The Perfect 3-Day Weekend in Phoenix: Desert Hikes, Golf Heaven, and Tequila Sunrises

It takes just one leisurely visit to Phoenix to be fully sold on this warm, perma-sunny town, especially when winter is drawing chillingly near virtually everywhere else. Between its arid climate—perfect for fall hikes or golf trips—combined with a vibrant restaurant and nightlife scene, there’s a reason the Valley of the Sun is one of the most popular getaway spots in the country at the moment. Over a fun-filled weekend that’s as relaxing or action-packed as you want to make it, there’s no shortage of fantastic things to do in Phoenix right now.

Arizona’s capital is a high desert paradise that’s home to more than 1.6 million residents, while consistently drawing more visitors each year with its world-renowned shopping, vibrant museums, quaint old town galleries, and top-tier, year-round sports offerings that have recently included a Super Bowl and World Series on top of huge PGA events, T-shirt weather hockey, and MLB spring training. Celebrities, athletes, musicians, and sun seekers naturally flock to this happening desert oasis that’s grown larger than ever on the global stage.

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Whether you’re planning a guy's golf trip, a couple’s escape, or a family getaway with a little something for everyone, Phoenix is the ideal destination to simultaneously decompress and revitalize over a long weekend. Here’s how to make the most of three perfect days in and around phenomenal Phoenix.

How to Get to and Around Phoenix

Home to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), which serves as a hub for American Airlines and a base for Southwest Airlines, Phoenix receives most major carriers at one of the most navigable airports in the country. The city itself is also easy to explore however you choose, between its Phoenix Transit Bus, Valley Metro Rail, Phoenix Dial-a-Ride, rideshares, and e-scooters spread across town. If you drive or rent a car, Interstate 10, Interstate 17, and U.S. Route 60 all go through Phoenix, making driving around town straightforward and scenic with views of the surrounding mountains and cactus-studded desert landscape.

When to Visit Phoenix

Phoenix’s sunny, dry desert climate makes it a year-round destination—although our favorite time is between November and April, when temperatures typically hang between the 60s and 80s with reliably clear blue skies. During this time, you can play outside all day and then head out at night with just a light jacket. While some like it hot, those triple-digit summer months in southern Arizona are generally best avoided if you don't.

Where to Stay in Phoenix: Best Resorts and Hotels

The historic Arizona Biltmore, a Waldorf Astoria property, is one of the city’s true landmarks and clearly the place to exercise your splurge option. Inspired by the architectural style of Frank Lloyd Wright, the nearly century-old property is now equipped with 7 outdoor swimming pools, 3 restaurants, and a full-service spa. Back in the day, when Clark Gable and Carole Lombard were frequent guests, the world's first tequila sunrise cocktail was poured here. To this day, the place oozes old-school elegance and modern luxury.

If you’re searching for the hidden gem, head to one of the private casitas or mountainside villas at Sanctuary Camelback Mountain, a Gurney's Resort & Spa, tucked into 53 lofty acres of its namesake desert peak hovering above Scottsdale. Furnished with multiple pools, tennis courts, and a 12,000-square-foot spa, this lush desert resort has been frequently shortlisted as one of Arizona’s top hotels and true finds.

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Where to Eat in Phoenix: Best Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

For a hearty breakfast option check out Vovomeena, which creates everything in house from scratch—from its biscuits and gravy to one of the best Mexican Benedicts in these parts. For lunch check out Jacy & Dakota’s. Dubbed a “desert oasis in the middle of the city,” this midday shrine makes a killer Wagyu Burger. For dinner, chops fans will want to visit The Arrogant Butcher, known for top turf, surf, and classic cocktails.

Where to Drink in Phoenix: Best Bar

In imbibing terms, Phoenix and tequila are inextricably tied, which is why we like to hit BARCOA Agaveria when we’re in town. The back-alley cantina offers up some of the best agave spirits in the valley. Favorite classics here include mezcal mules and Oaxacan Old Fashioneds, as well as their own savory spins on the ubiquitous margarita.

Don't-Miss: Top Attraction in Phoenix

Among several need-to-see nominees in Phoenix, Taliesin West tops our list for anyone with even the faintest interest in classic American architectural design. “Arizona needs its own architecture,” said Frank Lloyd Wright, who made this desert-inspired, Scottsdale oasis his winter home for over twenty years until his death in 1959 (at age 91). The property and headquarters of the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation is open for public tours, and remains a living testament to the creativity and innovation of its former resident.

Savvy Tip for Visitors to Phoenix

Phoenix has a high desert climate, which means that you can have hot days, cool evenings, and downright cold nights all within 24 hours. With such dramatic temperature swings, that “dress in layers” dictum is especially fitting here. Also, with low humidity and dry air, don’t skimp on hydration and chapstick. For local information and even travel itineraries and guides consult the Visit Phoenix tourist office—as well as Visit Arizona for recommendations on the surrounding region.

Day 1: Hit the Links and Savor Old Town Scottsdale

For your first day in Phoenix, head to Scottsdale to enjoy a round or two of golf. Make sure to check out the quaint Old Town area, home to some of Phoenix’s finest restaurants and shopping. If you only get to play one course, check out the TPC Scottsdale, where the famed PGA WM Phoenix Open Tour is held. Even if you can’t play like a pro, you’ll feel like one at the Stadium Course. Other notable courses worth exploring include Desert Canyon Golf Club, Grass Clippings at Rollins Hills, and Papago Golf Club. Finally, make sure to check out the best par three course in America according to golf.com with The Short Course at Mountain Shadows Resort.

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For non-golfers, consider a day exploring the Phoenix Art Museum and/or Musical Instrument Museum (MIM), The former features everything from American and Western American art to Asian and contemporary exhibits. The MIM showcases more than 7,500 instruments from over 200 countries, and visitors can experience interactive, state-of-the-art media to hear the instrument's sounds. Finish with a walk along the galleries in downtown Phoenix’s Roosevelt Row Arts District, home to numerous artist-inspired initiatives, creative walkable art spaces, galleries, and street art.

After a day on the links, meander over to Old Town Scottsdale and enjoy a meal and a margarita at The Mission. Make sure to check out the Scottsdale Quarter for some great shopping and culture in the afternoon. Fashion Square Mall is well worth a walk-through for its upscale brands and shops. For one of the best mystery bookstores in the West, stop by the Poisoned Pen Bookstore, where you might be lucky enough to catch an author reading or signing. Consider dinner at Arboleda for fine Mediterranean food. Cap off the day with a nightcap at The W Scottsdale's Cotton Tail Lounge.

Day 2: Browse the Botanical Gardens and Take a Half-Day in Sedona

For your second day in Phoenix start the morning off with a killer brunch at The Henry, known for their generous mimosas and Bloody Marys, or head to the Montauk which offers an all-day happy hour and brunch menu. Then make your way to the city's famed Desert Botanical Gardens for a leisurely walk along the Desert Discovery Trail or numerous other options featuring a wealth of succulents, cacti, and other indigenous flora.

This afternoon, consider a half-day trip up to neighboring Sedona—a two-hour drive north on I-17 and well worth the journey. The unique desert landscape here offers great canyon hikes, desert buttes, and a surprisingly rich brewery and winery scene, too. Consider the Cathedral Rock Trail for a closeup of the area's famous red rock formations jutting against the stark blue desert sky. When it's that time, head to the Verde Valley Wine Trail or The Shop Beer Co. and the Sedona Beer Co. Before heading back to Phoenix, grab an early evening bite at Elote Cafe, for inspired haute-Mexican cuisine that merits a reservation.

Day 3: Hike Phoenix’s Iconic Mountain and Catch a Game

Save your third morning in Phoenix for a pre-dawn hike up Camelback Mountain to enjoy our vote for the best sunrise in the Southwest. Hovering just 20 minutes from downtown, the iconic hill makes for a deceivingly steep hike with over 1,400 feet of elevation, but the views from the summit are a solid payoff. Another hiking option is along the Piestewa Peak and Dreamy Draw trail networks, which offer some added variety and more stunning views.

When the sun is high, reward your morning's Camelback summiting with some wood-fired pizza at Bianco. Then check out the Phoenix Zoo, which offers visitors a look at more than 3,000 animals and nearly 400 species—including an African lion and hyena habitat opening this fall in the new Predator Passage exhibit.

For an early dinner, head to Buck & Ryder Restaurant, which specializes in seafood and some of Phoenix’s finest fish tacos, before heading to a sports game. Depending on the season, Phoenix is home to the Arizona Cardinals, Phoenix Suns, Arizona Coyotes, and wait-until-next-year Arizona Diamondbacks. Cheer on your team of choice, and then follow up the game with a visit to Diego Pops for some late-night tacos and tequila—and/or the Cala Scottsdale for a nightcap. Either way, you won’t want to leave this town—which is all the more reason to start planning your next seasonal return.