Things To Do
CityScape
Located in the heart of downtown Phoenix, CityScape is a walkable area off of the lightrail and the center of Phoenix's nightlife! Be sure to visit one of the top cocktail bars in the state, Bitter and Twisted, or grab a meal at Chico Malo.
Desert Botanical Garden
The tranquil vibrancy of 50,000 desert plants nestled amid the red rocks of the Papago Buttes is the stunning setting for Megan’s and Robin’s wedding. The Desert Botanical Garden is an Arizona icon celebrating 80 years in the Valley. The Garden has grown into a compelling attraction and desert conservation pioneer, featuring vibrant trails, quiet fountains, herb and wildflower gardens, towering cacti, varied succulents, and more. Prepare for magnificent sunset views, cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, and dinner and dancing under the starry skies. Please note: comfortable shoes are a must! Pair cocktail attire with shoes made for walking and dancing. And don’t forget a coat or wrap as desert evenings are chilly, even to those from colder climates. Uber and Lyft are the best transportation options to and from the Garden.
Mill Avenue
Mill Avenue is the nightlife hub for Tempe and Arizona State University! With tons of restaurants and bars along the avenue, there are any number of places to visit for a drink or meal, plus piano bars and clubs. Mill Ave is also easy walking distance to Tempe Town Lake, a local running area and walk path. Depending on the ASU football schedule, things can get a little rowdy around Mill Ave but it is worth checking out. Be sure to ask Megan for tips if you want to show some Sun Devil pride! #GoDevils
Roosevelt Row
Looking for a place to grab a one-of-a-kind souvenir? Want to check out the local arts scene? Curious about downtown Phoenix's vibe? Visit Roosevelt Row! This area in downtown Phoenix is on the lightrail and is very walkable, with plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops.
Xico Inc
Xico is an arts incubator that empowers Latino and Indigenous artists across Arizona. Their new location in downtown Phoenix offers a lecture and event series, beautiful pieces from local artists, and a small cafe for refreshments. Be sure to visit and enjoy!
Heard Museum
Dedicated to the advancement of American Indian art, the Heard successfully presents the stories of American Indian people from a first-person perspective, as well as exhibitions that showcase the beauty and vitality of traditional and contemporary art. The Heard Museum is internationally renowned for the quality of its collections, world-class exhibitions, educational programming and its unmatched festivals. Your visit to the Heard Museum includes 12 exhibition galleries, free guided tours, outdoor sculpture gardens, a renowned café, a contemporary art gallery and trading-post style shopping, plus much more.
Phoenix Art Museum
Located in the Central Corridor of our bustling, desert metropolis, Phoenix Art Museum has opened doors to world-class exhibitions, its comprehensive collections, and meaningful moments of learning and connection for 60 years. Considered the largest art museum in the southwestern United States, it is home to a collection of more than 20,000 objects. Open Wednesdays through Sundays, the museum features three floors of art, including traveling exhibits, modern and contemporary art, Western art, fashion, photography, and so much more. Palette Restaurant features a locally-sourced seasonal menu of bites and beverages, and the gift shop offers unique southwestern items to take home.
The Compass
Enjoy unparalleled views of the entire city in the revolving restaurant and bar at the top of the Hyatt Regency Downtown. For 45 years, this iconic, award-winning restaurant has delivered stellar cuisine with unparalleled service. Experience seasonal menus that invite diners to enjoy the most current coupling of entrées and wines. The lounge inside The Compass serves small plates and drinks, perfect for enjoying the views without committing to a full dinner. Reservations are highly recommended.
Hanny's
Hanny's is a stylish Downtown Phoenix hotspot with a creative food menu, matched with crafted cocktails. The building's rich history and architecture is a reinvention of the original 1947 men's clothing store by the same name. Enjoy shareable appetizers, crisp thin-crust pizzas, sandwiches, and salads. You will find an extensive selection of classic cocktails, along with modern libations created by skilled bartenders. Don’t leave without checking out the old elevator shaft. Solid steel beams now cross the space with thick plexiglass offering a look down into the basement. It's a dizzying view whether you have cocktails or not. The basement is home to a collection of vintage dolls that invite you to descend the staircase, taking a look and tossing coins their way. Creepy or creative? You decide!
Chico Malo
Inspired by the rich heritage of celebratory dining throughout the different regions of Mexico, Chico Malo showcases elevated cooking techniques and local ingredients in a lively, upscale atmosphere. Guacamole, salsas, salads, and queso fundido start you off right. Smoked birria, carne asada, enchiladas, charred cauliflower, and more leaves you with a great taste of the southwest. Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner and on the weekends for late night and brunch.
Mancuso's Restaurant
A 40-year history in the Valley of the Sun makes this one of the most beloved Italian fine dining restaurants in Phoenix. Open for lunch and dinner, classics such as stuffed mushrooms, calamari, and bruschetta begin your dining experience, followed by a wide selection of salads, including Caesar, burrata, and lump crab meat. Main dishes such as cannelloni, gnocchi, layered eggplant, fresh seafood are among a wide selection. Open for lunch and dinner, the restaurant’s lounge also offers a nightly happy hour from 4-6 PM. Reservations are highly recommended.
Matt's Big Breakfast
Open for breakfast and lunch, this flagship location has generated a cult-like following for its high-quality ingredients and straightforward fare. Breakfast is served all day, using cage-free eggs, locally sourced ingredients, and a variety of griddle cakes, waffles, and steel-cut oats. No reservations accepted, and it is common to wait in line for a table.
Little Rituals
Don’t be fooled by a mid-priced hotel location. This venue is a reservations-only hotspot in Phoenix, known for its “little rituals” gleaned from 150 years of cocktail history. High-quality spirits, fresh-squeezed citrus juices daily, and in-house crafted infusions, tinctures, and foams combine for authentically handcrafted cocktails. Paired with a wide-ranging menu of small plates, including lamb lollichops, mussels, chicken skewers, brussels sprouts, charred broccolini, and more, happy hour quickly turns into dinner if you’re so inclined. Reservations highly recommended.
Sazerac PHX - Cocktails and Craft - Indoor Outdoor
Locally owned and operated in the heart of the Phoenix Art District, just off Roosevelt Row, lies a haven of handcrafted cocktails, cigars, and sheltered outdoor space complete with firepits and lounge chairs. While there is no kitchen onsite, a taco truck permanently resides inside the sheltered courtyard. Offering street tacos, nachos, quesadillas, and noshes to share, dinner can easily be had while enjoying cocktails and cigars. No reservations required.
Châm Pang Lanes
Have a ball–literally. Bowling, pinball machines, and pool tables pair perfectly with champagne wishes and fried chicken dreams. Located in Maricopa County’s former psychiatric hospital, this hipster hotspot serves up cocktails and bar food in a retro/vintage environment, complete with disco balls. Creative cocktails pair well with sushi, fried chicken, and eclectic bar bites. Happy hours 4-6 PM, Monday-Friday, Brunch 11-2, Saturdays and Sundays. Reservations highly recommended.
Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour
Step into the historic Luhrs Building in downtown Phoenix, and immerse yourself in a world of innovative cocktails and delicious bar bites. As the former Arizona Prohibition Headquarters, Bitter & Twisted has established itself as the go-to destination for a stylish and sophisticated drinking experience. With a globally recognized, award-winning cocktail menu, this venue attracts Phoenix’ hippest crowd. Reservations required.
Arizona Science Center
Arizona Science Center is one of the nation’s premier science and education destinations. Featuring more than 300 hands-on exhibits, live demonstrations, a state-of-the-art planetarium, a five-story giant-screen theater, traveling exhibitions, and more, the Center offers programs for all ages. Heritage Square is a striking reminder of the city’s vibrant Victorian past. Located on Block 14 of the original townsite of Phoenix, the Square dates back to the late 1800s, and the restored Rosson House Museum is its crowning jewel. Whether you love history, technology, good food, or just a quiet place to reflect – a visit to Heritage Square is for you.