Flexible Phoenix: Design your own desert getaway
Whether you’re spending one, two, or three days in Phoenix, Arizona, you’ll find a vibrant mix of experiences to fill your itinerary.
Edited by Taylor Cahan | December 11, 2025
In Phoenix, the sun sets the pace, shaping every hour and adventure. This modular itinerary is designed to minimize driving and maximize your experience, letting you explore the city’s distinct zones — downtown, Old Town Scottsdale, and the Sonoran Desert — on your own timeline. Whether you have one day or a long weekend, you’ll find morning, afternoon, and evening plans that flex with the season, plus heat-smart swaps and transit tips for a seamless getaway in the Valley of the Sun.
Day 1: Downtown Phoenix essentials
If you only have 24 hours in Phoenix, spend them in the heart of downtown, where art, history, and walkable streets set the tone for a day of discovery. Begin with a dose of culture at the Phoenix Art Museum or Arizona Capitol Museum, then stroll through the Roosevelt Row arts district to take in vibrant murals and local galleries. For a midday heat-smart option, head to the Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) for air-conditioned comfort and a world-class collection of instruments, then break for a lunch of authentic Southwestern fare. In the evening, catch a Diamondbacks baseball game at Chase Field. Use the Valley Metro Rail to hop between must-see spots. Hampton Inn & Suites Phoenix Downtown puts you minutes from the action, with comfortable rooms, free hot breakfast, and easy access to sports, arts, and evening entertainment.
Day 2: Desert mornings, mountain views
On your second day, greet the sunrise with a hike at Papago Park’s Hole-in-the-Rock trail for an easy, scenic start, or challenge yourself with Camelback Mountain’s Echo Canyon trail, recommended for experienced hikers only and best tackled early to avoid the midday heat. Cool off at the Desert Botanical Garden, where Sonoran flora and shaded trails offer a refreshing midday break. For a scenic drive, consider the Apache Trail — just noting that you’ll need a relatively-compact four-wheel-drive vehicle to navigate the terrain. If temperatures soar, swap outdoor plans for the S’edav Va’aki Museum’s archaeological exhibits. Hilton Phoenix Tapatio Cliffs Resort is another Phoenix hotel option, just a 20-minute drive north of downtown. The mountain retreat features panoramic desert views, an award-winning golf course, sparkling pools, on-site dining, and a full-service spa that lets you unwind after a day of adventure.
Day 3: Old Town Scottsdale and arts
Spend your third day exploring Old Town Scottsdale’s historic charm and creative energy. Start with a walk through the Arts District and Main Street, browsing galleries and local shops. Reserve ahead for a tour of Taliesin West, Frank Lloyd Wright’s desert masterpiece, or swap for a rainy-day stroll through Scottsdale Fashion Square. Later, enjoy dining and nightlife in Old Town’s walkable core, where patios, tasting rooms, and live music invite you to linger. For a stay in the center of it all, Canopy by Hilton Scottsdale Old Town offers contemporary accommodations, a rooftop pool and lounge with views of Camelback Mountain, and complimentary bikes for exploring the neighborhood’s art and architecture.
After dark: Rooftops and live music
Phoenix truly shines after sunset, trading the desert heat for a vibrant urban energy. Begin your evening with skyline views at Floor 13 Rooftop Bar at Hilton Garden Inn Phoenix Downtown, then enjoy dinner in the city center. Nightlife options include jazz clubs, sophisticated speakeasies, First Friday art walks, and arena concerts — check monthly schedules for special events. Keep the party going well into the night with plenty of venues for dancing and midnight bites.
Disclaimer: We used AI assistance to generate this content. All information was reviewed by Hilton's team to ensure it meets our standards for accuracy and ethics, allowing us to better match your travel needs and connect you with the right stay.
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