Set against the backdrop of the Sonoran Desert, Phoenix and Scottsdale prove that opposites attract. Phoenix is constantly changing and evolving, complete with new restaurants, rooftop bars, and an arts scene that’s quietly defining the modern Southwest. Scottsdale, on the other hand, moves at a slower pace, leaning into design-led resorts, wellness, and outdoor activities.
Together, they’re a contrast that works. Between sunrise hikes through red rock canyons, afternoons spent gallery-hopping or unwinding at the spa, and nights that end under star-filled skies, there’s no shortage of ways to experience them both. This is the desert, done right
Where to Stay
Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa
Located on the northern slope of Camelback Mountain, Sanctuary has some of the best desert views in the Valley. The setting alone is worth the stay, thanks to red rock formations, views of Paradise Valley, and sunrises that make the landscape glow. The accommodations are modern yet warm, designed to frame the desert instead of distract from it. Beyond the rooms, the amenities hit all the right notes: an infinity pool that seems to spill into the valley, tennis and pickleball courts, and curated wellness classes. The Sanctuary Spa takes it even further, with a range of treatments that redefine relaxation in the desert.
The Hermosa Inn
For an upscale yet unpretentious escape, The Hermosa Inn in Paradise Valley is hard to beat. Once the private hideaway of cowboy artist Lon Megargee, it’s now an intimate boutique hotel with 43 hacienda-style rooms and casitas. While here, be sure to make a reservation at Lon's subterranean wine cellar, where guests and residents can enjoy a delicious six-course tasting menu along with a sommelier-selected wine pairing.
RISE Uptown
Right in Phoenix’s Uptown neighborhood, RISE hotel mixes mid-century architecture with a laidback vibe. Set in two restored 1950s towers, this boutique property features sleek rooms with record players, marble bathrooms, and firepit patios perfect for lounging year-round. The poolside Lylo Swim Club and rooftop bar Say When bring a relaxed, social energy, pairing bright cocktails with locally inspired bites.
Where to Visit
Old Town Scottsdale
You could spend an entire weekend getting lost in Old Town Scottsdale and still not see it all. Spread across nine walkable neighborhoods, this pocket of the city has a bit of cowboy charm with a modern twist. Think art galleries next to sleek cocktail bars, vintage shops tucked between luxury boutiques, and over a hundred restaurants with unique menus.
Downtown Phoenix
Downtown Phoenix has transformed into one of the Southwest’s coolest urban centers, where culture, food, and art have collided. Catch a game or concert at Footprint Center, wander through the Roosevelt Row Arts District, or stop by the Phoenix Art Museum and Heard Museum for a dose of culture. The dining scene is great, thanks to spots like Bacanora, Sottis, and Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour.
Camelback Mountain
Just 20 minutes from downtown Phoenix, Camelback Mountain is one of the city’s most famous hikes — and for good reason. Two main trails climb about 1,400 feet to the summit, which looks like the hump of a camel and has incredible views of the valley. It’s a must-do for locals and visitors alike, especially at sunrise or sunset. The mountain sits right between Arcadia and Paradise Valley, so you’re close to plenty of great restaurants, bars, and shops to refuel afterward.
The Phoenician Spa
Arizona is made for R&R, and The Phoenician Spa might be its best spot to unwind. This three-story sanctuary offers everything from massages to facials, making it the perfect all-day activity. Afterward, head to the rooftop pool and enjoy healthy dishes from the spa’s menu.
Where to Eat & Drink
Platform 18 at Century Grand
All aboard Platform 18, the speakeasy-style cocktail bar inside Century Grand that feels like boarding a 1920s Pullman train. With wood-paneled walls, vintage luggage racks, and digital ‘windows’ showing passing scenes, it’s easily one of the coolest and most immersive drinking experiences in Phoenix. Whether it’s a celebration, a date night, or just a new kind of night out, Platform 18 turns cocktails into a full-blown experience.
The Ends
Right in Old Town Scottsdale, The Ends is as delicious as it is trendy. The space is filled with moody lighting, brass accents, and travel-inspired edge, setting the tone for a menu that’s creative and mouthwatering. Dishes like hamachi crudo, crispy egg-yolk nigiri, and a 40-ounce tomahawk steak cooked in tallow (no seed oils here) steal the show, while the drink menu makes for the perfect pairing.
The Arrogant Butcher
Right in downtown Phoenix, this beloved spot has plenty of energy. The menu runs from oysters and charcuterie to slow-braised short ribs and one of the city’s best burgers, coupled with craft cocktails and local brews. It’s the kind of spot that’s a downtown staple for a reason.
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