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Phoenix, AZ, is known for its outstanding hotels, mouthwatering southwestern fare, and awe-inspiring scenery. As one of the most populous capital cities in the United States, Phoenix has become a popular vacation destination in Arizona, with a thriving city-center that includes plenty of daytime and evening fun. Check out our complete traveler’s guide to Phoenix to find out what to eat, drink, see, and do in the Valley of the Sun.
What to Eat
Start your vacation to Phoenix with a bottomless brunch at one of these popular restaurants. Top picks for endless bloodies and bacon include:
- Snooze, an A.M. Eatery | 2045 E Camelback Rd A17, Phoenix, AZ 85016
- Windsor | 5223 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85012
- Original Breakfast House | 13623 N 32nd St, Phoenix, AZ 85032
Fried chicken is a big part of the south in Phoenix’s southwestern cuisine — grab some for lunch at any of these top-rated local eateries. On the list:
- Mrs. White’s Golden Rule Cafe | 808 E Jefferson St, Phoenix, AZ 85034
- Southern Rail Restaurant | 300 W Camelback Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85013
- Welcome Chicken and Donuts | 1535 E Buckeye Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85034
Dinner = tapas time! If you are traveling to Phoenix for a family vacation, sample as many shareable Spanish dishes as your stomach will allow at these well-loved Phoenix tapas bars. On the menu:
- Sofrita | 16848 E Ave of the Fountains, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
- Tapas Papas Frita | 7114 E Stetson Dr #210, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
- Timo Wine Bar | 8801 N Central Ave #104, Phoenix, AZ 85020
Of course, you have to end with dessert, and ice cream is the perfect antidote to the Phoenix heat. Try one of these 5-star milkshakes:
- Lucky’s Burgers & Shakes | 13849 N 19th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85023
- Nami | 2014 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ 85006
- 5 & Diner | 5220 N 16th St, Phoenix, AZ 85016
What to Drink
If you’re traveling to Phoenix to enjoy the warm weather, cool down with a daiquiri, boozy slushie or specialty frozen drink. On our shortlist for icy drinks are:
- Z’Tejas | 10625 N Tatum Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85028
- SNOH | 914 E Camelback Road #4B, Phoenix, AZ 85014
- Fat Tuesday | 6751 N Sunset Blvd #E113 Glendale, AZ 85305
Grab the girls for a drink and dance at the best girl’s night bars in town. Picks for the best bars to sip cosmos or enjoy bottle service include:
- Maya Day and Nightclub | 7333 E Indian Plaza, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
- Paris in Scottsdale | 4280 N Drinkwater Blvd #100, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
- Onyx Bar and Lounge at the Four Seasons | 10600 E Crescent Moon Dr, Scottsdale, AZ 85262
Spend an afternoon getting crafty on your vacation at a local brewery. Fill up on IPAs at one of our most-loved spots:
- SanTan Brewing | 8 S San Marcos Pl, Chandler | 1525 E Bethany Home Rd, Phoenix
- O.H.S.O. Brewery | 4900 E Indian School Rd | 10810 N Tatum Blvd #126
- Fate Brewing Company | 1312 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale | 201 E Southern Ave, Tempe
Head up to a rooftop to enjoy a drink while you take in the city and spectacular sunset. Some of our can’t miss rooftop bar recommendations are:
- Lustre Rooftop Bar | 2 E Jefferson St, Phoenix, AZ 85004
- Floor 13 Rooftop Bar | 15 E Monroe St, Phoenix, AZ 85004
- Bar Smith | 130 E Washington St, Phoenix, AZ 85004
What to See
Phoenix is a beloved place to travel because of its spectacular vistas. If you’re looking for ways to enjoy the weather, we recommend hiking, biking, or driving to the vista to enjoy breathtaking views. Make sure you visit as many gems from our list as possible, including:
- Papago Park – Hole in the Rock | 625 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008
- Piestewa Peak | 5994 E Squaw Peak Dr, Phoenix, AZ 85016
- Camelback Mountain – Echo Canyon Trail | 6131 E Cholla Ln, Phoenix, AZ 85018
What to Do
Soak up some culture at these renowned Phoenix museums while you’re on vacation. Exhibits you won’t want to miss can be found here:
- Phoenix Art Museum | 1625 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004
- Musical Instrument Museum | 4725 E Mayo Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85050
- Arizona Science Center | 600 E Washington St, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Pick up a book to take home as a trip souvenir and support local business owners by shopping at one of these indie bookstores. Here are a few of the best titles:
- Dog Eared Pages | 16428 N 32nd St, Phoenix, AZ 85032
- Enchanted Chapters | 10880 N 32nd St #11, Phoenix, AZ 85028
- Palabras Bilingual Bookstore | 1738 E McDowell Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85006
For travelers who want to get into ultimate vacation mode, Phoenix has tons of nearby spas where you can spend a day (or more) getting pampered. Some spots we love:
- Tocaloma Spa and Salon at Pointe Hilton Resort | 11111 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ 85020
- Inspire Day Spa | 8300 N Hayden Rd A102, Scottsdale, AZ 85258
- Juniper Botanical Spa and Nail Artistry | 602 W Indian School Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85013
Have something to add to our traveler’s guide to Phoenix? Let us know your favorite tourist traps in the comments below!
