By AAA Travel Editors
Don’t even bother checking the weather because you're almost guaranteed your next vacation to Phoenix will be bright with little chance of rain. So now the question becomes: How can you make the most of a short weekend trip to this sunny Arizona city?
There are so many recreational activities it might be hard to decide, especially if you don’t know Phoenix well. If this is your first time in “The Valley of the Sun,” consider this 2-night, 3-day itinerary that’ll give you a sample of the best of Phoenix. This overview will provide you with some great recommendations on AAA Four Diamond hotels close to fun activities, other notable Phoenix attractions and some of the best food in town.
All you need to do is grab your boarding pass, and pack your bags!
Day 1, Friday:
Note: Phoenix is a driving city without much accessible public transportation. Your best option is to use your car if you’re a road-tripping, arrange private transport or rent a car if you’re flying in. A silver lining: Sky Harbor International Airport is one of the easiest airports in the country to navigate, so you can relax during your flight.
Check-in: JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa
· Elevate your vacation experience by booking a night at this AAA Four Diamond hotel. Request an early check-in so you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy everything this resort and spa has to offer.
· For golf lovers, you can practice your swing like a pro at the hotel’s two championship courses designed by golf legends Arnold Palmer and Nick Faldo.
· If swimming and soaking up the sun is more your speed, take advantage of the AquaRidge WaterPark, which includes luxury cabanas, three new waterslides, and a lazy river. Pools are open 8-8 (also through 10 p.m. in select areas).
Musical Instrument Museum
· Music lovers and historians, you’ll only have to journey two miles south of your hotel to discover this treasure trove of over 15,000 instruments.
· Open daily from 9-5, the Musical Instrument Museum is a great indoor activity if the weather calls for rain or if you’re visiting during sweltering heat.
Mastro's Steakhouse
· Make a dinner reservation at this sophisticated AAA Three Diamond steakhouse only 14 minutes away from the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort.
· Just think: With the finest wine options, fresh seafood, highly-acclaimed steak and delicious dessert options, you can't really go wrong!
Pigtails
· Check out this speakeasy-style cocktail lounge that locals love.
· The cocktail bar boasts a bottle shop where you can pick up to-go orders from noon to 4 each Friday and Saturday.
· For more on Phoenix’s best underground and hidden hot spots, check out “6 Sizzling Phoenix Date Ideas to Ignite Your Romantic Flames.”
Day 2, Saturday:
Poolside Time at JW Marriott
· Request a late checkout and relax in luxury.
· Choose from three pools (Wildfire, Mesa or Griffin Bay), float down the lazy river, and test out one of the new waterslides.
Breakfast Kitchen Bar
· Only 6 minutes from the resort, this is a great brunch location to hit on your way south.
· Try their healthy options or keto-friendly favorites. And don’t skip the avocado fries with sriracha aioli. You might see why some say that everything’s hotter in Arizona!
Check-in: Hotel Valley Ho
· This AAA Four Diamond mid-century modern icon originally opened in 1956. Because of Hotel Valley Ho’s futuristic design, it once welcomed Hollywood stars like Robert Wagner and Natalie Wood. Now it’s ready to welcome you as a vintage masterpiece of accommodations.
· You’re now only 15 minutes from the airport and close to activities and attractions in Scottsdale, Tempe, and Arizona State University.
Camelback Mountain
· That’s right! The name Camelback Mountain comes from the shape of a camel people claim to see in the stone.
· Full transparency — this is a somewhat difficult climb! If you’re an avid hiker with lots of experience, go ahead and trek up the 1,420 feet to the hump of that camel. Otherwise, it might be best to go on a guided hiking adventure.
· Despite the challenging skill level, Camelback Mountain is one of the most popular destinations in Phoenix.
· If you are not interested in hiking, there are many other options, such as a small group sightseeing tour that offers a mix of nature, shopping and food!
Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting
· If the weather isn’t cooperating with your outdoor plans, head over to the Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting. The National Historic Fire Foundation is home to over 100 firetrucks and other equipment. There’s also an honorary memorial to the 9/11 firefighters.
· Open on Saturday until 6, Hall of Flame is only 11 minutes from Hotel Valley Ho.
Hula’s Modern Tiki
· You can’t stay at a vintage boutique hotel without having dinner at a modern tiki bar, can you?
· Only 4 minutes from Hotel Valley Ho, this lively restaurant and cocktail bar serves a fusion of island and mainland flavors.
Day 3, Sunday:
Pool Time/Checkout
· If you want to get in some extra pool time, you might want to opt for a late checkout. Hotel Valley Ho pools open at 9 and often have local DJs spinning relaxing music later on the weekends.
· Stop into the hotel's restaurant Zuzu’s for brunch before 2:30 and order one of the storied “Show Stopper Shakes.” You’ve got to see this milkshake to believe it!
Old Town Scottsdale
· Leaving Hotel Valley Ho will put you catty-corner to Old Town Scottsdale. Some streets are one-way but just have patience as you navigate this area. It’s usually calmer on Sunday afternoons and the on-street parking has no meters or fees.
· Visit the Smithsonian Affiliate Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West for some history or step into the modern age at Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art. And for a real treat grab a box of specialty chocolates from See’s Candies to take back home. You’ll get free samples while you’re in the store.
Papago Park
· If you still have time on your hands, head over to Papago Park; it’s already on your way to the airport. Plus, if you need a moment of zen before traveling, you can even arrange a yoga session in the park!
· Take the family to the Phoenix Zoo if you can make it before it closes at 5 pm.
· Or see the stunning Desert Botanical Gardens. The gardens are open until 8 pm daily and you can get a fabulous last-minute meal at the café, Gertrude’s, before your quick jaunt back to Sky Harbor, only a 6-minute drive.
Join the over a million people who are AAA members and start planning your trip to Phoenix today. Dream up the perfect trip with our Trip Canvas research tool and use your membership to get the best discounts on hotels, rental cars and entertainment tickets.