Hey friends! The top question I often receive from followers regarding traveling to Arizona is where do you stay, what do you do, and most importantly… where do you eat? Now, I can only write about what I personally know and I know the Phoenix and Scottsdale area. If you are traveling outside of those areas (Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Glendale, etc.) I would recommend googling travel guides for those areas or more in depth travel guides regarding, “things to do.” As you may know, I’m a creature of habit/one person and many companies and bloggers do extensive research to create amazing guides in the state of Arizona. I’m getting better at venturing out, but again, those writers do their research!
Hotels
Arizona is filled with so many beautiful resorts for everyone. Whether you’re planning to travel with the whole family, for a bachelorette weekend, or couples trip… you won’t be disappointed with the options. I’ve highlighted a few favorites that I’ve personally been to, and a few could be great for multiple types of trips, but I’ve listed them in categories to help you decide.
Family-Friendly
- Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
- Arizona Biltmore
- Westin Kierland Resort & Spa
- Arizona Grand Resort and Spa
- The Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch
- JW Marriott Desert Ridge
Trip with Friends
- Hotel Valley Ho
- W Hotel
- The Scott Resort
- CIVANA Wellness Resort & Spa
- Andaz Scottsdale Resort
- Talking Stick Resort
- Hotel Adeline
- The Saguaro Scottsdale
- Mountain Shadows Resort
Solo Travel
Couples Trip
- Global Ambassador Hotel
- Castle Hot Springs
- Sanctuary on Camelback
- Rise Uptown
- Kimpton Hotel Palomar
- The Hermosa Inn
- CIVANA Wellness Resort & Spa
- Royal Palms Resort and Spa
- JW Marriott Camelback Inn
Sedona
Others that I haven’t personally experienced but also recommend checking out
Eats
I used to think New York and San Francisco were the pinnacles of amazing dining… until I moved to Arizona. Not to dismiss other cities, but over the 7 years that I’ve lived in the Phoenix area, it just keeps getting better and better. I know the recommended lists are long, because… I can’t leave out greatness and everyone has a different mood. Yet, if I had to choose my top 10 to-go restaurants: Le Ame, Maple and Ash, The Americano, Hillstone, Chula Seafood, Vecina, Restaurant Progress, Federal Pizza, Ocean 44, and Diego Pops.
Family-Friendly
- Rita’s Kitchen
- Oregano’s
- Sushi Vibe
- Birdcall
- Chelsea’s Kitchen
- Doughbird
- Kasai Scottsdale
- Rustler’s Rooste
- The Farm at South Mountain
- Chestnut Fine Foods
Coffee Shops
- Press Coffee
- Zinque
- Lux Coffee
- Lola’s Coffee
Date night/Girls night out
Scottsdale, AZ:
- The Americano
- Le Ame
- Thea
- Maple and Ash
- Virtu Honest Craft
- Francine Restaurant
- Ocean 44
- Sumo Maya
- Café Monarch
- The Mission
- Fat Ox
- Mastros Ocean Club
- Mastros City Hall
- Marcellino Ristorante
- Buck and Rider
- Toca Madera
- Vecina
- Le Zinque
- Elements
Phoenix, AZ:
- Rusconi’s Kitchen
- Chantico
- Hillstone
- Steak 44
- Mora Italian
- Clever Koi
- Lon’s at the Hermosa Inn
- Tarbell’s
- TRATTO
- Chelsea’s Kitchen
- CIBO
- Restaurant Progress
- North Italia
Casual
Scottsdale, AZ:
- Barrio Queen
- Pomo Pizza
- Diego Pops
- Giuseppe’s on 28th
- Original Chop Shop
- Sushi Brokers
- Guido’s Chicago Meats and Deli
- True Food Kitchen
- Grassroots Kitchen & Tap
- Soul Cafe
- Hiro Sushi
- Hula’s Modern Tiki
Phoenix, AZ:
- Chula Seafood
- Flower Child
- Dicks Hideaway
- Federal Pizza
- Pizzeria Bianco
- Timo Wine Bar
- Chestnut Fine Foods
- The Yard at Culinary Dropout
- Ladera
- CherryBlossom Noodle Cafe
- Taco Chelo
- Sicilian Butcher
- La Grande Orange Grocery (LGO)
- Valle Luna
- The Tamale Store
- Fame Caffe
- The Parlor
- Postino Wine Cafe
- Base Pizza
- Two Hippies Beach House Taco Shop
Brunch
Scottsdale, AZ:
Phoenix, AZ:
Sedona
Currently on my list to try
Phoenix, AZ:
- Flint by Baltaire
- Different Pointe of View
- Century Grand
- Rokerij
- Hana Sushi
- Richardsons
- Larder and the Delta
- CRUjiente Tacos
- Otro Café
- Ajo Als
- Valentine Phx
- FEZ
- Little Miss BBQ
- Glai Baan, Thai Street Food
- The Collins
Scottsdale, AZ:
- Sophia’s Kitchen
- FnB
- Mowry and Cotton
- Cien Agave
- Hush Public House
- Malee Thai
- Veneto Trattoria
- Roaring Fork
- Fellow Osteria
- The Living Room Wine Lounge
- Slanted Rice
- Nobu Scottsdale
- Citizen Public House
- STK
- Tutti Santi
- Sushiholic
- Binkleys
- Zinc Bistro
Mesa, AZ:
Tempe, AZ:
Chandler, AZ:
Planning a Party?
Are you planning a bachelorette weekend, destination wedding, or birthday party in Arizona? Sharing some of my favorite companies to use to help bring your party to life!
- Harmony Boards
- Prim Rentals
- Gigi and Jack Co.
- My AZ Picnic
- The Bubbly Events LLC
- Bear and Honey Phx
- Bubble Hustle Balloons
- The Vintage Arcadia
- Cloth and Flame
- Lux Florist
- Roots in Spanish
Beauty Services
Below are my go-to’s for beauty services. If you’re traveling to Arizona and looking to have your makeup done, hair blown out, maybe a hint of botox in your forehead, or a good spray tan… see below for amazingness.
Phoenix, AZ:
Chandler, AZ:
- Denise, The Beauty Boss RN
- Hainsworth & Co. (Moving to Scottsdale in 2021)
Scottsdale, AZ:
Shopping
I’ve included some options for visitors who enjoy antique and boutique browsing while on vacation. I’d recommend checking out Lifestyled Co, Local Nomad, Cricket and Ruby (kids), Vida Moulin, Frances, Now or Never, UrbAna, or any shop in Old Town, Scottsdale if you’re looking for souvenirs to bring back home.
Phoenix, AZ:
- Citrine Natural Beauty
- Lifestyled Co. Shop
- Modern Manor, Melrose District
- Vida Moulin
- Naked Rebellion
- Now or Never Boutique
- Local Nomad
- Biltmore Fashion Park
- Desert Ridge Marketplace
- (Others recommended but I haven’t been: Frances Boutique, UrbAna)
Scottsdale, AZ:
- Cricket and Ruby
- My Sisters Closet
- Scottsdale Marketplace
- Scottsdale Fashion Square
- Kierland Commons
- Scottsdale Quarter
- (Others recommended but I haven’t been: Shop Stephanie’s, Vintage by Misty)
Activities
As I mentioned in the opening paragraph, there are many writers who create guides on the regular and experience many activities to recommend to you. Below are a few options from me, but I would also recommend you researching some local guides who can give you more options.
Phoenix, AZ:
- Phoenix Zoo
- Wildlife World Zoo
- The Yard, Phoenix
- The Churchill, Downtown Phoenix
- Desert Botanical Garden
- Vintage shop in Melrose District, Central Phoenix
Scottsdale, AZ:
- Top Golf
- OdySea Aquarium
- Walk around Old Town, Scottsdale
- Buffalo Chip Saloon
- Medieval Times
General:
- Hot Air Balloon Ride
- Golf
- Hiking (see below)
- Horseback Riding
- Mountain Biking
- Visit one of the 6 lakes near Phoenix
- *I’d highly recommend checking out more travel guides for activities.
Hiking
Hiking is a fan favorite while visiting Arizona and there are many options. Unfortunately, I’ve really only experienced 3 outside of Sedona. These are my go-to’s. Parking can be an issue and I encourage you all to pack a lot of water before you hike, especially in the warmer months.
Scottsdale, AZ:
- Camelback Mountain
Phoenix, AZ:
- Squaw Peak, Phoenix
- Dreamy Draw Trial, Phoenix
Activities for Kids
Now, activities for kids I know and do often with Vivienne and Alice. We are still creatures of habit (Hello, McCormick Railroad Park.. you are the greatest) but I’ve included two separate posts on where to go during the winter and summer months.
Feel free to reach out with any questions.
xoxo, Lauren