Social media has changed the way we find everything. From choosing the new favorite pair of shoes to deciding on a spot for dinner, many people turn to the reviews and inspiration social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook and TikTok offer. Sometimes these social media hot spots and recommendation are exactly as they’re described online, but sometimes they aren’t.

These Phoenix vintage stores, coffee shops and hikes have been on your screen before and we’re here to tell you, they’re worth the visit.

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Hikes

Camelback Mountain

It is impossible to search “hiking in Phoenix” with out the iconic Camelback mountain hike populating somewhere near the top. This is for a few reasons: the mountain is geographically located smack dab in the middle of Phoenix metro, it’s easy to access and it’s free.

Something these online reviews make clear, but not enough visitors take seriously, is the difficulty of hiking Camelback. Yes, the view is great, but both of the paths to the mountain’s summit are challenging.

  • Echo Canyon: described as “an intense and difficult anaerobic hike.” Gaining between 1,000 to 1,500 ft of elevation in the 1.23 mile hike via scaling steep railroad ties.
  • Cholla Trailhead: seen as the “easier” route to Camelback’s summit. Hikers gain about 1350 feet over 1.47 miles. A majority of this hike is trail hiking however, near the 1 mile mark the trail turns into boulders and the remaining distance is spent scrambling.

The view from the top is beautiful, but the reviews are right. Be careful, well hydrated and respectful.

Hole in the Rock Trail

Equally as talked about, Hole in the Rock Trail is a Phoenix must see. This trail hike only gains about 200 feet in elevation in the .3 miles it takes to reach the red stone formation in Papago Park.

Hole in the Rock is as beautiful as it looks online. The formation that creates the picturesque cave is awe-inspiring and the views of the city are unmatched. However, a lot of people know this and it’s one of the easiest hikes with the greatest pay-off possible so crowds are to be expected. Especially at sunset.

Coffee Shops

Lux Coffee

With two locations in the Valley, Lux Coffee is a coffee lovers dream wrapped in cool eclectic packaging with a delicious homemade pastry on top.

The comfortable and inviting pink couches that greet you when opening the door to the Lux Central location are an accurate representation of what you’ll be getting inside. The bakery case is packed to the brim with fresh pastries, the service is kind and clear, and the space is strategically set up to allow for wide tables, comfortable chairs and even a bar.

Window Coffee Bar

Window Coffee Bar was ranked #6 out of all of the coffee shops in the U.S. by Yelp for a reason. Small but mighty, Window Coffee Bar is a downtown Phoenix favorite built around a simple walk-up window. The concept is straightforward and intentional, with expertly made espresso drinks and a team that keeps things friendly and efficient.

There’s no indoor seating or lingering lounge area here, but that’s part of the charm. Window is about grabbing a quality cup, chatting briefly with the barista and heading back out, caffeinated, happy and already planning your next visit.

Vintage

Call it New Call it Antique

With room after room of vintage finds, Call It New Call It Antique is a treasure hunter’s dream wrapped in desert charm with a drop of nostalgia on top.

Walking through the front doors feels like stepping into another era, where every corner is packed with furniture, collectibles, artwork and one-of-a-kind pieces waiting to be discovered. The aisles are full of independent seller booths, the staff is knowledgeable and welcoming, and the space invites you to wander, browse and take your time. At Call It New Call It Antique, the best finds are always the ones you weren’t looking for.