Your Travel Guide to Phoenix, Arizona
Hanging out at the Hole in the Rock in Phoenix. Click on my photos to pin on Pinterest!
Visiting Phoenix, Arizona is fun no matter what time of year! This blog will be all about what to do on your visit. I’ll go over the best hikes, where to stay, where to eat, and my favorite things to do around Phoenix, Arizona.
Best Time to Visit Phoenix
I’ve had the pleasure of visiting Phoenix, Arizona and the surrounding areas many times. Shout out to my amazing Aunt Lisa for showing me around and always being the best host! It’s so nice to escape the cold and get some sunshine, especially during the winter or spring months. My favorite time to visit is the spring, because the weather is hot, but not too hot and the cacti are blooming. I’ve also visited during the summer, and I’ve enjoyed that as well! You just have to be a bit more strategic if you’re hiking or doing outdoor activities, like wearing appropriate clothing, leaving earlier in the morning, and drinking plenty of water. The Arizona heat can get very intense. No matter what season you visit, there is plenty to do!
Hanging out poolside in Arizona
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Where to Stay Around Phoenix
JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort and JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort are both amazing and popular resorts to stay at. These resorts have all the amenities, like lush golf courses, relaxing spas, great pools, and even a waterpark!
If you’re looking for something more low-key, a vacation rental with a pool is a great choice. Check out these homes around Phoenix with a private pool!
Wherever you decide to stay, I recommend a rental car to get around. Check out affordable rental cars here.
Best Hikes Around Phoenix
Since I’ve explored around this city with someone who lives in the area, I’ve become pretty familiar with some great things to do while in Phoenix. One thing that we always do while visiting is hike!
Hiking Camelback Mountain
Camelback Mountain
Camelback Mountain is the most iconic Phoenix hike and I highly recommend tackling it. This hike is considered challenging on Alltrails, so you’ll want to be prepared before hiking it. Not only is the climb difficult in many spots, but the heat can make this hike even more dangerous. If you’re planning on hiking Camelbak Mountain, make sure to start early and bring lots of water! The views from the top are absolutely stunning and for me, it’s well worth the adventure.
Take this hike seriously. People have to be rescued from Camelback Mountain quite often, suffering from heat exhaustion. You don’t want this to happen to you and your group! Remember, Phoenix temps can get well over 100 degrees. Check out this guided hiking tour if you’re looking to hike with a knowledgeable guide who is also a trained EMT or wilderness first responder. Stay safe out there!
Telegraph Pass lookout with my sisters
Telegraph Pass
Telegraph Pass is another favorite hike of ours. This trail is located in the South Mountain Preserve, just outside Phoenix. Telegraph Pass trail is rated moderate on Alltrails and is more family friendly than Camelback Mountain. As for any Arizona hike, make sure to bring a lot of water. Once you’ve reached the top, you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful stone lookout over Phoenix.
Summit of Gila Trail with Ross
Gila Trail
Near Telegraph Pass is another great hike, the Gila Trail. This trail will get your heart pumping as it’s pretty steep to the top, but worth it! It’s considered moderate on Alltrails. Personally, I think this trail is harder than Telegraph Pass, as it’s longer and steeper. The top provides amazing views of the surrounding mountains and if you go during the spring, you’ll see the cacti blooming.
Hole in the Rock
If you’re not into hiking but still want a great view of the city, visit Hole in the Rock right in Phoenix! This is a popular tourist attraction, but for a good reason. The rock formations are so cool! And of course the view is beautiful. This is a great stop to get some photos while in Phoenix.
Ross and I at Hole in the Rock
Visit Old Town Scottsdale
I love to shop, and one of the coolest places to shop while visiting Phoenix is Old Town Scottsdale. Just a short drive away from Phoenix, you’ll find a fun variety of stores and restaurants here. I love to check out the Native American jewelry and treasures, made by local artists.
Old Town Scottsdale is also known for their nightlife. You can find a relaxing saloon or even stay up all night at one of their nightclubs. Old Town Scottsdale has a little something for everyone!
Pool day to escape the Arizona heat
Spa Day at The Revive Spa
The Arizona sun can be brutal, so if you’re looking to escape, I recommend a spa day at The Revive Spa at JW Marriott Desert Ridge. Not only can you enjoy a relaxing massage and facial, but you can float in the pool, detox in the sauna, or grab a bite to eat at their bistro. This spa is open to anyone, so you don’t have to be a JW Marriott Desert Ridge guest to enjoy it. I highly recommend a spa day here!
Baseball Spring Training
A fun activity in the spring is watching your favorite baseball team practice and train for the upcoming season. I’ve watched the Brewers’ Spring Training at the American Family Fields of Phoenix, and it was so fun! We grabbed some drinks and hung out at the baseball field for the day. If you’re a baseball fan, I definitely recommend it. Check to see if your team is training in Phoenix this spring.
Banana pecan french toast at The Farm at South Mountain
Where to Eat Around Phoenix
My favorite spot to eat around Phoenix is The Farm at South Mountain. It’s not just a restaurant, it’s a whole experience! Depending on what time of day you go, you’ll get a different restaurant experience. We went for brunch and had a laid back atmosphere and enjoyed our delicious food at a picnic table under the pecan trees. The food is made fresh from everything they grow and raise on their farm. After our brunch, we strolled around the farm looking at all their gardens and animals. It’s such a beautiful place! They also have a gift shop and even have a space for weddings and events.
I love breakfast and brunch, and another delicious restaurant I recommend is Biscuits. This is the perfect spot to stop at after your hike to refuel. My aunt always orders the Champion Pancakes, which are filled with granola, blueberries, almonds, and cinnamon. They’re so good!
Day Trips from Phoenix
If you have extra time while in Phoenix and are looking for some day trip ideas, definitely make a trip to Sedona! I’ve done a day trip to Sedona from Phoenix multiple times. It’s definitely a FULL day, so it could be made into a multiple day trip if you want to spend more time in Sedona. Sedona from Phoenix is about 2 hours, so when we go, we leave very early in the morning. We also leave early in the morning, because we spend the day hiking in Sedona.
I wrote a whole blog about my favorite photography and hiking spots around Sedona, so go give that a read if you plan to make a visit. Sedona is just so beautiful and is one of my favorite places to hike, so if you get the opportunity to explore it, definitely take it!
Devil’s Bridge Hike in Sedona, Arizona
Another cool day trip is of course the Grand Canyon! This trip is around 3.5 hours from Phoenix, so again, you’ll likely have a FULL day and have to leave early. If you haven’t been to the Grand Canyon, this is a must! You’ll be blown away by the size and beauty.
Overall thoughts on Phoenix, Arizona
Overall, Phoenix has so many fun things to do and the hikes and landscape are incredible! Phoenix has something for everyone, whether you’re looking for relaxation, nightlife, or adventurous activities. I highly recommend a vacation here!
Bougainvillea blooming around the Phoenix neighborhoods
Camera used to document my travels: Canon EOS 5D Mark III & IV 35mm lens and Olympus Om-1 35mm film
