Last month we had the pleasure of working with Visit Phoenix and spent a week exploring a desert oasis. Phoenix is the perfect getaway to escape the Seattle gloom. Just a short (& cheap!) flight away — we highly recommend paying this city a visit. The beauty of Phoenix is its diversity – you can wake up early for a hike in the surrounding mountains before sipping mimosas by the pool in the afternoon. It’s a city that offers nature, a cosmopolitan feel, but most of all, tons of variety. Below we have created what we think is the best way to spend a week in Phoenix, Arizona. We hope it inspires you to hop on a plane and explore the desert!

Taking in the sunrise views at Papago Park

Where to Stay

Something Phoenix doesn’t have a shortage of is fun and unique places to stay. One of the things we loved about visiting this city is the diversity of hotels available. If you’re looking for good vibes, nice pools and proximity to delicious restaurants and bars — Phoenix is the place for you! We opted to stay in Scottsdale which is just a 20 minute drive from downtown Phoenix at Hotel Valley Ho and The Scott Resort. We loved them both for different reasons, but one thing they both have in common is that they have no shortage of personality.

Hotel Valley Ho

We started the week by staying at the mid-century modern gem known as Hotel Valley Ho. Built in the late 1950’s—this hotel is stuck in time, in a good way. With contemporary styling and funky geometric shapes and bright neon colors it is a fun place to stay. Not only does this hotel provide guests with luxury rooms, two pools and a day spa—their restaurant ZuZu has delicious food. The location is also a huge perk because it is only steps away from Downtown Scottsdale. If you want to book this fun hotel for yourself, Hotel Valley Ho gave us a 20% discount to give to you! Just tap this link to book!

Our fun and funky suite! Photo Credit ‘Hotel Valley Ho’

Sunset view at one of the pools on property. Photo credit ‘Hotel Valley Ho’

The Scott Resort

We were OBSESSED with this place. They recently underwent huge renovations and we love the vibes and personality of the new space. The Scott is very Cuban inspired—from the retro car parked in the front as you enter the resort to the funky wallpaper this spot is VERY photogenic. The designer did an amazing job packing in a ton of fun nooks and crannies throughout the resort that made it a fun place to explore. We definitely want to stay here again!

Lots of cute places to sip on delicious cocktails from The Canal Club

What to Do

One of the best things about Phoenix is that there is truly no shortage of things to do. From horseback riding to soaring in a hot air balloon over the Sonoran Desert — Phoenix has it all! Below are some of our favorite activities that we did throughout the week.

Go for a sunrise hike at Papago Park

Phoenix has tons of local hikes within a short drive of the city. Unfortunately during our stay the city was experiencing a heat wave (temperatures reached 118 degrees on some days!) so doing some of the more difficult hikes were out of the question. Luckily, the hole in the rock hike at Papago Park did not disappoint! It was super short (less than a mile) with little elevation gain with amazing views of the city and Papago Butte. Highly recommend visiting this spot for sunrise to see bright colors illuminate the sky! You won’t be disappointed.

2. Go horseback riding through the Sonoran Desert

This turned out to be one of our favorite activities from the trip! The Stables at Fort McDowell Adventures host horseback journeys through the Sonoran Desert and across the Verde River. Their property can also be used for cattle drives and private cookouts! Our host, Dallin, grew up in the area with his nine siblings and knew so much about the desert landscape and raising horses. It was a beautiful and unique way to escape the city and enjoy nature.

All the horses were super friendly and loved human interaction.

Sadie and her horse named Panda taking in the views of the Verde River.

Enjoying the desert landscape from the back of a horse is such an unique experience!

3. Go on a hot air balloon flight with Hot Air Expeditions

If flying in a hot air balloon is something you’ve been wanting to cross off your bucket list—this is the company to do it with. Not only is it a women owned company, all their balloonists are extremely knowledgeable with a sense of humor which made the flight really enjoyable. Soaring high above the Sonoran Desert as the sun came up was truly the experience of a lifetime AND to top it all off, you land in the middle of a field surrounded by Saguaros for brunch and mimosas. The best way to end such an amazing experience.

Beautiful sky filled with hot air balloons

4. Visit the Desert Botanical Gardens

If you want to see the bright colors of the Sonoran Desert all in one place—visit the Desert Botanical Gardens. These gardens are home to thousands of species of cactus, trees and succulents nestled amid the red rocks of the Papago Buttes. There are five different thematic trails to explore and see the beauty of the Sonoran Desert. If you are lucky enough to visit during the springtime, you might see cacti covered in flowers and fruit.

Tall Saguaro cactus glowing at golden hour.

Sunset and cactus. Photo credit Experience Scottsdale

5. Beat the heat at Wonderspaces in Downtown Scottsdale

If you’re looking for a fun (& airconditioned) way to escape the desert heat during the day, Wonderspaces is the perfect place to do it! Located in Downtown Scottsdale, Wonderspaces is filled with interactive art installations to explore.

Colorful igloo filled with moving lights!

Where to Eat

Phoenix and Scottsdale have no shortage of fun places to eat and drink. We both LOVE breakfast and brunch—and this city has some of the most fun brunch places to enjoy! We also loved how many different dinner spots had stunning views—something that always pairs well with delicious eats.

Hash Kitchen

It’s hard to visit Phoenix or Scottsdale and not mention this spot. With a bloody mary bar and a live DJ on Saturday mornings, what’s not to love? Sip on fun cocktails and enjoy good music at this iconic brunch spot.

Elements at Sanctuary

If you’re looking for stunning views and delicious food, this is the place for you. We visited this spot for dinner at sunset and we were not disappointed! We were also blessed with a desert thunderstorm and it was fun to watch the lightning dance in the distance as we enjoyed our food. Who wouldn’t want to enjoy food ON Camelback Mountain? Truly a one of a kind experience.

Different Pointe of View

Located at Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort this restaurant is perched on a mountaintop 1800 feet above the city which offers stunning views of the desert landscape and city lights below. Although it is a very romantic setting, the views can also be enjoyed with a group of friends. If you are someone who loves wine, then this is the spot for you. Each dish has a wine pairing offered nightly. We visited this spot on the last night of our trip and it was the best send off! PS. Although you wouldn’t expect Arizona to have amazing seafood—don’t pass on the Lobster Bisque here! It is their specialty and insanely delicious.

Best place to watch the sunset! Photo credit Tapatio Cliffs Hilton.

Eggstasy

Located in Scottsdale, Eggstasy was the perfect spot to sit outside and enjoy brunch. With a large outdoor patio and a walk-up bar, you can’t go wrong with choosing this place. Some of our favorites included the lemon ricotta pancakes and their morning hash. Both equally delicious!