike: The Devil’s Bridge

If you’ve only got a day in Sedona and can only do one hike, Devil’s Bridge will always be the one that I recommend. You’ve probably seen pictures of this huge natural archway bending over a red rock mountainous backdrop. The landscape is beautiful and the hike is satisfying. It’s about a four-mile, moderately difficult hike that takes about an hour and forty minutes, and you’ll leave with some of the coolest travel photos ever.

Since we didn’t stop for a full breakfast this morning, if you’ve chosen to go on this hike, you might get hungry before we get back into town. If you’re like me and turn into a total bear if you go longer than three hours between eating, then I recommend you pack a lunch to eat on the trail, or at the very least some snacks. Otherwise, I’ve suggested a few exquisite restaurants in town for lunch below.

Lunch in Uptown

Sedona’s downtown district is called Uptown, and it’s the host to a bunch of cute boutiques, restaurants, tourist shops, and new age shops. It does get a little touristy here, but it’s still one of my favorite places in the state to hang out. However, I recommend not coming on a Sunday as the place will be overflowing with people.

For lunch, I recommend ChocolaTree Organic Eatery . Their menu is super inclusive, offering plenty of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options, and their produce is all organic and almost exclusively local!

Explore Sedona’s Downtown District 

If you’re someone who loves to shop for souvenirs while on vacation, don’t worry. I’ve got you covered. I’ve scheduled three opportunities for shopping— today in Sedona, tomorrow in Tombstone, and later on in the week in Scottsdale. Some of my favorite shops in Uptown Sedona include Sedona Fudge Company , Gypsy Jenny’s , and Sedona Crystal Vortex . 

I also recommend visiting Tlaquepaque, an outdoor mall area with even more art galleries, restaurants, and eccentric shops to visit. Across the street from Tlaquepaque is The Center for the New Age . This is my favorite new age shop anywhere in the world. They have a wide collection of crystals, books, and music.

At many of the Uptown shops, you can book a reading with a psychic or get your aura photographed. I highly recommend you do that while in town since it’s such a fun and enlightening experience.

Dinner in Uptown and driving back down the hill

Why is traveling so great if not for experiencing cultures and food? Luckily, Sedona has no shortage of restaurants to choose from. For dinner, I recommend Oaxaca Restaurant . Their rooftop patio seating showcases views that are out of this world.

After dinner, it’s time to head back down the mountain into Phoenix and enjoy a great night’s sleep.

For more options and alternate itineraries for a day in Sedona, click here to read an entire blog I wrote titled The Perfect Day Trip To Sedona .

Phoenix Itinerary Day 4: Day Trip to Tombstone

Drive to Tombstone → (Optional) Hike of your choice → Shopping on Allen Street → Lunch at Big Nose Kate’s → Take an Old-Timey photo → Watch the O.K. Corral gunfight reenactment → Take a tour inside a silver mine → Dinner at the Longhorn Restaurant → Ghost tour → Drive back to Phoenix

Mornin’, partner. Once again, we’re about to do some time traveling, and this time, we’re going to the Old West. Yee-haw!

Tombstone is the “Town Too Tough To Die” and so it’s been for almost two hundred years. When you arrive, you’ll feel as though you’ve been transported back to the 1800s with the original historic buildings on Allen Street still standing, and gun fights reenacted throughout the day. 

Drive to Tombstone

If you’re not an early bird, you’re going to hate me when I say it, but it’s another early morning today. Tombstone is about a three-hour drive south of Phoenix and we want to make the most of our day, so, as the saying goes, the early bird catches the worm! Again, I recommend taking breakfast on the road to save you a bit of time this morning.

Optional Hike

I’m going to be honest with you, I’ve never hiked in Tombstone. But, I know how important hiking is to some of you and I want to make sure you have options. So, I found this list of hikes near Tombstone that you can pick from if hiking every day is a must for you.

Shopping on Allen Street

Preserved to look just as it did in the 1880s, Allen Street appears to be frozen in time. No traffic is allowed to drive down the street, and as you stroll on foot, you’ll pass real cowboys, spurs and all. The street is dotted with vintage clothing, antique, souvenir, and ice cream shops.

Lunch at Big Nose Kate’s

Enjoy Southwestern and Mexican dishes while listening to live country bands play at Big Nose Kate’s Saloon . The restaurant is named after gunslinger Doc Holiday’s girlfriend and lady of the night, Katherine Haroney, who was nicknamed, Big Nose Kate.

Dress Up and Take an Old-Timey Photo

After lunch, head over to Lady L’s Creations to dress up in authentic Old Western clothing and take a sepia-colored photo to keep as a unique souvenir. 

Watch the O.K. Corral Gunfight Reenactment

In 1881, gunfire burst the eardrums of all those standing on Fremont Street. In just 24 seconds, 30 shots were fired and Tombstone became a place of legend. Now, actors reenact the famous gunfight between outlaws and lawmen four times a day. Just make sure you get your tickets a few hours in advance !

Tour Inside a Real Silver Mine— Goodenough Silver Mine Tour

This 45-minute tour will take you 100 feet below the surface inside a historical mine from the 1880s. Deep underground, you’ll be able to watch demonstrations of how silver was mined by hand and candlelight in the 1880s.

Dinner at the Longhorn Restaurant

The Longhorn Restaurant is the oldest continually operating restaurant in Tombstone. The building used to be the Bucket of Blood Saloon and is where Tombstone Marshall Virgil Earp was shot in an attempted murder in the 1880s. Now they serve American food and classy cocktails.

Get Spooked on a Ghost Tour

Like any town from the Old West, Tombstone has its history of violence and shootouts, which means, of course, the town is now haunted. It may even be one of the most haunted towns in the West. Get friendly with the spirits of Tombstone on a tour from Ghost City Tours where they will show you the most haunted spooks in town.

Drive back to Phoenix

It’s a long drive back. You’re going to get back late. You’re probably exhausted. We’ve had four full, fun days of adventuring and exploring and tomorrow is the last day in town! Luckily, tomorrow you also get to sleep in.

Phoenix Itinerary Day 5: Last Day in Phoenix!

Breakfast at Butterfield’s Pancake House → Hike Camelback Mountain → Lunch in Old Town Scottsdale → Explore and shop in Old Town Scottsdale → Enjoy a relaxing massage → Fly home

Our time here has come and gone so fast. I hope you’ve had a great time in Phoenix. It’s one of my favorite cities in the world. If you’re staying in town for longer, check out the list of additional activities I have at the bottom of this article. Otherwise, enjoy your last day in the Valley of the Sun!

Breakfast at Butterfield’s Pancake House

It’s our last day on vacation, so we’re going to indulge. Butterfield’s Pancake House has been voted as the best breakfast joint in Scottsdale by over 1,200 reviews on Tripadvisor . They’ve been in business for over 40 years, so you know they know how to make a pancake. Better fuel up, because this time the hike is not optional— it’s the main activity!

Hike the Famous Camelback Mountain

Phoenix may have over 230 hikes around the valley, but as far as anyone is concerned, Camelback Mountain is the crown jewel. There are two hikes on this mountain, one on either side, and they meet in the middle. So, if you’re really ambitious and think you can handle it, you can even hike up and over the mountain and come back down the other side.

The two hike options here are Cholla Trail and Echo Canyon . Both hikes are steep and rocky, but Echo Canyon is the more brutal out of the two. Cholla Trail will give you more desert views while Echo Canyon feels like a StairMaster except you’re outside. In the end, it doesn’t matter which one you pick, though, because the view at the top is absolutely phenomenal.

Both hikes take about 2-3 hours.

Lunch in Old Town Scottsdale

By this time, I’ll bet you’ve worked off your pancakes and are starving. Hiking Camelback will do that to a person. Just a few minutes away from the trailhead at Camelback is the historic Old Town Scottsdale district. This area is lined with restaurants to match any tastebud’s desires. I recommend trying Olive & Ivy , a restaurant and bar that serves Californian-Mediterranean dishes.

Wander around Old Town

In addition to having an abundance of restaurants, Old Town Scottsdale is also a great place to wander. This historic area is where settlement in Scottsdale began in 1888, and now it’s home to restaurants, boutiques, art galleries, and tourist shops. 

Feel free to wander into an open art gallery and admire a local artist’s work, or even buy tickets to an immersive event at Lighthouse Ar t Space . I saw the Van Gogh Exhibit there and it was stunning. 

Relax and unwind with a massage at Running Water Spa at the Scottsdale C a melback Resort . It’s been a long week and you absolutely deserve to end your Phoenix vacation with a little self-care. 

We hate to see you go, but we love to watch you leave. Just kidding. But, seriously, Phoenix is a place that means a lot to me, so I hope you enjoyed your trip here. Hopefully, you got a lot of good ideas from this Phoenix itinerary and found a lot of value in it.

Additional Activities for the Phoenix Itinerary

This Phoenix itinerary is built to be completely customizable, so I’ve included a list of additional activities you can swap out for any in the above itinerary that might not excite you. Also, if you’re staying for more than 5 days, use these extra activities as inspiration to help you plan the itineraries for the rest of your time in town.

• Japanese Friendship Garden
• Goldfield Ghost Town
• Guided UTV Tour of the Sonoran Desert
• Phoenix Art Museum
• Wonderspaces
• Ballet Under the Stars
• Taliesin West

Was this itinerary useful? Check out some of our others here:

The perfect day trip to sedona— how to maximize your time.

• How to Spend 24-Hours in Phoenix (The Ultimate One-Day Phoenix Itinerary)
• Perfect Day Trip to Portland, Maine: The Best 1-Day Itinerary

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Arizona Travel Guides :

Only staying in Pheonix for a day? Check out my 24-hours in Phoenix Itinerary .

Visiting Sedona? You might want to check out my Day Trip to Sedona Guide to help jumpstart your itinerary.

Need help figuring out what to pack? Here is my Arizona Packing List Essentials for Every Time Of Year Packing Guide.

Click Here to see more from the Adventuring Dreamers Resources.

Looking for more hikes in the Phoenix area? Check out these 9 Hidden, Little-Known Hikes in Phoenix .

Interested in spending more time in sedona i highly recommend checking out amitabha stupa and peace park , one of my favorite sedona hidden treasures. , are you visiting phoenix with your significant other here are 17 date ideas in phoenix that are great for locals or visitors., you might also enjoy:.

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48 Fun Things To Do in New York as a Couple in 2024 (By a Local!)

The Ultimate Guide To Visiting Arizona in February 2024

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The Phoenix metropolitan area, known as the Valley of the Sun, is home to more than 4.2 million people and includes the cities of Scottsdale, Glendale, Tempe, and Mesa. The area's explosive growth over the last decade has made it one the largest metropolitan areas in the country.

Sunny days and comfortable temperatures are the rule November through April, making this time the most enjoyable and popular time of year to visit. Vacation resorts are plentiful throughout the valley and the most popular outdoor activities are golfing, hiking, hot air balloons and scenic day trips in to the nearby desert or to one of the nearby mountain towns.

Downtown Scottsdale has always been a entertainment and shopping center with a focus on art and things trendy, but now downtown Phoenix and the Biltmore area continue to offer more and more top rate restaurants, theaters, museums, shopping and sports venues. The well established suburb of Glendale has been re-energized with the new Arizona Cardinal's football stadium and the Phoenix Coyote's hockey arena. All the major professional sports leagues have Phoenix teams and in March every year Major League Baseball's growing Cactus League spring training is a huge draw for visitors and locals alike.

Lake Pleasant north of town along with the Salt River and Verde River reservoir system east and northeast of Phoenix provides scenic mountain lakes very popular for power boating, water skiing and fishing. Several Reservation casinos, greyhound tracks and horse tracks are available both in town and on the outskirts of town.

Phoenix is located in south-central Arizona. I-17 and I-10 are the main highways.

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Phoenix Is Reborn With Sophisticated New Hotels and a Thriving Food and Art Scene

By Chadner Navarro

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

With more than 300 sunny days per year, daytime temps that rarely dip below 65, and an armada of resorts, Phoenix, Arizona is a great getaway for any group gathering that prioritizes pool time, day drinking, and a few rounds of golf. But the city's appeal goes deeper: The area's natural beauty inspired designers and artists like Frank Lloyd Wright, Maxfield Parrish, and Paolo Soleri. And despite its enormous growth (the metro area topped 5 million last year), the increasingly diverse city still retains a frontier spirit: Newcomers are reinventing everything from its food scene to its art circuit, making Phoenix one of America's best under-the-radar destinations .

Chilte now has a permanent home inside the Egyptian Motor Hotel.

Bacanora on Grand Avenue serves mouth-watering Sonoran cuisine.

Eat here now

The astonishing variety of Phoenix's new bars and restaurants reflects the city's expanding tastes. Lawrence Smith and Aseret Arroyo's new-school Mexican spot, Chilte , opened as a food truck in 2020, now has a permanent home in the recently revived retro-cool Egyptian Motor Hotel downtown. Smith's creative menu has earned Chilte a dedicated fan base: Think lamb neck flautas cloaked in a rich mole, flavored with Chinese chorizo. It's tough to snag one of the 36 seats at chef Rene Andrade's spot, Bacanora , on busy Grand Avenue but definitely worth the effort. At this paean to the flavors and techniques of Sonoran cuisine, must-orders include the coal-roasted bone marrow with smoky birria sauce and charred elote smothered in a spicy lime crema.

Downtown cocktail spot Quartz is really two bars in one. The lively, neon-lit front room serves jewel-toned concoctions, like the bright blue, coconut-forward Sea of Aquamarine. In the back is a moody, intimate lounge that mixes drinks such as the Tomb of the Fizzy Kitty (with ingredients like scotch, fernet, black-cherry cola, and lime). Yotaka Promtun-Martin grew up in a village in the northern Thai province of Chiang Rai, cooking alongside her mom, aunts, uncles, and grandma. At her newly opened downtown restaurant, Lom Wong , she and her husband, chef Alex Martin, share family recipes, like sweet and spicy ba mee haeng moo dang (egg noodles with minced pork and char siu).

Hop between the neon-lit front room and moody back lounge at downtown cocktail spot Quartz.

Thai restaurant Lom Wong features family recipes from the northern province of Chiang Rai.

Take a hike

Unless you're visiting in the summer, when temperatures are in the triple digits, exploring Phoenix's desert landscape is essential. The city is surrounded by mountains (that's why it's called the Valley of the Sun), so no matter where you are, you're close to great trails. The locals refer to ascending one of the mountain's two main trails, Cholla or Echo Canyon, as “Climbing Camelback,” which correctly suggests that there will be some scrambling. But the steep trails are short (Echo Canyon is a little over two miles round trip) and worth the burn for their expansive city views. The Mormon Trail to the Hidden Valley Loop in the South Mountain range is especially picturesque. The four-mile out-and-back has dramatic terrain, like narrow pathways through rock formations. If you come in May, you'll see the giant saguaros blooming with white flowers.

The newly opened Global Ambassador is a refreshing addition to Phoenix's iconic hotel scene.

Where to stay

A number of the iconic hotels that helped establish Phoenix, Arizona as an easy wintertime destination for sun worshippers have recently received major renovations. The Arizona Biltmore , which opened in 1929, finally completed a rolling $70 million transformation that modernized every corner of the massive 39-acre, more than 700-room complex while retaining the splendor of its Frank Lloyd Wright–inspired architecture. Just west of the city proper, The Wigwam , another nearly century-old stalwart (originally built as a vacation lodge for Goodyear Tire execs), unveiled its own top-to-bottom makeover, which included remodeling its 331 rooms and casitas. Meanwhile, the sprawling JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa upped its family-fun appeal with the addition of the AquaRidge Waterpark—five pools, a lazy river, and the Gully-washer, a vertical-wall waterslide. The biggest shakeup to the Valley's hotel scene is the arrival of the Global Ambassador . For his first hotel, restaurateur and 12-time James Beard nominee Sam Fox opened a 141-room property that feels entirely fresh for the city. With a white brick façade, a stylish lobby with wide-plank wooden floors and ornamental ceilings, and a sweet pool with pink loungers and orange umbrellas (plus a notable absence of stucco, potted cacti, and golf courses), it feels more like the South of France than steps from a busy intersection on Phoenix's east side. Given that its five restaurants—including the rooftop Mediterranean spot Théa, with views of Camelback and downtown—are always busy, it appears that the locals approve.

Phoenix Art Museum assistant curator Christian Ramírez on her favorite art galleries, libraries, and shops.

The insider

Christian Ramírez, the Phoenix Art Museum 's assistant curator of contemporary and community art, shares her favorite spots in the city.

Art and agave

“Started in 1975, Xico is one of the oldest Latino and Indigenous arts organizations in the country. I like to walk through the gallery and browse the gift shop for locally made objects before heading next door to Barcoa Agaveria for a mezcal.”

Check it out

“I love visiting libraries and feel lucky the Burton Barr Central Library is down the street from where I work. It's an architectural wonder. On the summer solstice, sunlight illuminates the space, and the columns look like lit candles.”

Hobby lobby

“ Hazel & Violet Letterpress on hipster Grand Avenue sells beautiful stationery, calendars, and prints. The staff also hold workshops and demos—I love their community engagement and dedication to keeping this art alive.”

Gallery crawl

“Phoenix is rapidly changing, but a few long-standing galleries anchor its art community. I regularly visit the Sagrado Galleria in South Phoenix and Lisa Sette Gallery in Midtown to support local artists and learn global names.”

This article appeared in the April 2024 issue of  Condé Nast Traveler.  Subscribe to the magazine   here .

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These 5 Arizona hotels were just named among the world's best. Here's why they stand out

Five Arizona hotels were just named among the best in the world for 2024.

Travel + Leisure unveiled its 2024 T+L 500 list of the world's best hotels, compiled based on ratings from its readers, in its May issue. The list includes five Arizona hotels, including four that made T+L's 2023 best hotels in Arizona ranking .

Readers evaluate based on their levels of quality, luxury, service and amenities. Here's a look at which Arizona hotels made the Travel + Leisure 2024 best hotels list.

For more hotels recognized as being among the best of metro Phoenix, read about the honorees in  U.S. News & World Report's 2024 ranking ,  Forbes' 2024 Star Awards , and  Esquire's best new hotels in the world .

Five Arizona hotels selected by Travel + Leisure

Readers of Travel + Leisure, America's largest travel media brand, selected five Arizona hotels on its 2024 ranking of the world's best hotels:

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• Castle Hot Springs, Morristown.
• The Hermosa Inn, Paradise Valley.
• Mountain Shadows Resort, Paradise Valley.
• Sanctuary Camelback Mountain, A Gurney's Resort & Spa, Paradise Valley.
• Tanque Verde Ranch, Tucson.

“We’re honored to be recognized on the highly coveted T+L 500 List,” said Andrew Chippindall, general manager of Mountain Shadows Resort. “It’s a true testament to our team’s unwavering commitment to providing exceptional experiences for our treasured guests.”

How Travel + Leisure World's Best hotels 2024 were chosen

The T+L 500 list is derived from T+L's annual World's Best Awards, selected based on reader reviews and feedback. Readers were surveyed about their travel experiences around the world, including hotels, cities, islands, airlines, cruise ships and other experiences.

Readers rated hotels based on their rooms and facilities, location, service, food and overall value. They scored each category on a scale from "excellent" to "poor."

The hotels recognized this year are favorites among the publication's readers, who named Castle Hot Springs the best Arizona hotel of 2021 and 2022 and the Hermosa Inn the state's best of 2023. All except for Tanque Verde Ranch were included on last year's list of the 10 best hotels in Arizona.

Michael Salerno is an award-winning journalist who’s covered travel and tourism since 2014. His work as The Arizona Republic’s consumer travel reporter aims to help readers navigate the stresses of traveling and get the best value for their money on their vacations. He can be reached at   [email protected] . Follow him on X, formerly Twitter:   @salerno_phx .

Support local journalism.   Subscribe to  azcentral.com  today.

'Phoenix is the future': Kate Gallego announces new airport terminal for Sky Harbor

M ayor Kate Gallego celebrated Phoenix as the city of the future at her annual State of the City address Tuesday, touting the expansion of advanced manufacturing and medical companies, and ensuring her commitment to smart water use and home affordability.

Speaking before hundreds of influential lawmakers, business owners, and organization leaders at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown, the mayor lauded a series of changes coming to Phoenix, such as a new airport terminal and new Amazon drone delivery services. The new "cutting-edge" terminal will feature "zero greenhouse gas emissions" and a new Customs facility to usher in tourists from around the world, Gallego said.

The mayor is also establishing an Olympics committee to help bring events to Phoenix from the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. She also said that she's planning to build a new team focused on accessibility in order to make Phoenix the most accessible city in the world for persons with disabilities.

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Gallego emphasized Phoenix's role in the global economy, highlighting an increase in international flights out of Sky Harbor International Airport, the increased investment from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., the relocation or expansion of 25 additional semiconductor companies in Phoenix and a new trade office the Dutch government is building.

"It didn’t happen by accident," Gallego said, "I chased this opportunity relentlessly when I first traveled to Taiwan in 2019 to pitch Phoenix as the best place for TSMC."

TSMC in Phoenix: The semiconductor company is making microchips.

She added, "As of today, the Phoenix airport system’s economic impact is $44 billion — an increase of nearly 15% compared to 2016."

Gallego also lauded the expansion of United Foods International, a company she met with in Asia and lured to Phoenix, and the new Global Operations Center for the autonomous car company Cruise — from which autonomic vehicles in "Tempe, Tokyo or Dubai" will be navigated.

The mayor also used Tuesday's address to voice support for abortion access. She previously lambasted the 1864 near-total abortion ban that the Arizona Supreme Court upheld this month , saying girls and women have fewer rights today.

"I want all Phoenix families to get the care they need right here at home. And let me be clear, that includes reproductive health care," the mayor said.

She praised other city leaders for their work in delivering the regional transportation tax measure, Proposition 479 , to voters' ballots this November.

But Gallego also used the address to urge other cities to "step up" in areas where she said Phoenix has led, such as homelessness and home affordability.

"To folks who might be listening and thinking zoning policies are the bane of the affordable housing shortage: I'm here to tell you that in my city, they are not," Gallego said.

Tuesday's address was Gallego's fifth State of the City since 2019 and her last before she faces re-election in November. She skipped it in 2021. She was on the City Council representing parts of downtown and south Phoenix for 4 1/2 years before that.

Taylor Seely covers Phoenix for The Arizona Republic / azcentral.com. Reach her at [email protected] or by phone at 480-476-6116.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: 'Phoenix is the future': Kate Gallego announces new airport terminal for Sky Harbor

Amazon to launch drone delivery in metro Phoenix. Here's how it works and how to sign up

The future of unmanned delivery services is closer than it may seem — and it’s right in one of Arizona’s backyards.  

Tolleson, a small city about 11 miles west of Phoenix, will serve as the third home base for Amazon’s experimental drone project , the delivery service powerhouse announced in a news release on Monday.  

"When you're a small town in the middle of an urban landscape surrounded by major buildings and major cities, it's always cool when you can be the partner on something so grand," Tolleson Mayor Juan Rodriguez said. 

Arizona is no stranger to drone delivery, between Walmart and companies like FlyBy Robotics , but here's what you need to know about Amazon's program.

When is Amazon beginning drone delivery in Arizona? 

No specific date or month has been set for the drone delivery to launch, according to the news release. However, Amazon noted that drone deliveries will start in the West Valley in Tolleson.  

Amazon is still coordinating with the Federal Aviation Administration and Tolleson officials to ensure everything is in place for the program to commence.  

Where will drone deliveries come from?  

Amazon has already established several same-day delivery sites across the Valley, and the drones will be situated near Tolleson’s site during the experimental period.  

“These smaller sites are hybrid — part fulfillment center, part delivery station,” Amazon’s news release noted. “They allow us to fulfill, sort, and deliver products all from one site so we can get packages out to our customers even quicker.” 

Chick-fil-A via drone delivery? How the fight for sky dominance is heating up

Where in metro Phoenix can I receive Amazon drone deliveries? 

Once the program is clear to start, it will only operate within a 7-mile radius of the distribution center, Mayor Rodriguez told The Arizona Republic. Some west Phoenix and Avondale residents will be able to receive drone deliveries. 

Which cities have Amazon drone delivery?

Amazon first implemented this program in College Station, Texas, and Lockeford, California, in 2022. The Lockeford location will be closing, the news release said, promising more drone delivery locales in 2025. The College Station site will remain open.  

What time of day will drone deliveries be available?

Amazon uses drone delivery from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday through Thursday in California, and 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m., seven days a week in College Station, Texas, Amazon said on its website . However, drone delivery isn't available during certain weather conditions.

How do I sign up for Amazon drone delivery?

West Valley residents can register for drone delivery by inputting their email address into a form . Interested parties will be contacted as FAA processes move forward, according to Amazon.

Current operations in College Station require participants to prepare their yard, have an Amazon employee survey your yard and install a marker prior to their first drone delivery.

After that, users can identify products available for drone delivery and select "today: within one hour" as the delivery option in check out. Then place the QR code delivery marker on the mini marker in your yard. Users than receive an email confirming the purchase and estimated time of the drone's arrival.

What's new with Amazon's drone delivery program? 

New drones, capable of flying in more weather conditions and carrying up to five pounds at a time, will be introduced in Tolleson.  

Amazon reported that these MK30 drones will be operative in Italy and the United Kingdom soon, but no timeline was available at the time of publication.  

How much weight can an Amazon drone carry?

Amazon is debuting new drones that can carry up to five pounds at a time. The drones were set to operate in Europe soon, though the company did not specify when they would launch.

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Sky Harbor Airport kiosk issue caused problems for some passengers

PHOENIX - Officials with Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport say an issue impacting kiosks at the airport has been resolved.

We first learned of the issue from postings on social media. When reached for comment, airport officials say an internet issue is having an impact on passengers who are checking in on site.

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport

"The kiosks impacted are now back up," an airport spokesperson said. "This has resulted in some longer than usual lines. Flights are departing as scheduled."

Every product is independently selected by (obsessive) editors. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission.

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What Joey Fatone Can’t Live Without

If you’re like us, you’ve probably wondered what everyday stuff famous people add to their carts — like  hair spray  or an  electric toothbrush . We talked to singer, actor, and television host Joey Fatone — who recently partnered with Screwball Whiskey — about the gaming console he travels with, his favorite pink sneakers, and the boxer briefs he can’t live without.

A friend of mine actually suggested I try this. She was like, “Trust me. People will like it.” I smelled it and liked it, so I got myself a bottle. I’m not kidding you: I’ve never gotten many compliments with any other cologne I’ve worn. For some odd reason, when I started wearing Creed, people suddenly started asking me, “Hey what is that? You smell really good.” I bought myself the family-size bottle, which is expensive as hell. However, it lasted me for almost two years. I literally just ran out of it the other day and am about to restock.

My dad would say to me, “You always have to have clean underwear .” So it’s essential for me. I prefer boxer briefs. Boxers are very loosey loosey. They’re not the greatest. When I’m dancing around on stage, I want things to be in place so I don’t hurt myself. Stance’s boxer briefs are comfortable, and they have this little pouch, which sounds kind of funny even saying it out loud. And they come in lots of different fun designs, sometimes with cartoon characters on them. Because why not? You can still be a kid as an adult, right?

Speaking of being a kid, this is another thing I don’t really leave home without, even when I’m traveling. God forbid there’s nothing around and I can’t get WiFi, but I can watch movies on it, get on social media, and play video games . I play the heck out of Population , which is kind of like Fortnite . I also play Ghostbusters with my buddies. I haven’t played lately, but sometimes three or four of us get on at the same time, and we bust ghosts. I’m huge with VR. I got hooked on it when it first came out and was still called Oculus.

VocalMist is a necessity, especially when I’m traveling for work. It’s been a real game-changer for me on the tour I’ve been doing with AJ from the Backstreet Boys. It’s like a personal mister or humidifier with saline. It’s this itty-bitty thing that comes in a little case. I’ll use it before the show, during breaks, or even sometimes onstage to help open up my vocal cords. It loosens and warms everything up and lubricates my vocal cords.

My SBs. Nike, obviously, comes out with great sneakers, and I love them a lot. Lately I’ve been on a kick with the SBs, the Dunks. I love all the colors, but I just keep going back to the pink ones with the orange swoosh on it. They’re dope. They’re comfortable. I love ’em.

More shoes. I’ve been traveling lately, so I needed slippers . People wear Crocs and other brands, but I like these Simpsons Adidas ones. They look like clouds and they’re boxy. And they’re comfortable as hell. It’s like I’m actually walking on clouds. I’m also a huge Simpsons fan. Back in the day, NSYNC did an episode on the show. Funnily enough, Adidas did a whole line of Simpsons sneakers, so I have those ones, too. They’re made to look like the house. The front of the shoe is the rug, the tongue of the shoe has the pink wall and frame of the sailboat, and the back has Santa’s Little Helper and Snowball. I’m a sneakerhead. I can’t help it.

I’m not gonna lie. I think I was drunk at one point during the pandemic when I bought this online. When it came in, I was like, Well, is this thing going to work? It is awesome. It’s almost like a little AC unit that cools your bed. You can even travel with it. I mean, you would need a bigger suitcase , but it’s doable. It goes in between the sheets, so it kind of puffs up when you’re lying in bed. The cool thing is that it has a dual sheet, so if your spouse or whoever you’re sleeping next to you wants to be warm and you want it cold, it can adjust the airflow and temperature on each side. It’s a game-changer, especially if you’re a hot person or you heat up like I do. Dropping it down to a cold temp feels amazing.

I am a dork with these theme parks. I can’t help it. A friend of mine actually is a Club 33 member, so he hooked me up with an annual pass for my daughter. And then we love Universal, too. We live in Orlando, Florida, so we can’t live without those passes. For instance, if we want to go somewhere when my kid’s done with school or something, we just take a break and walk around the park. We don’t have to necessarily even go on the rides; it’s just to go out. It’s right in my backyard, so I never leave home without these.

I’m not a huge whiskey person to be completely honest. But, I’m a huge peanut-butter fan. With this, you can’t really taste that it’s whiskey. Screwball came up with this idea to do a take on a Moscow mule called a “PB&G” for the Kentucky Derby. The drink’s the Screwball peanut-butter whiskey with ginger beer, pomegranate juice, and lime juice. At first, I was like, I don’t know about that . But holy crap, it’s fricking amazing.

The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments , rolling luggage , pillows for side sleepers , natural anxiety remedies , and bath towels . We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.

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Wall st rises as big tech charges higher.

Wall Street's main indexes advanced on Friday as most megacap growth stocks rose after robust quarterly results from Alphabet pushed its market value over $2 trillion, while an in-line inflation reading calmed interest rate jitters.