phoenix city guide

PHOENIX TRAVEL GUIDE

 

When my best friend Maddy of Miss Madds and I took our trip to Phoenix, I learned quickly that most people don’t think of the city as much of a “destination” to visit. We spent a long weekend there to celebrate our 23rd birthdays, and let me tell you — there is loads to see, do, and eat. The natural features of the city are gorgeous with flowers + cacti everywhere you look. I put together a little guide to show off all the things we loved about our trip in case you’re looking at taking one too.

We stayed in Scottsdale, so the majority of the things we did were around that area. I would say that this is a perfect destination for a fun girls trip or even a blogger/influencer style getaway. Scottsdale is also the perfect location to stay, it’s rather easy to walk to a lot of restaurants, shopping, and there’s a nightlife scene within walking distance too. Plus, there’s no end of stunning photo opportunities all across the city. So with that said, grab your girls and start planning!

WHERE TO STAY

Hotel Adeline

Boutique motel // This is where we stayed!

Hotel Valley Ho

Historic + modern

The Saguaro Scottsdale

Bright + fun


WHERE TO EAT/GRAB DRINKS

The Henry 

Good for dinner + drinks // Vital pick: Tuna Poke Bowl + Fig & Ginger Mule

Breakfast Club

Classic breakfast + brunch // Vital pick: Turkey Bene

Farm & Craft 

Healthy + sustainable // Vital pick: Steel Cut Oats + Protein Pancakes

The Montauk 

New England style options // Vital pick: Mac n Cheese

Diego Pop’s

Fun tacos + drinks // Vital pick: Snow Cone Margarita

Bandera

Comfort food // Vital pick: Rotisserie Chicken

Windsor

Laid back, good happy hour // Vital pick: No. 34

Sugar Bowl

Diner style sweet treats // Vital pick: Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

Postino

Wine + bruschetta boards // Vital pick: literally any bruschetta + wine

Berdena’s

Coffee shop, good for pastries // Vital pick: Cinnamon roll

Teaspressa

Espresso-style Tea, endless instagram-worthy moments // Vital pick: Iced London Fog with coconut milk

Lux Central

Fresh + cool coffee shop // Vital pick: Cappuccino 


THINGS TO SEE/DO

Desert Botanical Garden

Vital tip: go at golden hour, make time to go to Hole in the Rock too

Phoenix Art Museum

Vital tip: small museum with great contemporary/modern art

Old Town Scottsdale

Vital tip: great picture ops, especially at night with the string lights

Japanese Friendship Gardens

Vital tip: closes early, pay attention to closing hours

Phoenix Public Market

Vital tip: hours change based upon the season


WHERE TO HIKE

OVERALL VITAL TIP: PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO WEATHER. ONLY HIKE WHEN THE TEMPERATURE IS SAFE.

Camelback Mountain

Vital tip: there are two different trails to the top

Piestewa Peak

Vital tip: steeper than you’d expect, great photo ops along the way

South Mountain

Vital tip: drive to the top to watch the sunset

Hole in the Rock 

Vital tip: very short “hike”

Superstition Mountains

Vital tip: a bit of a drive out of the city, lots of things to do


WHERE TO SHOP

Fashion Square

Old Town Scottsdale Shops


This trip was truly the getaway I needed. The past six months have been a lot — health issues, a breakup, quitting my job, and starting a new one. I hadn’t really given myself a chance let myself rest and just enjoy the moment without worrying about a thousand other things (hello, anxiety, my dear friend!) All in all, this was the perfect way to round out the last days of my 22nd year of life. I spent the entirety of the trip in awe of my surroundings, and both Maddy and I quickly fell in love with this city. Phoenix, you have our hearts.

<< most photos x Maddy Hill Photographics >>

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