Spring Break in Tucson & Phoenix, AZ

The beginning of our trip started in Tucson, Arizona, where we ventured around downtown for a light lunch and some afternoon drinks. HUB Restaurant & Ice Creamery on Congress Street caught our attention with their fun menu options and rotating ice cream selection. The food was delicious and served promptly. The Summerhaven Slushie (mixed with your choice of available sorbet) offers the perfect refreshing cocktail for a warm spring day.

From the HUB, there is only a small 10 minute walk to The Boxyard, which features a unique patio bar and eatery. The bright teal and orange shipping containers make up funky restaurants and bars, offering countless good times with plenty of seating upstairs and downstairs. With a DJ every Saturday night, it’s basically impossible to not have a good time!

Before we left for Phoenix, we just had to try a local Tucson resident’s Mexican restaurant recommendation. Guadalajara Original Grill offers fresh, made-at-table, guacamole and salsa, along with a fun and refreshing atmosphere. I highly recommend ordering the Molcajete Ultimo with a few extra homemade tortillas to share between two people. Do still expect to bring home some leftovers though!!

Finally, our trip came to a close in Phoenix, where we stayed at the Rise Uptown Hotel. Rise Uptown blew all of my expectations out of the water. It's such a cute, hidden boutique hotel. Not only are the rooms fun and unique, but it also features the Lylo Swim Club, the Don Woods’ Say When rooftop bar, the Cartel Roasting Co. and check-in popsicle stand. While checking in, you can treat yourself to two complementary popsicles (boozy or non-boozy) and your first cocktail free during happy hour! There is a variety of different room options, some featuring a poolside balcony, studio, mini room or a balcony with a fire pit. Each room is unique and decorated a little differently than the next. Don’t forget to bring your favorite fur-baby along, as there is plenty of outdoor space for you and your pup to sit and relax outside of your hotel room. Rise Uptown Hotel will definitely be my go-to place to stay every time I’m in Phoenix!

I recommend the Rise Uptown Hotel to my clients looking for a fun girls or couples weekend trip! Cabanas and poolside cocktails are the perfect mix when booking your next stay! Reach out and let me plan your next adventure to Phoenix!

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Arizona. In need of further inspiration? Check out Gillian Spatz’s guide, Explore Flagstaff, Arizona: Your Gateway to Adventure in the Southwest.