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Phoenix

Desert sunsets, Roosevelt Row murals & drive-in nights

Browse Phoenix

Phoenix does things its own way: desert sunsets behind Camelback Mountain, the murals and galleries of Roosevelt Row, and retro Americana like a nine-screen drive-in that still packs cars in every night. Our first local picks pair the West Wind Glendale 9 Drive-In with Fair Trade Cafe, the longest-standing Latina-owned coffeehouse in the city. More hand-picked recommendations are on the way – filter by category and budget below.

Phoenix at a glance

  • Ideal stay: 2 to 3 days
  • Best time to visit: October to April
  • Highlights: Roosevelt Row and desert hikes
  • Where to stay: Downtown / Roosevelt Row
  • Local picks: a growing set of hand-chosen tips
  • Getting around: light rail downtown; car for the rest

Where to stay in Phoenix

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Downtown

Downtown Phoenix Farmers Market

Why it matters: this Saturday market is run by Community Food Connections, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2005 to support small Arizona farms and make fresh food accessible downtown – your tamale money goes straight into that mission. Recently relocated to the Arizona Center, it packs in local growers, bakers and makers, and it’s one of the few places to meet the people actually farming the Sonoran Desert. Come hungry: prepared-food stalls do a brisk breakfast trade. Tip: arrive close to the 8am open in summer – by 10 the heat wins.
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Roosevelt Row

Fair Trade Cafe

Why it matters: founded in 2007 by former teacher Stephanie Vasquez, this is the longest-standing Latina-owned cafe in Phoenix – and every cup is fair-trade sourced. It is also simply the Roosevelt Row hangout: local art on the walls, in-house baking, and downtown’s best people-watching patio. Order the horchata latte and settle in.
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Roosevelt Row

Palabras Bilingual Bookstore

Why it matters: owner Chawa Magaña, the daughter of Mexican immigrants, built Palabras as a Latina-owned bilingual bookstore and community refuge that centers BIPOC voices – part bookshop, part art gallery, part mutual aid garden. The shelves mix English and Spanish titles you won’t find at the chains, and the Roosevelt Row storefront doubles as a workshop and event space most weekends. Browse the curated Latinx and Indigenous authors section, then check the events board on your way out. Tip: it’s closed Monday and Tuesday, so plan your First Friday art walk stop accordingly.
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Glendale

West Wind Glendale 9 Drive-In

One of America’s great surviving drive-ins: nine screens of first-run movies under the desert sky, tickets around $8.50, and concessions that run from popcorn to tacos. Come early for a good spot, tune your car radio, and note the bonus local secret – on Saturday and Sunday mornings the lot becomes the Glendale Public Market with produce, handmade goods and live music.
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From our home city

Visiting New York City on this trip?

This guide is made by the team behind Like A Local Tours - NYC's award-winning, woman-owned food tour company. If New York is on your route, eat through it with us.

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Phoenix travel FAQ

How many days do you need in Phoenix?

Two to three days covers downtown, Roosevelt Row, a desert hike and a drive-in night - add more for Sedona or Grand Canyon day trips.

Where is the best area to stay in Phoenix?

Downtown and Roosevelt Row keep you near the light rail, the murals and the best coffee; Scottsdale and Camelback suit resort trips.

What are the best things to do in Phoenix?

Browse the local picks above, from the classic nine-screen drive-in to the city's longest-standing Latina-owned cafe.

What is the best time to visit Phoenix?

October to April brings warm, dry perfection; summer is very hot - plan mornings and pools.

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