Arizona Itinerary: Get To Going Series
- Sun Country
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
The itinerary you’ve all been waiting for is here: a step-by-step guide to exploring Arizona, including Phoenix, Tucson, and Bisbee, just like we did in Episode 1 of the Get To Going Series with Amber Estenson (@thatmidwesternmom). If you’ve been looking for the perfect winter escape, this is it. Sunshine, flavor, and adventure are waiting, and you can book it now before the temps at home dip to -35°.
Phoenix:
In the episode, we kicked off our trip in Phoenix, largely because we landed in the Phoenix Sky Harbor airport, making it the perfect starting point to explore the city’s vibrant arts and food scene.
Lunch at Arizona Wilderness Brewing: This brewery focuses on socially and environmentally responsible craft beer and modern Southwest cuisine. It was the ideal “landing pad” meal before exploring downtown.
Roosevelt Row mural walk: We spent an hour wandering through this walkable arts district. La Morena shared the stories behind her murals, blending traditional Xicana themes with contemporary contexts.
Tip: Wear comfortable shoes. Murals are spread out, so plan to walk.
Dinner at Valentine PHX: James Beard-nominated chefs served modern Southwest cuisine using authentic Sonoran ingredients.
Tip: Make reservations in advance, the evening vibe sets the tone for your Phoenix experience.
Stay at FOUND:RE Hotel: Boutique design, artful touches, and cozy comfort made this a spot we wanted to linger in.
Tucson:
Tucson is a city where the desert meets creativity, history, and unexpected adventures. In the episode, Amber explored everything from quirky ranch life to science experiments and traditional Mexican folk dance, showing how vibrant the city is for visitors of all interests.
Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch with Dana: This family-owned ranch features ostriches, critter feeding, monster truck rides, and more. Amber got up close with the animals, laughed at some unexpected antics, and learned what it’s like to run a desert ranch.
Tip: Book in advance and set aside a few hours to explore. The ranch is ~30 minutes from Tucson proper.
Biosphere II guided tour: We explored the 3.14-acre “World’s Largest Earth Science Experiment” where visitors can see active research systems spanning ocean, jungle, desert, and more—all in the middle of the desert. Amber got a behind-the-scenes look at how scientists test ecosystems and sustainability models.
Dinner + Ballet Folklorico Tapatio in Mercado District: We started with dinner at Rollies West, then enjoyed a performance and lesson from Ballet Folklorico Tapatio, a non-profit performing traditional Mexican folk dances for over 25 years. Amber jumped into the lessons, and the night ended with music, movement, and culture all around.
Tip: Wear comfortable shoes and get ready to participate—the experience is hands-on and unforgettable.
Gates Pass Trailhead sunrise hike: Located in Tucson Mountain Park, just east of Saguaro National Park, this easily accessible trail offered sweeping desert vistas and an ideal sunrise experience.
Tip: Start before sunrise; ~30 minutes from Tucson.
Barrio Bread with Don Guerra: A must for bread lovers. Amber toured this community-supported bakery and garden with James Beard Award-winning baker Don Guerra. The bakery focuses on heritage grains from the Sonoran Desert, and the Mission Garden highlights the region’s agricultural history.
Bisbee:
Bisbee is a quirky mountain town full of history, art, and unique locals. In the episode, Amber explored everything from mining history to local art and music, showing how this small-town packs big experiences.
B Active Bisbee walking tour: Founded by outdoor enthusiasts, B Active Bisbee offers tours designed for visitors of all ages and activity levels. We took full advantage of their city walking tour.
Tip: Comfortable walking shoes are a must; the streets are hilly but full of surprises.
Copper Queen Mine: Once the most productive copper mine in Arizona, we donned hardhats and headlamps and descended underground to experience mining life firsthand.
Tip: Reserve ahead. The tour takes you deep underground, so wear sturdy shoes and dress in layers—the mine stays cool year-round.
Dinner & Entertainment at The Shady Dell: This vintage trailer court offered retro vibes, outdoor concerts, and a 1950s-style diner with locally sourced ingredients. Amber enjoyed live performances from American troubadour Jason Dea West, whose mix of vintage country, folk, and blues gave the night a magical soundtrack.
Every stop brought something different: vibrant city streets in Phoenix, rich cultural traditions in Tucson, and the quirky, small-town energy of Bisbee. It’s the desert at its best and it’s waiting for you.
Watch it all unfold in Episode 1 of the Get To Going Series: Arizona. Then plan your own trip now, so when winter hits its coldest, you’ll already have warm Arizona days on the horizon.