Whether you’re on a first date or treating your long-time love to a night on the town, you’ll need standout date ideas designed to take full advantage of the warm sunny days and beautiful nights that Scottsdale has to offer. Here are some of our favorite ready-to-go date ideas – all you need to do is provide a plus-one.
FOR THE FOODIE
What better way to bond than over food? If you’re a lover of Italian food, then make your dinner plans at Fat Ox. Their bold menu features more than a dozen fresh pastas made in-house and a whole palette of incredible flavors. If you’re looking for something a little more intimate, Virtù Honest Craft is your restaurant of choice. Tucked away inside Old Town’s charming Bespoke Inn bed and breakfast, Virtu’s Mediterranean-inspired menu features handmade pastas and seasonally crafted cocktails made with fresh-pressed juices and unique spirits. Other great places include The Mission, House Brasserie, and Course.
FOR THE ROMANTIC
Take a romantic sunset stroll through the Desert Botanical Garden, home to more than 50,000 beautiful desert plants. You can wander through five thematic trails to explore the beauty of the Sonoran Desert plant life. If dining is more your thing, make a reservation at one of the city's most romantic spots, Café Monarch. With chic elegance and posh furniture, this high-end dining experience is truly romantic. The staff is sharp in appearance, dashing in attitude and fully knowledgeable of their four-course, pix fixe menu.
FOR THE ARTISTIC SOUL
Exploring SMoCA’s numerous exhibitions and taking selfies in front of the nearby LOVE sculpture could easily constitute a respectable date. But why stop there? Walk along Main Street and Marshall Way on Thursday evenings during the free weekly Scottsdale ArtWalk to enjoy all the magnificent art Old Town's galleries have to offer. If architecture interests you more, schedule a tour at the Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West or delve into history on the Magical History Tour at Hotel Valley Ho.
FOR THE RELAXATION SEEKER
If sunshine, rest and relaxation are what you're craving, grab a resort day pass and post up in a posh poolside cabana. For even more relaxation, book a treatment at the resort's spa – from facials and body treatments to couples massages, Scottsdale's renowned spas have just what you need to feel relaxed and rejuvenated.
FOR THE ADVENTURER
Take your date on an adventure that promises unforgettable scenic views. The early wake-up call will be worth it as you float together in a beautiful hot air balloon while the sunrise illuminate the desert below. Upon landing, you'll commemorate your flight with a champagne toast. Other outdoor adventure options perfect for two include horseback riding, hiking and off-road tours by Jeep, Hummer or you-drive ATVs and UTVs.
FOR THE EASY-GOING DATE
Head to Old Town Scottsdale's Goldwater Brewing to enjoy craft beer in the very place where it’s brewed. After you've sampled their award-winning Machine Gun Teddy ale, head next door to Brat Haus for house-made brats, giant pretzels and lawn games like corn hole and giant Jenga. After dinner, mosey over to the Rusty Spur Saloon for live music and two-stepping on their postage stamp-sized dance floor. Wrap up the night with a Gosh-Awful Gooey Banana Split or Tin Roof Sundae at the Sugar Bowl – a sweet ending to the perfect laid-back date!
