Fun Ways to Spend a Solo Weekend in Phoenix, Arizona
Once again, my complete lack of self-control and inability to pass up a cheap flight has led me to my latest solo destination - Phoenix / Scottsdale, Arizona!
Being one of the closest neighboring states to Colorado, Arizona was on my list of places to check out for A WHILE, and after finally nearing the finish line of what felt like the Denver winter that would never end… (thanks for that, global warming) seeing flight prices start to drop in the land of 90-degree weather was far more temptation than I even cared to resist.
And as if the travel gods were trying to make this trip as teasing as possible - I found my flight for only fifty-six dollars round trip on Frontier! (click here to read about how I find dirt-cheap domestic flights.)
With prices that low, say less. My bags are packed, flight is booked, I’m one mimosa in and I’ve dumped all self-control and left it on the tarmac; I’M COMING FOR YOU, ARIZONA.
Overall, I had an absolute blast exploring the Valley for the weekend and highly suggest the area to other solo wanderers who are looking for a quick getaway.
Here are a few of my suggestions on fun things to do during your own solo trip to Phoenix and Scottsdale!
Take a walk through the Downtown Phoenix Farmers Market
When I’m traveling to a new city, one of my favorite things to do is find out if there's a local arts market, farmers market, or makers festival that might be going on while I’m in town.
You get to check out tons of neighborhood vendors, try some local foods, talk to shop owners, and I’m a HUGE sucker for getting to look through art pieces that creators are showcasing from around the area. These local pop-ups always feel like an awesome way to really get to know the community that you’re visiting.
The downtown Phoenix farmers market had all of the above, and since it was my very first stop after landing in the city, it felt like a great way to start my trip.
PLUS, the farmers market is set up in a very central part of downtown Phoenix so hopping around to other neighborhoods after leaving the market was pretty convenient. There are plenty of places to walk around and explore nearby!
The farmers market is open every Saturday from 7:30am - 11:30am (May - Sept) and 8:00am - 1:00pm (Oct - Apr).
Check out the local art and snap some pictures at Roosevelt Row
If you’re at all looking for a unique backdrop for some fun Instagram content, Roosevelt Row has you covered! And if you happen to stop by the farmers market on a weekend, it’s only a five-minute walk!
Roosevelt Row is located in Phoenix’s arts district and was probably one of the downtown neighborhoods that was recommended to me the most. The whole area is lined with local galleries, restaurants, boutique stores, and rows and rows of insane murals from community artists.
I knew that taking some photos in the art district was going to be a must during my trip, but I was honestly super nervous that the area was going to be too crowded to get decent shots.
Thankfully, (even though it was a Saturday afternoon) there were tons of side streets that made it easy to tuck away from the crowd. The whole area made exploring solo feel super comfortable!
Go shopping in Old Town Scottsdale
Old Town was a great spot to spend an afternoon hopping through clothing stores and boutique shops, plus it’s where I found most of my souvenirs and gifts to bring home!
Old Town had loads of fun shops to get lost in, but my favorite in the area was definitely Leela Market.
Leela’s had tons of unique Arizona-made-and-inspired products and everything in the store seemed to have much more of a one-of-a-kind feel than what I seemed to find at many of the other gift shops in the surrounding area. Plus I loved the shop’s feminine flare!
They also had lots of affordable prints of paintings from local artists. One of my favorite things that I bought from Leela Market was a postcard that was designed by a painter in the area. I framed it to add to my gallery wall!
Watch the desert sunset at Papago Park
While I was researching things to do in the Phoenix area, hiking to the hole in the rock at Papago Park was something that popped up continually, and it definitely did NOT disappoint!
The hike itself was a shockingly easy 0.3 miles trail that led directly from the parking lot to the top of the rock - and was loaded with other people who also showed up to watch the desert sun show off.
I got to the park slightly after 7:00 pm and it was already crowded with people who had also come out to watch the sunset over the city. And honestly, who could blame them?! The view was breathtaking and you could see parts of the skyline of Phoenix’s downtown, midtown, and Tempe.
The desert sunset was gorgeous and watching it surrounded by people who were just as excited about it as I was felt like the perfect way to bring in the evening.
Explore One-thousand-year-old petroglyphs on the Hieroglyphics Trail
Hiking through the Superstition Mountains in Gold Canyon was the highlight of my entire trip to Phoenix! The Hieroglyphics Trail was only about forty-five minutes outside of Phoenix and was a perfect option for exploring some of Arizona’s natural terrain.
The trail itself is 2.8 miles out and back and has incredible views of the Superstition Mountain range and surrounding valley.
Plus, THE SAGUAROS!!! I was blown away by the size of saguaro cacti the entire time that I was in Arizona. They’re gigantic! And this hike had plenty to gawk at.
The Petroglyphs at the top of the canyon were also INCREDIBLE to see. After the hike I read a few articles about the area and learned that the markings were made by the Hohokam tribe, which lived in the area around 500 A.D.
Elevate your solo experience in Phoenix with guided tours
While planning out your solo adventure, scheduling a guided tour is a savvy choice that could add some additional fun to the overall experience of traveling alone!
Beyond the convenience of having logistics taken care of, a guided tour provides a built-in community, offering the chance to connect with fellow travelers and share the journey. Knowledgeable guides bring destinations to life, sharing insights, stories, and local secrets that might be missed when exploring solo!
Here are a few exciting tours that are worth making their way onto your solo-trip itinerary:
If you love the idea of exploring and soaking up picturesque views of the Arizona desert, but would prefer to have a local to guide you along the way, then this 2-Hour Sonoran Desert Bike Tour could be a great option! Hop on a bike and explore some of Arizona’s natural flora and fauna, while getting plenty of great photo opportunities along the way.
Eat and drink your way through Old Town on this 3-hours walking tour, where you’ll get to sample some of the best culinary dishes in town while learning fun facts and history about Scottsdale’s iconic Old Town Neighborhood: Old Town Scottsdale Food Tour.
If you’re a paranormal and/or true crime enthusiast, then you should absolutely consider taking a tour to explore Phoenix’s underbelly and dark history on the Phoenix Murders & Mysteries Ghost Tour. You’ll venture through museums, historic landmarks, and several local well–known haunts. I love any reason to embrace my inner weird girl, and I’m always incredibly intrigued by paranormal history, so a ghost tour is exactly the type of thing that I would plan to go on!
There are so many incredible day trip options surrounding Phoenix and Scottsdale, and if you’ve been dying to explore one of these famous natural attractions but are on the fence about making a trip outside of Phoenix due to lack of time, transportation, or if the thought of having to plan out one additional thing for your solo-trip itinerary makes you want to rip your tiny, beautiful hairs out; then these pre-planned day-long tours to Grand Canyon & Sedona or Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend could be a great option!
Let expert guides take care of the details, leaving you free to soak in the natural wonders, create memories, and take all the photos that your phone storage can handle.
Spend a day relaxing by the pool at The Saguaro Scottsdale
After spending the morning hiking around Gold Canyon, I was very ready to cool down from the desert heat and being poolside with a cocktail in hand started to sound borderline erotic.
The Saguaro was such a fun place to relax, have a few drinks, and spend my last day in the city.
The hotel is famous for being one of the most “Instagrammable” places to stay in Scottsdale, and it absolutely lived up to the hype!
The property is surrounded by bright, colorful walls; photo-worthy art installations, and playful murals that keep you excited to snap a pic around every corner.
I spent the rest of the day at “party pool” enjoying the music, poolside bar service, and soaking up my final day of valley sun.
Where to eat and drink in Phoenix / Scottsdale, AZ
There are SO many places that I wish I had the time to stay and try, but the few bars and restaurants that I did have the chance to check out were amazing. The restaurants with the ‘*’ next to them on the list below are places that I personally tried and loved while in Arizona, and the others are a few that I’ve heard incredible things about and I’m determined to check out on my next trip to the area.
The Bloody Mary, shrimp & grits skillet, and Coco Puffs cocktail were from Hash Kitchen in Scottsdale.
The Reuben sandwich was from Ollie Vaughn’s Kitchen & Bakery.
Breakfast
Lunch / Dinner
Drinks
Where to stay in Phoenix and Scottsdale
From chic urban escapes to desert oases, Scottsdale and Phoenix boast an elaborate collection of cool hotels that define the endless possibilities of hospitality.
Below are a few hotels around Scottsdale and Phoenix that promise a stay as unique and dynamic as the Southwestern landscapes that surround them:
Hotel Valley Ho, Scottsdale: Step into the retro-chic world of Hotel Valley Ho, where mid-century modern meets playful luxury. With vibrant colors and swanky décor, Hotel Valley Ho is a stylish haven in the heart of the city.
FOUND:RE Hotel, Phoenix: Dive into the vibrant arts scene at this Phoenix hotel, where every corner is a canvas showcasing local creativity. From its chic rooms to the rooftop pool, it's an immersive experience for art enthusiasts.
Hotel Adeline, Scottsdale: For a chic urban escape, check into Hotel Adeline. With its modern retro vibe, vibrant pool scene, and stylish rooms, it's the perfect blend of sophistication and laid-back charm in Old Town Scottsdale.
Bespoke Inn, Scottsdale: If you’re looking for a serene escape that gives relaxing separation from the busy Old Town strip but is also close enough to walk to the center of the action, check out the Bespoke Inn! With its boutique charm and unique blend of contemporary design and Southwestern whimsy, it's the perfect spot for a personal retreat in Old Town Scottsdale
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