48 hours in Phoenix: The Classic, The Adventure, The Art & Spa Weekend
Ready for a quick getaway? In this episode, we’re kicking off a new 48 Hours In series with three different ways to experience Phoenix, Arizona. From the classic Phoenix itinerary filled with hiking, iconic restaurants, and desert scenery, to an outdoor adventure in the Superstition Mountains and a relaxing art and spa weekend in Scottsdale, there’s something for every type of traveler. Pick your favorite itinerary, mix and match your must-dos, and get inspired to spend 48 hours exploring the Valley of the Sun!
I wanted to start a new series called 48 Hours In, where I’ll share different ways to spend a quick weekend in cities across the United States. There are so many amazing places to explore without traveling all the way to Europe, and I’m excited to make these weekend getaways more accessible and doable.
To kick things off, we’re starting with my hometown of Phoenix, Arizona!
Phoenix is huge, and there are so many different ways to experience it. I’ve put together three different weekend itineraries so you can choose your own adventure:
The Classic Phoenix Weekend
The Desert Adventure Weekend
The Art & Spa Weekend
Most of these recommendations are places we have personally visited, some multiple times, with a few wishlist items mixed in. You can easily mix and match these itineraries depending on what sounds most fun to you!
The Classic Phoenix Weekend
For the classic Phoenix experience, I’m focusing on Phoenix itself, with a mix of hiking, food, museums, art, and desert scenery.
Where to Stay
For this itinerary, I recommend staying at one of these beautiful properties:
Arizona Biltmore: A gorgeous historic resort inspired by a Frank Lloyd Wright design. We’ve attended several events here and it is such a beautiful property.
Royal Palms: A smaller, cozier option with a beautiful hacienda-style feel.
I also highly recommend renting a car for your Phoenix weekend. Phoenix is very spread out, and having a car makes getting around much easier.
Friday: Pizza & the Desert Botanical Garden
After flying into Phoenix on Friday, check into your hotel and then head out for your first meal.
Pizzeria Bianco
This is a Phoenix classic that helped put the city on the pizza map.
They do not take reservations, so I recommend going early and getting your name on the list.
While you wait, you can hang out at the house next door, grab a drink and appetizers, and play some games.
They make many of their ingredients in-house, and everything is incredibly fresh. Don’t skip the Caprese salad!
After dinner, head over to the Desert Botanical Garden.
The garden is beautiful any time of year.
In December, check out Las Noches de las Luminarias, when the garden is filled with luminarias and live music.
During the fall, the garden stays open until 10 p.m., making it a great evening activity.
If you visit earlier in the day, your ticket is good for the entire day, so you can return in the evening without purchasing another admission.
After that, head back to your hotel and get some rest because tomorrow is going to be an adventure!
Saturday: Hiking, Brunch & the Musical Instrument Museum
Start your Saturday morning with a hike.
For experienced hikers:
Camelback Mountain via Echo Canyon: This is a short but steep hike with incredible views over the Phoenix Valley. There is some rock scrambling, so good shoes with plenty of traction are important.
For a slightly easier option:
Fat Man’s Pass at South Mountain: One of our favorites and a great way to experience the desert.
Tom’s Thumb: Located in the McDowell Mountains, this is another beautiful option.
I always recommend checking AllTrails before heading out to see current trail conditions, mileage, elevation gain, and recent reviews.
One important tip: Visit Phoenix between October and March for the best weather. November through February is especially wonderful for hiking.
Brunch
After your hike, shower off and head out for brunch!
A few favorites include:
The Henry: Classic upscale American food.
Chelsea’s Kitchen: Another favorite with a great atmosphere.
Théa at the Global Ambassador: A beautiful option for a special brunch.
Musical Instrument Museum
Spend your afternoon at the Musical Instrument Museum.
This is one of those Phoenix attractions that I think people of all ages will enjoy.
There are tons of interactive exhibits.
You can see instruments from around the world.
It is especially fun if you enjoy music.
We took our kids here and spent so much time exploring.
For dinner, you can try one of the brunch restaurants you didn’t make it to earlier, or head to Lawn at the Hermosa Inn for a beautiful Southwestern-inspired dinner.
Sunday: Frank Lloyd Wright & Native American Art
Before heading home, start your Sunday with a visit to Taliesin West, Frank Lloyd Wright’s former desert home and studio.
We’ve visited several times and have loved taking the tour.
The setting is beautiful.
Plan on at least an hour to explore.
It’s a great way to experience some of Phoenix’s art, architecture, and history.
If you still have time before your flight, head downtown to the Heard Museum to explore Native American art.
Or, if you want one last quick hike, stop at Hole-in-the-Rock at Papago Park.
It’s only about 0.3 miles each way.
It’s a short climb but very manageable for most people.
It is especially beautiful around sunset.
The Desert Adventure Weekend
If I had to pick a favorite, this might be it! For this itinerary, you’ll spend more time around the Superstition Mountains and East Valley.
Where to Stay
I recommend staying around Gold Canyon, where you can find a small casita with beautiful desert and mountain views.
Friday: Olive Oil, Hiking & Gilbert
Start your weekend at Queen Creek Olive Mill.
Taste different olive oils and balsamic vinegars.
Grab lunch or dinner.
Enjoy fresh, farm-style food.
Sit outside underneath the olive trees for a relaxing start to your weekend.
Then head toward the Superstition Mountains and Lost Dutchman State Park.
Try the Treasure Loop Trail around sunset.
It has a nice climb without being overly long.
The desert scenery is beautiful as the sun starts to set.
You’ll see plenty of classic Sonoran Desert scenery and towering saguaro cacti.
And as always, bring plenty of water, snacks, and shoes with good traction. If you’re hiking around sunset, make sure you’re back at your car before dark or bring a headlamp.
Dinner in Downtown Gilbert
For dinner, drive into downtown Gilbert.
Liberty Market
This has been one of our family favorites for 20 years, and we are never disappointed.
Some of our favorite things to order include:
Burgers
White pizza
Apricot chicken
Salt River Bar
Reservations are recommended. If you can’t get into Liberty Market, try Joe’s Barbecue. There are no reservations, so you simply get in line and order cafeteria-style.
Saturday: Superstition Mountains & the Apache Trail
For your second day, get back outside!
Siphon Draw Trail
If you’re looking for a challenging hike, try Siphon Draw in Lost Dutchman State Park.
The trail takes you toward an impressive rock formation called the Siphon.
You can continue farther toward Flatiron if you’re looking for a serious challenge.
Even just hiking to the Siphon gives you incredible desert views.
If a big hike isn’t your thing, take a scenic drive instead.
Tortilla Flat
Drive the Apache Trail toward Tortilla Flat, a tiny historic stagecoach stop.
Browse the shops.
Grab some food.
Enjoy the scenery along the drive.
It’s touristy, but still a fun way to experience a little bit of Arizona history.
On the way back, stop at Goldfield Ghost Town.
This is such a fun place to experience the Old West.
Take classic Western photos.
Check out the old jail.
Watch a shootout.
Visit the mine.
Try the zipline.
Explore the shops and historic buildings.
Sunset Dinner Cruise
End your Saturday with the Dolly Steamboat Twilight Dinner Cruise on Canyon Lake.
The food may not be the highlight, but the experience definitely is.
Cruise around Canyon Lake.
Watch the desert glow during sunset.
Keep an eye out for bighorn sheep.
Enjoy the views of the surrounding canyon walls.
Experience one of the beautiful lakes right here in the desert.
It’s such a fun way to end an adventure-filled day.
Sunday: Art & Barbecue
Before heading to the airport, head into downtown Phoenix.
Start with the Phoenix Art Museum.
Take some time to explore the art.
It’s a great way to slow down and cool off after an active weekend.
Then grab lunch at Little Miss BBQ before your flight.
One tip: they can run out of brisket, so I recommend going earlier in the day if that is what you really want.
The Art & Spa Weekend
If hiking and adventure aren't your top priorities, this itinerary is for you!
For an art and spa weekend, I recommend staying in Scottsdale, which is just a short drive from Phoenix.
Where to Stay
Hotel Valley Ho is a great option.
It has a fun mid-century modern vibe.
It is walkable to Old Town Scottsdale.
You’ll be close to restaurants, art galleries, and shops.
If your dates line up, check out the Scottsdale ArtWalk, which takes place on select Thursdays throughout the year.
It’s a fun way to explore the galleries, listen to music, and enjoy the energy of Old Town.
Friday: Old Town Scottsdale
After checking into your hotel, spend the afternoon wandering around Old Town Scottsdale.
Walk along Main Street.
Pop into the different art galleries.
Browse the shops.
Enjoy the atmosphere.
For dinner, check out F&B. They have a Michelin Bib Gourmand award, and their dishes are fantastic.
Saturday: Hot Air Balloon Ride
One of my favorite Phoenix experiences has been taking a hot air balloon ride over the desert.
We used Apex Balloons, and we had a great experience.
We went up before sunrise and watched the sun come up over the desert with tons of other balloons floating around us.
It was absolutely beautiful!
We did a private ride, which was really special, although the basket was small. If you're not sure how you'll feel about being up in the air, sharing a larger balloon with other guests might feel a little more comfortable.
Brunch
After your balloon ride, you’re going to be hungry!
Try one of these Scottsdale brunch spots:
Arcadia Farms Cafe: Everything is fresh, and I love sitting outside underneath the umbrellas.
Snooze: A fun and casual brunch option.
The Eleanor: A newer option near Old Town Scottsdale.
Beginner’s Luck: Another option worth checking out.
And a general Phoenix food tip: make reservations whenever you can! Restaurants here tend to be busy, and making a reservation can save you from a very long wait.
Scottsdale’s Museum of the West
After brunch, head to Scottsdale’s Museum of the West.
This is a great place to experience a little more of Arizona’s culture and history.
Cowboy art
Native American art
Western history
Beautiful architecture
Afternoon at the Spa
Now it’s time to relax! Scottsdale has so many incredible spas that you really can’t go wrong.
Check with your hotel because many properties offer spa discounts for guests.
One option to look into is Joya Spa at the Omni, which has a beautiful Moroccan-inspired design and a rooftop pool.
If you’re looking for something a little more affordable, I love Fuchsia in the East Valley. They have multiple locations and are a favorite for massages.
Saturday Night
For dinner, stay close to Old Town Scottsdale.
There are so many restaurants to choose from that I recommend asking your hotel concierge for a recommendation when you arrive. They may even be able to make the reservation for you.
Sunday: Cosanti & One Last Meal
For your final morning, head to Cosanti in Paradise Valley.
This is a really unique artist community where they create bronze wind bells.
Tour the grounds.
Learn about the artistic process.
Browse the unique pieces.
Purchase something to remember your trip.
I recommend purchasing your tickets ahead of time if you know you’re going to visit.
Before You Fly Home
Finally, grab one last meal before heading to the airport.
If you want delicious, greasy Mexican food, head to Carolina’s in downtown Phoenix.
It may not look like the fanciest place from the outside, but we have been going for years and absolutely love it.
And don’t leave without getting some of their homemade flour tortillas to take home with you!
Choose Your Own Phoenix Adventure
The best part about all three of these itineraries is that you don't have to follow just one.
Mix and match!
You could hike Camelback Mountain, spend an afternoon at a Scottsdale spa, eat pizza at Pizzeria Bianco, visit the Superstition Mountains, or take a hot air balloon ride over the desert.
There are so many different ways to experience Phoenix, and you could easily come back again and again without running out of things to do.
If you’re planning a Phoenix weekend, I hope this gives you some ideas and inspires you to make a trip of your own. And remember, October through March is the time to visit if you want to enjoy the best weather.
Most importantly, come ready to eat, explore, relax, and make some memories with someone you love!