Elena & Zachary
Staying Busy
Camelback Mountain
The main outdoor attraction for visitors to the Phoenix area. Not to mention we got engaged at the top after scaling the Echo Canyon trail at sunrise! There are two options, both are strenuous. Cholla Trail is the more popular one and feels more exposed (2.6 miles total, 1100 ft. elevation gain). Echo Canyon Trail is steeper and feels more secluded (2.4 miles, 1400 ft. elevation gain). Both require some scrambling at the top and offer unparalleled views of the Valley of the Sun. Earlier is better! We recommend parking by 6-7:30am for weekend mornings to avoid walking mile(s) to the trailhead. Estimate about 1-1.5 hrs to get to the summit from the trailhead.
O.H.S.O. Brewery- Paradise Valley
Dog-friendly brewery with amazing happy hour and brunch menu. We recommend buffalo chicken dip fries, chicken & waffles, and the asian chicken salad. Some of Zach's favorite brews are the Boom Dynamite IPA and the 89 Ale. Pitchers are $7 before 6pm on weekdays!
Hash Kitchen Gainey Ranch
Upscale brunch spot with a DJ to match! This place will make you wonder if it's 10am or 10pm when the beat drops. Mimosa flights, complete build-your-own Bloody Mary bar, Fruity Pebble french toast, corned beef hash skillets are just some of their fun creations.
Butters Pancakes & Café
Butters is SO good. It's a homey, classy breakfast restaurant with patio seating and a comfortable yet modern interior. Fluffy dessert pancakes, scrambles, and lots and lots of coffee!
SanTan Brewing - Uptown Phoenix
Local AZ brewery with a full kitchen. We loved the BBQ chicken flatbread pizza and the Nashville hot chicken sandwich! Zach's recommendation: Juicy Jack Hazy IPA, their highest rated beer.
Sedona
2 hr drive north of Phoenix for gorgeous red rock hikes and a breath of piney fresh air. Main street is full of boutiques and tourist shops. You can book a 4x4 Jeep adventure through Pink Jeep tours or just tackle the trails on foot! Hike recommendations: Cathedral Rock Trail - 1.3 miles Devil's Bridge Trail - 4.2 miles West Fork Oak Creek - 7.2 miles Soldier Pass Trail - 4.2 miles Fay Canyon Trail - 2.6 miles Boynton Canyon Trail - 6.1 miles Seven Sacred Pools - 5 miles Broken Arrow Trail - 2.6 miles
Taco Boy's
Perfect for a bite close to Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. Authentic Mexican street tacos, quesadillas, and plates.
SunLife Organics
Our favorite Malibu acai spot expanded out here to Scottsdale! Perfect for a fresh, light smoothie or bowl topped with granola. Zach used to get an acai bowl after every 8am Policy class at Pepperdine.
HULA'S Modern Tiki Scottsdale
Dinner time in Old Town Scottsdale! Hula's has delicious fresh fish and seafood offerings with Hawaiian inspiration. We love the ceviche, fish sandwich, sweet potato fries, and pink bikini martini.
Topgolf
Don't want to commit to 18 holes? Get all the AZ golf fun without the hassle.
Desert Botanical Garden
Stunning collection of unique desert flora established since 1920! Visit the butterfly garden, nature trails, plant shop, and cafe.
Gateway Trailhead - McDowell Sonoran Preserve
This is a satisfying loop trail perfect for an afternoon where you don't have to summit anything. About 4.5 miles total with views of east Scottsdale and plenty of huge Saguaro and Barrel cacti.
Rainbow Ryders Hot Air Balloon Co.
Sip on a prickly pear mimosa after flying over the Sonoran Desert. Rides last 45 mins-1 hr at sunrise.
Wine Girl
Trendy, chic wine bar in Old Town Scottsdale for insta-worthy photos and 12 rotating wines on tap. DM them on instagram for a reservation.
Lake Pleasant Regional Park
Lake Pleasant is a gorgeous blue lake with camping, fishing, hiking opportunities only 30 mins outside of Phoenix. $7 admission for day use. Overnight campgrounds fill up quickly. Pipeline Canyon Trail - 3.8 miles Roadrunner Trail - 1.6 miles Yavapai Point Trail - 3.1 miles Wild Burro Trail - 3.1 miles
Saguaro National Park
Check off a national park if you have extra time to get down to Tucson! 1 hr 45 mins from the Phoenix area. In the West District, hiking Wasson Peak (8 miles) is worth the views of Tucson and surrounding mountains. Camping is limited hike-in only, so plan to do a day trip.
Phoenician Golf Club
The Phoenician Golf Club offers golfers one of the highest quality and most unique course experiences available with 18-holes of challenging golf, beautiful views of the surrounding Arizona scenery and a golf experience that cannot be replicated anywhere else.
Camelback Golf Club - Padre Course
Nestled between Mummy Mountain and Camelback Mountain—two iconic Arizona landmarks—lies one of the gems that have helped make Scottsdale such a popular golfing destination. Camelback Golf Club is one of the finest and most-awarded courses in Arizona, featuring two courses and thirty-six holes of championship golf in a setting that promises every golfer a dynamic and satisfying tee time.
Wildfire Golf Club - Palmer Course
Deep in the Sonoran Desert is a picturesque golf course designed by one of the most famed and praised golfers to ever play the game. With the McDowell Mountains as the backdrop, Wildfire Golf Club offers an exemplary version of what golf in Arizona should be. From the century-old Saguaro cacti to the native grasses and painted backdrops, this course has quickly turned into a must-golf destination for anyone who loves the sport.