I spent an extended weekend in the Phoenix and Scottsdale area- here are a few areas I hit and would probably go to again.
Scottsdale:
- Kierland Commons (shopping, click link for store directory)
- Scottsdale Fashion Mall (shopping, click link for store directory)
- Entertainment District (cocktail lounges, clubs, patio bars, pool parties, DJ’s)
- Old Town (art galleries, museums, shops, restaurants- pedestrian friendly!)
- Arizona Adventure Center (where I rented my bike)
- Brown’s Ranch Trailhead – (biking of all levels, 165 + miles of trails, read more by following the link)
Sunset rock, or sunset point… easy walk, would be pretty at sunset - McDowell Sonoran Preserve Gateway (hike trail to inspiration viewpoint, moderate. Trailhead link)
- Tom’s Thumb Trailhead (trail to Tom’s Thumb and “The Lookout”)
- Salt River Tubing (rent a tube, book the shuttle, and float on the Salt River. Bring a cooler and beverages)
Phoenix:
- Phoenix Public Market (farmers market and café)
- Hole in the Rock (super duper easy, .5 to 1 hour time)
- Camelback Mountain (moderate to difficult hike, really popular (read crowded), bring water and start early)
via Echo Canyon Trail (2.6 miles, 1522 ft. elevation gain, parking lot.)
via Cholla Trail (3.0 miles, 1279 ft. elevation gain, no parking lot.)
Tempe:
- Climb hill overlooking SunDevil Stadium (tempe butte/A mountain) (paved path to top, .9 miles total, 232 ft elevation. short and sweet hike. )
- Hang out at Tempe Town Lake
- Mill Avenue Bars and Restaurants
Queen Creek:
- San Tan Flat (outdoor eatery, pretty cool)