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About Scottsdale
Although Scottsdale’s slogan is “The West’s Most Western Town”, I’d actually call it the Los Angeles of Arizona. The city itself has a rather luxe urban feel to it. Within Scottsdale, Old Town is a popular area containing more than 90 restaurants, 320 shops, and 80 art galleries. Some of the buildings in Old Town date back to the 1920s. You can also admire the 19th-century olive trees planted there. This urban center attracts art aficionados, foodies, and bachelor/bachelorette parties galore.
With 300+ days of sunshine, Scottsdale attracts outdoor enthusiasts with its Sonoran Desert hiking trails, two TPC championship golf courses, and plethora of resort swimming pools (a number of which are adult-only)!
When to Visit Scottsdale
Because Scottsdale is located in the desert, the best seasons to visit are early spring and late fall. This will ensure that you enjoy more pleasant temperatures and beat the summer heat. March through early May and late September through November are the most popular months to visit.
I visited in late February, and found it to be a perfect time to visit. The weather was sunny enough to spend some time at the pool, but the rates were a little lower before the March spring break crowds arrived. (March sees the highest hotel prices in Scottsdale out of any month.)
If you want the cheapest rates, visit in July, when the weather is hottest and the crowds are fewer.
How to Get to Scottsdale
The easiest way to get to Scottsdale from out of town is to fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) which is just 5.8 miles away from Scottsdale. This was how I traveled to Scottsdale, I found it very easy.
Other airports include Phoenix-Mesa Gateway (AZA) and Prescott (PRC).
I used Uber to get around Scottsdale, however if you plan on doing a lot of exploring or driving to the desert for hiking/biking, you may want to consider a car rental. Uber was easy to use and readily available in Scottsdale, especially around the resorts and Old Town.
Where to Stay in Scottsdale
Scottsdale is home to some truly gorgeous resorts. On my most recent visit, I stayed in The Phoenician (Marriott Luxury Collection) and Royal Palms (Hyatt Unbound Collection) - both were incredible and insanely beautiful.
I’m going to call out some unique luxury resorts to stay at, however there are seriously a TON of hotel options in Scottsdale for every budget. If want to stay in a hotel fairly close to Old Town, consider one of these gems:
- The Scott Resort: a Downtown Scottsdale hotel with the comforts and colors of Havana
- Hotel Valley Ho: classically cool, modern hotel in Downtown built in 1956
- Hotel Adeline: bold, eclectic boutique hotel with a yoga deck and bike rentals
The Scott Resort. Image courtesy of Kaitlyn Noelle.
Hotel Valley Ho. Image courtesy of Hotel Valley Ho.
Hotel Adeline. Image courtesy of Hotel Adeline.
The Phoenician, A Luxury Collection Resort
Rooms, suites, and casitas have either a private terrace or balcony as well as marble bathrooms. Amenities include 9 pools, a 165-foot waterslide, 8 dining and drink options, a spa, tennis courts, a kids’ club, splash pad and playground. They also have a 27-hole golf course, a lake, a retail corridor, and complimentary wine tastings.
>>> Read more about The Phoenician in Scottsdale, AZ here! <<<
Royal Palms Resort & Spa
Originally a home built in 1929, this high-end resort has old world-style rooms and suites with scenic views, soaking tubs and/or patios. The tropical grounds are meticulously maintained. Posh sitting areas, a croquet lawn, and outdoor fireplaces create a cozy serene atmosphere.
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
Image courtesy of Fairmont Scottsdale Princess.
Suites offer balconies/terraces, separate living areas, and fireplaces or whirlpool tubs. Amenities include sophisticated restaurants, outdoor pools, a spa, and a fitness center.
Sanctuary Camelback Mountain
Contemporary rooms have free-standing tubs, sitting areas, balconies, and/or patios with fireplaces and showers. Amenities include 3 pools (one is an infinity pool), 5 tennis courts, a spa, and a fitness center.
What to do in Scottsdale
Spa Day
The Phoenician Spa is grand and gilded in gold from the moment you step foot onto the property. After checking in, you’re shown to the gender-specific locker rooms and shown the hot-and-cold hydrotherapy room which includes a sauna, a steam room, and a vitality hot tub. Enjoy with some cucumber mint spa water and a small snack of nuts or chocolate-covered cherries. (Definitely come early before your treatment so that you have time here!)
Once it’s time for your spa treatment, you walk downstairs to a dimly lit quiet room area. My 50-minute massage was with Cher and she was amazing! After your treatment, you can relax in the post-treatment lounge area or at the rooftop pool.
The rooftop pool is exclusive to spa guests (the spa is adult-only, ages 18 and up).
The rooftop pool provides dramatic views of both the resort and Camelback Mountain. It is the perfect place to relax and have a tranquil retreat following your spa services.
>>> Read more about The Phoenician in Scottsdale, AZ here! <<<
Pool Day
With many hotels and resorts come plenty of pools! Because Scottsdale gets so much sun throughout the year, you’ll likely have the opportunity to relax by the pool while visiting. (Many of the resort pools in Scottsdale are temperature-controlled.)
Before booking your stay, check out your resort’s pool options. Many of the larger resorts have multiple pools, some adult-only.
Cabanas are available by reservation at most places and they also offer poolside food and drinks which can be ordered through the pool-appointed waitstaff.
If you are not staying at a resort, check ResortPass and see if you can gain pool access at a resort for the day.
Golf
Wine Tasting
Scottsdale may not be the first place that comes to mind when going wine tasting…wine and deserts typically don’t go hand in hand. Despite that, downtown Scottsdale has become a hot spot for winery tasting rooms. Known as the “Scottsdale Wine Trail,” downtown Scottsdale presently has six different tasting rooms open to the public for wine tasting, each offering their own unique flavor profile and atmosphere.
Explore Old Town
Some of the buildings in Old Town date back to the 1920s. You can also admire the 19th-century olive trees planted there. This urban center attracts art aficionados, foodies, and bachelor/bachelorette parties galore.
Afternoon Tea
Starting at $72 per person, Afternoon Tea at The Phoenician is offered on Thursday through Sunday from 2 PM to 3 PM. This English tradition includes finger sandwiches, scones with Devonshire cream and preserves, pastries and a selection of fine tea blends. Gluten Free, Vegan and Vegetarian menus are available with 24-hour advance notice.
>>> Read more about The Phoenician in Scottsdale, AZ here! <<<
Desert Botanical Garden
It’s a beautiful way to see and appreciate desert life in Arizona. You’ll probably want at least 2 hours to walk around the botanical garden. Try to go in the morning or later in the day because midday can get pretty hot!
Admission is FREE the second Tuesday of every month! Outside of that, admission is $29.95 - $39.95 for adults.
See the Sonoran Desert with Off-Road Jeep Adventures
Not only will you learn about the desert on this low-speed, bumpy tour, but you’ll also learn about the natural habitat. You’ll have the opportunity to see the desert as local Native Americans experienced it for hundreds of years before settlers arrived in the late 1800s. Prices start at $125 per person.
Hike Camelback Mountain
This mountain reaches an elevation of 2,704 feet and is located centrally in the Phoenix Valley. There are two challenging hiking trails - Echo Canyon is steeper while Cholla is longer. Parking is permitted from sunrise to sunset.
Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin West
Image courtesy of the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation.
It served as his studio from 1937 until his death in 1959 when Frank was 91 years old. If you are interested in historic sites and architecture, this UNESCO World Heritage site is an impressive structure constructed largely of “desert masonry” (local rock set in wooden forms and bound by a mixture of cement and desert sand). Guided, self-guided, and audio tours are offered 7 days a week.
Where to Eat in Scottsdale
There are many restaurants to choose from when you visit Scottsdale, Arizona ranging from budget-friendly to super luxe! Whether you’re looking for fresh, top-shelf margaritas paired with tableside prepared guacamole or bloody Mary creations paired with brunch favorites, you’ll love the food in this desert destination.
Check out this related post to get a full round-up of the best places to eat while you’re on your Scottsdale getaway.
Closing Thoughts About a Scottsdale Getaway
Scottsdale is the perfect place for a sunny weekend getaway for spending time in the outdoors, getting pampered, and taking some time to unwind and relax. You can easily make your trip ultra high-end luxury or find more budget-friendly ways to enjoy the city. Either way, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from and plenty of opportunities for making memories!
Author Bio
Known as The Jet Set Blonde, Brittany Ryan inspires others to add more adventure to their childfree travel experiences. Brittany has visited 23 countries (and counting!) Connect with her to get access to detailed childfree travel itineraries, travel guides for weekend getaways, and updates on adult-only hotels, resorts, cruises, and other travel amenities.
