Trip to Phoenix, Arizona

This past November I took a trip to Phoenix, Arizona with my girlfriend and her family.

We stayed at the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa and it set the tone for the whole trip. We spent a good amount of time at the resort because it genuinely had everything. Pool days, hot tub nights, games, courts, a bonfire, a bar, and solid food options… it made it really easy to slow down and just exist without feeling like we had to constantly be on the go.

One of the first days we were there, I managed to get in contact with Rainbow Ryders, and they got us tickets for a sunset hot air balloon ride. By far one of the coolest experiences I’ve ever had. We had an amazing driver, the weather was perfect, and watching the sun set over the desert from the sky was unreal. It felt peaceful in a way that’s hard to describe — quiet, grounding, and kind of surreal. Definitely one of those “I can’t believe this is real life” moments.

If you want to book one yourself, you can check it out on GetYourGuide!

One day it ended up being rainy, so we switched things up and did an escape room. Somehow we finished with 15 minutes left, which I guess was pretty damn good. It was a fun way to spend the afternoon and honestly a nice break from the heat.

We also spent a day at the Desert Botanical Garden, and wow. It was absolutely beautiful. Walking through the gardens, surrounded by massive cacti and desert plants was surreal. The desert has this quiet kind of beauty that really sticks with you, and it was easily one of my favorite parts of the trip. There was also a butterfly garden there which was gorgeousss. I was able to get some really beautiful shots of the butterflies in there.

Check out this full day tour with a trip to the garden included on GetYourGuide!

One day we took a drive up to Jerome, Arizona, and that ended up being such a highlight. We spent the day walking around, grabbing food, popping into little shops, and just exploring. I got some really cool photos up there, and honestly, just being in a ghost town was dope in a way that’s hard to explain. It felt eerie but calm at the same time — like stepping into a different timeline. Jerome used to be a massive copper mining town back in the early 1900s before it was basically abandoned, which explains the creaky buildings, steep streets, and slightly haunted vibe. Now it’s this mix of artists, history, and locals keeping it alive, and you can really feel that layered energy when you’re walking around.

Overall, the trip felt like the perfect mix of rest and adventure. We had moments where we were out exploring and doing something totally new, and others where we were just lounging at the resort with no agenda at all. Sometimes that balance is exactly what you need.

Arizona is one of my favorite states to visit in the US and I will always take any excuse to go back.

See more photos and purchase prints on my portfolio!