Friday
Afternoon
Arrive in Phoenix ready to explore. Stop by Press Coffee to refuel from your travels, then head to Papago Park. Just minutes from the heart of the City, this park includes 1,200 miles of trails, the Desert Botanical Garden, and the Phoenix Zoo. Take a quick walk to Hole in the Rock, one of Phoenix’s best photo-ops, or a slightly longer hike on Double Butte Loop.
If time allows, a stroll through the Desert Botanical Garden is a great way to explore the unique beauty of the Sonoran Desert, from towering cacti to brilliant wildflowers and lush trees.
Evening
Every other Friday through September, baseball lovers can catch Phoenix’s Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Try a Sonoran hot dog at the ballpark – a Phoenix specialty – or grab a bite before or after the game. Chase Field is in the heart of Downtown Phoenix, and a quick walk to a plethora of bars and restaurants.
If fine dining is more your scene – find an occasion to celebrate with an opulent dinner at Christopher’s at Wrigley Mansion. The mansion was originally constructed in 1931 by chewing gum magnate William Wrigley Jr. The views of Downtown Phoenix and the distant mountains are an experience on their own, and Thursday through Saturday, storied chef Christopher Gross serves an evolving and inventive tasting menu.
Saturday
Morning
Grab a coffee and pastry for the road, and drive about half an hour into the Scottsdale desert to Taliesin West. Frank Lloyd Wright’s beloved winter home and workspace was built and maintained almost entirely by Wright and his apprentices, making it among the most personal of the architect’s creations. June through September, audio tours start at 9am, book your tickets ahead of time.
Afternoon
Driving back towards Phoenix, stop in Scottsdale for a sandwich at Andreoli Italian Grocer. Or find a lunch spot in Old Town Scottsdale, a vibrant area known for its restaurants, boutiques, and Western art. Spend the afternoon exploring Scottsdale or head back towards Phoenix.
There are plenty of ways to spend an hour or an afternoon on Roosevelt Row. Downtown Phoenix’s walkable arts district is spotted with splashy murals and boasts two iconic museums – the Phoenix Museum of Art and the American Indian-focused Heard Museum – and countless galleries, cafes, bars, and shops.
Evening
There is no shortage of dining options on Roosevelt Row, but if you want to try food that feels distinctly “of the place” check out the Sonoran Mexican specialties at Bacanora PHX. Most items served at Chef Rene Andrade’s restaurant are charred on a smoky, giant Santa Maria-style grill. The regular menu features just a handful of Mexican staples, so be sure to ask about the daily specials. Make a reservation or be prepared to wait.
Sunday
Morning
Start your last morning in Phoenix with a hike up Camelback Mountain for panoramic views of the City. If you’re looking for a challenge, follow the Echo Canyon Trail for a 2.6 mi out and back scramble. Choose the Cholla Trail for a slightly easier climb.
Celebrate your summit with a fresh and filling brunch at Morning Glory Café at the Farm at South Mountain. A farm-to-table breakfast burrito on the sprawling outdoor patio is a peaceful way to bid farewell to Phoenix and begin your travels home.
