Find the Best Things to Do in Arcadia
By Patricia Escarcega
Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tucson Local Expert
About Arcadia
Photo courtesy of flickr/koiart71
The Arcadia neighborhood is one of the most desirable addresses in Phoenix. Leafy streets, historic citrus groves, and some of the best dining and shopping in the Valley of the Sun make this one of Phoenix's most picturesque and popular neighborhoods.
See & Do
Perhaps the most prominent natural landmark in the Phoenix Metro area, Camelback Mountain, named so for its uncanny resemblance to a kneeling camel, has been called the soul of Phoenix. The Arcadia neighborhood offers unbeatable views of the mountain, and easy access to some of the best hiking in the city at Camelback Mountain Echo Canyon Recreation Area, situated between the Arcadia neighborhood and the town of Paradise Valley.
Eat
Arcadia is known for having some of the best restaurants in town, including the ever-popular Chelsea's Kitchen. The menu at this Arcadia neighborhood cafe features farm-fresh ingredients and simple dishes prepared with great care and creativity. American comfort food favorites get the royal treatment at Chelsea's Kitchen, including a wide assortment of specialty salads, burgers, and taco platters.
Party
Arcadia is known for its selection of sophisticated wine cafes and lounges. Cool and relaxed, Postino Wine Cafe is one of the most popular gathering spots in the neighborhood. Enjoy a large selection of boutique international wines. Nibble on the delicious panini, salads, bruschetta, and imported artisan meat and cheese plates.
Stay
Some of the oldest luxury resorts in the city are located in the Arcadia neighborhood. The oldest is the Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa, situated on 39 acres of manicured gardens and tiled pools. The resort offers a spa, shops, seven tennis courts, three pools and a 92-foot water slide, and private misted cabanas. Stunning views of nearby Camelback Mountain make the Biltmore a classic desert escape.
Shop
The open-air Biltmore Fashion Park, a shopping and dining destination at the edges of the Arcadia neighborhood, offers high-end shopping in a lush garden setting. The shopping center is anchored by Saks Fifth Avenue with high-end boutiques such as Escada,Calypso, Ralph Lauren, Stuart Weitzman, and Cole Haan offering some of the best shopping in the city. The Capital Grille, a popular steakhouse, feeds hungry shoppers.