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Phoenix on a Budget: Art, Nature, and Culture

Experience the heat of the desert without burning a hole in your pocket in Phoenix.

21 June 2023

A trip to Phoenix on a limited budget can still be enjoyable and memorable. Take advantage of free attractions such as the Papago Park and the Desert Botanical Garden. Get around the city using the Valley Metro public transportation system or by renting a bike to save on transportation expenses.

Travel plan

• Start your day with a breakfast burrito at Matt’s Big Breakfast, a local favorite.
• Take a stroll through the vibrant Roosevelt Row Arts District, and check out the murals and galleries.
• Visit the Phoenix Art Museum, which features exhibits from around the world and an extensive collection of American and Western art.
• Have lunch at Pomo Pizzeria Napoletana, known for its authentic wood-fired Neapolitan pizza.
• Take a tour of the Arizona State Capitol, and learn about the history and politics of the state.
• End the day with a drink at The Churchill, a renovated warehouse-turned-hipster hangout, with a variety of trendy bars and restaurants.
• Hotel Recommendation: Stay at the Clarendon Hotel and Spa, a chic and budget-friendly hotel with a rooftop bar and pool.

• Start your day with a hike at Camelback Mountain, a challenging trail with stunning views of the city.
• Visit the Desert Botanical Garden, home to over 50,000 plants, including many rare and endangered species.
• Have lunch at The Farm at South Mountain, a charming restaurant with fresh and locally sourced ingredients.
• Take a scenic drive along Apache Trail, and see the beautiful Superstition Mountains.
• Visit the Goldfield Ghost Town, a restored 1890s mining town with attractions like a narrow gauge train and a zip line.
• End the day with a sunset hot air balloon ride over the Sonoran Desert.
• Hotel Recommendation: Stay at the Found Re Phoenix, a quirky hotel with funky art and design, and a central location in the heart of downtown.

• Start your day with a brunch at Welcome Diner, a retro-style diner with a Southern-inspired menu.
• Visit the Heard Museum, which showcases Native American art and culture with exhibits and festivals.
• Take a tour of the Musical Instrument Museum, the largest museum of its kind, with over 6,500 instruments from around the world.
• Have lunch at Barrio Cafe, known for its award-winning Mexican cuisine and margaritas.
• Visit the Phoenix Zoo, which has over 1,400 animals and a variety of experiences like a safari train and a carousel.
• End the day with a show at the Celebrity Theatre, a unique venue with a 360-degree rotating stage.
• Hotel Recommendation: Stay at the Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix, a stylish and modern hotel with great amenities like an outdoor pool and rooftop bar.