You’ve traveled to Phoenix, Arizona and might be wondering what are the best places to explore and activities to do. During the time of retrieval we recommend taking it easy and having a relaxing few days in Phoenix. From the world famous resorts to the largest aquarium in the Southwest, the Phoenix-Metropolitan area has some can’t-miss spots to discover during your stay.
Activities
Horseback Riding: Explore the Sonoran Desert and its many scenic trails on horseback.
Tempe Town Lake: If the weather is nice take a stroll down the pedestrian bridge and be able to see the lively ASU Main Campus. If you don’t feel like walking, rent a pedal boat and see Tempe from the water.
Zak’s Chocolate: Take a tour of the chocolate factory, get a tasting, and see a demonstration of the chocolate making process. Don’t forget to take some back with you to snack on after your retrieval!
Hot Air Balloon Ride: If you’re feel adventurous, then see Phoenix from the sky. Not to mention, the weather is a lot nicer up there and it makes for one great Instagram picture.
Eating
Pizza: Did you know Phoenix was named America’s best city for Pizza? Try award winning local places like Pizzeria Bianco, The Parlor, Oregano’s, and Cibo. And Chicago favorites Lou Malanatis, Gino’s East, and Giordano’s. But you can also not go wrong ordering delivery to your hotel room, try a Phoenix favorite, Barro’s Pizza.
Tacos: Besides pizza, Arizona is known for its amazing Mexican food. Many of our Mexican restaurants are putting a fun flair on the street taco. Places such as Diego Pops, Taco Guild, Urban Taco, Joyride Taco House, CRUjiente Tacos, and Blanco Tacos + Tequila are all recommended. Just remember to skip the margarita before your retrieval date, the day of retrieval, and any days after if you take any medication.
Lunch: Ladies who lunch will love these local hot spots. Postino, La Grande Orange, True Food Kitchen, Grassroots Kitchen & Tap, Flower Child, The Vig, Sauce, or Pita Jungle, just to name a few. Phoenix is busting at the seems with lunch favorites so wherever you go, you can’t go wrong.
Upscale Dining: If you want to celebrate your generous donation and giving the gift of hope, you can dine at one of the many fancy restaurants Phoenix has to offer. Our most notable steakhouses, Steak 44, Mastro’s Steakhouse, Ocean Club, or Dominick’s might put a dent in that reimbursement check you received. But other places like Hillstone, Houston’s, Local Bistro, White Chocolate Grill, or Season’s 52 offer similar experiences without the price tag.
Museums and Attractions
Musical Instrument Museum: Nominated as the #1 Place to Visit on TripAdvisor Phoenix, this museum has been designated as a must see. Look at memorabilia, instruments from around the world, and play your own tunes at the MIM.
Art Museums: Visit wither the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art or the Phoenix Museum of Art to get a little more cultured while you’re here. Enjoy the exhibits and surrounding areas of these two museums.
OdySea/Butterfly Wonderland: Located right next to each other, these two attractions attract a lot of visitors everyday. OdySea is the largest aquarium in the Southwest and showcases sea life like you’ve never seen before. Come up close and personal with starfish, sea urchins, and dolphins located in Scottsdale. Then head next door and walk through a butterfly enclosure, where more likely than not one will land right on you.
Desert Botanical Gardens: Stroll through nature on one of the many Garden trails, learn about birds from the experts, and discover the secrets behind cacti.
Zoos: There are two zoos in Phoenix, the Phoenix Zoo and the Wildlife World Zoo. Both offer unique experiences and wildlife like no other. If you are here in the winter months, make sure you check out ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo to see it all lit up at night.
Shopping
Scottsdale Fashion Square: There is nothing quite like getting out of the desert oasis and into the shopper’s paradise. As the largest mall in town, it has the best shopping for every category from premier brands to sporting goods. Show your out-of-town ID at Scottsdale Fashion Square’s Concierge, or Text Concierge at (480) 568-5568 to receive a complimentary Visitor Rewards card.
Biltmore Fashion Park: This outdoor shopping mall was designed to make your shopping feel like a walk in the park. Enjoy stores like Saks Fifth Avenue to some of Phoenix’s best tacos at Blanco’s Tacos and Tequila.
Kierland Commons and Scottsdale Quarter: These two outdoor malls are situated right across the street from each other with easy access to both. Shopping includes stores like Victoria’s Secret, lululemon athletica, H&M, Anthropologie and so much more. While your there, visit Arizona’s most Instagramed restaurant Postino for some mouthwatering bruschetta.
Last Chance: This store is the first and only of its kind. It is all the Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack returns. Find designers like Free People, Jimmy Choo, Alexander Wang, Steve Madden, Tory Burch, and more for incredible prices. When visiting Phoenix this is a must! And it is located not far from The World Egg Bank at 18th St. and Camelback.
Resorts & Spas
During your time in Phoenix, we want you to be as calm and at ease as you can. And this town is known for its many resorts, which all include spas. If you want a trip to remember, visit one of these beautiful resorts, lay by the pool, sip on virgin pina coladas or daquiris, and see all the this city has to offer. Some places we recommend are the Hotel Valley Ho, The Phoenician, Camelback Inn, JW Marriott Desert Ridge, Westin Kierland, and many many more. The goal here is to treat yourself and this accomplishment.
Sporting Events
Arizona Cardinals: If you’re retrieval is during football season, then heading over to Glendale might be worth your while. But remember to take it easy, have fun, but not get too rowdy.
Arizona Diamondbacks: Enjoy all the wonderful sights, smells, and snacks that Chase Field has to offer. Located in bustling Downtown Phoenix, catching a baseball game might be the relaxing night you need.
Phoenix Suns: Aptly named for the 365 days a year weather, attending a basketball game will leave you entertained and amused.
Arizona Coyotes: It’s our hockey team, not those scary, wild animals. Sit back, relax, and don’t forget to bring a jacket!
Phoenix Rising FC: The newest professional sports team to hit the Valley of the Sun is our soccer team. Check out this brand new team, stadium, and experience.
No matter what time of year you are visiting for your retrieval, there is always something fun, new, exciting, happening in Phoenix. Give hope by donating your eggs with The World Egg Bank and venture through the Phoenix-Metropolitan area for a trip you’ll remember forever.