Hey guys!
This is long overdue, but I wanted to really create an AZ travel + gram guide for you guys that was specific and have everything that I always look for in a guide! I’ve lived in Arizona for close to 11 years now and I think I have everything nailed down. I call this the AZ travel guide, but I primarily stick to the Phoenix/Scottsdale area. There’s so much to explore outside of Phoenix and Scottsdale though, but I’m just not familiar with it to be comfortable including it in my guide. I do HIGHLY recommend checking out Sedona tho! It’s absolutely beautiful.
I tried my best to organize everything, so it’s easy to find based on what area you’re in and what you’re looking for! Enjoy! xx
Gram Spots
I’m all about getting as much content as possible in a short period of time. I’m going to list my favorite areas in the valley in order based on my style of content with a little blurb, so you know which area is best for you!
1. Downtown Phoenix
I like going to Downtown Phoenix to shoot because there’s a lot of different walls + textures in a small vicinity. I also really like Downtown because there’s a lot of different character to the buildings and it’s not so new and commercialized. I like plain + simple backdrops, so Downtown really works for me and my style. If you also drive a little outside of it, there’s a lot of cute historic neighborhoods in Downtown that is adorable that you can’t find anywhere else in Arizona. Here are some specific areas that I like to shoot at around the Downtown area: Warehouse District, Evans Churchill District, Melrose, Encanto, Willo.
2. Arcadia/Biltmore
I like to go to Arcadia/Biltmore area when I’m looking to shoot more of a cute/feminine look! I’d say it has more flowers + greenery than other areas in the valley (not in the summer though cause everything is pretty much dead from the heat hah). Everything is driving distance, but there are cute neighborhoods and cute shops + restaurants, so if you keep your eye out there are definitely spots you can take photos at 🙂
3. Old Town Scottsdale
Old Town has a little bit of everything! I like to go to Old Town Scottsdale when I know I want to shoot at a specific spot! The only thing is everywhere is pretty busy and it’s a high traffic spot, but you’ll definitely find a spot to shoot at. Everything is pretty close too so you can bounce around places for different looks!
4. Gilbert/Chandler
Okay, these are two different cities but they’re a little far for me so I rarely make it over to Gilbert + Chandler but there are a ton of cute places to shoot there. There’s everything from big fields of greenery to cute buildings, especially in Downtown Gilbert!
5. North Scottsdale
North Scottsdale has a lot of cute spots and new builds, especially around Scottsdale Quarter + Kierland. The reason it’s last on my list is that it’s pretty commercialized and I’ve always had a tough time finding good spots to take photos at. Plus, it’s not easy to get from location to location, but don’t get me wrong, there are cute spots you just have to really look!
Where to Stay
Scottsdale
The Scott Resort – Sakura’s Fave!
4925 N. Scottsdale Road. Scottsdale, AZ. 85251
(480) – 945 – 7666
The Scott is Instagram heavennnn. It’s absolutely beautiful and the location is right in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale. It’s so close to Fashion Square Mall and there’s tons of things to do around there!
Instagram
View this post on Instagram
The Andaz
6114 N Scottsdale Road. Scottsdale, AZ. 85253
(480) – 368 – 1234
The Andaz is a beautiful + fun hotel! The decor is so modern, cute, and colorful- kinda has a cute retro vibe. I’d honest recommend this hotel for a girls getaway trip or even a trip with your honey. The pool vibe is fun, but not too crazy. I highly, highly recommend the Andaz!
Instagram
View this post on Instagram
The Saguaro Hotel
4000 N Drinkwater Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
(480) 308-1100
The Saguaro is fun, bright, and colorful! It’s right in the middle of Old Town Scottsdale and everything is walking distance. It’s totally Instagrammable too. Definitely worth checking out!
Instagram
View this post on Instagram
The Omni Montelucia – Sakura’s Fave
4000 N. Drinkwater Blvd. Scottsdale, AZ. 85251
(480) – 308 – 1100
The Montelucia is really a sanctuary. It’s absolutely gorgeous and I would say it’s more of a hotel that you want to spend with your significant other than your girlfriends- it’s totally romantic & beautiful. If you get a chance to check out their spa, definitely do so! It’s one of my favorite spas!
Instagram
View this post on Instagram
Hotel Valley Ho
6850 E. Main St. Scottsdale, AZ. 85251
(480) – 376 – 2600
Such a fun hotel with a great 70s vibe! It’s definitely a fun hotel to stay at with your friends + family. Location is also great in Old Town Scottsdale!
Instagram
View this post on Instagram
Hotel Adeline
5101 N. Scottsdale, AZ. 85250
(480) – 284 – 7700
Hotel Adeline is super Instagrammable and such a fun hotel! Just walk into the lobby and you’ll know what I mean! It’s definitely great for a girl’s weekend.
Instagram
View this post on Instagram
Mountain Shadows – Sakura’s Fave
5445 E. Lincoln Dr. Paradise Valley, AZ. 85253
(855) – 485 – 1417
I love Mountain Shadows! It’s a beautiful resort that’s totally chic + Instagrammable. The decor is unbelievable- so posh. I also love the location- it’s technically in Paradise Valley which means it’s close to Old Town Scottsdale, but also close to Arcadia/Phoenix!
Instagram
View this post on Instagram
Phoenix
Royal Palms – Sakura’s Fave
5200 E. Camelback Road. Phoenix, AZ. 85018
(602) – 283 – 1234
Such a beautiful hotel! UGH! It’s big and you’re covered in greenery + flowers everywhere. It’s like a little sanctuary! I would say it’s more of a romantic getaway kinda hotel.
Instagram
View this post on Instagram
The Palomar – Sakura’s Fave
2 E. Jefferson St. Phoenix, AZ. 85004 – Downtown
(602) – 253 – 6633
If you’re looking for a place to stay in Downtown Phoenix, this is definitely my top choice. You are in the heart of Downtown and everything is walking distance. I also love the vibe of it!
Instagram
View this post on Instagram
The Found:re
1100 N. Central Ave. Phoenix, AZ. 85004
(602) – 875 – 8000
The Found:re is a fun boutique hotel in Downtown Phoenix. I love all of the cool art that they’ve curated from local artists in Phoenix. It definitely has a cool swanky vibe to it and I highly recommend it!
Instagram
View this post on Instagram
Where to Get Tea + Coffee
Scottsdale
Berdena’s – Sakura’s Fave
7051 E. 5th Ave. Unit I. Scottsdale, AZ. 85251
(480) – 256 – 1403
Such a cute coffee shop! It’s in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale and it’s so cute! Try the honey lavender latte with their famous avocado toast!
Instagram
View this post on Instagram
Schmooze
4222 N. Marshall Way. Scottsdale, AZ. 85251
(480) – 999 – 2822
Instagram
View this post on Instagram
Four Till Four
7105 E. First Ave. Scottsdale, AZ. 85251
(602) 888 – 3583
Instagram
View this post on Instagram
Ruze Cake House – Sakura’s Fave
033 E. Main Street. Unit 100. Scottsdale, AZ. 85251
(480) – 428 -8692
Ruze is so stinkin cute guys! This place is totally Instagrammable and they have amazing (and adorable) treats + drinks! I’m obsessed with boba and they totally have them here!
Instagram
View this post on Instagram
Phoenix
Teaspressa – Sakura’s Fave
4628 E. Indian School Road. Phoenix, AZ. 85018
(917) – 710 – 5748
Probably one of the most instagrammable tea shops in AZ! Girls absolutely love Teaspressa cause it’s so stinkin cute in there. My favorite drink to order is the London Fog! YUM
Instagram
View this post on Instagram
Sip
3620 E. Indian School Road. Phoenix, AZ. 85018
(602) – 900 – 5188
Instagram
View this post on Instagram
Palabra – Futuro – Sakura’s Fave
909 N. 1st Street. Phoenix, AZ. 85004
(602) – 730 – 3227
If you’re a minimalist + you love coffee this is your place! It’s bright white + just so cool.
Instagram
View this post on Instagram
Songbird – Sakura’s Fave
812 N. Third Street. Phoenix, AX 85004
(602) – 374 – 4192
Such a cute coffee shop! It’s in this old historic home, so it has a cool vintage vibe that I love. Definitely worth checking out!
Instagram
View this post on Instagram
Be Coffee – Sakura’s Fave
214 E. Roosevelt Street. Phoenix, AZ. 85004
(602) – 687 – 7544
Coffee is great and the food is fantastic! They have my favorite breakfast sandwich here! Seriously, so good!
Instagram
View this post on Instagram
Lux Coffee
4400 N Central Avenue. Phoenix, AZ. 85012
602-327-1396
Lux has great coffee but they also have amazing sweet treats and pastries!
Instagram
Where to Eat
Scottsdale
Chopshop (multiple locations)
7158 E. 5th Ave. Scottsdale, AZ
(480) – 794 – 1536
Chopshop is a fast-casual healthy food spot that I love. I just love running in there to grab a smoothie or a salad!
Instagram
View this post on Instagram
Diego Pops – Sakura’s Fave
4338 N. Scottsdale Road. Scottsdale, AZ. 85251
(480) – 970 – 1007
Super Instagrammable and the food is really good! They also have great happy hours!
Instagram
View this post on Instagram
Postino – Sakura’s Fave (multiple locations)
4821 N. Scottsdale Road. Scottsdale, AZ. 85251
(602) 428 – 4444
Ugh! Their bruschettas are a must- the fig + prosciutto is my favorite! It’s a great place for lunch with your girlfriends or date night with your honey.
Instagram
View this post on Instagram
North – Sakura’s Fave (multiple locations)
15205 N. Kierland Blvd. Unit 150. Scottsdale, AZ. 85254
(480) – 948 – 2055
Okay, I love this place. I love the food and the atmosphere! I love to order their strozzapreti and their tiramisu is my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE.
Instagram
View this post on Instagram
Blanco Tacos and Tequila
6166 N. Scottsdale Road. Unit 601. Paradise Valley, AZ, 85253
(480) – 305 – 6692
Instagram
View this post on Instagram
AZ 88
7353 E. Scottsale Mall. Scottsdale, AZ. 85251
(480) -994 – 5576
Instagram
View this post on Instagram
Olive and Ivy
7135 E. Camelback Road. Unit 195. Scottsdale, AZ, 85251
(480) – 751 – 2200
Instagram
View this post on Instagram
Farm and Craft
4302 N. Scottsdale Road. Scottsdale, AZ. 85251
(480) – 568 – 8980
Instagram
View this post on Instagram
SumoMaya
6560 N. Scottsdale Road. Scottsdale, AZ. 85253
(480) – 397 – 9520
Great sushi spot for brunch + dinner! It’s so cute inside and such a fun vibe! Also a great restaurant to pregame at before a night out in Old Town Scottsdale 🙂
Instagram
View this post on Instagram
Arcadia Farms– Sakura’s Fave
7014 E. 1st Ave. Scottsdale, AZ. 85251
(480) – 941 – 5665
This place is just so dang cute. It’s instagrammable and the food is great! I feel like I’m in LA everytime I go! I also love to order the coconut mini cake at the end of every meal! Definitely one of my favorite lunch spots!
Instagram
View this post on Instagram
Phoenix
Restaurant Progress
702 West Montecito Ave. Phoenix, AZ. 85013.
602-441-0553
Restaurant Progress is a must for your visit to AZ! They have great food, and fun cocktails!
Instagram
View this post on Instagram
Fame Caffe
4700 North Central Ave. Phoenix, AZ.
602-314-4660
Fame is great for breakfast, lunch or brunch! I love their welcoming atmosphere too!
Instagram
View this post on Instagram
True Food Kitchen
2502 E. Camelback Road. Phoenix, AZ. 85016
(602) 774 – 3488
Instagram
View this post on Instagram
The Arrogant Butcher
2 E. Jefferson St. Unit 150. Phoenix, AZ. 85004
(602) – 324 – 8502
Instagram
View this post on Instagram
Gallo Blanco
928 E. Pierce St. Phoenix, AZ. 85006
(602) – 327 – 0880
Instagram
View this post on Instagram
Postino – Sakura’s Fave
3939 E. Campbell Ave. Phoenix, AZ. 85018
(602) 852 – 3939
Instagram
View this post on Instagram
North – Sakura’s Fave (multiple locations)
4925 N. 40th Street. Phoenix, AZ 85018
(602) 324 – 5600
Instagram
View this post on Instagram
La Grande Orange – Sakura’s Fave
4410 N. 40th Street. Phoenix, AZ. 85018
(602) – 840 – 7777
It’s a great place for breakfast, lunch, or dinner! Everything is good here! My favorite thing to order here is the kale + quinoa salad.
Instagram
View this post on Instagram
Joyride
5202 N. Central Ave. Phoenix, AZ. 85012
(602) – 274 – 8226
Instagram
View this post on Instagram
Windsor
5223 N. Central Ave. Phoenix, AZ. 85012
(602) – 279 – 1111
Instagram
View this post on Instagram
The Parlor – Sakura’s Fave
1916 E Camelback Road. Phoenix, AZ. 85016
(602) – 248 – 2480
The Parlour is a good spot for lunch or dinner! They have pizzas, salads, and so much more! Everything is seriously delicious. You can’t go wrong at The Parlour.
Instagram
View this post on Instagram
The Henry – Sakura’s Fave
4455 E. Camelback Road. Phoenix, AZ. 85018
(602) – 429 – 8020
Super Instagrammable and is a great place for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or just coffee! They have their restaurant, but also have a cute coffee bar where you can work from. It’s definitely an AZ fave! Their chopped salad is my new favorite thing to order there.
Instagram
View this post on Instagram
Chelsea’s Kitchen
5040 N. 40th Street. Phoenix, AZ. 85018
(602) – 957 – 2555
Instagram
View this post on Instagram
Ingo’s
4502 N. 40th Street. Phoenix, AZ. 85018
(602) – 795 – 2884
Instagram
View this post on Instagram
Flower Child
100 E. Camelback Road. Phoenix, AZ. 85012
(480) – 212 – 0180
Instagram
View this post on Instagram
Culinary Dropout
5632 N. Seventh Street. Phoenix, AZ 85014
(602) – 680 – 4040
Instagram
View this post on Instagram
The Churchill – Sakura’s Fave
901 N. First Street. Phoenix, AZ. 85004
Obviously one of my fave’s- it’s Kell’s spot and the coolest place to be in Downtown Phoenix! 😉 It’s just a great place to hang. It accommodates big groups and you can pick between so many different places! They have pizzas, mexican food, acai/smoothies, sandwich + salads, wine shop, and two bars as well as some retail spaces! Definitely worth checking out!
Instagram
View this post on Instagram
Welcome Diner
929 E. Pierce St. Phoenix, AZ. 85006
(602) – 495 – 85006
Instagram
View this post on Instagram
Breakfast Club – Sakura’s Fave
2 E. Jefferson Street. Phoenix, AZ 85004
(602) – 354 – 7284
Great breakfast spot! Great food, great vibe! Definitely a place I like to take my visitors!
Instagram
View this post on Instagram
Churn Ice Cream – Sakura’s Fave
5223 N. Central Ave. Phoenix, AZ. 85012
(602) – 279 0 8024
The cutest ice cream shop with theeee best ice cream! Super instagrammable and my favorite flavor to order is the butter pecan!
Instagram
View this post on Instagram
Where to Shop
Scottsdale
Fashion Square
7014 E. Camelback Road. Scottsdale, AZ. 85251
(480) – 941 – 2140
Fashion Square is in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale and probably our biggest indoor mall. They have lots of stores from regular stores to high-end stores. They also have a lot of restaurants, so if you need to get something or maybe just need to kill some time, this is the place to go!
Instagram
View this post on Instagram
Stephanie’s
4141 N. Marshall Way. Scottsdale, AZ. 85251
(602) – 508 – 0848
Instagram
View this post on Instagram
Alixandra Blue
4235 N. Marshall Way. Scottsdale, AZ. 85251
(480) – 275 – 7814
Instagram
View this post on Instagram
Scottsdale Quarter
15059 N. Scottsdale, Road. Scottsdale, AZ. 85254
(480) – 270 – 8123
Scottsdale Quarter is in North Scottsdale and is an outdoor mall. It’s also a great place to bring kiddos to run around and burn off some energy! hah. They have a splash pad, great restaurants, and shopping. The Quarter is right next to Kierland (the next one listed), so you can literally cross the street to find more stores and restaurants!
Instagram
View this post on Instagram
Kierland
15205 N. Kierland Blvd. Scottsdale, AZ. 85254
(480) – 348 – 1577
Instagram
View this post on Instagram
Phoenix
Cricket + Ruby
7150 East 5th Ave. Scottsdale, AZ. 85251
(480)-516-6240
Cricket + Ruby has the cutest stuff for babies, children, and even women! I love it all!
Instagram
View this post on Instagram
Vida Moulin – Sakura’s Fave
1568 E. Bethany Home Rd. Phoenix, AZ. 85014
(602) – 265 – 1644
My girlfriend, Chantell’s fashion + home + gift boutique that’s perfectly curated. Might I add it’s totally grammable + cute in there too. If you need something cute to wear for all occasions or a cute gift for your friend, this is where you want to go!
Instagram
View this post on Instagram
Local Nomad
100 E. Camelback Rd #168. Phoenix, AZ. 85012
(602) – 441-4378
Just going into Local Nomad makes me so happy. They have the cutest apparel, gift items, and things for your home. It’s so dreamy in there and the girls there are just the sweetest!
Instagram
View this post on Instagram
Gather
901 N. 1st St. Phoenix, AZ. 85004
(602) – 541-1899
Gather is located in The Churchill and they have everything from health + natural products like CBD, essential oils, etc to cute curated gift items!
View this post on Instagram
Manor
100 E. Camelback Rd. Suite 102. Phoenix, AZ. 85012
(602) – 795-7378
Manor is a really cool sneaker store located in Uptown Plaza! It’s Kell’s favorite store as he’s a big sneakerhead and it’s our go-to for sneakers! They also have apparel + backpacks too!
Instagram
View this post on Instagram
Frances
10 W. Camelback Road. Phoenix, AZ. 85013
(602) 279-5467
I love Frances! They have everything from clothes, gift items, cards, so much! Everything in here is so cute. When I don’t know what to get someone, Frances always has something for everyone.
Instagram
View this post on Instagram
Urbana
5027 N. 44th St #202. Phoenix, AZ. 85018
(602) 957-5066
Urbana is so dang cute. They have adorable things for your home + special occasion celebrations! If you need something wrapped too, they have the cutest wrapping papers and they will do it for you! Great place to buy gifts for wedding festivities too 🙂
Instagram
View this post on Instagram
Chandler
T. Madison Shop – Sakura’s Fave
7131 W. Ray Road. Unit 13. Chandler, AZ. 85226
(480) – 733 – 6863
T.Madison is my girlfriend Taylor’s clothing boutique that’s located in her family’s homegoods store called Found. Taylor has the cutest style and her items in her store reflect her style- cute + classic. You’ll find lots of neutral tones in her store, which is right up my alley! While you’re at it, you have to check out Found!
Instagram
View this post on Instagram
Muse Apparel
100 East Camelback Road. Phoenix, AZ. 85012.
(602) – 749 – 8880
Muse Apparel has the cutest boho / desert clothing! Definitely a must during your stay!
Instagram
View this post on Instagram