Scottsdale welcomes LGBTQ+ travelers with hospitality that’s as warm as our sun-filled skies. Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend for two or a week-long vacation with family or friends, we’ve got you covered with plenty of options for staying, playing and relaxing.
Stay
Let’s start with some ideas for choosing your home away from home. If pampering is on your agenda, check out the posh accommodations and spa offerings at Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows and JW Marriott Camelback Inn Resort & Spa. For serene desert views and luxe amenities, the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale or Boulders Resort & Spa are your go-to digs. And if urban energy is what you crave, head for Old Town where favorites include Canopy by Hilton Scottsdale Old Town, Hotel Valley Ho, The Saguaro Scottsdale, The Scott Resort & Spa and the W Scottsdale, host of the 2019 Queer Me Out global speaker series.
Play
Start your day with fresh air and sunshine on a guided hike, off-road tour, horseback ride or kayaking excursion in Scottsdale’s lush Sonoran Desert. Post-adventure, relax with lunch in a plush poolside cabana at your resort or browse Resort Pass to enjoy another pool for the day. Afternoons are ripe for indulging in some well-deserved retail therapy at Scottsdale Fashion Square, checking out cutting-edge creativity at the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art or browsing the eclectic boutiques, art galleries and souvenir shops in Old Town.
Dine
What better way to kick off your day than morning libations and bites at a festive drag brunch? Then, when the sun sets, kick off your evening with boozy tropical cocktails and happy hour snacks at HULA’S Modern Tiki, then head to dinner at one of our independently owned restaurants. Local favorites include FnB, known for its stellar Arizona wine list and farm-fresh cuisine; The Mission, home of Chef Matt Carter’s contemporary Latin cuisine; and AZ88, which intrigues diners with rotating art displays, elevated pub grub and classic martinis.
Party
You’ve played. You’ve chilled. You’ve dined. Now it’s time to get the party started! At Wok N' Roll near Old Town Scottsdale, drag queen Tragique hosts Dirty Game Night on Thursdays and Saturdays from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. Grab some sushi or a noodle bowl and a specialty cocktail, then settle in for a night that will leave you howling! When visiting in summer (May-Sept), check out some of the best pool parties to keep you cool on a hot day. Scottsdale is also home to the annual Pride Crawl, where you can find great discounts from participating local bars around Old Town! About 15 minutes West of Old Town Scottsdale lies Phoenix's Melrose District “gayborhood”, which offers a collection of LGBTQ+ businesses and clubs, including Charlie’s, Stacey’s @ Melrose and Pat O’s Bunkhouse Saloon.
Additional resources: Greater Phoenix Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce / Phoenix Pride.
