Phoenix Arizona Travel Itinerary for March 23
Arrival and stay in Phoenix
- Desert Botanical Garden — Papago Park; afternoon, ~2 hours. Wander among Sonoran Desert landscapes and seasonal blooms, ideally arriving after the strongest midday heat.
- Hole-in-the-Rock — Papago Park; late afternoon, ~45 minutes. Take the short climb for distinctive red-rock scenery and sunset views over Phoenix.
- The Churchill — Roosevelt Row; early evening, ~1.5 hours. Explore this lively local food hall and marketplace, with casual dinner costing approximately $15–30 per person.
- Roosevelt Row Arts District — Downtown Phoenix; evening, ~1 hour. Stroll the murals, galleries, and independent shops in Phoenix’s most walkable arts neighborhood.
- Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour — Downtown Phoenix; later evening, ~1.5 hours. Finish with inventive cocktails in a historic former Arizona state capitol building setting; drinks typically cost about $15–20 each.
Afternoon
Begin at Desert Botanical Garden in Papago Park, ideally around 2:30 or 3 p.m., when the light softens and the desert is more comfortable than at midday. Allow about two hours for the main trails through Sonoran Desert plantings and seasonal displays. Admission is typically around $30–40 for adults, and timed tickets are often used, so reserve ahead; wear closed-toe shoes, carry water, and use sunscreen even in March. From the garden, it’s only a few minutes by car to Hole-in-the-Rock—drive via Galvin Parkway and expect limited parking near the trailhead. The climb takes roughly 45 minutes round trip, with uneven rock and a short scramble, but the opening in the sandstone gives you a fine sunset outlook over the city and Papago’s distinctive red formations.
Evening
Head from Papago Park to The Churchill in Roosevelt Row, about 15–20 minutes by car depending on downtown traffic; rideshare is convenient, while the nearby garages and metered street spaces are usually easier than hunting for curb parking. Spend about 1½ hours here over a casual dinner—most meals run $15–30 per person—and browse the small local vendors inside the restored shipping-container marketplace. Afterward, walk through the Roosevelt Row Arts District, where murals, galleries, independent shops, and pocket patios make this one of downtown Phoenix’s best areas for an unhurried evening stroll. The district is most atmospheric after dark, though individual galleries and shops commonly close by 8 or 9 p.m.
Later Evening
Finish at Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour, inside the historic Luhrs Building near Washington Street. It’s a short walk or quick rideshare from Roosevelt Row; allow about 1½ hours, and expect cocktails to cost roughly $15–20 each. The menu is creative and often extensive, so this is better for a final drink than a rushed stop—arrive before the late-evening rush if you want a relaxed seat. Check the current hours and any reservation policy before setting out, as downtown bar schedules can change.
No packing list attached yet.
