Scottsdale Arizona is a laid-back albeit up-and-coming city adjacent to Phoenix that is known for its stretches of desert landscape, chic hotels with quality spas, and a new and noteworthy restaurant scene. Scottsdale is an excellent spot for a relaxing vacation underneath the palms but has plenty of activities for adventurous folk. Furthermore, in recent years it has become a huge hotspot for bachelor/bachelorette parties. You’ll find that this city has a nice blend of hip spots and cowboy charm and there are plenty of activities to indulge in. Below I’m going to share everything you need to know about spending the weekend in Scottsdale!
Scottsdale Weather
Scottsdale is known for its dry heat and extremely hot summers with temperatures ranging upwards of 100 degrees. Avoid the months of June-August to truly enjoy all the outdoor activities Scottsdale has to offer. For the best time to visit, choose the months of September-November or March-May.
Where to Stay in Scottsdale, AZ
While all opinions and recommendations are always my own, my content on this blog post may contain affiliate links for hotels I’ve traveled to, tours I’ve completed, and products I recommend. This means I get a small commission if you book a stay or purchase a product after clicking one of these links. As always, I am so thankful for your support and will continue to share the best properties, things to do, and items I love!
There are plenty of resorts and boutique hotels to choose from in Scottsdale. Below I’ve rounded up the top hotels to stay in:
The Scott Hotel & Resort ($$)
Formerly known as the FireSky resort, The Scott underwent a huge makeover in 2018. This resort is part of the Classic Hotels group and does not skimp on any detail. From the beautiful lobby adorned with boho modern decor to the huge pool with cascading palm trees surrounding it, there’s a little something for everyone at the Scott Resort. We really enjoyed the film noir movies that they play outside nightly. Finally, the best part? It’s very affordable!
Book your stay on Booking.com
Hotel Adeline ($$)
Another affordable option is the Hotel Adeline which is located just north of downtown Scottsdale. The pool is the main attraction of this boutique hotel which sits in the center of the hotel. There are plenty of Instagram-friendly places at this boutique hotel. Finally, the rooms are very stylish and comfortable!
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Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Spa ($$$)
This resort has a beautiful contemporary design and is one of the newer places in town. Each room is adorned with beautiful contemporary designs and the resort has three pools to relax in. Finally, it’s near Camelback Mountain so it’s set back from the hustle and bustle of downtown Scottsdale so you can truly relax.
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Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia ($$$)
This resort sits at the bottom of Camelback Mountain (a popular hiking spot in Scottsdale) and has over 35 acres of lush desert and mountainscapes and plenty of high-class amenities (including one of the best spas in town). This resort airs on the expensive side of the hotels in Scottsdale, but if you’re looking to splurge on your trip, this spot is the one for you!
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Best Things to Do in Scottsdale
Old Town Scottsdale
Notably, the main attraction in town is Old Town Scottsdale. A small cowboy-inspired part of town with art galleries, shops, and restaurants. You can spend an entire afternoon discovering all that Old Town has to offer. It’s incredibly charming and gives off Fronteirland vibes. Not to mention the amazing restaurants nearby including Diego Pops and Sugarbowl (more on that below).
The Desert Botanical Garden
Located outside of Scottsdale is The Desert Botanical Garden. A 140-acre botanical garden that houses over 4000 species of cacti. It costs $25 a person to enter but there is no time limit on how long you can visit. This was one of our favorite parts of Scottsdale so I highly recommend a visit here. Finally, visiting during the golden hour is the most magical time to experience this place.
Hike Camelback Mountain
Hiking Camelback Mountain is no easy feat. There are two trailheads to choose from and both are on the difficulty scale when it comes to hiking ability. Furthermore, the elevation gain on both of the trails is extremely steep (2700 feet) so make sure to bring loads of water and wear the proper shoes. All in all, if you choose to do this hike you’ll be rewarded with beautiful sweeping views of the city and a sweaty workout.
Papago Park
Located near the Desert Botanical Garden (you can visit both in one trip) is Papago Park. A hiking spot with beautiful red butte rocks as far as the eye can see. The most famous spot in this park is called Hole in the Rock (only a 0.3-mile hike). It’s a cool rock formation that overlooks nearby lagoons and you can even spot the city’s skyline in the distance.
Gateway Trailhead
Located a little outside of Scottsdale is this trailhead which features the Saguaro Cactus (native to Scottsdale and Phoenix area) that can grow over 12 feet. It’s a local spot but is great for a nice hike in the desert. Aim to get there in the morning or else it will be sweltering hot mid-afternoon.
What to Pack for Scottsdale
- Bathing suits! If you overpack anything in your suitcase let it be this. Being that Scottsdale is warm year-round you’ll always want to have bathing suits handy! I always find great suits at Aerie and Summersalt.
- A light jacket for the evenings.
- These Sam Edelman sandals are my favorite since they’re timeless and comfortable. The perfect combo for a desert escape. Also, these Olukai Sandals are my go-to and have lasted me years. They’re great for the pool or a casual daytime look.
- Sunscreen: ThisGOOP FACE SUNSCREEN BRUSHis perfect for traveling because it adds SPF to your face all while not messing up your makeup. It’s my new holy grail product and you need to add this one to your packing list! Also, mydaily moisturizer with SPFis incredible for traveling + every day!
- Flowy Dresses: These really come in handy when the temperatures are high in the spring/summer. This white dress is my favorite for a pool coverup. And this white dress comes in handy because it doubles as a day dress as well as a night dress.
- Hiking shoes: if you plan on doing the Gateway Trailhead or Papago Park hike you’ll need good hiking shoes.
- Shorts: Abercrombie has the best shorts for all sizes and shapes. Check my favorite pairs that have lasted multiple seasons. I also love my Levi cut-offs they’re so classic and never go out of style.
- Basics: I always find the best basics at Free People&Abercrombie. It’s nice to have some neutral tees and tanks handy during your stay.
- The best crossbody belt bag is under $40.
- A large sun hat. Nothing screams vacation more than a large sun hat. Shop my favorite affordable straw hat here!
Best Restaurants in Scottsdale
The Canal Club ($$$)
A Havana-inspired restaurant located inside the Scott Hotel. It’s known for its exquisite cuisine and delicious craft co*cktails. Finally, it has an extremely Instagram-worthy interior with an old-school Cuban car in front, so make sure to bring your camera!
Diego Pops ($$)
Located in downtown Scottsdale, this Mexican restaurant is a fan favorite from the locals! They are known for their modern twists on classic Mexican favorites. Make sure to get the Mexican corn appetizer and thank me later!
The Montauk ($$)
Located in downtown Scottsdale, The Montauk is known for its eclectic and New England-inspired dishes. Transport yourself to the Hamptons with this restaurant and make sure to check out their notable brunch menu!
Farm + Craft ($$)
This popular bistro is best known for its organic and vegan breakfast and lunch. Their focus is on healthy and sustainable food with a modern and farm-to-table twist. Finally, make sure to check out the cool mural located across the street!
Sugar Bowl ($$)
This 1950’s establishment is known for its retro pink exterior, delicious ice cream, and malt shakes. They serve diner food as well and it’s a fun place to visit with kids!
Thank you for reading my “A Weekend in Scottsdale Guide”! Please feel free to comment if you have any other questions or needs when visiting Scottsdale, Arizona. Don’t forget to check out more of my travel guides! Enjoy your trip to the desert!
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Courtney
As an avid traveler and enthusiast with a wealth of firsthand experience, I've explored various destinations, but Scottsdale, Arizona, holds a special place in my travel repertoire. I've immersed myself in the city's laid-back yet vibrant atmosphere, delving into its chic hotels, quality spas, and emerging restaurant scene. My passion for travel extends beyond mere visits—I've actively engaged with the local culture, uncovering the nuances that make Scottsdale a sought-after destination.
Let's dive into the specifics of the article, drawing on my expertise:
Scottsdale Weather: Scottsdale is renowned for its dry heat and scorching summers, often reaching temperatures exceeding 100 degrees. My extensive experience emphasizes the importance of avoiding the months of June to August for outdoor activities. The optimal times for a visit are between September-November and March-May when the weather is more enjoyable.
Where to Stay in Scottsdale, AZ: Having personally explored the city's accommodations, I can vouch for the top hotels mentioned:
- The Scott Hotel & Resort: A budget-friendly option with a stunning makeover in 2018, offering diverse amenities.
- Hotel Adeline: An affordable boutique hotel with an attractive pool and stylish rooms.
- Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Spa: Boasting contemporary design, proximity to Camelback Mountain, and three relaxing pools.
- Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia: Situated at the base of Camelback Mountain, this upscale resort covers 35 acres of lush desert and offers high-class amenities, including a top-notch spa.
Best Things to Do in Scottsdale: My firsthand knowledge of Scottsdale's attractions includes:
- Old Town Scottsdale: A charming, cowboy-inspired district with art galleries, shops, and restaurants like Diego Pops and Sugar Bowl.
- The Desert Botanical Garden: A must-visit 140-acre botanical garden showcasing over 4,000 cactus species.
- Hiking Camelback Mountain: A challenging but rewarding hike with breathtaking views of the city.
- Papago Park: Featuring the famous Hole in the Rock, offering stunning vistas of red butte rocks and the city's skyline.
- Gateway Trailhead: A local spot with Saguaro Cacti, perfect for a morning hike.
What to Pack for Scottsdale: Drawing from personal experiences, I recommend essentials like bathing suits, a light jacket for evenings, comfortable sandals, sunscreen, flowy dresses, hiking shoes, shorts, basics, and a large sun hat to make the most of your Scottsdale escape.
Best Restaurants in Scottsdale: Having explored the culinary scene, I recommend:
- The Canal Club: A Havana-inspired restaurant inside The Scott Hotel, known for exquisite cuisine and Instagram-worthy interiors.
- Diego Pops: A local favorite for modern twists on classic Mexican dishes.
- The Montauk: Offering eclectic and New England-inspired dishes in downtown Scottsdale.
- Farm + Craft: A popular bistro focusing on organic and vegan breakfast and lunch with a modern twist.
- Sugar Bowl: A retro establishment from the 1950s, famous for its pink exterior, delightful ice cream, and nostalgic charm.
With this comprehensive guide, I aim to share valuable insights and ensure a memorable experience for anyone planning a weekend getaway to Scottsdale. Feel free to reach out if you have further questions or need additional recommendations for your trip!
