PHOENIX TRAVEL GUIDE

Metro Phoenix (including Scottsdale and Tempe) is known as “The Valley of the Sun” because of the 300+ days of sunshine a year! Surrounded by desert mountains and countless hiking trails, the saguaro-studded Sonoran landscape is a US-Based destination great to visit year-round. This desert city is the fifth largest US city and while it is characterized by sprawling growth, Phoenix still feels like a small town. 

MUST SEE/TO DO: PHOENIX

• PHOENIX ART MUSEUM 

(Renovation Architects:Tod Williams and Billie Tsien) This beautiful institution is considered the community epicenter with a 17,000-work collection being celebrated alongside the architecture that houses it. Don’t miss the extensive fashion design collection, Narcissa Niblack Thorne’s miniature rooms, or Yayoi Kusama’s infinity mirror room, Fireflies.  

• PAPAGO PARK

This municipal park shared by Phoenix and Tempe has a little bit of everything. From golf courses and tennis courts to hiking and biking trails, the desert terrain is celebrated! Hike up to a Hole-in-a-Rock, the natural geological formation is a landmark observatory to see views of the entire city. 

• DESERT BOTANICAL GARDEN 

Experience the gorgeous landscape of Arizona by seeing over 50,000 plants over five different nature trails. My favorites were the Desert Discover Loop Trail (⅓ mile) and the Sonoran Desert Nature Loop Trail (¼ mile). The Garden opened in 1939 and is now considered one of the top attractions in Phoenix. In my opinion it can not be missed! (If you want to try Gertrude’s Restaurant within the garden make sure you make reservations ahead of time!)

• BURTON BARR CENTRAL LIBRARY 

(DWL Architects in collaboration with Will Bruder) This iconic structure was built in 1995, and lovingly referred to as a “warehouse of knowledge.” Beyond its beautiful detailing and sensitive desert climate design, the library adopted critical sustainable strategies, and received the 2021 Twenty-five Year Award from the AIA proving it still “serves its purpose as well today as the day it opened.” 

• ROOSEVELT ROW

The Historic Roosevelt Neighborhood extends from McDowell to VanBuren and from Central to 7th Avenue. Today the area has been reestablished as the art district, full of restaurants, boutiques, and bars. Explore the murals and colorful street art in one of the few walkable districts in downtown Phoenix. 

MUST SEE/TO DO: SCOTTSDALE

• OLD TOWN SCOTTSDALE 

Known nationally for its artists’ community, stroll through the art galleries, high-quality jewelry stores, restaurants and wineries. 5th Avenue is the original Arts & Crafts area in Scottsdale and home to the famous Bob Parks horse fountain. Nevertheless, this area feels very touristy and kitschy with bachelorette parties, beer cycles and Def Leppard’s ‘Pour Some Sugar On Me’ blaring from the Rusty Saloon. It’s a vibe. 

• SCOTTSDALE MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART (SMoCA)

Smaller than expected, this museum is still worth noting as it house’s James Turrell’s Knight Rise (that is the main attraction in my opinion).  Purchase tickets for advance admission due to timed entry requirements. 

• THE OLD ADOBE MISSION CHURCH

 “The Mission” (not to be confused with the restaurant next door) is the First Catholic Parish & Oldest Standing Church in Scottsdale.It’s design is Spanish Colonial Revival and was added to the City of Scottsdale's register of Historic Buildings in 2001. 

• SCOTTSDALE PUBLIC LIBRARY

Arabian Library (Richard Kennedy Architects) The weathered steel walls spike from the desert landscape, like the adjacent cacti. The library, close to Taliesin West, is a must stop for any architecture enthusiast. 

MUST SEE/TO DO: TEMPE  

• FOUR PEAKS BREWING COMPANY

Explore downtown Tempe and stop by this microbrewery to grab traditional pub food (or in my case cauliflower “wings’) and pair with house made beers. I couldn’t pass up the prickly pear seltzer! 

• GRADY GAMMAGE MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM

Home to Arizona State University this campus Theater was Frank Lloyd Wright’s final work and is a beautiful example of his architectural legacy.  

EAT + DRINK

The foodie scene is fierce in Phoenix and Scottsdale- make reservations!! 

• THE CANAL CLUB

Camouflaged within the Instagram worthy Scott Resort and Spa, this restaurant is a perfect place to start your day with a Spanish latte and churro doughnut holes.

• THE MISSION 

This dimly lit restaurant is adjacent to the historic Catholic Old Adobe Mission Church. I recommend grabbing a seat on their outdoor patio and sharing a guacamole. If you dare- try the Mezcal flight. 

• THE CHURCHILL

A unique gathering spot for grabbing a souvenir from your travels, along with a bite to eat and cocktail. The perimeter is built from old shipping containers and the central open-air space provides for community gatherings of all types.  

• LOLA COFFEE

Start your morning with a delicious dirty chai tea latte with oat milk and enjoy the charming outside patio with a pastry before the heat of the day hits. 

• LA GRAND ORANGE GROCERY & PIZZERIA

This local eatery is retrofitting suburbia! It fills up quickly and is a local spot for breakfast, lunch or dinner. 

• CIBO PIZZERIA

This Italian Restaurant resides in a 1913-bungalow and I recommend dining al fresco. Sit in the shade of the overgrown trees, and enjoy a glass of wine with one of the best margherita pizzas I’ve had outside of Italy. 

• THE HENRY

This upscale restaurant requires a reservation. Crave-worthy food is served alongside stunning decor, The Henry is a ‘modern ode to Gatsby-era grace’. 

• IN-N-OUT 

This popular and reliable fast food chain is a must try when visiting the western US. Research the secret menu! 

• MATT’S BIG BREAKFAST 

Homestyle, off the griddle classics that give a local feeling. Try the freshly squeezed honey lemonade with blueberries. We went during the week, but I would imagine that during the weekend, there would be some long waits. (Pick up Lola Coffee and get in line, it’s worth the wait). 

• CARTEL COFFEE

Cartel Coffee Lab has multiple locations from downtown Phoenix to Scottsdale and Tempe and offers a delicious cappuccino or iced coffee.

ON MY NEXT VISIT

• TALIESIN WEST AND FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT MUSEUM 

  This was a learning experience... and all I have to say is book tickets in advance. 

• HEARD MUSEUM 

  This Spanish Colonial style building has an incredible collection of Southwestern Art and is known for curating the ‘most notable collection of Native American Art in the nation’. 

• ARCOSANTI 

  65 miles north of Phoenix at Cordes Junction, this experimental complex was dubbed “the urban laboratory” of architect Paolo Soleri. (AND I want to purchase one of the hand-cast wind bells.) 

• MYSTERY CASTLE 

  Tour this unique and eclectic structure just south of Phoenix at the foot of South Mountain. 

• SCOTTSDALE WINE TRAIL 

  Explore Arizona’s wine scene. Grab a “Wine passport” and walk the wine trail for discounts at each of the participating tasting rooms and learn a bit more about the Verde Valley. 

• AIR APPARENT

  A James Turrell’s Skyspace can be found in Tempe on the corner of Rural and Terrace Roads. “This artistic interpretation of Native American Hohokam shade ramadas and pit houses provide a unique interpretation of light, and a changing perspective depending on the time of day.”

• HISTORIC HERITAGE SQUARE 

  We drove past this area, and it looked like such a unique spot to the adjacent high rise buildings. I would love to explore more!

• WRIGLEY MANSION

• BRASS ARMADILLO 

  Antiques and Collectibles 

• FRANCES 

  Shopping for Souvenirs

• STINKWEEDS 

  Record Shop 

• CENTURY GRAND COCKTAIL BAR

• FASHION SQUARE

  This shopping mall in Scottsdale is considered a true premier retail experience and has something for all visitors. 

• GATEWAY TO THE McDOWELL SONORAN PRESERVE 

  Scottsdale (Architects: Weddle Gilmore, Black Rock Studio)

• Visit the SCOTTSDALE SPAS

• TOVREA CASTLE 

  In Carraro Heights this historic castle is considered the jewel of the Sonoran Desert.

GETTING AROUND (Transportation)

Fly into Sky Harbor International Airport “America’s Friendliest Airport” located at the center of the city, and take the shuttle bus to the car rental pick up. (NOTE: The airport is working to extend the PHX Sky Train to the Rental Car Center and should be completed by the end of 2022). 

Phoenix has a brilliant mix of both urban and suburban landscape, but for an explorer or visitor wanting to visit the greater sprawl of this city and beyond, it is best explored by car. Phoenix is designed on a grid, and is very simple to navigate. Download the ParkMobile app for quick street parking downtown. 

If you are interested, the city also has a Metro Light Rail (Valley Metro Rail) that runs from northwest Phoenix through Tempe to east Mesa. We could take the metro rail from our hotel right downtown!

Valley Metro also provides Local and Express Bus service, Neighborhood circulators and rural routes. Use the Trip Planner tool via their website to find out the best paths. 

SLEEP

RISE UPTOWN

This recently renovated mid century modern boutique hotel off Camelback is perfectly situated for travel between Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tempe.You’ll most likely drive from this location, nevertheless, the light rail stops right outside the hotel for quick access to downtown Phoenix.

The hotel has a specialty rooftop cocktail bar, Don Wood’s Say When and the poolside restaurant and bar LYLO, has amazing and refreshing poolside cocktail service. 

ProTip: Downtown Phoenix hotels will tend to be more for business, being close to the convention center (and the parking is more pricey). 

Some more hotel top contenders (for our next visit).

• Adero Resort, Scottsdale, AZ was named in the Travel + Leisure’s ``It List” and Conde Nast traveler’s “Hot List” for 2021. This resort looks to showcase all of what Arizona has to offer- in luxury. 

• Arizona Biltmore, a Waldorf Astoria Resort has a legacy any architect will appreciate when traveling. The hotel’s architect Albert McArther, used the “Biltmore Block” first used by Frank Lyoyd Wright in construction. This hotel is on The American Institute of Architect’s (AIA) top places to visit.  

• The Hotel Valley Ho, Scottsdale, AZ

• The Scott Resort & Spa, Scottsdale, AZ

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES 

You can not travel to Arizona without experiencing the great outdoors. From picturesque hiking trails to world-class golf, the desert landscape has a lot to offer travelers from around the world. . 

• HIKING 

If you are considering hitting the trails, try out the popular McDowell Sonoran Preserve, Camelback Mountain or Papago Park. I would recommend researching the following Trail information: Distance, Rating (ie. easy, moderate etc), Amenities (restrooms, water stations, close to campgrounds etc), and Fees (for Vehicles, Cash/Card accepted etc). 

AllTrails.com is a wonderful resource for planning your outdoor hikes. I don’t think there is any shortage for access to ADA-Accessible trails!  Explore wheelchair accessible trail maps on TrailLink.com. 

NOTE: Central Arizona’s dry heat can be harsh, with the summer months being extra difficult. Make sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen! During the middle of the day try to plan for more air-conditioned comfort.

• BICYCLING

The variety of bike trails in Phoenix ensures that almost anyone can find a cycling experience that works for all abilities (and ages!) I would recommend cycling along the Arizona Canal Paths. The canals are one of Arizona’s greatest urban developments with over 60 miles being accessible, landscaping and public art frame the experience. 

• GOLFING 

Phoenix is synonymous with golf, with a significant number of golf courses. Book a tee time early and enjoy the beautiful wide open fairways. 

• BALLOONING 

A visceral rush of what it means to be alive. We picked Rainbow Ryders Hot Air Balloon Experience and were able to soar over the Sonoran Desert by taking a balloon ride at sunrise! It was true exhilaration floating in the sky. I 100% recommend it if you are not bothered by heights. 

In Phoenix, the Old West spirit lives on.