Are you thinking about traveling to the Valley of the Sun? Then, we have got the best Phoenix Itinerary for you. Arizona‘s capital guarantees a sunny vacation with abundant outdoor and indoor activities. It is one of the top travel destinations in the Southwest and among the must-visit places in Arizona. Imagine a vast desert, unique cactuses, desert wildlife, and hiking. This city is also known for its world-class golf courses and luxurious hotels. And let’s not forget the residents. They are laid-back, friendly, and full of Southern charm.
Also Read:
- Top 14 Things to Do in Phoenix, Arizona
- Best 11 Outdoor Things to Do in Phoenix
- Best 10 Indoor Things to Do in Phoenix
- Must-Do Tours & Activities in Phoenix
- How Many Days Is Enough For Phoenix?
- What Is The Best Month To Visit Phoenix?
- Budgeting For Phoenix Travel
- Best Phoenix Itinerary – Day 1: Sonoran Desert And Local Museum Visits
- Day 2: Papago Park, Desert Botanical Garden And Phoenix Zoo
- Day 3: Travel To Tempe
- Day 4: Apache Trail And Superstition Mountains
- Day 5: Camelback Mountains And Downtown Phoenix
- Other Must-Visit Places In Phoenix
How Many Days Is Enough For Phoenix?
Phoenix is the most populous city in Arizona and the fifth-highest populous city in the US. Its location in the Salt River Valley gave it its infamous name, the Valley of the Sun. In addition, it has numerous attractions spread across its fifteen urban villages. This city is rich in flora and fauna and features desert wildlife, such as coyotes, desert cottontail rabbits, bobcats, ringtails, coati, and javelina. Its southwest culture, arts, and history are equally worth exploring.
Many first-time visitors are curious about how many days are enough in Phoenix, Arizona. Well, it depends on your travel preferences. If you want a short trip, you can plan for a 3-day itinerary. It lets you explore the most-visit places and city highlights. However, we recommend you prepare a five-day Phoenix itinerary. It will be an incredible five days with adventure, leisure, luxury, and food. You will also explore the nearby cities at the same time. One fantastic fact about Phoenix is visitors can explore this city for however many days they want, from a single day to weeks.
What Is The Best Month To Visit Phoenix?
Phoenix has nearly 300 sunny days yearly, making it a perfect summer destination. It also experiences warm spring and fall and pleasant winter. However, there are certain months you must avoid in this valley. July is the hottest month in Arizona, with temperatures ranging up to 108 degrees Fahrenheit. It will be challenging to enjoy outdoor activities in such extreme weather.
The best times to visit Phoenix are spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). These months experience the best weather of the year, with mild weather, clear blue skies, and abundant activities. The city will also enjoy many festival celebrations, including Arizona Beer Week, Phoenix Pride Festival, McDowell Mountain Music Festival, Scottsdale Culinary Festival, and Phoenix Film Festival. The only downfall is the expensive rates at hotels and golf courses. If budget-conscious, avoid peak tourist seasons and travel from June through September.
Budgeting For Phoenix Travel
Phoenix is a moderately priced destination in the US. However, compared to the past, visiting has slowly become more expensive. As per a report, the average daily cost has increased to $387.8 in 2023 from $316.41 in 2018. You can expect to spend around $238 daily. Likewise, an average weekend trip to the Valley of the Sun costs $713 per person.
Accommodation
Arizona’s capital ranks among the most expensive cities for hotel guests. While you can find hotels from $50, the average nightly cost is approximately $126. The luxurious hotels charge even more, boasting an average rate of $332 per night.
Transportation
Flights to Phoenix are expensive compared to other means of transportation. The city owns and operates three airports: Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Phoenix Deer Valley Airport, and Phoenix Goodyear Airport. Sky Harbor has high airfares, with an average of $232. On the other hand, local transportation costs comparatively less, with a one-day Metro pass averaging $4. Visitors can also ride the Phoenix Transit Bus and Phoenix Dial-a-ride. Check transportation options here.
Food
You can’t travel on an empty stomach. The cost of food in Phoenix varies from restaurant to restaurant, but on average, you can expect to spend around $52 per day. Some restaurants even charge around $15 for a one-time meal. If you want to cook your meal, the average cost of groceries is 3% lower than the national average. You can buy a gallon of milk for $2.47, a dozen eggs for $2.34, and a loaf of bread for $2.33. Check out these best restaurants in the city.
Best Phoenix Itinerary – Day 1: Sonoran Desert And Local Museum Visits
Hot Air Balloon Ride Or Hike To Sonoran Desert
(Source: Viator)
- Address: Arizona 85321, USA; Google Map
- Things To Do: Hiking, Off-road Desert Tours, Hot Air Balloon Adventures
Did you know Phoenix is the largest city in the Sonoran Desert? This 260,000-square-kilometer desert is a must-visit place in Arizona. You can explore it however you want, from riding a hot air balloon to hiking and traveling on an ATV. Hot air balloon rides are the most convenient way among other options. Imagine floating up in the air while basking under the sun’s glow. You will see enchanting cactus formations and the beautiful desert landscape. On the other hand, hiking and off-road tours let you get close and personal with desert vegetation and wildlife. You will also discover the rugged mountain at your own pace.
Visit The Hall Of Flame Museum Of Firefighting
- Address: 6101 E Van Buren St, Phoenix, AZ 85008, United States; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 10 AM – 6 PM
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram
After a desert exploration, the rest of the day can be dedicated to visiting local attractions. Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting is a great place to start. It is dedicated to preserving firefighting equipment. This museum was initially a private collection of founder George F. Getz Jr; it currently features over 10,000 smaller objects and 130 wheeled pieces in its six exhibit galleries. Its Hall of Heroes exhibit describes and recognizes American firefighters and their fire services. Likewise, the Fire Service Contributors & Legends is dedicated to historical figures who have impacted the American Fire Service.
Check Out These Handpicked Tickets:
Explore The Musical Instrument Museum
- Address: 4725 E Mayo Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85050, United States; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram
Next, the Musical Instrument Museum boasts the world’s largest musical collection. Its 200,000-square-foot space houses over 16,000 instruments and memorabilia from over 200 countries and regions, including the United States of America, China, Brazil, Mexico, and India. The museum has several special exhibitions and galleries, including the Artist Gallery, Geographic Galleries, Experience Gallery, Orientation Gallery, Mechanical Music Gallery, and Collier Stem Gallery. It also has a collection of 90 historic stringed instruments, including mandolins, banjos, guitars, and ukuleles.
See These Handpicked Tickets:
Day 2: Papago Park, Desert Botanical Garden And Phoenix Zoo
- Address: 625 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008, United States; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 5 AM – 11 PM
- Things To Do: Yoga, Picnicking, Hiking, Mountain Biking
Day 2 begins with a trip to the infamous Papago Park. It offers exceptional hiking and many recreational facilities. In addition, it has several biking and hiking trails in its 1500 acres of space. The Hole in the Rock hike is famous among locals and tourists and is a beautiful photo spot. It is a 0.2-mile hike offering 200 feet of elevation gain. The 2.3-mile-long Double Butte Loop is your destination for a longer hike. You can also practice yoga and meditation while feeling connected with nature. This park also has two 18-hole golf courses and several museums.
Check Out These Handpicked Activities:
- Private Guided Yoga Session At Papago Park
- Amazing 2-Hour Guided Hiking & Yoga At Papago Park
- Magical Sunset Yoga Experience, Unique Views
Discover The Desert Botanical Garden
- Address: 1201 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008, United States; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 7 AM – 8 PM
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram
Since you are already at Papago Park, you might as well explore its top attractions, including the beautiful Desert Botanical Garden. This 55-acre garden houses thousands of cactus species, flowers, and trees. It can be visited within 2 to 3 hours. Visitors can follow any of the five trails: Sonoran Desert Nature Trail, Center For Desert Living Trail, Desert Discovery Trail, Harriet K. Maxwell Desert Wildflower Trail, and Plants & People Of The Sonoran Desert Trail. They will encounter diverse desert habitats, vegetable beds, and shady spots. In addition, they can dine at the on-site restaurants, Gertude’s and Patio Cafe.
Watch Your Favorite Animals At Phoenix Zoo
- Address: 455 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008, United States; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 7 AM – 1 PM
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram
Phoenix Zoo is another top attraction inside the Papago Park. It offers natural habitat to 3,000 animals of over 400 species. You can expect to see an African lion, Amur leopard, Asian elephant, bald eagle, Southern White Rhinoceros, Masai Giraffe, King Cobra, Ostrich, and Komodo Dragon. This non-profit zoo works with its conservation partners to protect endangered species, such as the black-footed ferret, Chiricahua leopard frog, Cactus Ferruginous Pygym-Owl, Desert pupfish, and narrow-headed garter snake. Its scientists raise and breed these rare species at the zoo’s Arthur L. and Elaine V. Johnson Conservation Center.
Day 3: Travel To Tempe
- Address: Arizona, USA; Google Map
- Distance From Phoenix: 13 miles
- Top Attractions: Tempe Town Lake, Tempe Butte, Tempe History Museum
Let’s begin Day 3 of our best Phoenix Itinerary with a bang. You will travel to Tempe, which is 13 miles from the city. It is known for its college town atmosphere and features many natural attractions, desert discoveries, family-friendly activities, and hiking trails. You can stroll around the town while exploring its museums, aquariums, zoos, arcades, and public parks. You can even shop in Tempe Marketplace, which has over 100 shops and restaurants.
Marvel At Sea Creatures At SEA LIFE Aquarium Arizona
- Address: 5000 S Arizona Mills Cir Suite 145, Tempe, AZ 85282, United States; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 11 AM – 5 PM
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram
Tempe features a family-friendly SEA LIFE Aquarium Arizona. This aquarium houses ten exhibits of sharks, colorful fish, and rescued sea turtles. It also has Arizona’s only 360-degree ocean tunnel, where you will see 500 sea creatures swimming above. Moreover, visitors can touch anemones and sea stars in the Interactive Touchpool. They should also visit the brand-new Sea Turtle Rescue Reef. It houses several rescued sea turtles, including the Olive Ridley sea turtle Donna.
Take Your Kids To LEGOLAND Discovery Center Arizona
- Address: 5000 S Arizona Mills Cir STE 135, Tempe, AZ 85282, United States; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 11 AM – 5 PM
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram, Official X
Next is the infamous LEGOLAND Discovery Center Arizona. It is heaven for LEGO lovers and features everything from thrilling rides to play zones. Visitors can ride Merlin’s Apprentice, build flowers and gardens at DUPLO FARM, experience the Great LEGO Race Virtual Reality, and show their creative sides at LEGO City Play Zone. Afterward, they can catch the 4D LEGO movies at the 4D Cinema. In addition, visitors can meet their favorite LEGO characters and take photos with them in Meet and Greets.
Day 4: Apache Trail And Superstition Mountains
- Address: Arizona, USA; Google Map
- Length: 40-mile drive
- Things To Do: Day tours, leisure drive
Day 4 is all about outdoor adventures. You will begin with a 40-minute scenic drive on the Apache Trail, Arizona State Route 88. The trail begins in Apache Junction and features unpaved roadways with several twists. You will see various cactuses, including saguaros and chollas, and the dramatic cliffs of the Superstition Mountains. The trail comes across famous attractions, including the Superstition Mountain Museum, Goldfield Ghost Town, and Lost Dutchman State Park. This scenic byway ends at Theodore Roosevelt Dam.
Hike To Superstition Mountains
- Address: Arizona 85119, USA; Google Map
- Things To Do: Hiking, Day Trips
After a 40-minute scenic drive on the Apache Trail, it’s time to explore Phoenix on foot. The Lost Dutchman State Park offers some of the best hiking routes in the Superstition Mountains. You can follow The Peralta Trail, Boulder Canyon, Battleship Mountain, Treasure Loop Trail, or Bluff Springs Trail. You can also explore this mysterious mountain on a bike or jeep. Learn about the tales and mysteries surrounding this place as you travel. It has many stories of people’s disappearances, mysterious deaths, and strange sound occurrences.
Day 5: Camelback Mountains And Downtown Phoenix
- Address: Phoenix, AZ 85018, United States; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 8 AM – 5 PM
- Things To Do: Hiking, Mountain Climbing, Hot Air Balloon Rides
You can never have enough of hiking in Phoenix. So, let’s start the day 5 with a hike to the Camelback Mountains. It is only 20 minutes from Downtown Phoenix and features two hiking trails: Echo Canyon (2.3 miles) and Cholla Trail (2.9 miles). Both are moderately challenging hikes that take about 3 to 4 hours. Hence, it will be a perfect half-day activity on your final day in Phoenix. Hikers will enjoy unobstructed views of the valley throughout their climb. They can also catch stunning sunsets and sunrises at the summit.
Explore The Culinary Scene Of Downtown Phoenix
You must be hungry after such a tiring hike to the Camelback Mountains. So, why don’t you pad your stomach in any of the restaurants in Downtown Phoenix? This city has slowly become an oasis for foodies. Its culinary scene features a little of everything, from authentic Arizona dishes to Thai, Italian, French, Japanese, and Sonoran-style Mexican food. You must try local favorite Chimichanga, a deep-fried burrito with meat, vegetables, and various spices. Check out the following top restaurants downtown:
- Pizzeria Bianco: 623 E Adams St, Phoenix, AZ 85004, United States; 11 AM – 9 PM
- Bacanora: 1301 Grand Ave #1, Phoenix, AZ 85007, United States; 5 PM – 10 PM
- Lom Wong: 218 E Portland St, Phoenix, AZ 85004, United States; 5 PM – 10 PM
- The Arrogant Butcher: 2 E Jefferson St #150, Phoenix, AZ 85004, United States; 11 AM – 9 PM
- Matt’s Big Breakfast: 825 N 1st St, Phoenix, AZ 85004, United States; 7 AM – 2 PM
- Chilte: 765 Grand Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85007, United States; 5 PM – 9 PM
Check Out These Handpicked Tours:
- Party Bike Private Party Up To 14 People in Downtown Phoenix
- Half-Day Phoenix Brew Tour
- Pedal Bar Crawl Tour of Downtown Phoenix
Other Must-Visit Places In Phoenix
Our best Phoenix Itinerary has recommended the city’s highlights and must-visit places. Several more places can be added to your travel plan, and you can substitute the attractions mentioned above with these places at any time.
Explore Tonto National Forest’s Recreational Activities
- Address: Arizona 85263, USA; Google Map
- Things To Do: Hiking, Camping, ATV Tours, Aerial Tours
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official X
You can plan a day trip to the Tonto National Forest in Arizona. This nearly 600,000-acre wilderness has rich flora and fauna. It offers protection and natural habitat to black bears and bald eagles. Moreover, this forest features many recreational spots, including scenic flowing rivers, easy-to-follow hiking trails, and vast campgrounds. The Saguaro Lake inside the forest offers many water activities, including kayaking and paddle boarding. Kayaking on the Salt River is also a famous activity among tourists. The forest offers several camping options, from open-air to RV camping.
Catch D-Backs Matches At Chase Field
- Address: 401 E Jefferson St, Phoenix, AZ 85004, United States; Google Map
- Contact No: +16025148400
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram
Did you know Phoenix houses the legendary Chase Field, the home of the Arizona Diamondbacks? This ballpark has a retractable roof of 9 million pounds of structural steel, which can be opened and closed as required. It also has a signature pool, a natural grass playing field, and 48,500 seats, including 1,200 field-level seats, 69 luxury boxes, 6 party boxes, and 4,400 club-level seats. You must watch D-Backs playing at their home field during your trip to Phoenix. You can catch concerts, fests, or sporting events even if there is no baseball match.
Travel Back To The Victorian Era At Heritage Square
- Address: 113 N 6th St, Phoenix, AZ 85004, United States; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 10 AM – 3 PM
- Social Media: Official Website
Get back in time at historic Heritage Square. It houses the only remaining Victorian Mansion, Rosson House, a fully restored Queen Anne Victorian house. This Heritage & Science Park houses ten fully restored Victorian buildings, allowing visitors to travel back to the 19th century and appreciate its architecture. It also has the Arizona Science Center, an indoor attraction with four levels of hands-on exhibits. The square also features many dining spaces serving delicious fare and stores offering local products and handmade crafts.
You can create your own best Phoenix Itinerary. It is all about your travel preferences and what you want to do in the city. You should also mind your budget while planning for the trip. Likewise, there are certain things you should never do in the Valley of the Sun. For instance, hiking in the summer. It’s a big no, as the temperature can rise to 108 degrees Fahrenheit. You must always bring enough water during your outdoor excursions. Other mistakes you must avoid are walking outside barefoot, choosing the wrong time to visit, disrespecting nature, and vandalizing historical sites.
