The Best Scottsdale Arizona Travel Blog | Ultimate Itinerary
I mean it when I say this is the ultimate travel guide to Scottsdale, Arizona. Grab your coffee, and let me take you on a little trip to Scottsdale for the next hour! I’m covering everything we ate, where we stayed, and all the fun things we did while visiting for a week. Don’t think twice about adding Scottsdale to your travel plans. Scottsdale, Arizona, is the perfect place for a honeymoon, a bachelorette trip, or a relaxing getaway. It has everything for everyone, and it’s sunny all year round. Even during the hottest months, there are pools to hang out in, incredible restaurants, and entertainment. Your trip to Scottsdale, Arizona, can be anything you want it to be. It can be adventurous, relaxing, filled with healthy food, fitness, decadent treats, spas, art, or a little bit of everything, which is what we did.
Traveling to Scottsdale, Arizona
Depending on where you’re traveling, I highly suggest renting a car when visiting Scottsdale, Arizona. It’s the type of city that has parking everywhere, and it’s a bit spread out, so having a car made it much easier to get around. If we had used Uber or Lift, the cost would have possibly been more expensive. In Arizona, many activities start at 5 am to beat the heat and catch the sunrise. Waiting for a ride around that time may not be ideal, so I highly recommend renting a car when you arrive at the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. Scottsdale is only fifteen minutes from the airport, so it’s so convenient to travel there.
Visiting Scottsdale, Arizona, in The Summer!
I know visiting Scottsdale in the hottest months may sound like a turn-off, but it’s the best time to experience Scottsdale with fewer people. You can also get amazing deals on hotels and activities. Even the flights are cheaper during the summer months. I’m talking about 60% off rates during the “It’s That Hot” season!
Best Resorts in Scottsdale
While visiting Scottsdale, we stayed at three different resorts. I love switching resorts and getting a new experience every few days. Since the trip was right after our wedding, we started with the gorgeous Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa to kick off our honeymoon.
Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa
Sanctuary Resort is tucked away with stunning views of Camelback Mountain. You must add This Scottsdale luxury resort to your travel plans. If you’re looking for a resort to relax and never leave, you can do that here. As if the incredible food and infinity pool aren’t enough, they have a relaxing spa, tennis courts, yoga classes, and more. And, of course, I wouldn’t be properly flexing if I didn’t mention that celebrities like Beyoncé and Jay-Z spent their honeymoon at the glamorous resort.
When we first got to Sanctuary, we were greeted by staff who helped us check in and took us to our spa suite on a golf cart. The service at this resort was incredible. They offered a texting service if you needed anything, and they would occasionally text you to see how you were doing and if they could offer any assistance. I loved that.
The spa suite was like having a mini luxury apartment at the resort. The decor was vibrant yet modern, and the enormous private patio had mountain views. Our room had a fireplace for a cozy champagne night and a private outdoor soaking tub. Next to the fireplace, a stocked bar with a fridge, a Nespresso maker (perfect for 5 am risers looking for coffee), and the resort surprised us with a congratulatory bottle of champagne and charcuterie to kick off our honeymoon. This resort goes above and beyond to make guests feel special and well cared for.
Breakfast at Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa
You can grab breakfast at Elements, but since we dined there in the evening, we decided to order breakfast in our room. I wanted to sit out on the day bed with my coffee and breakfast before spending my morning at the spa. I’m going to come right out and say it. Usually, room service at a hotel is never that great, but here at Sanctuary, it was exceptional. The menu had many options, making it hard to decide. I ordered the acai bowl, which was quickly the best I’ve ever had. It was even better than the ones I had when visiting Hawaii. The bowl had mango, pineapple, dragon fruit, banana, and toasted coconut chia crunch over a blended acai smoothie. The flavors were phenomenal, and the fruit was so fresh! I ordered bacon and potatoes on the side, which was everything I could have dreamed of. It was the perfect way to start our first morning in Scottsdale.
Scottsdale Hotel With The Best Views
The sunrises and sunsets at Sanctuary Camelback Mountain are some of the most beautiful views you’ll ever catch. Make sure to take the time to look up sun hours and witness the gorgeous views for yourself. I took my coffee in the morning to catch the views by the pool, and Kyle and I enjoyed the sunset while swimming! We loved seeing an early dinner and ending the day with a swim, and of course, the sunset over the mountains made it even more dreamy.
The Best Restaurant in Scottsdale
Whether you’re staying at Sanctuary or not, you had better make a reservation at Elements Restaurant immediately. Who would have thought the dinner at our resort would have been the best food on our trip? And that’s a huge statement, considering everything we ate in Scottsdale was a 10/10. I never realized how much of a foodie town Scottsdale was until traveling here. Usually, when I travel places, I don’t leave with every single restaurant 100% satisfied, but for the first time, Scottsdale did that!
Elements Restaurant at Sanctuary Resort Scottsdale, Arizona
We spent the entire day traveling from Charlotte to Scottsdale, Arizona. After a mediocre chicken salad wrap and a bag of goldfish at the airport, I was ready for real food. We headed to our reservation at Elements Restaurant at the Sanctuary Resort, which was only a few steps from our suite. I didn’t realize how much of a treat we were in for. They take that kind of seriously when you tell them it’s your honeymoon. They put us at one of the best tables in the restaurant’s corner, with the open glass window perfect for catching the sunset over Paradise Valley as you sip on delicious cocktails and crunch on tasty appetizers.
Elements Restaurant is a farm-fresh American cuisine with Asian accents crafted by Chef Beau MacMillan, a Food Network star! He works hard to create a seasonal menu incorporating local and organic produce, sustainable seafood, and hormone-free meat. If you’re looking for luxury dining that is both cozy and romantic, Elements is your spot.
Coming from someone who never orders many cocktails, you MUST try the Red Panther! I ordered it because it was pretty and peach-flavored. I was not expecting it to taste so irresistible. The Red Panther has tequila, grilled peach, maple, and red wine bitters. It wasn’t too sweet, and the maple flavors were very subtle. Maybe it’s because I live in the South, but I appreciated the art of adding grilled peaches to a cocktail.
What to order at Elements Restaurant Sanctuary Resort
We didn’t skimp out on the food here. We both knew this could be our only chance to eat here, and we wanted to make this moment count, so we went headfirst into the appetizers.
We started with the Ahi Tuna Crudo. This dish was definitely on the lighter side of the appetizer menu. It came with Asian pears, ninja radishes, shishito peppers, avocado crema, hibiscus, & watermelon aguachile. I loved this dish’s light and refreshing flavors; somehow, all the different textures complemented each other flawlessly.
To make ourselves feel better before diving into the tempura, we dove into another light starter, the Farmers Market Salad. If you like ginger dressing, you will fall in love with the fresh herb ginger vinaigrette that is dressed with cucumbers, shaved carrots, fresh greens, and baby heirloom tomatoes.
Kyle is a calamari connoisseur, and the Fiery Calamari did not disappoint. As someone who thinks calamari is whatever, I didn’t think that about this version of it. The Asian twist on calamari should be done more often at restaurants. The best technique is to get the fried herbs, cherry peppers, and calamari on your fork before swiping it into the miso scallion vinaigrette. I promise your eyes will light up, and it’ll most likely be followed by an “omgggg, that’s amazing” comment.
Don’t miss out on the Lobster Mac & Cheese for the table. It’s the creamiest mac and cheese made with our favorite pasta, cavatelli. It’s filled with butter-poached Maine lobster, creamy fontina, and tarragon. It was just as good when eaten cold the next day.
Now, I blame Elements for this obsession. They loved our reactions to the food they kept bringing out, so they decided to top off our appetizer feast by saving the best for last. If you see Lobster & Squash Blossom Tempura on the menu, you must order it. Then, come back here and let me know what you think. I’m telling you, I’ve never had a dish like it in my entire life. Imagine having the ability to think up or, let alone actually create such a masterpiece. Each bite had locally sourced cooked squash coated with tempura and topped with whipped ricotta, lobster, and chives and placed in a pool of yuzu romesco.
After all the food we ate, you probably think we didn’t order entrees. Well, you’re wrong! We would not skip out on the main course if the appetizers tasted as good as they did. And we were right; the entrees were unbelievable. Opening your mouth while eating is rude, but I had to keep picking up my jaw after my first bites.
I had the Miso Glazed Wild Isle Salmon, and as someone who eats salmon multiple times a week, I’m allowed to acknowledge that this was one of the best salmon recipes I’ve ever had. It was like trying salmon for the first time again because this recipe was so unique and took ordinary salmon to an entirely new level. It was served with sōmen noodles, snow peas, heirloom carrots, gai lan, ginger, and coriander.
Kyle ordered one of the most popular menu items, his favorite food: the Two Wash Farms Chicken. He and the waiter talked about this chicken for about twenty minutes. I’m assuming they found a common love. The perfectly cooked and seasoned chicken is served with butter-whipped potatoes, savoy spinach, pancetta, and cipollini onion jus.
Are you getting full just reading about this food? Because it’s the same. Elements brought over some Szechuan green beans to go with our entrees. I don’t know how we had room for all of this, but somehow, we stuffed every bite of the green beans into our bellies. Everything was just so worth the gluttony.
Waiter: “Would you like some dessert?”
Us: (barely breathing) “Oh my gosh, no, we are so stuffed.”
Waiter: “Here we have the Strawberry Shortcake and the Lemon & Blood Orage Custard.”
And even though we did not want dessert and Elements thought they could prove us wrong, we did exactly what they predicted. We ate almost every bite of the dessert and sipped on the dessert champagne they paired. How do you refuse a shortcake with vanilla butter cake, mascarpone, chantilly strawberry compote, and berries? You can’t. And somehow, the custard with honey meringue, olive oil & thyme streusel, and white chocolate bark tasted equally good.
They looked so pleased with themselves when they saw us rolling out of Elements with our food coma eyes. What better way to start a honeymoon than with a meal like that? Elements Restaurant made it so special for us; we’ll talk about that dinner for years!
To recover from a day of travel and a night of food comas, we planned a relaxing pool day with a dose of the Spa for me!
Best Resort Spa in Scottsdale, Arizona
I love an early morning spa treatment. It sets the tone for the day, and I do not need help setting it in a paradise zone like this. After finishing my acai bowl and taking my last few sips of coffee on our porch, I headed to the Spa at Sanctuary. While I had a relaxing morning getting pampered, Kyle headed to his happy place, the fitness center. I was so impressed with their gym! It was more equipped than our local YMCA.
I immediately turned on my ASMR tone when I walked into the spa. Everyone was so zin and quick to help me feel welcome. If you’re anything like me, the thought of going to a spa instantly gives you anxiety. Navigating a new spot without fearing ruining someone else’s zin is hard. While still highly relaxing, the Spa at Sanctuary was a place to enjoy with girlfriends and laugh if needed, and everyone was so inviting.
After checking in, I was given a tour and my locker with a robe, shoes, and fresh towels. I took a quick shower, headed to the lounge, sipping on the most delicious passion tea, and waited for my massage therapist to meet me. Before entering the massage room, we walked across a beautiful walkway with stone rocks and fountains. The meditation garden and reflecting pond can relax you just by looking at them. It was relaxing and exactly what I needed after a stressful wedding week!
After my massage, I headed to the jet tub, where I met some of the sweetest ladies traveling from Georgia (my neighboring state!) It was such a fun morning, and booking a day at the Sanctuary Spa is a must! They have so many signature experiences, and you deserve to treat yourself!
After meeting back up, we were both excited about having a pool day. We lucked out with two of the best seats next to the pool. Once you arrive at the pool during the day, a pool attendant sets you up on your pool chairs. They add seat covers with fresh towels, pour you a water pitcher, offer an umbrella, and get you started with a menu! It’s the best service ever.
Lunch by the Pool Sanctuary Camelback Resort
I don’t know how they manage to do it, but the pool is still cold, even on a 115-degree day. This was the best way to cool off while visiting Scottsdale during the summer. We would get cooled off in the pool and return to our chairs. We had to do this every 30 minutes to tolerate the heat. I highly recommend getting a spot with an umbrella. I have no idea how people can lay out in the sun when it’s so hot! I was covered in head-to-toe sunscreen, and my hat was big enough to cover a village.
Being able to order lunch by the pool without going anywhere to get it is so convenient. We ordered the Little Gem Chicken Caesar Salad with croutons, caper berries, cracked black pepper, Parmesan Reggiano, and Caesar dressing. And since we were too healthy by ordering a salad and an AZ Sunrise Protein Drink, we opted for the Hand Cut French Fies with a Truffle Mayo. There’s something about french fries by the pool; they just hit differently, especially these. They were SO CRISPY yet so juicy in the middle. Have you ever heard anyone describe a french fry like that? And the truffle mayo was the perfect touch to these fries, and obviously with ketchup. Advice: Do not skip the french fries. The only part I didn’t like about the Sanctuary resort was checking out. It was tough to get myself to leave this place! Our experience there couldn’t have been any better. No matter what we wanted, they had it. We left feeling incredibly relaxed and a little on the heavier side (if you know what I mean!)
Best Coffee Shops in Scottsdale, Arizona
Before traveling, I always map out at least five coffee shops I want to visit. Scottsdale had so many good contenders that we tried out ten of them. One of the spots was Prep & Pastry, which many readers recommended!
Prep & Pastry – Scottsdale Arizona Coffee Shop
After a 5:15 am morning hike at the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, we were ready for coffee and breakfast. Prep & Pastry is the cutest spot, with locally sourced brunch-style food on the menu. They also have a case of freshly baked goods.
But first, I started with an oat milk cappuccino. It was creamy and delicious. For my breakfast, I ordered guacamole toast. It was heavenly! It came with smashed avocado, scrambled eggs, jalapenos, radishes, cojita, and chipotle crema served on August Rohodes sourdough bread.
It would have been wrong to leave without trying the Classic Prep & Pastry French Toast. How do you refuse a brioche French toast topped with macerated berries, candied almonds, and chai butter? You just can’t, and it was oh-so worth it. I highly recommend trying both of these!
Whether you’re a morning person or not, you better wake up early and head to Macdonalds Ranch for a sunrise horseback ride.
Horseback Riding at Macdonalds Ranch Scottsdale, Arizona
I had the absolute time of my life horseback riding in the Sonoran Desert Macdonald Ranch. I was shocked to hear that this was Kyle’s favorite activity on the trip. I didn’t take him for a horseback riding type of guy. After 5 1/2 years of being together, this was our first time riding horses. I have a feeling we will make this a must for all of our future trips.
What to Know about Horseback Riding in Arizona
Don’t be late! Driving to the ranch takes about twenty minutes if you stay in Scottsdale. Unless you’re taking a private riding lesson, it’s courteous to get there at least fifteen to twenty minutes before your riding time. Getting everyone signed in, paired with a horse, and given the rundown takes a few minutes. If you’re late and people have to wait on you, you’ll miss the morning rising of the sun, and no one will like you (jk, but kind of not kidding.)
Wear pants, close-toed shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and ice-cold water!
Don’t worry if you’ve never been horseback riding before! It’s easy to learn, and they will provide you with a good horse for beginners. You can also choose to wear one of the helmets they provide.
Call at least 24 hours in advance to book your ride!
I know I went a little overboard on horseback riding photos, but when do I not go overboard?
Our trail guide was the best! He chatted with everyone the entire time and took phones from people to capture shots while riding! The website does not tell you to tip your guides, but make sure you do! They work hard not only while guiding you but also behind the scenes.
We rode through gorgeous trails, passing cacti and mountain views, and since it was so early in the morning, the weather was perfect. MacDonald’s Ranch has been a big part of the Scottsdale community since 1956. The Richardson Family owns it, and it was enjoyable to hear about all the famous people who have visited and the horses they rode. It was funny to learn that Lil Wayne’s mom rode the horse Kyle was on. I think it’s amazing how a family business like this has grown successfully over the years and how joy it has brought many travelers!
The Macdonalds Ranch has many fun events throughout the year! I almost booked my flights when I saw they had a pumpkin patch. It’s also a great place to host kids’ birthday parties.
Please add horseback riding at Macdonalds Ranch to your Scottsdale itinerary! You will not regret it.
It’s hard for me not to start a conversation about a restaurant in this post without using the word “favorite.” Scottsdale didn’t disappoint on the food scene.
The Herb Box Scottsdale, Arizona
Do yourself a favor and make a list of all the restaurants I’ve mentioned and try them out. The Herb Box in Old Town Scottsdale was my kind of food. The Crispy Brussels Sprout Chips are a must. Ask for extra vegan yellow pepper aioli because it’s so good that you’re left wanting more. I had them bring me a side to use with my meal.
I ordered the Baja Bowl with shrimp. MMM! It had cotija, black beans, rainbow quinoa, rosemary-poblano, roasted sweet potatoes, avocado, and tabasco fried shallots tossed in a jalapeno-avocado dressing. The flavors were on point! Chefs kiss!
We took a Boston Cream Pie Dossant to go, and we wanted to have dessert by the pool later that evening. With the time difference, we loved having dinner earlier in the day and going to bed earlier to wake up before the sun!
Hot Air Expeditions Scottsdale, Arizona
Scottsdale will turn you into one if you’re not a morning person! Luckily, we were always in bed early to stay on our East Coast time clock. I’ve always wanted to go hot-air ballooning at least once. I said the same thing about skydiving. I don’t believe in doing it twice because I’ve survived it once.
Hot Air Balloon Rides in Scottsdale, Arizona
Waking up early for the hot air balloon ride was so worth it. You can’t beat the views! We went up into the sky with Hot Air Expeditions, and they were great!
Which Hot Air Balloon Ride Did You Do?
We did the shared morning balloon ride! If you don’t mind sharing a balloon with others, this is the perfect package! It’s double the cost to do it privately, so it’s up to you.
The ride starts early in the morning. It includes a shared 45-60 minute hot air balloon ride. You get to toast to your survival (jk, it’s so safe and not even slightly scary) with champagne, a catered breakfast from Vincent’s on Camelback, and your commemorative flight certificates. I hung it up right next to my sangria diploma from Disney World.
It’s an even earlier rise than horseback riding. I was up at 2:45 a.m. so we could leave by 3:30 a.m.! You have to drive about 25 minutes to the airport. Once you get to the airport, you fill out some forms and load up in a van to head to the loading location. Watching the balloons go up into the air around you is neat! It’s also the best spot to take incredible photos in the desert.
We finally took off from the ground around 5:45 am.
Is the hot air balloon hot?
They don’t call them “hot” air balloons for nothing! It’s like a scorcher, but not the entire time. Certain parts of the basket get the hottest from the fire. Whenever he turned on the burners, it felt like all the hair was burning off my head. If you stand closer to the fire area, it’s not as hot. Please don’t ask me to explain the reasoning there. I’m not smart enough for that. It’s not hot enough to hurt you or to make the ride uncomfortable, but I don’t want there to be any surprises. I just had to share our landing…
Are hot air balloon rides safe?
Yes! Especially out in the desert without powerlines or crazy weather. Scottsdale is one of the safest places to ride a hot air balloon. It’s unbelievably quiet and peaceful up in the sky. You’d be surprised how light the hot air balloon feels in the sky. It feels like you’re floating.
We had a scarier landing, but we all made it out with many laughs and jokes. The video I have of this is SO FUNNY! I’ll put it in the video clip in this post. You most likely won’t land like this, but if you do, it’s OK!
After the ride, we could take photos while setting up our breakfast. My only complaint is that our breakfast had no coffee 😆 but the champagne was an excellent substitute. Breakfast consisted of mimosas, sparkling cider, croissants, an apple, a quiche, and a delicious cherry cake.
If you’re not afraid of heights and want fantastic views, I recommend the hot air balloon experience!
I was so excited about lunch at Farm & Craft! I had my eyes on this place as soon as I saw it on the itinerary. I was also looking forward to meeting with Emily from Experience Scottsdale to learn more about the city and everything it offers! Plus, she was so fun to have lunch with ♥️ This trip wouldn’t have been possible without her!
Farm & Craft Scottsdale, Arizona
If you love farm-to-table food, which is my favorite, then Farm & Craft should be at the top of your Scottsdale itinerary.
If you can’t decide what to order, always ask the server for the top three most popular items on the menu to narrow it down. She listed the Rustic Bowl with Chicken, which sounded terrific, so I ordered it. It did not let me down! It had roasted vegetables, quinoa, kale pesto, grilled chicken, and pepitas. Kyle’s meal was perfect, too! He ordered the Kale Caesar salad with Grilled Chicken. It had shaved brussel sprouts, cauliflower, marinated tomato, gluten-free garlic croutons, parmesan, and yogurt Caesar dressing.
We started with the Skinny Ranch Crudite. It had the farm’s homemade skinny ranch, garden veggies, and kettle chips. I could drink that ranch; it was so good! Also, are you doing it right if you’re not dipping your chips in ranch?
We tried the BBQ Chicken Flatbread, which was incredible! I’m not an adventurous pizza eater. The craziest I get is pineapple (yes, I’m one of those!) But I LOVED this flatbread! The sauce was the best part.
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The next on our itinerary was visiting the Desert Botanical Garden! Make sure to visit early in the summer because it gets super hot! We walked the five thematic trails, browsing all the gorgeous aridland plants. I’ve never seen so many cactuses in my entire life! I didn’t even know pink cactuses were a thing. It’s amazing to see the beautiful plants that thrive in one of the hottest and driest places in the world.
What to do in Scottsdale, Arizona
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Desert Botanical Garden
You can also check the event calendar for drinks and live music nights.
The garden trails are beautiful, and you can tell the volunteers and staff work hard to keep them in tip-top shape for visitors. Make sure to purchase your tickets in advance and schedule your time slot. You can also call ahead to see if they have availability at the last minute.
I had Berdena’s coffee shop on my radar while browsing coffee shops in Scottsdale. It’s the cutest little spot with delicious coffee. I loved the design of this place. It was minimal but had fun tile and wallpaper. It’s located in Old Town Scottsdale, so you can enjoy your breakfast in the air conditioning or take it to go while walking around all the local shops.
Berdena’s Coffee Shop in Old Town Scottsdale, Arizona
They offer freshly baked goods, juices, kombucha, crafted coffee drinks, and more.
I ordered an oat milk cappuccino and their chia and berry parfait. It was all so delicious!
The next hotel we stayed at was Hotel Adeline! Talk about a fun aesthetic! Hotel Adeline in Old Town Scottsdale is one of the cutest Boutique Hotels. It has an eclectic style and is photo-ready no matter what spot you’re hanging out in.
Hotel Adeline is such a fun spot to visit with your girlfriends or if you’re looking for the ultimate pool-day vacation. The prices are super affordable, and the location is super convenient.
Hotel Adeline in Scottsdale, Arizona
This boutique hotel has been completely renovated and keeps the vibe of a Motel, which I love! Hotel Adeline has 213 guestrooms, delicious restaurants, a giant pool with a bar, live music, lawn games, and cabanas.
We had breakfast twice at Selfmade at Hotel Adeline because it was so good! The chef was so nice. Kyle asked for hardboiled eggs, and he came by and gave Kyle all his extras since he wouldn’t be using them the rest of the day. I always appreciate little gestures like that.
Breakfast at Hotel Adeline – Selfmade
We ordered avocado toast, fresh parfait with blueberries and bananas, coffee, orange juice, bacon, hard-boiled eggs, and oatmeal, and we also ordered it again the next day. The food is so good! As I said, nothing I tried in Scottsdale let me down, even the hotel food!
Since we were still on our East Coast time, Kyle and I spent our morning at the pool! Everyone sleeps in because we have the pool to ourselves. I love that the pool supplies towels, so you don’t have to worry about getting fresh or packing them while traveling.
Poolside Hotel Adeline
Honestly, if we didn’t have plans for the day, we would have stayed at the pool most of the time, sipping frozen drinks. No matter how hot it gets, you always feel refreshed after diving into the pool. Hotel Adeline just had the best colorful Arizona vibes! I loved this spot.
Hotel Adeline is a great spot for any traveler! We absolutely loved staying there, and my favorite part was the inviting pool scene.
Fourtillfour is such a relaxed walkup cafe located in an old garage. The coffee is roasted in-house, which means you can smell the delicious aroma a few blocks away. This was a fun spot to get our afternoon coffee fix.
Fourtilfour Cafe in Scottsdale, Arizona
Remember their event calendar if you love vintage cars and all things car culture! Kyle ordered the cold brew, and I ordered an iced almond milk matcha latte. They were equally delicious! Wake up early and enjoy the outdoor patio area with your drink! They also have baked goods available, so you can treat yourself to a scone or muffin.
Hulas Modern Tiki Bar
If you’re looking for a casual yet DELICIOUS lunch or brunch spot, try Hulas Modern Tiki Bar in Old Town Scottsdale. It’s located right next to the famous Sugar Bowl. It has Hawaiian-influence cuisine, and the portion sizes are humungous.
The Best Lunch Spots in Scottsdale, Arizona
We ordered the Thai Chicken bowl with boneless chicken breast, spicy Thai sauce, avocado, and fried sweet plantains and the Blackened Mango Chicken salad with mangos, Miso Vinaigrette, and crispy wonton chips. I loved how fresh and flavorful our food was!
You must order the tropical iced tea to complete your meal! 😉
The LDV Wine Tasting Room is a great way to escape the summer heat! It also has a gorgeous patio with views of Old Town Scottsdale, where you can enjoy your flights. With the help of our amazing connoisseur, we chose a few different wines to try.
LDV Wine Tasting Room
Kyle and I had a blast at the LDV Wine Tasting Room. Even though I don’t drink a lot of wine, I’m always so fascinated by the art of making it and learning about the history of each blend. You can try many different wines on the menu with the flights before purchasing bottles to take with you! If you plan a bachelorette party or a weekend getaway, add LDV Wine Tasting Room to your itinerary! We spent a few hours enjoying our flights and chatting with the excellent staff. You can learn a lot about a city by talking to the locals.
LDV’s wine is 100% AZ estate-grown and based in the Chiricahua Mountains! It’s great to support local businesses like this, especially after the past year. The wine is so delicious because they focus on single-varietal wines carefully processed with limited winery manipulation. They just taste purer, and you can tell they grow the highest-quality grapes. The fruit speaks for itself!
Wine Tasting in Scottsdale, Arizona
My favorite was the 2018 Rosé of Grenache. It’s not your average rosé, which drew me to it. They use the limited skin maceration method while cold-soaking the grenache. The skins stayed on for 16 hours to create a rich and notable flavor. The wine is produced in stainless steel to maintain fruity aromas! Try that when you go, even if you’re not a rosé fan.
We enjoyed our evening at LDV Wine Tasting Room!
You NEED to try Citizen Public House in Old Town Scottsdale. I’m so happy this was on our itinerary because it was out of this world! I understand the hype with locals and visitors. This is a great post-tasting dinner if you plan to do the LDV Wine Tasting room. It’s walkable and a great way to fuel the body after sipping a little too much 😉
Citizen Public House – Scottsdale, Arizona
Our connoisseur at the wine tasting said we had to order the Original Chopped Salad. Not many restaurants are known for a “salad,” but I get it now. This salad was worth every bite! I’m pretty sure Kyle and I were fighting over the last bite. The flavors are so unique, and the way they pair together is pure magic. They bring the salad to your table styled so perfectly, let you look at it, and then they toss it for you! I loved this experience, and sometimes you have to leave the salad tossing to the pros. It comes with couscous, arugula, pepitas, asiago cheese, currants, dried sweet corn, and marinated tomatoes, and we had them do grilled chicken on ours. It’s finished with a buttermilk herb dressing! YOU HAVE TO ORDER THIS!
Where to Eat Dinner in Old Town Scottsdale
We started our meal with crab cakes. YUM! They came with an Oaxacan chile remoulade, corn, and arugula salsa. They were crisp and flaky, with every flavor you could ever dream of in a crab cake. I’d give them a 10/10, and I don’t give crab cakes that rating very often.
We ordered the roasted Brussels sprouts, which were such a unique side dish. They were cooked in truffle oil and served over sweet corn grits and pecorino romano! I loved the different flavors in this dish.
Kyle ordered the Buttermilk Chicken Breast, and I helped him eat some of it to confirm it was delicious! It came with mushroom risotto, charred broccolini, and Chicken Jus.
Make sure to stop at Citizen Public House, even if it’s to pick up the chopped salad! You will not regret it. The only thing you’ll regret is NOT going 😉
I’m a sucker for a cute bakery, and Sweet Dee’s Bakeshop did not disappoint. We were greeted with a loud hello and the happiest smile as soon as we walked in. I could not stop looking around because it was the prettiest setup! It had all the pretty French-inspired vibes.
Sweet Dee’s Bakeshop
I love the story of how Sweet Dee’s Bakeshop came about. It’s owned by the sweetest mother-daughter duo, who both love baking. Danielle, the daughter, also known as “Sweet Dee,” started baking special treats and cakes in her kitchen at a young age. I can relate to this because that’s how I started paying for things in my first year of college. She outgrew her home kitchen and worked hard with her mom to create her bakery and cafe.
Best Bakery In Scottsdale, Arizona
There are SO MANY pastries to choose from. Whether you’re gluten-free, vegan, or dairy-free, they have something for you! The coffee was also exquisite. I had an almond milk cappuccino, and Kyle had an iced coffee. It was perfect with my gluten-free Samoa tart. 😋 Sweet Dee’s has won “Best Gluten-Free Bakery” by Phoenix New Times.
Gluten-Free Dessert Scottsdale, Arizona
Sweet Dee’s Bakeshop is known for its theme events. They have fun-themed treats for Disney, Harry Potter (a customer favorite), Star Wars, and more! You can also order custom-baked goods to fit your event at Sweet Dee’s! This is such a gem of a place in Scottsdale.
You better have an appetite because you’ll want to eat everything at The Hash Kitchen. OH MY GOSH, this place has EVERYTHING you could imagine on the menu. If you’re ever with a group of people that is made up of picky eaters, diet restrictions, or the group is craving different cuisines, well, this is YOUR SPOT! It took us a good twenty minutes before we could decide on what we wanted.
What should you order? The Cannoli Donuts. The waiter said we had no choice, and he wasn’t wrong! It’s a must! The Cannoli donuts are fried to order, sweet dough stuffed with sweet cannoli cream, and topped with powdered sugar. These are better than any cannoli you’ll ever have. The texture, the flavors, and the presentation were just simply perfect.
The Hash Kitchen
Kyle ordered the Chicken Tinga Frittata! It comes with chipotle-braised chicken breast, caramelized onions, blistered shishito peppers, cotija, avocado, crema, green chili salsa, and breakfast potatoes.
I ordered the creamy kale Caesar salad because it just sounded so good! It came with creamy Caesar dressing, Parmigiano cheese, garlic toast, and grilled chicken. It was one of the best kale Caesar salads I’ve ever had.
The BEST Brunch Spot in Scottsdale
We also decided to get our fruit fix by ordering Giuliana’s Ah-Sigh-Ee bowl! YUM!!!! The acai base tasted like ice cream. It was topped with blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, bananas, dried coconut, granola, and peanut butter! It was LOADED! I highly recommend ordering one for the table to split. Mmm!
Provisions Coffee Scottsdale Arizona Coffee Shop
After a quick Google search, we found Provisions Coffee.
I loved all the options in their baked goods section. We chose the blueberry muffin and the banana maple loaf. The banana maple loaf was THE BEST!! I’d definitely stop back in there again just to pick this up. It went perfectly with my oat milk cappuccino!
Kyle ordered a peach sparkling tea, which was super unique. It’s a 24-hour cold-brewed carbonated tea! I liked it, but it would have been even better with some fruit purée added in!
Everyone messaged me about trying The Mission Old Town Scottsdale! I understand the hype.
When you walk in, the decor surprises you. I thought it would be a bright and airy spot with crazy colors, but instead, it was cozy and highly inviting. Something about warm lighting in Scottsdale helps with the heat, and the candle lighting made this spot PERFECT romantic for a date night.
The food? HOW DOES THE FOOD KEEP GETTING BETTER AND BETTER? Usually, I can complain about something on a trip, but Scottsdale left me hanging. Everything was top-notch, and I’m not just saying that. Scottsdale has hit my top spot for the best food. PERIOD.
The Mission Old Town Scottsdale
Make sure to get a reservation. We went on a weeknight, and it was pretty packed, but isn’t that a good sign that it’s the place to be? The Mission is located right in Old Town Scottsdale. You’ll find the best Latin cuisine with flavors from Spain, Mexico, Central America, and South America. Fill on all the homemade sauces, tortillas, and fresh salsa made daily! The meats are prepared on a plancha or grill using pecan and mesquite wood that makes sure the meat gets the ultimate flavor!
I was excited to try the Prickly Pear Primarita! It had El Mayor Reposado, organic agave nectar, pressed limes,
The Best Kale Salad in Scottsdale, Arizona
Kyle ordered Marinated Free-Range Chicken, which came with ají rocoto and Oaxacan cheesy rice. It was excellent, and I especially loved the rice.
We also ordered the guacamole (SO WORTH IT!) with our chips and salsa. And they make it fresh to order, which means they toss out that cilantro! 😉
THE STAR OF THE SHOW?
It’s a shocker. THE SHAVED KALE SALAD. I don’t get it. HOW? How does someone make a shaved Kale Salad the star of the show at a Latin restaurant? It’s one of the best kale salads I’ve ever had. Ensure you order it for yourself as a meal or for the entire table to enjoy. It comes with ají Amarillo vinaigrette, baby heirloom tomatoes, blood orange, goat cheese, and Marcona almonds.
If it’s too hot to walk around Old Town Scottsdale, schedule a tour with Joy Rides AZ!
Old Town Scottsdale Gelato Tour with Joy Rides AZ
We had an absolute BLAST! Not only did we learn so much, but we tried out a ton of gelato from local shops. We did the gelato tour, which is totally up my alley! You can do wine, BBQ, beer, bachelorette tours, and more! There’s no other way to explore Old Town Scottsdale better!
Honestly, the owners are so unique that if you reached out to them with an idea for a tour, they’d probably do the research and set it up for your group! She was the absolute best and such a joy to hang out with.
Explore Old Town Scottsdale
You don’t even have to worry about bringing your camera or phone. She took many photos of us and then sent them to us afterward! I thought that was such a nice gesture. Every time we passed a building or drove down a street, we were filled with fun facts and history about them. We also got a lot of recommendations while riding around.
Best Gelato Spots in Scottsdale, Arizona!
We stopped at three gelato spots, and they’re all equally impressive!
The Gelato Spot
I ordered the pistachio almond, and Kyle ordered Captain Crunch! 😋 They had SO MANY flavors, which made it hard to pick. The gelato counter was endless.
Gelato Cimmino
We ordered the Peanut Butter! It was so rich and delicious! It was like pure fudge. The decor in this spot was so cute. The black tile floor makes for the perfect gelato photo.
Yellow Spruce Roasters
I tried the Prickly Pear! It was so refreshing and light! We also had their coffee, which was equally delicious. The owner was so friendly, and they have a super convenient location in Old Town Scottsdale. Make sure to grab a coffee and walk around the shops.
There’s nothing better than sipping an iced coffee and eating gelato while cruising around Old Town Scottsdale! Please add Joy Ride AZ to your itinerary. It’s so worth it. I’m usually one never to book tours, but this has made me think otherwise! ♥️
The next resort we stayed at was Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale, which was originally built in 1959 but completely rebuilt in 2017! I was obsessed with the concrete floors and a luxury mid-century interior. The mountain views in this resort are stunning, and as soon as we walked out of our room, we were on a lawn facing the mountains. They even have yoga on the lawn with that view! Even when you’re in the pool, you get gorgeous mountain views.
Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale
I told Kyle I wanted to design our bedroom after the Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale room. I loved how the bed had the nightstands attached to all the outlets. We usually have to run around the house trying to find the chargers. The room was bright and airy but also warm and cozy! The room had floor-to-ceiling windows/doors that led out to a patio with mountain views, and if you wanted to nap during the day, you could pull the giant room-darkening drapes across them. I took about a thousand photos to inspire this design into my home.
Best Resort For Activities Scottsdale, Arizona
We arrived at the resort early. We checked out of our other resort but needed a place to put our luggage since you never want to leave anything in a hot car in Arizona. The hospitality at Mountains Shadows Resort is everything you could dream of! The kind lady working the desk was so helpful and so friendly! She said she could check to see if a room was ready for us, and she got us checked in early to put our bags away before heading out for the day. And when we got back, she handed us water bottles to take with us. She was so kind, and being welcomed into a resort like that felt so nice.
This resort is the ultimate! You can join a fitness class or yoga session, play golf, hang out by the pool, or join a special event on the calendar!
You know what I will say, “Another resort restaurant with one of the best meals in Scottsdale! “
Hearth ’61
Kyle and I got cleaned up after hanging around the Mountain Shadows pool and headed to dinner at Hearth ’61, the restaurant to the left of the lobby. I loved the exposed kitchen, where you could watch the chefs hard at work, and the aromas from the stovetops made me even more hungry! Hearth ’61 serves modern American cuisine, which is my favorite cuisine. Serve me salmon, farm-fresh salads, and potatoes for the rest of my life, and I’ll be content!
Renowned Chef Charles Wiley knows what he’s doing! He keeps the seasonal food simple yet powerful in flavor. The dishes are made with local ingredients from surrounding farms. Our food was so flavorful and decadent, yet light and fresh.
I needed to cheer for the mountain views from our table, so I ordered a margarita! Something about Arizona makes me want to drink margaritas. It had tequila, pomm juice, Cointreau, lime juice, and grapefruit & orange bitters. So refreshing!
I highly recommend letting your server guide you through the menu. Whether you like corn or not, corn soup is an absolute must. It’s flavorful and prosperous, so you can share it. It comes with a queso fresco and a summer pico. I’ve never tasted anything like it. We found ourselves grabbing the bottom of the bowl with the fresh bread they placed on our table.
We ordered the organic green salads as a starter. The combination of ingredients made them so light and refreshing! The salad had organic greens, chèvre, green apples, radishes, and hazelnuts.
The pan-roasted salmon was unmatched. Salmon is one of my favorite foods, but I’m not too fond of it smoked, and a pan-fried usually doesn’t spark my interest. But if it were pan-fried the way Chef Charles Wiley has it done in his kitchen, I’d order it more often! The outside was so crispy, and the middle was flaky to perfection. The mustard hollandaise sauce paired perfectly with it, and the side of Brussels sprouts and caramelized onion gnocchi nearly topped off the dish.
The BEST Dinner with Mountain Views Scottsdale, Arizona
Kyle ordered the Niman ranch beef tenderloin with a red wine demi, bleu cheese fondue, and truffled mash. We always try each other’s meals, so I can happily confirm it was amazing! I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I tried the bleu cheese fondue, which I would order! I am not a bleu cheese person, but this tasted so soft and creamy! I don’t think you can go wrong with whatever you order from Heart ’61. They know what they’re doing back there!
We had no choice if we wanted dessert or not 😆 Our server brought us the most fantastic dessert tray! It was art. It couldn’t have come better because I was trying to decide whether I wanted something citrusy, chocolatey, or ice cream.
Our tray had three incredible desserts. We had a fudge brownie topped with buttered popcorn, mousse ganache, popcorn crumble, and an orange pop gastrique. We had a pina colada semifreddo with a rum-soaked coconut sponge, Brulee pineapple, granola, and caramel sauce. The last was a fennel apple tart with brandy caramel, oat crumbles, and vanilla bean gelato. This dessert tray covered everything I was craving! My tastebuds were going wild with all the different flavors and textures. I can usually pick out a favorite dessert, but I couldn’t hear. Honestly, you’re better off just ordering all three of them. We had a fridge in our room, so we just returned the leftovers!
If you don’t stay at Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale, stop at Heart ’61 for dinner! The views are so worth it, and the food speaks for itself.
The summertime in Scottsdale should be spent at the pool! Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale has a fantastic pool with mountain views, cabanas, and poolside service! Want a drink but don’t want to leave the pool? Well, no problem! We could order margaritas and cucumber lemonade while floating around on a tube. And again, with the hospitality here, they were so lovely and always checked in on you! Bring cash because they deserve all the tips after running around in the heat.
Lunch in the Cabana at Mountain Shadows Resort
I highly suggest renting a Cabana at Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale for a morning/lunch day! We did an early morning hike and then headed to the pool to cool off and relax. The cabana has a TV, a fridge, couches to lounge on, a fan, and drapes to block off the sun. It’s worth it! The pool is 75-foot and connected by a modern waterful feature in the middle. Its views of Camelback Mountain and the surrounding desert make the scenery almost feel like a movie set!
For our poolside lunch, we ordered the organic greens salad, avocado toast loaded with a poached egg on noble bread, roasted poblano, queso fresco, pickled onion, and watermelon radishes. We also had sliced fruit on the side! I love healthy and refreshing food at the pool, and the lunch menu was impressive. I mean, look at that avocado toast!
We ordered two of the lightest and most refreshing drinks on the menu: a classic margarita and the cucumber lemonade! You can also order frozen drinks, but those are dangerous for me 😆
We had so much fun hanging out at the pool! The Mountain Shadows Resort was a wonderful time; we would stay there again in a heartbeat!
Another coffee shop? Oh yes! I will create a separate blog with just Scottsdale Coffee shops to make navigating them easier, but it’s not an ultimate “simply taralynn” travel guide without coffee shops! We tried out Black Rock Coffee Bar, and it was delicious!
Black Rock Coffee Bar
Black Rock Coffee Bar was another spot recommended by readers! I’m so lucky to have you all hand over all the great suggestions, and they never disappoint. This coffee shop isn’t in Old Town but has parking, a drive-through, and indoor seating for escaping the heat.
We ordered a cold brew, an oat milk cappuccino with mocha, and a blueberry muffin. They were super delicious, and I loved the coffee’s flavor!
Dining at FRANCINE in Scottsdale is a MUST! I’ve never seen anything like it. The airy luxury French decor is stunning! The restaurant radiates the rustic charm of Le Midi, the homeland of celebrity chef-owner Laurent Halasz. If you have a Scottsdale trip coming up, open a new browser, grab the number, and make a reservation! Laurent and French-trained executive chef Brian Archibald have recreated signature dishes from south France. Growing up with fresh, seasonal, and flavorful dishes at home inspired Laurent Halasz to serve the same to guests at FRANCINE!
FRANCINE is located in the luxury wing of Fashion Square, so after a day of shopping at one of the largest malls, stop in for dinner and a drink! And if it’s not the summertime, I highly recommend sitting outside on the beautiful patio!
FRANCINE Restaurant in Scottsdale, Arizona
As the waiter walked by, I kept seeing drinks with flowers on top. I told him I wanted one of “those!” It’s the French 75 Valensol Classic Cocktail! It was fruity and a bit on the sour side, which I loved!
We love starting with a salad to split when we’re out to dinner. We ordered the petite greens, which came with roasted fennel, Roquefort, pecans, and a rosé vinaigrette. It’s super seasonal and light!
I don’t know what got into me, but I ordered something entirely out of my element. I ordered the Crab Ravioli. When Kyle said he ordered the salmon, I knew I had to do something different. The crab ravioli had a robust lemon flavor, and it paired perfectly with the savoryness of the seafood. The ravioli itself was impressively handmade with a perfect texture. Kyle’s Salmon Riviera came with an endive tatin and sweet potato. The Endive tatin was the star of the show! It was like eating a savory dessert for dinner. It was flaky and gooey all at the same time. YUM!
If you like cauliflower, you MUST order the Whole Cauliflower. Its presentation is enough to stop you and make you forget whatever was about to come out of your mouth. It’s a giant fire-roasted cauliflower sitting on a yogurt bed and flavored with dukkha!
We didn’t get dessert, but we probably should have. Maybe next time! We were so full!
Funny story. I left all my makeup and hair products at home! It got put in the wrong car when we left the wedding, and I wasn’t going to get it in time for our flight out the next day. I just went to Ulta and grabbed some mascara and my favorite Tarte-tinted moisturizer for the trip.
I didn’t realize how awful my hair would be in the Arizona heat, and after days at the pool, it was starting to get out of control. We kept driving past Dry Bar, and I knew I had to stop to help with my hair for the last few days of the trip!
Dry Bar Phoenician
I know Dry Bar isn’t an Arizona staple, but I wanted to give you the idea of leaving your products home and getting your hair done at Dry Bar instead. It’s a great way to explore the gorgeous Phoenician (which I NEED to stay next!!) It was a beautiful property, and I love how my hair turned out 😉
Next up on the Coffee Shop agenda is Sip Coffee & Beer!
This spot was so hip! It’s a smaller space inside, but you can tell this is where the regulars hang out. Everyone seemed to know everyone, and there were people reading books, working on laptops, and just hanging out. It must feel good to own a coffee shop where people love to come and hang out regularly. Even the staff called the customers by name on multiple occasions as they walked up to the counter.
Sip Coffee & Beer in Scottsdale, Arizona!
Kyle and I found a spot at the end of a long communal table. We had the gluten-free apple loaf, an oat milk cappuccino (can you tell that was my go-to on this trip?), and Kyle had the Sip Coffee & Oat protein shake! It was terrific. It had Chocolate protein, almond milk, banana, oats, honey, peanut butter, and espresso! It would be a fantastic on-the-go breakfast!
I hiked Camelback Mountain to the top back in 2013! It was during October, so no matter what time of day you went, the heat wouldn’t kill you. To hike Camelback Mountain in the summer, you must be on that trail by 4 am. We made it there at five and did about halfway up before feeling the heat. Seeing the dedicated athletes run to the top and back down is incredible. It’s not the easiest hike, so I’m always impressed! It is still stunning, and even if you don’t plan to hike it, visiting the McDowell Sonoran Preserve is scenic enough! They have parking right by the trailhead but get there early to find a spot for yourself. You may even be able to bike there, depending on where you’re staying.
Hiking Camelback Mountain Scottsdale, Arizona
Camelback Mountain is the first thing people think of when you mention Scottsdale. If you’re going to go on any hike, make sure this is it! There are two different trails, both on the difficult side. There are rocks you’ll have to jump to, and there are animals you may run into. Wear thick shoes and sunscreen, and bring water and snacks. The trails ascend 1,420 feet to a summit with 360-degree views of the cities around it. It’s so worth it!
One afternoon, we stopped at Cartel Coffee Lab while walking around Old Town Scottsdale. It gets so hot while walking that you have to enter the stores, which I think is a great way to find new customers!
Cartel Coffee Lab Old Town Scottsdale
Kyle and I split a black coffee (I’m the crazy person who likes hot coffee even in 116-degree weather!) and a hemp sparkling water! I’m obsessed with that water, so if you’re on the West Coast or in Scottsdale, you must try it!
Cartel Coffee is a cute little spot with plenty of room to hang out, grab a bite, and cool off from the heat. And the coffee was delicious!
One of the most incredible experiences was visiting Wonderspaces at the Fashion Square Mall! It’s filled with interactive art exhibits and things that make you go, “Wow!” The art periodically changes to make room for new exhibits, so check to see what’s new!
Wonderspaces
I loved the Light Leaks, Transition, and Killing Time. I’m almost embarrassed to admit this, but watching The Transition made me cry. The dog was so at peace, and the way it sat on the boat made you feel like that’s what heaven must be like for dogs. Art that makes you feel is the best kind of art!
We loved spending our afternoon at Wonderspaces, and I think it’s worth it! Make sure to buy tickets and schedule your time a few days in advance!
Press Coffee Roasters was one of the first coffee spots we tried in Scottsdale. We just left the airport and needed coffee before heading to our resort. I ordered an oat milk Cortado, Kyle ordered the peanut butter shaker (cold brew organic agave & almond creamer), and we split an oatmeal raisin cookie! We were still on East Coast time, so we needed the pick-me-up after our flight.
Press Coffee Roasters
It’s right by the Fashion Square Mall, so we headed there right after! I think Press was one of our favorite coffee shops we tried!
True Food Kitchen is in many different cities, but if you’re new to True Food, they have one in Scottsdale. It’s one of my favorite restaurants, and since we don’t have one in Charlotte, I HAD to stop in for lunch. After shopping at Fashion Square, we ordered sparkling prickly pear tisane and prickly pear hibiscus lime sparkling water.
True Food Kitchen
For our lunch, we had the Spaghetti Squash Casserole, with chicken sausage, crushed organic DiNapoli tomato, caramelized onion, zucchini, and almond ricotta. It was just as good as I remembered!
Kyle had the Teriyaki Quinoa Bowl with broccoli, rainbow carrot, bok choy, green beans, snap peas, mushrooms, brown rice, avocado, and toasted sesame!
Notable spots in Scottsdale that you need to check out:
See’s Candies – We picked up a ton of chocolate for the plane ride home! They also threw in a ton of free samples.
Fashion Square Mall – It’s a mall, I know! BUT IT’S HUGE!
The Sugar Bowl – The cutest pink building with outrageous desserts.
Wine Girl – Such a cute spot!
Diego Pops – Our flight got bumped up, so I was sad when we had to cancel our reservation. I know it’ll be the first place we go to when we visit again.
Fat OX
Café Monarch
El Chorro: Apparently, they have THE BEST cinnamon rolls.
Craft 64: Amazing wood-fired pizza!
Self-Guided Wright Tour of Taliesin West – Audio tour of Wright’s home, studio, and architectural laboratory.
Scottsdale Museums– Contemporary Art, Museum of the West, Heard Museum, and more.
Arizona Rafting
Kayaking: I so want to do this next time! Maybe save it for a 4 a.m. journey or a non-summer activity.
No matter what day, what time of year, or what kind of activity you’re looking for, Scottsdale, Arizona, has ALWAYS something for everyone.
Scottsdale, Arizona, was INCREDIBLE! I plan to do a few more blogs dedicated to our trip there, but Scottsdale is it if you’re looking for a weekend getaway or a honeymoon! ♥️ I hope you all enjoyed this guide, and if you made it to the end, YAY! It’s the longest travel guide I’ve ever written, but I wanted to cover all the moments.
Questions for you!
- Have you ever been to Scottsdale, Arizona?
- I love visiting new coffee shops while traveling; what do you like to explore while traveling?
- What is one restaurant from my travel blog you’d love to dine at?
Thank you so much, Experience Scottsdale, for hosting me! This post was not sponsored, but Experience Scottsdale paid for travel, resorts, activities, and most restaurants. Thank you for supporting Simply Taralynn!
What a perfect honeymoon! Scottsdale is one of my fave places for a weekend trip from Tucson. I need to get back there ASAP! Gotta try that delicious looking mac and cheese and the lavender lemonade – yum! Last time I was there I did a scavenger hunt around old town Scottsdale and it was so fun!!
And I need to make it to Tucson!
Ohhh the Lobster mac & cheese is so so so so worth the trip! A scavenger hunt sounds like so much fun!
What a great recap. Loved it so much. We have been planning a trip out there soon so anxiously awaiting your post. All the tips were awesome. Thanks so much. It looks like you had an awesome honeymoon. Congratulations to both of you. I am a big coffee fan so thank you for all your suggestions besides the wonderful restaurants….
Thanks, Wendy!
I can’t wait for you to try some of these spots out!
Hi Taralynn!
I have never been to Scottsdale, but you have convinced me to go some day! It reminds me of our Moab, Utah trip. So hot during the day, but not humid!
When we travel we like to go to coffee shops too! We usually hit up a cute coffee shop and then go hiking. =)
Honestly, I loved the resort where you got to eat by the side of the pool! I would definitely love to try that. So fancy!
I have two questions: Where did you get your cute green backpack! I’m in love with it, and what do you do with your pups when you travel? We adopted our dogs during the pandemic and haven’t taken a big trip away from them yet.
Thanks for sharing!
Hi, Amanda!
Oh gosh you have to go 😊 & Utah is on my bucket list.
That sounds amazing. Yes, hiking & coffee sound like a great duo!
That green backpack was actually from TJMaxx! It doesn’t have a brand, but only $12.99! Target does have similar ones.
We have our college-aged neighbors stay with them at the house, or my parents watch them since they’re also close! I would definitely look into having an at-home sitter if you can. Boarding them may be terrifying if they are still trying to get settled in ♥️
This makes me want to visit Scottsdale so badly! Going to look into flight. Was this a sponsored trip or your honeymoon?
Hi, Lina!
I mentioned at the bottom of this post that this blog was not sponsored (I was not paid to come here) but Experience Scottsdale did comp some of the trip. I was invited to go down and write a travel guide for Scottsdale, so Kyle made it our honeymoon.
Definitely travel to Scottsdale! ♥️
I’ve never been to Arizona, but I’d love to go there one day 😍
Looks like you had an amazing honeymoon. I’m so happy for you! And all the food.. WOW, looks amazing 😍 Your food pics always make me hungry hahah!
So happy that you’re back posting more again ❤️
Thanks, Marie! Feels good to be back!!
I hope you visit Scottsdale soon!!
This guide was so helpful! I love all of your pictures, especially the shots of your horseback riding adventures, they’re so great!
Don’t you just love when a place has food that never disappoints? I think they’re rare, but some cities really are just food paradises! That’s how we felt in Tulum and Tokyo. Every single place we went to was incredible and somehow better than the last, and it sounds like Scottsdale is the same way!
I really want to head out West now; this guide was so inspiring and everything looks like so much fun!
Hi, Annie! ❤️
Thank you so much! We may have to add horseback riding to our future trips together!
I have Tulum on my bucket list, so I’m heading to your blog right now to go read your guide!
Congratulations again to you and Kyle!!!
You look amazing and I love every single outfit you wore!!!
Ahh, thanks, Freshi!
Hi Taralynn!
This guide is amazing and makes me wanna go there right now 🙂 I really hope I can visit your country soon! There is soooooo much to see 🙂
I love to explore local restaurants when I travel and trying as much traditional cuisine as possible 🙂
I cannot choose jus one restaurant from your blog, I would love to dine at so many of them! Farm & Craft, Citizen Public House, The Hash Kitchen, The Mission, Hearth ’61… they look amazing!
I´m so happy you had such a wonderful honeymoon! With the hot balloon and horse riding experience I would definitely love this spot!
Big hugs from Barcelona and can´t wait to see your next travels! 🙂
Hi, Milena!
Oh I know you would LOVE Scottsdale! I hope you can visit soon.
♥️
Where is your blue dress from.. I love it and that lil cut out 🥰
That was from Abercrombie!
What a beautiful guide! This blog inspired my boyfriend and I to plan a trip to Scottsdale. I can’t wait to try out some of your spots.
You’re going to LOVE it!!!
This makes me want to visit Scottsdale asap!
Hey!
This was such a great read! What resort would you recommend for a solo traveler? Something close enough to experience things. 🙂
You can’t go wrong with any of the resorts as a solo traveler! It’s all based on what you’d like to spend and what kind of experience you’re searching for!
You have me excited about visiting Scottsdale this summer!
Great post! We’ll be there in mid September. Did you rent a car and drive every where, was parking accessible?
Yes, rent a car for sure! Parking all over 🙂
Your Scottsdale, Arizona travel blog is a gem!
I just checked out your Scottsdale, Arizona, travel guide.
Loved the detailed itinerary and the personal touches you added.
Your recommendations for local eats and hikes are spot on.
I can’t wait to explore some of these spots myself.
Thanks for sharing your insights. They’re super helpful!