From mid-February to April, Scottsdale comes alive. The crack of baseball bats ring out at spring training ballparks, wildflowers blanket the desert and the scent of orange blossoms fills the air. Everywhere you look, people are reveling in spring’s warm days and cool nights. Here are 10 ideas for how you can join in.
Spot Public Art
Grab a latte from Yellow Spruce Roasters Coffee & Wine Bar, then set off on a self-guided walking tour to see Scottsdale’s diverse public art collection. These impressive works dot the landscape, giving Scottsdale its unique character and charm. See “LOVE,” Robert Indiana’s iconic sculpture at the Scottsdale Civic Center; “The Doors and Sound Passage,” a mesmerizing mirror kaleidoscope on a street corner; and handcrafted Cosanti windbells chiming at Soleri Bridge and Plaza.
Hike Among the Wildflowers
The Sonoran Desert bursts into color every spring as thousands of wildflowers sprout from the earth. Have your camera ready for the ocotillo’s fiery orange tips, purple lupines, delicate marigold and robust globemallows, primrose and rock daisies, and golden poppies. Where to see these vivid beauties: Pinnacle Peak summit trail, the Bajada Nature Trail at McDowell Sonoran Preserve and the Desert Botanical Garden.
Enjoy Views from a Rooftop Bar
Warm breezes and the citrusy aroma of orange blossoms are just two of the reasons to imbibe at Scottsdale’s rooftop bars. Need two more? Unbeatable views and expertly crafted cocktails. Orange Sky Lounge at Talking Stick Resort frames the sunset beautifully over Camelback and Mummy mountains, while the Outrider Rooftop Lounge at the Canopy by Hilton and Cottontail Lounge at the W Scottsdale offer buzzy cocktail scenes overlooking Old Town.
Cheer on Your Favorite Team
When MLB rolls into town in late February, it signals the start of spring in Scottsdale. Get in on the action during Cactus League Spring Training, where teams like the Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres step up to the plate at stadiums throughout the Valley. In Scottsdale, see the San Francisco Giants at Old Town’s Scottsdale Stadium and the Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick.
Walk with the Wildlife
The desert is rife with wildlife, from javelina and bobcats to mountain lions and coyotes. Get up close and personal with these native animals at Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center. During the two-hour Walk with Wildlife Tour, the animal sanctuary invites visitors to meet and learn about these special creatures (reservations are required to visit SWCC).
See Modern Art
The minimalist design of the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art is a work of art in itself, but you’ll be pleased to know that even more delights await inside. The museum houses ever-changing exhibitions of modern and contemporary art from some of the most important artists working today. Outside the museum, take note of “Knight Rise,” a Skyspace by famed artist James Turell created to showcase the shifting desert light.
Browse Local Goodies
Saturday morning, make your way to the Old Town Farmers Market (October–June) to shop for delicious eats from local growers. From fruits, vegetables and cheeses to artisan breads, homemade salsas and regional honey, plus gifts and crafts, you’ll discover more treasures than you have room in your suitcase to bring home.
Take the Road Less Traveled
Romping through canyons. Threading steep ridgelines. Summiting mountain peaks. On a four-wheel off-road adventure through the Sonoran Desert with Apache Trail Tours, you get all this and more. Choose from a 30-minute outing that rolls by Goldfield Ghost Town, a one-hour tour that introduces you to desert wildlife or a two-hour excursion through Tonto National Forest.
Raise a Glass to Frank Lloyd Wright
The legendary architect’s home and studio, Taliesin West, celebrates spring with Sunset & Sips, a happy hour mix-and-mingle where attendees bask in the glow of Scottsdale’s memorable sunsets against the backdrop of Wright’s architectural masterpiece.
Soak Up Spring on a Restaurant Patio
There’s nothing like an alfresco brunch on a spring day — flowers bloom, the sun beams, birds chirp and the cuisine is on point. Though you’ll discover great patios at most Scottsdale eateries, don’t miss LON’s at the Hermosa Inn. The Four Diamond restaurant boasts a lush outdoor space with unadulterated views of Camelback Mountain.
