Including Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe & More
The Greater Phoenix area, encompassing cities like Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tempe, offers a vibrant mix of attractions and activities. Known for its sunny weather and stunning desert landscapes, the region is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering top-notch golf courses, hiking trails, and recreational opportunities. Sports fans can enjoy events like MLB spring training, the NCAA Final Four, and various professional games. Culturally,
Phoenix, Arizona, is a vibrant city in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, known for its sunny weather, stunning landscapes, and diverse culture. Experience the energy of downtown Phoenix, where you’ll find a lively mix of restaurants, bars, shops, and cultural venues. Check out CityScape for dining and entertainment options, or catch a game at Chase Field or the Footprint Center. From outdoor adventures in the desert to cultural exploration in the city, Phoenix offers something for everyone to enjoy.
Scottsdale, Arizona, is a sophisticated city known for its luxurious resorts, world-class golf courses, and vibrant arts scene. Nestled in the Sonoran Desert, Scottsdale offers a blend of natural beauty and upscale amenities. Explore the charming Old Town Scottsdale, where you’ll find an eclectic mix of boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants. Indulge in high-end shopping at Scottsdale Fashion Square or unwind at one of the city’s renowned spas. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve or taking a scenic hot air balloon ride. With its combination of outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and refined relaxation, Scottsdale promises a memorable escape for all visitors.
Tempe, Arizona, is a dynamic city known for its youthful energy, thanks to the presence of Arizona State University. This college town offers a lively atmosphere with an array of dining, entertainment, and cultural options. Mill Avenue District is the heart of Tempe’s social scene, featuring a variety of shops, restaurants, and nightlife spots. Enjoy outdoor activities at Tempe Town Lake, where you can kayak, paddleboard, or take a leisurely stroll. For arts and culture, visit the ASU Art Museum or catch a performance at the Gammage Auditorium. With its blend of academic vibrancy, recreational opportunities, and cultural attractions, Tempe is a city full of excitement and charm.
The Same
The Dinks and The Family visited the Greater Phoenix area, each bringing their unique perspectives to the trip. The Dinks focused on exploring the Scottsdale, and enjoying outdoor activities like hiking and golfing. The Family, on the other hand, emphasized relazation.
Local Cuisine
Despite their differing interests, both groups found common ground in the area’s culinary delights, indulging in Phoenix’s diverse and flavorful food scene that ranged from upscale dining to casual local favorites.
- Southwestern Cuisine: Sample Southwestern specialties like green chili stew, Navajo tacos, and Sonoran hot dogs, influenced by the region’s Native American and Hispanic heritage.
- Mexican Food: Phoenix is renowned for its delicious Mexican cuisine. From street tacos and burritos to authentic mole and carne asada, you’ll find plenty of mouthwatering options to satisfy your cravings.
- Sonoran Desert: Experience the unique beauty of the Sonoran Desert, home to towering saguaro cacti, colorful wildflowers, and diverse wildlife. Take a guided desert tour or go horseback riding for an authentic desert adventure.
The DINKs
We’ve visited the Greater Phoenix area several times, immersing ourselves in everything the region has to offer. From cheering at the NCAA Final Four and catching MLB games to hitting the golf courses, our trips have been packed with sports excitement. We’ve also enjoyed exploring Scottsdale, with its unique blend of upscale boutiques, vibrant art galleries, and excellent dining options. Each visit offers a new adventure, making Greater Phoenix a favorite destination for us.
Scottsdale
Scottsdale, Arizona, is a vibrant city known for its luxurious resorts, upscale shopping, vibrant arts scene, and stunning desert landscapes. Explore the charming streets of Old Town Scottsdale, filled with adobe storefronts, art galleries, boutiques, and Southwestern-style architecture. Dine al fresco at the Scottsdale Waterfront, where you’ll find a variety of restaurants and cafes overlooking the scenic Arizona Canal. Enjoy waterfront dining with views of the canal and nearby Camelback Mountain. Indulge in gourmet cuisine at Scottsdale’s award-winning restaurants, which offer a diverse range of dining options from Southwestern and farm-to-table to international and fusion cuisine. Don’t miss the chance to sample local specialties like prickly pear margaritas, Sonoran-style Mexican dishes, and decadent desserts.
- The Free Monthly Downtown Scottsdale Trolley Tour is an excellent opportunity to explore the vibrant arts scene of Scottsdale while enjoying a fun and convenient mode of transportation. Hop aboard the complimentary trolley and embark on a journey through Scottsdale’s renowned art galleries. Downtown Scottsdale is home to a diverse array of galleries showcasing everything from contemporary paintings and sculptures to Native American art and Western-themed works. In addition to art galleries, the trolley tour highlights various cultural attractions in downtown Scottsdale. Depending on the month, you might visit museums, historical sites, or performing arts venues. Throughout the tour, knowledgeable guides provide commentary about the artwork, galleries, and landmarks you pass along the route. Learn about Scottsdale’s history, architecture, and the significance of its art community as you ride through the city. Best of all, the trolley tour is completely free of charge, making it accessible to everyone. Whether you’re a seasoned art enthusiast or just looking for a fun and educational outing, the trolley tour offers something for everyone to enjoy. If you aren’t there when this free trolley tour is offered, don’t worry because Old Scottsdale is very walkable & you can do much of it on foot.
- Embark on a delightful walking tour through Old Town Scottsdale and discover the charm, history, and cultural attractions of this vibrant district. Even if you are able to do the trolley tour, doing it by foot allows you time to go into the places and do it at your own place.
- Old Adobe Mission: One of Scottsdale’s oldest buildings, dating back to the late 1930s. Admire the Spanish Colonial Revival architecture and learn about the mission’s role in the community’s early development.
- Scottsdale Arts District: Wander through the Scottsdale Arts District, home to numerous art galleries, studios, and public art installations. Explore the eclectic mix of contemporary and traditional artworks, including paintings, sculptures, and jewelry. Definitely some fun photo ops as well.
- Main Street Galleries: Take a stroll along Main Street and browse the many galleries showcasing Western, Native American, and Southwestern art. Don’t miss the opportunity to meet local artists and watch them at work in their studios.
- Old Town Scottsdale Waterfront: Explore the Old Town Scottsdale Waterfront along the Arizona Canal. Admire the public art installations, scenic views, and lush landscaping as you stroll along the waterfront promenade.
- Scottsdale’s Original General Store: Step back in time at the Rusty Spur Saloon, Scottsdale’s oldest operating saloon and general store. Enjoy live country music, sip on a cold beer, and soak up the Old West ambiance. This entire little street looks like you have stepped onto a set of an old western movie.
- Golf Courses: Scottsdale is a golfer’s paradise, with numerous world-class golf courses designed by top architects such as Tom Fazio, Jack Nicklaus, and Robert Trent Jones Jr. Tee off against breathtaking backdrops of desert vistas and lush fairways. The Dinks Husband played two courses in Scottsdale.
- Troon North Golf Club is a premier golf destination located in Scottsdale, Arizona, renowned for its world-class courses and stunning desert landscapes. One of the highlights of playing at Troon North is the stunning desert scenery. As you make your way around the courses, you’ll encounter rugged desert terrain, towering saguaro cacti, and panoramic vistas of the McDowell Mountains. For golf enthusiasts seeking an unforgettable golfing experience in the heart of the Arizona desert, Troon North Golf Club in Scottsdale is a top destination. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a casual player, the courses’ beauty, challenge, and world-class amenities make it a must-visit for any golf enthusiast.
- The TPC (Tournament Players Club) Scottsdale is a renowned golf course located in Scottsdale, Arizona, known for hosting the Waste Management Phoenix Open, one of the most popular events on the PGA Tour. Unfortunately wasn’t able to play the signature course. The Champions Course, designed by Randy Heckenkemper, provides a more traditional golf experience with narrower fairways and challenging greens, making it a favorite among serious golfers. However, if given the choice, would have chosen the signature course.
Sports in Phoenix
Phoenix boasts a lively sports scene with teams across various leagues, offering fans plenty of opportunities to cheer on their favorite teams and enjoy exciting games. Whether you’re cheering on the Diamondbacks at Chase Field or catching the Suns’ game at the Footprint Center, the sports scene in Phoenix is sure to keep you entertained and engaged.
- Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB): The Arizona Diamondbacks play their home games at Chase Field in downtown Phoenix. Catching a baseball game at Chase Field is a favorite pastime for locals and visitors alike during the MLB season. The best part is that it is a well airconditioned dome so even during the insanely hot summer months games are comfortable.
- Arizona State University (ASU) Sun Devils: Arizona State University’s athletic teams, known as the Sun Devils, compete in the NCAA Division I. ASU has a strong presence in Phoenix, with sports programs including football, basketball, baseball, and more. While I did not see a game live, my co-worker was able to score a behind the scenes tour which was a unique experience from the couches office, locker room to the field sidelines.
- The Arizona Cardinals play their home games at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, a suburb of Phoenix. While we didn’t attend a football game, my husband did visit the stadium for the Basketball NCAA Final Four. Leading up to the games, downtown Phoenix comes alive with fan festivities and events including outdoor concerts, interactive fan zones, and opportunities to meet NBA legends and mascots. Obviously the games themselves are a sports fans dream.
The Family
We stopped in Phoenix as part of a multi-state cross-country trip. We chose Phoenix because they had a nice resort that we felt would be a nice break from all of our adventures where we could just relax.
Phoenix Resort
The Hilton Phoenix Resort at the Peak is supposed to be a luxurious retreat nestled in the heart of the Sonoran Desert. Surrounded by stunning desert landscapes and breathtaking mountain views, this resort says it offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. With its expansive water park featuring pools, slides, and splash areas, children can have a great time playing and cooling off in the desert heat. However, we found it to be very dated and in need of updates. The lazy river was too narrow and overall felt like this was a miss from the relaxing resort we were looking for.
Summary
In exploring the Greater Phoenix area, both the Family and the DINKs discovered unique facets of Arizona’s vibrant desert landscape and culture, with their experiences showcasing the diversity of activities available. The Family opted for relaxation and rejuvenation at a Phoenix resort, indulging in the city’s luxurious amenities and soaking in the serene desert atmosphere. Meanwhile, the DINKs embraced the dynamic urban and cultural scene of Scottsdale, diving into its thriving arts community, upscale shopping districts, and lively nightlife. Their attendance at sporting events in Phoenix added an exciting dimension to their stay, immersing themselves in the fervor of local sports culture.
While both approaches offered distinct perspectives on the Greater Phoenix area, the answer to who did it “better” ultimately lies in personal preferences and travel objectives. The Family’s retreat allowed for tranquil moments and quality time amidst luxurious surroundings, ideal for those seeking relaxation and family bonding. On the other hand, the DINKs’ exploration of Scottsdale and sports activities highlighted the area’s vibrant urban life and cultural richness, perfect for adventurers and city enthusiasts.
In essence, Greater Phoenix accommodates a spectrum of interests and desires, whether one seeks relaxation in luxury resorts or thrives on urban exploration and sports excitement. Each experience, tailored to individual tastes, contributes to the allure of Arizona’s capital region, inviting visitors to discover and appreciate its multifaceted charm in their own unique ways.
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