If you've been thinking about taking a trip to Arizona, this is your sign. Our trip to Phoenix and Scottsdale left us in awe of how beautiful and fun these cities were, from where we stayed to what we did to everywhere we ate. Here's the full breakdown.
where to stay
Hotel Adeline
A stylish, urban hotel in downtown Scottsdale that embodies the city's fun, artsy atmosphere (we loved their "WTF – Where's The Fun" sign out front). Vibrant, comfy rooms, a 3,000 sq ft pool with Camelback Mountain views, an indoor and poolside bar, and a whiskey speakeasy with a password that changes often. Breakfast at their restaurant, Selfmade, was a highlight, especially the French toast.
The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa
A resort-style stay in the heart of Scottsdale, close to restaurants and attractions like Scottsdale Quarter. Amenities include an adventure water park with a 110-foot waterslide, the longest lazy river in Arizona, a surf simulator, and the Agave Spa. Our room overlooked their award-winning golf course, and breakfast at Nellie Cashman's Monday Club Café (the blueberry pancakes especially) did not disappoint.
what to do
Cham Pang Lanes
Duckpin bowling taken to the next level, retro-chic decor, a disco ball chandelier, and a DJ playlist that keeps the whole place upbeat. The menu goes from cocktails and champagne to sushi and sweet potato fries. The Crunchy L.A. Sushi and the Thai curry fries were our favorite.
Kayaking at Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch
Just outside Scottsdale, a perfect day trip. We kayaked the Salt River, saw wild horses along the banks, and had genuinely breathtaking views the whole way. Go in the morning, before the Arizona heat really kicks in.
Wonderspaces Arizona
An immersive art exhibit right by Scottsdale Fashion Square, with digital and interactive installations that rotate throughout the year. Spheres by Eliza McNitt, a VR experience inside a black hole, was unreal. The Light Leaks disco room and the Glitche digital show are also worth the visit.
Desert Botanical Garden
One of the most beautiful gardens you'll ever walk through, packed with cacti and flowers that highlight everything great about the desert. The butterfly garden alone is worth the trip. Grab a cinnamon roll and a pina colada slushie at the on-site restaurant after.
where to eat & drink
Palma
An urban botanical sanctuary serving Asian cuisine that feels like a tropical retreat despite being in the heart of Phoenix. The caribbean cowboy cocktail comes in a bamboo tiki mug, and the sushi, especially the Crunchy L.A. and Lion King Maki, stole the show.
Ghost Donkey
Mexican-inspired bar with 65 mezcals and 25 tequilas to choose from, plus nachos and tacos to go with them. We loved the atmosphere, vibrant red, pink, and purple lighting that sets the mood the second you walk in.
Sake Haus
Tokyo-inspired, downtown Phoenix, and instantly transporting. Fresh sushi, sake, cocktails, and Japanese whiskey made from the finest ingredients. The shishito peppers and yellowtail maki are standouts, and our server's sake recommendations were spot on. The best sushi we've ever had, hands down.
Hash Kitchen
Easily one of our top brunch spots in the city. Home of the biggest Bloody Mary bar in Arizona, plus a mimosa flight, themed cocktails, a rotating mini-pastry ferris wheel, and s'more pancakes worth flying back for.
The Mexicano
Part restaurant, part experience, starting with the world's first build-your-own-margarita bar (30+ ingredients, including a personal piñata full of candy and a tequila shot). The birria nachos and the filet mignon served on sizzling lava stones were both excellent, and the dessert trio might've been the best part of the whole meal.
Pedal Haus Brewery
A cozy neighborhood bar behind Sake Haus with award-winning brews, mini-games, and an upstairs patio. We played Pac-Man and darts all night. The Brewer's Board, their take on a charcuterie board with warm pretzel and maple butter, is reason enough to come back on its own.
Luckys Indoor Outdoor
Vintage-themed bar with specialty cocktails, beer, jello shots, and skeeball. The outdoor patio is a full lounge scene with swing seats and warm red and purple lighting. The staff are attentive and full of personality, making it perfect for a night out with friends or a date.
Postino
Local wine cafe famous for its Scottsdale happy hour, paninis, bruschetta, and cheese boards. The Omg Grilled Cheese with tomato dip soup was the best grilled cheese we've ever had, and the Nine Iron panini wasn't far behind.
Beckett's Table
Quality comfort food, starting with bacon cheddar biscuits and homemade apple butter. The fork-tender ribs, fall-off-the-bone and smothered in red onion gravy over mashed potatoes, are worth the trip alone. Save room for the chocolate-dipped bacon s'mores.
Platform 18 at Century Grand
Step into a presidential Pullman train car and travel straight back to the early 1900s, animated windows and all. With 45 specialty cocktails on the menu, a trip to Phoenix isn't complete without a drink here.
36 Below
Phoenix's most whimsical speakeasy, hidden twelve steps below a local coffee shop. The ethereal decor and themed drink presentations, think elephant statues and smoky royal cups, make for a genuinely magical night.
Whether it's your first trip or your tenth, Phoenix has plenty to offer, and the warm weather and friendly people will have you wanting to come back again and again.