My family and I recently skipped down to Arizona. We flew into Phoenix, but our plans took us all over the state in our big rental car. We stayed in Scottsdale and ate great food there (and at In-N-Out Burger multiple times).

Here are my highlights in the form of a little guide for anyone traveling there soon. Enjoy!

WHAT TO DO:

Climb Camelback Mountain, ideally on a weekday morning. I’m no gym rat or even a person who enjoys sweating, but climbing this mountain was exhilarating. It was a lot harder than we anticipated (like my sister almost did not make it all the way up), but it was so worth it at the top. I suggest packing tons of water for the trek and yummy snacks to share while you enjoy the view. I also recommend hiking it with your siblings—we had so much fun together!

Go mini golfing! Roomie Ryan found a great spot for us all to play, Castles~n~Coasters, and it was a blast. There were FOUR different 18-hole courses to choose from and we loved playing at night. Highly recommend.

WHERE TO STAY:

The newly refurbished and rebranded resort we stayed at was called The Scott Resort and Spa. A relaxing scent hits you the second you step in to the lobby and then you’ll notice the many, many Instagrammable spots all over the property. The aesthetic is modern, minimalist, and indie in its vibe. There are wicker accents, dome lights, and cozy fire pits everywhere, plus a menu full of great cocktails and a nice pool area. The rooms aren’t as styled as the lobby and property, but they are still pretty lovely. If I were to go again, I’d make sure to hit the spa for a couples’ massage with the roomie!

WHAT TO EAT:

Do not miss Citizen Public House. We went late on a weeknight and had it almost to ourselves. Service was wonderful, wine felt fancy, and the entrees we ordered were fantastic. The most impressive part, though? The restaurant’s life-altering chopped salad. Never in my life has my family raved about a salad, but this one was full of everything from smoky salmon to pumpkin seeds to couscous and tossed in a creamy dressing that floored us. You must try it and share it with your dining buddies. (Note: the picture below is terrible because that salad got eaten within seconds of being placed on the table. Just know it’s prettier than this!)

WHAT TO DRINK:

Get margaritas at Barrio Queen. We weren’t super impressed with the food, but the margaritas were very tasty. I had the delicious Skinny Chola but tried multiple others that my family ordered. All impressed me since they didn’t taste like they were all straight from a mix. If you’ve got time, sit down and order the guacamole. They’ll make it right in front of you and throw on some juicy pomegranate seeds that enhance the flavor! Also, the chips and salsa get an A+.

WHERE TO INDULGE:

The Sugar Bowl opened its doors in 1958 and hasn’t changed much since. The decadent sundaes and splits will silence rumbling tummies for some time. My Dusty Road sundae featured malt powder, so I was in heaven (and in a chocolate coma for a bit following the ice cream stop).

WHAT TO TRAVEL TO:

Venture north to Sedona to see the red rocks if you have some time. We got there right at sunset and had fun driving toward the glowing view to find a great spot to gaze at them. I recommend finding a spot that you can drive right up to and have to yourself. That seemed like the most relaxing way to enjoy them.

BONUS:

It was a big drive, but we decided to drive up to the Grand Canyon one day. If you go, DO NOT go around the holidays. We sat in traffic for an obscene amount of time. I also suggest not going to the standard lookout point. It would be more impactful viewing it alone—or better yet, from a donkey’s back! Regardless, dang that canyon is grand.

If you find yourself at Breakfast Club in Scottsdale, order the fresh squeezed orange juice and unexpectedly amazing Huevos con Masa. You won’t regret it!