Things To Do
Grand Canyon National Park
The South Rim of The Grand Canyon is only a 3 hour drive away, and it holds some of the best scenic overlooks in the park, along with it’s own little town with lodging, restaurants, and shops. You can hike or drive the park, with free parking accessible at many vista spots. Please note the North Rim is not open in January.
Sedona
A 1.5 hour drive north of Scottsdale is Sedona, an absolutely beautiful town with breathtaking scenery, an arts district, spiritual vortexes, and hiking trails for all experience levels. The red rock formations are amazing to see and the town is a fun place to explore! Book a Jeep tour and see the hiking trail views without having to ascend any rocks yourself! For people interested in hiking- Airport Mesa, Cathedral Rock, and Devil’s Bridge are some of the most popular trails. Chapel of the Holy Cross and Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village are also popular attractions.
Camelback Mountain
Camelback Mountain’s Echo Canyon trail is a 1.2 mile trail with an elevation of 2,704 feet. It is located in the middle of the Phoenix Valley with great views of Phoenix, Scottsdale and Paradise Valley. It is noted that this hike is not for beginners and some parts of the trail are challenging and steep.
The Short Course at Mountain Shadows
A par-3, 18-hole course that offers fun and fast rounds with a backdrop of Camelback Mountain
Old Town Scottsdale
Old Town is a district with the perfect blend of contemporary and Old West charm. With public art installations, museums, great bars and restaurants, shops with western wear and souvenirs, and a “waterfront” area along the canal.
Arizona Grand Resort & Spa
This resort in Phoenix has an award winning golf course, spa, and Oasis Water Park for kids. You do not have to be a guest to patronize the hotel’s amenities.
Superstition Mountains & The Apache Trail
About 30 miles east of Phoenix the Mesa area is a boundless destination surrounded by the Sonoran Desert, Tonto National Forest, and the communities of Apache Junction and Queen Creek. You can drive along Highway 88 and find old historic towns with saloons (including Goldfield Ghost Town and Tortilla Flat) hiking trails in Lost Dutchman State Park and the Superstition Mountains, boat tours on Canyon or Saguaro Lake, zip lining, horseback riding, bicycle riding or brewery hop in downtown Mesa. Mesa is also home to The Commemorative Air Force Airbase Arizona which has 55,000 square-feet of historic war-time aircraft, exhibits, videos, WWII artifacts, and memorabilia.
Fashion Square
A couple miles from Old Town is Fashion Square, a district with a large mall, some outdoor shopping storefronts, and nice bars and restaurants.
Papago Park
Papago Park has been home to many different pieces of Phoenix history: it was a reservation for indigenous tribes, a fish hatchery during the Great Depression, a POW camp during World War II, and a VA hospital. Today, the park is home to The Phoenix Zoo, Desert Botanical Garden, golf courses, various museums, hiking/walking trails, lakes, and Sonoran Desert plants and animals.
Topgolf
Scottsdale is a major golf destination, but if you don’t have time for a full round they do have a Topgolf.
Desert Botanical Garden
The Desert Botanical Garden is home to over 50,000 species of desert plants and animals and is a beautiful place for an evening stroll. They have a bar, restaurant, and various events happening. Visit their website to see what is available and to book tickets.