Scottsdale is a top destination on many people’s vacation bucket-list. It offers a unique blend of culture, warm weather, and entertainment that few other locations can match. With so much to do, it can be difficult to make heads or tails when building an itinerary. To take some of the legwork out of this process, keep reading as we explore some of the top things to do on a relaxing Scottsdale vacation.
Enjoy a Round of Golf
Scottsdale and golf go hand-in-hand. The warm weather and scenic desert backdrop are the ideal stage for spending several hours out on the greens. With over 50 courses within city limits and more than 200 in the larger Phoenix metro area, it is truly one of the world’s golf havens. Playing host to multiple PGA and NCAA events throughout the calendar year, it also has many famous courses that top golfers’ bucket lists.
Even though it plays host to the prestigious Waste Management Open, TPC Scottsdale Champions Course is a recommended course for lower-level golfers who want a less challenging walk and slower pace of play. Conversely, Grayhawk Golf Club is a recommended venue for more experienced players who want to be challenged to make par on each and every hole.
Indulge in Some Local Cuisine
The rich Scottsdale dining scene offers something to satisfy any palate. Although there are good vegan restaurants in Scottsdale that cover everything from American to Asian, most will feature classic dishes with contemporary Southwestern flair. It is hard to go wrong with any restaurant in the area (especially those located in historic Old Town), but some of the most highly recommended by travellers include UNiQ Burger and Veggie Village.
Get Out in Nature
There are countless studies that show the importance of getting out in nature for lowering stress and anxiety. According to Aspen Valley Hospital, just 20 to 30 minutes immersed in nature can significantly drop cortisol levels--the body’s primary stress hormone. This can be especially important for travellers who may not have had the most pleasant experience at the airport or on the road. The good news is that there are multiple ways to get outdoors in Scottsdale. Take a hike through the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. In addition to the scenic desert views, there are multiple hiking trails to cater to people of all ability levels, all of which are free of motorized vehicles to help promote a more pristine connection to nature. Book a hot air balloon ride to experience Scottsdale from an aerial view!
(Image courtesy of McDowell Sonoran)
Whichever means of getting out in nature you prefer, try to be there at dawn or dusk. Not only will this help you avoid the heat at the height of day, but the sun peaking over the mountaintops will yield some of the most captivating photo opportunities imaginable.
Book a Luxury Vacation Rental
Many Scottsdale travellers are turning to luxury vacation rentals instead of traditional hotels as their preferred accommodations. Not only do luxury rentals offer spacious dimensions that can better serve families and large groups, but they offer unmatched amenities that add a dose of flair to any trip. Resort-style backyards steal the show, with vast swimming pools, lazy rivers, water slides, and swim-up bars allowing guests to conveniently cool off in the desert sun. Covered dining areas and outdoor living spaces help travellers enjoy an open-air meal or partake in cocktail hour under the desert moon. Indoors, the features are just as impressive. The best properties will feature spacious offices, home gyms, chef’s kitchens, and designer-inspired furnishings. Next-level amenities include air conditioned pickle-ball courts, multi-lane bowling alleys, private theaters, and comprehensive game rooms. By balancing convenience and entertainment, luxury vacation rentals help ensure that travellers can enjoy every second of vacation without having to search for things to do during itinerary gaps.
Treat Yourself to Some R&R
There is certainly no shortage of stimulation in Scottsdale. It can get flat-out exhausting to try and cross every item off your to-do list in a single trip. It’s probably not even a good idea to try, as fatigue and burnout will undoubtedly zap the enjoyment from the vacation. Therefore, it is crucial to plan some much-needed rest and recovery into your busy Scottsdale itinerary. The area features some of the most well-known spas and wellness retreats in the country. Some favourites include Agave, The Phoenician Spa, and Squeeze Scottsdale. Any of these upscale venues will offer a complete selection of massages, acupuncture, facials, or any of your other preferred spa treatments to rejuvenate you for more fun in the Arizona sun.
(Image courtesy of HÓZHÓ Estate on Harmony)
If you don’t feel like leaving your accommodation for a day of R&R, the best luxury rentals will provide concierge spa services that bring the treatment directly to you. This even includes Mobile IV Therapy in Phoenix, a leading provider of key fluids, minerals, and electrolyte drips that help Arizona travellers energize, hydrate, and detoxify during a sultry Scottsdale vacation.
Soak in the Area’s Rich Culture
Scottsdale is often described as the “most Western town in the Southwest.” It features a unique blend of Indigenous, Hispanic, and Old West cultural elements that are still alive and vibrant to this day. Throughout the Old Town district, there are numerous artisans that put this culture on display through their craftsmanship.
Furthermore, there are dozens of museums and art galleries within walking distance that help keep the area’s rich history alive to this day. A walking wine trail is even available that can help guests enjoy some of the local artwork while sampling some of the best blends from the region.
Visit Scottsdale Today for the Ultimate in Relaxation!
From enjoying a round of golf to soaking in the area’s rich culture, Scottsdale offers plenty of options for creating a relaxing and memorable vacation. With the weather cooling down in most parts of the country, travellers are set to flock to the warm Arizona sun. So don’t wait: start planning your trip and visit Scottsdale while the time is right!
What about you, have you ever been to Scottsdale? Feel free to share any tips & advice below!
ABOUTME
We overland. We eat plants and fungi. We live outside as much as possible. We are all connected. A female travel blogger overlanding and writing about ecotourism, ethical and sustainable travel, socially conscious travel and housesitting. An online travel magazine since 2015.
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