Known as “The Valley of the Sun”, Phoenix, Arizona, is a gorgeous, vibrant, sunny city that simply oozes summer excitement and a feeling of welcome. The nickname tells us a lot about the weather – Phoenix is hot, hot, HOT, particularly in summer…but how else are you going to get your tan on? The median age in this stunning city is a little lower than the rest of the country, so if you’re looking for a spot to party, Phoenix will fit the bill flawlessly.
If you only have a few days in Phoenix and you’re worried about missing out on the best of what it has to offer, this sample itinerary will help you plan your stay to ensure that you get the most bang for your buck and the best possible time out of a short visit.
Choose The Ideal Stays
Phoenix is one of the feel-good summer cities that has a perfect amount of interesting, luxurious, rustic, classy, and incredibly comfortable stays to choose from. Where you rest your head during your stay will set the tone for everything else that happens. You want somewhere that suits your needs and personality, but is also central enough to make sense as a base for sightseeing and fun experiences. These hotels and boutique stays will suit different kinds of people, but they’re all ideal for visitors who want to get to the meat of what Phoenix has to offer.
Found: RE Phoenix
Best for: A cool, contemporary, downtown stay.
If you’re looking for a base to explore the city itself, particularly the vibey downtown area, then Found is for you. The decor leans towards hipster, with reclaimed-looking wood and black metals. There’s an industrial edge to the look, but it still manages to stay warm and inviting. It’s a quirky, chic location with a restaurant and lounge to match, and it gets guests looking to party as close as they can to the best downtown entertainment spots.
Arizona Grand Resort & Spa
Best for: A self-contained escape from the hustle and bustle.
This high-luxury stay is an excellent choice for those who prefer to be away from all things city or are looking for a safe, relaxing space to enjoy with their families. This holiday resort village offers amenities that will have guests wanting to stay forever: choose from four restaurants to suit different tastes, a glorious spa, a selection of outdoor pools, tennis courts, and a golf course. There are one- and two-bedroom suites available, and the decor is soft, neutral, and calming, which perfectly complements the warm Spanish-style exterior.
MORE NEWS: 10 best resorts in Arizona for 2025, according to Travel + Leisure
The Hermosa Inn
Best for: A classic Arizona, rustic look that loses none of its luxury for appearing rustic.
Originally built by a cowboy in the 1930s, The Hermosa Inn has retained all the charm that comes with buildings from that era and managed to add some more of its own. The inn has a total of 34 casitas nestled in the valley, offering guests privacy and a calm environment. The warm design blends classic patterns with warm whites, grainy wood, and beautiful contemporary art pieces. The views outside are unparalleled, so expect to spend plenty of time by the pool.
Enjoy Exciting Activities
Choosing the right activities will help you to make the most of your trip. You want a few things that will excite the senses, a few that are calm and require minimal effort, and some that are on the list just because they sound like a good time!
City Life
Shop Till You Drop
Every trip requires souvenirs, right? Phoenix is big on “shopping small and local”, so there’s a wonderful selection of local small businesses, especially downtown, to choose from. Frances Vintage offers new, locally made pieces and a selection of curated vintage pieces. Practical Art features pieces by local artists and crafts from local makers – the perfect “I brought this back for you” memento for friends and family. Phoenix General has apparel, accessories, home goods, and more, all crafted by local makers in beautiful, intricate detail.
Papago Park
When you make your way to the stunning urban park destination of Papago Park, your eyes will be blessed by one of the world’s largest and most unique botanical gardens. Instead of lush lawns and huge, soft, bright green leaves, you’ll find a stunning collection of desert flora that spans more than 140 acres and is home to some incredibly rare and endangered species from all over the world.
The Great Outdoors
Hot-Air Balloon Ride
There’s no better way to get an understanding of the scale and majesty of the Sonoran Desert than from above. Take a morning hot-air balloon ride and sip champagne while you gaze down on a truly unique and beautiful landscape. Get your camera out because this is something you’ll want to remember.
Guided UTV Desert Tour
Get to grips with the desert in more detail and have the adventure of a lifetime on a UTV chugging through the Sonoran Desert. See the animal and plant life of the desert up close and learn more about this incredible landscape.
Cultural Gems
Looking for a real understanding of the cultures and history that have shaped the city of Phoenix? Look no further than these experiences.
Montezuma Castle National Monument
Pay a visit to one of the best-preserved ruins in all of North America: the 1000-year-old Montezuma Castle. Multiple families once resided in these ruins, which were home to the Sinagua, an ancient farming people.
Mission San Xavier del Bac
Built in the classic mission style, the Mission San Xavier del Bac is a place of incredible beauty. Featuring distinctive bright white adobe bell towers that earned it the nickname of the “White Dove in the Desert”, this mission is among the oldest Catholic church sites in the US and is a popular tourist destination thanks to its rich heritage and its stunning architecture.
Foodie Phoenix
Phoenix is heaven for foodies, offering a diverse range of eateries, from casual to super fine-dining. Try these spots while you’re in town for a little cross-section of what’s available.
Uchi
Best for: A swanky sushi experience.
Choose from a la carte, chef’s specials, or build a tasting menu that suits you and your budget.
Taco Viva
Best for: Delicious Mexican food
A bright, cheery, and modern restaurant that holds onto classic Mexican charm. The dishes are hearty and comforting.
The Ends
Best for: Anthony Bourdain-style contemporary meals
The plating and presentation at The Ends are second to none, and the hearty but still refined fare matches the aesthetics perfectly.
Your Phoenix Schedule
Even a short visit can be an exciting and enriching one, especially if you have a game plan ahead of time. These excursions, day trips, and stays will offer you the best of Phoenix, even if your visit is a fleeting one.
