A BLONDE VINTAGE

I feel like this post has been in the making for years. No joke. I first went to Scottsdale seven years ago and I still cannot get enough. There is so much to see and do and every trip is nothing short of memorable and exciting. I’m excited to finally share the ultimate travel guide to Scottsdale, Arizona with you today! If you are thinking about visiting, I’m sharing all of our activities from our last trip in today’s full blog post – make sure to click through to see all the photos too!

Scottsdale sits in Central Arizona, and is a popular resort destination on the eastern border of Phoenix. It’s fairly renowned for it’s art galleries, golf courses, shopping and dining and recreational activities. A standout to the area is its world-class spas, which people flock to this desert oasis for. I’m no exception.

FYI: I would suggest visiting in spring or fall. Our trip was in April, and it was perfect for the whole family!

The Ultimate Travel Guide to Scottsdale Arizona

When To Go To Scottsdale

Like I mentioned above, the best time of the year is Spring or Fall. You’ll have the best weather, and it won’t be unbearably hot.

Getting Around Scottsdale

I’d suggest renting a car for your trip to Scottsdale, unless you plan on staying downtown and keeping within a close proximity of your resort. Otherwise, you’ll want to have a car as it’s pretty spread out and Ubers could get expensive.

Where To Stay In Scottsdale

Scottsdale has some of the best hotels in the country and it can be difficult to know how to choose the best hotel with so many options! Each time we travel to Scottsdale, we try to stay at a new hotel. This last trip we decided to stay at the Westin Kierland as it was central to all the activities we wanted to partake in, walking distance from shopping and dining, and has an amazing onsite spa. We loved it, but below is a roundup of all the hotels in the area I recommend whole hearted!

Westin Kierland Resort & Spa – located in the heart of “new” Scottsdale, Arizona. You will find a sense of old Arizona, but with a fresh, modern twist. The onsite spa is amazing, as is the pool. This place is great for families, couples, and even business.

JW Marriott Desert Ridge – located at the very North of Scottsdale, the Marriott Desert Ridge is a huge luxury property. I would say it’s more geared towards families than couples, but they have recently created a “adults only” section of the pool, which for a fee you can relax minus children. The spa recently underwent a huge renovation and is quite enjoyable!

The Phoenician – One of my absolute favorite resorts – mostly for the outstanding service, phenomenal spa and the High Tea the property offers in their Tea Room. This is one resort I could check into and not leave for five days straight. We enjoyed all the onsite restaurants, the pool area and the amenities.

Andaz Scottsdale Resort – One of the newest hotels in the area, this Hyatt owned resort is really beautiful and has picturesque views of Cameback Mountain. From start to finish your experiences will be relaxing, restorative, and intimate.

JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa – If you’re looking for a posh resort, with some old school history vibing through it, then this is your destination. Camelback Inn opened on December 15, 1936 with the slogan “Where Time Stands Still” and became an immediate success with glamorous movie stars and wealthy politicians. This luxurious adobe casita-style hotel will keep you coming back time and time again.

Where To Eat + Drink In Scottsdale

Scottsdale has no shortage of delicious restaurants! I could seriously eat my way through the city. Here are a few of my top picks!

Diego Pops – This playful little eatery boasts an airy outdoor patio, retro-vibe and some of the best appetizers in Scottsdale. You have to try the brussel sprout nachos. You won’t regret it!

Hash – This creative a.m. eatery that boasts a social dining experience and if you enjoy brunch, Bloody Mary’s and mimosa’s then this is your jam. Be prepared for a wait on the weekends, but it’s totally worth it.

Culinary Drop Out – When we first walked in, I did not know what to expect. Their slogan is “for anyone who loves damn good food and drinks” and the edgy vibe pulled me back to my college days of wine coolers and Smirnoff.  But after one sip of my craft cocktail and a nibble of the pretzel and fondue – I was sold. This place is awesome.

The Mission – Located in Old Town Scottsdale, this chic, dimly lit restaurant + lounge serves modern, upscale Latin cuisine + craft cocktails. It’s a Scottsdale staple that is jam packed in the evenings.

Roaring Fork – A Scottsdale staple, this is where the locals go for one of the best Happy Hours in the Valley. The food is super reliable, the ambiance good and the drinks delicious. You can’t go wrong.

Sugar Bowl – This old school ice cream shop has a menu two miles long..I swear. Sundaes, floats, shakes, you name it, they will make it for you.  Fun little fact, this adorable ice cream parlor was once owned by the man behind the Family Circus comics!

Things To Do In Scottsdale

Explore Old Town Scottsdale – Old Town is divided into nine walkable neighborhoods which off a variety of experiences either by day or by night. First begin your time by discovering Scottsdale’s beginnings in Historic Old Town, then browse along the galleries of the Arts District (try to catch a a Artwalk, which are free to the public every Thursday evening from 7 to 9 p.m. along Main Street). Another day plan to shop along Fifth Avenue and then discover the energy of Scottsdale after dark in the Entertainment District.

Visit Taliesin West – I love Frank Lloyd Wright Architecture and this is easily my favorite thing to do in Scottsdale. Taliesin West was Wright’s winter home and architectural school. Enjoy a daily tour which offers guests an insider’s look into Wright’s ingenious designs and his ability to seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor spaces. I could come here every single trip.

Visit the Musical Instrument Museum – Here you’ll discover unique instruments and music from around the world. Fully immerse yourself in global musical traditions and explore the hands-on Experience Gallery which allows aspiring musicians of all ages try their hand at instruments like guitars, gongs and gamelans.

Enjoy A Spa Day – Eeny, meeny, miny, moe.. Whatever spa you choose, you’ll have an amazing time. As I mentioned above, the spas in Scottsdale are world-class and offer all sorts of amenities. Plan to come early, enjoy the spa accomodations and pool, then go in for your treatment. You leave refreshed and renewed!

Hike Camelback – Not for the faint of heart, or those with medical conditions. You must be in great shape and willing to get up super early to conquer the Camel and beat the heat but it’s well worth it! The views from the top are absolutely incredible.

This is a curated list of my favorite things to do in the Scottsdale area! As there are thousands of things to see and do, I’d LOVE to hear what some of your favorites are. Please feel free to leave them in the comments below!

Also as you plan your next trip, consider reading my post highlighting the best websites + resources for travel planning! Save yourself time and money!

XO,

M

Thank you to Experience Scottsdale for supporting this post!  
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