Things To Do

Activities & Exploring

Phoenix, commonly referred to as “The Valley of the Sun,” is flanked by incredible desert botanical gardens, mountain parks and wilderness areas. The city sits within the Sonoran Desert and is a magnet for a variety of outdoor adventures.

A GOLFER'S PARADISE

Phoenix is home to over 200 golf courses and is known as one of the “World’s Finest Golf Destinations.” If you are interested in “doing as the locals do,” we would love for you to join us for a wedding day morning golf outing at the famed Mountain Shadows' Par 3 course. The course is considered “bucket list” and is frequently featured in every major golf publication. Please see the Schedule tab for additional details as the wedding date approaches. If your schedule is flexible, golf courses Greyhawk, Troon North and We-Ko-Pa Golf Clubs are open to the public and consistently rank in the top 100 courses in the U.S. "Scottsdale golf trips" are typically not complete without a visit to one of these memorable courses. Enough said, grab your sticks - it’s time to tee it up!

Hiking Camelback Mountain's Cholla Trail

Camelback Mountain is undoubtedly the main nature attraction and the true jewel of Phoenix. Nestled between the town of Paradise Valley and the upscale neighborhood Arcadia, the mountain affords visitors fantastic 360-degree views of the surrounding city after completing a moderately difficult hike that ascends 1,420 feet to the summit. Camelback gets its name from its two rock formations that resemble the head and back of a kneeling camel. IMPORTANT: Please bring plenty of water. The Cholla trail is a 3-mile loop that is typically completed in 2-3 hours. There are other trails for more avid and experienced hikers as well. Please speak with your hotel concierge for more details and local tips.

Desert Botanical Garden

Visitors can stroll through five thematic trails to explore the fascinating beauty of the Sonoran Desert, from towering cacti and alluring succulents to brilliant wildflowers and lush trees. The desert is home to a strikingly large number of indigenous plants and foliage - a visit to the Desert Botanical Garden will instantly make you understand why Phoenix is often described as a "desert oasis." The tranquil nature of the gardens will grant you a moment of peacefulness amid a stunning backdrop.

Phoenix Art Museum

Phoenix Art Museum is the largest art museum in the Southwestern United States. In addition to an annual calendar of exhibitions, Phoenix Art Museum’s permanent collection galleries are drawn from more than 19,000 works of American, Asian, European, Latin American, Western American, modern and contemporary art, and fashion design. Visitors also can enjoy photography exhibitions through the Museum’s landmark partnership with the Center for Creative Photography at the University of Arizona.

Spas & Shopping

Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Spa

One of the top destination spas in the country, Sanctuary's Spa cultivates balance & pure relaxation through inspiring treatments and tranquil environments with complete full-service salon offerings.

The Phoenician Spa

The Phoenician Spa offers a host of luxury amenities including a private spa rooftop pool offering food and beverages. We suggest you book a treatment in advance and spend some time enjoying the space before and after your treatment!

Drybar

Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall

Scottsdale Fashion Square is an upscale luxury shopping mall located in the downtown area of Scottsdale, Arizona. Other great shopping center options for open-air shopping and great restaurants in the area include Biltmore Fashion Park and Kierland Commons.

Eat & Drink

Fourtillfour Cafe

Est. in 2007, Fourtillfour was founded in the desire to bring new life to old objects, restore adventure into vintage machines, and unite a community through the ritual of coffee. Cars & Coffee events are held every weekend from 7 to 10am. Check out their website for more details.

Berdena's Coffee Shop

Situated in the popular Old Town area, Berdena's offers classic coffee shop fare served up in a modern, cheerful setting featuring outdoor seating.

The Henry

The Henry is a local favorite. We suggest coming for coffee or a delicious brunch before or after your morning activity of choice. We love getting an early breakfast at The Henry before hitting the popular Mountain Shadows' Par-3 Short Course!

La Grande Orange Grocery & Pizzeria

La Grande Orange Grocery & Pizza is a curated general store and breakfast community spot. Our favorite option for grab & go breakfast sandwiches, coffee, and lunch. There is even a great pizzeria if that's what you're craving. We highly recommend the breakfast sandwiches on their famous english muffins! In the words of Palmer Campbell, "the chocolate chip cookies are next level."

théa Rooftop at The Global Ambassador Hotel

With sweeping views of Camelback Mountain, théa is a great option for cocktails on the rooftop of the brand new Global Ambassador Hotel. Don't forget to try out their mezze platters and explore their rosé collection, which is noted as one of the largest in the U.S.

Barrio Queen

It is hard to visit Arizona and not sample the amazing Mexican food! Authenticity and quality of ingredients are at the heart of this award-winning eatery. Each menu item is made from scratch and utilizes authentic mouthwatering recipes that give a glimpse of many regions of Mexico. Other great local Mexican restaurants in the neighborhood include Frank & Lupe's and Los Olivos Mexican Patio!

The Mission Old Town

The sophisticated yet casual allure of The Mission seamlessly blends old world charm with modern elegance. Renowned Zinc Bistro Chef Matt Carter is now cooking up modern Latin cuisine blending influences from Spain, Mexico, Central America and South America. Don't miss out on the tableside guacamole and selection of mezcal cocktails. You’ll want to call in advance to make a reservation!

Pizzeria Bianco

This is a foodie recommendation! Pizzeria Bianco has received national recognition after being featured on the show Chefs Table. Chris Bianco started the first Pizzeria Bianco inside the back corner of a neighborhood grocery store in Arizona in 1988. Now, Chris has won the James Beard Award for Best Chef: Southwest in 2003 and the James Beard Award for Outstanding Restaurateur in 2022. Our New York guests may be chuckling at this suggestion, but it could be worth seeing what all the fuss is about! The Town & County location at 20th Street is the second location and allows for reservations. However, if you want to check out the original, head to the Heritage Square location a little further away in downtown.

Olive & Ivy

Olive & Ivy is a restaurant and bar serving Californian-Mediterranean fare with a lovely patio. A great spot for brunch, lunch or dinner, we recommend Olive & Ivy after an extensive shopping trip across the street at Fashion Square Mall.

The Canal Club

Infused with the colors and comforts of 1930s Havana, The Canal Club at The Scott brings together the edge and flare of New Orleans with the elegant geometry of Bauhaus, all while celebrating the desert sanctuary they call home. The Canal Club's playful vibe presents an excellent option for brunch, lunch, or just cocktails and light bites. Cheers!

Hillstone Restaurant

While Hillstone isn’t local to Phoenix, it is one of our favorites and a classic that never fails to hit the spot. We’d recommend a reservation for this one!