Greetings from sunny Scottsdale! If you’re looking for a fun weekend getaway filled with great food, vibrant nightlife, stunning scenery, and plenty of things to do in Scottsdale Arizona, then you’ve come to the right place.
This desert city has everything you need for an unforgettable weekend.
Let me take you through how to spend the perfect weekend and list of fun things to do in Scottsdale
Things to do in Scottsdale Arizona
Start Your Day Right
Be sure to fuel up in the morning before you start exploring all that Scottsdale has to offer.
Some great breakfast spots include the Breakfast Joynt with fluffy pancakes and Morning Squeeze for fresh fruit smoothies and acai bowls.
Once you’re fueled up, head out to take in some of that beautiful desert scenery.
Camelback Mountain is a must-visit destination for stunning views and challenging hikes.
If hiking isn’t your thing, you can also take the short drive to Horseshoe Bend in nearby Page, Arizona to see the breathtaking Colorado River bend.
After taking in the sights, cool off by riding the waves at Big Surf Waterpark.
As America’s first wave pool, you’re in for some fun here with huge waves, water slides, and lazy rivers.
Float along feeling carefree before drying off and getting some shopping in.
Head to Old Town Scottsdale to peruse the stylish boutiques and galleries along Main Street and 5th Avenue.
The sidewalks are lined with beautiful trees that provide shade as you walk along admiring the adobe-style architecture.
Refuel at a Trendy Lunch Spot
One of the fun things to do in Scottsdale is take the lunch spot. Once it nears lunchtime, there are plenty of great options for a meal. Some of my personal favorites are Virtù Honest Craft for brick oven pizza and Farm & Craft for tasty tacos and margaritas.
If you’re craving something sweet, give My Sugar Chefs Kitchen a try for unbelievably delicious custom cakes.
After lunch, rent a bike and cruise along the path lining the Arizona Canal. You’ll pedal under the shade of palo verde trees and alongside chirping birds. It’s a peaceful way to digest your food before continuing on your Scottsdale adventure.
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Experience the Spirit of the West
As the sun starts to lower in the sky, it’s time to get a true taste of the Old West.
Head to the suburb of Cave Creek and watch an exciting stunt show at Buffalo Chip Saloon.
After taking in some boot-scooting entertainment, mosey on over to the Cave Creek Outfitters for a trail ride on horseback as the sunset paints the desert in golden hues.
It’s an incredible experience you won’t soon forget.
To complete your Western experience, attend a rodeo! Check out what’s going on at the Fort McDowell Rodeo Grounds or head back toward Scottsdale and catch some bull riding action at Greasewood Flat.
Nothing beats the rush of watching the Cowboys try to stay on bucking the Broncos for eight crazy seconds.
After working up an appetite at the rodeo, it’s time for some barbecue. Some of my favorite BBQ joints include Little Miss BBQ and Score-Q.
You simply can’t go wrong with slow-smoked brisket and ribs paired with some local Arizona craft beers.
Dance the Night Away
One of my favorite things to do in Scottsdale Arizona is dancing at night. Once your belly is full, Scottsdale’s buzzing nightlife scene awaits. Start off with some classy cocktails at chic lounges like The Living Room or Valley Ho’s Orbit Room mid-century modern lounge.
When you’re ready to kick things up a notch, head to clubs like Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row or Maya to dance the night away to some great music.
For a touch of Vegas right here in Scottsdale, make a stop at El Hefe for supercharged margaritas and jello shots served by scantily clad bartenders. From laidback bars ideal for conversation to energetic clubs bumping the hottest hits, Scottsdale has it all when it comes to nightlife.
Recover at a Trendy Brunch Spot
If you manage to pull yourself out of bed the next day after burning up the Scottsdale nightlife scene, brunch is in order.
Some spots I’d recommend are Super Chunk Sweets & Treats for over-the-top pancakes heaped with toppings, Press Coffee for avo toast and espresso drinks, and Hash Kitchen for creative hashes and Benedicts.
Fuel up on coffee and carbs so you’re ready to do some more exploring.
Some great Sunday activities include strolling through sculpture gardens at Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, hiking the Pinnacle Peak Trail for incredible city views, or relaxing with a good book at The Untapped Library & Bar.
And if the lively night left you needing a little pampering, spend the afternoon getting a massage at one of Scottsdale’s world-class spas like Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa.
