Phoenix in 5 days

Valley of the Sun: desert hikes, resort luxury, Southwestern culture and endless sunshine. Best time to visit: November-April (mild, sunny). Average daily budget: $150 to $300 USD.

Day 1, Get oriented

Base: Downtown Phoenix, Museums, sports arenas, the Roosevelt Row arts district and a growing dining and nightlife scene.

Morning: Hike Camelback Mountain. The Valley's iconic summit hike with panoramic views, start at dawn to beat the heat.

Afternoon: Explore Downtown Phoenix, Museums, sports arenas, the Roosevelt Row arts district and a growing dining and nightlife scene.

Evening: Explore the Desert Botanical Garden. The world's largest collection of desert plants, stunning at sunset and during seasonal light shows.

Eat: Sonoran-style Mexican food and hot dogs

Day 2, Iconic sights

Base: Scottsdale, Upscale resorts, spas, golf, Old Town's galleries and the liveliest nightlife in the Valley.

Morning: Visit the Heard Museum. An outstanding museum of Native American art and culture, among the best in the country.

Afternoon: Explore Scottsdale, Upscale resorts, spas, golf, Old Town's galleries and the liveliest nightlife in the Valley.

Evening: Discover Old Town Scottsdale. Art galleries, Western heritage, boutiques and the Valley's best dining and nightlife.

Eat: Southwestern and chile-spiced cuisine

Day 3, Local neighbourhoods

Base: Old Town Scottsdale, Walkable district of Western heritage, art galleries, boutiques, restaurants and bars.

Morning: Take a desert jeep or hot-air balloon tour. Experience the Sonoran Desert's saguaros and dramatic landscapes up close.

Afternoon: Explore Old Town Scottsdale, Walkable district of Western heritage, art galleries, boutiques, restaurants and bars.

Evening: Sunset hikes in the Phoenix Mountains Preserve or Papago Park.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Prickly pear margaritas

Day 4, Day trip or nature

Base: Tempe, A youthful college town on the lake, with Mill Avenue's bars, restaurants and energy.

Morning: The Musical Instrument Museum, a surprising world-class collection.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore Tempe, A youthful college town on the lake, with Mill Avenue's bars, restaurants and energy.

Evening: Roosevelt Row's murals, galleries and First Friday art walk.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Upscale resort and farm-to-table dining

Day 5, Slow finish

Base: Camelback & Arcadia, Leafy upscale area near the iconic Camelback Mountain, with trendy restaurants.

Morning: A day trip to the red rocks of Sedona, about two hours north.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore Camelback & Arcadia, Leafy upscale area near the iconic Camelback Mountain, with trendy restaurants.

Evening: Dinner at Sonoran-style Mexican food and hot dogs, then a quiet drink wherever the locals are in Camelback & Arcadia.

Eat: Sonoran-style Mexican food and hot dogs

Hidden gems

Sunset hikes in the Phoenix Mountains Preserve or Papago Park.
The Musical Instrument Museum, a surprising world-class collection.
Roosevelt Row's murals, galleries and First Friday art walk.
A day trip to the red rocks of Sedona, about two hours north.

Getting around

Phoenix is one of the most spread-out cities in the US, so a rental car is essential for getting around and reaching hikes, Scottsdale and day trips to Sedona or the Grand Canyon. There's a light-rail line linking downtown Phoenix, Tempe and the airport area, useful for those corridors, but limited elsewhere. Plan outdoor activities for early morning or evening in the warmer months, and always carry water in the desert heat.

Safety

Phoenix is generally safe in its tourist areas like Scottsdale, Old Town, Tempe and the resort districts, with normal big-city caution advised downtown and at night. By far the biggest risk is the desert heat: summer temperatures are extreme and dangerous, so hike at dawn, carry plenty of water, wear sun protection, and never underestimate the sun. Watch for flash floods during monsoon season (July-September).

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