Curator’s statement
Phoenix is special for its incredible desert landscape. It has over 300 days of sunshine year-round and offers plenty of outdoor activities. Its vibrant culture is reflected in its arts scene and culinary offerings. Serving as a gateway to the Southwest, Phoenix provides easy access to iconic natural wonders and serves as a hub for sports, entertainment and exploration.
The Fora Difference
Book with Alexa to access exclusive perks and experiences on your trip.
Killer perks
Free upgrades, spa credits and more—we got you
Personalized recs
Customized travel planning for your style
Insider knowledge
Expert advice from people who’ve actually been there
Where to stay in Phoenix
The Global Ambassador
A luxury stay with views of Phoenix's Camelback Mountain, several restaurants and elegant rooms and suites.
Fora Perks
- ★
$100 hotel / resort credit
- ★
Welcome amenity
- ★
Breakfast daily
- ★
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible
Arizona Biltmore, LXR Hotels & Resorts
Opened in 1929, this desert oasis is an enduring favorite for its 39 lush acres, seven pools, pampering spa and plum location less than 10 miles from downtown Phoenix.
Fora Perks
- ★
$100 hotel / resort credit.
- ★
Breakfast daily.
- ★
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa
Fresh from a 2022 renovation, this spa and golf escape is the pick for active types, with a raft of sports onsite and five relaxing pools.
Fora Perks
- ★
$100 hotel / resort credit.
- ★
Welcome amenity.
- ★
Breakfast daily.
- ★
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
The Phoenician, A Luxury Collection Resort, Scottsdale
Tucked into Camelback Mountain, the Phoenician is a lovely modern enclave with a Sonoran feeling.
Fora Perks
- ★
$100 food / beverage credit.
- ★
Breakfast daily.
- ★
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia
This serene Arizona resort has it all: Spanish-inspired dining, a 31,000-square-foot spa (really), a Peloton-equipped gym, several pools and stunning natural surroundings perfect for hiking.
Fora Perks
- ★
When you book Omni Hotels & Resorts through your Fora Advisor, you will enjoy exclusive Omni Select Partner benefits. Your advisor will be pleased to give you more details.
Unlock perks by contacting Alexa to book your trip.
Things to do in Phoenix
Visiting the museums in Phoenix is a must-do experience, offering a journey through the city's vibrant cultural heritage and diverse artistic expressions.
Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West
Discovering the gardens in Phoenix offers a peaceful retreat and provides a unique perspective on the city's natural beauty.
Phoenix's animal attractions offer unforgettable encounters for animal lovers.
Experiencing the vibrant sports scene in Phoenix is essential, with professional teams and exciting events captivating fans year-round.
Phoenix Suns
Arizona DiamondBacks
Arizona Cardinals
Arizona Coyotes
Exploring the scenic hiking trails in Phoenix is a must for outdoor enthusiasts, offering stunning desert vistas and exciting adventures amidst the Sonoran landscape.
Camelback Mountain
Papago Park
Phoenix Mountain Preserve
Visiting a ghost town near Phoenix promises a fascinating journey back in time, immersing visitors in the rich history and mysterious allure of the Old West.
Explore Old Town Scottsdale! It offers a charming blend of historic charm, vibrant art galleries, and eclectic shops, providing a captivating glimpse into the city's cultural heritage.
Exploring downtown Phoenix and Roosevelt Row unveils a dynamic urban landscape, brimming with street art, boutiques, and culinary delights, showcasing the city's creative energy.
Indulge in a spa day in Phoenix for a blissful retreat, rejuvenating both body and mind amidst luxurious treatments and serene desert surroundings.
Day Trips
Sedona - Embark on a day trip to Sedona from Phoenix to view a scenic journey through Arizona's stunning landscapes, with the iconic red rock formations and panoramic vistas, it provides the perfect backdrop for outdoor adventures like hiking and photography. Visitors can also explore the charming art galleries, spiritual sites, and cafes of Sedona, immersing themselves in the town's unique blend of natural beauty and culture.
Places to eat & drink in Phoenix
Restaurants
Sottise - Sottise is a modern French bistro in Downtown Phoenix that has a great vibe! It is set in an old house with seating on the porch. You can’t go wrong with just about anything on the menu.
Palma - Palma is an Asian-inspired restaurant in Downtown Phoenix that instantly transports you to your favorite tropical destination. With a large patio filled with palm trees, Palma is a great place for lunch, dinner, weekend brunch, or even just drinks. Do yourself a favor and share as many plates as you can!
The Genuine - The Genuine brings wood-fired American cuisine to diners in a mid-century modern aesthetic. They serve lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch and their quiche is the best quiche I've ever tasted!
Postino - Postino is an Arizona classic! It is a Wine Bar with perfect food pairings. They have multiple locations throughout the Phoenix Metro area, each one with its own vibe. It’s the perfect place to catch up with your girlfriends or for a date night. They offer daily happy hours from opening until 5p and on Monday and Tuesday after 8pm they offer a bruschetta board and a bottle of wine for $25.
The Vig - The Vig has multiple locations in the Phoenix Metro area and is a great spot for lunch, dinner, or weekend brunch. Their Arcadia location has a great patio with live music on the weekends and a Bocce Ball court.
Francine - Francine in Scottsdale has a sophisticated ambiance, Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, and impeccable service. Their menu changes seasonally and everything on their cocktail and wine list is impressive.
Drinks
Little Rituals - Little Rituals is a cocktail lounge in Downtown Phoenix on the fourth floor of the Residence Inn/Courtyard Marriott. They serve award winning cocktails in a dimly lit space that overlooks downtown. Reservations are recommended.
Bitter & Twisted - Bitter & Twisted was named one of the top 50 bars in North America. They have a wide selection of cocktails and is located within the historic Luhrs Building which was once the former Arizona Prohibition Headquarters.
Rough Rider - Rough Rider is a speakeasy style cocktail bar in Downtown Phoenix found by taking the middle elevator down in the Ten-O-One building. Their cocktails and aesthetic are inspired by the late 19th century.
Platform 18 at Century Grand - Platform 18 is an immersive cocktail experience like no other. Reservations are required at this train inspired establishment where guests embark on a journey inside of a 1920s train car while drinking elevated cocktails.
Travel Advisor
Alexa Bonilla
Get in touch with Alexa
Did you like this guide? Reach out to customize and book your own experience. Or, just to chat about travel in general.
You can normally expect a response from Alexa within a business day or so. You’ll also be subscribed to our travel newsletter (you can unsubscribe at any time).
This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Phoenix. For more travel tips, check out Fora Advisor Jen Disler’s guide, Family-Friendly Guide to Phoenix.