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
Boutique motel // This is where we stayed!
Historic + modern
Bright + fun
WHERE TO EAT/GRAB DRINKS
Good for dinner + drinks // Vital pick: Tuna Poke Bowl + Fig & Ginger Mule
Classic breakfast + brunch // Vital pick: Turkey Bene
Healthy + sustainable // Vital pick: Steel Cut Oats + Protein Pancakes
New England style options // Vital pick: Mac n Cheese
Fun tacos + drinks // Vital pick: Snow Cone Margarita
Comfort food // Vital pick: Rotisserie Chicken
Laid back, good happy hour // Vital pick: No. 34
Diner style sweet treats // Vital pick: Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
Wine + bruschetta boards // Vital pick: literally any bruschetta + wine
Coffee shop, good for pastries // Vital pick: Cinnamon roll
Espresso-style Tea, endless instagram-worthy moments // Vital pick: Iced London Fog with coconut milk
Fresh + cool coffee shop // Vital pick: Cappuccino
THINGS TO SEE/DO
Vital tip: go at golden hour, make time to go to Hole in the Rock too
Vital tip: small museum with great contemporary/modern art
Vital tip: great picture ops, especially at night with the string lights
Vital tip: closes early, pay attention to closing hours
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.
Vital tip: there are two different trails to the top
Vital tip: steeper than you’d expect, great photo ops along the way
Vital tip: drive to the top to watch the sunset
Vital tip: very short “hike”
Vital tip: a bit of a drive out of the city, lots of things to do
WHERE TO SHOP
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 >>
