There are so many places to see and things to do Scottsdale that you might wonder how on earth you can do it all in just 24 hours. Truth be told, you can’t – but you can still experience several of the city’s best offerings with a few insider tips! Here are our top picks for crafting a stellar one-day Scottsdale itinerary.
DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Paradise Valley-Scottsdale
A true oasis in the desert, the DoubleTree Resort greets guests with lush landscaping, tranquil pools and plenty of Southwestern charm. All guestrooms are nicely oversized, giving you plenty of room to relax when you’re not soaking up the sun poolside!
The Scottsdale Plaza Resort
Beautifully manicured gardens, airy courtyards and thoughtfully designed amenities are hallmarks of The Scottsdale Plaza Resort. The property’s central-Scottsdale location makes it an ideal home-base for exploring the city on a quick getaway.
Senna House Scottsdale, Curio Collection by Hilton
A stylish new addition to the city’s hotel roster, Senna House Scottsdale draws its design inspiration from the beauty of the Sonoran Desert and the urban energy of Old Town. Senna House features a second-story pool and coastal Mediterranean cuisine at CALA.
Guided Desert Adventures
Scottsdale’s lush Sonoran Desert is the ideal playground for outdoor enthusiasts – no matter what your skill level! Let our professional adventure outfitters take you on an exciting off-road tour of the desert’s most pristine expanses, saddle up for a horseback ride along saguaro-studded paths or view it all from above in a hot air balloon.
Old Town Scottsdale
For the most fun you can have in one square mile, head for Old Town! Here, you can browse one-off boutiques and galleries, view cutting-edge exhibitions at SMoCA, cowboy-up at Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West, sip your way along the Scottsdale Wine or Ale trail, and dine at some of the city’s best restaurants – and that’s just for starters.
Desert Botanical Garden
Along the Garden’s five thematic paths, you’ll see unique and beautiful plants that thrive in some of the world’s hottest, most arid climates. Enjoy lunch at the on-site Gertrude’s restaurant and be sure to stop by the Garden Shop for desert-inspired art and gifts.
Cosanti
This eclectic treasure, created by the late Italian architect Paolo Soleri, is part art studio and part architectural experiment. Cosanti features earth-formed concrete domes that seem to defy gravity as they provide an enchanting backdrop for Soleri’s melodious bronze windbells. Call ahead for bronze pour times and experience the creative process in action!
Desert Spa
The curative properties of Sonoran Desert botanicals have been celebrated for centuries – most recently at Scottsdale’s award-winning resort spas. Here, innovative treatments blend indigenous ingredients and traditional Native American healing techniques with modern-day indulgences that will leave you feeling oh-so-relaxed.
Citizen Public House
Citizen Public House gives the traditional gastropub a contemporary spin. Here you can find a hearty offering of New American dishes plus classic craft and barrel-aged cocktails. Local favorites include Bernie’s Mac & Cheese, Green Chili Burger (a juicy blend of Angus chuck and brisket), and Buttermilk Chicken Breast served with mushroom risotto and charred broccolini.
Fat Ox
Helmed by Chef Matt Carter, Fat Ox dishes up modern riffs on regional Italian classics, featuring house-made pasta, slow-roasted meats and wild-caught fish. Menu highlights include King Crab Ravioli, Brick-Grilled Organic Chicken and Garganelli with black truffle butter. Be sure to save room for dessert specialties like the sweet and tangy Lemon Tart and Butterscotch Budino.
Los Sombreros
Located a few minutes south of Old Town, Los Sombreros serves authentic cuisine in a rustic, cantina-style house. Start with their classic ceviche or homemade guacamole, then move on to specialties like slow-roasted pork carnitas, mole poblano and Camarones al Tequila (tequila-flamed shrimp). And no matter how full you are, don’t pass up a slice of decadent Mexican chocolate cream pie.
