With luxurious resorts, world-class restaurants and Sonoran Desert vistas, Scottsdale is a destination where bucket-list-worthy experiences and memories are created. Looking to compile your own list of unforgettable life adventures? Here are six of the top things to do in Scottsdale.
Cloth & Flame Desert Culinary Experience
One of Scottsdale’s most coveted dining experiences is hosted by Cloth & Flame, a 2022 Foodist Award winner for Innovative Fine Dining. They have created an immersive culinary experience connecting the Arizona community with nature’s bounty set in stunning al fresco settings such as Scottsdale’s Sonoran Desert, the Grand Canyon and Superstition Mountains. You can expect beautifully designed spaces as guests mingle for cocktail hour and passed hors d’oeuvres before enjoying a multi-course farm-to-table dinner under the stars.
Scottsdale Fashion Square: Fashionable Luxury
If you love designer fashion, head to Scottsdale Fashion Square, the Southwest’s largest shopping center and home to upscale brands such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Dior. Book the Fashionable Luxury package and you’ll receive a champagne toast welcome and early access to three high-end stores, such as Bulgari, Jimmy Choo and Versace. Other amenities include a welcome gift bag, personal escort, refreshments, and concierge assistance with shopping and dining requests. Optional Black-car service from your hotel is available as an add-on.
Second Nature Clinic: The Ayurvedic Royals
While there is no shortage of luxurious spas to rejuvenate the body and soul, for something more unique, explore the healing naturopathic benefits of Ayurvedic medicine at Second Nature Clinic. Designed to balance the mind, body, and spirit, The Ayurvedic Royals retreat delves deeper than traditional spas. For this sampler, Dr. Meghana Thanki leads guests on a journey that includes an herbal-infused balancing massage, guided meditation, and education on nutrition and the use of spices and herbs. Your eye-opening introduction to Ayurveda ends with a delicious, shared meal.
WM Phoenix Open: Greenskeeper Tickets & 1937 Club
The WM Phoenix Open is the best-attended golf tournament in the world, attracting more than 700,000 fans annually. Held at TPC Scottsdale in early February, it’s also known as “The Greatest Show on Grass,” with a variety of ticket levels to enjoy the lively spectacle. Join fellow revelers at the Greenskeeper, a boisterous area along the 18th fairway where tickets include a complimentary lunch buffet and free-flowing drinks. For something more plush, reserve a space in the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess’ 1937 Club for upscale dining and beverage options, open bar and cigar lounge.
MLB Spring Training: Charro Lodge VIP Experience
For baseball fans, spring in the desert is synonymous with Cactus League Spring Training. Avid enthusiasts flock to the city to watch their beloved teams, including the San Francisco Giants, Arizona Diamondbacks, Colorado Rockies, Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers, just to name a few. Check off this bucket-list experience with Charro Lodge VIP Tickets at Scottsdale Stadium, Spring Training home of the San Francisco Giants. Tickets include general admission, complimentary drinks (including soft drinks, beer, wine and select spirits) and premium ballpark fare, shaded dining tables, prime patio seating and great views of all the on-field action.
Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction: VIP Packages
Barrett-Jackson is an annual tradition for automobile aficionados when 250,000 visitors descend upon WestWorld of Scottsdale to admire and bid on some of the world’s most desired luxury and vintage cars. Ticket packages offer a range of VIP opportunities, including exclusive access to auction areas and behind-the-scenes tours. For the ultimate adventure, reserve a space in Craig Jackson’s Box to join the CEO in his private suite with open bar, gourmet menu and bidding assistants.
No matter where your interests lie, you’ll find a Scottsdale experience that is sure to become a treasured memory.
Christina Barrueta is an award-winning food, beverage and travel writer who has written for publications such as Phoenix Home and Garden, WhereTraveler, and Time Out. The author of Arizona Wine: A History of Perseverance and Passion and Phoenix Cooks cookbook, she has been inducted into the Arizona Culinary Hall of Fame and recognized for awards including PHOENIX Magazine’s Best Food Blog. and Arizona Foothills magazine’s Favorite Food Website, Best Food Instagram, and Most Influential in Valley Food.