Spending a weekend in Scottsdale is one of my favorite ways to experience a change of scenery from the Pacific Northwest. It’s a quick and inexpensive direct flight into Phoenix. Plus there are 330 days of sunshine waiting to welcome you.
Besides the weather, though, there’s just so much to do in Scottsdale. Like the PNW, Arizonans love the outdoors so there are plenty of trails meandering the stunning desert landscape. Then when you get back to the city you’ll find a ton of creature comforts like award-winning restaurants, fancy resorts, local boutiques, art galleries, museums, and wineries (yes, Arizona grows grapes!).
All in all, Scottsdale is the perfect 3 day escape for couples, families, and friend groups alike. Ready to see why? Here’s how I’d spend my perfect weekend in Scottsdale with tips for when to visit, where to stay, and more!
This article is sponsored by Experience Scottsdale. They hosted me on a trip and helped create an itinerary, but I’d been to Scottsdale before and loved it. Only places I would recommend ended up in this article.
Also this post has some affiliate links, which means I’ll earn a small commission at no cost to you if you click on them and make a purchase. Thanks for supporting the brands that support me in keeping this site running!
The Perfect Weekend in Scottsdale
This weekend itinerary assumes you’ll arrive by Friday afternoon and leave Sunday evening. However, arrive Thursday night if you can swing it so you have a full 3 days in Scottsdale!
Day 1: Take advantage of the weather
Welcome to sunny Arizona! After picking up your rental car at the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, make the approximately 20-minute drive to Scottsdale.
Grab Brunch at hash Kitchen
website | two Scottsdale locations: Gainey Ranch (get directions) & North Scottsdale (get directions) | cuisine: American | best for: hearty, Instagrammable brunch fare and party vibes
Chances are you’re hungry after the flight, so head to Hash Kitchen. This all-day brunch spot is like a party thanks to the DJ spinning tunes and people chatting over fun drinks. So make this your first stop to toast your weekend in Scottsdale.
I went to the Gainey Ranch location during my last trip to Scottsdale and absolutely loved the fun vibes. You’ll immediately notice the DIY Bloody Mary bar, followed by waiters carrying colorful mimosa flights and Instagram-worthy dishes with fancy flourishes like ice cream cones, cotton candy, and more.
The must-get is their hashes. I ordered the huevos rancheros version and loved the explosion of textures. You got crispy onions and tortillas, smooth beans and runny egg, and chew from the potatoes. Plus the zippy salsa gave it a complexity that makes this the perfect dish to start your trip.
Pro tip: Hash Kitchen is popular, so join their waitlist ahead of time!
Kick off the weekend by relaxing at your Resort
Satiated from your meal, head to your resort to check in and get settled. Then don your bathing suit and explore your hotel’s amenities for a few hours.
One of my favorite things about Scottsdale is that it has a ton of luxurious resorts surrounded by palm trees and Camelback Mountain vistas. All of them have fancy pools that make it feel as if you’re lounging in a tropical destination sans the ocean. You’ll be able to take a dip and then walk mere steps to an onsite restaurant, shopping boutique, fitness center, or outdoor activity like bocce ball.
I’ll share more about where to stay in Scottsdale below, but I was hosted at Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia and loved it. They have three pools with plenty of chairs and cabanas for lounging.
One of the pools is for spa guests only, which I highly recommend visiting if you stay here. The spa has dry and steam saunas, a whirlpool, and talented therapists. A massage would be the ultimate way to decompress from your life away from Scottsdale and get you in the mindset for a fun-filled weekend!
Visit the Desert Botanical Garden
website | 1201 N Galvin Pkwy (get directions) | cost: ~$30 per adult, ~$15 per child | best for: walking trails exploring desert flora
After freshening up at the hotel, make your way to the Desert Botanical Garden to gawk at impressive cacti and succulents native to Arizona. Visiting before they close at 8 pm (9 pm during special events) is a great way to beat the heat during warmer months. Plus you can get great photos at golden hour and sunset.
You can purchase general admission tickets and roam the accessible paths at your leisure. If you’re visiting during one of their nighttime events, even better. These are ticketed separately and oftentimes give you cool interactive light experiences or music in addition to nature.
For example, Las Noches de las Luminarias is a nighttime show every winter that features twinkling holiday lights and entertainment. This year they also have Flashlight Nights that encourage the family to bring flashlights while they explore, plus Music in the Garden concerts.
When I last visited they had an awesome art installation that featured colorful lights moving to the beat of music throughout the gardens. There’s always something going on, so check their event page for the dates you’ll be there!
Get Dinner at FnB Restaurant
website | 7125 E 5th Ave, #31 (get directions) | cuisine: American | best for: an award-winning, farm-to-table meal
After exploring the botanical garden, head to your dinner reservation at FnB Restaurant in Old Town Scottsdale. This James Beard-winning restaurant features seasonal, vegetable-forward dishes using local ingredients. I had a gorgeous roast asparagus and snap pea salad there when I last went and still wonder how they manipulated such humble ingredients to be so tasty.
FnB also has an excellent wine program featuring a lot of Arizona wineries. In fact, co-owner Pavle Milic owns Los Milics Vineyards in southeast Arizona and pours it at the restaurant. I had their 2021 Ita’s Rosé and thought it was one of the better, if not best, wines I’ve had coming from the state.
Day 2: Explore Old Town Scottsdale
Today will be busy since it’s likely the only full day during your weekend in Scottsdale. However, getting up early will be worth it. I promise!
Take an early morning hot air balloon ride
website | cost: ~$220 per adult, ~$170 per child | best for: checking off a bucket list experience
Scottsdale and the surrounding area has breathtaking scenery, and there’s no better way to experience it than from up above in a hot air balloon.
If you haven’t been on a hot air balloon ride, don’t worry, it’s not scary. I’ve been three times and every single ride was gentle. Arizona was the best weather wise, as I was wearing a light denim jacket instead of bundled up like I was on my PNW flights.
Family-owned Hot Air Expeditions has been in business for more than 30 years, so rest assured you’re in good hands. They have both a morning and afternoon flight, but I recommend taking the morning flight to beat the heat and get breathtaking sunrise photos. Yes, your experience will start early with a 4 – 6 AM pick up at your hotel depending on the time of year (earlier in summer), but I promise you won’t regret it!
You’ll arrive at the departure site and be able to watch them blow up the balloons. There’s nothing like standing next to a majestic balloon to really remind you how small we are. Since there will likely be multiple balloons departing at the same time, you’ll get fabulous photos as the sky starts turning cotton candy hues.
Once in the air, you can expect 45-60 minutes of gentle drifting and funny commentary from your pilot. Everyone gets 360-degree views, so get your camera ready! Upon landing you’ll enjoy a champagne breakfast while the crew breaks down the balloons. It’ll be about a 4-5 hour experience in total, but you’ll be back at your hotel with the whole day ahead of you!
Discount just for you: Use code EMERALDPALATE at checkout for $20 off per person on any Hot Air Expeditions balloon ride.
SHop Around Old Town Scottsdale
After your hot air balloon adventure, get into your rental car and drive down to Old Town Scottsdale for some shopping and wine tasting. Parking is free, so grab a spot and explore by foot.
Old Town Scottsdale has nine walkable districts filled with eclectic shops, restaurants, tasting rooms, museums, and art galleries. There are also nearly 200 public art installations in Scottsdale, many of which are in Old Town, so you’ll have plenty to do and see.
Scottsdale is known as the “West’s Most Western Town” thanks to its ranching and agricultural history dating back to the late 1880s. You’ll see remnants of its past in Historic Old Town especially.
For example, the raucous Rusty Spur Saloon is inside a historic bank (they store booze in the vault!). The Old Adobe Mission, one of three remaining adobe structures downtown, was built by Mexican immigrant families in the 1930s. Keep your eyes peeled for other signs of Scottsdale’s history as you explore.
Places to keep an eye out for
Here are some of my favorite places to stop in Old Town Scottsdale:
- LDV Winery – A family-owned winery focusing on single-varietal, Rhone-style wines farmed and processed with low-intervention techniques.
- Aridus Wine Co – Another family-owned winery making excellent reds that are complex and balanced.
- Růže Cake House – The galleries between here and Aridus are particularly good, so stop in before ending at Růže for a sweet treat of macarons and cotton candy-topped boba tea.
- Native Art Market -This is the only Indigenous-owned shop in the area, so stop in for native made goods. They also often have live performances.
- Schmooze – I love stopping at this coffee shop and relaxing on the garden patio with a drink in hand.
- Sugar Bowl – This old school ice cream shop is a Scottsdale institution. Stop in for a sweet treat!
Enjoy lunch at The Mission
website | 3815 N Brown Ave (get directions) | cuisine: Latin American | best for: creative chef-driven takes on Latin classics
Next to The Old Adobe Mission is The Mission restaurant. They serve exceptional food representative of different Latin countries like Bolivia, Brazil, Mexico, and more.
Don’t miss the guacamole made table side. I’m now convinced that all guac should always have roasted pepitas after trying The Mission’s version.
Other standouts include the pork shoulder tacos, beef anticuchos skewers, pinto beans, and chipotle grits. All of the dishes are beautifully plated and show a level of cookery that really elevates each ingredient. So if there’s anything else on the menu that catches your eye, chances are it’ll be good!
Visit wonderspaces
website | 7014 E Camelback Rd, #584 (get directions) | cost: ~$25 per adult, ~$15 per child | best for: interactive modern art
After exploring Old Town Scottsdale, make your way to Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall food court. There you’ll find Wonderspaces, a super cool art gallery featuring 14 rotating installations and signature cocktails. Most of the exhibits are interactive, so you can expect to use all your senses and get great photo opportunities.
This is one of my favorite things I did during my most recent weekend in Scottsdale. Each exhibit is super interesting and is bound to keep even museum-haters like me engaged.
For example, one of my favorite installations was called Parastella by Christopher Schardt. It had about 14,000 LEDs in 48 spokes suspended above. You laid down on bean bags and watched mesmerizing patterns pulse to the beat of ambient electronic music.
Another standout installation was Radiance (Infinity Box No. 6) created by Matt Elson. This two-person experience encouraged each person to stick their head into either side of a box to get distinctly different views. Each person sees a unique fun house/kaleidoscope pattern in bright photo booth-like lighting so it’s great for pictures.
Get Dinner at Citizen Public House
website | 7111 E 5th Ave (get directions) | cuisine: American | best for: elevated takes on comfort food
You probably have a lot to talk about after experiencing Wonderspaces. Keep the conversation going over dinner at Citizen Public House. This Old Town restaurant sounds like it’d be a beer hall, but it’s actually a fancier spot serving elevated takes on comfort food from around the world.
For example, you may find a deconstructed pastrami sandwich made with pork belly and spaetzle. Or maybe French onion soup reinterpreted as a burger. Whatever comfort classic comes to mind, Citizen Public House probably has a unique interpretation on their menu.
Their most famous dish is the chopped salad. It’s tossed table side and includes ingredients that don’t seem to go together, but somehow work. It has couscous, smoked salmon, tomato, pepitas, and more that create a stunning melody of flavors and textures.
I also recommend getting the meatloaf. It’s super moist and served with a drizzle of demi glace and porcini cream. Their elevated version would rival the one I grew up eating!
Finish the night with a Cocktail
You had an early morning, so no judgment if you need to skip this. However, if you’re able to rally there are some amazing cocktail spots in Scottsdale! Here are two not to miss.
HULA’s Modern Tiki
website | 7213 E 1st Ave (get directions) | best for: Hawaiian drinks and eats
If you’re craving a more laid-back vibe, head to HULA’s Modern Tiki for tropical drinks served in fun glasses. The vibe has touches of classic tiki bars from the 50s and 60s, but with an urban twist that attracts a lively crowd.
One of my favorite drinks is Hula’s Painkiller, which features rum, coconut, pineapple, and orange juice. If you’re overwhelmed by all the yummy-sounding options, get this!
Century Grand
website | 3626 E Indian School Rd (get directions) | best for: 3 immersive cocktail bars in one
If you want a fancier night out, head to Century Grand. You’ll find three cocktail bar concepts under one roof. UnderTow is nautical inspired, Grey Hen is New Orleans apothecary style, and Platform 18 is a Prohibition-era speakeasy vibe that looks as if you’re on a moving train.
They discourage making back-to-back reservations, so if I had to pick I’d say UnderTow is my favorite because it has theatrical lights to look like a rainstorm and a fun story in the drink menu. However, all of the concepts are super cool because it marries theater set and restaurant design. Plus each menu has creative drinks using seemingly whacky ingredients that just work.
Day 3: Experience the outdoors
No weekend in Scottsdale is complete without spending time outside. Wake up early on your last day to sneak in a hike before the heat sets in.
Go on an early-morning hike
There are a ton of trails for all skill levels right in Scottsdale. If you’re visiting during warmer weather, definitely try to make it to the trailhead by 7 AM to beat the heat.
Here are some trails to consider:
- McDowell Sonoran Preserve – There are more than 225 miles of trails in this protected area north of downtown Scottsdale. You can choose from a bunch of different hikes, but one great one is the Gateway Loop Trail.
- Papago Park – Home to the Desert Botanical Garden, Papago Park has a bunch of trails for all skill levels.
- Camelback Mountain – This area is close to downtown Scottsdale and features a few trails. The Echo Canyon Trail is said to be expert level, so if that’s not you consider doing the easier Bobby’s Trail Loop at the same trailhead or coming from the other side of the mountain at the Cholla Trailhead. A local mentioned that the Cholla entrance is easier, but we did Bobby’s Trail and thought it was enough for great pictures and scenery!
- Lost Dutchman State Park – Scottsdale is a short drive to this hiking area in the beautiful Superstition Mountains. I did the Treasure Loop Trail and thought it was relatively easy for pretty scenery.
Consider a guided hiking tour
Of course you can venture out on your own, but if you want a unique experience on the last day of your weekend in Scottsdale consider going on a guided hike with REI. They offer half and full day adventures hiking, biking, and even rafting around Arizona with experienced guides.
I did a private Half-Day Scottsdale Hiking Tour with guide Charles. We met at the Gateway Loop Trailhead in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, which was a beautiful hike meandering through an impressive desert landscape. It immediately paid off going on a hike with a guide because Charles knew that going left on the loop meant there’d be more shade.
Charles proved to be a fount of information throughout the hike. We just take in the views and continue on our way when hiking alone, but having a guide helped us actually learn about the things we were passing and appreciate the experience so much more.
Interesting facts we learned on our guided hike:
- Why cactus have needles. Most people think they’re to protect the cactus from predators, but most animals know how to navigate around them. Instead they’re mostly for retaining moisture, as the needles slow down the wind and reduce evaporation.
- Survival and medicinal hacks. If you burn the needles of a cholla cactus you can eat it (apparently it tastes like a kiwi!). Settlers used to do this for vitamin C to treat scurvy.
- The definition of a desert. To be considered a desert, the area needs to get less than 10” of rain per year. The Preserve gets 7-8”, typically during two monsoon seasons in winter and mid-late summer. The rain makes for amazing floral super blooms mid-March to April, and photographers love chasing storm clouds and lightning during the summer monsoon.
- Politics over precious metals. Arizona is known as The Copper State, but it also has a ton of quartz and uranium. In fact, uranium is prevalent in the Grand Canyon and, depending on who’s in power, the park will be expanded and contracted to allow for mining. We also learned that a German company owns most of the minerals in Arizona, so even if it’s on your land you don’t own it!
Get Breakfast at The Thumb
website | 9393 E Bell Rd (get directions) | cuisine: BBQ | best for: hidden gem casual dining
Hunger has likely set in after your hike. Get a proper breakfast at this gem of a restaurant near McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Most tourists don’t know to go here because it’s actually inside a gas station. Before you raise your eyebrows, though, know this is one of the fanciest gas stations you’ll likely encounter.
Inside you’ll find a ton of gifts, cute rustic decor, and a little outdoor patio with umbrellas. The Thumb is known for their barbecue, which they season for 24 hours before smoking for about 15 hours more.
I recommend getting Tom’s Brisket Stack and paying extra for “moist” brisket. This is the fattier cut, so it’ll have a ton of flavor to stand up against the hash brown, egg, green onions, and chipotle aioli in this dish.
Go on a guided art Tour
website | cost: ~$75+ per person | best for: seeing art you probably missed while exploring
After heading back to your hotel to freshen up and checkout, make your way to Old Town Scottsdale once more to go on a guided art tour with JoyRidesAZ. They offer a bunch of different tours about Scottsdale’s history, Indigenous peoples, art, and food. Choose your favorite and get ready to learn more about all of the things you likely saw during your weekend in Scottsdale.
We did their Scottsdale Public Art Tour, which is great for after a hike since you’re driven around in a little open-air electric cart. Our guide took us around the various sculptures in Old Town Scottsdale, some of which we missed while walking around. I loved hearing about the artists and significance behind some of the art I was obsessed with, so this hour-long tour was worth it!
Head to The Airport
Alas your weekend in Scottsdale is over. Head to the airport about 2 hours before your departure, return your rental car, and spend the flight chatting about the memories you made!
Tips for planning your Scottsdale weekend
Here are some pro tips to make sure your 3 days in Scottsdale run smoothly.
Getting to Scottsdale
You’ll fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) for your weekend in Scottsdale. After taking the PHX Sky Train from your arrival terminal to the car rental facility, the drive is about 15 minutes to downtown Scottsdale.
There are a ton of affordable, direct flights if you’re flying from the west coast. For example, Seattle to Phoenix flights often start at just $60-$100 one way.
I highly recommend renting a car for pick up and drop off at the PHX Airport. They often start at about $20 per day and will help you explore the city on your own schedule. Uber and Lyft are available in Scottsdale, but a local told me they can have long wait times unless you schedule your ride at least 30 minutes out.
When to visit
Scottsdale knows it’s that hot in summer: temperatures can reach up to 110°F, which may sound extra balmy to someone from more temperate climates like the Pacific Northwest. That’s why most people visit between October – March.
However, there are a lot of benefits to traveling during Scottsdale’s warmer season from April – September:
- Better prices. Many of the swanky resorts offer stays at deep discounts during the summer months. I’m talking 40-60% off the January – March peak season. You can also find discounted spa treatments and excursions.
- Less crowds. Many people are deterred by the heat, which means you’ll be able to snag reservations easier and see fewer fellow tourists wherever you go.
- Plenty of ways to beat the heat. There is no shortage of pools, air conditioned attractions, and early or late opening times to help you navigate the temperature.
I admittedly hate being hot and have never found Scottsdale unbearable. Many people say it’s because of that “dry heat”, which I definitely agree with because I’m so sensitive to humidity.
I’ve visited Scottsdale twice in April and once in August, and every trip had temperatures around 100°F with no rain. Every time I survived, so you will too! Plus I loved how it motivated me to get up earlier to beat the heat, which means I seized the day and made more of my vacation.
What about the monsoons?
If you’re concerned about the monsoon seasons I mentioned above, let’s talk about it. The winter monsoon season typically happens around December – January, but it’s the summer one from June – September that tends to have the most rain. However, the summer monsoon isn’t as bad as it sounds.
First, it doesn’t usually start until July, and when I visited in August there wasn’t a rain cloud in sight. When it does rain, it’s dramatic and fast rather than pouring over long periods of time. Plus the rains usually come late at night so it rarely impacts plans. Worst case scenario is your dinner plans may be impacted by low visibility or temporary flooding.
So while the summer monsoon can bring a bit more humidity and precipitation, it likely won’t rain during most of your trip. Bonus: you’ll get epic sunset photo opportunities, so the souvenirs will be worth it.
If you’re worried about it, April and June are the best times for your weekend in Scottsdale. This is during the transition from high to low season so the temperature can be slightly cooler and it’ll be before the thick of the monsoon season. But remember, your trip is highly unlikely to be ruined if you travel July – September or December – February!
Where to Stay
There are a ton of awesome resorts in Scottsdale. The best one I’ve stayed at is Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia just north of downtown in Paradise Valley. It’s inspired by Spain, which you can really feel as soon as you enter thanks to the grand archways, tile work, and lush landscaping.
The property spans more than 30 acres and has a bunch of different room options to fit different sized groups, even those with pets. We stayed in a huge room overlooking the main pool with Camelback Mountain in the distance. The extravagant fruit, cheese, and nut platter was a nice welcoming touch and it lasted me for days!
You’ll find every amenity imaginable at Omni Montelucia. There are 5 onsite restaurants ranging from casual to fancy, 3 pools with private cabana rentals, a fitness center with classes, 2 shopping boutiques, recreational sports like ping pong and corn hole, and a spa with its own private pool and cafe. There’s even a robust schedule of activities that include music, guided walks, beer or wine tastings, and more.
I got a massage at Joya Spa and was blown away by its ambiance. There’s a room with both a dry and steam sauna, whirlpool, and cold plunge shower. But my absolute favorite was the meditation room with beds and privacy curtains. I spent at least an hour there…in fact I closed down the joint and had them turn the lights on without realizing someone was still in there. 😂
Given how much I enjoyed my stay here, I highly recommend booking the Omni Montelucia for your weekend in Scottsdale.
What to pack
Sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and summery clothing are a given when traveling to Scottsdale. I also recommend chafing cream or shorts if your thighs rub together like mine.
However, you’ll also want to make sure you have good hiking boots and clothes you don’t mind getting dusty during your outdoor adventures. I also like to make sure to have a plastic bag for storing dirty shoes. And don’t forget a reusable water bottle!
Lastly, make sure you have a charger cable for your rental car and a jacket for cooler evenings. If your weekend in Scottsdale is during the monsoon seasons, make sure to pack shoes you don’t mind getting wet and a rain jacket.
Other Things to Do
Looking for other ideas to customize your weekend in Scottsdale? Here’s my private Google Map where I collect all the things I want to do in Arizona.
More to do in Arizona
Thinking about extending your weekend in Arizona? Here are some ideas.
Need help planning your dream trip?
Let me create a custom trip itinerary just for you! I’m a licensed travel planner and would be happy to do all the work so all you have to do is show up in sunny Scottsdale.
