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).

Planning your vacation at one of Scottsdale’s renowned resorts means world-class dining, award-winning golf courses, luxurious spas, panoramic vistas and tropical drinks by the pool. To raise your poolside lounging to the next level, take advantage of the best hotel pools with cabanas for luxe perks and unique amenities and grab a resort pass. Here are five of Scottsdale’s most memorable poolside

Vacations are made for splurging, but why not save a little cash when you can? Here are 12 free things to do in the Scottsdale area. A buck can take you a long way when you take a break from spending and enjoy the little things that this city has to offer. Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art Admission to the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art is free all day every Thursday, as well as

Fun for all ages doesn’t have to set when the sun does. Keep the excitement going into the night with these family-friendly activities. Not only can you beat the heat, but you can explore even more of what this our desert destination has to offer. Flashlight Tours at Desert Botanical Garden Go on a sensory adventure through the Desert Botanical Garden and keep your eyes and ears open for

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

Ice cold, creamy milkshakes – for some they conjure memories of soda fountains and ice cream parlors; for others, a summertime treat or a sidekick to burgers and fries. While this childhood favorite is rooted in nostalgia, it’s taken a decidedly modern twist in the form of grown-up milkshakes spiked with alcohol. COLD BEERS & CHEESEBURGERS Can’t decide between a milkshake or an adult beverage

Scottsdale’s nightlife is pretty superlative on its own. Tasty adult beverages, conversations with friends or soon-to-be friends, great DJs, even a karaoke machine – it’s all in the mix when you go out for a night in Scottsdale. But sometimes you want something a little more exciting than just a bar tab. Whether it’s arcade games, cornhole, or old-fashioned billiards, Scottsdale bars offer plenty

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

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