Things To Do in Camelback East, Phoenix, Arizona
The Camelback East Village, also sometimes referred to as East Phoenix or the East Side, is one of the 15 villages that make up Phoenix, Arizona, United States. It is adjacent to the suburbs Paradise Valley and Scottsdale and sits between Piestewa Peak and Camelback Mountain.
Shopping in Camelback East
1. Biltmore Fashion Park- Known as the "crown jewel" because of its regal history and unmatched ambiance, Biltmore Fashion Park is an outdoor shopping experience in a park-like setting and serves as home to some of the finest shopping in Arizona.
2. Camelback Colonnade
Top Dining in Camelback East by Occasion
Casual Everyday

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Chelsea’s Kitchen – Fresh, locally focused Southwestern fare in a sunny, casual setting
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Dick’s Hideaway – Cozy, Southwestern-style comfort with generous portions
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First Watch – Bright, health-conscious breakfast & brunch go-to
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Phoenix City Grille – Neighborhood favorite for hearty classics & daily specials
Business Dining / Professional
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Hillstone Restaurant – Reliable, fast service with contemporary American staples
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Seasons 52 – Fresh, seasonal menu in a lively but polished setting
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The Gladly – Inventive food and cocktails, chic yet approachable
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Houston’s – Stylish American chain with a lively, professional vibe
Date Night / Special Occasions
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Vecina – Chef-driven Latin-inspired seasonal menus
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NOCA – Creative modern American with playful touches
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Fuego Bistro – Romantic courtyard dining with Latin-Southwest flair
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Coup de Tartes – Intimate French bistro with refined simplicity
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Sophie's French Bistro – Romantic countryside-style dining
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Chantico – Upscale Mexican brunch & dinner, chic ambiance
Upscale & Destination Dining
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The Capital Grille – Elegant steakhouse with refined atmosphere
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Geordie’s at Wrigley Mansion – Historic mansion setting, sunset views
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Christopher’s at Wrigley Mansion – Upscale, scenic fine dining with creative flair
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Tomaso’s – Beloved Italian landmark, Tuscan flavors in a classic setting
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The VIG – Trendy bar-lounge with globally inspired menu, great for social nights
Bars in Camelback East
Bar Name | Vibe | Notable Features |
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Merc Bar | Energetic, upscale | Music-forward, stylish, local favorite |
Shady’s | Classic tavern | Relaxed neighborhood spot with solid drinks |
Ice House Tavern | Laid-back tavern/lounge | Long-running, familiar hangout |
The Macintosh | Trendy & modern | Craft cocktails, elevated American fare |
Rewined Beer & Wine Bar | Cozy, playful | 100+ beers/wines, games, trivia, karaoke |
Linger Linger Lounge | Cozy, foodie spot | Great food + cocktails in a lounge setting |
King’s | Classic pub | Straightforward drinks, casual crowd |
George & Dragon | British-style pub | Authentic pub vibe, community staple |
Otro Café (bar side) | Relaxed, eclectic | Mexican-inspired bites + good cocktails |
McKenzies | Neighborhood casual | Chill bar with regulars, easygoing vibe |
Harvey’s | Lively, unpretentious | Local watering hole, no-frills fun |
The Greedy Hamster | Quirky & creative | Funky vibe, unique cocktails |
Lux | Hip & artsy | Coffeehouse by day, bar scene by night |
Hiking in Camelback East
Camelback Mountain offers two of the most intense yet rewarding hikes you can do right in the heart of Phoenix. Whether you choose the adrenaline-pumping Echo Canyon or the scenic Cholla Trail, be prepared, go early, and enjoy some of the best views in the city.
1. Camelback Mountain – Echo Canyon Trail
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Difficulty: Extremely Difficult
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Route: Starts at the Echo Canyon Trailhead (4925 E. McDonald Dr.) and climbs the mountain’s western slope, rising about 1,400 feet in just over a mile. The trail is steep, rocky, and requires physical strength, with sections where you’ll need to scramble or use handrails.
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Access & Amenities: Restrooms, potable water, benches, and canopy at the trailhead—but parking is limited, especially in winter and spring when the lot fills quickly.
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Highlights: Reaches the summit at around 2,704 ft with 360° panoramic views of the Valley. A challenging but iconic hike.
2. Camelback Mountain – Cholla Trail
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Difficulty: Extremely Difficult (slightly longer and more gradual than Echo Canyon)
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Route: Begins at the Cholla Trailhead (Invergordon Rd.); approximately 1.5 miles of steep, exposed hiking, with switchbacks and scrambling near the top.
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Trail Character: Offers a quieter, less crowded ascent with beautiful views of Phoenix and Scottsdale.
Parks in Camelback East
Here are some of the most notable parks and green destinations in and around Camelback East:
Image from Visit Arizona
Papago Park
A large, iconic desert preserve featuring unique red-rock formations, scenic trails, the Phoenix Zoo, and the Desert Botanical Garden. It’s a central recreational destination for families and outdoor lovers.
Camelback Mountain & Echo Canyon Recreation Area
Though primarily known for strenuous hikes like Echo Canyon and Cholla trails, the mountain also has a park area with parking, restrooms, and trail access, offering some of the best panoramic views in Phoenix.
Phoenix Mountains Preserve (including Piestewa Peak)
This extensive preserve offers miles of hiking and biking trails, rugged desert terrain, and sweeping valley views—still within the urban core. Piestewa Peak is one of its most popular summits.
Granada Park & Los Olivos Park
These neighborhood parks provide an urban, family-friendly vibe with features like shaded playgrounds, disc golf, tennis courts, and green open spaces.
Golf Courses in & around Camelback East
1. Arizona Biltmore Golf Club

Location: 2400 E Missouri Ave, Phoenix
Just a few minutes away in the Biltmore area, this prestigious club offers two excellent options:
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Estates Course – Parkland-style, 6,455 yards, par 72 — lush and scenic.
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Links Course – 5,726 yards, par 71 — features dramatic bunkers and elevation changes.
2. Papago Golf Course
Location: Central Phoenix, within Papago Park
An accessible and scenic public 18-hole course nestled in Papago Park—ideal for casual rounds.
3. Camelback Golf Club
Location: Scottsdale, ~9 miles from Camelback East
Located at the JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn, the club features:
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Ambiente Course – 7,014 yards, par 72, links-style with dramatic bunkers and broad fairways.
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Padre Course – 6,903 yards, par 72, elegant parkland layout by Arthur Hills.
4. Phoenician Golf Club
Location: Bordering Phoenix & Scottsdale, near Camelback Road
A high-end resort course with panoramic views of Camelback Mountain; redesigned in 2018 to an 18-hole layout.
5. Arizona Country Club (Private)
Location: ~2.8 miles from 85016
One of Arizona’s oldest private clubs, offering a classic and exclusive golf experience.
6. Mountain Shadows Golf Club (Private)
Location: ~3 miles, in Paradise Valley foothills
A picturesque par‑56 executive course nestled in the foothills of Camelback Mountain—more intimate, but scenic.
7. McCormick Ranch Golf Club
Location: Scottsdale, within ~10 miles
Features two resort-style 18-hole courses—Palm Course (water features, varied terrain) and Pine Course (host site for regional tournaments). Both offer beautiful views of Camelback and McDowell Mountains.
Top Attractions in in Camelback East
1. Desert Botanical Garden
A lush showcase of Sonoran Desert flora along well-curated walking paths—perfect for nature lovers and easygoing strollers.
2. Phoenix Zoo
One of the largest privately owned nonprofit zoos in the U.S., featuring themed trails like the Tropical, Africa, and Children’s Trails, plus conservation programs and animal encounters.
3. Papago Park
Home to red-rock formations and scenic desert landscapes surrounding both the Desert Botanical Garden and the Phoenix Zoo.
4. Camelback Mountain
An iconic natural landmark offering two of Phoenix’s most challenging yet rewarding hikes—Echo Canyon and Cholla Trail—with stunning city views.
5. Shemer Art Center & Museum
An art education center and public gallery set in a restored mission-style home, hosting exhibitions and classes since 1984.
6. Japanese Friendship Garden (Rohō-en)
A serene 3.5-acre stroll garden featuring koi ponds, stone lanterns, bamboo, a waterfall, tea house, and culturally significant landscaping.
7. Biltmore Fashion Park
An upscale open-air mall anchored by Saks Fifth Avenue and Macy’s, offering shopping, dining, and outdoor ambiance in the historic Biltmore District.
8. Wrigley Mansion & Neighborhood
Though slightly outside the village core, this historic estate offers architectural tours and fine dining set against the backdrop of Camelback Mountain
Best kid-friendly activities near Camelback East
Zoos, Gardens & Nature

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Phoenix Zoo – Large zoo with trails, encounters, and exhibits.
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Desert Botanical Garden – Desert flora, butterflies, and kids’ activities.
Amusement & Play Parks
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Enchanted Island Amusement Park – Kid-friendly rides and attractions.
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Castles N’ Coasters – Roller coasters, mini golf, and arcades.
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The Rush Fun Park – Indoor playcenter with trampolines.
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Altitude Trampoline Park – Affordable trampoline fun with toddler times.
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Discover The Dinosaurs – Dinosaur-themed play and exhibits.
Museums & Learning

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Children’s Museum of Phoenix – Interactive play and creative exhibits.
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Arizona Science Center – Hands-on exhibits plus a planetarium.
Games & Entertainment
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The Gaming Zone – Arcade and video game hangout.
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Arizona Wilderness DTPHX – Family-friendly brewery and eatery.
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Civic Space Park – Urban park with events, DJs, and open play areas.
Outdoor Adventures
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Hole-in-the-Rock – Short hike with panoramic views and family photo ops.
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Bat Cave – Evening spot to watch bats emerge, fun for families.
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Papago Park – Red-rock scenery, playgrounds, and hiking trails.