summer in Scottsdale

As a kid, I was fascinated by things that glowed – twinkly holiday lights, my Lite-Brite screen with its boldly colored pegs, the moon. Fast-forward to today and not much has changed. I’m still enchanted by beautiful things that light up the night. If you are too, don’t miss these Scottsdale Public Art installations that are magnificent any time of day, but take on an extra-special glow after

Summer is finally here! A time for triple-digit temperatures and dips in the pool on a warm evening, summer days in Scottsdale are anything but cloudy. With the warm weather come celebrations, cool drinks and, of course, plenty of sunshine! Whether you’re chilling by the pool solo or hanging with the squad, here are some things you absolutely cannot leave home without! OUR VISITOR GUIDE There

Make new vacation memories with a visit to Scottsdale’s best pools! Collectively, the city's 70 resorts and hotels boast more than 130 shimmering, turquoise pools for swimming, splashing and lounging. From sand beaches and plush cabanas to water slides and underwater music, here are a handful of Scottsdale’s coolest and most photogenic pools. Mountain Shadows With stunning views of iconic

Scottsdale’s sand isn’t only found in the desert. In fact, right in the middle of our urban areas, you’ll find pools with sandy beaches and waterborne activities perfect for unplugging from the daily hustle and bustle. Let a little sand between your toes take away your woes at these local Scottsdale beach resorts (plus one offsite activity for experiencing sandy beaches in the great outdoors).

It’s no exaggeration to say that vacationing in Scottsdale is synonymous with lounging by a sparkling pool. And what’s better than relaxing poolside than relaxing poolside in your very own cabana? Good thing Scottsdale’s hotels and resorts offer cabana rentals perfect for any experience — from family-friendly to adults only — that feature all the luxe perks you can imagine. Here are six to

It’s no secret that resort pools are a hot topic during the summertime. They’re the place to bring the kids, enjoy poolside smoothies and work on that summer tan. But what about enjoying a relaxing pool day all to yourself? Some of the coolest pools can be found at Scottsdale’s hottest spas. Ditch the kids, and the day-to-day routine, and escape to one of these Scottsdale spa pools this summer!

Scottsdale may be best known for its lavish resort spas, but the city also is home to a variety of outstanding day spas that provide an alternative for relaxing, rejuvenating treatments. Check out these pampering day spa escapes and treat yourself to a little well-deserved me-time. Kimberly's Facial Boutique This peaceful oasis in Scottsdale Ranch is a hidden gem that offers a wide range of

Does the beach life call your name? Well, it might surprise you to know that Scottsdale has a beach life of its own! But for water lovers of all kinds, there are plenty of lakes and rivers near Scottsdale that offer recreation options galore. From boating, kayaking, fishing, SUPing and river rafting to shore-side hiking and historic steamboat tours, you’ll enjoy hours of fun under the sun in a

The older I get, the more I crave water. For us desert rats, water seems like a small miracle. Here is a thing that should not be, yet is. It restores our faith. Lakes are beautiful and rivers are mighty, but creeks feel the most personal. I like to hear that music, that soothing splash of water spilling over rocks. I like to walk in the woodland shade where cooling breezes rustle every leaf.

Unlike cities that are frequently visited by cloudy skies, Scottsdale’s clear blue yonder allows for optimal star gazing year-round (like the above photo from @amelia.r8). There are plenty of stargazing tours around town, but if you want to trek out on your own, we’ve compiled a list of the best local spots to stargaze. Just make sure you bring a GPS if you decide to go off-road, in which case we

If spicy dishes and drinks are on your Scottsdale bucket list, consider this your go-to guide on where to find the best of the best. From pizza to soups to tacos, you won’t want to miss out on any of these favorites, especially if you love a dish that packs some heat. CRUjiente Tacos Photo Credit: Debby Wolvos Known for their crave-worthy, hand-sized street tacos, CRUjiente Tacos turns up

There are few tastier ways to stay cool in Scottsdale than eating ice cream. Fortunately, there are several excellent local proprietors of the dessert we all scream for, no matter what the outside temperature. Here’s the scoop on some of my favorites. SUGAR BOWL Opened in 1958, and still owned by the same family, this Scottsdale mainstay retains an old-school, ice cream parlor vibe (and a

While Scottsdale might be best known for its killer margaritas, our master mixologists also are known for trendy cocktails that draw on inspiration from around the world. If relaxing on the beach (yup - we've got those in Scottsdale too!) and sipping on an island-inspired drink is the perfect picture of relaxation for you, then look no further than this list of places to grab tropical cocktails in