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<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nKnown for its golf courses, shopping, hiking, and resorts, Phoenix has become one of the top U.S. travel destinations in the country. Completely surrounded by mountains, showing off beautiful weather (almost) year-round, and stuffed to the brim with entertainment, fine dining, and fun things to do, it\u2019s no wonder you\u2019re looking to build your Phoenix itinerary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I moved to Phoenix when I was 19 and I spent 9 years exploring every nook and cranny in this town. Despite being famous for it, Phoenix is so much more than golf courses and shopping. We\u2019ve got some crazy hikes, amazingly talented local artists, cool-ass museums, and so much more. So, if you\u2019re ready to plan your Phoenix itinerary like a local, read on my friend.<\/p>\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAbout this Phoenix Itinerary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
In this Phoenix Itinerary, I go over everything you need to know to plan your trip to the Valley of the Sun. I\u2019ll help you decide which time of year to visit, where to stay, and what to do while you\u2019re here. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This guide was written with the idea that you are staying in Phoenix for up to 5 days. That means that every day\u2019s schedule both begins and ends in Phoenix. This Phoenix itinerary will guide you through the main attractions in town, and it also includes two day trips, one to Sedona<\/a> and one to Tombstone. If you\u2019re planning a 5-day trip to Phoenix and don\u2019t want to dip out to some of the other cool towns in AZ, or if you want to swap out an activity from the schedule, I\u2019ve also included a few extra fun activities at the end of the guide that you can mix and match with. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A quick note:<\/strong> The Phoenix Metropolitan Area includes a number of different cities. So, when I say \u201cPhoenix itinerary,\u201d I\u2019m also including places like Scottsdale, Tempe, and North Phoenix.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you only have 24 hours in Phoenix, click here to read my 24-hours in Phoenix Itinerary<\/a> where I\u2019ve included the absolute must-dos in town. But if you\u2019re planning a longer stay, you can customize the itinerary below to fit any length of time from a weekend trip all the way up to 5 days in the valley. Each day scheduled below is written to stand alone or work as a consecutive schedule, so you can mix and match with the things that sound interesting to you. Luckily, Phoenix was created with a great freeway system so it is super easy to get around to different parts of the valley in very little time. This means you can feel free to swap any of the below dates and mix and match itineraries to your heart’s content.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Unless you\u2019ve been living under a rock your whole life, you\u2019ve probably heard that Phoenix can get pretty hot. In fact, as I\u2019m writing this, it is currently 105\u00b0 outside. BUT, I am publishing this post in the summer, which is not <\/em>when I recommend you come to visit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The best time of year to visit Phoenix is any month from the beginning of October through the end of April, although I highly recommend the spring or fall when the weather is in the high-seventies to low-eighties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Phoenix is also beautiful to visit in the winter. We don\u2019t get snow, but you can hang out with the palm trees and gorgeous weather in the perfect 72\u00b0.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thanks to our many freeways, Phoenix is a pretty easy place to get around. Not to mention almost the entire valley is built on a grid system, so it\u2019s almost impossible to get lost. In fact, when I first moved to Phoenix in 2013, I\u2019d recently broken my iPhone and had to learn how to get around without a GPS or smartphone to help me out, and I rarely ran into any problems\u2014 even downtown!<\/p>\n\n\n\n What this means for you is that it doesn\u2019t matter so much where you stay. We\u2019re going to explore the whole valley anyway. So, instead of picking a hotel based on location and convenience, pick a part of town that matches your vibe. Here are just a few examples to help you find the right location for you:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Known for its luxury and resort, Scottsdale is a desert oasis hidden under the McDowell Mountains. If you\u2019re looking to feel pampered and relaxed, as well as just a stone\u2019s throw away from boutique shopping and art galleries, Scottsdale is the place for you. Here are a few of the 5-star resorts available to book in Scottsdale:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Phoenician<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Hyatt Regency<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Fairmont Scottsdale Princess<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Westin Kierland Resort and Spa<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re looking for true city vibes, Downtown Phoenix is your place. Here, bars, theaters, museums, and sports arenas are sprinkled between high-rise buildings. Here are just a few of your options for staying in Downtown Phoenix:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hyatt Regency Phoenix<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Westin Phoenix Downtown<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Clarendon Hotel and Spa<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Home to the Sun Devils, Tempe is where Arizona State University has sat since 1885. You may have heard of ASU\u2019s reputation as a party school, and, for better or worse, the university has rubbed off on its hometown. If you\u2019re looking for some nightlife in town, Mill Avenue in Tempe is probably where you\u2019re going to end up. Here are a few hotels you might want to check out:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Canopy by Hilton Tempe Downtown<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Tempe Mission Palms<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Marriott Phoenix Resort Tempe at the Buttes<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Graduate Tempe<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n North Phoenix is the perfect place to stay if you\u2019re looking to get away from the crowds and get in on some gorgeous views. Further away from the hustle and bustle of the city, North Phoenix is on the edge of the desert and surrounded by the Phoenix Mountains. Here are a few options for staying in North Phoenix:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hilton Garden Inn North Phoenix<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Courtyard by Marriott North Phoenix<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Drury Inn and Suites North Phoenix<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Hilton Phoenix Tapatio Cliffs Resort<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Not really what you\u2019re looking for? Click here to browse other hotels in the Phoenix area!<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Prefer more intimate housing? Click here to check out private vacation rentals in town.<\/a> <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Unlike other big cities like New York or Los Angeles, Phoenix does not have the most intricate metro system. In order to get the most out of your trip, I highly recommend renting a car while you\u2019re in town, especially if you decide to do one of the day trips I recommend below. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Finally, let\u2019s get into the good stuff\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n This Phoenix itinerary is built to be completely customizable. If you don\u2019t like one of the activity options, feel free to swap it out with one of the bonus activities listed at the end of this article! The same thing goes if you\u2019d rather not take a day trip to Sedona or Tombstone. If that\u2019s the case, feel free to fill those days with some of the bonus activities as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Arrive in Phoenix \u2192 Pick up rental car \u2192 Lunch at Green New American Vegetarian \u2192 Check in to hotel or vacation rental Restaurant \u2192 Desert Botanical Gardens \u2192 (Optional) Evening Hike at Papago Park Butte Loop \u2192 Dinner in Downtown Tempe \u2192 Nightlife on Mill Avenue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Welcome to Phoenix, the Valley of the Sun! We\u2019ve got a busy 5 days ahead of us, so we\u2019re going to start off a little slow today. <\/p>\n\n\n\n After your plane hits the tarmac and you\u2019ve gathered your belongings from the luggage carousel, go ahead and pick up your rental car. Depending on what time your plane has landed, it may be too early to check in at your hotel or vacation rental. If that\u2019s the case, I recommend enjoying lunch at Green New American Vegetarian<\/a> before you drop off your bags. There is a location in downtown Phoenix as well as in Tempe, so you can pick whichever option is closer to where you\u2019re staying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Now that you\u2019ve got a full belly to curb the jet lag, go ahead and check in to your room. At this point, you\u2019ve got a choice. You can either drop off your bags and head back out, or you can flop onto your bed for a few hours and recuperate from your travels. Seriously, no judgment if you choose the second option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you chose to get right into it, it\u2019s time for our first adventure. We\u2019re going to head to East Phoenix where the Desert Botanical Garden<\/a> sits right in between Scottsdale and Tempe. The garden is a gorgeous park blossoming with hundreds of desert plants. There are plenty of trails to wander around and immerse yourself in the desert beauty. If you come in spring, you\u2019re in for an extra special treat as many of the plants will be in full bloom. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You\u2019ll need about two hours to explore the park.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Phoenix is a hub for hiking. And it\u2019s no wonder since it’s completely surrounded by desert mountains. There are more than 230 hikes around town, so if hiking is your thing, you\u2019ll have plenty of opportunities while you\u2019re here. While the Desert Botanical Garden does have a few trails to wander, they\u2019re more meant for wandering than for hiking. If you\u2019re looking for a bit more exercise, I recommend checking out Papago Park Butte Loop<\/a>. It\u2019s right next door to the Botanical Garden and is an easy hike that will only take you about 45 minutes to complete. While there isn\u2019t much of an incline on this trail, the hike is well worth it for the strange rock formations that line the path.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After you\u2019re done exploring the desert, you\u2019re just a hop, skip, and jump away from Mill Avenue in Downtown Tempe. This is a great place to get dinner since there are a plethora of options. I recommend trying some authentic Mexican cuisine at Loco Patron<\/a>. After dinner, it\u2019s time to party like a Phoenician. Mill Avenue is right next door to the state university, so you know the bars and entertainment are going to be top-notch. You can even join the Arizona P<\/a>a<\/a>rty Bike<\/a> on a pub crawl, or create your own personal crawl by exploring the many bars and clubs dotted along the main street. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Sunrise hot air balloon ride \u2192 (Optional) Dixie Loop Trail hike \u2192 Breakfast at Eggstacy \u2192 The MIM (and\/or) The Heard Museum \u2192 See a play at Phoenix Theater Company \u2192 After-show drinks at Highball Cocktails Speakeasy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Rise and shine, starshine! I hope you didn\u2019t party too hard last night because we\u2019ve got an early morning today. Hopefully, you\u2019ve shaken off the rest of your jet lag by now because it\u2019s time for adventure. We\u2019re going to start day 2 with one of the coolest experiences you can do in Phoenix: a sunrise hot air balloon ride. Rainbow Ryders<\/a> is here to help you fulfill a one-of-a-kind bucket list<\/a> experience by taking you up to 3,000 feet in the air just after sunrise. See the Sonoran Desert vistas from a bird\u2019s eye view that most people never get to see and conclude your flight with a celebratory toast and a commemorative flight certificate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The flight on the balloon is about an hour, and the full experience takes about three hours. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For all my hikers out there, I got you. If you\u2019re one of those people who love the outdoors, I am including an optional hike every day in this Phoenix itinerary. If you\u2019re not a hiker, no worries. Feel free to skip these activities and move on to the next, or simply fill in the space with one of the optional activities from the end of this article. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Dixie Mountain Loop Trail<\/a> is a moderate trail in North Phoenix. In many areas, the hills of the desert block out the view from the city, giving off the effect that you\u2019re completely lost in nature. It\u2019s a great place to get in touch with the desert and appreciate Arizona\u2019s wide, blue skies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The full loop takes about two hours to complete, or you can just go part way and turn around to match whatever time frame you\u2019re working with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We\u2019re staying in the general area of North Phoenix this morning, which is great because that means you can grab breakfast at one of my favorite restaurants, Eggstacy at Norterra<\/a>. My roommate (who\u2019s a total foodie and a professionally trained chef) introduced me to this gem of a breakfast joint. Here, the food is fresh and the portions are huge. And I mean, huge<\/em>. My favorite dish is the berry crepes which come with three ginormous crepes stuffed with blackberries, blueberries, and strawberries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fair warning, this is a popular local place and on weekends the wait times can run long.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We\u2019ve got two fantastic museum options, depending on your interests. If you\u2019ve got the time, I highly recommend visiting both. Each museum takes about 2-4 hours, so it\u2019s possible to squeeze both museums in one day if you skip breakfast and the optional hike. If that doesn\u2019t feel like an option to you, pick your fav. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have any interest in music at all, as in, if you like to listen to music, play music, sing music, etc., then visiting the Musical Instrument Museum (MIM)<\/a> is a must while you\u2019re in Phoenix. This is the only global instrument museum in the world, which is pretty darn special. The MIIM\u2019s curated collection is enough to keep anyone immersed in the museum for hours. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They even have an award-winning caf\u00e9, Caf\u00e9 Allegro, which is where we\u2019ll be having lunch today. The caf\u00e9 has an ever-changing menu of global cuisine, and always offers vegan and vegetarian options. <\/p>\n\n\n\n I recommend spending about 3-4 hours at the museum, including time for lunch. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The most prominent museum for Native American art and culture, The Heard Museum<\/a> is a very important stop on your Phoenix adventure. The museum teaches about different Native American cultures and displays art from contemporary artists. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The Heard Museum also has its own caf\u00e9, The Courtyard Caf\u00e9<\/a>, where they serve classic southwestern dishes. This is a great option for lunch if you choose to visit the Heard Museum instead of the MIM.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I recommend spending about 2-3 hours at the museum, including time for lunch. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019ve chosen to visit The Heard Museum, you\u2019ve already made your way to downtown Phoenix. However, if you\u2019re still up north, at this point you\u2019ll make your way downtown. <\/p>\n\n\n\n One of my favorite things to do in Phoenix is to see a play at the Phoenix Theater Company. From hilarious to heartwarming, the Phoenix Theater always puts on a great show. Not to mention, it\u2019s a historical monument. It was founded over a hundred years ago, and inside its theater is where Stephen Spielberg hosted his first film screening when he was 17. Click here to see the current season and what\u2019s showing while you\u2019re in town.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n The theater has its own restaurant which opens at 5 pm and stops serving 40 minutes before showtime. The ArtBar+Bistro<\/a> serves light salads and sandwiches. I personally haven\u2019t eaten here, but the atmosphere looks delightful. Since the theater is downtown, there are plenty of other options for dinner nearby as well. I recommend trying the fully vegan restaurant, The Coronado<\/a>, which is only a five-minute drive from the theater.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I\u2019ve listed this activity as optional because you probably had a late night last night, you got up early this morning, and (spoiler alert!) you\u2019re going to get up early again tomorrow. It\u2019s possible that by the time the show at the Phoenix Theater Company wraps up you\u2019ll be ready for bed. If that\u2019s the case, off with you! Go get your beauty sleep and no one will judge you for not staying up. However, if you are a night owl like me (at least when I\u2019m on vacation), then I\u2019ve got one more activity in store for you today and it\u2019s gonna be the cat\u2019s pajamas!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Drift back in time to the days of prohibition. We\u2019re going to a speakeasy, baby! No, you don\u2019t need to don a flapper dress and a cigarette holder to enter, and there is no password, but Highball Cocktails\u2019<\/a> elegant, dimly-lit lounge will make you feel as though you\u2019ve been whisked away into the 1920s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Drive to Sedona \u2192 Red Rocks Jeep Tour \u2192 (Optional) Hike Devil\u2019s Bridge \u2192 Lunch in Uptown \u2192 Shopping, exploring, and dinner in Uptown Sedona \u2192 Drive back to Phoenix<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Sedona is famous for her ethereal red rock formations, as well as for being a spiritual vortex. This town is one of my favorite places in Arizona, and a must-do for anyone who loves nature, hiking, or shopping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sedona is about a two-hour drive from Phoenix. There\u2019s a lot to do there and we\u2019ve only got a day, so I recommend getting an early start. Since we\u2019ll want to make the most of our time, I don\u2019t recommend stopping for a big breakfast. Instead, take a few snacks you can eat on the road, or have some leftovers from yesterday. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The desert of Sedona is unlike anything you will see anywhere else, and Pink Jeep Tours<\/a> will get you up close and personal with the wilderness. On their most popular tour, the Broken Arrow Tour<\/a>, you\u2019ll ride along in a pink Jeep Wrangler and climb over steep red rock mountains as a guide takes you deep into the backcountry that is untouched by any other explorers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Plan for about two hours for this adventure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019ve only got a day in Sedona and can only do one hike, Devil\u2019s Bridge<\/a> will always be the one that I recommend. You\u2019ve probably seen pictures of this huge natural archway bending over a red rock mountainous backdrop. The landscape is beautiful and the hike is satisfying. It\u2019s about a four-mile, moderately difficult hike that takes about an hour and forty minutes, and you\u2019ll leave with some of the coolest travel photos ever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Since we didn\u2019t stop for a full breakfast this morning, if you\u2019ve chosen to go on this hike, you might get hungry before we get back into town. If you\u2019re like me and turn into a total bear if you go longer than three hours between eating, then I recommend you pack a lunch to eat on the trail, or at the very least some snacks. Otherwise, I\u2019ve suggested a few exquisite restaurants in town for lunch below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sedona\u2019s downtown district is called Uptown, and it\u2019s the host to a bunch of cute boutiques, restaurants, tourist shops, and new age shops. It does get a little touristy here, but it\u2019s still one of my favorite places in the state to hang out. However, I recommend not coming on a Sunday as the place will be overflowing with people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For lunch, I recommend ChocolaTree Organic Eatery<\/a>. Their menu is super inclusive, offering plenty of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options, and their produce is all organic and almost exclusively local!<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re someone who loves to shop for souvenirs while on vacation, don\u2019t worry. I\u2019ve got you covered. I\u2019ve scheduled three opportunities for shopping\u2014 today in Sedona, tomorrow in Tombstone, and later on in the week in Scottsdale. Some of my favorite shops in Uptown Sedona include Sedona Fudge Company<\/a>, Gypsy Jenny\u2019s<\/a>, and Sedona Crystal Vortex<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n I also recommend visiting Tlaquepaque, an outdoor mall area with even more art galleries, restaurants, and eccentric shops to visit. Across the street from Tlaquepaque is The Center for the New Age<\/a>. This is my favorite new age shop anywhere in the world. They have a wide collection of crystals, books, and music.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At many of the Uptown shops, you can book a reading with a psychic or get your aura photographed. I highly recommend you do that while in town since it\u2019s such a fun and enlightening experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Why is traveling so great if not for experiencing cultures and food? Luckily, Sedona has no shortage of restaurants to choose from. For dinner, I recommend Oaxaca Restaurant<\/a>. Their rooftop patio seating showcases views that are out of this world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After dinner, it\u2019s time to head back down the mountain into Phoenix and enjoy a great night\u2019s sleep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For more options and alternate itineraries for a day in Sedona, click here to read an entire blog I wrote titled The Perfect Day Trip To Sedona<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Drive to Tombstone \u2192 (Optional) Hike of your choice \u2192 Shopping on Allen Street \u2192 Lunch at Big Nose Kate\u2019s \u2192 Take an Old-Timey photo \u2192 Watch the O.K. Corral gunfight reenactment \u2192 Take a tour inside a silver mine \u2192 Dinner at the Longhorn Restaurant \u2192 Ghost tour \u2192 Drive back to Phoenix<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Mornin\u2019, partner. Once again, we\u2019re about to do some time traveling, and this time, we\u2019re going to the Old West. Yee-haw!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tombstone is the \u201cTown Too Tough To Die\u201d and so it\u2019s been for almost two hundred years. When you arrive, you\u2019ll feel as though you\u2019ve been transported back to the 1800s with the original historic buildings on Allen Street still standing, and gun fights reenacted throughout the day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re not an early bird, you\u2019re going to hate me when I say it, but it\u2019s another early morning today. Tombstone is about a three-hour drive south of Phoenix and we want to make the most of our day, so, as the saying goes, the early bird catches the worm! Again, I recommend taking breakfast on the road to save you a bit of time this morning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I\u2019m going to be honest with you, I\u2019ve never hiked in Tombstone. But, I know how important hiking is to some of you and I want to make sure you have options. So, I found this list of hikes near Tombstone<\/a> that you can pick from if hiking every day is a must for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Preserved to look just as it did in the 1880s, Allen Street appears to be frozen in time. No traffic is allowed to drive down the street, and as you stroll on foot, you\u2019ll pass real cowboys, spurs and all. The street is dotted with vintage clothing, antique, souvenir, and ice cream shops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Enjoy Southwestern and Mexican dishes while listening to live country bands play at Big Nose Kate\u2019s Saloon<\/a>. The restaurant is named after gunslinger Doc Holiday\u2019s girlfriend and lady of the night, Katherine Haroney, who was nicknamed, Big Nose Kate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After lunch, head over to Lady L\u2019s Creations<\/a> to dress up in authentic Old Western clothing and take a sepia-colored photo to keep as a unique souvenir. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In 1881, gunfire burst the eardrums of all those standing on Fremont Street. In just 24 seconds, 30 shots were fired and Tombstone became a place of legend. Now, actors reenact the famous gunfight between outlaws and lawmen four times a day. Just make sure you get your tickets a few hours in advance<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n This 45-minute tour<\/a> will take you 100 feet below the surface inside a historical mine from the 1880s. Deep underground, you\u2019ll be able to watch demonstrations of how silver was mined by hand and candlelight in the 1880s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Longhorn Restaurant<\/a> is the oldest continually operating restaurant in Tombstone. The building used to be the Bucket of Blood Saloon and is where Tombstone Marshall Virgil Earp was shot in an attempted murder in the 1880s. Now they serve American food and classy cocktails.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Like any town from the Old West, Tombstone has its history of violence and shootouts, which means, of course, the town is now haunted. It may even be one of the most haunted towns in the West. Get friendly with the spirits of Tombstone on a tour from Ghost City Tours<\/a> where they will show you the most haunted spooks in town.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s a long drive back. You\u2019re going to get back late. You\u2019re probably exhausted. We\u2019ve had four full, fun days of adventuring and exploring and tomorrow is the last day in town! Luckily, tomorrow you also get to sleep in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Breakfast at Butterfield’s Pancake House \u2192 Hike Camelback Mountain \u2192 Lunch in Old Town Scottsdale \u2192 Explore and shop in Old Town Scottsdale \u2192 Enjoy a relaxing massage \u2192 Fly home<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Our time here has come and gone so fast. I hope you\u2019ve had a great time in Phoenix. It\u2019s one of my favorite cities in the world. If you\u2019re staying in town for longer, check out the list of additional activities I have at the bottom of this article. Otherwise, enjoy your last day in the Valley of the Sun!<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s our last day on vacation, so we\u2019re going to indulge. Butterfield’s Pancake House<\/a> has been voted as the best breakfast joint in Scottsdale by over 1,200 reviews on Tripadvisor<\/a>. They\u2019ve been in business for over 40 years, so you know they know how to make a pancake. Better fuel up, because this time the hike is not optional\u2014 it\u2019s the main activity!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Phoenix may have over 230 hikes around the valley, but as far as anyone is concerned, Camelback Mountain is the crown jewel. There are two hikes on this mountain, one on either side, and they meet in the middle. So, if you\u2019re really ambitious and think you can handle it, you can even hike up and over the mountain and come back down the other side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The two hike options here are Cholla Trail<\/a> and Echo Canyon<\/a>. Both hikes are steep and rocky, but Echo Canyon is the more brutal out of the two. Cholla Trail will give you more desert views while Echo Canyon feels like a StairMaster except you\u2019re outside. In the end, it doesn\u2019t matter which one you pick, though, because the view at the top is absolutely phenomenal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Both hikes take about 2-3 hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n By this time, I\u2019ll bet you\u2019ve worked off your pancakes and are starving. Hiking Camelback will do that to a person. Just a few minutes away from the trailhead at Camelback is the historic Old Town Scottsdale district. This area is lined with restaurants to match any tastebud\u2019s desires. I recommend trying Olive & Ivy<\/a>, a restaurant and bar that serves Californian-Mediterranean dishes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition to having an abundance of restaurants, Old Town Scottsdale is also a great place to wander. This historic area is where settlement in Scottsdale began in 1888, and now it\u2019s home to restaurants, boutiques, art galleries, and tourist shops. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Feel free to wander into an open art gallery and admire a local artist\u2019s work, or even buy tickets to an immersive event at Lighthouse Ar<\/a>t<\/a> Space<\/a>. I saw the Van Gogh Exhibit<\/a> there and it was stunning. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Relax and unwind with a massage at Running Water Spa at the Scottsdale C<\/a>a<\/a>melback Resort<\/a>. It\u2019s been a long week and you absolutely deserve to end your Phoenix vacation with a little self-care. <\/p>\n\n\n\n We hate to see you go, but we love to watch you leave. Just kidding. But, seriously, Phoenix is a place that means a lot to me, so I hope you enjoyed your trip here. Hopefully, you got a lot of good ideas from this Phoenix itinerary and found a lot of value in it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This Phoenix itinerary is built to be completely customizable, so I\u2019ve included a list of additional activities you can swap out for any in the above itinerary that might not excite you. Also, if you\u2019re staying for more than 5 days, use these extra activities as inspiration to help you plan the itineraries for the rest of your time in town.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are a few helpful services:<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Booking.com<\/a> | Find a comfy place to lay your head after a full day of adventuring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Vrbo<\/a> | If you\u2019re looking for a more homey vibe, these rental homes might do the trick.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Expedia<\/a> | Whether you\u2019re looking for some wheels or a flight, you can find a way to get to your destination here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Get Your Guide<\/a> | Find local attractions and tours and book tickets to your excursions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n TSA<\/a> | If you\u2019re flying, check out the TSA page to make sure that you pack to TSA regulations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Arizona Travel Guides<\/em><\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Only staying in Pheonix for a day? Check out my 24-hours in Phoenix Itinerary<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Visiting Sedona? You might want to check out my Day Trip to Sedona Guide<\/a> to help jumpstart your itinerary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Need help figuring out what to pack? Here is my Arizona Packing List Essentials for Every Time Of Year Packing Guide.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Click Here to see more from the Adventuring Dreamers Resources.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\nHow to use this Phoenix Itinerary for 2-5 Days of Travel<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"The](\"https:\/\/adventuringdreamers.com\/staging1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Phoenix-Itinerary-Skyline-1024x682.png\")
Best time of year to visit Phoenix<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nWhere to stay in Phoenix<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Scottsdale<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Downtown Phoenix<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Tempe<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
North Phoenix<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How to get around during your trip to Phoenix<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/adventuringdreamers.com\/staging1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Phoenix-Itinerary-Downtown-Scottdale-1024x682.png\")
The Ultimate 5-Day Phoenix Itinerary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Phoenix Itinerary Day 1: Arrive in Phoenix<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Morning<\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Arrive and Get Settled<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Afternoon<\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Our first adventure\u2014 Desert Botanical Gardens<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Evening<\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Optional Evening Hike: Papago Park Butte Loop<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Dinner and Nightlife in Downtown Tempe<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"Large](\"https:\/\/adventuringdreamers.com\/staging1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Phoenix-Itinerary-Papago-Park-1024x682.png\")
Phoenix Itinerary Day 2: Let\u2019s Get Cultured!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Morning<\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Cross off a bucket-list experience first thing in the morning\u2014 Sunrise hot air balloon ride<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Optional Morning Hike: Dixie Mountain Loop Trail<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Breakfast at Eggstacy<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Afternoon<\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Let\u2019s Get Cultured! A choice of two museums <\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Option A: The Musical Instrument Museum<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
Option B: The Heard Museum<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
Evening<\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Get entertained by local actors at the Phoenix Theater Company<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Night<\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Optional nighttime activity: Jump back in time to the 1920s by visiting a speakeasy<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"Hot](\"https:\/\/adventuringdreamers.com\/staging1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/pexels-snapwire-670061-1024x636.jpg\")
Phoenix Itinerary Day 3: Day Trip to Sedona<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Morning<\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Drive to Sedona<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Adventurous Jeep Tour on the Red Rocks<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Optional Hike: The Devil\u2019s Bridge<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Afternoon<\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Lunch in Uptown<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Explore Sedona\u2019s Downtown District <\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Evening<\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Dinner in Uptown and driving back down the hill<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"An](\"https:\/\/adventuringdreamers.com\/staging1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Phoenix-Itinerary-Tlaquepaque-1024x576.jpg\")
Phoenix Itinerary Day 4: Day Trip to Tombstone<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Morning<\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Drive to Tombstone<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Optional Hike<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Shopping on Allen Street<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Lunch at Big Nose Kate\u2019s<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Afternoon<\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Dress Up and Take an Old-Timey Photo<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Watch the O.K. Corral Gunfight Reenactment<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Tour Inside a Real Silver Mine\u2014 Goodenough Silver Mine Tour<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Evening<\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Dinner at the Longhorn Restaurant<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Get Spooked on a Ghost Tour<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Drive back to Phoenix<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"Two](\"https:\/\/adventuringdreamers.com\/staging1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Phoenix-Itinerary-Tombstone-1024x629.jpg\")
Phoenix Itinerary Day 5: Last Day in Phoenix!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Morning<\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Breakfast at Butterfield\u2019s Pancake House<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Hike the Famous Camelback Mountain<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Afternoon<\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Lunch in Old Town Scottsdale<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Wander around Old Town<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Evening<\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Fly home<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"Looking](\"https:\/\/adventuringdreamers.com\/staging1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Phoenix-Itinerary-Camelback-Mountain-1024x576.jpg\")
Additional Activities for the Phoenix Itinerary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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![\"The](\"https:\/\/adventuringdreamers.com\/staging1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Sp2-5-Day-Phx-Itinerary.png\" "\\"5")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\nWas this itinerary useful? Check out some of our others here:<\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Additional Resources:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Booking a trip to Arizona?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nLooking for more hikes in the Phoenix area? Check out these 9 Hidden, Little-Known Hikes in Phoenix<\/a>.<\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Interested in spending more time in Sedona? I highly recommend checking out Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park<\/a>, one of my favorite Sedona hidden treasures. <\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Are you visiting Phoenix with your significant other? Here are 17 date ideas in Phoenix<\/a> that are great for locals or visitors.<\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n\n