These signature Scottsdale experiences might be a bit off the beaten path, but they’re worth seeking out! Pick one of these hidden gems or try them all for a memorable Scottsdale getaway.
Hidden Charm: Beginner’s Luck
Just off Main Street, tucked into a cozy alcove, Beginner’s Luck has that just-right mix of cozy and cool. Ideal for a lazy brunch or a quick drink that draws out into a few more, it serves up comfort food with clever twists, like mac ‘n cheese with potato chip crumble or chicken wings marinated in a Dole whip-inspired pineapple miso sauce. The bar keeps things fun, too, with a rotating line up of seasonal sips like the Orange Blossom Latte, a bright nod to Scottsdale’s citrus roots. Relaxed and just a little offbeat, it’s one of those spots you find once and never forget.
Speakeasy Style: The Madam
Inside The Scottsdale Resort & Spa, The Madam delivers serious Prohibition vibes…without the password. Velvet drapes, flickering candlelight, vintage touches everywhere – it’s got that low-key, old-school glamour you want in a bar. The drinks are bold, creative and little cheeky. Case in point, the Devil’s Gambit, a dazzling mix of aged genever, praline pecan liqueur, amaro, dragon fruit and a touch of “pixie dust.” With its intimate, tucked-away setup, it feels more like a secret you’re in on than a place you just found.
Where Books & Art Collide: Anticus Fine Arts & Bookstore
Equal parts gallery and bookstore, Anticus is one of those spots you instantly feel cooler just for knowing about. It’s packed with indie reads, art pieces and handmade jewelry, all in one space in the heart of the Old Town Arts District. The best part? They host engaging book clubs that feel less like a literary event and more like a laidback hangout with fellow book lovers.
Model Train Magic: McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
The full-size rail cars, train rides and vintage carousel at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park typically draw the crowds. But the model train building? That’s where the real magic happens. Tiny towns, intricate dioramas, and buttons that make little engines chug through miniature mountains—it’s a charming, nostalgic hidden gem that’s just as fun for adults as it is for kids.
Self-Care Sanctuary: Well & Being Spa Rooftop Pool
Part of the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Resort, this rooftop pool adds a next-level touch to the spa experience. After a massage or facial, the view alone—desert sky and mountains—is enough to unwind you all over again. Whether you're lounging poolside or just floating under the sun, it’s the perfect spot to soak in that post-treatment glow.
Behind the Vault: Rusty Spur Saloon
It may look like an old Western saloon…until you realize it used to be a bank. Built in the 1920s, this quirky little watering hole still has the original vault door inside—only these days, it guards liquor instead of loot. Add country tunes, a cozy dance floor, worn-in decor and crowd that’s always ready to raise a glass, and you’ve got a saloon that’s pure Scottsdale gold.
Sweet Nostalgia: Sugar Bowl Ice Cream Parlor
Bright pink on the outside, full of retro charm on the inside. The Sugar Bowl has been scooping ice cream since the ’50s, and not much has changed. Banana splits, soda fountains, old-school booths – it’s the kind of place that never gets old. It’s open late, too, making it perfect for a post-night out sugar fix.
Golden Hour: Sunsets & Sips at Taliesin West
There’s more to Taliesin West than its architectural legacy. With the Sunsets & Sips series, the iconic desert retreat takes on a different energy. Guests explore select corners of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, sipping local wines or signature cocktails as the sun sinks behind the mountains. As the sky shifts from soft amber to deep rose, Wright’s angular designs are cast in an unforgettable glow.
Insta’s Best-Kept Secret: Tom’s Thumb Trail
Pinnacle Peak may be the Instagram darling, but locals know Tom’s Thumb Trail is where the magic—and the challenge—lives. This rugged and daring hike sends you past towering granite formations and dramatic lookout points that make every step worth it. Bring plenty of water, lose the crowd and find your Zen.
Art Meets Attitude: AZ88
To find this hidden gem, head for the Scottsdale Civic Center, a lush pedestrian park in the heart of Old Town. AZ88 isn’t just a bar, it’s a gallery in disguise. With rotating art installations that change throughout the year, the space always feels fresh and a little unexpected. Around the holidays, it really shines, thanks to its iconic, offbeat Christmas tree displays that draw both locals and curious visitors. Striking, inventive and impossible to ignore, this is where Scottsdale’s art scene meets its nightlife.
