How to Spend a Perfect Weekend in Phoenix, Arizona
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Speckled with golf courses, hiking trails, hot springs, and more, it’s no surprise that Arizona consistently ranks among the most popular spring break locations and the best destinations for snowbirds.
While worthy adventures abound across the state, the Greater Phoenix metro area is a hub for a lot of the action. The metro area includes 24 municipalities like Scottsdale, Tempe, Glendale, and, of course, Phoenix, and about 5 million residents call it home. As do so many luxury resorts, award-winning restaurants, wineries, boutiques, and beyond.
To help you narrow down all of your options, we’ve curated your itinerary for the ultimate weekend in Greater Phoenix.
Friday Afternoon
Your first stop after landing at Sky Harbor International Airport or driving into town will be your home away from home: The Global Ambassador. One of Phoenix’s newest resorts, this luxury property is the magnum opus from Sam Fox. The restaurateur and chef’s Fox Restaurant Group empire has grown to 50 locations, including popular local haunts like The Henry, Flower Child, Culinary Dropout, and Blanco.
His hospitality philosophy—“We challenge ourselves to find ways to make our best ideas even better. Every day.”—comes to life at The Global Ambassador. After being greeted with a refreshing mini pineapple daiquiri in the regal, modern-day Gatsby-esque lobby, you’ll be escorted to your room and will begin to see that next-level hospitality come to life. The Dyson hairdryer, the mini bar stocked with fresh limes and lemons for cocktail garnishes, and the Byredo and Aesop bath products are just the beginning…
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After you’ve cleaned up and slathered on some SPF (the Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen is on deck in the mini bar if you forgot), it’s time to dig in. Head to the Desert Botanical Garden and stroll through the outdoor trails that are dotted with succulents, colorful cacti, and flowers that thrive in the desert. (No need to don hiking boots for this excursion, but aim to wear comfortable close-toed shoes since it’s often a bit dusty.) It’s magical as the sun sets. On select Friday nights, stick around for Music in the Garden, which begins at 7 p.m.
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Friday Evening
Now that you’ve likely worked up an appetite, dinner awaits at Pizzeria Bianco. Since 1988, chef Chris Bianco’s artisan wood-fired pizzas, house-made pastas, and snacks have been drawing crowds. Between then and now, the chefs and restaurateur became the first pizzaiolo to win a regional best chef James Beard Award, was named the 2022 James Beard Award for Outstanding Restaurateur, and now has an entire Chef’s Table: Pizza episode about his journey. (Oh yes, and when he opened an outpost of Pizzeria Bianco in LA, it became an immediate celebrity favorite.)
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Start with the antipasto, then split the Sonny Boy (tomato sauce, soppressata cheese, Gaeta olives, and fresh mozzarella) and the iconic Rosa (red onion, Arizona pistachios, fresh rosemary, Parmigiano Reggiano) pizzas.
Hush Public House, Christopher’s at Wrigley Mansion, and Binkley’s will also leave you with flavorful memories that won’t soon be forgotten.
Saturday Morning
If that supper has you feeling spunky, wake up before peak heat sets in and lace up those hiking boots to tackle Camelback Mountain, which is close enough to stroll to from the hotel. This 2.6-mile round trip journey starts off easy, but gets fairly challenging as you scrabble near the top. (Translation: This isn’t best for beginners.) Expect this to take about 2 to 2 ½ hours.
Or if you’re more of an indoor cat, sleep in or sign up for a Pilates or indoor cycling class at the second floor gym before reconvening for brunch at Le Âme. Located on the first floor of your second home, this French bistro’s weekend morning menu includes classic morning staples like an omelet that would make Julia Child proud, an avocado, egg white, and sweet potato bowl, and “pancrepes.” If you’re craving heartier fare, after that activity, steak frites and a tuna melt bagel sandwich await.
Jump back to your room to slip into your robe and slippers; it’s time to treat yourself at the spa. You can’t go wrong by opting for an Augustinus Bader facial or acupuncture integration. Or if you’re interested in hopping on the sleep tourism trend so you can rest easier, ask for the Sleep + Restore treatment. The latter comes with a day-brightening turmeric vitality shot before and after, as well as CBD-infused essential oils (applied via slow, flowing movements at the pressure you prefer) during.
Saturday Afternoon
With your glow and good vibes fully locked in, it’s time to explore Old Town Scottsdale. Depending on your personal passions, you can pop into boutiques to shop, visit galleries to peer at art, snag a treat at Gelato Cimmino or Tom’s Incredible Ice Cream, or take part in a wine tasting.
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While you might not immediately guess it based on the climate and terrain, Arizona is actually quite the wine lover's paradise. More than 30 wineries are scattered throughout six main growing regions in the state. About 100 tasting rooms—including the 7 stops within a 6-block radius that are part of Scottsdale’s Wine Trail—allow locals and visitors alike to sip both well-know types like Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Merlot alongside more rare and Arizona-friendly varieties including Counoise, Graciano, and Muscat Canelli.
Saturday Evening
Stick around Old Town Scottsdale for dinner. Options abound, however, if you can snag a reservation at FnB Restaurant, you won’t regret it. The front of house manager and beverage director, Pavle Milic, is so passionate about Arizona wine that he has his own boutique label. To pair with it, chef Charleen Badman is consistently adjusting FnB’s globally-inspired, flavor-forward menu to highlight what’s in season locally that day. A couple recent highlights include Pavle’s beef and potato empanadas and citrus-braised pork with rice, beans, and pickled vegetables.
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Sunday Morning
Waking up is a lot easier knowing that pastries are calling your name at Valentine. Crystal Kass, the pastry chef at the eclectic Southwestern restaurant, was recently nominated for 2024 Outstanding Pastry Chef in all of America by the James Beard Awards. You’ll taste why after one bite from a Green Chili Cheddar and Chorizo Scone or a Medjool date-filled Sticky Bun. Split one or several for your “appetizer,” or take them to-go as a snack for later, then dive into a main like the Tamale Bowl with a blue corn masa cake, carrot mole, a soft-boiled egg or a chai-spiced Churro Waffle with dulce de leche and whipped cream.
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If time allows before you depart, visit the Phoenix Art Museum. More than 20,000 works are on display, including an immersive string light room, fashion that speaks to particular eras, sculptures, canvas art, photography, and more. If you’re lucky enough to visit between February and July 2024, you can have a ball reminiscing about more than 60 years of America’s most popular doll: Barbie.
P.S. Have more time to enjoy Arizona? You’ll be hard-pressed to find a more worthy and rejuvenating add-on than a couple days at Castle Hot Springs, which is about an hour drive from the Phoenix airport. This tucked-away oasis is known for its serene mineral-rich springs (that guests are able to luxuriate in 24/7). Come for the springs and stay for the food; this all-inclusive luxury resort grows more than 150 different crops, which are celebrated on a different 5-course tasting menu each night. (That’s just one of the many amenities included in your stay.)
Speckled with golf courses, hiking trails, hot springs, and more, it’s no surprise that Arizona consistently ranks among the most popular spring break locations and the best destinations for snowbirds. While worthy adventures abound across the state, the Greater Phoenix metro area is a hub for a lot of the action. The metro area includes 24 municipalities like Scottsdale, Tempe, Glendale, and, of course, Phoenix, and about 5 million residents call it home. As do so many luxury resorts, award-winning restaurants, wineries, boutiques, and beyond.
To help you narrow down all of your options, we’ve curated your itinerary for the ultimate weekend in Greater Phoenix. Here's where to stay, shop and play in Phoenix.
Friday Afternoon
Your first stop after landing at Sky Harbor International Airport or driving into town will be your home away from home: The Global Ambassador. One of Phoenix’s newest resorts, this luxury property is the magnum opus from hotelier, restaurateur and chef Sam Fox.
Designed by Phoenix-based Nelsen Partners and Judith Testani of Testani Design Troupe, this luxury hotel exudes a warm, European-inspired sophistication through its pied-à-terre-esque architecture and thoughtful design elements. From private Juliet balconies to custom walnut millwork to commissioned artwork from Michael Carson, you'll find beautiful refined details everywhere you turn.
After being greeted with a refreshing mini pineapple daiquiri in the Gatsby-esque lobby, you’ll be escorted to your room and will see that next-level hospitality come to life. The Dyson hairdryer, the mini bar stocked with fresh citrus for cocktail garnishes, and luxe bath products are just the beginning.
Friday Afternoon
After you’ve cleaned up and slathered on some SPF, it’s time to head outside. Head to the Desert Botanical Garden and stroll through the outdoor trails that are dotted with succulents, colorful cacti, and flowers that thrive in the desert. It’s magical as the sun sets. On select Friday nights, stick around for Music in the Garden, which begins at 7 p.m.
Now that you’ve likely worked up an appetite, dinner awaits at Pizzeria Bianco. Since 1988, chef Chris Bianco’s artisan wood-fired pizzas, house-made pastas, and snacks have been drawing crowds. Between then and now, the chefs and restaurateur became the first pizzaiolo to win a regional best chef James Beard Award, was named the 2022 James Beard Award for Outstanding Restaurateur, and now has an entire Chef’s Table: Pizza episode about his journey.
Start with the antipasto, then split the Sonny Boy (tomato sauce, soppressata cheese, Gaeta olives, and fresh mozzarella) and the iconic Rosa (red onion, Arizona pistachios, fresh rosemary, Parmigiano Reggiano) pizzas.
Not in the mood for pizza? Hush Public House, Christopher’s at Wrigley Mansion, and Binkley’s will also leave you with flavorful memories that won’t soon be forgotten.
Saturday Morning
If last night's supper has you feeling spunky, wake up before peak heat sets in and lace up those hiking boots to tackle Camelback Mountain, which is close enough to stroll to from the hotel. This 2.6-mile round trip journey starts off easy, but gets fairly challenging as you scrabble near the top. (Translation: This isn’t best for beginners.) Expect this to take about 2 to 2 ½ hours.
Or if you’re more of an indoor cat, sleep in or sign up for a Pilates or indoor cycling class at the hotel gym before reconvening for brunch at Le Âme. Located on the first floor of your second home, this French bistro’s weekend morning menu includes classic morning staples like an omelet that would make Julia Child proud; an avocado, egg white, and sweet potato bowl; steak frites; and “pancrepes.”
Saturday Afternoon
Jump back to your room to slip into your robe and slippers; it’s time to treat yourself at the hotel's spa. You can’t go wrong by opting for an Augustinus Bader facial or acupuncture integration. Or if you’re interested in hopping on the sleep tourism trend so you can rest easier, ask for the Sleep + Restore treatment. The latter comes with a day-brightening turmeric vitality shot before and after, as well as CBD-infused essential oils (applied via slow, flowing movements at the pressure you prefer) during.
With your glow and good vibes fully locked in, it’s time to explore Old Town Scottsdale. The area boasts some incredible home boutiques, art galleries, and antique stores where you can pick up local handicraft, folk art, antique furnishings or other special souvenirs.
After an afternoon of shopping, fuel up with a treat at Gelato Cimmino or Tom’s Incredible Ice Cream, or take part in a wine tasting. While you might not immediately guess it based on the climate and terrain, Arizona is actually quite the wine lover's paradise. More than 30 wineries are scattered throughout six main growing regions in the state. About 100 tasting rooms—including the 7 stops within a 6-block radius that are part of Scottsdale’s Wine Trail—allow locals and visitors alike to sip both well-known types like cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay, pinot noir, and merlot alongside more rare and Arizona-friendly varieties including counoise, graciano, and muscat canelli.
Sunday Morning and Afternoon
Waking up is a lot easier knowing that pastries are calling your name at Valentine. Crystal Kass, the pastry chef at the eclectic Southwestern restaurant, was recently nominated for 2024 Outstanding Pastry Chef in all of America by the James Beard Awards. You’ll taste why after one bite from a Green Chili Cheddar and Chorizo Scone or a Medjool date-filled Sticky Bun. Split one or several for your “appetizer,” or take them to-go as a snack for later, then dive into a main like the Tamale Bowl with a blue corn masa cake, carrot mole, a soft-boiled egg or a chai-spiced Churro Waffle with dulce de leche and whipped cream.
Before heading out, make sure to visit the Phoenix Art Museum. More than 20,000 works are on display, including an immersive string light room, fashion that speaks to particular eras, sculptures, canvas art, photography, and more. If you’re lucky enough to visit between February and July 2024, you can have a ball reminiscing about more than 60 years of America’s most popular doll: Barbie.
On your way out of town, stop by Antiquities Warehouse, a 40,000-square-foot facility near the Phoenix airport that boasts one-of-a-kind architectural objects and curiosities from around the world. Here you'll find everything from original artwork and carved doors to European antiques and lithography stones. Go ahead and buy yourself another souvenir, you deserve it!
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