Spring Breaking in Phoenix, Arizona
A brief travel guide highlighting local cuisine and excursions in Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tempe, Arizona during Spring.
View of Phoenix, Arizona from Optima Biltmore March 17.
Driving towards Phoenix, Arizona March 20.
Phoenix, Arizona, and its surrounding neighborhoods, Scottsdale and Tempe, are a thrilling blend of a desert oasis and a jovial city, making it a perfect place to go for spring break if you’re looking for the best of both worlds. The home of Arizona State University features dozens of restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and outdoor spaces such as golf courses and pools. Just outside of the city, visitors will find lakes and campgrounds in the desert.
When you visit in March or April, you’ll likely experience warm breezes and quickly become accustomed to the hot Arizona sun as the temperature rests in the eighties and low nineties. But you can dip into a luxury resort pool or a nearby lake to relieve the heat. Dine at well-known places like The Arrogant Butcher and Pizzeria Bianco, which feature outdoor seating and delicious food. Ultimately, Phoenix is the best spot for Spring Breakers looking for both relaxation and city-life adventures.
Where to Stay
Arizona Biltmore is among the best luxury hotels in Phoenix and is in a great area surrounded by close restaurants and bars. If you’re looking for luxury and beauty and are willing to spend a little money, this is the place for you.
MOXY Phoenix Tempe/ASU is an affordable hotel with spacious rooms, cozy beds, and nice showers. Its rooftop pool and fun ambiance make it the perfect backdrop for your budget getaway in Phoenix.
THE DOLLY - Desert Disco, another guest favorite on Airbnb, is an excellent place for large groups, especially women, as it features four bedrooms and sleeps up to eleven people. It also includes a heated pool, hot tub, arcade machine, ping pong table, and pool table. This Airbnb is beautifully decorated with a feminine style, utilizing pink and white bohemian decor. This is an especially perfect spot for bachelorette parties or a girls’ getaway weekend!
The Cove at Scottsdale is another group Airbnb, a guest favorite, and relatively affordable. It sleeps up to ten people and includes a full kitchen, private heated pool, workspace, and wifi. However, it does not include a carbon monoxide alarm and is located in the suburbs.
306M Blissful Bohemian Blue has been voted a guest favorite on Airbnb and is a great place for a solo stay, as it accommodates 1-2 people. It features a full kitchen, workspace, washer and dryer, 65-inch HDTV, and Wi-Fi. This place also features a skyline view, a shared pool, and a sauna and is conveniently located in downtown Phoenix.
View of Phoenix, Arizona from Optima Biltmore rooftop lounge.
Where to Eat
The Arrogant Butcher is in the heart of Downtown Phoenix. Enjoy the sights and sounds as friendly waiting staff serve delicious American cuisine, specializing in meat.
Pizzeria Bianco is world-famous for its wood-fired pizza. Oprah Winfrey has praised the restaurant on her show, coining it “the best pizza in America.”
Wild Horse West (pictured below) is a grill and general store just outside of Lake Pleasant Regional Park. It serves no-frills hamburgers, hotdogs, and ice-cold beer. With patio seating and spectacular views of the desert, you’ll feel transported back to the Wild West.
Casey Moore’s Oyster House is a local Irish joint serving seafood and functioning as a full bar. Featuring outdoor seating shaded by trees and decorated with string lights and memorabilia, it was a perfect stop for Saint Patrick’s Day.
Macintosh, tucked in the heart of Phoenix’s charming Town & Country Shopping Center, is a laid-back cafe serving locally sourced American cuisine, wine, and craft beers.
Wild Horse West outdoor seating area March 20.
Things to Do
Lake Pleasant Regional Park (pictured above) is a must-see for visitors who want to enjoy the outdoors. About an hour’s drive from Phoenix, a vehicle day pass costs just $7. Visitors can enjoy hiking, swimming, boating, and tanning on the rock beaches surrounding Lake Pleasant’s crystal-blue waters. Visitors can also grab a bite at the Scorpion Bay Grill in the Scorpion Marina right off the lake.
Shop at Scottsdale Fashion Square and Riverfront, a mall with everything you can imagine and within walking distance from Old Town Scottsdale. Also, check out Reclectic, a division of Urban Outfitters, which sells gently used clothing from popular brands, including Free People and Anthropologie.
Swim at one of the many resort pools, such as the Scottsdale Resort and Spa (pictured below). This simple pleasure is well worth the $20-day pass. You’ll likely get access to a heated pool, a full bar and grill, wifi, and a steam room or sauna. Towels are provided, and lounge chairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Pattie’s First Avenue Lounge (pictured below) is a hole-in-the-wall bar in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale. This relaxed bar, decorated with memorabilia, including a room covered entirely in one-dollar bills, is the best place to catch up with friends, play games such as Ping Pong, and meet new people.
Go clubbing. If you love the nightlife, then clubbing in Scottsdale is a must-do. Visit clubs like Riot House, Maya Day Club, or Cake Night Club and enjoy dancing the night away. If you’re in a large group and lucky, you’ll run into a club promoter offering a table and free drinks to draw crowds. However, use your best judgment and watch out for scammers before accepting any offers.
Getting Around
Ubers and rideshare apps are the best and most convenient ways to get around if you don’t have a car or don’t plan on driving. Taxis are also available.
Take a Walk. Depending on where you stay, many shops and restaurants will be within walking distance, as much of Phoenix is easily walkable.
Take local buses and metro rails. Fares are typically very affordable, and you can access many areas through public transportation. Check out this handy website, which details everything you’ll need about public transit in Phoenix.
Rent a scooter or bike. Too far to walk but not far enough to drive? Try renting a scooter or bike. This is a fantastic way to save a little money and further explore the nooks and crannies in the city.
Rent a Car. You can also rent a car in Phoenix, which could be worth it if you stay longer than a week.
