Scottsdale, Arizona has become a favorite vacation spot for year-round seekers of sun and stunning desert scenery. Why do I make repeat visits? The abundant choices of things to do in every season. During the heat of summer, I check into a sumptuous resort and schedule treatments at a luxurious spa. During ideal spring and fall weather, I choose a mid-range hotel and spend most days golfing or hiking. During the brief and mild winter months, I dive into the thriving arts and culture scene, eat at top-rated restaurants, and indulge in decadent shopping.
Butters Pancakes & Café, North Hayden Road, Scottsdale, AZ, USA
Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, East 2nd Street, Scottsdale, AZ, USA
Rehab Burger Therapy, East 2nd Street, Scottsdale, AZ, USA
Old Town Scottsdale, Scottsdale, AZ, USA
Citizen Public House, East 5th Avenue, Scottsdale, AZ, USA
FnB Restaurant, East 5th Avenue, Scottsdale, AZ, USA
Sanctuary Camelback Mountain, A Gurney's Resort & Spa, East McDonald Drive, Paradise Valley, AZ, USA
Bespoke Inn Scottsdale, North Marshall Way, Scottsdale, AZ, USA
Cottontail Lounge, East Camelback Road, Scottsdale, AZ, USA
Outrider Rooftop Lounge, East 1st Street, Scottsdale, AZ, USA
The Mission Old Town, North Brown Avenue, Scottsdale, AZ, USA
Breakfast Club, North Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, AZ, USA
Best Places for Breakfast in Phoenix & Scottsdale
Butters
Butters is often crowded, but everyone gets seated immediately or quickly. The extensive menu has all the expected breakfast dishes but definitely try the buttermilk pancakes. If you’re really hungry, request pancakes instead of toast to accompany one of the egg dishes. Return for lunch to try their burgers, wraps, or sandwiches.
Breakfast Club
Breakfast Club is a popular place with indoor and outdoor tables. Order avocado toast and eggs, but when walking off more calories in Old Town, indulge in the challah bread French Toast or the huge Whole Hog Omelet stuffed with three types of pork. This is a friendly place with fast service, and you can stroll to the Scottsdale Contemporary Art Museum in 15 minutes.
Best Things To Do in the Morning in Phoenix & Scottsdale
Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art
You never know what will be on display at this sleek museum. Exhibits change frequently and always showcase the latest trends and innovations in art, architecture, and design. Exhibitions range from immersive installations to interactive sculptures and include explanations of the artworks’ history and the artists’ vision and process. SMoCA is more than a museum; it’s a community of art lovers who share a passion for creativity and discovery. Curious travelers and art enthusiasts will find something to admire and appreciate.
Best Places for Lunch in Phoenix & Scottsdale
Rehab Burger Therapy
Rehab Burger Therapy is a laid-back Old Town restaurant with a seaside theme that serves a large variety of unusual and delicious burgers. One of the surprising customer favorites is the Mac N Cheese Burger — but some of us always order the Dirty South Burger with sweet potato tots. The patio is furnished with picnic tables and has outdoor games for kids of all ages.
The Mission
Get a taste of history and a delicious meal at the Old Adobe Mission and the much newer Mission Restaurant, which sit together two blocks from the Contemporary Art Museum. Mexican settlers built the Old Adobe Mission between 1910 and 1933. The design and artifacts are beautiful and the surroundings are peaceful. The adjacent Mission Restaurant is a chichi casual place serving Latin-style food. I could make an entire meal from just their freshly-made tortillas and salsas. Add a meat dish grilled over pecan and mesquite wood and finish with espresso churros dipped in chocolate sauce.
Best Things To Do in the Afternoon in Phoenix & Scottsdale
Old Town Scottsdale
Old Town Scottsdale is very walkable and its various districts feature surprising treasures. Fifth Avenue is known for its chic boutiques, the Arts District is a haven of galleries, and the Historic District is full of eclectic shops. Definitely explore each area. Public spaces often display art installations; download a map for a self-guided stroll.
Best Places for Dinner in Phoenix & Scottsdale
Citizen Public House
Citizen Public House is a gastropub with a lively vibe. Come for dinner and stay on to watch sports on the TV or enjoy live music most nights. Ask about special events like trivia nights, where the competition is always fun. There’s usually space at the well-stocked bar for drop-ins but call ahead to guarantee seating on the patio or inside. The best bites include house-made meatballs, short ribs, and the chef’s daily special. Save room for dessert. And have a blast.
FnB Restaurant
This gastropub serves farm-to-table New American food and local wines. It sits on classy 5th Avenue and has elegant decor and intimate seating. Veggies are at the forefront here, and the menu changes constantly and seasonally. Try whatever grilled or roasted vegetables are on offer, and check out the meat specials. The exclusive wine list impresses with Arizona’s best along with prime liquors and beers. Finish with a notably flavorful coffee and a unique dessert.
Best Places to Stay in Phoenix & Scottsdale
Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa
Spread over 53 acres with a view of Arizona’s famous Camelback Mountain, the Sanctuary has several types of luxury accommodations, from oversized rooms to spacious villas. You never have to leave the resort because the compound includes a fantastic spa, restaurants, bars, and a schedule of activities for guests. Book a massage or sign up for a wellness program to enjoy the outdoor treatment rooms, watsu pool, and zen lounge.
The onsite Elements Restaurant has excellent service and healthy menu choices of American-style food with an Asian twist. Jade Bar has a patio with a fire pit and a mixology bar with an exquisite jade onyx railing.
Bespoke Inn
For a unique place in Old Town, this friendly boutique hotel has only four suites and six guest rooms, each decorated in an elegant style. Some of the larger suites have private patios or balconies and full kitchens. Jump on one of their complimentary bikes to explore Old Town and relax afterward in the heated saltwater lap pool.
Virtù is their privately owned onsite restaurant where award-winning chef Gio Osso prepares Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
After Dark in Phoenix & Scottsdale
Outrider Rooftop Lounge
Outrider Rooftop Lounge is a popular place in Old Town with cozy fire pits and stunning views of Camelback Mountain and the sprawling desert landscape. Order tapas and charcuterie and pair them with Arizona-inspired cocktails or craft beers. Outrider is located at Cobre Restaurant at the Canopy by Hilton Hotel. Book your 2-hour seating reservation well in advance.
Cottontail Lounge
Don’t miss Cottontail Lounge, the rooftop bar located at the W Scottsdale Hotel. The WET DECK is a chic pool bar with amazing views and a lively vibe. Four portholes built into the bottom of the pool allow people in the lobby below a peek at the action above. DJs play upbeat music, and a mixology pro prepares your favorite drinks. Make reservations in advance.
Scottsdale: More Days Coming Soon