Phoenix may be surrounded by desert, but this city is full of attractions that will make an amazing girls’ getaway! So grab your besties and start planning! This 4-day itinerary was carefully curated by a frequent traveler and her Phoenix friends.
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About Phoenix
Phoenix is the capital and largest city in Arizona, with over 1.5 million residents. Most of the metropolitan area sits in an expansive, flat valley surrounded by mountains, which provides a remarkable backdrop to the sprawling city.
The city has a subtropical desert climate, which means the summers are very hot and the winters are mild. The weather makes it one of the best year-round destinations to soak up some Southwestern sunshine.
What makes Phoenix so appealing is its deep Native American roots, scenic landscapes, arts, culture, sports, and urban vibes.
The unique Southwestern flair mixed with big city amenities creates the perfect setting for an unforgettable girls’ getaway full of relaxation, fun, and lasting memories with your besties.
Whether you’re looking for pampering poolside relaxation or outdoor adventures in the desert sun, Phoenix provides the perfect sunny escape for a memorable weekend getaway for women! So grab your besties and start planning!
4-Day Phoenix Itinerary
Day 1: Explore Downtown Phoenix
Start your day with a delicious brunch at Matt’s Big Breakfast. This is a popular spot that serves classic American dishes using fresh ingredients. The hearty portions will keep you fueled for an active day. They open at 7 AM every day of the week, so you can get an early start.
After breakfast, enjoy a walk through the neighborhood and take a 20-minute stroll to visit the Phoenix Art Museum, where you can admire a variety of artworks from different cultures and periods. One of the current exhibits is the evolution of Barbie. The Thorne Rooms are a must-see. It’s a world of miniature rooms from the turn of the 20th century. It’s also a popular attraction at the Art Institute of Chicago.
Enjoy some retail therapy at the CityScape Phoenix, an energetic shopping and entertainment center that has a mix of local and national brands, restaurants, bars, and events.
Ready for some nightlife? Have a fun night out at the Crescent Ballroom, a live music venue that hosts indie, rock, and alternative bands, as well as comedy shows and dance parties.
Day 2: Relax and Rejuvenate in Phoenix
Grab fresh bites at The Farm at South Mountain, a rustic and charming open-air restaurant that serves farm-to-table dishes such as salads, sandwiches, and pizzas in a beautiful outdoor setting. You settle in at an outdoor table, sip mimosas, have a glorious breakfast with the girls, and walk around the farm.
After brunch, take a relaxing stroll in the Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix. It is a tranquil oasis in the heart of the city where you can spend time with your girlfriends in a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life. As you enter the garden, the soothing sounds of the 12′ waterfall greet you.
Depending on the time of year you visit, the cherry blossom trees line the pathways, their delicate pink blooms creating a canopy of beauty overhead. Stone lanterns and bridges add to the garden’s traditional Japanese charm, while koi fish swim gracefully in the ponds, adding a sense of life and movement to the serene landscape.
Treat yourself to a spa day at the Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa, a luxurious resort that offers massages, facials, and other treatments, as well as a pool, a fitness center, and a restaurant.
Now that you are recharged, enjoy some retail therapy and shop till you drop at the Biltmore Fashion Park. This is an upscale shopping mall that features designer stores such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Ralph Lauren, and Michael Kors, as well as cafes and restaurants.
Have cocktails and light fare or dance the night away at the Blue Martini Lounge. This chic night spot is a chain where locals love to hang out for the lively music, DJs, and martinis.
But don’t stay out too late because you’ll have an early rise tomorrow!
Day 3: Experience the Natural Beauty of Phoenix
Are you ready for breathtaking views of the Sonoran Desert? Float through the sky on a hot air balloon ride complete with champagne breakfast and stunning views of Camelback Mountain from 5,000 feet above the ground.
If you want to hike Camelback Mountain after (or instead of) the balloon ride, it’s approximately 1.2 miles (or 1.9 km) one way. It typically takes about 1.5 to 2.5 hours to complete the round trip. Along the way, you’ll see unique rock formations and desert vegetation. At the peak, take in panoramic views of the city and the rugged desert landscape.
If you’re looking to explore more national parks after visiting Phoenix, consider adding Yosemite National Park to your itinerary.
If you want a more challenging hike, try the South Mountain Park and Preserve, the largest municipal park in the country, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city and the desert. This is best for those who want a longer hike and more diverse scenery along the way.
A girl has to have options!
Now that you’ve worked up an appetite, stop at Chelsea’s Kitchen for tasty American fare and brunch. Grab seats on the patio to overlook the Arizona Canal while enjoying a scrumptious brunch.
Now get ready for more natural beauty at the Desert Botanical Garden. It has over 50,000 plants, including cacti, succulents, and flowers that display the diverse plants of the desert.
Wind down and relax a bit.
Then scoot over to The Duce for dinner. This quirky restaurant serves comfort food like mac and cheese, sliders, and shakes in a retro and vintage atmosphere. What more could a girl want?
Day 4: Discover the Art, Culture, and History of Phoenix
After breakfast, take a small group tour with a local guide in Phoenix and see murals, graffiti, and other street art. The RoRo Street Art Tour is a colorful and creative way to see the city, and this experience will be a slam dunk for getting great photos on your camera roll.
Visit the Heard Museum, a museum that celebrates the art and culture of the Native Americans, especially those from the Southwest. You can see exhibits, demonstrations, and performances, as well as shop for authentic crafts and jewelry. It is one of the best native American Museums in the country. Check out the site for events that are happening when you are there for a weekend. The museum is close to downtown, so you can then wander over for a bite to eat later.
Grab a pizza at Pizzeria Bianco. They have been voted the best Pizza in the US several times for a reason. If you grab one to go, head over to Encanto Park for a picnic. There’s a park with a lake, a golf course, a playground, a carousel, and a variety of birds and flowers.
Return to your hotel and celebrate your girl’s trip with a farewell dinner at The Arrogant Butcher, a modern American restaurant that serves steaks, seafood, burgers, and more.
Remember to share your favorite memories, pictures, and souvenirs with your friends.
Where To Stay In Phoenix
Phoenix is a great destination for women travelers, with wonderful options for accommodations, entertainment, and relaxation.
I stayed at the Arizona Grand Resort & Spa at the Peak for a solo trip. It was a last-minute booking during the summer, so I was able to save money. I have visited several times and can offer a few suggestions for where to stay in Phoenix, depending on your budget and travel style. Keep in mind that the hotel star rating is a key factor in booking a place that meets your comfort needs.
If you are traveling alone and want to meet new people, you might enjoy staying at FOUND:RE Phoenix. It’s a cool boutique hotel that features local art, a lively bar, and a pool with mountain views.
The hotel is located in the Roosevelt Row Arts District, where you can explore galleries, cafes, and murals. The rooms are spacious, modern, and comfortable, with amenities like free Wi-Fi, smart TVs, and minibars. The hotel also offers free bike rentals, yoga classes, and a fitness center.
If you are traveling with friends and want to have some fun, you might like to stay at Hilton Phoenix Resort at the Peak. This 4 star hotel has a water park, a spa, a golf course, and four onsite restaurants.
I couldn’t get over the landscaped grounds, with views of the Phoenix Mountain Preserve. The rooms are cozy, elegant, and well-equipped, with amenities like balconies, fireplaces, and refrigerators. The resort also offers tennis courts, a fitness center, and a kids’ club.
For those who prefer a luxurious stay, you might love the Royal Palms Resort and Spa. The architecture and terra cotta earth tones with wood-beamed pergolas are so Instagram-able. The hotel blends Mediterranean and Spanish colonial styles, with lush gardens, fountains, and courtyards.
The hotel is located at the base of Camelback Mountain, offering stunning views and easy access to hiking trails. The rooms are sophisticated, spacious, and serene, with amenities like plush beds, marble bathrooms, and fireplaces. The hotel also features a full-service spa, a fine dining restaurant, and a pool with cabanas.
The Best Time To Visit Phoenix
Because the city is in the southwest, the temperatures are warmer year-round, especially compared to the Eastern part of the US.
If you love warm, sunny weather without the mugginess, I recommend visiting in the spring or fall. The temperatures are perfect in March-May and September-November, with highs in the 70s and 80s (21-27 Celsius). It’s also less crowded, and hotel rates will be less expensive because these periods are outside of the peak seasons.
However, you can find some good discounts from June to August as well, because this period is generally uncomfortable due to the intense summer heat. It’s okay to travel during these months as long as you stay hydrated. I have friends who live in Phoenix, and they often remark about the temperatures being over 100 degrees (that’s 38 Celsius, think Las Vegas heat) and unbearable. A pool-centric vacation can be a great anecdote for rising temperatures, offering a refreshing escape from the heat. Limiting time spent outdoors to the early morning or late afternoon is also a good strategy.
If you prefer cooler days, winter is another fantastic time of year to visit. The highs are in the 60s (about 16 Celsius) and there is virtually no rain. But it’s when Phoenix has the most visitors who want to escape the cold weather in the north or east.
Phoenix Festivals You Shouldn’t Miss
Now in terms of festivals and events in Phoenix, they are pretty much happening all year round!
The Phoenix Annual Parade of the Arts is held in March. During Fall, you can visit the Arizona State Fair in October and join in the Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebrations.
One of my personal favorites is the weekend-long M3F Music Festival every March. It’s not quite Lollapalooza, but dozens of bands line up to play different genres of music including alternative, indie, and punk rock.
And of course, sports fans can’t miss the Fiesta Bowl around New Year’s and MLB Spring Training throughout March.
There isn’t a bad time to visit Phoenix! Just pick the season that best fits your interests and budget. Whenever you go, you’ll find endless sunshine, spectacular scenery, and tons of fun festivals and events.
Tips For First-Time Visitors
- Drink lots of water! The desert air can dehydrate you quickly.
- Wear sunscreen and hats – the desert sun is intense.
- Visit in the spring or winter for ideal weather and fewer crowds.
- Stay in resorts like the Scottsdale Princess, Arizona Grand, or JW Marriott Camelback Inn, which have amazing pools and amenities.
- Take advantage of ride share services to get around without renting a car.
- If you do rent a car, be mindful of speed limits. The spectacular landscape can be distracting!
Final Thoughts On A Girl’s Guide To Phoenix
Whether you want to totally zen out by a resort pool, hike in gorgeous mountain landscapes, experience the history and culture, or hit up trendy bars and restaurants, Phoenix has a broad range of activities that will interest travelers.
And let’s be real – the reliable sunshine and warm temps certainly don’t hurt! Sure, it gets a little toasty in the summer, but you can always duck into an air-conditioned restaurant, bar, or museum to beat the heat.
All in all, Phoenix is an underrated spot that really deserves more love. It’s got the perfect mix of outdoor beauty, urban amenities, and Southwestern charm. With this guide, you can rock your Phoenix itinerary with ease.
Tanya has lived in Chicago for over 30 years. Her deep knowledge of cities and hidden gems is acquired through personal exploration, making her articles a treasure trove for travelers and families. She has visited 43 States and 7 countries.
