Things To Do
Best Hikes in the Area
Lost Dutchman State Park Georgia’s favorite hiking haunt! The Superstition Mountains boast some of the most unique cliff faces and gorgeous views. Feels like the Wild West. Caleb and Georgia enjoyed Siphon Draw hike on one of Caleb’s visits. Mormon Trailhead at South Mountain Crazy how little you have to travel to really feel like you’re in the desert! Mormon Trailhead to Fat Man’s Pass is a beautiful hike only minutes from the hotel and features stunning views of the city. McDowell Sonoran Preserve This is really what you make of it! Tom's Thumb trail can take most of the afternoon, Discovery Trail from the visitor center is great for small children. Papago Park - West Buttes Beautiful trail in the heart of Tempe. Partially paved and right across from the Zoo and Botanical Gardens. Georgia goes here and boulders some buttes for solace and quiet time.
Activities
Desert Botanical Garden Beautiful outdoor museum of live desert flora and fauna! Make sure you find some Creosote, crush a leaf in your hand, and smell! Old Town Scottsdale Very fun to walk around a peruse the shops and restaurants! Gets a little wild on weekend nights.
Best Restaurants and Bars
Luci's at the Orchard - fun central Phoenix venue for brunch! Postino - Panera fare but so much better. Great for lunch or dinner. Lots of locations. Clever Koi - Modern Asian food. Casa Corazon - Modern Mexican in a pink house! Topo - Burrito shack in downtown Gilbert. Get the Prickly Pear ice cream. Fate Brewery - Local brews and good American eats. Platform 18 - Reservations required for this one, but the coolest bar. Themed like a train car car from the 20s! Caleb & Georgia's favorite. The Sazarac - Bar in downtown Phoenix. Great patio and good drinks. The Churchill - Partially outdoor food court downtown. Stoop Kid here has great burgers, but lots of other options too! Good for a group with a diversified palate. Zuzu - Restaurant at the iconic Valley Ho Hotel in Scottsdale. Amazing food and good drinks! A bit pricey but so worth it for a fun evening. In a very walkable area as well. Ghost Ranch - Amazing southwestern food in southern Tempe.
Georgia & Caleb Love a Water Feature
Saguaro Lake A beautiful desert lake with hiking trail featuring cacti, a beach for swimming (Butcher Jones Recreational Site), and views of the Four Peaks from the water. Caleb and Georgia went kayaking here on Caleb’s first visit in July of 2021. Canyon Lake A bit further up the river from Saguaro. Beautiful winding drive through the mountains to get here. Salt River Will be a bit cold for a float, but still beautiful to see! There are a few beaches along the river where you might catch a glimpse of the Tonto wild horses.
Best Coffee
Luana's Coffee Located in Central Phoenix, has the best coffee and really unique signature drinks! Very beautifully decorated interior and a bit eclectic. Peixoto Coffee shop in downtown Chandler, not too far from the venue. Dutch Bros A chain, but a classic nonetheless. They're pretty much everywhere. Georgia gets the Annihilator and Caleb gets the Kicker. Eden Coffee Located on ASU's main campus in Tempe. Affiliated with a campus Christian organization - proceeds benefit the ministry. Located in an interesting renovated home.
Day Trips
Looking to make a trip out of it? There’s plenty to do in Phoenix but try these places if you want to see more of the Grand Canyon State! Sedona About 2 hours north of Phoenix. Beautiful hiking and iconic red rock. Tucson About 2 hours Southeast of Phoenix. Rich culture and history, in December Mt. Lemmon will be open for skiing. The Grand Canyon Doesn’t really need a pitch.