Touring Phoenix in One Day
We’ve always wanted to visit Phoenix, and luckily, we were able to spare one day to tour this lovely city while on a road trip to Sedona. Phoenix could easily accommodate many more days of fun, but we managed to get the most out of our one day there.
Hole in the Rock
Starting with an easy morning hike, Hole in the Rock is a must-see in Phoenix. Located in Papago Park, it’s known for its unique rock formation—the name says it all.
The hike from the closest parking lot takes only a few minutes to reach the top, but the view is absolutely stunning. It’s a very family-friendly hike; our 2-year-old hiked up by herself, with only her hands being held for support. Once you reach the top and walk into the “hole,” there’s plenty of space to sit and enjoy the view. From here, you can see all of Papago Park, with the city skyline in the distance.
The “hole” itself is also a picture-perfect spot—a natural masterpiece of beautifully formed sandstone. Make sure to look up, as there’s a bonus hole hidden above that can easily be missed since the main one grabs your attention.
Papago Park
Papago Park is literally just minutes from downtown Phoenix and is completely free to visit. The park offers various outdoor activities, stunning views, local plants, and even a lake with islands to explore.
The lake is only a few minutes’ walk from Hole in the Rock, making it a great spot for a photo with the rock formation in the background.
Old Town Scottsdale
Old Town Scottsdale is a very walkable and charming district, full of restaurants, boutique shops, art installations, galleries, historical landmarks, and a vibrant atmosphere.
We visited around lunchtime, but you could easily spend the entire day here with all the entertainment it offers. Everything was lively and cheerful, yet relaxing at the same time.
Desert Botanical Garden
Our last stop in Phoenix was the famous Desert Botanical Garden, an iconic location that truly represents Phoenix, and even the whole state of Arizona.
The garden is also located in Papago Park, but since we had plans for family portraits and a dinner reservation at the onsite restaurant, we saved it for last. The garden has a rich history and boasts a staggering number of plants, many of which are rare species.
The garden consists of two major loop trails, with many connecting smaller trails to explore. All of them are relatively flat and easy to walk on, making it very stroller-friendly. Our toddler walked a decent portion of the garden, though we kept a close eye on her (spiky cacti are no joke!).
The Desert Discovery Trail is the larger loop. You’ll find some of the tallest and most massive cacti here, grouped with other desert plants—imagine walking through a forest of desert flora!
The Desert Wildflower Trail is a shorter loop that you can finish much quicker, but it offers some absolutely gorgeous photo opportunities.
Admission was about $35 per person when we visited, so it wasn’t cheap, but would we recommend it as a highlight of our Phoenix trip? Absolutely!
Hotel of Our Stay: Staybridge Suites Phoenix - Biltmore Area by IHG
A wonderful option for families, especially those seeking suite-style accommodations. We booked a two-bedroom suite and were genuinely pleased with everything: clean rooms, a wide selection of breakfast items, and a convenient location!
