Things To Do
Old Town Scottsdale
If you're looking to grab some souvenirs with a Southwest flair, check out the shopping in Downtown Scottsdale. This is also a great place to eat and drink, with many bars and restaurants within walking distance of each other. Some of our favorite spots to drink: Beginner's Luck (for cocktails and small bites) and Pattie's (for a dive) Some of our favorite spots to eat: Citizen's Public House (get the chopped salad, trust us), The Mission (guac made fresh at the table and great tacos), Toca Madera (Beth Snively's favorite)
Golf
Scottsdale is known for having some of the best golf in the world, and is our favorite place to play (badly). There are a number high-caliber courses like TPC Scottsdale, The Boulders, Troon North and Grayhawk. Silverado, Raven and We-Ko-Pa are also highly recommended public courses for anyone looking to play a round in the desert.
Taliesin West
For the architect lovers, check out Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin West at the foot of the McDowell Mountains east of Phoenix. Deeply connected to the land from which it was forged, Taliesin West is a celebration of the Arizona desert — explore it on your own or on a guided tour if you have the time!
Pinnacle Peak Park
For a more moderate hike, visit Pinnacle Peak for its out-and-back trail with a total distance of 4 miles through. With its expansive, spectacular views and free access and parking it is one of the most popular hiking locations in the valley.
Camelback Mountain
Minutes away from The Omni Resort, and only 20 minutes from downtown Phoenix, Camelback Mountain is open to the public from sunrise to sunset. This climb is for the more experienced hiker, offering 2 challenging trails that take 2-3 hours and provide beautiful views of the valley.
Tonto National Forrest
For those with a bit more time in AZ, Tonto National Forrest is about a 45 minute drive from Scottsdale and a great place for anyone wanting to experience the scenic desert landscape and see a Saguaro cacti up close. There's a wide array of activities - from scenic drives to hikes to swimming at the lakes at rivers in the basin. We took our engagement photos off the Salt River near the Phon D Sutton Recreation Center and highly recommend even just a drive out to the area!