7 Things to Do in Scottsdale for a Relaxing Arizona Getaway

In this guide

1. 1. Slow down in Old Town Scottsdale
2. 2. Book a spa day
3. 3. Tour Taliesin West
4. 4. Walk through the Desert Botanical Garden
5. 5. Take an easy hike in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve
6. 6. Watch the sunset from Pinnacle Peak
7. 7. Stroll the Scottsdale Waterfront at night
8. A few more ideas
9. Where to eat
10. Where to stay
11. When to go
12. Common questions

The weather from October to April is close to perfect: sunny, dry and warm without being hot. The desert is right on the edge of town. And the whole city seems built around pools, patios and long lunches. If you want a trip that leaves you more rested than when you arrived, here are seven ways to spend it.

1. Slow down in Old Town Scottsdale

Old Town is the walkable heart of the city. It’s a mix of western-themed storefronts, art galleries, boutiques and some really good restaurants, all within a few blocks. Start the day with coffee and a pastry, then wander.

The galleries along Main Street and Marshall Way are worth a look even if you’re not buying. On Thursday evenings, the Scottsdale ArtWalk keeps them open late, with wine and artists around. It’s free and very relaxed.

FYI, Old Town has a lively bar scene at night, especially on weekends. If you want quiet, stay a little further out and come in for dinner.

2. Book a spa day

Scottsdale might have more spas per person than anywhere in the country, and this is the one thing I’d say you should splurge on. Many resort spas let you buy a day pass with a treatment, which gives you access to the pools, steam rooms and quiet lounges for the whole day.

Weekdays are calmer and sometimes cheaper. Desert-inspired treatments, like a sage or prickly pear body wrap, are a fun local twist. Bring a book, order lunch by the pool and don’t make other plans.

3. Tour Taliesin West

Taliesin West was Frank Lloyd Wright’s winter home and studio, built by hand from desert rock and sand starting in 1937. It sits on the slopes of the McDowell Mountains and looks like it grew out of the ground.

You can only see it on a guided tour, so book ahead. The standard tour takes about 90 minutes and covers the drafting studio, the living room and the theaters. Even if you don’t know much about architecture, the way light moves through the buildings is really something.

4. Walk through the Desert Botanical Garden

The Desert Botanical Garden is technically in Phoenix, about 15 minutes from Old Town, but it’s a must. It has thousands of cacti, succulents and desert flowers along easy paved trails, with the red Papago Buttes in the background.

Go first thing in the morning or in the late afternoon, when the light is soft and the temperature is lower. In late fall and winter, the evening Las Noches de las Luminarias event fills the paths with thousands of candle bags. It’s lovely and sells out early.

5. Take an easy hike in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve

You don’t have to climb a mountain to enjoy the desert here. The McDowell Sonoran Preserve is a huge protected area on the north side of Scottsdale with more than 200 miles of trails, and plenty of them are gentle.

The Gateway Loop from the Gateway Trailhead is about 4.5 miles with only modest climbing. You’ll pass giant saguaros, wildflowers in spring and wide views over the valley. Bring more water than you think you need, wear a hat and start early, even in winter.

6. Watch the sunset from Pinnacle Peak

Pinnacle Peak Park has a well-kept trail that winds up past huge granite boulders. The full out-and-back is about 3.5 miles, but you don’t need to do all of it. Walk the first mile or so and you’ll get the views.

Time it for the last hour before sunset. The rocks turn orange, the city lights come on below and the air cools down fast. Afterward, the old cowboy steakhouses in the area are an easy dinner nearby.

7. Stroll the Scottsdale Waterfront at night

The Scottsdale Waterfront runs along the Arizona Canal next to Old Town. It’s a pleasant walking path lined with restaurants and public art, including the Soleri Bridge and its sundial plaza.

It’s a nice after-dinner walk when the evenings cool off. Grab gelato, watch the light on the water and call it a night. Honestly, that’s the whole point of Scottsdale.

A few more ideas

If you have an extra day, a sunrise hot air balloon flight over the desert is unforgettable, though not cheap. Spring training baseball fills the area in March, so book early if you’re going then. And for an easy half-day trip, the Musical Instrument Museum in north Phoenix is better than it sounds.

Where to eat

Scottsdale’s food scene is better than its party reputation suggests. Old Town has everything from casual taco spots to some of the best Southwestern cooking in the state. Try something with green chile, and look for prickly pear on the cocktail menu. It’s pink, slightly sweet and very Arizona.

Brunch is a big deal here, and patio seating is the norm from fall to spring. Book ahead for weekends. For something low-key, pick up picnic food and eat it at a park with a view of the McDowell Mountains.

Where to stay

For a relaxing trip, the resort is part of the experience. Look for one with a good pool and a spa on site, so you don’t have to drive anywhere. If you’d rather walk to dinner, a boutique hotel in Old Town is a good option. Prices drop a lot in summer, but so does the comfort level outside.

When to go

October through April is the best time. March is beautiful but also the busiest and most expensive, thanks to spring training and spring break. November and early December are great for good weather and lower prices. Summer is very hot, with highs over 105°F most days.

Common questions

D

DavidMarketer, YouTuber, Traveler

Addicted to traveling. Currently living in Valencia, Spain.

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