Phoenix, Arizona is a vibrant and exciting city filled with endless activities for people of all abilities. From historical landmarks to cultural attractions, the city of Phoenix has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to explore new places or take part in a wealth of recreational opportunities, Phoenix is sure to provide an unforgettable experience for all people! Are you overwhelmed by all of the choices of things to do? We got you! Below is an easy-to-follow, two-day Phoenix itinerary for you to use as a basis to plan your trip.
Before You Arrive
Before arriving there are a few things that you should consider in your preparations to make your trip as successful as possible.
Weather
Phoenix’s climate is hot and dry, with the majority of days during the summer months reaching 100 °F (38 °C) or higher. The city averages around 3,872 hours of sunshine every year, making it one of the sunniest places on Earth. On average, there are 111 days annually with a high temperature above 100 °F and 21 days where temperatures reach 110 °F (43 °C) or more. There’s hardly any rain in Phoenix – only 8 inches per year – so people can expect mostly sunny skies all throughout the year. When packing for a trip to Phoenix, it is important to consider the extreme heat and wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing that can help keep you cool in addition to sunscreen and sunglasses. It’s also wise to pack plenty of water because staying hydrated is key when experiencing such hot weather.
Transportation
People traveling to Phoenix have plenty of transportation options available. The city is served primarily by its two airports, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport. The former, one of the busiest airports in the United States, offers direct flights to over 100 cities while the latter serves smaller commercial air traffic. Visitors flying into either airport may book an airport car rental online, and Wheelers will deliver your accessible van so you can pick it up right away after landing!
Additionally, Amtrak Thruway buses connect travelers from Flagstaff to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport for a connection with Los Angeles or Chicago. For those preferring to drive, several east-west and north-south freeways make it easy to get around the city. Drivers should plan their trip to avoid any congestion on their way in. Fortunately, due to smart infrastructure development and planning most highways remain car flow friendly throughout day and night so travelers can enjoy a smooth arrival into Phoenix without any delays or unforeseen issues.
Day 1
During your first day in the Valley of the Sun, we recommend experiencing the vast natural beauty that Phoenix has to offer. Day 1’s Phoenix itinerary is focused on outdoor activities that showcase the natural resources and environment of the area.
Morning: Explore The Beauty Of Desert Flora
To start things off, make a reservation for one of Phoenix’s top-rated outdoor breakfast spots like Luci’s at the Orchard, Sunshine Breakfast Bar, or Eggstasy. After breakfast experience the natural beauty of the Desert Botanical Garden! Visitors can explore over 50,000 plants spread across 55 acres of grounds in diverse habitats including a herb garden, agave yucca forest, cactus garden, and butterfly garden. There are plenty of paved trails to wander down and explore all the beauty that nature has to offer in this challenging environment. Guests can also take advantage of activities such as guided tours and lectures on plant life and conservation. Wheelchairs and ECVs are available for rent at the SRP Visitor’s Center ensuring that everyone can enjoy this majestic place. Free on-site parking means visitors can come early and make the most out of their visit. The Desert Botanical Garden is a must-see for anyone looking to appreciate nature’s resilience in an arid environment.
Afternoon: Hang Out With Exotic Animals
Looking for lunch recommendations? Due to the city’s proximity to our southern border, you can always find some top-notch Mexican restaurants that make for a great mid-day bite! Cocina Madrigal can often have a wait, but it is worth it to taste one of the top-rated Mexican restaurants in the United States! After lunch, you can continue experiencing the wonders of nature by spending the afternoon at the Phoenix Zoo! An afternoon at the Phoenix Zoo is an unforgettable experience. With over 400 species of animals spread across more than 100 acres, it’s easy to get lost in the wondrous world of wildlife. From majestic African lions to awe-inspiring Komodo Dragons, there’s something for everyone here. In addition to its impressive array of animals, the zoo features accessible trails and pathways throughout the grounds, making it easy for wheelchair users to explore and discover all that the zoo has to offer.
Evening: Experience The High Life
To finish off the evening, book a table at the luxurious Orange Sky restaurant situated on the 15th floor of the Talking Stick Resort in Scottsdale (a neighboring city apart of the Phoenix Metropolitan area). The view offered by this high-class restaurant is one of the best in all of Phoenix, as it allows you to look out on the entire valley spread beneath you. Watch the sunset as you enjoy top-of-the-line American cuisine. The restaurant features plenty of room and all of the tables are very accessible for wheelchair users. Finish the night off in the casino below and try your hand at slots, table games, poker, and more!
Day 2
For your second day, we recommend checking out experiences that are unique to the city of Phoenix. As one of the largest metropolitan areas in the United States, Phoenix offers plenty of options to satisfy the interests of every visitor.
Morning: Have A One-Of-A-Kind Workout
After grabbing a bite to eat, start your day off by visiting the Ability360 Sports & Fitness Center. The 62,000-square-foot facility offers an array of amenities designed to make life more accessible for those in wheelchairs. From the Cybex Total Access weight machines that can be pulled up without needing transfers, to the fully accessible lap pool with lifts and elevators, Ability360 has something for everyone. Visitors can take advantage of the thirty-six-foot climbing wall or get a good workout on the indoor exercise track. Ability360 makes it easy for wheelchair users to enjoy all these activities with ease and comfort. It’s no surprise why so many wheelchair users have made Ability360 their destination spot for an active and fulfilling day!
Afternoon: Learn Something Cutting Edge
When in Phoenix it is a must to sample regional cuisine, and none may be quintessentially more Phoenix than fry bread. Fry bread is a dish created by the indigenous people local to the area! If you are looking for award-winning fry bread, head over to The Fry Bread House. After lunch, beat the heat by heading to the Arizona Science Center where you can explore over 300 hands-on exhibits, a state-of-the-art planetarium, a five-story-high giant screen theater, and more.
The Arizona Science Center is a welcoming place for people of all abilities, and it offers a range of services to ensure a comfortable and accessible experience for those using wheelchairs. Wheelchairs are available for loan (presenting a valid ID at the Information Zone desk on Level 1 of the main building) so visitors can enjoy their stay with peace of mind. The Center also provides an array of accessible restrooms – both unisex and companion-assisted – which are located on the first and third floors as well as close to the gift shop/membership desk area.
Evening: Cheer On The Home Team
No trip to Phoenix is complete without a trip out to support one of the many hometown professional sports teams. The city is host to The Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB), Phoenix Suns (NBA), Arizona Cardinals (NFL), Arizona Coyotes (NHL), and Phoenix Mercury (WNBA) so no matter the time of year you will always be able to catch a game! Each sport is hosted in a different arena, however, each of them provides wheelchair-accessible options to enjoy the game.
Finish off your stay with an evening on Mill Avenue! This vibrant location even offers a deal for spectators of the Arizona Coyotes to show their digital game day tickets and receive special discounts at participating restaurants. Regardless of if you went to a game, you are sure to enjoy this local hub of nightlife lined with unique shops, restaurants, and clubs.
Explore Phoenix Freely With A Wheelchair-Accessible Van!
Phoenix is an exciting city filled with a plethora of things to do. From the incredible nightlife and dining venues to the museums and other attractions, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The Phoenix Itinerary above was merely a suggestion of some of the top sights that Phoenix has to offer, but Wheelers Accessible Van Rentals can make it even easier for wheelchair users to explore everything this wonderful city has to offer. With their selection of specially adapted vehicles, wheelchair users can have the freedom to travel at their convenience, with all the necessary features they may need.
Whether your taste leans more toward outdoor adventure or urban sophistication- renting an accessible van from Wheelers gives you the freedom and access needed so that you can experience this wonderful city in ways you never thought possible! You’ll find pick-up locations for Wheelers in Chandler, Glendale, Mesa, and Tucson.