After having family come and go in the holidays, I was inspired to collect my favorite activities for out-of-towners around this time last year. This sat in my post drafts for too long, but as the weather’s cooling down, I felt I had to polish it up and share. Here’s what I would recommend to experience Phoenix if you’re here just for a weekend.
You’re going to need caffeine at least once. These lists should help.
I recommend starting the day with hiking or walking. Unless you made the mistake of visiting in June, July, or August, you should do a least one outdoor activity.
If you’re not much of a hiker, walking through the Papago Park loop trail is easy and partially paved. The Desert Botanical Garden is also scenic and will give you native plant views, although not for free.
For those who like to hike, Camelback Mountain and Piestewa Peak are the iconic spots. South Mountain has some less popular trails, too, if you’re concerned about crowds.
Then, you have to find a lunch spot. I always take my out of town family to Postino (once I brought them, they request to come back every time).
I’ve talked about some of my favorite lunch spots here and here.
There are far too many activities to do in a weekend, so it depends on the vibe you’re looking for.
For the shoppers:
Would a New Yorker take you to Times Square for the most authentic NYC experience? I think not. For this reason, I’d go for Grand Ave in Phoenix or Main Street in Mesa over Scottsdale Fashion Center (no culture) or Old Town (a tourist trap).
If it’s too hot outside, Changing Hands and Zia Records are also fun and more indoors.
For those with kids:
The Phoenix Zoo is absolutely amazing. Honestly, I recommend it without kids too.
For the culture:
The Heard Museum. We have a lovely art museum and the fun quirky Musical Instrument Museum but nothing is as unique and particularly Arizonan as The Heard.
I also love the Phoenix Theatre Company, and they often premiere shows you can’t see anywhere else.
Where to have dinner in Phoenix is the subject of enough writing to fill several books.
Suffice it to say, if you’re looking for uniquely Arizonan food, I recommend the Fry Bread House. It’s James Beard Award winning, local, indigenous, and delicious. I’m willing to admit other places have good Mexican food, but willing to bet they don’t have something like this.
I’ve talked about quirky spots here, Mexican food here, and vegetarian options here.
Going out at night, the valley is full of options. I’ve posted a lot about where to drink, but not as much about where to get the Arizona vibe. Bar 1912, named after the year our state was founded, offers both.
If you’re looking for the western vibe, there’s country music and dancing at Denim and Diamonds in Mesa or Buffalo Chip in Queen Creek. Buffalo Chip actually does a small rodeo on Friday nights.
If you’re more into Latin dancing styles, Club Dwntwn (you guessed it, in downtown) is the place.
If you’re not into dancing, there are fun local dives Gracie’s and Rips in Phoenix, local breweries like Grand Avenue Brewing, Formation, or OHSO, and karaoke spots like 414 in Mesa. You’ll feel like you’re in a neighborhood spot at any of these.
Before you go, the perfect weekend has to include a Sunday brunch.
For specifically Arizona vibes, Valentine has locally-inspired flavors in their drink menu (think sweet corn latte and mesquite chai) and their award-winning pastries (squash, Sonoran wheat, etc). Presidio is a go-to for Mexican food.
What are the best Arizona souvenirs?
Save yourself the trouble, skip prickly pear flavored candy. (Maybe I’m just a hater, but I think the flavor is objectively terrible.) I am biased towards edible products, though. I highly recommend a farmers market like the Saturday morning one in Uptown Phoenix or the Sunday one in Scottsdale. You’ll find consumables from local products and jewelry and handicrafts from local artisans.
I’m no sommelier, so take my advice with a big grain of salt, but Arizona has some solid wines. Most vineyards have a tasting room in Scottsdale if you can’t make it up to wine country in Cottonwood and Sedona, so you don’t have to take me at my word. I also love Superstition Meadery, if you’re able to travel a little further.
If you’re at a loss, there’s always Suns gear. Suns fans, there’s always next year.
Grace Gets Food 