Phoenix served more as a hub for our Arizona road journey from Death Valley than as a destination in and of itself. While it’s not our favorite city (mainly because it’s not very walkable), we adored the stunning desert vistas just outside the city.

Suppose you want to spend a weekend somewhere with near-perfect weather (from outside summer), several great hikes within easy driving distance of the city, and an abundance of places to enjoy brunch and beverages afterward. In that case, Phoenix is the place for you.

More than 4.5 million people call Phoenix, Arizona, its capital, home. Phoenix is known for its abundance of year-round events and one-of-a-kind outdoor activities because of the city’s average of more than 299 days of sunlight yearly. In addition, it is a popular spot for diners looking for a taste of the southwest.

Phoenix is located in the middle of the Sonoran Desert, yet it is a fast-expanding metropolis. Phoenix is home to several species of flora and fauna that can only be found in the desert. In addition, we saw some of the most beautiful sunsets of our lives there.

Day 1

Phoenix, Arizona art museums

The Heard Museum is an excellent introduction to the Native American tribes that once called the Salt River Valley home and should be your first stop in Phoenix. Ancient baskets and jewelry sit alongside contemporary beading and haute couture in the Heard Museum’s collection of Indigenous art and artifacts. 

Start in the north and make your way to the Seattle Art Museum, which has works from locals like Georgia O’Keeffe to foreigners like Claude Monet and Diego Rivera. In addition to permanent collections, it features thrilling, timely exhibits like Yayoi Kusama’s infinite mirror room, You Who are Getting Obliterated with in Dancing Swarm of Fireflies, and curious oddities like Narcissa Niblack Thorne’s tiny copies of actual rooms from throughout the globe.

Salt River Kayaking Trip

The Lower Salt River cuts through the middle of Arizona’s most significant national forest, Tonto. Enjoy an exciting kayaking adventure while taking in breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape on this trip. Paddle out from Saguaro Lake on the Salt River and keep an eye out for local animals like the herd of wild horses that roam the area. Times are set for blastoff. Depending on when you want to launch, you may need to make some changes to the timeline below. 

Check in at Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch no later than 20 minutes before your scheduled launch time to sign waivers, have your gear ready, and go through safety procedures. You can buy things like water, sunscreen, and dry bags. Distributing sporting goods the basics of paddling, river safety, and river geography will all be covered at orientation. There is a requirement for orientation. It’s time to launch; have everyone gather at a prearranged spot and get ready to go out into the Salt River. Have a safe and wonderful time away! The trip ends at the Foxtail Administration Site two hours after blastoff. Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch shuttle will pick you and your stuff up.

Jerome and Sedona

Eat at Mile High Grill & Spirits for breakfast before exploring Jerome. Follow Route 89A south to Sedona. After you have settled into your hotel, you may go out and see the sights of Sedona, including the famous red rocks and art galleries. Enjoy a delicious meal at Oaxaca Restaurant, located in the downtown area.

The Roosevelt Arts District

After refueling at Trapp Haus BBQ on East Roosevelt Street, explore the galleries, boutiques, and murals in Phoenix’s trendy arts area. 

Be sure to stop by Monorchid, a coffee shop/gallery/lounge where you can get unique, handcrafted items from nearby artisans. Greenwood, a female-owned brewing on East Roosevelt that reflects Phoenix’s calm throwback flair, is the place to go if you feel thirsty (Phoenix does boast over 300 days of sunlight a year, after all).

Day 2

Grand Canyon South Rim With Ground Tour

From Phoenix, you may take a scenic trip to the Grand Canyon and see some of the most spectacular scenery in the American Southwest. Tonto National Forest, San Francisco Peaks, Montezuma Well, and the Red Rocks of Sedona are just some of the stunning sights you’ll see from the air as your pilot soars to the ideal height to show them off. 

Flagstaff and the High Desert

Get up early and travel around Flagstaff to see Wupatki, Sunset Crater Volcano, and Walnut Canyon National Monuments via U.S. 89 and the Loop Road. The Museum of Northern Arizona is located approximately three miles north of downtown on Highway 180. Traveling east on I-40 for the next hour should get you to Winslow. 

Enjoy your stay at La Posada. Take advantage of the Turquoise Room’s excellent cuisine and service by dining there for tonight and ordering a takeout lunch the following day.

Phoenix, Arizona, is quickly growing into one of the most substantial cities in the state and is already a popular tourist destination. Lastly, read more about travel around the world here.