Phoenix, Arizona is one of the premier cities in the southwest to visit for a weekend getaway. The view of the mountains combined with shopping, dining and outdoor activities makes Phoenix a top destination city. A vibrant, thriving art scene and cutting-edge cuisine combine with the historic charm of the city for a truly unique experience. Below, we’ve highlighted some of the best places to stay, eat and shop, along with some popular attractions.
If you want to be in the heart of dining, shopping and entertainment, it’s hard to beat the Sheraton Grand Phoenix. There’s a stunning view of the city and mountains from this hotel, and it’s also in the center of the city with access to restaurants, museums, live music and other downtown attractions.
If you’re more interested in staying in a hotel with historic charm, check out the Hotel San Carlos. The circa 1928 landmark is in the middle of all the downtown action, yet it’s surprisingly affordable. Each of the 128 rooms in the boutique hotel is individually decorated, and there’s a rooftop pool for sunning yourself or cooling off.
For contemporary and classic art, the Phoenix Art Museum is the largest in the Southwest. If you’re interested in Native American history and artifacts, be sure to check out the Heard Museum. Kids will love the Phoenix Children’s Museum, and they can participate in hands-on activities at the Arizona Science Center.
At 2 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, you can take a walking tour of eateries in downtown Phoenix. Along the way, you’ll get to see historic landmarks and points of interest including a haunted hotel. Or see the Arizona desert from high above in a hot air balloon. A variety of tour companies offer excursions in Phoenix, including sunrise and sunset tours and Grand Canyon expeditions.
Rent a bike and pedal your way through the downtown art district. There’s free parking next to the light-rail station, and you can follow one of the city bike paths. The Japanese Friendship Garden, home to a large koi pond and sculpture collection, is a great stop to make during your bike excursion. After a day of seeing the sights, you can even return your bike at a far-flung rail station and take the take the train back to your car.
The Phoenix Public Market is a both a farmer’s market and a showcase for local crafters and artisans. It’s open every Saturday year-round from 8 a.m. to noon or 1 p.m. Local food trucks offer tasty lunch choices, and nearby bakers display their fresh-baked treats. In the meantime, there are plenty of open-air shopping opportunities in the downtown area.
The Melrose Shopping District, centered around Indian School Road and 7th Avenue downtown, is the place to go antiquing and searching for vintage clothing, music and gifts. When you’re finished shopping, there are plenty of places to dine. But the epitome of a shop-until-you-drop experience is the 110-acre Desert Ridge Market Place in North Phoenix. The outdoor mall is home to a movie theater, splash park for kids, rock-climbing wall and all the shopping, dining and entertainment your heart could desire.
In the heart of downtown, just a half-block from the Phoenix Children’s Museum, Pizzeria Bianco is a restaurant full of charm and tradition, and the food lives up to that promise. Celebrity Chef Chris Bianco’s vision is realized with mouthwatering Italian food in a setting drenched with atmosphere. Enjoy a wood-fired pizza inside the renovated 1920s grocery store on or the covered brick patio in front.
For a quick coffee pick-me-up, this unique local coffeehouse offers all the usual varieties of coffees and teas along with sandwiches, salads and freshly baked pastries. The walls are adorned with artwork by area artists, and local musicians drop by occasionally to play a few sets. Copper Star Coffee is located in the Melrose District, home to some of the best bargain hunting opportunities in town.
While there are plenty of artisanal and family-style restaurants to choose from in downtown Phoenix, the city offers top-notch fine dining venues as well. Durant’s is a steakhouse that’s been serving delicious meals for 58 years. The historic restaurant is known for their sumptuous desserts, and you can also enjoy Oysters Rockefeller and an Old Fashioned in a timeless and elegant setting.
Venues like the Valley Bar Music Hall and the Comerica Theatre bring hip, well-known music and comedy to Phoenix. Recognized as one of the world’s top jazz venues, The Nash offers jam sessions, educational programs and concerts with support from nationally-known jazz greats like Wynton Marsalis. And, from September through June, the Phoenix Symphony in the heart of downtown is the place for pop concerts and classical performances.
Catch a play at the Orpheum Theatre, a historic 1929 building with gorgeous architectural details. It’s been restored to its previous splendor and is listed on the National Historic Register. Besides enjoying a performance, it’s worth your while to sign up for a free public tour of the theater. You can also sing along with an award-winning musical at the Phoenix Theater. The multiple stages and 500 performances each year offer something for everyone. Even better, enjoy a cocktail and dinner at the Art Bar and Bistro on the theater premises before or after the show.
We hope the above suggestions lead you to a great time for your next trip to Phoenix! Have a favorite Phoenix attraction or activity of your own that didn’t make our list? Let us know in the comments section below!
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