Phoenix, AZ
We have visited the Phoenix / Scottsdale area a couple of times. The first time was a long weekend, February 21-25, 2024. We stayed with friends and did some sightseeing in and around Phoenix. The second time was 6 days, April 27-May 2, 2025. We stayed at The Wigwam Resort just 30 minutes from downtown and the airport. We relaxed by the pool, played golf, and enjoyed the spa.
Where we stayed
In 2024, we stayed with friends so don’t have great recommendations on where to stay. However, I think the best way is to determine what you want to do, then find accommodations near those things. If you want to be able to get out of the city quickly to head to the desert to hike, we stayed in Arcadia area, near Camelback hiking entrances. We were 15-17 minutes from the airport and were on the interstate quickly when we headed out to the Superstition Mountains. Traffic can be a bear in Phoenix so choosing a location near your interests can prevent headaches later.
In 2025, we stayed at The Wigwam Resort in Litchfield Park. We didn’t rent a car since we didn’t plan to do much outside of the resort. We used Uber to travel downtown for dinner and a run to the store. I used the Uber reservation feature for the first time and it was amazing to have a car and driver waiting for us right when we needed it. The Wigwam was the perfect size with the amenities we were looking for: pools, one of which was adult only, golf, and spa. There were also bars and restaurants right onsite. Service was excellent. They have been doing renovations to update the rooms. Our room was really nice, felt updated and modern. We stayed in one of the Garden Rooms. Everything was very walkable and they also have staff driving around with golf carts, if you need a ride to anywhere on the resort. If you play tennis, they have plenty of courts and you can even take lessons. We loved the Wigwam and we’ll likely go back one day! Here is a resort map if you’d like to see the layout.
What we ate
Our friends live in the area and took us to some really great restaurants. Here’s what we recommend:
Mexican: We went to Historic Old Town Scottsdale for dinner. We chose Frank & Lupé’s for dinner. I honestly don’t think you can go wrong in that neighborhood. We all loved our dinners and ordered pitcher’s of house margaritas for the table. We ate outside in the back. It was well lit and comfortable in February. We had a party of 10, 6 adults, 4 kids. It’s great for a large group and sitting outdoors worked well for the kids.
Pre-dinner drinks: Before going to Buck & Rider, the ladies went to The Grand Ambassador Hotel for drinks. This is a new hotel and is the place to be at the moment. There is often a line to get in and they prioritize guests. The night we visited, the Lobby Bar was full so they escorted people to the pool bar. We’re Wisconsinites so we were fine with that! It was a lovely evening, perfect weather and a really nice place to sit. We had a drink and then were on our way to the restaurant.
Seafood: For adult’s only night, we chose a seafood restaurant. Buck & Rider – the Camelback / Phoenix location was an excellent choice. They had fantastic cocktail and wine options. The ladies shared plates and we highly recommend the ceviché, caesar salad, and tuna tartare. We wanted the Ahi Tuna Crispy Rice but they were out! Our friend highly recommends ordering it if they have it. We were disappointed they were out but at least not disappointed in our other options. The gentlemen chose swordfish, snapper, and steak – all were very pleased!
Bar & Grill: If you need a more relaxed location, want a beautiful view, and need a spot the kiddos can run around, we recommend Lou’s Bar & Grill at Papago Golf Club. It’s a big venue and has indoor / outdoor seating. They also have a fenced in grassy area which is GREAT for entertaining the kids, giving the adults some time to relax. We had a big variety of food from salads, to salmon, to pizza, and mac & cheese. It was all delicious. And the sunset over the golf course wasn’t half bad either. They also had live music. Really great place, whether a couple, group, or family.
After-dinner drinks: This was one of the coolest places we’ve ever been! Undertow Arcadia has themed areas of a 1920’s European Train Car and a colonial pirate ship. There might be one more areas, but this what we could see when we came in. Reservations are required and your reservation is timed. It’s worth it! The drinks were amazing and it was one of the coolest venues we’ve ever been in.
French: This was SUCH a cool restaurant. An old house converted into a gorgeous French restaurant. Sottise has so much charm and ambiance from the moment you walk in the door. They have a small porch for outdoor seating, a small bar, and an intimate dining room. They play vinyl records during service and you genuinely feel transported to France while you’re there. The craft cocktails were amazing. We shared some appetizers – all of which were divine. We had duck, fish, and pasta for dinner – perfectly portioned to leaving you pleasantly full. Service was impeccable. I can’t say enough good things about this place! GO HERE!
American: Red Allen’s Bar & Grill at The Wigwam Resort was a short walk from our room with outdoor seating overlooking one of the golf courses. We ate here two nights. We shared the dip trio and hummus. We had the greek wrap, salmon, grilled chicken, and tuna. All were delicious! Service was great and we enjoyed the view. The lights come on at dusk. It was a beautiful and quiet place to relax with our dinner.
American: Wigwam Bar within the resort was open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We ordered lunches from the Wigwam Bar by the pool. The salads were INCREDIBLE! And also huge. We added a protein and shared a salad everyday. The Kale Salad and Roasted Broccoli & Date Crunch Salad were our favorites and very filling. I had the Protein Breakfast Bowl once – also big portion and delicious.
Pizza / Italian: Right across the street from Wigwam was Papa Paul’s Brick Oven Pizza. I LOVE wood fired pizza and could not wait to try it. We sat at the bar and shared burrata and a pizza. It definitely seems to be a local favorite so plan to get there early, make reservations, or wait. We lucked out to find a spot at the bar with no wait.
Wigwam Tip: We took an Uber to Safeway to get some beer & wine for the room, plus items for breakfast. The rooms have a small fridge. We bought yogurt, fruit, and granola to make parfaits each morning. We also purchased a couple of snacks to have handy during the day. I don’t love buying breakfast every morning so this was a great way to save a little money on emails.
What we did
We really only had three full days in Arizona so we tried to find ways to be active and to relax. Here’s what we did:
Infrared yoga: Thursday morning we went to Blue Buddha Yoga Collective. The instructor Yumi and coffee shop staff were incredibly welcoming. As were the students. The class was packed! If you prefer heated yoga and live in the area or are visiting, we highly recommend you check this place out! Either for coffee or yoga!
Ladies spa day at Royal Palms Resort & Spa: We found a Groupon for a massage at Royal Palms, which was very close to where our host lived. We each had a massage, then sat by the pool for drinks and lunch. Drinks were awesome and lunch was fresh, healthy, and delicious. Also really large portions so we shared.
Gents only golf day at Arizona Biltmore Golf Club: The guys had a golf day at Biltmore. Sean thought it was a nice course!
Family day at Desert Botanical Garden: This was a great way to kill a few hours and family friendly. The gardens are beautiful and walkable. The staff were friendly, helpful, and there are some great activities geared towards the kiddos.
Hiking at Superstition Mountains: We did a day trip out to Superstition Mountains. We did about a 5 mile hike. You can enter at Lost Dutchman State Park and pay the park pass fee. The park was at capacity when we were there so we had to park .3 miles down the road and hike in from there.
Goldfield Ghost Town: This is an old mining town they have kept alive with a train, live old west style gun shows, and old west buildings/shops. It’s a fun place to spend a couple of hours and the kids enjoyed it.
Wigwam Resort: Our 2025 visit to Wigwam was to relax and do nothing! I made us appointments at the LeMonds Aveda Salon Spa within the resort. Sean had a massage and I had a body wrap, facial, and manicure. The spa is really beautiful and peaceful. We both enjoyed our services and relaxed within the spa, by the pool and in the relaxation room. You get access to all of the amenities within the spa for the rest of the day following your appointment. Sean also golfed the Gold Course at Wigwam. He really enjoyed it. The rest of the time we did nothing aside from read our books by the pool and it was GLORIOUS! If you’re looking for a place to unplug and relax, we can’t say enough good things about this place. One thing I will call out – we hit a perfect window. The resort was quiet. We were after spring break but before school is out and before the crazy summer heat. I’m sure this place is much busier in the heat of summer or during spring break. Not necessarily a deterrent, just something we’d like to call out.
