Phoenix, Arizona Travel Guide | What to See, Eat and Do

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Updated: 3/6/2024 | Phoenix Arizona Travel Guide

The desert is calling! If you’ve been wanting to get out and explore nature, Arizona is an amazing destination. There is a ton to do, eat, and drink.

Here is our travel guide to visiting the greater Phoenix, Arizona area and beyond.

About Phoenix Arizona

Phoenix is the capital of the state of Arizona. It’s known for year-round sun and warm temperatures and is referred to as the Valley of the Sun.

You’ll want to come here to enjoy the high-end spa resorts, extravagant golf courses, and lively party scene.

Where to STay

There are plenty of hotels to choose from in Phoenix. Here are our top hotel picks:

• Hilton Garden Inn in Downtown Phoenix
• Sanctuary Camelback Mountain
• Four Seasons Resort in Scottsdale
• The Canyon Suites at the Phoenician
• Mountain Shadows Resort

I also Couchsurfed for a few days with my host Damien. He was awesome and was very knowledgeable about the area.

Related: Couchsurfing Best Practices and Tips for Hosts and Guests

How to Get to Arizona

I went to Arizona for the first time in December 2017. I booked my five-day Arizona trip using Southwest points (a 1 to 1 Chase Sapphire Reserve transfer) which was equivalent to paying only $70!

The best way to get to Phoenix is by flying directly into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX).

In the East Valley, the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA) is another option but the airport has fewer commercial flights.

Either way, you’ll want to rent a car to explore the city and beyond. Uber and Lyft will only take you so far and can get really expensive. We prefer to rent with AVIS.

What to do in Phoenix Arizona

#1 Hike Lost Dog Wash Trail

Arizona is surprisingly dog friendly. Dogs are allowed almost everywhere including restaurants, bars, and parks. I discovered this amazing trail that is lined with Saguaro cactus that I hiked with my pup Bebot.

Pro Tip: I used Bring Fido to find dog friendly places. Nine out of ten of the places I wanted to check out allowed pups, which took me by surprise and made me super excited for our trip.

#2 Camelback Mountain

Ascend Camelback Mountain for some awesome views of Phoenix, Tucson, and Scottsdale. You’ll get to see a lot of cactus and desert plants along the hike.

#3 Desert Botanical Garden

The Desert Botanical Garden houses native desert plants but also glass blown art by Dale Chihuly (a Seattle native)! 

#4 Taliesin West

Taliesin West is one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s many architectural creations. 

#5 Papago Park

Papago Park is a great place to take a leisurely hike. It’s located near downtown Tempe.

#6 Check Out the Phoenix Museum Scene

• The Heard Museum
• Phoenix Art Museum
• Pueblo Grand Museum and Cultural Park
• Wonderspaces – Interactive museum that changes regularly. It’s located in the Scottsdale Fashion Square shopping mall. We also recommend checking out Wonderspace exhibits in Austin and Philadelphia.

#7 Queen Creek Olive Mill

Come here to check out their award winning olive oils.

#8 Agritopia

Agritopia is a 166-acre mixed use planned community in Gilbert, Arizona designed to encourage agrarianism combined with a sense of community amongst the socioeconomic ranges.

It is an agrihood with housing plots, a certified organic farm, and commercial spaces.

#9 Hike Hole in the Rock

This easy hike takes you to the hole in the rock where you can get a framed view of Phoenix, Arizona. 

#10 Visit Old Town Scottsdale and the Waterfront

Old Town Scottsdale can be reached from the Scottsdale waterfront. Old Town is a cute western-themed town that’s filled with restaurants, shops, and bars along with historic museums.

#11 Check out Goldfield Ghost Town

Goldfield Ghost Town is a legit western town that will take you back in time. There are plenty of shops, bars, and restaurants in the area.

The town is a reconstructed 1890s town that also includes gold-mine tours, Old West gunfights, a history museum & more.

It’s about 30 minutes from Phoenix and is a great place for families to visit.

#12 Visit Tortilla Flat and the Superstition Mountain Range

While you’re checking out Goldfield, stop by Tortilla Flat Saloon. It’s the best place to take in views of the Superstition Mountain Range.

#13 Party at Walter Where?House

We went here after the Body Language Festival and were blown away by how awesome the venue was! There were art installations you could climb and tons of seating areas where you can rest your feet. It’s a super fun and creative place to hang out, have a few refreshing drinks, and listen to amazing artists like Bonobo, Chromeo, Desert Dwellers, and talented local DJs.

Where to Eat in Phoenix

• Barrio Cafe – Cute cafe with coffee and Mexican food.
• Chelsea’s Kitchen
• The Churchill – A food court located in an industrial complex with creative food, craft beers and creative cocktails.
• Cornish Pasty Co. – This little downtown join has happy hour beers and delicious pasties which are like huge savory baked dumplings.
• Durant’s – Best steakhouse in the area.
• Farm and Craft
• Hash Kitchen
• The Henry
• Hearth 61 – Upscale dining located in the Mountain Shadow resort.
• Le Grand Orange – A grocery store, pizzeria, and community center in one. It’s a great place to bring the family as there are tons of activities and space to hang out.
• Pizzeria Bianco – Delicious woodfired pizza creations or create your own!
• Phoenix Ranch Market – Visit the many ranch markets of Phoenix. It’s a great place to eat and buy locally crafted goods.
• Welcome Diner – Instagram-worthy brightly lit neon diner with great breakfast and diner food and drinks.

Where to Drink in Phoenix

Here are our favorite places to drink a good beer or craft cocktail.

• Bitter and Twisted
• Blue Hound Kitchen and Bar – Located in the CityScape complex, this bar has happy hour drinks and bites. Their $10 old fashion is great.
• Char’s Has the Blues – Blues bar with cocktails, beers, and good food. They have live performances here.
• Highball – A craft cocktail bar. The bartenders here also had a hand in creating the cocktails at Wren and Wolf.
• Little Rituals – Craft cocktail bar with delicious food and snacks.
• Melinda’s Alley
• Pigtail’s Desert Ridge
• Sazerac – This is more of an LGBTQ friendly bar with great dance music. There is a Mexican food truck on site (The Nach) that is super affordable and delicious.
• Snakes and Lattes – We went here prior to attending the Body Language Festival and enjoyed some coffee cocktails and $5 surprise shots! You roll the 21 dice and get a surprise shot. We loved the Green Tea and Trolli Brolli shots. They also have tons of board games, so bring your friends and have some drinks and fun!
• UnderTow – An underwater-themed submarine bar with delicious and creative Tiki drinks.
• The Womack
• Wren and Wolf – Amazing happy hour where all cocktails are only $8! Cocktails are created by the same bartenders at Highball. Delicious creative food menu as well. Get the bread service that comes with bone marrow butter.
• Valley Bar – Cute bar located downstairs in a dimly lit room with decoration that’s a mix between a grunge and hipster bar. There’s a concert venue downstairs and doors open at 7:30 PM. There’s also a room with pool tables and arcade machines. I wanted a beer but couldn’t keep my eyes off the alluring cocktail menu. I opted for a That’s a Ducey a Bourbon-based cocktail with cinnamon, port, and bitters.

Day Trips from Phoenix Arizona

#1 Visit Magical Sedona

We stopped by Sedona on our way up to the Grand Canyon!

I’ve heard many things about Sedona including how mystical and spiritual it is, so I had to experience it for myself. 

Our first stop was the Chapel of the Holy Cross. It offers the best views of Sedona and the surrounding red rocks. You feel like you’re on mars when you’re up there! Parking is very limited so expect a wait for availability.

Afterward we stopped by the Sedona Airport Vortex. You could feel the energy swirling from the bottom going upwards. I slightly lost my breath when I stepped into the vortex.

We had a healthy vegetarian lunch at Chocola Cafe. The food here is amazing and healthy. Tlaquepaque market is also a must if you’re looking to do a little shopping and buy locally produced goods and souvenirs.

We ended our mini trip to Sedona with a visit to the Amitabha Stupa & Peace Park. It’s a calming park with many prayer structures and Buddhist flags throughout.

And if you’re a McDonald’s fan like us, you’ll want to visit the McDonald’s location here that has traded in their golden arches for turquoise arches!

Address: 2380 W US Hwy 89A, Sedona, AZ 86336

#2 Flagstaff

Flagstaff is home to the Painted Desert attractions. It’s easily a 1-2 day trip from Phoenix.

#3 Tombstone

Tombstone is a 3 hour’s drive southeast of Phoenix. The city is small but known for its Wild West history.

The town has replicas of how life was back in the old western days.

#4 Grand Canyon + Horseshoe Bend + Antelope Canyon

This is a must if you’re visiting Arizona for the first time. From Phoenix, the drive is about 4 hours and 14 minutes but worth it.

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