Itineraries for Your Trip to Phoenix
2 Days in Phoenix for First Timers
Phoenix has a special place in my heart, and not just because I have family there. It was just outside of Phoenix where I went on my first (and, so far, only) hot-air balloon ride, and I really love the hot, dry, weather that prevails in this part of the country throughout most of the year. While many people think of Phoenix as a sprawling city, to me it feels more like a collection of connected communities—such as Scottsdale—all surrounded by beautiful desert preserves and state parks. With two days in Phoenix, you can get a good feel for both the cultural and outdoorsy offerings in the area. Here’s one way to do it.
If you only have time for one thing, make it Taliesin West.
Expect hot, dry weather whenever you visit. Drink lots of water and remember to pack lip balm and sun protection.
Get up bright and early on your first day in Phoenix and head out to the desert for a sunrise hot-air balloon ride. Take in views of the arid Sonoran Desert as you drift gently into the sky. Most hot-air balloon experiences end with a breakfast picnic and a sparkling wine toast after landing.
After taking a post-balloon nap, grab lunch before heading out to explore the city and get your bearings. Join a walking tour of Phoenix to learn about the city’s history and get tips from a guide who knows Phoenix inside and out. Just make sure to bring bottled water and sun protection.
Refuel in the evening by checking out Phoenix’s thriving brewery scene. Start in Tempe, east of downtown, before making your way to Phoenix's Roosevelt Row Arts District. As you'll be drinking plenty of beer, it's best not to drive. Instead, join a tasting tour led by a guide who is intimately familiar with where to find the best beers in town.
See a different side of Phoenix on your second day in the city by joining a street art tour of the Roosevelt Row Arts District. Visit the Churchill, a food court in a shipping container that's known for its massive mural before checking out the murals at Carly's Bistro, a beacon in the city's street art scene.
In the afternoon, head out to explore the dusty Sonoran Desert by all-terrain vehicle (ATV). Join a guided experience that includes everything you need for a safe but thrilling time out in the sands, including goggles, helmets, and—of course—a single-rider ATV (for those who want to ride solo) or a passenger-friendly UTV for larger groups.
After your desert adventure, return to Phoenix and get ready for an entirely different experience: a ghost tour. Follow a guide into the depths of the city's dark past, visiting allegedly haunted haunts such as the Teeter House and the Hotel San Carlos. You can even try your hand at ghost-detecting equipment at St. Mary’s Basilica—if you dare.
