A Week-Long Vacation to Scottsdale, AZ

Downtown Scottsdale, AZ

Located just 20 minutes east of downtown Phoenix, Scottsdale, AZ is the go-to destination for a luxurious getaway under the blue skies of sunny Arizona. There are plenty of outdoor activities as well as top notch shopping and dining to fill your week-long vacation in Scottsdale. Get started on planning your itinerary with these top activities.

Explore Old Town

Rent a bike or lace up your walking shoes to explore Scottsdale’s Old Town district. With streets lined with art galleries, excellent dining options, and boutiques, there are plenty of nooks to explore in this lively area. Browse unique pieces in art galleries specializing in regionally relevant southwestern and old western themes, as well as those showcasing classic and contemporary styles. Window shop or pick out gifts at exclusive shops and boutiques along Old Town’s picturesque streets. Top off your afternoon with a treat at the Sugar Bowl, Old Town’s nostalgic ice cream shop.

Recommended: List of Places to Visit in Phoenix, AZ

Tour Taliesin West

Architecture enthusiasts will enjoy a tour of Taliesin West, former winter home of the beloved American Architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Today this remarkable building is home to the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation and the School of Architecture at Taliesin. Visitors can take a one- to three-hour guided tour throughout the structure, viewing areas such as Wright’s private quarters and living room, the gracious Taliesin West “Garden Room,” drafting studio, Music Pavilion, Cabaret, and other unique opportunities such as taking a closer look at works from his private art collection. A variety of tour options allow visitors to focus on personal interests. Taliesin West is located in Scottsdale at 12345 N Taliesin Drive. Tours are offered Monday-Saturday except during summer months, when they are closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Hike Pinnacle Peak & Trails in the Broader McDowell Sonoran Preserve

Arizona Pinnacle peak

Enjoy the breathtaking views and equally breathtaking climb as you ascend the trail toward Pinnacle Peak. Climb 1,300 feet of total elevation gain as you catch sight of gamble quail, jack rabbits, cactus wrens, antelope ground squirrels, lizards, and road runners that call this wildlife sanctuary home. The only way to reach the actual summit is with technical rock-climbing skills, but even from the trail this 3.5-mile round trip hike offers expansive views of the surrounding mountains and golf courses that dot the Scottsdale terrain.

Pinnacle Peak is set in the northwest portion of the larger McDowell Sonoran Preserve, which encompasses most of the McDowell Mountain range. With 215 miles of trails spread across 30,580 acres, the preserve offers enough hiking and mountain biking opportunities to keep outdoor enthusiasts busy for weeks. Trails offer differing lengths and terrain suitable for a variety of experience levels. The Pinnacle Peak Trailhead is located in Scottsdale at 26802 N 102nd Street. Trail hours vary depending on the season, opening between 5-7am and closing between 5:30-8pm.

Indulge in a Meal at Elements at Sanctuary Camelback Mountain

Treat yourself to an unforgettable meal at the upscale Elements at Sanctuary Camelback Mountain, where Food Network celebrity and Executive Chef Beau MacMillan puts his culinary prowess on display. The dishes at Elements are served up using local organic produce and a seasonal menu keeps things fresh and evolving. Elements is the place to go to experience top-notch dining while enjoying scenic views. Be sure to try the double bone-in pork chop or Korean BBQ short ribs for some of their best entrees. Elements is located just north of Scottsdale in Paradise Valley at 5700 E McDonald Dr. and reservations are recommended.

Play a Round of Golf at Troon North Golf Club

The majestic Troon North Golf Club touts two 18-hole courses set in a magnificent desert landscape at the base of Pinnacle Peak. Granite boulders, natural ravines, and immaculate greens integrate the course seamlessly into the natural setting. Enjoy a round of golf on one of these picturesque courses or further perfect your game at the club’s Golf Academy, where you can receive instruction from PGA Professionals or analyze your game with technology such as Trakman or SAM Puttlab. Troon North Golf Club is located in Scottsdale at 10320 E Dynamite Blvd.

Toast a Week Well Spent at Craft 64

Scottsdale is home to a vibrant nightlife scene, offering unique cocktails, fine wine, and craft beer. Unwind at the start of your trip or toast a week well spent at one of the town’s best watering holes, Craft 64. Serving up great food alongside its drinks, Craft 64 offers 30 beers on tap, including a majority that are local Arizona brews. They also have an extensive wine list. Craft 64 is open daily 11am-11pm and is located in the heart of Scottsdale at 6922 East Main Street. Cheers!

Guest Author : Natasha is a travel enthusiast and blogger from Kauai, Hawaii. She works alongside Parsons Villas to help likeminded travelers find exciting experiences in new locales.
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