The First-Timers Itinerary: Fun & Easy Weekend in Phoenix
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If you are looking for a fun and easy weekend getaway and you have never been to Phoenix, Arizona, then this guide is for you!
Phoenix is a food paradise and an outdoor lover’s dream.
You can see Camelback and the White Tank Mountains from almost everywhere in the city. Whether you are hiking the desert or drifting above the majestic Sonoran Desert in a hot air balloon, Phoenix offers a wealth of adventure.
And when it’s time to unwind, indulge in the city’s array of coffee houses, breweries, and art-centric spaces.
For my first visit to Phoenix, I was looking for the perfect mix of relaxation and desert adventure. I found just that with the help of Visit Phoenix. Use my weekend in Phoenix itinerary to help plan the best getaway!
Phoenix Weekend Itinerary: What to See & Do
The city is located in central Arizona about 2 hours south of Sedona and 2 hours north of Tempe, pretty much in the middle of the state. (It is also an easy direct flight from my home in Fresno!)
Phoenix is a hot desert climate, think saguaro cactuses, joshua trees, and small desert shrubs. It’s also in the Valley of the Sun with volcanic peaks at the north and eastern ends of the valley. But if you read that and thought.. Too hot for me! I promise you, the city has so much to offer!
Things to do in Phoenix can also include the close suburbs of Scottsdale, Tempe, and Glendale.
Day 1: Arrive & Relax
1:00pm Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport
The Phoenix airport is one of my favorites because it is easy to navigate. All of the gates are easy to access and did I mention that it has dogs?! The self-proclaimed friendliest airport in America has the coolest volunteer program where therapy dogs walk around terminals to destress passengers. I got to meet two Navigator Buddies!
If you are renting a car, the Sky Harbor Airport has a tram that takes you directly to the rent a car center. It’s a breeze to get to, just look for the signs that say rental car. Hertz is our go to company but Sky Harbor had all the main rental car companies along with some others.
4:00pm Check in to Mountain Shadows
Enjoy the renovated mid-century resort equipped with a golf course, hot tub, and two infinity pools, all tucked away in the shadow of Camelback Mountain. On arrival day, eat at the on-property restaurant Hearth 61, serving New American cuisine, then head to bed early.
Day 2: Desert & Downtown
4:30am Hot Air Balloon with Rainbow Ryders
There is no better place to fulfill your bucket list adventure of riding a hot air balloon than over the stunning Sonoran Desert. Wake up early to get to the Rainbow Ryders check in station by 4:30am. Then you’ll be driven to the launch site where you get to see the sunrise from a hot air balloon.
This was honestly on my bucket list and was thrilled to be able to check it off. Here are some things I wish I knew before getting there: don’t worry about wearing warm layers. You’d think that getting higher in the sky, the colder it would get… not wrong there. The science makes sense, but you are under the “flame throwers” for the hot air balloon and that keeps you nice and toasty. Another thing, pack a granola bar or something. You defintely want to be awake and present when up in the air. This seems like a no brainer, but there were a good chunk of people who were still sleepy on the ride up. So prepare beforehand and get a goodnight’s rest.
The views are beyond stunning. And because the speed is so slow, you don’t feel turbulence or any sensation like you are moving. Just beware that hot air balloons can go very high! We went up to 8,500 feet in elevation. The post-flight celebration includes a mimosa to cheers a safe landing.
11:30am Lunch at Arcadia
You’ll have time to head back to the hotel for a quick outfit change or to grab coffee. Then head to Arcadia to have lunch on a cute cooled patio with another great view of Camelback Mountain. I got donuts and pizza from Little O’s then walked next door to get a sour at OHSO Brewery.
The vibe of Arcadia was such a fun one. It can be a quick meal if you have a lot going on or it can be a place where you settle in for a little bit and enjoy the weather and conversation.
1:00pm Learn About Indigenous Culture at the Heard Museum
The Heard Museum highlights the cultures and art of American Indians of the Southwest. Step inside to explore galleries featuring both traditional and contemporary American Indian artworks, complemented by serene outdoor courtyards.
If you have kiddos, this is a great place to go. There are a lot of interactive environments such as this massive lite brite where the kids can make their own designs. The indigenous cultures of the American Southwest is worth learning about for its influence can be seen everywhere in Arizona. There’s a coffee shop and snack shop just in the courtyard as well if you are needing a midday pick me up.
3:00pm Go Mural Hunting
When driving downtown Phoenix I was really struck by the array of street art. So many buildings had gorgeous murals on the side. And even dumpsters were beautified with amazing art.
Roosevelt Row Arts District obviously has a high concentration of art to walk. But you will also find lots of other mural art throughout Phoenix!
6:00pm Dinner & Drinks on Roosevelt Row
While you are at Roosevelt Row, you have to get sushi and Arizona-brewed sake at Sake Haus. This ended up being my favorite restaurant in Phoenix because it transported me right back to my time in Japan.
The restaurant itself feels like a modern Izakaya and the food is top-notch quality. If you’ve never had sake before, we’d recommend the sake flight tastings. The sake is made in-state, which is incredible, and it highlights the local ingredients like the prickly pear. Be sure to order the edamame – Sake Haus has a unique twist on it and we could have eaten that dish for every meal.
Finish the night a short walk away at the woman-owned Greenwood Brewing. When I first heard the name, I figured it was just a storefront with a small bar with IPA on tap. It is so much more than that. It has the vibe of a beer garden with outside patio spaces on either side of the brewery.
This is a great place to catch up with friends after a long day adventuring around Phoenix. Each beer has a unique and thoughtful story and it is brewed right there in downtown Phoenix. Although my favorite was the sour, be sure to check out their summer IPAs as they are known for their bright flavors.
Day 3: Hike & Hot Tub
6:00am Hike Camelback Mountain
After staring at Camelback and seeing it from every angle, now you have to hike it! I took the Cholla Trail as it was down the street from Mountain Shadows. You’ll want to arrive early to beat the heat and the crowds.
The trail is short but intense- expect to scramble up rocks and use a handrail to navigate some inclines. The views are stunning, and I would say it is definitely a bucket list hike.
9:00am Hot Tub
My favorite thing to do after a nice hike is to hop in the pool! Enjoy the amenities of Mountain Shadows by cooling off in the pool and hopping in the hot tub. Then, unfortunately, it is time to shower and pack your suitcases.
12:00pm Lunch & Depart
After checkout if you still have time before your flight, head to Lovebite Dumpling, back on Roosevelt Row. The rice is pink and the dumplings are a quick and easy lunch before heading home.
Where to Stay in Phoenix
I have already raved about Mountain Shadows, but only because I would stay there again in a heartbeat. It’s not merely a place to rest your head; it’s an immersive sanctuary that showcases the beauty and tranquility of the Sonoran Desert.
The location was also ideal for my first time in Phoenix. Situated in Scottsdale, it was the perfect driving distance from downtown Phoenix and the hot air balloon desert adventures. If you wanted to, you could even walk to the Cholla trailhead to hike Camelback.
The Short Course at Mountain Shadows is a par 3 course that is on the resort property. It is ideal for beginners and seasoned players. If you’re like us and don’t travel with your golf clubs, Mountain Shadows has the option for you to rent brand named clubs for a reasonable price. While waiting for your tee time you can work on your putting game right in front of Rusty’s.
The mornings and just before sunset are really busy times, so be sure to schedule your tee time ahead of time. The Scottsdale area is renowned for its golf courses, so be sure to not miss the opportunity to play at The Short Course.
Getting Around Phoenix
You will definitely want to rent a car for your first time in Phoenix, especially if you want to explore the desert and do hot-air balloon adventures. It is much easier to have control of your early morning departure times versus taking a ride-share. I am all about public transportation and Phoenix has a good system in place, but it would not be ideal if you are following this itinerary.
However, when you are exploring downtown, leave your car parked. Then if you need to get around downtown take Waymo, a driverless rideshare! WHICH IS WILD! You read it right. Driverless! It was so odd when we saw it for the first time and although I rented a car, I just had to experience it.
The app itself felt like an uber or other rideshare experiences, but the carride transported you to the future. Definitely check it out while you are downtown. Waymo also can take you directly to terminal 3 or terminal 4 at sky harbor airport if you are staying downtown.
Best Time to Visit Phoenix
This is the American desert – so obviously the summer months are going to be incredibly hot.
But, I wouldn’t let that deter you from enjoying a visit during the summer. Many of the activities to do are early in the morning to beat the heat, in an air-conditioned building, or revolve around a pool. I visited in the early summer and didn’t feel the climate limited my itinerary at all.
- Phoenix in Spring: Popular for spring break crowds trying to beat the heat. Nice all-around weather to enjoy the sun without having to worry about extreme heat.
- Phoenix in Summer: Long summers and dry heat can be extreme. However, air-conditioning is commonplace, and life has adapted to do activities early or revolve around a pool.
- Phoenix in Autumn: Universities are back in session, and nightlife picks up. Since desert fauna doesn’t have many deciduous plants, there are no color changes in the fall.
- Phoenix in Winter: Phoenix has short mild winters with lows averaging in the 40s.
First Time in Phoenix FAQ
Three days and two nights is a great amount of time to see Phoenix and get a taste for a wide range of restaurants, city life, and desert life. A longer stay would allow you to see more of the surrounding hikes, preserves and small towns.
Be prepared for dry hot weather, and minimal shade outdoors. Downtown Phoenix is home to several universities and has a vibrant arts scene and the surrounding areas like Scottsdale have luxurious resorts and amenities within a short driving distance.
Scottsdale is home to more resorts and properties with stunning views of the Sonoran Desert. Downtown Phoenix is more accessible via rideshares and not having a car.
In conclusion, my first visit to Phoenix checked all the boxes that I was looking for in a weekend getaway. Experiencing the Sonoran Desert and discovering the culture of the modern American Southwest in Roosevelt Row was the perfect combination of city and nature.
Add this one to your shortlist if you want a fun and easy weekend escape!
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