I recently took a long weekend trip to Phoenix/ Scottsdale with one of my friends. I’ve only ever been to California or Vegas in the West, so was excited to check out something different. Phoenix or Scottsdale is a great long weekend trip – you have plenty to do, and get mix of city & adventure. We didn’t rent a car, so we didn’t get to go to some of the really awesome hiking trails, but I’d recommend you do rent a car.

FRIDAY

Desert Botanical Gardens

This is a must if you are in Phoenix or Scottsdale! Tickets are $29.95- $39.95 and it’s a huge outdoor garden with local cacti, agave, etc. It’s also such a photo-worthy spot!

Brunch at The Montauk

As someone who’s been to Montauk, this spot did a great job of giving the Hamptons essence. They had veuve clicquot carts and old school nautical vibes. I’d recommend the lobster roll and the old fashioned!

Scottsdale Wine Trail

This is the perfect way to explore Scottsdale. You can download the Wine Trail straight from their website and follow the trail at your own pace. Each winery has a unique tasting room to try all the delicious wines. If you buy the Wine Trail passport, you receive $2 off a wine tasting at each location.

 

Dinner at Nanaya

This Japanese restaurant is such a hidden gem! We somehow stumbled upon it since we were nearby, I’m surprised none of the local content creators posted anything about it. The food was fantastic, I’d recommend the salmon roll. They offer a variety of modern Japanese inspired dishes and has a dark yet classic look.

36 Below Speakeasy

Right across the street from Nanaya is this whimsical speakeasy. It’s a small spot but has really cool decor and some of the prettiest drinks I’ve ever seen! Like a purple mushroom drink and a potted plant cocktail.

 

SATURDAY

Brunch at The Breakfast Club

The breakfast Club has a hearty, home-style southwest breakfast. This must be a really famous spot because there was such a line to get in, so I’d recommend making a reservation in advance. I got the chicken biscuit with gravy and it was delicious!

Hike

We did one at Piestewa Peak which is right in the middle of Phoenix/ Scottsdale. It was gorgeous but I know there are even nicer ones further away. This is a great option if you didn’t rent a car.

Wine Girl for drinks

In Old Town Scottsdale, Wine girl offers chill/cabana vibes. Another great photo worthy spot, you can relax in the swing as you sip a glass of wine. Their wine flight was delicious.

Dinner at The Americano

This is a MUST in Scottsdale. The Americano by Food Network Chef Scott Contant is a stylish steakhouse serving refined Mediterranean-inspired small plates & mains. It is an upscale spot, the vibe is everything and the food was some of the best I had in awhile.

SUNDAY

Hot Air Balloon with Rainbow Ryder

If you want to mark hot air balloons off your bucket list, I suggest you do one while you are in AZ! Our tickets were $200 per person but I found it to be definitely worth the price. We did the sunrise tour and going over the mountains was so peaceful.

Toca Masera

You need to check out this place for dinner/ happy hour. We went on a Sunday and we were surprised to see that they were doing happy hour where many of the menu items and drinks were discounted. The vibe here is everything, it’s definitely a more upscale spot and the food was great.

I hope you guys enjoyed this! Follow along for more weekend travel guides!

xoxo,

Finding Francesca