3 Days In Phoenix : The Ultimate Weekend Itinerary For Phoenix, Arizona

February 22, 2024September 26, 2024 Anjali Wadhwa

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Wondering what to do in Phoenix, Arizona in 3 days? Discover with us the best things to do and explore with this 3 days in Phoenix itinerary.

Phoenix is just not a city in the desert but it is a heaven in the desert. From fun outdoor adventure activities to lovely cultural centers, Phoenix mixes captivating history, stunning architecture, international dining and plenty of beautiful landscapes.

The frolic nightlife in Phoenix, the changing colors of the sky, the gorgeous sunsets, sunrises and starry nights when the land turns to gold with a touch of moonlight. There is never enough time to experience it at its best. And to make sure you have it all, here is a 3 days in Phoenix itinerary planned for you so that you do not miss anything when you hit this paradise.

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Phoenix Itinerary : 3 Days In Phoenix

If you are visiting Phoenix during summer, make sure you always carry water bottle with you to keep yourself hydrated. Sunglasses, sunscreen and sunhat are other essentials that will save you from the heat.

Here is all you need to know to spend the best three days in Phoenix.

Day 1 : Hot Air Balloon Ride, Explore The Papago Park

Morning (Sunrise) : Take A Hot Air Balloon Ride

Hot AIr Balloon Ride - Phoenix Itinerary — Hot Air Balloon Ride – Phoenix Itinerary

One of the first things you must strike off your Phoenix itinerary is riding a hot air balloon over the unreal looking deserted landscapes of Arizona. This is the experience you would not want to miss at any cost.

The hot air balloon rides, just before the sunrise would be an experience you would never forget. The lavender skies with traces of orange as the sunrises on the deserted land beneath you. Once you find yourself between two forces, the sky and the earth, the feeling would be divine.

Once you land down after your hot air balloon ride, you will be served a champagne toast and presented a flight certificate to celebrate the once in a lifetime experience you just had. Waking up early for this experience would be totally worth it. Click here to book a hot air balloon ride in Phoenix. It is inclusive of hotel transfers and breakfast in the desert.

This activity of hot air balloon ride would end until 8 AM. You can head back to your hotel to freshen up, have a quick breakfast and get ready for the next activity.

Visit The Papago Park

The Papago Park is home to the world class Phoenix Zoo, Desert Botanical Garden, Hole in the Rock (a natural formation) and various hiking and biking trails. Exploring Papago Park with the perception of hiking is a different experience altogether. You can take an accessible, paved pathway, as well as a series of trails around the big and small butte. You can try the 2.3-mile Double Butte Loop for a full adventure experience of the park.

Apart from the zoo and the botanical garden, there is a golf course where you can enjoy some snacks and practice your hand at golf. You can easily spend your entire day at this park indulging in all the activities it has to offer.

Up Close Encounters With Wildlife At Phoenix Zoo

Nature exploration is the prime objective for many people when they step out during vacation. If you have similar plans then Phoenix Zoo could be your heaven. The display of flora and fauna in this zoo is astounding and mind-blowing.

The zoo was established in 1962 and has been a non-profit organization since then. You would witness leopards, different kinds of deer, mountain lion, jaguar, giraffe, African lion, grey wolf, golden eagle, sloth, orangutan etc.

You would be amazed after meeting the creatures that share the same planet with you and noticing how beautifully magnificent they are. The lost bird project, the tiger projects and others that are running in the zoo would also make you aware of the endangered and rare species surviving the planet.

Get Amazed By The Beauty Of The Desert Botanical Garden

Desert Botanical Garden - Phoenix Itinerary — Desert Botanical Garden – Phoenix Itinerary

Want to explore the beauty of the desert in perfect amalgamation with a human touch, then you must spend an evening or late starry nights at the Desert Botanical Garden. It is another absolutely unmissable thing to do in your Phoenix itinerary.

Though it is a part of Papago Park, it is designed to be very different from that. You will find cactus and different desert flowers here during the day. But the nights mainly consist of romantic starry meetups, paper lantern-lit ways and sometimes camping strangers.

If you are visiting the place in winter, this place is known as a haven for romantics and is suggested as a must-visit in Phoenix.

Gertrude’s is one of the best places to dine in while you are in Phoenix. This restaurant is located in the Desert Botanical Garden. Make sure you stop here for a delicious and flavorful meal. To avoid the waiting time at Gertrude’s, it is highly recommended to make a reservation in advance.

Day 2 : Visit The Museums, Farmer’s Market, Encanto Park & Downtown Phoenix

The Musical Instrument Museum

The Musical Instrument Museum would be one fine place to begin your day with. It is known for being the largest museum of its kind in the world. The beauty of the museum is not simply in the collection of all the musical instruments from around the world but is also in the architecture built by the museum.

The pink sandstone walls that are huge and almost round in shape at parts give it a look as if it is a perfect stage to organize an orchestrated performance anytime. It can leave you aghast with its design and collection.

The Phoenix Art Museum

Your next destination should be the famous Phoenix Art Museum which has over 20,000 pieces of contemporary art and design that are mind-bending. Some honorable mentions at the museum are the mirror room, the Japanese post-war photographs and samples of Fast Fashion of the 1960s.

By now you must have an idea about how different this museum is from any other museum in entire America. Apart from that, there is a souvenir shop, a wining and dining place where you can sit and enjoy your refreshments and a conference hall to attend different intellectual seminars and interviews.

Shop Fresh Produce From Farmers Market

If you like shopping for organic fruits, vegetables, flowers and other organic things then Phoenix Farmers market would be a blessing for you. Local trucks unload all their luggage straight from the farms to the market and hence you get the real taste of everything. Food items are not the only thing that you are going to find here. Local shops, small businesses, jewelry, pottery, and interior decoration items are other goods that you can shop here.

You can buy a souvenir or simply add something regional to your wardrobe, it would thank you later. There are three Farmers markets organized in Phoenix, and you can visit any of them based on the location closest to where you are staying. There is Downtown Phoenix Farmers market, Uptown farmers market and Roadrunner Park Farmers Market. They operate only on Saturdays.

Note : If you are not keen on visiting the Farmer’s Market, you can move ahead and visit Encanto Park as per this Phoenix itinerary. It is located just a mile away from the Phoenix Art Museum.

Spend A Delightful Time At The Enchanted Island and Encanto Park

Encanto Park - Phoenix Itinerary — Encanto Park – Phoenix Itinerary

Enchanted Island and Encanto Park may seem like a place for kids to visit. But it is equally fun and exciting for the adults. The different rides, surprises, the food available there and the way the park has been designed are sure to bring out your inner child. You can spend a leisurely afternoon here in the park. The park area has been spread over 7.5 acres, so you can have a corner by yourself to spend your afternoon.

Regional artists perform here and you can never know about the different kinds of colorful performances and cultural exhibits that you can witness here. Party Organization facilities are also available here if you are planning for something big.

Evening : Explore Downtown Phoenix

Spend your evening in Phoenix’s buzzing downtown area, This is the place where the community and everything that the city has to offer would come to life. Hence, this would be the best place to end your second day in the city. Several restaurants, community-organized meetups, live music performances and bars have a hub here. If you are visiting downtown Phoenix during the festive season, then you are in for a treat.

The parties, the lighting and the decorations make you feel fascinated in this part of the town. Some places need their mention as they are the most popular ones here.

The Bitter and Twisted Cocktail Parlor is there to quench your thirst. Bar Smith, Gypsy Bar and Cityscape are also exciting places to party at in Downtown Phoenix.

Day 3 : See The Gorgeous Parks, Go Hiking, End Your Day In Old Town Scottsdale

Hiking Day: Visit the parks and have fun

The last day is planned for the adventure seekers and for those who are in for some adrenaline rush. But if you are not in for any of such things, you would also love to visit the parks listed below.

South Mountain Park and Preserve

South Mountain Park has three mountain trails namely the Ma Ha Tauk, Gila and Guadalupe that make the park suitable for hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking. There are other spaces for a picnic, or barbecue and other picnic shelters. They allow alcohol and blast music as much as you want.

The hike of South Mountain Park is 3.8 miles. Given the weather, you would love to spend some time in its vicinity. The South Mountain Park is also one of the largest city parks in the United States, and with the ample amount of activities there it certainly is a must visit in Phoenix.

North Mountain Park

North Mountain Park has a comparatively harder trail than any other park trail around Phoenix. The sharp turns around the mountains are for the experienced ones only. Though several other trails are available. You can choose your trail and path as per the time and the difficulty level of the trails.

Wander Around The Old Town Scottsdale

Scottsdale Old Town - Phoenix Itinerary — Scottsdale Old Town – Phoenix Itinerary

The historic streets of Old Town Scottsdale are a must visit if you are in Phoenix. The streets are lined up with cute cafes, restaurants, breweries, galleries and stores. You can also spot many art installations and relax at the greenspaces in the vicinity. Get on a Segway tour to see the best of Old Town Scottsdale in a more enjoyable way.

Where To Stay For 3 Days In Phoenix?

Phoenix is the fifth largest city in the United States. Though it has a lot to see and do, not all the neighborhoods have much to offer to travelers. The best place to stay in Phoenix is the downtown area. It is the prime location and close to many attractions of the city. There are many restaurants, art galleries, cultural sites, museums and upscale nightlife spots in Downtown Phoenix. Public transport too is easily accessible from this area.

Here are some of our best recommendations for your stay in Phoenix;

Budget (Below $100) : SureStay Hotel By Best Western is the best affordable stay option in Downtown Phoenix. They also provide 24 hour free shuttle service to and from the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport for their guests. The rooms are comfortable, clean, spacious and well fitted with all modern amenities. Plus the hotel also features an outdoor pool and spa.

Luxury ($100+) : The Renaissance Hotel is a wonderful option for a luxurious stay in Downtown Phoenix. The hotel features a rooftop swimming pool, bistro style cafe, vibrant interiors, modern rooms, urban style bar and restaurant. It houses a Starbucks coffee shop too. The hotel is located in the heart of Downtown Phoenix and a short walking distance away from attractions like the Phoenix Symphony Hall, Arizona Science Center and Phoenix Museum of History.

How To Get Around In Phoenix?

The best way to get around Phoenix is by rental car or cabs. You can also hire a cab via apps such as Uber and Lyft.

There is public transport available in Phoenix which includes the rail system, bus services and shuttle services. But it does not necessarily drop you at the main attraction you would want to visit. You will probably have to walk a significant distance from the station to the attraction. This during the summer heat is very uncomfortable.

Having your own car or a rental car is the most convenient and comfortable means of transport in Phoenix.

Essentials To Pack For Your Phoenix Trip

Make sure you carry the things below for a pleasant and comfortable trip to Phoenix.

Sunglasses, sunscreen and sunhat
Insulated Water Bottle
Lip Balm
Lightweight Day pack – This one from Osprey is perfect and easy on shoulders.
Comfortable walking shoes
Steripen – Your mini water purification system
Bug Repellent
Sanitizer
Lightweight hiking shoes

This was all about the desert city of Arizona. Hope this helps you plan the best Phoenix itinerary possible! When are you spending 3 days in Phoenix, Arizona?

Cheerful Trails

3 Days In Phoenix : The Ultimate Weekend Itinerary For Phoenix, Arizona

Phoenix Itinerary : 3 Days In Phoenix

Day 1 : Hot Air Balloon Ride, Explore The Papago Park