There’s no denying that June through August is hot in Scottsdale. But that’s no reason to steer clear. There’s plenty to do indoors, or on the water, or before the day heats up. So, whether it’s hitting the greens for an early-morning tee time or cooling off at resort pools, there’s always summer fun to be had.
Rejuvenate the Mind and Body
A refreshing (and, ahem, air-conditioned) spa day goes a long way to keeping your cool. Revive sun-drenched skin at Joya Spa at Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia with a white tea tree and ginger body treatment, which includes a hydrating wrap, or opt for a revitalizing Desert Essence Wrap with cactus toning gel at the Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort’s Spa Avania followed by a dip in the spa’s Celtic mineral pool.
Enjoy Animal Encounters
Head indoors to meet water-loving creatures like penguins and otters, sharks and stingrays at OdySea Aquarium, the Southwest's largest aquarium, and the winged critters at Butterfly Wonderland, home of the largest butterfly conservatory in the U.S. Both attractions are located at Arizona Boardwalk, making for an easy two-for-one experience.
Ply Gentle Waves
Spend a summer day on the water with local outfitter Cliff Creek Outfitters. The guides lead stand-up paddleboarding excursions on Saguaro Lake — a tranquil lake tucked between the Four Peaks and Superstition Mountains — and rafting tours on the Sonoran Desert-ensconced Lower Salt River.
Indulge in Retail Therapy
Old Town Scottsdale is home to Scottsdale Fashion Square, the Southwest's largest luxury shopping destination. Give your summer wardrobe a glow-up with the latest fashions and accessories from top retailers like Nordstrom Neiman Marcus, Dior, Chanel, Jimmy Choo, Anthropologie and more than 200 others - all in indoor, climate-controlled comfort. When you need a break from shopping, refuel at one of Fashion Square's extraordinary dining outlets like Moxies, FRANCINE or Toca Madera; catch a movie at Harkens Camelview luxury cinema, or browse immersive art exhibitions at Wonderspaces Arizona.
Unleash Your Creativity
Perfect for triple-digit afternoons, an art workshop helps you retreat from the heat while indulging your inner Van Gogh. A few to consider: seasonally inspired floral design classes at Cactus Flower florists, pouring candles at Light + Bark’s interactive candle bar or designing wow-worthy wall art during “Be the Maker” experiences at The Merchantile.
Stay Cool at Splash Pads and Water Parks
Scottsdale’s splash pads offer a playful way to keep cool. Find them at city parks such as Pima Park and Scottsdale Civic Center or at outdoor retail centers like Kierland Commons and Scottsdale Quarter. You can also reserve day passes at area resorts, an ideal way to access a property’s pool oasis even if you’re not an overnight guest. One to try: Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort, which showcases a 2.5-acre complex with 10 pools, a beach, waterslides and luxe cabanas.
Stay Up Late
Old Town Scottsdale is famous for its nightlife, a bustling scene rife with both VIP experiences and relaxed dive bars. No matter if you seek chic cocktail lounges (Cottontail Lounge), buzzy nightclubs (Bottled Blonde), rollicking western bars (Rusty Spur) or an upscale spot for an interesting glass of wine (Old Town Scottsdale Wine Trail), Scottsdale has you covered.
Tee Off
Come summer, Scottsdale’s elite golf courses welcome players with inviting ways to beat the heat: sunrise tee times, golf carts with “stay cool” seats, water and ice stations along the course, even chilled towels. You’ll also find discounted greens fees at premier courses such as Boulders Golf Club, Grayhawk and Troon North. And if sunrise is a little too early to get your game on, try night golf at Grass Clippings Rolling Hills, Arizona's only fully lit 18-hole executive golf course.
Tour Renowned Museums
Escape to the air-conditioned interiors of Scottsdale’s most impressive museums. Make sure your must-see checklist includes the Heard Museum, a heralded repository of nearly 4,000 works of American Indian Art, and Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West, which shows (and tells!) the rich story of Scottsdale’s western heritage. Other must-sees include cutting edge art at the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, global instruments at the Musical Instrument Museum and the seamless blending of architecture and nature at Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin West (opt for one of Taliesin's seasonal early morning tours since this includes both indoor and outdoor spaces).
Explore by Night
When the sun sinks below the horizon, the Desert Botanical Garden comes alive during the Garden’s seasonal Flashlight Nights. Walk the themed trails to explore the desert’s nighttime flora and fauna — from encountering nocturnal desert critters to stargazing. Other options for nighttime fun in Scottsdale include dive-in movies at resorts like Fairmont Scottsdale Princess and The Phoenician, and stargazing tours with Stellar Adventures.
