If you’re looking for the best way to spend a weekend exploring Phoenix, Arizona, keep reading for the ultimate 3 day Phoenix itinerary.
Enjoy the scenic desert views from the Phoenix Mountains Preserve, walk through a melodic history at the Musical Instrument Museum, and enjoy the best tacos in the USA.
With 2 to 3 days in Phoenix, you can explore some of the city’s best attractions and picturesque desert landscapes, like those of Big Bend but with Saguaros dotted around. Chances are you’ll want to return for longer to enjoy more of what this southern US city has to offer.
But let’s dive into the Phoenix itinerary so you can get adventurous.
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3 Day Phoenix Itinerary
Day 1
Coffee & Breakfast at Jobot Coffee
You can’t forget to start your Phoenix trip with great coffee. Head to Jobot Coffee for breakfast before heading out to explore the best of Phoenix. Enjoy one of their specialty lattes and a filling, delicious breakfast Jorito burrito or Jo-Mama sandwich!
Hiking at Phoenix Mountains Preserve
You can’t visit Phoenix without enjoying the gorgeous hiking trails within and surrounding the city. One of the best places to hike in Phoenix is at the Phoenix Mountains Preserve.
There are a plethora of hikes to choose from here, ranging in length and difficulty. Two of my recommendations are the Phoenix Mountain Nature Trail #304 and the Mohave Trail #200; details are below. This is also a dog friendly preserve!
I suggest hiking early in the morning or in the late afternoon to evening. Remember to pack plenty of water for everyone on the hike; this is the desert and there’s no shade. A perk to hiking in the late afternoon is catching sunset here!
Check out the day hiking essentials in this guide.
Phoenix Mountain Nature Trail #304
- 1.4 mile loop, about 45 minutes
- Moderate trail with 305 ft of elevation gain
Mohave Trail #200
- 1.7 mile out & back, about 1 hour
- Moderate trail with 462 ft of elevation gain
Visit Taliesen West
Known for being Frank Lloyd Wright’s winter home and desert library, this iconic property is an immersive opportunity to learn about one of America’s most influential architects. Walk through rooms where Wright and his apprentices brought architectural marvels to life.
You can book a 60-minute self-guided walking tour ($44) of Taliesin West, or go all in for a 120-minute behind the scenes guided tour ($90) to explore more of the property.
Dinner at Blanco Cocina + Cantina
End your first day in Phoenix with dinner at Blanco Cocina + Cantina, a yummy Mexican restaurant with stylish decor and lots of tequilas to try. If you eat meat, try their short rib machaca, and if you don’t, their sweet potato enchiladas are really good (especially paired with a margarita).
Day 2
Breakfast at Vovomeena
The second day of your Phoenix itinerary starts with breakfast at Vovomeena, a chic restaurant in downtown. Don’t worry coffee lovers, they have great coffee too, including some of the best cold brew I’ve ever had. If you like savory, go for the tortilla espanola, and if you like sweet, try the pain perdu.
Hiking at South Mountain Park and Preserve
It’s time to enjoy another desert hike in Phoenix. This time, head to the South Mountain Park and Preserve for a slightly different experience. I recommend the Fat Man’s Pass and Natural Tunnel trail (via Mormon trail).
Please note, there is a small tunnel-like passage between rocks, so you might not enjoy this part if you’re claustrophobic. However, the trail is shaped like a “P,” so you can hike the Mormon trail part for pretty views and turn around when you get to the loop section.
Fat Man’s Pass and Natural Tunnel Trail via Mormon Trail
- 3.7 miles
- Moderate trail with 928 ft of elevation gain
This is longer than the trails from day 1 of the Phoenix itinerary, and the beginning half is all at an incline. Remember to pack plenty of water and sun protection. Check out the day hiking essentials in this guide.
Lunch at Tacos Veganos
You can’t visit Phoenix without getting tacos, and if you, like me, are always looking for delicious vegetarian places to eat, Tacos Veganos is a must visit. Their tacos are made so well, the flavors are equivalent to real meat tacos (according to my meat-eating partner). Pair your tacos with an horchata; it’s one of the best around!
The Desert Botanical Garden
One of the most picturesque places to visit in Phoenix is the Desert Botanical Garden. This 140 acre desert garden boasts a wide variety of plant life, Chihuly glass sculptures, and luminaria around the December holidays.
Tickets are about $33 USD. If you’d rather not spend the money on an entry ticket here, you can swap this activity with a free hike! There are so many around Phoenix; I recommend heading to Gateway Loop Trail in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, or Camelback Trail in Echo Canyon Recreation Area.
Dinner in Downtown
To end day 2 in Phoenix, I recommend trying another Mexican restaurant as Phoenix is THE place to get amazing Mexican food in the US. Try one of the local restaurants like Maria’s Frybread & Mexican Food or Rosita’s Place (get the Chile Relleno here).
If you prefer another cuisine, The Parlor Pizzeria is a great Italian restaurant. The lemon ricotta ravioli is *chef’s kiss* and their wood fired pizzas are the best in the area.
Day 3
Breakfast at Essence Bakery Cafe
Phoenix has no shortage of charming coffee shops and cafes. One of the best places to grab a coffee and some breakfast is at Essence Bakery Cafe. Their lattes are really good, and so are their breakfast sandwiches. If you have a sweet tooth, you must try one of their macarons and a pastry (I still think about these).
Hiking at Papago Park
Another essential hiking spot in Phoenix is Papago Park. There are many trails to choose from at Papago Park, but you should definitely check out the Double Butte Trail and the Hole in the Rock. Papago Park is also where the Phoenix Zoo is located if you want to stop by for a visit!
Below are the best hikes at Papago Park, Phoenix. They are all dog friendly as well.
Double Butte Trail
- 2.2 miles, about 45 minutes
- Easy trail with 114 ft of elevation gain
Hole in the Rock
- 0.3 miles, about 10 minutes
- Easy trail with 45 ft of elevation gain
Papago Park Butte Loop
- 2.3 miles, about 45 minutes
- Easy trail with 118 ft elevation gain
Musical Instrument Museum
When you think of Phoenix, you might not think of musical instruments, but the Musical Instrument Museum is a fantastic place to learn about music and instruments from all around the world. Here you can admire instruments from over 200 countries and even try a few of them yourself!
The audio guide will provide you with an excellent tour of the museum as you make your way through the exhibits. Tickets to the Musical Instrument Museum are about $20 USD. This is such a fun and unique museum, it reminds me of Chicago’s best museums.
Explore Old Town Scottsdale
Located on the east side of Phoenix is Scottsdale, Arizona. While Scottsdale is known for its golf and spa resorts, you can enjoy a very charming side of the city in Old Town Scottsdale. Here you’ll find a plethora of local restaurants and boutiques, pretty architecture, and public art.
If you fancy another museum, Wonderspaces Arizona is a fun art museum with interactive exhibits. If you prefer to just wander around and admire Old Town, I recommend heading to Main Street to start your adventures.
Dinner at Cornish Pasty Co
To switch things up, head to Cornish Pasty Co for your last dinner in Phoenix. This gastropub offers a variety of traditional English favorites like Shepard’s pie, bangers and mash, and a great selection of vegetarian and vegan options of these English favorites. Make sure to leave room for Banoffee pie for dessert!
If you would rather enjoy more Mexican food while you’re in Phoenix, try Cien Agaves Tacos & Tequila in Old Town Scottsdale!
Map of the 3 Day Phoenix Itinerary
Where to Stay in Phoenix
Fairfield Inn & Suites Phoenix Midtown
- Breakfast Included | $$ | 8.6/10 rating | Check Availability
Holiday Inn Express & Suites - Phoenix
- Breakfast Included | $$ | 8.9/10 rating | Check Availability
One Bedroom Home
- Pet Friendly | $ | 10/10 rating | Check Availability
Phoenix Itinerary FAQ
Should I stay in Phoenix or Scottsdale?
Scottsdale is a smaller city located to the east of Phoenix. Both cities offer plenty of nice hotels and house rentals. As long as you have a car, you can easily stay in Phoenix or Scottsdale and explore with this 3 day Phoenix itinerary.
Because they are right next to each other, you can easily stay in Phoenix or Scottsdale. Chances are you’ll find a better hotel deal in Phoenix as it’s bigger than Scottsdale, but as far as location goes, both are great options.
How many days do I need in Phoenix?
Two to three days in Phoenix allows you enough time to explore the best parts of the city. Visit a couple of the best museums, like the Musical Instrument Museum, enjoy the desert scenery on Phoenix’s best hikes, and eat tons of delicious Mexican food within 3 days in Phoenix.
What is the best month to go to Phoenix?
For the best temperature and smallest crowds, plan to visit Phoenix at the end of January or beginning of February. The weather is perfect for hiking and you’ll miss any holiday crowds. Phoenix gets way too hot in the summer, but it makes for the perfect winter getaway if you’re looking for somewhere warmer.
In general, late fall through winter and into early spring is the best time to visit Phoenix. You’ll get much nicer weather if you avoid summer.
In Conclusion: 3 Days in Phoenix
With this 3 day Phoenix itinerary, you’ll get to visit the architectural marvel of Taliesin West, learn about music from all around the world at the Musical Instrument Museum, admire Chihuly glass works among desert scenes at the Desert Botanical Garden, and hike to some of the best views in Phoenix.
There will be plenty of opportunities to try fantastic Mexican food as well! Phoenix really is an underrated US destination that offers the perfect mix of city activities and hiking and outdoor adventuring.
If you’re planning a trip here, get ready to fall in love with the gorgeous Phoenix desert landscapes, and try to make time for at least one sunrise or sunset over the Saguaro cacti. Save this ultimate Phoenix itinerary for your trip or send it to a friend who enjoys a fun city getaway with plenty of outdoor activities involved.
