They say a picture is worth a thousand words. In Scottsdale, where memorable adventures run the gamut from hot air balloon rides to river floats, a photo not only tells a story but also encapsulates all the thrills and beauty our destination has to offer.
Here are six of Scottsdale’s most photogenic experiences to capture — on your camera and in your memory.
Helicopter Tour with Volanti
The only thing better than a chef-crafted dinner at Volanti, the fine dining restaurant at Scottsdale Airport, is Volanti’s Helicopter Experience. It pairs a three-course meal for two people with a helicopter tour around the Valley. Photo opportunities abound, whether it’s a bird’s-eye view of glittering city lights or the restaurant’s flavorful dishes like burrata drizzled with cilantro serrano pesto.
Photo tip: Ask your pilot for the flight route so you’ll know when to have the camera ready for photos of iconic landmarks.
Hike at Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve
At dusk, the Sonoran Desert sky alights in hues of red, purple and orange. And the ideal place to bask in the late-day glow — and to forever memorialize it in a photo — is the 30,500-acre McDowell Sonoran Preserve. From the Brown’s Ranch Trailhead, take the Sunset Vista Trail to the hilltop for unobstructed westward sightlines. Be aware that the trailhead (including the parking lot) closes at sunset, so grab your shot before the sun hits the horizon.
Photo tip: A photo of a saguaro in silhouette is always a classic.
Kayak Float on the Salt River
The peaceful waters of the Salt River wend south, beckoning kayakers and stand-up paddleboarders to ply its gentle waves. The river glides by lush riverbanks, red-rock cliffs and wildlife such as bald eagles and wild horses. Be sure to keep your distance from the animals, for your safety and theirs, and come prepared for a day on the water with sun protection (wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen and sunglasses), drinking water, salty snacks and water shoes.
Photo tip: Remember the rule of thirds, a composition guideline that places the subject of the photo in the left or right third of the image.
Sunrise Balloon Ride with Hot Air Expeditions
Rise and shine early to glimpse the dawn from the basket of a hot air balloon. Hot Air Expeditions offers flights that can accommodate 10-12 people or smaller groups of 2-6 passengers. The 60-minute trip drifts over the Sonoran Desert, showcasing Camelback Mountain and the Four Peaks Wilderness Area rife with desert flora and fauna like palo verde trees, cholla cactuses, wild burros, jackrabbits, quail and javelina. The best part: Flights conclude with brunch and a champagne toast.
Photo tip: Hot Air Expeditions recommends these top tips for the best balloon photos.
- Use the balloon as a backdrop.
- Include the balloon basket in the picture.
- Look up! The inside of the balloon’s envelope is almost as picturesque as the surrounding views.
- Use a wide-angle lens.
Road Trip Excursion with Boho Camper Vans
In need of wheels to venture north to Sedona? Forego the standard rental car and instead opt for a boutique conversion van from Boho Camper Vans. The company offers a fleet of high-end vans, each outfitted in cedar wood paneling, kitchens, living spaces, sleeping nooks and amenities such as hammocks, stylish linens, Bluetooth and more. Ask about Boho’s “secret map,” a curated list of suggested itineraries for where and how to roam Arizona’s scenic landscapes like a pro.
Photo tip: Using the vehicle’s doors as a natural frame. Set up the camera inside the van, then fling open the back doors or slide open the side panel to reveal the panorama.
Railcar Journey at Platform 18
Who says adventures can only take place outside? Discover a whole new world indoors at Century Grand, a nightlife hotspot housing three immersive cocktail lounges. At Platform 18, Century Grand’s interactive bar inside a Pullman train car circa 1920s New York City, order delicious — and picturesque — libations such as the 300 Club (a heady rum-gin-Campari concoction with oolong tea) and the 54th Street Club (popcorn-infused tequila with Cointreau).
Photo tip: Cocktails look best when shot from a 45-degree angle, just as you’d see the drink when looking at it in front of you on the table.
