Phoenix, AZ is one of the most vibrant cities in the entire western part of the United States — and for good reason! Check out the best thing to do during your first vacation out of the house in 2023 and during your time in this hip and fun-filled city. Do them all from the comfort of your vacation rentals in the Phoenix area.
Book Our Vacation Rentals in the Phoenix Area Below
Best Cafes in Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix is no stranger to coffee culture, cafes for reading books, and restaurants that are perfect for talking with your friends. We have rounded up the best cafes in Phoenix, AZ that you simply can’t afford not to go to during your first vacation of 2023!
The first on our list, for dozens of reasons, is the Sip Coffee and Beer Garage. The good thing about this local “chain” coffee shop is that you have two locations to choose from. Head to Old Town Scottsdale to walk around the historic district and get an iced latte or check out the Phoenix Arcadia area to enjoy a hot specialty latte. We recommend getting an iced coffee during the early afternoon, hanging out with your friends, and then staying during the evening to sip on some of their craft brews! Both locations are open to 9 pm, making this an ideal spot to hang out all day long on your holiday.
Another cool coffee hangout to frequent during your time in Phoenix, AZ is the Cartel Coffee Lab. if you are into a coffee spot that turns into an evening hang-out location, then this is THE place for you! Open every day from 5 am to 8 pm — making it the most desirable spot to get coffee on your drive to a hiking spot in the morning and to come back for after-dinner drinks — we love the versatility of Cartel Coffee.
If you want to pair an iced tea or espresso-filled iced latte with a savory slice of pizza, then head to the Grande Orange Pizzeria for a filling snack or hefty lunch! We recommend heading here any time after 4 pm to have some vegan cookies, gluten-free brownies, cheesy slices of pizza, or iced soy lattes to get some much-needed energy after a tiring hike or day of shopping in downtown Phoenix.
Lastly, The Refuge is an immaculate building that is the perfect spot to get a coffee, hang out and chat with your friends, find a nook and read a book, or go on a date filled with glasses of wine in the evening. Head here any time between 7 am and 7 pm to have a cup of piping hot coffee, munch on some sweet cake, and chat with your partner over a bottle of red wine in the early evening.
Best Hiking Trails in Phoenix, AZ
Another fun thing to do during your vacation in Phoenix is to go hiking! Of course, people head to Phoenix to get outside, check out the incredible nature, and soak in the beautiful weather. There are tons of nearby parks and trails, like the Phoenix Mountains Preserve, South Mountain Parks and Preserve, and Estrella Mountain Regional Park. Luckily for you, we have chosen the best trails for you to get in some great exercise and view the nearby wildlife.
Firstly, check out the Double Butte Loop and the Hole in the Rock State Park for amazing views of the nearby Phoenix downtown area. Head to the buttes to view the far-reaching view, get in a few thousand steps, and snap an Instagram-worthy photo at the end! Coming in at just over two miles, this easy trail is great for kids, older couples, and those who want a nice date-night walk to an incredible viewpoint.
Another great trail to check out during your vacation in Phoenix, AZ is the Blevins Trail in the Usery Mountain Park. This 3-mile loop trail is one of the most popular trails for those who want to get in some exercise without spending too much time in nature. If you are a bit tired, but still want to bring your pup for a walk and check out the unique wildlife, this is a perfect mid-afternoon walk.
For vacationers who want to check out the incredible views of the desert. We love the Waterfall Trail in the White Tank Mountain Regional Park. This easy out-and-back trail is ideal for young children and older vacationers who are interested in getting some fresh air without breaking a sweat.
If you are interested in doing something a little harder, then the Hidden Valley in South Mountain Park is perfect. Head to the Mormon Trail and try to complete the 4-mile out and back path, while gazing at the miraculous petroglyphs, tiny tunnels, and massive rock formations.
Last but not least, avid hikers can tackle some of the more challenging paths that frequent the Phoenix area. If you are interested in breaking a sweat, heading to other tallest peaks, and avoiding the tons of crowds on the easier trails, then there are a few areas you should check out to get your adrenaline fix.
Those who really enjoy a tough morning hike should consider going to Echo Canyon Trail on Camelback Mountain to get in 10,000 steps, soak in the incredible views of the Phoenix downtown area and achieve over 1,200 feet of gain in a short time period! If you are not tired yet, then the Tom’s Thumb Trail in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve is THE ideal trail for those who want to hike up some switchbacks, go climbing on the screen fields, and soak in the panoramic views at the end of a challenging hike!
Best Bars in Phoenix, AZ
Last but not least, one of the best things to do during your vacation in Phoenix, AZ is to go for a few drinks. After all, it IS your first vacation of 2023, so you want to celebrate. Let’s check out the best bars to frequent for a few pints or cocktails during your time in Arizona.
One of the best bars to go to during your time in Phoenix, AZ is Khla. This downtown-Phoenix establishment is right on Roosevelt Row, a vibrant and eclectic spot in the downtown area that is ideal for going out and making new friends. We love coming here and having the specialty cocktails, trying the Manilla Ice, and munching on some of the Thai snacks from the nearby Lom Wong.
Another cool spot to visit during your vacation in Phoenix, AZ is the Barca Agario bar. This Mexican-themed bar is THE ideal spot to visit if you like burritos, nachos, tacos, tequila, and everything in between! If you are feeling a bit peckish during your time here, try the taquitos and soak up some of the alcohol! Try the Paloma or one of the icy and fruity margaritas to get the night started in the best way possible.
Lastly, Bar 1912 is one of the hippest spots to head to during your stay in Phoenix, AZ. Head here if you are interested in multi-ingredient cocktails that are going to knock your socks off! We recommend trying some of the local spirits and sweet cocktails for a fun date night.
Book Your Phoenix Getaway
Check out our luxurious Phoenix, Arizona vacation rentals on Porter to book an unforgettable Arizona vacation!