Get in
'''Sky Harbor International Airport''' [http://phoenix.gov/skyharborairport/] is located on the southern edge of this portion of Phoenix, making it by the far the most convenient way into the area for travelers from out of town.
'''State Route 51''' (also known as the Piestewa Parkway) is the major north/south freeway through the region, running north from Interstate 10 and continuing past Piestewa Peak and on into the more northern regions of the city. The road runs just east of 16th Street in this region.
'''State Route 202''' (also known as the Red Mountain Freeway) is the the major east/west freeway in the region, running just south of McDowell Road. It begins at the same point as State Route 51 where Interstate 10 goes from east/west to north/south, a location referred to as the "mini-stack" (as opposed to Stack interchange where Interstate 10 and Interstate 17 intersect in West Phoenix).
'''Interstate 10''' is the main east/west route into Phoenix, and runs past the airport. It serves effectively as the "extension" of both SR 51 and SR 202, continuing on south past the termination of SR 51 and continuing west past the termination of SR 202.
Get around
As with most parts of the Valley, having a car available is virtually a must for seeing the area. South of the mountains the roads are almost universally laid out in a grid format, with numbered streets running north/south and increasing in number as you move east towards the Scottsdale border.
Leaving the area to the north generally means passing through one of two major mountain passes--the Dreamy Draw via State Route 51 or around Camelback Mountain and through the Town of Paradise Valley via 44th Street to MacDonald Drive and then north along Tatum Boulevard. Either route offers some stunning views of urban desert mountain settings.
See
Piestewa Peak. 701 E. Squaw Peak Ln. or 2421 E.Northern Ave.. 602) 262-7901. ttp://phoenix.gov/parks/phxmtns.html. am-10pm (Dreamy Draw Park) 11pm (Phoenix Mountains Park). The other well known mountain in the area (Camelback Mountain being the most well known), the peak was formerly known as "Squaw Peak" prior to being renamed in honor of Army Spc. Lori Ann Piestewa who was the first Native American woman killed in combat in the U.S. Military in 2003. Due to the recent name change visitors will find references to the peak under both names (for instance, the road leading to the park on the south side of the mountain still has the prior name). This mountain, whose summit rises to 2,608 feet, is much more accessible to visitors than is Camelback Mountain. Picnic areas exist both on the south side of the mountain (Phoenix Mountains Park entrace on Squaw Peak Lane) and the north side (Dreamy Draw Park, entrance via Northern Avenue).
Camelback Mountain. ast McDonald Drive at Tatum Boulevard. 602) 256-3220. ttp://www.ci.phoenix.az.us/PARKS/hikecmlb.html. The most recognizable landmark of the area, Camelback Mountain rises to 2,704 feet at its summit. It sits between Phoenix to the south and Paradise Valley to the North. The lower areas of the mountain contain some of the most exclusive residences in the Valley, with the upper sections now part of a park. There are very challenging and difficult hiking trails to the summit that are not recommended for any but experienced hikers. As well, parking near the mountain is extremely limited. The mountain consists of red rock, and is in the general shape of a camel's silhouette. A rock formation on the mountain is known as Praying Monk. The park also contains Echo Canyon.
Desert Botanical Garden. 201 N. Galvin Parkway. ttp://www.dbg.org/. am-8pm. 50 acres of exhibits showcasing desert plants, with an emphasis on plants native to the Southwestern United States. Located in Papago Park, near the Phoenix Zoo.
'''Arizona Biltmore Hotel''', 24th St. and Camelback Rd, [http://www.arizonabiltmore.com/]. Visit this legendary Phoenix landmark built in 1921 and has hosted famous guests such as Fred Astaire, Marilyn Monroe, Bob Hope, and the President of the United States when he is in town.
'''Wrigley Mansion''', 2501 East Telawa Trail, [http://www.wrigleymansionclub.com/]. Take a tour of the amazing architecture and grounds of this historic mansion built by the famous chewing gum magnate.
Do
Winter vistors to the area will generally be looking for outdoor events. The area has a number of resorts with the relevant amenities, such as the Biltmore resort's golf course and the requisite pools and other activities on site. In the summer, due to the extreme heat, virtually everyone tries to avoid begin outside more than necessary.
Paint on Pottery. 629 E. Indian School Road. 6th Street & Indian School Road. ttp://www.paintonpotteryaz.com/. ue-Thur 10am-7pm, Fri 10am-10pm, Sat 10am-7pm, Sun 10am-6pm. tudio fee $6 plus cost of pottery. A place where the kids (and adults for that matter) can paint their own glazed pottery creation.
Buy
Town & Country Shopping Center. 0th Street and Camelback Road. ttp://www.townandcountryshops.com/. Down the street from Biltmore Fashion Square is a mall without a true major anchor tenant, but with a number of smaller shops and less expensive restaurants (including both chains such as Chili's and Black Angus and local restaurants like Baby Kay's Cajun Kitchen).
'''Biltmore Fashion Park''', 24th St. and Camelback Rd., [http://www.shopbiltmore.com/home.asp]. Includes many high-end tenants such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Ralph Lauren, Cartier, and Escada; and many highly-acclaimed eateries.
Eat
Donovan's Steakhouse Restaurant. 101 East Camelback Road. 602) 955-3666. ttp://www.donovanssteakhouse.com/. aily - Wine & Cocktails at 4pm, Dinner service beginning at 5pm. igh end pricing. Upscale steakhouse serving high grade steaks with high grade service. Complementary valet parking provided.
Zen 32. 160 East Camelback Road. afeway center on northwest corner of 32nd Street & Camelback. 602) 954-8700. ttp://zen32.com/. -F 11-2am, Sat-Sun 4:30pm-2am, Grill open until 11pm, Sushi served until Midnight, Zen Bar open until 2am. Sushi bar and fusion grille. Lunch and dinner served on weekdays, dinner only on weekends.
Phoenix City Grille. 816 N 16th St. ttp://www.phoenixcitygrille.com/. -Th 11am-10pm, Fri-Sat 11am-11pm, Sun 10am-9:00pm. Southwestern themed variations on grill fare is offered by this local restaurant.
TEXAZ Grill. 003 N. 16th Street. ortheast corner of 16th Street & Bethany Home Road. 602) 248-STAR. ttp://www.texazgrill.com/. -Th 11am-10pm, Fri 11am-11pm, Sat 12pm-11pm, Sun 4pm-10pm. udget priced. Originally named "Lone Star Steaks" the restaurant changed its name when a national chain moved to town and wanted to sue. TEXAZ Grill offers reasonably priced steaks and exceptional Texas fare. Specialties are Chicken Fried Steak, choice aged beef and home made desserts.
Chicago Hamburger Company. 749 E. Indian School Road. ttp://chicagohamburger.com/. -Sat 10:30a-8pm. udget priced.. "Home of the Original Windy City Slider" is the restaurant's slogan, and the small burgers (along with larger fare) are found here. A Chicago themed sandwich shop offering hot dogs, sandwiches and even Frito Pie (according to the menu, a former manager from Texas added it to the menu and they've left it on). This place is more what you would expect of a traditional burger joint than Delux Burger, also listed in this guide. Delux is when you want something more formal, Chicago Hamburger Company is when you want to grab a traditional burger shop lunch.
Pita Jungle. 340 E. Indian School Rd.. 4th Street & Indian School Road. 602) 955-7482. ttp://www.pitajungle.com/index.cfm/locationDetails/location/Arcadia. aily 10:30am-10pm. id-Range Pricing.. Offers a selection not only of pitas, but also of other Mediterranean inspired meals in a sit down environment.
La Grande Orange Grocery. 410 N. 40th Street. outhwest corner of 40th Street & Campbell. 602) 840-7777. ttp://www.lagrandeorangegrocery.com/. un-Thu 6:30am-9pm, Fri-Sat 6:30a - 10p. Popular neighborhood cafe featuring breakfast, sandwiches and grocery items, as well as pizzeria next door. Parking is often difficult in the area, though valet parking is offered as well as curbside service.
Thai Lahna Restaurant. 738 E Indian School Rd. 8th Street Shops Center. 602) 955-4658. on-Th 11am-2:30pm, 5pm-9:30pm, F-Sat 11am-2:30pm, 5pm-10:30pm, Closed Sunday. udget priced. East Phoenix neighborhood Thai food restaurant.
Baby Kay's Cajun Kitchen. 119 East Camelback Rd. nside Town & Country Center at 20th Street & Camelback Road. 602) 955-0011. ttp://www.babykayscajunkitchen.com/. -Sat lunch and dinner. Camelback area local cajun cuisine restaurant featuring po boys and, in season, crawfish boils on Wednesday nights.
Tee Pee Mexican Food. 144 East Indian School Road. 602) 956-0178. ttp://www.teepeemexicanfood.com/. -Sat 11am-10pm, Sun 11am-9pm. Neighborhood Mexican food restaurant featuring fairly standard Arizona Mexican food fare at reasonable prices.
Wildflower Bread Company. 290 East Indian School Road. rcadia Commons Center. 602) 850-8585. ttp://www.wildflowerbread.com/. -F 6am-9pm, Sat 7am-9pm, Sun 7am-8pm. Arcadia location of restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, featuring a bakery. Lunch menu consists of sandwiches and soups, while pasta is added for dinner. Free wi-fi access and power outlets are available at the location.
Delux Burger. 146 E. Camelback Road. n Safeway center on northwest corner of 32nd Street and Camelback Road. 602) 522-2288. ttp://www.deluxburger.com/. 1am-2am. pper mid-range pricing.. An upscale burger location, also known for its mini-shopping cart baskets of fries and a wide selection of micro-brews on tap. Has an interesting variety of salads as well as the sandwich fare. A good place when you want to have informal food but not in a totally informal setting.
L'Amore Ristorante. 159 East Lincoln Drive. n the shopping complex on the southeast corner of 32nd Street & Lincoln Drive. 602) 381-3159. ttp://www.lamore1.com/. -F 11am-10pm, Sat 4pm-10pm. Local italian restuarant located on the border of Phoenix and Paradise Valley, features fresh seafood and home made pasta.
Tarbell's. 213 East Camelback Road . 02.955.8100. ttp://www.tarbells.com/. -Sat 5pm-10pm, Sun 5pm-9pm. Chef Mark Tarbell's namesake restaurant, it features Southwestern themed cuisine and local organic ingredients. Per the website, dress is "resort casual" defined as "everything from denim to diamonds."
Drink
Postino Wine Cafe. 939 E. Campbell Avenue. ampell is halfway between Indian School Road and Camelback Avenue, with the best access via 40th Street from either road. 602) 852-3939. ttp://www.postinowinecafe.com/. on-Sat 11am-11pm, Sun 12noon-10p. A wine cafe located in the former Arcadia post office. In addition to wines, the cafe features panninis and salads. The cafe also offers $5 glasses of wine each day until 4pm.
Sleep
Resorts originally concentrated in this area of Phoenix, and a number of major resorts either are in the area or border on it. The financial district located on Camelback also means that a number of mid-range hotels also exist in the area to serve the business crowd or others that may not wish to pay the resort prices but want to stay in the area.
Arizona Biltmore Resort. 400 E. Missouri. nter off 24th Street at Missouri. 602) 955-660. ttp://www.arizonabiltmore.com/. pm. 2noon. igh end resort pricing. Not only a place to see, it has historically been the place to stay in the area for those not afraid to pay top dollar. The resort features all the expected amenities and services. The resort is located between Piestewa Peak and Camelback Mountain, sitting along the smaller mountains between the two larger peaks.
Courtyard Phoenix Camelback. 101 East Camelback Road. ocated in the Town & Country Center at 20th Street and Camelback, to the west of Bookstar and behind the restaurants in the west part of the center parking lot). 602) 955-5200. ttp://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/phxcc-courtyard-phoenix-camelback/. :00pm. 2:00noon. idrange hotel. Midrange hotel that is located 1/2 mile from the Biltmore Fashion Park shopping area and Camelback Esplanade, and about a mile from the Arizona Biltmore resort.
Embassy Suites Phoenix - Biltmore. 630 East Camelback Road. ttp://embassysuites1.hilton.com/en_US/es/hotel/PHXCBES-Embassy-Suites-Phoenix-Biltmore-Arizona/index.do. :00pm. :00pm. idrange pricing. Midrange hotel located next door to Biltmore Fashion Park and just south of the Arizona Biltmore Resort.
The Phoenician Resort. 000 E Camelback Road, Scottsdale. 00-888-8234 (US) 480-941-8200 (Worldwide). ttp://www.thephoenician.com/pages/index.php. igh resort pricing. Technically in Scottsdale, it's barely across the border and is located on the base of Camelback Mountain. Very full featured resort location right on the mountain for the Valley.
Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak. 677 North 16th Street. n 16th Street north of Glendale Avenue, south of Northern Avenue. 602) 997-2626. ttp://www.pointehilton.com/indexsp.cfm. igh Resort pricing. Major resort located close to Piestewa Peak, this was the original Pointe resort built in the Valley, originally referred to only as The Pointe. With the addition of other Pointe Hilton resorts (at Tapatio Cliffs to the northwest and the former Pointe South Mountain, now the Arizona Grand Resort) the name was changed to Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak--only to recently have the mountain's name itself changed to Piestewa Peak.
Royal Palms Resort and Spa. 200 East Camelback Road. 602) 840-3610. ttp://www.royalpalmshotel.com. pm. 2noon. igh resort pricing. Located immediately below Camelback Mountain on Camelback Road, the resort offers a spectactular view of the Mountain.
Contact
Get out
The Camelback area offers easy access to other areas of the Valley that will be of interest. Immediately to the east is Downtown Scottdale [http://www.scottsdaledowntown.com/] (featuring Old Town Scottsdale and the arts area) and the major shopping mall of Scottsdale Fashion Square [http://www.fashionsquare.com/](follow Camelback Road into Scottsdale), a complementary mall to Biltmore Fashion Park (mainly upscale stores, though not quite as uniformly high end). Downtown Phoenix to the south includes professional sports from the Arizona Diamondbacks [http://arizona.diamondbacks.mlb.com/index.jsp?c_id=ari] at Chase Field and the Phoenix Suns [http://www.nba.com/suns/] at the US Airways Center (the Arizona Cardinals and Phoenix Coyotes play at locations in Glendale, significantly further away from the Camelback area, but still a reasonable driving distance). Downtown Phoenix also is home to a number of performing arts locations, including Phoenix Theatre [http://www.phoenixtheatre.com/Home.aspx] which is host to the local community theatre, Herberger Theatre Center [http://www.herbergertheater.org/], a local facility featuring professional theatre and the Dodge Theatre [http://www.livenation.com/venue/getVenue/venueId/2231] which tends to host touring national shows and performers. Tempe to the southeast is home of Arizona State University [http://www.asu.edu], which also includes Grady Gammage Auditorium [http://www.asugammage.com/] that, like the Dodge Theatre, hosts national touring professionals and shows. Directly north of the area, beyond the mountains, is the very affluent Town of Paradise Valley [http://www.ci.paradise-valley.az.us/], a much smaller area that the general region that is now referred to as Paradise Valley (generally the area of Phoenix itself that is north of the Town of Paradise Valley).