I recently came back from my second annual solo trip to Phoenix, and I had an AMAZING time!! My trip last year was one of the most peaceful and satisfying trips I have ever been on, and I was itching to go back this year.
I thought the timing would be perfect, because I gave my two weeks notice at my apartment right after New Year’s and moved out end of February, then went to Arizona the first week of March, but I did not account for the fact that it would be packed with spring break travelers.
Luckily, it did not ruin my trip whatsoever! And aside from one rainy afternoon (while I was at the pool!), the weather was gorgeous all week. Read on to find out what I did and what some of my favorite spots were!
Cafes
My number one mission anywhere I go is to find the cutest, most Instagrammable cafes, and that’s exactly what I did! I have only been drinking matcha the last few months, so every place I went to had to offer that as an option, but luckily so many cafes did! Here are some of my faves:
All you need to sell me on a cafe, restaurant, bar or any place is to be filled with plants, and Cafe Mollie did not disappoint! They even had an adorable wicker lounger in the back as a set up for cute pics. Thankfully, the cafe was pretty empty when I went, so I was able to get as many pics as I wanted!
Located right in Old Town Scottsdale, Berdena’s is a sunny, airy coffee shop with both indoor and outdoor seating. I got an iced matcha and avocado toast, both of which were amazing!
I really wasn’t expecting to like this place as much, because despite being fairly cute, it wasn’t the typical aesthetic I normally go for (airy, bright, plant filled, but somewhat modern). However, the rose matcha I got was great, the raspberry vanilla cake I got was delicious (and vegan!), and I found it to be very cozy. Would definitely recommend checking it out if you are in the downtown Phoenix area!
Unfortunately, I did not get a chance to visit this place during my trip, but I was dying to! It is a matcha-only cafe (obviously lol), and has the exact aesthetic I love – pink and plants! At least I have a new place to check out next time I’m in town now.
Restaurants
The one thing that made me EXTREMELY grateful I planned my trip when I did was the fact that Palma opened while I was there! My friend Josie (who lives in Phoenix) recommended it to me, and I immediately made a reservation for brunch that weekend. With all the plants and tropical vibes, it was screaming my name! The day of my reservation, the weather was gorgeous, I got the perfect table in the back, and literally spent 3 hours there enjoying the food, drinks and sun. I cannot recommend this place enough!!!
The epitome of a trendy restaurant, cloaked in darkness and complete with a private DJ every night, Toca Madera is def a place to go for a cute girl’s night out dinner! It is a bit of a splurge, but definitely worth it. I went for the scallops, and they did NOT disappoint! I also got an amazing off-menu mocktail, made with passion fruit juice and some other stuff. I sat at the bar, but they have plenty of tables in the huge restaurant for all different vibes and occasions – I would recommend making a reservation. There is also a huge parking garage next to it, since it is right next to the mall.
I visited Cala in the Senna House Hotel (see below) purely for the aesthetic, but ended up getting food as well. I went at an odd time and had limited choices for food, so I did not get to order what I wanted, but it was pretty good. I will be honest though, although I would go back for the food (and to try the other options), I am mainly recommending this place for pictures!!!
Although I did not go here on this trip, I went last year with my friend Josie and loved it! The tacos and chips were delicious, and so were the margs (I was still drinking last year). They even had a cute tropical wall outside for pics – very TropicAlana!
Located within the Scott Resort (see below), this Caribbean themed restaurant boasts tropical decor and an island-inspired menu, all helping you feel like you are on vacation somewhere far away. I absolutely loved the aesthetic of this restaurant, located in the heart of the resort (and in a room off to the side). You have the option of eating at the bar or at the pool as well, but I highly recommend getting a table!
Although I DID go there this time, I did not end up eating anything. I went in and sat at the bar, realized that nothing on the menu was the same as what I saw online, was super annoyed by the weird guy standing way too close to me at the bar and trying to use weird pick up lines on me (eww!!) and then left. The place was super cute though, and what I had seen on the online menu sounded really good, so I would try again! Maybe I’ll get a table next time though 😂 (Update: the owner informed me that the weekly menu is now available online, which will help for planning purposes!)
This restaurant was on my list, but unfortunately I did not get a chance to visit. I cannot speak for the food or drinks, but the design and decor are definitely up my alley! I look forward to checking it out on my next visit to Phoenix.
Hotels & Resorts
I did not stay at any hotels on this trip, but I will list the ones I stayed at last time, as well as the ones I visited this time for photos and/or to eat at the restaurants there.
I stayed here for my first night last time and loved it! The Saguaro is a brightly colored, mid-century modern boutique hotel in Old Town Scottsdale. There is not a corner of this hotel that does not have a pop of color! It is also walking distance to the heart of Old Town Scottsdale. I was lucky enough to get upgraded to a room with a view of the pool area, which was the perfect scene to enjoy over my morning coffee.
I spent my last night here on my last trip, and also loved it! They had just opened the hotel (it was called Arrive at the time), so everything was clean and pristine, and totally gorgeous! I arrived early the day of my stay there and spent the entire day at the pool, then checked into my room later. The pool, Lylo Swim Club, was so cute and luxurious, and the bar offered delicious food and drinks. My room got upgraded here as well (read the story in the linked blog post above), and I thoroughly enjoyed my stay!
As mentioned before, I visited Senna House to get pictures at CALA, and fell in LOVE with the design! I imagine the rooms here are just as gorgeous, but I read reviews that the pool gets no sun. Definitely check it out for CALA, but consider that fact about the pool if you decide to stay here.
I did not stay here either, but I purchased a day pass for the pool for $40 on Resort Pass. I had such a relaxing day here, both between the comfortable lounge chairs and the BEAUTIFUL sunset, it was just blissful! I also loved that they have a “transition lounge” – complete with a full shower and free towels – in the lobby to change after the pool. This came in handy for me, because I was able to shower and get ready for dinner at Toca Madera up the street, without having to go all the way back to my AirBnb after.
Another location of the Canopy by Hilton chain, this location is right next to ASU and in the heart of college town. I came here with my friend Josie for a pool day on my last day, graciously comped by a staff member in exchange for posting (day passes are $45 on Resort Pass). I thought the restaurant in the lobby was super cute (the restaurant next to the pool looked cute in pictures, but was unfortunately closed when I visited), and the banh mi salad I ordered was delicious. I did not think this pool was as cute or luxurious feeling as the other location, but this would be a good place to stay if you want to be in Tempe or near ASU, rather than in downtown Scottsdale.
This place is WAYYY out of my budget, but I spent the day at the pool last time and loved it! I also enjoyed some ceviche and a tropical coconut cocktail at the pool, but would love to go back to eat at the Canal Club next time, wearing something cute! A day pass to the pool can be purchased for $50 on Resort Pass, and private cabanas are available to rent as well (if you are boujee like that!)
Also insanely out of my budget, this hotel is about 40 minutes outside of Scottsdale. I saw Mia Randria visit this place in a vlog a few years ago, and have been dreaming of visiting ever since! If you have the money to stay here (or like to spend money like you are rich), then this is a good option to check out – even for one night! I would absolutely love to stay here myself one day and enjoy the full experience.
This hotel is around the corner from the Scott Resort and looks like a desert oasis. We are not even going to talk about how much it costs per night, because I don’t want to embarrass us! We are just going to manifest having money like that to travel this luxuriously ok bestie 🥲
AirBnbs
I stayed at one AirBnb last time and two this time, and definitely think this is the way to go if you are trying to save money. I also love having a kitchen when I travel, mostly for breakfast but also to reheat leftovers (also a great money saving tip while traveling!). Read on for the tea on all the places I have stayed (and places saved in my AirBnb wishlist).
The Mini Vibe – Downtown Tempe
My friend Josie recommended this place to me, and I was lucky enough to be able to book it for three nights during my trip last year. It was not only decorated beautifully and comfortably, but it had a private outdoor space behind it as well. I left the back door open in the mornings while eating breakfast, then sat outside enjoying the sun. It was so blissful and peaceful! The only thing I would have preferred is having a full kitchen, but it would not have fit here and was not a huge problem. I would love to stay here again though! It is located on a quiet street in Tempe, very close to many restaurants, grocery stores and a big shopping center. There was free parking right in front, and both the gate and door had a keypad.
Hubbell Hideaway – Phoenix
This place was on my wishlist while planning this most recent trip, and I was lucky enough to be able to book it for the first three nights of my trip (everything else was being booked up and I waited way too long to book!). I absolutely loved this place, finding it both adorable and comfortable. My two main complaints are that there was loud construction/road work right around the corner during my stay (obviously out of owner’s control and likely very temporary), which disturbed my peace but luckily was not as loud as I was expecting. There was also no outdoor space to hang out in, but the listing claims that it was also under construction, so hopefully it will be finished soon!
Shops
My friend Josie is one of the managers of this store and I was SO happy I got to finally visit on this trip! I spent forever wandering around the store ogling at everything, then had a clothes try-on montage moment like they do in the 90s movies. I ended up getting a few pieces of clothing, but would have bought all the home decor in the store if I hadn’t just moved back in with my parents!!
I visited this place last time and fell in love with all the cute gift options throughout the shop! There is also a bar and restaurant attached to the shop, which I was going to eat at last time but ended up leaving (story here). Definitely a cute place to stop if you are in downtown Phoenix!
This is technically a salon and not a shop, but I stopped here to pick up some Bounce Curl hair products last time and fell in love with this curly hair salon! I will definitely try to get a hair cut here next time I visit, because I have been following their Instagram account the last year and have been impressed with what I have seen. If you are also a curly hair natural, check this salon out for a service or hair products!
Activities & Excursions
I visited the botanical garden for the first time this trip, and was so happy I did! I had been envisioning a photo shoot I wanted to do there for weeks before my trip, and it came out better than I even expected! Yes, I had to deal with a LOT of stares from people while walking around in my skimpy outfit and tripod, but it was well worth it. I also got to see the special Chihuly exhibit while I was there (which was cool but also made it super busy lol). I definitely think this is a must-do, especially because it was such a quick drive from Phoenix. I paid $45 for my general admission ticket because of the special exhibit, but tickets may be cheaper on normal days.
This “museum” is a bunch of cute curated rooms with a tripod and ring light to take Instagram pictures. The rooms change often, so pack more outfits than you think you need. I highly recommend checking it out though! I had this saved on my list of things to do but never got around to it – even with a full week there, time seems so limited on vacation!
I went to Sedona for the day on both of my recent trips to Phoenix, and went for the day back in 2016 as well. Known for its stunning views of red rock mesas and the “energy vortex”, Sedona is WELL worth the hype and two hour drive from Phoenix! Depending on what you want to do, there isn’t even a need to leave super early. I went during the week both times, leaving at 11 one time and 10 the next (I preferred leaving at 10 though). I was able to fit in a full hike, lunch and a few more hours of relaxing and exploring on both trips. If you leave on time and get lucky, you can catch a gorgeous sunset in the mountains on the ride back, and get back to the city limits before it gets dark. Don’t sleep on Sedona!
Although I did not visit Tucson on either of my last trips to Phoenix, I have a few places to visit on my bucket list and plan on making a day trip or overnight trip there next time! I have been to Tucson twice – once to visit my brother when he moved there for college at UofA, and once as a stopover on my road trip home from San Diego to DC – but didn’t really do much either time. From what I understand, there are a lot of cute places to check out and it is definitely worth the trip!
I also did not go to the Grand Canyon on either of my last two trips to Arizona, but I have been to both the North and South Rim and cannot express how life changing each experience was. There is nothing that can prepare you for the awe-inspiring majesty of seeing this beautiful place in person, and I urge everyone to make a point of seeing it at least once in their lives! This is too far to plan as a day trip from Phoenix, but if you have the time or are planning a multi-destination trip, this is DEFINITELY worth driving to for a night or two.
I hope you enjoyed this guide, and have a great time on your next trip to Arizona!!! ✨
