Our Recommendations
Image courtesy of Williams News
The Grand Canyon
If you don't see yourself coming out to AZ again for the foreseeable future, the Grand Canyon is an amazing sight and worth the trip. The South Rim is about 3.5-4 hours from Phoenix (2 hours from Sedona) and is definitely a must see if you have the time. If you're making a trip out of it, it's another 2.5 hours from here to Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon (see below).
Image courtesy of Jessica Meckmann Photography
Horseshoe Bend & Antelope Canyon
This is on the border of Arizona and Utah and requires some planning, but Antelope Canyon is truly a unique place (as well as the setting of the most expensive photo ever sold at $6.5 million). You need a permit to have a tour of the canyon ($50+ per person), but Horseshoe Bend is a convenient, free stop nearby. Elaine and Alex took a trip up here when Elaine first visited Alex in AZ after their graduation! Check below for tour info and please note they sell out quickly!
Image courtesy of Gateway to Sedona
Sedona
Sedona is famous for its red rocks and gorgeous landscape - so gorgeous, in fact, city officials mandated McDonald's use a turquoise blue "M" arch instead of its traditional yellow in order to not clash with the city's natural decor. If you come (2 hour drive from Phoenix), check out Devil's Bridge Trail or if you're more adventurous, we recommend a Pink Jeep Tour (Broken Arrow is the most popular tour). Please note the hiking is free but the jeep tours sell out well in advance! If you're here around dinnertime, check out Cress on Oak Creek or go anywhere in the town for a more casual meal.
Image courtesy of Experience Scottsdale
Desert Botanical Gardens
Elaine and Alex are proud of their desert heritage and encourage you to visit the Botanical Gardens, which showcase the natural foliage of the Sonoran Desert. The Gardens span 140 acres and is quite popular in the winter, but well worth the trip. Let us know your favorite cacti.
Image courtesy of AZ Golf Homes
Camelback Mountain
The silhouette of Camelback Mountain is the backdrop of the website homepage and the Save the Dates, and the reception is actually being held partway up the mountain! The mountain is an extremely popular hiking destination in the winter so we recommend going early, but it's well worth it. The Cholla Trail is the more popular option (1.5 miles and 1,200 ft. incline) while the Echo Trail is much more difficult (1.2 miles, ~1,300 ft. incline). Bring water and be safe! Let us know if you can see the Sanctuary Resort from the top. If you're looking for a more tame or dog-friendly option, we recommend 32nd St. Trail, about 10 minutes away.
Image Courtesy of Dru Bloomfield
Old Town Scottsdale
Old Town Scottsdale has great food, nightlife, shopping and is generally a fun place to walk around. We highly recommend Frank & Lupes for a great, casual but authentic Mexican dinner or El Mission for a more refined vibe. If you want to enjoy the nightlife, it gets quite lively (even compared to the nearby Mill Ave at ASU!) and there is a wide range of bars that works for everyone, but the best part is taking golf carts from place to place.
Image Courtesy of Topgolf Entertainment Group
Top Golf
Top Golfs are all the rave these days, and the Top Golf in Scottsdale is no different. If you like to golf but you aren't good enough to actually golf, swing by and enjoy snacks and drinks while you play. Stop by the casino next door afterwards if you're feeling lucky!
Image Courtesy of Myriad Real Estate
Postino Wine Cafe
Arizona is known for great Mexican food, but this cafe located in Arcadia has fantastic bruschetta — Elaine and Alex never miss an opportunity to go. Highly recommended for happy hour.