Steal This Itinerary for a Long Weekend in Phoenix

Planning a long weekend in Phoenix, Arizona, is about options. I’ve been to the city a few times now, and the size of the place is always a surprise.

You’ll need to drive if you want to make the best use of your time here. This city is sprawling, not unlike Los Angeles. 

While it’s not our favorite city, it does have some redeeming factors. I’ll get into all of it in our Phoenix itinerary, including what to do in Phoenix if you don’t have much time.

How many days do you need to spend in Phoenix?

You need at least one full day to see Phoenix and tick off a handful of highlights. Two days in Phoenix will allow you to travel through town with time to linger at some of our favorite spots.

With three days, you can visit Scottsdale, arguably the highlight of any Phoenix itinerary, even though it’s outside of the city.

If you only have a few hours in Phoenix, spend them in downtown Phoenix or Papago Park. You’ll want to focus on one area of the city to avoid wasting time driving from one spot to the next.

How to Spend a Weekend in Phoenix

You can spend a weekend in Phoenix like this:

• Kick things off in downtown Phoenix.
• Have lunch at Pizzeria Bianco.
• See the Arizona Capitol Museum.
• Visit museums like the Heard Museum, the S’edav Va’aki Museum, and the Musical Instrument Museum.
• Stroll the Desert Botanical Garden in Papago Park. 
• Drive up to Dobbins Lookout.
• Plan a fancy meal at the Wrigley Mansion.
• Spend an afternoon in Scottsdale for Taliesin West and Old Town Scottsdale.

A Weekend in Phoenix: Day 1

I assume you’ll get in on a Friday for a long weekend in Phoenix. If you only have two full days in town, pick and choose based on your priorities. I’ll include enough here for three full days in this busy city.

Stop 1: Downtown Phoenix

No matter how much time you have on your first day, starting in downtown Phoenix is the most natural way to kick things off. If you’re here early enough for breakfast or brunch, hit up Matt’s Big Breakfast. It’s a popular spot for, predictably, big breakfasts.

If you’re here with kids, the Arizona Science Center or Children’s Museum of Phoenix should make your list. Art lovers won’t want to miss the Phoenix Art Museum just north of downtown.

On a nice weather day in Phoenix, stop by the Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix. This garden of tranquility is a joint venture between Phoenix and Himeji, its sister city in Japan. It’s worth buying tickets in advance to save a few dollars on admission.

Stop 2: Pizzeria Bianco

If it’s more like lunchtime when you arrive, feel free to kick things off with some pizza. There’s a Pizzeria Bianco location nearby at Heritage Square. 

This chain of pizza shops has been named the best in the United States by several notable publications. I’m not sure I’d go that far, but it was definitely delicious.

We went to the one at The Shops at Town & Country because it was closer to where we were when the hunger hit, but the menus were the same. There was a short wait for two at lunch on a sunny March afternoon.

We started with the skewers, or as I like to describe them, cheese wrapped in dreams. (It was actually prosciutto, but it was that awesome.) From there, we shared a Sonny Boy as our pizza choice.

Again, it was delicious. The pizza was also expensive, which I didn’t love after having eaten similarly-sized and more delicious pies across Italy.

I still think you should try it just to see if you believe the hype.

READ MORE: I take pizza seriously. If you relate, get to know my favorite pizza shop on the planet.

Stop 3: Arizona Capitol Museum

The Arizona State Capitol and Arizona Capitol Museum are worth a trip just to see that bright green manicured lawn in such a desert atmosphere.

With more time, pop inside for a free visit to see the iconic copper dome and learn a little more about the state’s history.

Parking is a little tricky here as your online maps may direct you to limited parking for the Arizona House of Representatives. There are additional public parking lots a short walk away near the city’s Bill of Rights Monument and war memorials.

Stop 4: Heard Museum

If you only have time for one museum while you’re in Phoenix, bump this one up on your list.

You can expect rotating exhibits on your visit. That may include galleries dedicated to Native American art and artists, but the most powerful section is an exhibit on American Indian boarding schools.

You’ll learn about how children were taken from their families, given new names and haircuts, and forced to assimilate with white culture and forget about their identities. 

These “schools” were led by people with experience in the military and handling prisoners of war. Tiny children’s handcuffs only drive the point home that these kids were taken against their ill.

Be warned that there are descriptions of both physical and sexual abuse throughout the exhibit space. 

Stop 5: Dinner

You’ll still be within a short drive of downtown Phoenix from here. If you want to keep things casual but still very delicious, taste the warm hug that is Sonoran comfort food at Bacanora PHX.

Make reservations at this one, as the secret is out. Their daily specials are a good place to start if you’re feeling unsure, but you’ll want to pair whatever you eat with a Bacanorita.

That’s lime juice, agave nectar, Santo Pecado Bacanora, and orange liqueur. If you don’t drink alcohol, their mocktails are top-tier, too.

Couldn’t land a reservation? Oven+Vine just north of downtown is also quite nice. No reservations are needed at this one, but the wine bar does get busy on weekends.

Stop 6: Phoenix Nightlife

We’re usually feeling too old to do much after dinner, but if you’re here to party, return to downtown Phoenix. This is the city’s hub for Phoenix events. For live music, head to the Crescent Ballroom. 

Nearby Roosevelt Row is another popular stretch of good times. This is where you’ll find the First Friday Art Walk, one of the most popular events in Phoenix among locals. For a taste of nostalgia, head to the Cobra Arcade Bar.

A Weekend in Phoenix: Day 2

Grab something easy for the road this morning or plan an early start if you require a sit-down breakfast. You’ll be exploring some of the most popular attractions in Phoenix today, and you’ll want the full morning.

Stop 1: Papago Park

This is where you’ll find the Phoenix Zoo, but the most popular attraction in Papago Park is the Desert Botanical Garden. Get tickets well in advance for this one. We rolled up like the entitled nerds we were to find it was sold out for the day. Don’t be like me!

That meant we went straight to the Hole in the Rock, instead. It was SO crowded during our visit. 

There were loads of kids bouldering like they were reenacting Free Solo. 

I suppose the view is pretty good if you go at the crack of dawn, so I’d suggest an early start if you want as unobstructed a view as you’re going to get. There’s a short trail for you here, by the way, so wear real shoes. You don’t need to do much actual climbing. 

Stop 1 Alternative: Camelback Mountain

If you want more of a hiking challenge, Camelback Mountain is the most popular hike in Phoenix. There are multiple approaches, but both are challenging. 

The Echo Canyon trail up the mountain is shorter but steeper. The Cholla Trail is more gradual. Recent construction on the trail means it’s more well-groomed, too. 

Whichever you choose, start early before it gets too hot. An early hike will also mean you have fewer hikers to share the narrowest sections of the trail with, too.

Once you’re at the top, enjoy the fruit of your labor with views of the Phoenix skyline and the Sonoran Desert.

Stop 2: Lunch

You have a few options for a nosh here depending on what you chose to do with your morning. If you’re done with your activities and happen to be here on a Saturday, the Uptown Farmers Market is a great option for sweet and savory treats.

I can eat bagels anytime, so my pick would be Bagel Daddies. They make their bagels using local flour and honey with toppings that are all about that desert life.

If you want to try the diverse food scene in nearby Tempe, you’ll be well-situated to do so if you started at Papago Park. Cafe Lalibela Ethiopian Cuisine is a great option as the area’s longest-running Ethiopian restaurant.

Stop 3: S’edav Va’aki Museum

When we visited Phoenix, this museum went by a different name, the Pueblo Grande Museum Archaeological Park. The name change is a nod to the ancestral people of this land, and I’m all about it.

Start at the modest museum inside that gives you a little background on what you’ll see outside.

There are petroglyphs as soon as you enter the archaeological site, but they are there as more of a warning. As they were removed from their original site, it’s hard to understand what they could mean and they’re not in context.

You have to use your imagination with the actual archaeological site outside. It’s a lot of dirt mounds and holes in the ground. There is some literature throughout that you can read to understand what may have been here before the office buildings on the highway.

Note: Look for the green tree while you’re here. It looks like it’s growing right out of the desert floor.

The replica structures are interesting, too. You can peek inside to see what the suburban lifestyle was like here for these people. Don’t miss the ball court that likely served as a space for inter-village games.

If you’re here during the growing season, there’s a working garden at the site. Sadly, there wasn’t much growing during our visit thanks to the work of hungry rabbits.

Stop 4: Dobbins Lookout

Take a winding, slow-moving road to the top of this lookout for fantastic views at 2,330 feet. We visited in March, so we were treated to blankets of purple and yellow wildflowers as far as the eye could see.

Fun fact: You’ll find most of the crowd around the stone structure at the site, but there are better views from the benches that surround the lookout.

If you’re feeling frisky, you can climb to the top instead of driving. The Holbert Trail to Dobbins Lookout is 4.2 miles with nearly 1,000 feet of elevation gain. The hike overall is rated as moderate.

Stop 5: Wrigley Mansion

It’s worth a drive up here to see the city views and panoramas of the surrounding mountains. If it’s not super hot when you visit, a variety of biking and running trails run along the Arizona Canal Trail nearby.

The mansion itself is also stunning. You can reserve a tour if you’d like to see inside. I hear there are some ghost stories involved.

If you’re feeling fancy, two restaurants on the site promise impressive meals with potentially even more impressive views. Otherwise, you can return to downtown Phoenix for the rest of your evening.

Stop 6: Dinner

If you didn’t eat at Geordie’s or Christopher’s at Wrigley Mansion, you’re likely hungry by this point. Thankfully, the city has a growing foodie scene as you decide on the best weekend in Phoenix restaurants.

Keep things casual with a platter of elevated chicken and biscuits at the Welcome Diner, a Phoenix institution.

This one is open late, too, just in case you want to explore their inventive cocktail menu. Their take on a Hurricane will take you right back to New Orleans…if you’ve ever been, of course.

A Weekend in Phoenix: Day 3

With three days in Phoenix, you can take a leisurely trip to my favorite museum in the city and spend the afternoon in Scottsdale.

Stop 1: Breakfast

You have a busy day today, but if you’re an early bird by nature and missing out on pastries on this itinerary, pop by the Essence Bakery Cafe on your way north.

While they’re not about Southwestern flavors here, they ARE about all things French. The head pastry chef here is French-trained, and her husband is French. Grab some brioche, flaky quiche, or one of the best croissants in town for a snack for the road.

READ MORE: We moved to France! Learn about how the heck we made that happen.

Stop 2: Musical Instrument Museum

This museum was so much bigger than I expected, and I was already expecting to spend a few hours here. There was a great special exhibit for an extra cost during our trip that included a variety of old instruments and the piano and microphone Prince used.

The main exhibits upstairs have sections dedicated to almost every country you can imagine.

At one point I found myself walking around and listening to the musicians and video playback on the headphones they provided. It all got a little overwhelming to read.

The highlights for me were the exhibits from the Middle East and African nations. They displayed instruments you may not have ever seen. I also loved the mechanical instruments exhibit with its calliopes and organs. 

You could easily spend four hours here watching videos, listening to music, and reading the signage. We spent over two full hours and felt some fatigue by that point.

Buy your tickets ahead of time so that you can avoid the line, especially if it’s a rainy or super hot day.

Stop 3: Lunch

For lunch, head to Scottsdale. You’ll see quite a few travel guides that include Scottsdale in a weekend in Phoenix itinerary. If you’ve never been, I’d certainly recommend it. It’s also easy as heck to get to from Phoenix as you explore things to do this weekend. 

Fun fact: Some of the best Scottsdale attractions will take less driving time than some of the top things to do in Phoenix, so that speaks to the power of sprawl in these Arizona cities.

In my opinion, Scottsdale has more charm than Phoenix, and it’s easier to pack more into a shorter amount of time. It’s also a great escape for traveling couples and travel with friends if you have more time here.

We wanted something budget-friendly and lighter, so we grabbed a quick bite at sneakybird. They offer oven-grilled rather than fried chicken as sandwiches, wings, and tenders with a variety of sauces. I thought it was all pretty yummy for a fast-casual meal.

If you don’t want something quite so casual, try Andreoli’s Italian Grocer. It’s an Italian market that also serves up delicious plates of fresh pasta and charcuterie platters.

Stop 4: Taliesin West

Frank Lloyd Wright fans will likely already have Taliesin West on their agenda.

Despite the hefty price for a one-hour self-guided tour — you can also book a guided tour for more time inside — I’d still count this one as a highlight on our Phoenix trip.

There just aren’t many places where you can see both his workspaces and living spaces together in such a scenic atmosphere. I know it made me want to visit Wisconsin’s Spring Green for the original Taliesin.

Stop 5: Wonderspaces

Yes, it’s in a mall. Yes, there are others like it around the United States. 

If you’re looking for more activities indoors because it’s raining or blazing hot, this is a fun and cheaper alternative to Butterfly Wonderland or the OdySea Aquarium.

My favorite part was the virtual reality experience that took you through the life cycle of a black hole. I love a good VR setup, but this one was made even better because it was narrated by Jessica Chastain.

As I said, you’ll have to hit the mall for this one. Try not to make too much eye contact with the pre-teens. They scare me. 

Stop 6: Old Town Scottsdale

Spend the rest of the day and into the evening bopping around Old Town Scottsdale. I’ve been a few times now, and it definitely feels a little touristy, but I can’t deny the charm of the place.

To embrace those Western vibes, head to Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West. It’s a two-story exploration of the American West that runs out of an old transit station.

Old Town is also where you’ll find many of Scottsdale’s wine-tasting rooms. The Salvatore Vineyards Tasting Room is my personal favorite for happy hours in Scottsdale.

If you’re feeling the Phoenix heat or enjoy ice cream no matter the season, the Sugar Bowl is a must. Brian got himself a sundae while I took down two large scoops of orange sherbet without any regret. 

If you want to stick around for dinner, try Fire at Will, a neighborhood eatery that will satisfy your need for comfort food. It runs out of a strip mall, but don’t hold that against it.

Citizen Public House is a bit fancier. The gastropub is run by a James Beard Foundation award nominee, but you can expect elevated pub fare over foams and tiny portions. I’d go for the French onion burger myself.

On the way back into town, enjoy views of Camelback Mountain and the Barry Goldwater Memorial along Lincoln Drive.

With More Time in Phoenix

If you’re planning more than the perfect weekend in Phoenix, you can plan any of the bucket list excursions available or approach the city in a more relaxed fashion.

Here are a few ideas for what to do in Phoenix with more time:

• Pack a picnic for a trip to South Mountain Park and Preserve.
• Take a hot air balloon ride for amazing desert landscapes from above.
• Plan a trip around the MLB Cactus League Spring Training schedule.
• Drive the 42-mile Apache Trail scenic route through sites like Canyon Lake and Tortilla Flat.
• Go tubing down the Salt River in Mesa.
• Plan more hikes like Tom’s Thumb in Scottsdale or the Waterfall Trail at White Tank Mountain Regional Park.

Note: The Mystery Castle is closed until further notice due to an unfortunate combination of vandalism and storm activity. I’ll get this updated if things change!

How to Get Around Phoenix

Navigating Phoenix is challenging without a car thanks to the city’s sprawling layout. I highly recommend renting a ride upon arrival. It’ll make your visit a lot more efficient, and you’ll likely save money on rideshare and taxis.

Phoenix does have the Valley Metro, its network of light rail and buses, but they don’t cover everywhere you’ll want to go on your trip to Phoenix.

You should also expect things to take longer than you think depending on the season. We were visiting during spring break and spring training, so things were more crowded and traffic was more hectic.

Day Trips From Phoenix

I’ve already mentioned Scottsdale as the breeziest choice, but here are a few more of my top picks for a day trip out of the greater Phoenix area:

• Lost Dutchman State Park: This park at the base of the Superstition Mountains is just 45 minutes from downtown Phoenix. It’s named after a lost golf mine.
• Goldfield Ghost Town: If you’re seeking Old West vibes on your Arizona trip, this reconstructed 1890s town 45 minutes away is a good place to make that happen.
• Saguaro National Park: Grand Canyon National Park is too far for a day trip, but Saguaro is worth your time and just an hour and 30 minutes from Phoenix.
• Sedona: This is my favorite city in Arizona, just two hours from Phoenix. Check out my one-day Sedona guide and my guide to the best hiking trails in Sedona.
• Tonto National Monument: Visit Salado-style cliff dwellings that are centuries old and Tonto National Forest under two hours from Phoenix.

What is the cheapest month to travel to Phoenix?

The cheapest month to travel to Phoenix is typically September, followed by January after the winter holidays.

The best months to see Phoenix if we’re talking weather are in the spring from March through May. The weather’s warm but not too hot, making it ideal for outdoor activities. You’ll also be treated to blooming desert flowers during this time.

Late fall is nice, too. Just avoid the summer months. It’s much too hot for the city’s best outdoor excursions.

Where to Stay in Phoenix

It’s better to stay in Phoenix over Scottsdale if you’re here for a quick weekend or traveling on a budget. You’ll also likely fly into Phoenix, so you’ll have better access to the airport if you stay in Phoenix.

On our most recent stay, we spent a few nights at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites — Airport North to save some money. We didn’t mind driving into the city as Phoenix requires that of you anyway and had a comfortable stay.

To browse accommodations in and around downtown Phoenix, including available resorts, check out the map below:

It’s not a favorite, but Phoenix is still worth visiting.

Phoenix is worth visiting for its solid museums, growing food scene, and sunny weather.

While the sprawl of the city can make it challenging to navigate, it does reward that patience with its mix of outdoor adventure and art attractions. Charming Scottsdale nearby is also a good reason to spend time in Phoenix.

Planning a road trip out this way? Check out these guides:

• Plan a Great Trip to Albuquerque, New Mexico
• Planning a Trip to Quirky New Mexico? Here’s a Guide!
• How to Plan an Excellent Day in Santa Fe
• Plan a Trip to Magical White Sands National Park
• Eat Your Way Through the Best BBQ in Lockhart

More destinations worth a weekend of your time:

• How to Spend the Best Weekend in Asheville
• Three Days in Nashville, Country Music City
• A Guide to Memphis, One of Brian’s Faves
• A Guide to Three Days in Incredible Yellowstone
• How to Plan Three Days in Busy Chiang Mai

Want to see more?