The DL: I recently went on a girls trip to Scottsdale in June, yes one of the hottest time of the year, but it was so much fun! I would recommend a couple months before or after summer if you have flexibility, if not just plan to spend a lot of time in the pool. Scottsdale is really just 10 minutes from Phoenix and Paradise Valley (which I loved). There is so much to do and the clientele is hard to pin point; there was couples, bachelorette trips, 50th birthday parties, you name it they were visiting!
What to do in Phoenix and Scottsdale:
Botanical Gardens – (it gets so hot so go early in the day, we spent about an hour here. The main cactus you see people get pictures with is right when you walk in the gardens, also make time to see the small lookout. There is a ton of beautiful plants right outside if you don’t want to spend the $25. Either way, wear a hat or sunscreen and bring lots of water and good walking shoes.
Shop at Fashion Square for luxury or Old Town for western finds
Hot Air Balloon Tour
Sunset ATV Tour with Desert Monsters Tour
Hike Camelback Mountain (go early and bring tons of water) for more low key try Mcdowell Sonoran Conservancy or Pinnacle Peak or more intense try something like Toms Thumb
Get day pass at other pools in the city
Go to the Spa, one of the most amazing experiences here. The Omni was amazing, I would go back! They had a relaxation room and private rooftop pool with servers overlooking Camelback Mountain. This is perfect spa for a girls trips or couples. I want to try Phoenician, that was another highly recommended spa.
Play Golf which is one of the main reasons people come to visit here!
Where to eat in Scottsdale:
- Farm and Craft (go any time of day, good happy hour, lots of gf options, healthy menu, cute vibes)
- Prep and Pastry (instagrammable, girly brunch)
- Hash Kitchen – didn’t get to go this trip, but want to go – known for largest Bloody Mary bar (not a draw for me) but they have tons of unique creative breakfast dishes, live dj
- The Churchill – it is a local business food and shopping concept
- Zuzu (get gluten free toast, milkshakes, and truffle parmesan fries)
- Diego Pops – get the coconut cocktail, shrimp bowl, long waits so get there early
- Sumomaya: for Brunch bottomless option is $29 and for Dinner – vibes are awesome, live dj, food is a little overhyped, would still go back
- The Montauk for brunch – vibes are so fun, live dj, would go back, one of my favorite spots
- Culinary dropout – good burgers, lots of seating
- Gertrudes
- Hearth 61 – nicer dinner
- Talavera at the Four Seasons – steaks with mountain views
- Sugar bowl – out fashioned milkshake and sweet spot
Where to go out or grab a drink:
- O.H.S.O Brewery
- Social tap – fu little second floor roof and cheap drinks
- Handlebar J
- Beverly on Main
- AZ/88 – a modern saloon
- Wasted Grain
- Citizen Public House – good cocktails
- If you want to go “out out” visit olde town: Club Maya Bottled Blonde and Dierks Bentley Whiskey Row
- Sundays half off bottles of wine at Jade Bar at Sanctuary at Camelback
- Canopy Hotel Rooftop
- Weft & Warp – classy, art, pano views
- Greenwood Brewing
Where to stay in Scottsdale:
Finding a resort with a pool is the most important part of picking your hotel, you will spend a lot of time here during your trip.
- Sanctuary at Camelback $$$
- The Scott $$
- Hotel Valley Ho $$
- The Phoenician $$$$
- Omni Spa $$$
- Andaz Resort & Bungalows $$$$
- Mountain Shadows $$$
- The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa $$ – good for kids or if golfing nearby
How to Get Around in Phoenix and Scottsdale:
We rented a car and it was worth it, everything is pretty close and you can totally uber but we wanted to really explore and go around different parts of the city. There is suppose to be a trolly running downtown but we never saw it, we were close enough to walk to a lot of places but it was just hot! Especially if you are planning to hike or take the atv or hot air balloon it makes more sense to get a rental car.
Have fun! Looking for other weekend guide ideas? Click here!
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