The caf has an ever-changing menu of global cuisine, and always offers vegan and vegetarian options. It does get a little touristy here, but its still one of my favorite places in the state to hang out. I bought a couple of T-shirts with desert themes. Enjoy! In the end, it doesnt matter which one you pick, though, because the view at the top is absolutely phenomenal. My favorite destination within Scottsdale? The Echo Canyon Trail is 1.2 miles in and out and the trailhead begins at 4925 E McDonald Dr, Phoenix. The MIM literally has every musical instrument around the World on display, and I bet that you have never seen or heard of a lot of them. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. In addition to a few video game-inspired cocktails, the bar serves canned and draft beer, wine by the glass, cider, and shots. Hurricane Hilary updates: Live coverage as storm hits AZ, CA - USA TODAY Jerome was once home to the wealthiest mine in the world. In many areas, the hills of the desert block out the view from the city, giving off the effect that youre completely lost in nature. The two hike options here are Cholla Trail and Echo Canyon. Unsubscribe at any time. We hate to see you go, but we love to watch you leave. Enjoy Southwestern and Mexican dishes while listening to live country bands play at Big Nose Kates Saloon. While the Desert Botanical Garden does have a few trails to wander, theyre more meant for wandering than for hiking. A Classic 5-Day Arizona Road Trip Itinerary - AFAR Check out my 24-hours in Phoenix Itinerary. If youre planning a 5-day trip to Phoenix and dont 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, Ive also included a few extra fun activities at the end of the guide that you can mix and match with. I am an entrepreneur by profession and a traveler by heart. If youre not a hiker, no worries. However, as long as your destination is the MIM, OEB should not be too far away, and I highly recommend that you take a small detour to eat there. Suggested Itineraries | Visit Arizona My recommended time is to spend half a day at the Musical Instrument Museum, but I am sure that musicians, music lovers, and many other museum lovers can easily spend an entire day here. Though it is short, it is steep and consists of some scrambling on your hands and knees. Need to call it a night in Pheonix? There are two hikes on this mountain, one on either side, and they meet in the middle. Though it may sometimes carry the stigma of being a posh destination for older, more mature travelers, Scottsdale has a lot more to offer than just spas and golf courses. 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. The most prominent museum for Native American art and culture, The Heard Museum is a very important stop on your Phoenix adventure. Now they serve American food and classy cocktails. There are more than 230 hikes around town, so if hiking is your thing, youll have plenty of opportunities while youre here. Here's an epic 4-day Arizona road trip itinerary, taking you from Phoenix to Scottsdale, Sedona to Grand Canyon National Park, and much more. However, in a recent instance, we booked our car with Hertz, and there happened to beno one-way drop-off fee. This means that due to its extremely low-light pollution, its perfect for nighttime stargazing. In fact, as Im writing this, it is currently 105 outside. Vortexes. Lunch at Arcosanti. Both hikes are steep and rocky, but Echo Canyon is the more brutal out of the two. Sunshine Breakfast Bar, 20811 N Cave Creek Rd Suite 101, Phoenix, AZ 85024. My favorite dish is the berry crepes which come with three ginormous crepes stuffed with blackberries, blueberries, and strawberries. Ill help you decide which time of year to visit, where to stay, and what to do while youre here. Courtesy ofKai Restaurant at Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass. We had a late afternoon flight, so it was the perfect choice for us to explore the garden for half a day, have lunch there, then go to the airport. The taco shop serves authentic Mexican tacos filled with pastor, lengua (beef tongue), tripe, barbacoa, and other meats. Its one of my favorite cities in the world. Depending on what time your plane has landed, it may be too early to check in at your hotel or vacation rental. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Sit among the olive trees and soak in the warm sunshine while you also trying olive oil and balsamic combinations. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Just a tip for those who have a late-night arrival and are seeking an awesome place for drinks and food EVO is open till 2am every day! Its a great place to get in touch with the desert and appreciate Arizonas wide, blue skies. Grand Canyon National Park. From . While you wont be able to see and do it all, heres how to hit the highlights in 48 hours. It was served with pineapple habanero glaze which was sweet and had a slight kick of spiciness. ARE YOU ROAD TRIP READY? This highly acclaimed National Scenic Byway begins shortly after you exit #298 off Interstate 17 and has earned the distinction of being Arizonas First All-American Road. If you are a burger lover, take my word for it and just go to Tru Burger (menu) and thank me later! 1 p.m.:Queue up for whats considered by many the best barbecue in the Southwest at Little Miss BBQ. With that, they swept some of them under the rug. I recommend trying the fully vegan restaurant, The Coronado, which is only a five-minute drive from the theater. Naturally, we were all hit with massive meat comas. This is a great place to get dinner since there are a plethora of options. Weve got two fantastic museum options, depending on your interests. Though this was on our itinerary, we ended up not having the time or the energy for it (darn you, meat coma). Made famous by James Beard award-winning chef Chris Bianco, the 40-seat pizzeria only accepts reservations for parties of six or morebut the artisanal pies are worth the wait and tables turn quickly. Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. It was the perfect day! Prefer more intimate housing? But, I know how important hiking is to some of you and I want to make sure you have options. 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. TripSavvy uses only high-quality, trusted sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. You wont be paying a cent more, but in the event of a sale, the small affiliate commission I receive will help keep this blog running/pumping out useful and free content. For a limited time only, from December 3, 2021, through June 19, 2022, you get an extra bonus Chihuly in the Desert. But, seriously, Phoenix is a place that means a lot to me, so I hope you enjoyed your trip here. (Note to self: explore North Rim on the next trip to The Grand Canyon.). This article may contain links from our partners. In fact, when I first moved to Phoenix in 2013, Id 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! If youre looking to feel pampered and relaxed, as well as just a stones throw away from boutique shopping and art galleries, Scottsdale is the place for you. Rise and shine, starshine! As mentioned in Day One above, if you have an early arrival, you can compress this into a 3-day itinerary by visiting the Desert Botanical Garden (and perhaps dining at Gertrudes) first upon your arrival. Just make sure you get your tickets a few hours in advance! The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Just an Arizona girl traveling the world, one city at a time. From Jerome, make the drive to Flagstaff via Oak Creek Canyon (1 hr 30 min). Their rooftop patio seating showcases views that are out of this world. We stayed at a really cute, eclectic airbnb here. My roommate (whos a total foodie and a professionally trained chef) introduced me to this gem of a breakfast joint. The museum showcases both traditional and contemporary Indian arts, both of which reflect the lives of the tribal communities, as well as the Southwestern flavor of Arizona. On our tour, we ended up hunting for ghosts and visiting a few spots only the locals knew about. The green chili added a Southwestern dimension to the flavor and made it the perfect burger. Kick off the meal with the house specialty, Lobster Bisque, then continue with perfectly grilled filet mignon, braised lamb shank, or seared diver scallops. "The 2019 James Beard Award Winners." Thanks to our many freeways, Phoenix is a pretty easy place to get around. One Week in Phoenix, AZ: Itinerary for 7 Days in Phoenix Mountain Shadows is the definition of chic dessert luxury. We did the Mesa wind cave trail and it was the perfect workout! This is a totally doable addition to your hiking itinerary since its only 1.5 miles out-and-back (for more experienced hikers). Off to Jerome, Arizona we go! As you loop around the eastern and northern side of the butte, you will unveil some of the most scenic and majestic views of the entire Sedona area. You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings. North Phoenix is the perfect place to stay if youre looking to get away from the crowds and get in on some gorgeous views. Day 2. Get Your Guide | Find local attractions and tours and book tickets to your excursions. If youre renting a rental car and youre not sure if it has a navigation screen, bring a phone mount with you. NOTE: Antelope Canyon, Monument Valley, and Horseshoe Bend can easily be done together in a separate trip through Northern Arizona. Arizona is a huge state. Pro Tip: Honestly, after seeing Scottsdale and discovering all of the fun things to do there, I would recommend spending an extra day or two here if youre able to extend your vacation. A quick note: The Phoenix Metropolitan Area includes a number of different cities. You can get fresh vegetables picked that morning! The Ultimate 3 Days in Phoenix Itinerary (2023 Guide) - NOMADasaurus Come celebrate 15 years with us this Labor Day (9/1-9/4) at the Sheraton Phoenix Downton. This area is lined with restaurants to match any tastebuds desires. From US$14. Try the braised leeks topped with mozzarella, mustard, breadcrumbs, and a sunny-side-up egg. Were 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. click here to read an entire blog I wrote titled The Perfect Day Trip To Sedona, Just make sure you get your tickets a few hours in advance, Running Water Spa at the Scottsdale Camelback Resort. Pro Tip: Be sure to wear sturdy shoes and comfortable clothing. Were going to a speakeasy, baby! Here we were able to sit right at the bar right in front of the kitchen, where Chef Juan interacted with us and described each course and wine pairing we were trying. Otherwise, Ive suggested a few exquisite restaurants in town for lunch below. The garden also provides opportunities to learn more about desert landscaping, nature art, cooking and wellness, and more through various adult and childrens classes. Required fields are marked *. First, youll be treated with endless amounts of natural beauty at both Sedona and the Grand Canyon. The Ultimate Arizona Road Trip Phoenix Trips Ideas | Travel Itineraries & Vacation Planning If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. I recommend spending about 2-3 hours at the museum, including time for lunch. This is the first such severe weather alert to be issued for this part of the country. This gives you the afternoon to drive to Saguaro National Park in Tucson. When you arrive, youll feel as though youve been transported back to the 1800s with the original historic buildings on Allen Street still standing, and gun fights reenacted throughout the day. Some people might spend more time shopping while others might place more emphasis on arts and museums. The Original Breakfast House in Phoenix is worth the drive for its deep-fried French toast and homemade, strawberry-filled Pop Tarts. Hopefully, you got a lot of good ideas from this Phoenix itinerary and found a lot of value in it. Day 1: Phoenix to Sedona. Dinner . Why is traveling so great if not for experiencing cultures and food? Our guide also did a really good job telling us about the longstanding history, New Age culture, and vortex significance of Sedona. Francine (menu) is located in the Crystal Court of the Fashion Square, which is the area where all the high-end stores are located. From the top, enjoy glimpses. There are plenty of trails to wander around and immerse yourself in the desert beauty. Pro Tip: Similar to the above, try to do this hike as early as possible. This means you can feel free to swap any of the below dates and mix and match itineraries to your hearts content. Unless you spend an entire day there, you probably wont have time to look at every instrument and watch every video, so you just need to be selective in where you spend your time. At this point, our legs needed a break from all the amazing walks we had just completed. Here are nine reasons to add Cave Creek to your Phoenix itinerary. On this itinerary, you'll get to visit highlights like Phoenix, Sedona, Antelope Canyon, and Horseshoe Bend, all while enjoying the amazing scenery and kitschy road trip stops that Arizona has to offer. Come in the spring to see the wildflowers and the 32,000 square-foot butterfly exhibit at its peak. 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. If youve chosen to visit The Heard Museum, youve already made your way to downtown Phoenix. 4 Days in Phoenix Trip: Budgets, Hotels, Food & Attractions The best way to enjoy it? Its right next door to the Botanical Garden and is an easy hike that will only take you about 45 minutes to complete. Video demonstrations show craftsmen making the instruments and musicians using them. If youre up for it, take on the two difficult trails that ascend 1,420 feet and be rewarded 360-degree views of the surrounding city! Day Trip to Phoenix Itinerary: Top Things You Absolutely Must Do for those of you unfamiliar, are swirls of energy that come directly from the earth (and can even be physically felt by some people). Be sure to explore the Artist Gallery, where you can view instruments played by greats like Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash. I hope youve had a great time in Phoenix. With such a jam-packed day yesterday, Day 3 was going to be all about taking it slow and learning more about some of Arizonas most important historical moments. Little Miss BBQ is out of this world, simply said. The flight on the balloon is about an hour, and the full experience takes about three hours. Phoenix is often compared to Vegas. Here, bars, theaters, museums, and sports arenas are sprinkled between high-rise buildings. Billed as the " Nearly Famous Frontier Town ," the adorable little shopping area is located right along . This hip mid-century modern style hotel has all the cool vibes. If you have an early arrival, an option to compress this into a 3-day itinerary is to first visit the Desert Botanical Garden upon your arrival, as it is very close to the airport. For traditional Italian cuisines with a contemporary twist, give North Italia (menu) a try. 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. If you want to learn more about the significant history of the town, head to Jerome State Historic Park. One Day in Phoenix: The Perfect Itinerary The Discoveries Of Or, opt for the cocoa and mesquite cured duck breast, which comes with blue corn tamale, dried stone fruit mole, and sweet potato. I actually went back to Scottsdale as part of a separate Arizona trip and had a blast walking through all of the various shops and experiencing their lively brunch events on the weekends. My favorite is Jalapeno olive oil with a pineapple white balsamic, dont knock it until you try it its addicting. Phoenix Itinerary 4 Days : TripHobo Visit the ASU Art Museum. Since we didnt stop for a full breakfast this morning, if youve chosen to go on this hike, you might get hungry before we get back into town. It may even be one of the most haunted towns in the West. Your email address will not be published. This itinerary starts in Phoenix, and covers all the major highlights like Sedona and the Grand Canyon, as well as a few hidden gems. The dish came with tortillas and was large enough to serve two people. I had read really great things about this hike while throwing our Arizona road trip itinerary together, so I just had to experience it for myself. Your choices might be limited at this point in the afternoon, but you'll appreciate the simply-seasoned, flavorful meats whether you get sliced brisket, pork ribs, pulled pork, turkey breast or house-made sausage. Today, the property is filled with over 180 vintage cars, trucks & motorcycles. This energy is not exactly electricity or magnetism, although some magnetism can be measured in spots where theyre the strongest. The Grand Canyon is huge, so choose a few notable viewpoints and plan your drive westward. I ordered a Whiskey BBQ burger, and my dear wife had the jalapeo burger (pictured above). Breakfast at Butterfields Pancake House Hike Camelback Mountain Lunch in Old Town Scottsdale Explore and shop in Old Town Scottsdale Enjoy a relaxing massage Fly home. American Executive Inn Mesa. After reading your blog I would like to visit again. Seeing all the different species of cactus glow against the bright orange sky is breathtaking. On the morning of your one day in Phoenix, it's time to take advantage of one of the best city day hikes in the country: Camelback Mountain. Feel free to wander into an open art gallery and admire a local artists work, or even buy tickets to an immersive event at Lighthouse Art Space. Day 1: Page, AZ and Page to Flagstaff. As we all flew into PHX, we had arrived early in the morning and had a whole day to spare. 6.2 Pleasant. At this point, a good amount of our afternoon was spent. Not to mention, its a historical monument. Chef Charleen Badman, a James Beard Award winner for Best Chef: Southwest, is known as the veggie whisperer for her ability to bring out the best in local produce. Im going to be honest with you, Ive never hiked in Tombstone. Since the theater is downtown, there are plenty of other options for dinner nearby as well. After dinner, its time to head back down the mountain into Phoenix and enjoy a great nights sleep. For our road trips, we typically like to pick up rental cars from a nearby airport (theres often more availability at the airports compared to rental car shops in town). First, you're going to see art at the ASU Art Museum. The Rental Car Center shuttle buses are no longer running to alleviate traffic congestion at the airport. Therefore, this Arizona itinerary could be easily added to the end of a Utah road trip. Admission $2 for adults, $1 for seniors, and free for children under 12. 567 Reviews. This 5 day Phoenix itinerary will take you on a journey where luxury meets adventure. In just 24 seconds, 30 shots were fired and Tombstone became a place of legend. Whether youre on a cross-country trip or just attempting to see more of Arizona alone, its impossible to ignore how beautiful, scenic, and romantic this southwestern state is. Luckily, tomorrow you also get to sleep in. Meanwhile, its sister bar, Little Rituals, was a finalist for Best New Cocktail Bar in the 2019 Spirited Awards. Fair warning, this is a popular local place and on weekends the wait times can run long. 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. Since we left for Flagstaff after our ghost tour, we ended up getting in pretty late. For this road trip, aim to pick up a rental car from the PHX airport. Starting from Pheonix, we had planned to hit up the following spots (all of which wed never been to before, other than Vegas): Pheonix, Scottsdale, Sedona, Jerome, Flagstaff, Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, and ultimately, Las Vegas where we would end the trip! These are some of the hotels added in the past by our travelers to their Phoenix itinerary 4 days. (Obviously, your results may vary, but check them out regardless!). If you havent had the chance to explore, dine, and/or party in Las Vegas yet, then stay a while longer and live it up! So, I found this list of hikes near Tombstone that you can pick from if hiking every day is a must for you. Its a great introduction to the vastness of the Grand Canyon. Corral gunfight reenactment Take a tour inside a silver mine Dinner at the Longhorn Restaurant Ghost tour Drive back to Phoenix. Though you will have to descend pretty steeply to get to the point (I probably wouldnt recommend this to those with a fear of heights), your efforts will pay off when you see those epic panoramic views of the inner canyon. Check into Grand Canyon Hotel. The garden is a gorgeous park blossoming with hundreds of desert plants. 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. Incorporating some of Arizona's most incredible things to see, some of which are mega-famous and some of which are lesser known, this is my ideal Arizona itinerary: Where You'll Go: Day 1-3: Sedona Day 4-5: Havasu Falls Day 6: Grand Canyon South Rim Day 7: Horseshoe Bend Day 8: Antelope Canyon Day 9: The Wave & White Pocket Day 10: Monument Valley Here we were able to sit right at the bar right in front of the kitchen, where Chef Juan interacted with us and described each course and wine pairing we were trying. Go here for a full list of their restaurants. We may receive a small commission if you make a purchase through a link. Youll find items such as old miners equipment to remains of gambling in saloons. They are all relatively close to each other. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. The Perfect 5-Day Arizona Road Trip: Phoenix, Sedona, and Antelope But it was so fun while it lasted. A One Day in Phoenix Itinerary - This Rare Earth The cost of admission is $7 for adults, $5 for kids, $6 for seniors, and free if youre 80 or over (or 5 and under). Go wild for more than 1,400 local and exotic animals at the Phoenix Zoo , including up-close encounters with giraffes, stingrays and camels. Matt Salerno, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Phoenix, said Phoenix has received 2.9 inches of rainfall for the year so far, which is roughly an inch and a half below normal . Hands down, Old Town Scottsdale. You can certainly adjust the recommendations according to your tastes and preference. Scottsdales Old Town was actually larger than we thought as it was composed of several regions.

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