Gay-Friendly Travel Guide to Scottsdale

Scottsdale welcomes LGBTQ+ travelers from around the world with hospitality that’s as warm as our sun-filled skies. Whether you’re planning a cozy weekend for two or a week-long vacation with family or friends, we’ve got you covered with this itinerary that’s chockful of options for staying, playing and relaxing.

 

The scott

The Scott Resort & Spa
The comforts of Old Havana and the spirited soul of New Orleans create a playful ambiance at this vibrant Old Town resort. Take a dip in one of the resort’s lagoon-style pools, relax with an Herbal Salt Stone Massage, and converse over cocktails at the Canal Club – it’s all in a day’s play at The Scott!

saguaro

Sonder The Monarch
This stylish Old Town hotel, located on the lush grounds of Scottsdale Civic Center Park, puts you within easy walking distance of fabulous shops, galleries, restaurants and nightclubs. Known for its bold pops of color, Sonder The Monarch also boasts a full-service spa and Mexican cuisine at La Señora.

Canopy

CANOPY BY HILTON
Nestled in the heart of Old Town, this lifestyle hotel is inspired by the rich color palette of the Sonoran Desert. Enjoy craft drinks by the rooftop pool, which offers breathtaking views of nearby Camelback Mountain, as well as thoughtfully curated cuisine in the onsite Cobre Kitchen and Cocktails.

Adventures Out West

ADVENTURES OUT WEST
Explore the Sonoran Desert in a whole new way – on a Segway! The cowboy guides from Adventures Out West take you on a journey through rugged desert terrain on Segways equipped with special off-road tires. It’s a fantastic way to soak up the sun and explore Scottsdale’s natural landscape.

Old Town

Old Town Scottsdale
For the most fun you can have in one square mile, head for Old Town Scottsdale! Here, you can browse one-off boutiques and galleries, view innovative exhibitions at SMoCA, sip your way along the Scottsdale Wine Trail, and dine at some of the city’s best restaurants – and that’s just for starters!

fashion square

Scottsdale Fashion Square
If brands like Nordstrom, Prada, H&M and Apple make your shopper’s heart skip a beat, Scottsdale Fashion Square is a must-see on your itinerary. The Southwest’s largest shopping destination features more than 200 premier retailers, a Harkins luxury cinema and top-tier restaurants like Ocean 44, Toca Madera, Francine and Nobu.

BS west

BS West
Located in the heart of Old Town, BS West is Scottsdale’s iconic LGBTQ+ bar and nightclub. Enjoy fun events like 2-4-1 Wednesdays (complete with go-go dancers starting at 10:30 p.m.), the Friday night Elements Drag Show, and Karaoke Sundays.

pride

Special Events
No matter what time of year you visit, there’s always something exciting happening in and around Scottsdale! Highlights include the Scottsdale ArtWalk (Thursday evenings year-round), Parada del Sol Parade & Rodeo (Feb./March), Arizona Gay Rodeo (Feb.), Scottsdale Arts Festival (March), Music in the Garden (spring/fall), Rainbows Festival (April) and Phoenix Pride Festival (Oct.).

Hula Tiki

HULA’S Modern Tiki
Scottsdale may be nowhere near the ocean, but the tiki vibes, and tiki drinks, are strong at Hula’s. Daily happy hour includes signature apps like Hula’s Hilo Sliders, Hawaiian Ceviche and Samurai Beef Sticks, as well as discounts on all your favorite tiki drinks, including the Hula’s Hurricane and Tropical Itch.

az88

AZ88
Tucked away on Civic Center Park, just steps from the Scottsdale Center for the Arts and SMoCA, sleek and stylish AZ88 draws an eclectic crowd of artists, hipsters, theater goers, business folks and everyone in between. This longtime local favorite is famous for its filled-to-the-brim martinis, upscale pub grub and rotating art displays.

Barro Queen

BARRIO QUEEN
At Old Town’s Barrio Queen, regional Mexican cuisine is served with a dash of calle (street) attitude! Menu highlights include the award-winning Cochinita Pibil (succulent slow-roasted pork seasoned with sour orange and achiote), more than 20 varieties of mix-and-match street tacos and the fiery Death’s Door margarita.