- October 21, 2021
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The Phoenix metro, in particular, is a just-right mix of desert beauty and urban amenities.
Whether you have a special occasion like a birthday or bachelorette weekend to plan or you just want to spend quality catch-up time with your BFFs, there is nothing quite like a classic friend trip. The best destinations for such trips are easy to get to, have weather you can count on (the good kind), and pack plenty of activities into a small geographical area. That’s why we recommend central Arizona—specifically, Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tempe—for your next friend getaway.
The gorgeously mountainous area offers a unique take on rugged natural beauty, with its sun-soaked desert terrain and vibrant city life. The Phoenix metro area is a cluster of cities that offers everything from hikes in nature to art-filled museums to culinary options any foodie would envy. It’s easily accessible by plane or public transport, and once you arrive, you can either rent a car or rely on taxis or rideshares—everything is relatively close by.
So get ready to light up your friend-group text, because a weekend getaway to Arizona may be in order this fall.
Breakfast: Matt’s Big Breakfast, 825 N 1st St., Phoenix
The name of this famed breakfast spot does not lie. It’s a local go-to for gigantic portions of eggs, griddle cakes, and sandwiches.
Lunch: Mrs. White Golden Rule Cafe, 808 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix
As a family-run soul-food destination that’s been operating since the 1960s, Mrs. White Golden Rule Cafe knows a thing or two about perfectly battered fried chicken, juicy pork chops, and scrumptious fixins.
Dinner: Pizzeria Bianco, several locations
Locals will argue this restaurant serves some of the best pizzas in the country—and the only way to tell is to try it yourself. There are a bunch of locations throughout Phoenix, so check to see which one is closest to you.
Roosevelt Row, downtown Phoenix
Located in downtown Phoenix, this arts district boasts large-scale murals, art galleries, pop-ups, bars, restaurants, and specialty shops where you can collect unique items to remember your trip. It’s bordered by N. 16th and N. 7th to the east and west and Culver and Fillmore streets to the north and south.
Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix
Music lovers can’t miss MIM, which offers immersive exhibits and houses over 8,000 instruments originating from over 200 countries.
Phoenix Art Museum, 1625 N. Central Ave., Phoenix
There’s plenty to see at the largest museum in the Southwest, from the fashion design and photography exhibits to the permanent art collections from Asia, Latin America, Europe, and Western America.
Heard Museum, 2301 N. Central Ave., Phoenix
This is the ultimate destination to see wondrous works of American Indian Art. Its exhibits highlight contemporary and traditional art from the perspective of indigenous American people.
Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour, 1 W. Jefferson St., Phoenix
Located in the former Arizona Prohibition Headquarters, this upscale cocktail bar serves some of the most innovative concoctions in the city.
Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix, 2 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix
Right in the heart of downtown Phoenix, this four-star boutique hotel is centrally located so you can walk to and from all the nightlife nearby—that’s if you can stand to leave the rooftop pool.
Sheraton Phoenix Downtown, 340 N. 3rd St., Phoenix
Want a can’t-go-wrong hotel stay at reasonable rates? Check into this centrally located Sheraton for spacious, comfortable suites and stunning city views.
Where to Eat
Breakfast: FnB, 7125 E. 5th Ave. #31, Scottsdale
The chef at this farm-to-table restaurant is a James Beard–award winner (Best Chef: Southwest in 2019), and serves up an ever-changing menu based on what’s fresh and in season.
Coffee/snack: Arcadia Farms Café, 7014 E. 1st Ave., Scottsdale
Perfect for a mid-morning or afternoon pick-me-up, this cafe has everything from small breakfast bites to wine-paired cheese plates.
Lunch: Andreoli Italian Grocer, 8880 E. Vía Linda, Scottsdale
Carbo-load at this Italian grocer that also serves daily fish and pasta specials, sandwiches, and desserts.
Dinner: Toca Madera, 4736 N. Goldwater Blvd., Scottsdale
Arizona’s proximity to Mexico means you can get upscale, Mexican-inspired cuisine at places like Toca Madera, which uses locally sourced ingredients. Don’t skip the house-made blue corn tortillas.
McDowell Sonoran Preserve, 18333 N. Thompson Peak Pkwy., Scottsdale
If you’re looking for an incredible hike, look no further than this conservancy. It’s not only a fully protected desert but also the largest nature reserve in the country.
Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale, 5445 E. Lincoln Dr., Paradise Valley
After your hike, reserve a cabana for a day at the pool—you don’t need to stay overnight at this resort to reap its luxurious benefits. But you can do that too.
Old Town Scottsdale, downtown Scottsdale
Also known as Scottsdale “downtown,” Old Town Scottsdale is your destination for a classic night out. You’ll find plenty of shops, restaurants, and bars to keep you occupied.
Postino Highland, 4821 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale
Come to this bar for the extensive wine list, and stay for the charcuterie and bruschetta.
Second Story Restaurant & Liquor Bar, 4166 N. Scottsdale Rd., #102, Scottsdale
Stepping into this cocktail lounge will transport you to a different era. Time your visit for the $10 happy hour cocktails, and start thinking about which of the 300 whiskey options you’ll order.
Andaz Scottsdale Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows, 6114 N. Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale
This relatively new hotel in central Scottsdale is tucked away in the gorgeous Camelback Mountain desert. Park yourself on a lounge chair for peace and quiet at the adults-only pool.
Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch, 7500 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd., Scottsdale
If you’re looking for a spot with all the amenities at your fingertips, this Hyatt-operated hotel and spa is sure to get you straight to relaxation mode.
What to Do
Papago Park, 1000 N. College Ave., Tempe
There’s tons to do within the 1,500 acres of this desert park. Hike to the photo-ready Hole in the Rock, learn about the region’s history at Arizona Heritage Center, or visit the Phoenix Zoo.
Mill Avenue, downtown Tempe
As the main drag of downtown Tempe, there are lots of cute shops, great eateries, galleries, and theaters to check out on Mill Avenue. It’s especially bustling with college students when Arizona State’s in session.
Hayden Butte Preserve, E. Rio Salado Pkwy. and S. Mill Ave., Tempe
This popular hiking area is famous for A mountain (the “A” is for Arizona State University), which is the best spot in the city to catch a sunset.
Tempe Tavern, 1810 E. Apache Blvd., Tempe
This beloved bar with cobblestone walls occupies a former dairy barn that was built in 1918. Grab a seat on the covered patio and order from the classic pub menu.
Low Key Piano Bar, 501 S. Mill Ave. B101, Tempe
Despite the name, this bar is anything but “low-key.” With dueling pianos, it is your ultimate destination for a rollicking good time.
Canopy by Hilton Tempe Downtown, 108 E. University Dr., Tempe
Tempe is a cute, low-frills college town, but luxury hotels still exist. Canopy, with rooftop views and spacious rooms, is a favorite. It’s steps from public transportation and the stores, restaurants, and bars of Mill Avenue.
Moxy Tempe, 1333 S. Rural Rd., Tempe
Situated right in the Arizona State University area, this hotel feels like a fancy dorm with sleek, modern, and colorful interiors.
What to Eat
Breakfast: 40th Street Cafe, 4022 E. Greenway Rd. #10, Phoenix
For a filling meal before a day of travel, head to this mom-and-pop greasy-spoon diner. Everything is a classic, from the simple breakfast bagel sandwich to the chicken-fried steak.
Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Pkwy., Phoenix
Before your flight out, squeeze in one last visit to Pagano Park to check out the massive succulents and other desert plants at this gorgeous garden.
As the pandemic continues to evolve, it’s always a good idea to check the CDC’s travel guidelines before planning a trip. Keep in mind that some businesses require customers to have received the Covid-19 vaccine, and it’s worth checking individual requirements before going. For localized information, check out the Visit Arizona Covid-19 traveler information page.
Learn more at RediscoverAZ.com.
