Visiting Scottsdale felt like love at first sight. For years, I’ve had friends and family tell me that Scottsdale was made for me: beautiful sunshine, mountains, cacti, a California-like flair. After spending a long weekend in Scottsdale, I can honestly say that I would move there in a heartbeat. The food is unreal, the natural beauty of the landscape is otherworldly from the sunsets to the desert, the weather is perfect for someone like me who’s always cold. Scottsdale quickly became one of my favorite cities: it’s one of the best winter retreats in the U.S. for a reason!
The Scottsdale Short List
Stay
Explore + Photograph
- Old Town Scottsdale
- Scottsdale Quarter
- Camelback Mountain
- Paradise Valley
- Desert Botanical Garden
- McDowell Sonoran Preserve
Eat
- Maria’s Fry Bread (Mexican) (Camelback East Village)
- Diego Pops (Mexican) (Old Town) $
- Meat the Ball (Italian) (Scottsdale Quarter) $$
- Sugar Bowl (Ice Cream) (Old Town) $
- Farm + Craft (Healthy Farm-to-Table) (Old Town) $$
- The Montauk (New England Fare) (Old Town) $$
- Pizzeria Bianco (Pizza) $$
Scottsdale Travel Tips
- Visit in the winter for sunny and mild weather
- Indulge in spa time: Scottsdale is world-famous for its spas
- Try local Navajo food (the fry bread here is to die for—Maria’s has the best!)
- Dress in layers: since Scottsdale is in the desert, it’s warm during the day and chilly at night
What to Wear
Where to Stay
The Saguaro Scottsdale ($$$)
The Saguaro remains an iconic resort in Scottsdale. Everything about this hotel is bright and colorful with lots of desert motifs. The pool area is one of my favorites and evokes a Palm Springs vibe (which makes sense because the Scottsdale location’s sister hotel is in Palm Springs!). Out of all the resorts in Scottsdale, this one gets bonus points for being the most Instagrammable. You can book your stay at The Saguaro here.
Hotel Valley Ho ($$$)
Another popular Scottsdale choice, Hotel Valley Ho boasts a drool-worthy spa and retro glam rooms. There are colorful murals all over the place and a beautiful pool area. Like The Saguaro, Hotel Valley Ho is conveniently located in the heart of Scottsdale in Old Town. Rooms can be booked here.
Scottsdale Plaza Resort ($$)
If spas are more your scene, Scottsdale Plaza has one of the best in the area. The resort has beautiful views of Camelback Mountain and is just a short drive away from Old Town and the Scottsdale Quarter. Book your stay at the Scottsdale Plaza here.
Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale ($$)
Mountain Shadows Resort offers gorgeous views of Camelback Mountain and Paradise Valley. This resort is the epitome of desert chic and is one of the best photo spots in Phoenix! You can book your stay at Mountain Shadows here.
Airbnb ($-$$)
Since Scottsdale’s hotels are on the pricier side, Airbnb can be a great value option. You can get $40 off your first stay with Airbnb by using my discount code here.
Things to Do in Scottsdale
Old Town Scottsdale
Historic Old Town is the place to be in Scottsdale. There’s an endless amount of chic boutiques and glam restaurants in the heart of Scottsdale. Old Town is also home to Phoenix’s art scene and several Native American jewelers. There are so many incredible places to see here with vintage charm. This is my favorite part of Scottsdale and I honestly could have spent my entire trip here and been very happy.
Scottsdale Quarter
Scottsdale Quarter is another incredible shopping and dining district in Scottsdale. One of my favorite restaurants in Scottsdale, Meat the Ball, is located here.
Paradise Valley
If you’re looking for a little golf getaway near Scottsdale, Paradise Valley is the perfect place to unwind and take on some of the country’s best golf courses.
Desert Botanical Garden
A true garden oasis. Located just south of Old Town, this garden is a beautiful place to connect with nature and snap some pictures of Scottsdale scenery after an afternoon spent shopping at Fashion Square. Admission ranges from $25-30 depending on the season. You can purchase tickets in advance here.
Scottsdale Restaurants
Maria’s Fry Bread
….
Diego Pops
My favorite place I dined at in Scottsdale. Diego Pops has the cutest outdoor patio, great music and some of the best tacos I’ve ever eaten. I can’t recommend eating here enough on your trip! You can check out the Diego Pops menu here.
Meat the Ball
Delicious Italian food: the best spaghetti and meatballs in Scottsdale! I loved eating here at Scottsdale Quarter. The atmosphere is super cute and the outdoor patio is one of my favorites in Scottsdale.
Sugar Bowl
The cutest all-pink diner you will ever see. The ice cream sodas here were so yummy, but you really can’t go wrong with anything off of the dessert menu. I give this restaurant bonus points for being super photogenic—you can capture so many cool photos here for the ‘gram!
Farm + Craft
My favorite place in Scottsdale for incredible salads + a dreamy patio that makes the perfect workspace. You can check out the menu here.
The Montauk
Another Old Town Scottsdale staple. One of my favorite lunch spots for an al fresco meal in Old Town!
Pizzeria Bianco
Pizzeria Bianco offers some of the best pizza in the country—this place is known for long lines out the door. All of the pizzas are incredible, but I highly recommend the Sonny Boy. Celebrities like Oprah have even stood in line for hours to eat here—that’s how you know it’s good!
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