Scottsdale is an enticing destination that defies all you could imagine in a desert break away. With luscious greenery, rolling golf courses, an enviable foodie scene and so much more, its a place you won’t be able to just visit once. Here’s our Scottsdale travel guide…
When I used to picture Scottsdale Arizona, images that sprang to mind were stretches of golden sand, the sweltering landscape peppered with cactuses standing regimented in emerald green. I pictured scenes like from the Wild West movies, with saloon doors, dancing and drinks slid across bar tops. Yet Scottsdale is so much more than that. For while undoubtedly being a desert town, it is a dreamy destination with luscious greenery, a thriving wine and culinary scene and home to many outdoor activities. It holds some of the most glitzy resorts in the world and played host to Beyonce and Jay-Z’s honeymoon. It has been nicknamed Arizona’s luxury watering hole and has long outgrown this Wild West façade – though Old Town is well worth a trip where you can find a few historical sites along with kitschy shops, restaurants and bars. With sunshine 299 days of the year, it makes for the perfect spot to pack in adventures and experiences. Here are our top things to do in Scottsdale Arizona…
To Stay
Scottsdale is a city packed with all types of places to stay no matter the type of vacation you are searching for. It is a hotbed of luxury retreats and hotels, each with their own history and story to tell. If you’re looking for a large resort Hotel, head to the Hyatt Regency Resort and Spa. Sophisticated, modern and fun, it has a 27-hole championship golf club, tennis courts and 2.5-acre water playground complete with three-storey waterslide and sand beach. Rooms are bright and spacious and many overlook the beautiful McDowell Mountains.
The second hotel you need to try is the Mountain Shadows. Nestled beneath Camelback Mountain and Mummy Mountain, Mountain Shadows earnt its namesake due to the shadows cast by the iconic silhouettes each afternoon. It is a contemporary and beautiful Hotel that is just two storeys high, yet offers beauty beyond expectation once you open the doors. Relax with a swim in the two pools, play golf in their revamped 18-hole short course or make use of their vast indoor and outdoor event space.
The third Hotel to add to your list is Hotel Valley Ho. A true icon in downtown Scottsdale, this Hotel offers a historical insight into the city’s rich heritage. You can enjoy some of the best pool parties here, complete with frozen cocktails and luxurious cabanas. Be sure to take the time to just wanted round and soak up the amazing heritage of the building. Rooms are cosy and stylish and offer the perfect respite after a day of exploring.
To Do
If you want to get active
Scottsdale is a hotbed of surprises and once you care to unpick the offerings beneath the surface of the desert facade, you will be pleasantly shocked by just how much comes tumbling out. Set your alarm to wake up early for a pre-sunrise hike – not only do you miss the hottest part of the day, but the views alone will leave you breathless. Be sure to take a camera – you’ll regret it if you don’t! Head up Camelback mountain where there are a myriad of different routes in varying levels of intensity depending on what you’re after.
Don’t forget to pack a drink as it can be thirsty work, particularly in the heat! But the views are worth it. Carry on the wellness theme with a cycle around the city – it’s the best way to cover lots of ground while still feeling the sun on your skin. Check out Urban Bike Excursion which will take you on a group or individual tour and will even meet you at your Hotel. Try and fit this in at the beginning of your trip as it will help you get your bearings for the rest of your stay. For an alternative tour, why not take to the water on a kayak?
While you may not associate the desert with a river, it’s one of the most breathtaking and relaxing ways to get to grips with desert life. Meander along the water at a leisurely pace and take in the majestic surroundings. On this tour, you have the chance to see some of the amazing wildlife of the area, including bald eagles and wild horses. Cactuses and other plantlife borders the river edge and the water itself is crystal clear. Take a respite from the hot sun to jump in (or fall in my case!) it’s a welcome reprieve from the desert heat.
If you want to experience the culture
While Scottsdale is a relatively new development there are plenty of ways to soak up the culture. Head to Taliesin West where you can discover the city’s most famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s winter home and design laboratory. Built in the 1930s and constantly expanded by modified by the iconic architect until his death in 1959, it’s a breathtaking piece of architecture and gives you an insight into his life and that of his apprentices. Be sure to take a tour while you’re there to gather insider knowledge and information.
If you want to find out a bit more about the Wild West, Scottsdale’s Museum of the West is a true must-visit. Packed with outstanding art exhibits, rate Old West artefacts and events, it’s a great way to spend an afternoon – and get out of the strong heat of the day. Team with a trip to Scottsdale’s Rodeo Museum to further your knowledge and discover never-before-seen artifacts of Scottsdale’s rodeo history, including original Parada del Sol Rodeo posters, artwork by the likes of Kenneth M. Freeman (once dubbed the “Rembrandt of Rodeo”), and vintage rodeo magazines, programs and photographs dating back to the 1950s. While in Scottsdale Arizona you can’t miss a trip to the Old Town, it’s a unique district of Scottsdale with boutique shopping, art and dining destinations imbued with a Southwestern flair. Take your time to wander, popping in the shops and enjoying the best of what it has to offer.
If you want to get your adrenaline pumping
If seeing Scottsdale from both water and land still hasn’t fulfilled all perspectives, take to the skies with a hot air balloon ride. Drift leisurely over the desert terrain, a gentle breeze in your hair and take in the breathtaking views below. Drifting along at speeds of five to six miles an hour, there is virtually no sense of motion and you just glide effortlessly through the sky. Experience the incredible colours of the sunrise as you feel quite literally on top of the world. When you land and your feet are back on the ground, toast to your experience with a luxurious champagne breakfast, safe in the knowledge you’ve started your day the best possible way!
For something that is guaranteed to get your heart racing at a higher pace, try an ATV ride through the desert. Take the opportunity to tame the rugged landscapes of the Sonoran Desert where you will slip between the shade of mountain vista views and wild cactus. it’s thrilling, exciting and a way to truly immerse yourself in this unique terrain. Just be prepared to get dusty!
To Eat
While Scottsdale is famously known for its desert views, mountains and designer golf courses, it is also a foodie paradise. There are a whole host of places to dine out, whether you are looking for fine-dining or something a bit more grab-and-go. Try sprout nachos at Diego Pops, eat fresh guacamole that’s made at your table in The Mission and dance the evening away in Rusty Spur Saloon – Scottsdale’s oldest cowboy bar.
Start your day with breakfast at healthy-eating destination Farm & Craft, before trying unique beer in the afternoon at Craft 64. Eat dinner at FnB, where six-time James Beard award nominee Charleen Badman serves up locally sourced, elevated veggie creations paired with Arizona wine. Also head into all the Hotels mentioned above, for each offers unique dining experiences of their own. You can go Tequila tasting in SWB, fine dine at Mountain Shadows and feast on indulgent shakes at ZuZu. The food scene in Scottsdale is so utterly diverse and exciting, you’ll be hard-picked trying to pack it all in!
To Conclude
Scottsdale is a travel destination for everyone. There is so much to see, do and experience, it will surpass all expectations. It was a destination I didn’t know what I would find when I got there, yet couldn’t have been more pleased with what I did. It encompasses the best parts of other destinations and imbues it with its old desert flair. It has year-round sunshine, a thriving foodie scene and so many things to do you’ll be hard-pressed to fit it all in. But not to worry, it’s just an excuse to book another trip. Because trust us, you won’t be able to stay away.
Find out more about this majestic destination here.
Experience Scottsdale
