Phoenix, with its 300 days of sunshine a year, offers a unique blend of slow desert mornings, long dinners under the stars, and memorable days. To make a trip to Phoenix truly unforgettable, it is essential to choose the right experiences, rather than trying to see everything at once.
The city has a lot to offer, from sunrise flights over the desert to fine dining, championship golf, and exotic car rentals. These experiences can be fitted into a single long weekend, making Phoenix an ideal destination for a quick getaway. Each one earns its place on a bucket list, and most fit comfortably into a single long weekend.
Top Luxury Experiences in Phoenix
One of the top experiences in Phoenix is a sunrise balloon ride over the desert. Operators like Rainbow Ryders and Hot Air Expeditions offer 45 to 60 minute flights over saguaro forests and dry washes, complete with round-trip transfers, a champagne toast, and breakfast.
Another luxury experience is settling into a five-diamond desert resort, such as The Phoenician, which spans 250 acres beneath Camelback Mountain. The resort features tiered pools and a spa built around a waterfall grotto, making it the perfect place to relax and unwind. Any of them puts the best luxury activities in Phoenix within easy reach.
Dining in Phoenix is also a memorable experience, with restaurants like Talavera, T. Cook’s, and FnB offering a range of cuisine, from Spanish steak and paella to old-world romance and James Beard favorite dishes. FnB in Old Town Scottsdale, a James Beard favorite, proves the valley can hold its own with any food city.
Desert Spas and Golf Courses
A visit to a desert spa is a great way to relax and rejuvenate, with options like the Well & Being Spa at The Phoenician and Alvadora offering eucalyptus steam rooms, Vichy showers, and treatments that incorporate local botanicals. Booking a half-day treatment is a great way to unwind after a long flight. After a long flight, it is one of the more restorative luxury things to do in Phoenix.
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Golf is also a popular activity in Phoenix, with courses like TPC Scottsdale and The Phoenician offering a challenging and scenic game. TPC Scottsdale hosts the famous 16th hole, the loudest stage in the professional game, while The Phoenician keeps its own courses framed by mountain ridgelines. Winter tee times can fill up quickly, so it is essential to reserve ahead of time. Winter tee times disappear quickly, so reserve well ahead if the cooler months are on your calendar.
For a unique perspective on the city, a helicopter tour at night can be a thrilling experience, offering a bird’s-eye view of the valley lit up like a carpet of light. This is a popular VIP experience, especially for anniversaries and proposals. Flights usually run as short scenic loops over Phoenix and Scottsdale, and they remain one of the most requested VIP experiences in Phoenix, especially for anniversaries and proposals.
Exploring Old Town Scottsdale and the Desert
Old Town Scottsdale is a great place to wander without a plan, with its galleries, courtyard bars, and patios perfect for people-watching. The Desert Botanical Garden is also a must-visit, especially during golden hour when the cacti take on a copper glow. It is the natural pause between the bigger moments of a Phoenix weekend trip.
For a more adventurous experience, meeting the desert at first light can be a great way to see the environment at its best. This can be done by hiking Echo Canyon on Camelback or taking a guided Sonoran outing with breakfast waiting at the trailhead. Either way, early morning is when the environment feels most like itself.
Taking the open road in an extraordinary car, such as a Lamborghini Huracan Spyder or a Ferrari 488 Spider, can be a thrilling experience, with routes like the climb to Sedona’s red rocks and the desert switchbacks of the Apache Trail offering breathtaking views. A drop-top Lamborghini Huracan Spyder, a Ferrari 488 Spider, an Audi R8 Spyder, or a Mercedes G-Wagon G63 AMG can turn an ordinary route into the highlight of the day. A few drives worth clearing time for: The climb toward Sedona’s red rocks along Highway 179, The desert switchbacks of the Apache Trail, The loop around Camelback and Mummy Mountain at dusk.