How to Spend the Perfect Weekend in Phoenix and Scottsdale Arizona
Phoenix and Scottsdale have everything Arizona is famous for sunshine, warm weather, desert landscapes, and the Wild West. It is difficult to determine how to best use a long weekend in Phoenix and Scottsdale Arizona, there are so many fun things to see, do, and eat. This 4-day itinerary is jam-packed with must-see sites and top attractions, including, Old Town Scottsdale, Desert Botanical Garden, Taliesin West, Phoenix Art Museum, Hole in the Rock, Cave Creek, Goldfield Ghost Town, and more. Looking for more options? Check these additional things to do in Phoenix Arizona and these things to do in Scottsdale Arizona to supplement this itinerary. Have more time? Add a day trip from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon. It is possible to travel the world with limited PTO, here’s a day-by-day guide for a weekend trip to Phoenix and Scottsdale Arizona in 4 days. Enjoy your time out of the office!
4-Day Itinerary for Phoenix and Scottsdale Arizona
Day One: Street Art and Architecture
8 am Have breakfast at Churchill’s in Phoenix then wander the street art of Roosevelt Row.
11 am Drive to Paradise Valley and tour the grounds of Soleri Cosanti. Learn about arcology and the process of earthcasting. Stay to watch a bronze pour and browse the famous bells for the perfect souvenir.
3 pm Continue your architecture tour with a visit to Taliesin West. Tour Frank Lloyd Wright’s famous residence and learn about his architecture. Be sure to purchase your ticket online, space is limited.
5 pm Drive to Cave Creek. Wander the shops of Frontier Town for souvenirs and take photos of the boardwalk and buildings. Have dinner at the Buffalo Chip Saloon and Steakhouse. Be sure to buy tickets for the Friday night rodeo.
Day Two: Desert Hike and Old Town Scottsdale
8 am Get up early for breakfast and take the short hike to Hole in the Rock or on one of the South Mountain desert trails.
11 am Tour the nearby Mystery Castle and learn the story of this man-made castle built by a father for his princess (daughter).
1 pm Spend the afternoon in Scottsdale. Have lunch in the Old Town. Check out the Old Adobe Mission, Cavalliere Blacksmith Shop, and browse the shops. Snap a selfie with the Love Sculpture and stop by the Bronze Horse Fountain at the 5th Avenue Shops. Be sure to take a walk on the waterfront and be sure to walk across the Soleri Bridge you learned about the day before.
6 pm Have dinner at Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row, check the website for live music.
Day Three: The Wild West
8 am Eat breakfast before taking a drive on the scenic Apache Trail to Tortilla Flats. Arrive at Canyon Lake by 10 am for a nature cruise.
12 pm Jump on a saddle at the bar and have a burger for lunch at the Superstition Saloon, guess how many dollar bills are covering the walls.
1 pm Return toward town and stop at Goldfield Ghost Town. Be sure to arrive in time to watch the 2 pm gunfight. Tour the brothel, enjoy an ice cream on the boardwalk, and jump on the narrow gauge train for a ride around the property.
5 pm Continue your wild west adventure with a drive to Coons Bluff on the Salt River to see the herd of wild horses.
Day Four: Desert Gardens and Firefly Room
8 am Pack for your return flight, have a quick breakfast, and spend the morning exploring the Desert Botanical Garden.
12 pm Grab a quick lunch at Phoenix Public Market Café.
1 pm See the Yayoi Kusama Firefly Infinity Mirror Room at the Phoenix Art Museum and browse the exhibits until it is time to head to the airport for your evening flight.
Be sure to check the Arizona Office of Tourism website for upcoming festivals, special events, and what’s happening during your stay.
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Plan Your Trip to Phoenix and Scottsdale Arizona
Scottsdale Arizona Travel Guide
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Book Your Accommodation in Scottsdale Arizona Now
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Scottsdale Arizona Attractions and Day Tours
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Travel Essentials
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Have a great vacation!