Last Updated:
1/21/24
Phoenix & Scottsdale, AZ
Below is a list of the best places I would visit on a trip to this location. My picks fit my personality and interest. Everyone has a different interest so you may not like everything I listed which is fine. If you like a place, I recommend saving it to Google Maps for a future trip down the road. I made sure to include the address or GPS to make it easier to find. You can find out more about me in the "About Me" section to see if we share common interests.
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Breakfast
Matt's Big Breakfast
825 N 1st St, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Sample Menu of What I Would Order
Five Spot Platter: Breakfast Sandwich on a Roll with Two Eggs, Thick-Cut Bacon, American Cheese, Grilled Onions, and Choice of Potatoes $12.99
Chop & Chick: Two Eggs and a Skillet-Seared Iowa Pork Rib Chop served with Toast and a Choice of Potatoes $14.99
Hog & Chick: Two Eggs, Choice of Thick-Cut Bacon or Country Sausage served with Toast and Potatoes $13.49
Waffle with Bacon: $11.49
Hours:
Daily 7 am to 2 pm
Order Online: Yes
Original Breakfast House
13623 N 32nd St, Phoenix, AZ 85032
Sample Menu of What I Would Order
John Wayne Western Omelette: Filled with Ham, Bell Peppers, Onions, and Cheddar Cheese $16.50
Hawaiian Pancakes: Fresh Pineapple, Macadamia Nuts, White Chocolate Chips, and Toasted Coconut. Served with Coconut Cream Syrup $15.00
Triple Berry French Toast: Strawberries, Blackberries, and Raspberries $15.25
Hours:
Daily 6:30 am to 2 pm
Order Online: No
Jan. Highlight: Get the Chicken Mole Omelet, Fan Favorite Topped with Sour Cream, Queso Fresco, and Crispy Tortilla Chips
Activities
Phoenix Zoo
At any given time, approximately 1400 animals call the 125-acre Phoenix Zoo home. The largest privately owned, non-profit zoo in the United States
My List of Favorite Animals Would Like To See
Arabian Oryx
Mexican Wolf
Sumatran Tiger
Andean Bear
Golden Lion Tamarin
Cownose Ray
Burrowing Owl
Spotted-Necked Otter
General Admission Rates:
Adult (14+): $39.95
Child (3-13): $29.95
455 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008
Hours:
June 1st - Aug 31 Daily: 7 am - 1 pm
Sept 1st - Oct 31 Daily: 9 am - 5 pm
Nov 1st - Jan 17th Daily: 9 am - 4 pm
OdySea Aquarium
The aquarium is home to over 30,000 animals, representing over 500 species, including a wide range of marine animals, such as sharks, rays, sea turtles, penguins, and more. Visitors to the aquarium can experience a range of exhibits and displays, including immersive underwater habitats, interactive touch tanks, and multimedia displays that help to bring the world of aquatic life to life.
The Key Areas of OdySea Aquarium
Voyager: Twenty-Minute Adventure Through Four of OdySea Aquarium's Largest Exhibits While Sitting Comfortably in Stadium-Style Seating
Rivers of the World: The Russian Sturgeon Touch Pool, Sturgeon Cove
Otter Banks: My Favorite Animal, Never Miss Them
Penguin Point
Take the Escalator Down to Deep Ocean: One-of-a-Kind Experience to Watch the Sharks (8 species)
General Admission Rates:
Adult: $44.95
Child (2-12): $34.95
9500 East VÃa de Ventura Suite A-100, Scottsdale, AZ 85256
Hours (12.31.23):
Monday 9 am - 5 pm
Tuesday 9 am - 7 pm
Wednesday 9 am - 7 pm
Thursday 9 am - 7 pm
Friday 9 am - 7 pm
Saturday 9 am - 7 pm
Sunday 9 am - 7 pm
April Highlight: Odysea "Aquari-RUN" Stride for the Tide 5k ~ April 7th 7:30 am ~ Adult Price $50
Desert Botanical Garden
The garden features over 50,000 plants, representing over 5,000 species, including cacti, succulents, wildflowers, and other desert-dwelling plants. Visitors to the garden can explore a range of exhibits and displays, including immersive desert habitats, interactive exhibits, and educational programs that help to bring the beauty and diversity of the desert to life. The garden also features a variety of special events, including seasonal blooms, night-time events, and seasonal festivities, making it a must-visit for nature lovers, botanists, and anyone looking for a unique and educational day out. Whether you are a plant enthusiast, a student of botany, or simply looking for a peaceful and relaxing way to spend the day
The Key Areas of Desert Botanical Garden
Sonoran Desert Nature Loop Trail: Hike to the Top for an Amazing View of the Garden & Phoenix
Center For Desert Living Trail
Desert Discovery Loop Trail
Harriet K. Maxwell Desert Wildflower Loop Trail
General Admission Rates:
General Admission: $24.95 - $29.95
Youth (3-17): $14.95 - $16.95
1201 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008
Hours (12.31.23):
Daily 8 am to 8 pm
Feb. Highlight: 85th Anniversary Concert ~ Feb 9th ~ Adult Price $44.95 ~ Contemporary Jazz Fusion
Musical Instrument Museum
The museum is home to over 16,000 musical instruments and artifacts representing over 200 countries and cultures from around the world. Visitors to the museum can experience a range of exhibits and displays, including interactive displays, multimedia presentations, and hands-on exhibits that help to bring the world of musical instruments to life. The MIM also offers a variety of educational programs, concerts, and events, making it a must-visit for music lovers, students of music history, and anyone looking for a fun and educational day out. Whether you are a musician, a music enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique and exciting way to spend the day.
The Key Areas of Musical Instrument Museum
Geographic Galleries: Instruments Broken Down into Major World Regions - Africa, Middle East, Asia & Oceania, Latin America, Europe, and North America
Artist Gallery: Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Maroon 5, and More (40 Displays)
Experience Gallery: Hands-On, Cut Loose on Some Drums
Mechanical Music Gallery: Look at Barrel Organs, Cylinder Music Boxes, Disc Players, Automatons, and More
Conservation Lab: See How They Preserve These Instruments from Large Viewing Window
General Admission Rates:
General Admission: $20.00
Teen (13-19): $15.00
Child (4-12): $10.00
4725 E Mayo Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85050
Hours
Daily 9 am to 5 pm
Food
Culinary Dropout
149 S Farmer Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281
Hours
Monday to Thurs 11 am - 10 pm
Friday 11 am - Midnight
Saturday 10 am - Midnight
Sunday 10 am - 10 pm
Order Online: Yes
Sample Menu of What I Would Order
The M.A.C. Burger: Double Cheeseburger, Onion, Lettuce, Pickle $18.00
Steak Frites: Prime Skirt Steak, Black Truffle Butter, and French Fries $32.00
Fried Chicken: Buttermilk Biscuit, Smashed Potato, Gravy $22.00
Beer Battered Fish & Chips: Coleslaw, Tartar Sauce $20.00
Rehab Burger Therapy
7210 E 2nd St, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Sample Menu of What I Would Order
Philly Cheese Fries (Starter): Sauteed Shaved Rib-eye with Peppers & Onions Piled Atop a Basket of Skin-On-Fries Topped with Cheez Whiz and a Drizzle of Sriracha $13.00
The Porkster Burger: Burger with BBQ Pulled Pork and Cheddar Cheese $19.00
Hangover Burger: Burger with Fried Egg, Bacon, Colby Jack Cheese, and Hatch Green Chili $17.75
Tractor Pulled Pork: Spicy Pineapple BBQ Pork Piled High on Choice of Bun $14.50
The Tony Montana: Black Forest Ham, Pulled Pork, Swiss Cheese, and Kosher Dill Pickle Served on a Smashed Baguette with Side of Stone Ground Mustard $14.75
Hours
Monday to Weds 11 am - 8 pm
Thursday 11 am - 9 pm
Fri & Sat 11 am - 10 pm
Sunday 11 am - 9 pm
Order Online: No
Jan. Highlight: Bugatti Burger ~ 10 oz Burger Topped with Provolone, Halved Meatballs, Mozzarella, Pepperoni, and Marinara on Ciabatta Bun Toasted with Garlic Butter ~ Limited Availability
Sweet Republic
6054 N 16th St, Phoenix, AZ 85016
Flavor Samples From Menu (Seasonal)
Caramel Corn
Brown Butter Pecan
Strawberry Buttermilk
Huckleberry Swirl
Cherry Chocolate Chip
Brownie Girl Swirl
Salted Caramel Swirl
Hours (12.5.22)
Sunday to Thurs Noon - 10 pm
Fri & Sat Noon - 11 pm
Order Online: Yes
By the Scoop: Single $4.50 / Double $6.50
Places to Stay
FYI: The hotel prices are estimated and will most likely fluctuate since I looked them up on their website. I will keep them updated the best I can every three months. I look for the cheapest available room, usually a queen bed. I typically look at book rates two months in advance and in the middle of the month to get average rates. Reminder: It is an ESTIMATE
JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa
Located Very Close to Musical Instrument Museum & Penske Racing Museum
Five Pools - All Temperature Controlled to 82 Degrees with Lazy River, Waterslide, and Private Cabanas
Food Options: Tia Carmen (Southwest Farm), Twenty6 (Bourbon Bar/Lounge), Meritage (Urban Tavern), Revive Spa Bistro (Healthy), Just A Splash Bar & Grill (American Fare), and Roy's Pacific Rim (Asian/Hawaiian Flavor)
World-Class Pickleball Center with 17 Lighted Courts - Casual Game for All Ages
Who is this for: Golfers, People with Extra Money to Splurge, Pool Loungers, and Older Active People
5350 E Marriott Dr, Phoenix, AZ 85054
Estimated Cost for Weekend Night (without tax/fee)
King Bed in Feb 23' - $785.00
King Bed in April 23' - $869.00
King Bed in April 24' - $1000.00
Check Out the AquaRidge WaterPark
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
Located Very Close to TPC Scottsdale & Penske Racing Museum
Six Pools - Waterslides, Adult Only Pool, and Cabana Rentals
Food Options: Toro Latin Restaurant & Rum Bar (Pan-Latin Fusion), La Hacienda (Modern Mexican), Ironwood American Kitchen (Farm-to-Table), and Bourbon Steak (Steakhouse)
Who is this for: Golfers, People with Extra Money to Splurge, Pool Loungers, and Spa People
7575 E Princess Dr, Scottsdale, AZ 85255
Estimated Cost for Weekend Night (without tax/fee)
King Deluxe in Feb 23' - $785.00
King Deluxe in April 23' - $656.00
King Deluxe in April 24' - $959.00
21 and up fun
Four Peaks Brewing Company
1340 E 8th St #104, Tempe, AZ 85281
SAMPLE OF BEER MENU (12.14.22)
Serious Black: Russian Imperial Ale | 13.4% ABV
Hop Knot: IPA - American | 6.7% ABV | 47 IBU
Kilt Lifter: Scottish Ale | 6.0% ABV | 21 IBU
8th Street Pale Ale: Pale Ale - English | 4.9% ABV | 21 IBU
Peach Ale: Fruit | 4.5% ABV | 9 IBU
Oatmeal Stout: Stout - Oatmeal | 5.2% ABV | 35 IBU
Hours (12.28.23):
Mon to Thurs 11 am - 10 pm
Friday 11 am - 11 pm
Saturday 9 am - 11 pm
Sunday 9 am - 1o pm
Food Menu is Available
Fate Brewing Company
1312 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85257
SAMPLE OF BEER MENU (12.14.22)
False Promises: IPA - Hazy | 6.2% ABV | 35 IBU
Hatch Chile Gatos: Chile Beer | 4.5% ABV | 23 IBU
Candy Bar: Milk Stout | 6.0% ABV | 20 IBU
Pineapple Mago Gose: Gose with Sea Salt & Indian Coriander | 4.0% ABV | 5 IBU
Big City Nights: Sour - Blackberry, Honey, Lemon | 6.0% ABV | 5 IBU
Fateful IPA: IPA - American | 6.6% ABV | 85 IBU
Hours:
Monday to Thurs 11 am - 10 pm
Friday & Saturday 11 am - Midnight
Sunday 11 am - 10 pm
Food Menu is Available
Again these are just few of my picks that fit my personality and interest. If you feel that I left one-off that may interest me or other people, message me on Facebook about the location. I value a person's opinion and never just discard the information. Always looking forward to learning about new places to add to my Google Map. ~ Shawn
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The Summary in Activities Uses OpenAI. (2024). ChatGPT (3.5) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com