Isabel's Guidebook
Sightseeing
Come walk through a beautifully curated desert garden. Bring cool loose firing clothing, hat, and sunscreen if visiting in the warmer months. They have rotating exhibitions such as the Chihuly in the Desert so check their website for current events.
If you’re visiting in the winter time, Las Noches de las Luminarias event is absolutely beautiful. It’s candle lit and they have live music such as mariachi and choirs throughout the garden.
1231 locals recommend
Desert Botanical Garden
Come walk through a beautifully curated desert garden. Bring cool loose firing clothing, hat, and sunscreen if visiting in the warmer months. They have rotating exhibitions such as the Chihuly in the Desert so check their website for current events.
If you’re visiting in the winter time, Las Noches de las Luminarias event is absolutely beautiful. It’s candle lit and they have live music such as mariachi and choirs throughout the garden.
Great for families. Take comfy shoes, a hat, and wear your sunscreen. During the wintertime, Zoo Lights is so much fun for the little ones. The entire park is covered in Christmas lights.
864 locals recommend
Phoenix Zoo
455 N Galvin PkwyGreat for families. Take comfy shoes, a hat, and wear your sunscreen. During the wintertime, Zoo Lights is so much fun for the little ones. The entire park is covered in Christmas lights.
Just waking distance from the house. Great trails of various levels. You can hike or even mountain bike if you’re feeling daring.
Please take great care of our trails. Stay on the trails, do not litter, and yield to mountain bikers.
350 locals recommend
South Mountain Park
10919 South Central AvenueJust waking distance from the house. Great trails of various levels. You can hike or even mountain bike if you’re feeling daring.
Please take great care of our trails. Stay on the trails, do not litter, and yield to mountain bikers.
Beautiful desert mountain views , hiking trails, river tubing (in the summer), and boating. Take water if you’re going hiking and plan your trail accordingly. Don’t litter and stay on the trails.
169 locals recommend
Superstition Mountains
Beautiful desert mountain views , hiking trails, river tubing (in the summer), and boating. Take water if you’re going hiking and plan your trail accordingly. Don’t litter and stay on the trails.
Bring a hat and wear sunscreen. While the weather is amazing during this time of year, don’t forget to protect yourself to avoid a painful sunburn.
286 locals recommend
Sloan Park
2330 W Rio Salado PkwyBring a hat and wear sunscreen. While the weather is amazing during this time of year, don’t forget to protect yourself to avoid a painful sunburn.
Great place to feel like you’re away within the city.
Great views of Tempe & Phoenix. Great for pictures.
543 locals recommend
Papago Park
625 N Galvin PkwyGreat place to feel like you’re away within the city.
Great views of Tempe & Phoenix. Great for pictures.
Located in downtown Tempe. It’s a waterfront area that is amazing for a stroll after dinner. They host several events throughout the year such as music festivals, beer tastings, and fireworks during holidays. Check the Tempe website for current events,
453 locals recommend
Tempe Town Lake
620 N Mill AveLocated in downtown Tempe. It’s a waterfront area that is amazing for a stroll after dinner. They host several events throughout the year such as music festivals, beer tastings, and fireworks during holidays. Check the Tempe website for current events,
Check their website for current exhibitions. Go enjoy the museum and then make your way downtown for yummy food.
653 locals recommend
Heard Museum
2301 N Central AveCheck their website for current exhibitions. Go enjoy the museum and then make your way downtown for yummy food.
A fun place for Littles and their parents. Interactive exhibits and lots of sensory play. Our girls love spending the day here. Peak hours are from opening to around noon. After noon it’s less packed as most families leave for lunch or nap time.
183 locals recommend
Children’s Museum of Phoenix
215 N 7th StA fun place for Littles and their parents. Interactive exhibits and lots of sensory play. Our girls love spending the day here. Peak hours are from opening to around noon. After noon it’s less packed as most families leave for lunch or nap time.
A Phoenix native rite of passage. Enjoy the gorgeous Sonoran desert views and take a dip in the cool river flowing down stream. Fill an ice chest with drinks (no glass allowed) and snacks. Don’t forget to apply and reapply sunscreen. While most of the float down is pretty calm, there are a few rapids so be cautious. Please take any trash with you after you leave to keep our desert beautiful.
242 locals recommend
Salt River Tubing
9200 North Bush HighwayA Phoenix native rite of passage. Enjoy the gorgeous Sonoran desert views and take a dip in the cool river flowing down stream. Fill an ice chest with drinks (no glass allowed) and snacks. Don’t forget to apply and reapply sunscreen. While most of the float down is pretty calm, there are a few rapids so be cautious. Please take any trash with you after you leave to keep our desert beautiful.
One of Phoenix’s most popular hiking trails is located here. You can get amazing views of the whole city from here. Please be aware of weather and plan hiking accordingly.
1752 locals recommend
Echo Canyon Trail and Recreation Area
East McDonald DriveOne of Phoenix’s most popular hiking trails is located here. You can get amazing views of the whole city from here. Please be aware of weather and plan hiking accordingly.
Food scene
The mole is so delicious.
Their expansive salsa bar is such a treat to explore salsas you’ve probably never tasted.
The margaritas are also really great, but their agua de horchata (nonalcoholic ) is something truly delicious and refreshing.
81 locals recommend
La Santisima
4117 North 16th StreetThe mole is so delicious.
Their expansive salsa bar is such a treat to explore salsas you’ve probably never tasted.
The margaritas are also really great, but their agua de horchata (nonalcoholic ) is something truly delicious and refreshing.
A Phoenix culinary gem. Chef Bianco is always creating food that is a blend of old world flare, local ingredients, and new spins on classics.
237 locals recommend
Pizzeria Bianco
623 E Adams StA Phoenix culinary gem. Chef Bianco is always creating food that is a blend of old world flare, local ingredients, and new spins on classics.
Gourmet Mexican food. Not your typical Mexican cuisine in the best way.
You’ll also see some great mural art.
140 locals recommend
Barrio Cafe
2814 N 16th StGourmet Mexican food. Not your typical Mexican cuisine in the best way.
You’ll also see some great mural art.
Local coffee fave. Definitely a hipster vibe but the coffee is great. Grab a coffee to chat with friends or get some work done
158 locals recommend
Cartel Coffee Lab
7124 E 5th AveLocal coffee fave. Definitely a hipster vibe but the coffee is great. Grab a coffee to chat with friends or get some work done
Some of the best Thai in the valley. Local Ahwatukee business.
Of course the Pad Thai is delicious, but if your wanting to try something different give their bacon fried rice a try. Such a yummy meal and if you order it spicy it’s extra delicious.
The masaman and coconut curry soup are also great!
Taste of Thai
4855 East Warner RoadSome of the best Thai in the valley. Local Ahwatukee business.
Of course the Pad Thai is delicious, but if your wanting to try something different give their bacon fried rice a try. Such a yummy meal and if you order it spicy it’s extra delicious.
The masaman and coconut curry soup are also great!
Best BBQ in Phoenix. Not uncommon for there to be a wait on thanksgiving weekends. They also have a location in Sunnyslope.
39 locals recommend
Little Miss BBQ-University
4301 E University DrBest BBQ in Phoenix. Not uncommon for there to be a wait on thanksgiving weekends. They also have a location in Sunnyslope.
Brooklyn style pizza. Don’t expect to find pineapple for your pizza, it’s offensive to them.
Pepperoni ricotta is our family’s favorite. Their spinach salad is also very yummy.
137 locals recommend
Grimaldi's Pizzeria
4000 N Scottsdale RdBrooklyn style pizza. Don’t expect to find pineapple for your pizza, it’s offensive to them.
Pepperoni ricotta is our family’s favorite. Their spinach salad is also very yummy.
Amazing place for drinks in downtown. But the best part is Gemini Pizza located inside. East coast pizza (Jersey style to be exact). Other menu items like hot wings and goodies with a middle eastern flare. The wings, potatoes, and sausage pizza are fire!
151 locals recommend
Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour
1 W Jefferson StAmazing place for drinks in downtown. But the best part is Gemini Pizza located inside. East coast pizza (Jersey style to be exact). Other menu items like hot wings and goodies with a middle eastern flare. The wings, potatoes, and sausage pizza are fire!
Perfect lunch spot for a flavorful and fresh meal. The owner is usually there and such a sweet person. Their pitas are made fresh through out the day. I love ordering the hummus as an appetizer and ordering the Lebanese chicken. Their green tea lemonade is infused with rose water and seriously worth the trip alone.
8 locals recommend
Middle Eastern Bakery and Deli
3052 N 16th StPerfect lunch spot for a flavorful and fresh meal. The owner is usually there and such a sweet person. Their pitas are made fresh through out the day. I love ordering the hummus as an appetizer and ordering the Lebanese chicken. Their green tea lemonade is infused with rose water and seriously worth the trip alone.
Ramen and sushi heaven. We love enjoying ramen on those cold days and Dozo never disappoints. The sushi chef is always so welcoming and helpful at suggestions.
We love ordering the Spicy Miso ramen with some pan fried gyzoa.
DOZO Izakaya
440 West Warner RoadRamen and sushi heaven. We love enjoying ramen on those cold days and Dozo never disappoints. The sushi chef is always so welcoming and helpful at suggestions.
We love ordering the Spicy Miso ramen with some pan fried gyzoa.
New food destination that is making waves for ingenuity and attention to detail. Reservations are so hard to get, but if you go wait for a table I can assure you won’t be disappointed.
10 locals recommend
Bacanora PHX
1301 Grand AvenueNew food destination that is making waves for ingenuity and attention to detail. Reservations are so hard to get, but if you go wait for a table I can assure you won’t be disappointed.
Please see their website for hours. They do close during the summer.
Pasta made to order and always Al dente. They’re famous for their vodka sauce & crafting up delicious food. They also serve amazing cocktails next to their food truck.
They also have a sister company is located inside Bitter & Twisted.
Locally owned and proudly pay their employees living wages among other benefits.
Saint Pasta
Please see their website for hours. They do close during the summer.
Pasta made to order and always Al dente. They’re famous for their vodka sauce & crafting up delicious food. They also serve amazing cocktails next to their food truck.
They also have a sister company is located inside Bitter & Twisted.
Locally owned and proudly pay their employees living wages among other benefits.
They’re famous for their purple rice Sushi. They do not take reservations but the turn around is usually quick. Order a few rolls to share and taste their variety. Perfect date night dinner. If you sit at the bar the sushi chefs will usually give you free samplings of sashimi and other goodies.
41 locals recommend
Harumi Sushi
101 W Adams StThey’re famous for their purple rice Sushi. They do not take reservations but the turn around is usually quick. Order a few rolls to share and taste their variety. Perfect date night dinner. If you sit at the bar the sushi chefs will usually give you free samplings of sashimi and other goodies.
Walk into a Italy with no plane ride required. While it’s labeled as a grocery store, don’t sleep on their made to order sandwiches and pastas. It’s worth the drive for us every time. Their veal penne and tripe is amazing. If you’re lucky you can catch the owner watching a futbol match and enjoying some espresso. Dinner and show anyone?
15 locals recommend
Andreoli Italian Grocer
8880 E Vía LindaWalk into a Italy with no plane ride required. While it’s labeled as a grocery store, don’t sleep on their made to order sandwiches and pastas. It’s worth the drive for us every time. Their veal penne and tripe is amazing. If you’re lucky you can catch the owner watching a futbol match and enjoying some espresso. Dinner and show anyone?
Located on just the other side of south mountain and a short 15-20 minute drive from the Airbnb. The Farm hosts 3 different restaurants depending on the time of day and season. The Farm is known for its big open area for picnics and lounging. We love going for breakfast and brunch while our kids play in the lawn area. There’s outdoor picnic tables for use too.
73 locals recommend
The Farm at South Mountain
6106 S 32nd StLocated on just the other side of south mountain and a short 15-20 minute drive from the Airbnb. The Farm hosts 3 different restaurants depending on the time of day and season. The Farm is known for its big open area for picnics and lounging. We love going for breakfast and brunch while our kids play in the lawn area. There’s outdoor picnic tables for use too.
Mediterranean fusion with fresh eats. This place is also vegan and vegetarian friendly. They even have a vegetarian only menu upon request.
This place is perfect for lunch or an early dinner.
I love ordering their chicken shawarma wrap, chipotle chicken lavosh pizza, salmon salad, and red quinoa salad.
For appetizers order the hummus trio to share. The Greek salad is a few ingredients but always delicious. They have a great happy hour menu too.
8 locals recommend
Pita Jungle - Ahwatukee
4921 E Ray RdMediterranean fusion with fresh eats. This place is also vegan and vegetarian friendly. They even have a vegetarian only menu upon request.
This place is perfect for lunch or an early dinner.
I love ordering their chicken shawarma wrap, chipotle chicken lavosh pizza, salmon salad, and red quinoa salad.
For appetizers order the hummus trio to share. The Greek salad is a few ingredients but always delicious. They have a great happy hour menu too.
Amazing hidden gem a few minutes from the Airbnb. They have a great wine selection and tapa style menu. They usually have live music on the weekends. Perfect for a date night or for catching up with friends .
The Cellar | Wine & Tapas
5030 East Warner RoadAmazing hidden gem a few minutes from the Airbnb. They have a great wine selection and tapa style menu. They usually have live music on the weekends. Perfect for a date night or for catching up with friends .
Neighborhoods
Great mix of artsy, good eats, unique bars, and nightlife.
Roosevelt Row is great for lots to do within walking distance. You can use the electric scooters or bike rentals to get around.
191 locals recommend
Downtown Phoenix
Great mix of artsy, good eats, unique bars, and nightlife.
Roosevelt Row is great for lots to do within walking distance. You can use the electric scooters or bike rentals to get around.
Resort/Golfing
Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass
5594 W Wild Horse Pass BlvdGreat golf course a few minutes away down the freeway.
Located on the other side of south mountain, The Raven is a short drive for some good rounds of golf.
34 locals recommend
Raven Golf Club
3636 E Baseline RdLocated on the other side of south mountain, The Raven is a short drive for some good rounds of golf.
Shopping
Phoenix Premium Outlets
4976 Premium Outlets WayLots of great stores for some retail therapy.
While it’s a so so mall, it has an aquarium and LEGO discovery center. Great for families. Just a few minutes away from the AirBnB.
140 locals recommend
Arizona Mills
5000 S Arizona Mills CirWhile it’s a so so mall, it has an aquarium and LEGO discovery center. Great for families. Just a few minutes away from the AirBnB.
One of Phoenix’s best places to find deals on clothes. While this place is not for everyone, if you have patience and a good eye, you can find some treasures here.
It’s where Nordstrom sends all their unsold or returned merchandise in the southwest. You can find brand new items with tags to things that are well worn.
You can find designer items even!
Do not recommend taking young children as it can be very boring for them.
All sales are final so make sure you inspect your items before purchasing.
42 locals recommend
Last Chance Clearance Store
1919 E Camelback RdOne of Phoenix’s best places to find deals on clothes. While this place is not for everyone, if you have patience and a good eye, you can find some treasures here.
It’s where Nordstrom sends all their unsold or returned merchandise in the southwest. You can find brand new items with tags to things that are well worn.
You can find designer items even!
Do not recommend taking young children as it can be very boring for them.
All sales are final so make sure you inspect your items before purchasing.
Multilevel mall. Designer stores such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Tiffany’s, Versace, & Gucci to name a few. Large Nordstrom’s and other department stores. Amazing restaurants nearby.
761 locals recommend
Scottsdale Fashion Square
7014 E Camelback RdMultilevel mall. Designer stores such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Tiffany’s, Versace, & Gucci to name a few. Large Nordstrom’s and other department stores. Amazing restaurants nearby.
Cocktails & Bars
One of Phoenix’s underground gems. Located in downtown Phoenix in an alley, don’t fret, it’s safe you can find Valley Bar. It’s dimly lit, but always a good time. They have a concert hall for concerts and special events, check their website for events.
The cocktails are amazing and have recently added some late night eats.
186 locals recommend
Valley Bar
130 N Central AveOne of Phoenix’s underground gems. Located in downtown Phoenix in an alley, don’t fret, it’s safe you can find Valley Bar. It’s dimly lit, but always a good time. They have a concert hall for concerts and special events, check their website for events.
The cocktails are amazing and have recently added some late night eats.
A downtown speakeasy of sorts. You’ll find the door to enter lit by a red light. Walk inside and downstairs into Melinda’s Alley. They have a rotating cocktail menu that’s always impressive. The place is moody and fun.
23 locals recommend
Melindas Alley
50 E Adams StA downtown speakeasy of sorts. You’ll find the door to enter lit by a red light. Walk inside and downstairs into Melinda’s Alley. They have a rotating cocktail menu that’s always impressive. The place is moody and fun.
Old bowling alley turned bar. This place is decked to the 9s and sure to be a fun place for dancing. You can also bowl!
7 locals recommend
Châm Pang Lanes
903 North 2nd StreetOld bowling alley turned bar. This place is decked to the 9s and sure to be a fun place for dancing. You can also bowl!
Right off Roosevelt Row in Downtown. Small bar with a Mexican flare. It mixes traditional and modern mixology. You can also find an impressive Traditional Mezcal and tequila menu. Good music and live DJs on the weekends.
BARCOA Agaveria
829 North 1st AvenueRight off Roosevelt Row in Downtown. Small bar with a Mexican flare. It mixes traditional and modern mixology. You can also find an impressive Traditional Mezcal and tequila menu. Good music and live DJs on the weekends.