Phoenix, Arizona Travel Guide
We were dreaming of a New Mexico Christmas…
But when the end of December rolled around and New Mexico was still shut down due to Covid-19, we changed plans and ended up in Phoenix for the holidays.
We had so much fun having a warm Christmas with cacti decorated with Christmas lights. Check it out for yourself in our travel video of Phoenix here.
Where to stay:
If you’re home is on wheels, stay at the Mesa KOA! We stay at a KOA in almost every place we visit, and we haven’t had a bad experience yet! (Except maybe the first time we got to Carlsbad and it was a ghost town.)
If you want to check out other more stationary options, here are a bunch of great ones.
Where to eat:
Breakfast:
Matt’s Big Breakfast
I ordered the Pork Chop and Eggs and was very happy. This place has the best bacon I’ve ever tasted!
Lunch:
Pizzeria Bianco
Rachael Ray said this was the best pizza in America, and I haven’t had all the pizza in America, but it was incredible. We loved it! There are two great locations.Los Taquitos
Eat an authentic street taco from Los Taquitos. We all know I’m going to eat tacos whenever possible.
Dinner:
Dessert:
Sweet Republic
This place was featured on Food Network’s Best Thing I Ever Ate. The hosts have been all around and eaten everywhere, so I always trust their opinion!
Alton's Brown famously seeks out Scottsdale, Arizona, to satisfy his craving for Sweet Republic's Toffee Banofi Sundae.
But a word of warning— Check the menu online BEFORE you go. I think they only make that particular sundae once or twice a week.Macalpine’s Diner & Soda Fountain
A fun, old-fashioned soda fountain that both kids and adults will love.
Where to drink:
Cocktails:
Visit Arizona Biltmore and grab a cocktail at The Wright Bar.
Coffee:
Superstition Coffee at Queen Creek Olive Mill had the best cup of coffee I’ve ever had. When you visit Schnepf, make sure you head across the street to the Olive Mill. You'll see a lush garden, tons of olive trees, and taste the best coffee of your life.
Parks and Playgrounds to Explore:
We know the Zimmerman Kids love a park. Here are some of our favorites:
Piestewa Peak has a great view of the city
Christy Cove Park (awesome zip-line)
Chaparral Park (great for bike riding)
Souvenir to pick up:
Visit this artist’s paradise and you won’t just find a souvenir, you’ll collect an heirloom.
Where to shop + What to buy:
Antique stores:
Locally crafted:
City's Best View:
A great peak at the end of a nice trail!
Must See:
Walk across Devil’s Bridge in Sedona
Tea at the Japanese Friendship Garden
Other Things to Do:
Sunrise Hike at Camelback Mountain
This isn’t even the tip of the cactus spike. There is so much to do in Phoenix! We could have stayed for weeks and weeks and still not gotten to it all.
While we were there, we enjoyed Christmas in the Airstream under our space-saving Christmas tree.
Check it out here!
Looking for addresses on all the places above? Download my Phoenix Travel Guide below.
Catch up on all our airstream adventures here.
