A Weekend in Scottsdale | Itinerary + What to do in Scottsdale AZ

Discover how to spend the perfect weekend in Scottsdale, Arizona! I'll take you through what to do in Scottsdale, where to eat, hike, and more!

Jake and I make our way to Scottsdale, AZ every year. It’s become our go-to when we’re craving a relaxing getaway complete with poolside time, a scenic hike or two, a few exquisite meals, and a wander around Old Town. 

Outside of its 299 days of sunshine a year, one of the reasons I gravitate towards Scottsdale is its size and layout.

Scottsdale is small enough to feel calm and quaint while still offering a large number of wonderful restaurants, bars, coffee shops, art galleries, and shopping.

It really is the perfect mix for a quick getaway.

If you’re planning a weekend in Scottsdale, this itinerary will lay out everything you need to know.

I’ll take you through what to do in Scottsdale, AZ each day so you can focus on enjoying your time without the headache of research and planning.

This map shows everything included in this weekend in Scottsdale itinerary. Click the icon on the top left to see a list view of each pinned location. Select the top right button to enlarge the map (which will automatically save it to YOUR Google Maps). To access this map once saved, open Google Maps (on your phone/computer/tablet), tap the "You" icon at the bottom, scroll to the bottom, and select "Maps". Your newly saved map should be listed at the top.

• Blue - day one
• Red - day two
• Purple - recommended hotels

Day 1 of your weekend in Scottsdale

Morning coffee

Start your Scottsdale itinerary with a coffee and snack from Berdena’s—a favorite with locals offering quality espresso drinks paired with freshly baked goods.

The breakfast sandwich is insanely good if you’re really hungry. The avocado toast was voted “Best in Phoenix” (even though it’s in Scottsdale) by the Phoenix New Times.

Popular Scottsdale hikes

Once you’re properly fueled, head to Camelback Mountain for a challenging hike up the iconic Camelback humps.

Be prepared for this hike because it’s a steep climb with some scrambling (think climbing up large rocks using both hands and feet). 

The sense of accomplishment and the views of the desert city below are worth it. Plan on at least 2 hours for a round-trip hike.

Camelback Mountain has two trails:

• Cholla is the “easier” of the two and the one I recommend.
• Echo Canyon would be a challenging option for experienced hikers.

Piestewa Peak Summit Trail is a good alternative to Camelback. This trail is a tad easier than Camelback, is shorter (around 1.5 hours), and offers amazing views.

SEE ALSO:

CHECKING INTO ANDAZ SCOTTSDALE

SCOTTSDALE TRAVEL GUIDE

BEST TIME TO VISIT SCOTTSDALE

BEST COFFEE SHOPS IN SCOTTSDALE

Not up for an intense hike? Papago Park is perfect for a nice jog or easy walk with a typical Arizona desert landscape. We park at West Buttes Lot and do the 5K Eliot Ramada Loop.

There are shorter and longer trails available. Use AllTrails to find a trail that fits your style.

A blissful spa day

Scottsdale is known as a resort destination with some incredible hotels and spas. Pool time here is a must…which is why it’s essential to book a hotel with a nice pool.

My favorite resorts are Andaz Scottsdale and Omni Montelucia.

If you want to splurge, check out the trendy, brand-new Global Ambassador Hotel. While it's technically in Phoenix, the location is great for this itinerary (14 minutes from Old Town and even closer to many restaurants/activities).

Scottsdale hotel prices have increased ridiculously over the last few years. A few alternatives that are a little easier on the budget (in order of preference) are the Hilton Canopy, Mountain Shadows, Senna House Scottsdale, and Hotel Valley Ho.

If you’re feeling a relaxing afternoon at the spa, the Joya Spa at Omni Montelucia is a Moroccan-themed oasis. Other luxury options include the Well & Being Spa at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, the Phoenician Spa, and the Spa at the Four Seasons.

Art Walk

Make your way back to the heart of Old Town for a pre-dinner walk down E Main Street (intersection N Marshall Way). This is Scottsdale’s “Art Walk” filled with galleries, garden courtyards, and statues.

Even if you have no intention of going into any of the galleries or shops, it’s still a pretty area to wander.  

Cocktails in Old Town Scottsdale

Sip on artfully crafted pre-dinner drinks at two of my favorite cocktail bars in Old Town. AZ/88 is trendy and hip, while Beverly on Main is more of a classic speakeasy cocktail bar.

Dinner in Old Town Scottsdale

Stay in Old Town Scottsdale for dinner and enjoy Mediterranean cuisine at Virtu or upscale Mexican at Mission.

Virtu offers a preset menu priced at $95. This includes an amuse bouche, appetizer, intermezzo, entrée, and dessert.

I prefer to order a la carte. Jake and I usually opt for two appetizers (the burrata and asparagi are our favorites), two pastas (the pasta menu changes...whatever they offer is always fantastic), and the chocolate sticky toffee cake. 

It's one of my favorite desserts in the world, served with salted caramel gelato and toffee drizzle.

Mission is a Scottsdale classic and you’ll see an assortment of diners here. Those on a date, a group of girlfriends, or a large party.  The tableside guac is a must. We usually order an assortment of tacos for our mains.

Prefer something more casual? Check out Barrio Queen or Diego Pops!

Day 2 of your weekend in Scottsdale

Morning coffee

Start the second day of your weekend in Scottsdale at another one of my favorite coffee shops. Schmooze.

The patio is killer with plenty of outdoor seating, trees, and water features. It feels like a little garden oasis.

The nitro cold brew is my go-to drink. The food here is also very good, with both breakfast and lunch options. My favorite menu item is the breakfast burrito. It's massive!

Fourtillfour is another wonderful option if you're looking for the highest quality coffee. It has a cult following with locals. They have a small patio, but it's not as scenic as Schmooze. I prefer Fourtillfour for a quick coffee.

Morning walk or jog around Old Town Scottsdale

I love my morning jogs in Scottsdale. The mornings are always quiet and fairly empty…making it the ideal time to explore the more popular areas without the tourists. 

My favorite route makes for the perfect morning jog. You could also do this as a bike ride or walk. 

Sticking to the east of N Goldwater Blvd, zig-zag around Main Street, 1st Street, 1st Avenue, N Scottsdale Road, etc. This is the heart of Old Town. It’s a small area, which is why I like to zigzag through the parallel and intersecting streets. 

End your Old Town exploration at Scottsdale Civic Center Plaza (enter through the Civic Center Park Path. Filled with sculptures, fountains, greenery, and gardens, this area is a great spot to slow down and enjoy the scenery. 

If you want to continue your morning jog, as I normally do, go back to N Goldwater Blvd and head north until you hit the Arizona Canal Trail. Continue north along the trail until you hit the Soleri Bridge.

West of the bridge is another cute area with shopping (Fashion Square Mall), and some popular restaurants (Olive and Ivy and the newly opened STK). It's a nice place to walk/jog in the morning as it’s usually pretty quiet.

Classic Scottsdale brunch 

Lon's at Hermosa Inn has a gorgeous patio.

Acadia Farms Cafe has been my go-to spot for brunch in Scottsdale for years. The patio is cozy and the interior feels like a French cottage. 

SEE ALSO: BEST BREAKFAST IN SCOTTSDALE | WHERE TO BRUNCH

Pool time 

This is what most people come to Scottsdale for…so don’t skimp on your pool time!

Happy hour with a classic Scottsdale view

If you’re feeling an early happy hour, I have a hidden gem that not many people know about.

Weft and Warp at Andaz Scottsdale has a wonderful happy hour from 5:00 to 6:00 pm. A small selection of cocktails is available for $12 alongside $10 wine, $6 draft beer, and discounted apps.

The patio is the perfect spot to watch the sunset.

Option 2: themed cocktails at Century Grand PHX

Century Grand PHX is hands down one of my favorite cocktail bars on the planet. It’s an innovative and immersive cocktail experience. While it's technically in Phoenix, it's a quick 14-minute drive from Old Town Scottsdale. 

You have three themes (or bars) to choose from.

Undertow is a nautical-themed bar featuring rare rums from around the world in a pirate ship atmosphere. Port holes showing various ocean scenes, thunderstorm light shows, and tiki music complete the experience.

Hop on a Pullman-inspired train car at Platform 18. The atmosphere is incredible. You really do feel like you're in a moving train car.

Even the seats vibrate slightly...so it feels real. The large "windows" (really video screens) show various scenes as you travel through the Rocky Mountains. 

Grey Hen RX is a New Orleans apothecary-themed cocktail bar. Though I prefer the atmosphere at Undertow and Platform 18, Grey Hen RX offers some of the best and most unique cocktails (in my opinion).

Dinner option #1: Théa at The Global Ambassador Hotel

If you decide to do pre- or post-dinner cocktails at Century Grand, it would make the most sense to stay in this area.

The Global Ambassador is a brand-new, stunning 5-star hotel, 8 minutes from Century Grand.

It didn't take long for théa, the rooftop restaurant, to become one of our favorite restaurants in Phoenix/Scottsdale.

Book your reservation for sunset... the views are incredible, with a front-row look at Camelback Mountain.

Before our first visit, I was skeptical, given the hotel's high price point. I thought it was going to be one of those hotel restaurants that offered mediocre food at sky-high prices. Not so! The prices were decent, given the views, and everything we ordered was delicious. The dips, pressed yellowtail roll, skewers, carrots, and brussels are my favorite items.

I'm not alone in my positive assessment. Théa was recognized by Condé Nast Traveler as one of the Best New Hotel Restaurants in the World. 

Dinner option #2: Paradise Valley or Downtown Scottsdale

If you didn't already visit Lon's at Hermosa Inn for brunch, then I recommend booking dinner here. The location is perfect if you booked Century Grand for cocktails before (or plan to visit after dinner); it's 7 minutes away.

Lon's at Hermosa Inn was voted the Best Patio Restaurant in Phoenix New Times. I 100% agree.

Besides the absolutely vast and spacious grounds, you'll find several large outdoor fireplaces and pristine landscaping.

Lon's at Hermosa Inn has you covered if it's cold or hot. There are enough patio heaters for every table to have its own. When it's warm, the trees and patio umbrellas provide plenty of shade.

If you're looking for a more relaxed and serene environment, Lon's will fit the bill. You really can't go wrong with your order, just be sure to include the seared tuna (it's famous).

If you'd rather head back to Old Town/downtown Scottsdale, I recommend:

Olive and Ivy serves delicious Mediterranean-inspired fare. The place is always packed, offers a wonderful atmosphere both inside and on the patio, and the location is ideal as it’s right along the river canal in the heart of downtown Scottsdale.

Zinque is a trendy (relatively) newcomer to the Scottsdale dining scene. The menu is varied and offers everything from a hearty burger to an Alsatian flatbread (we hadn’t enjoyed that since our trip to the Alsace region in France), as well as healthy veggie bowls and salads, and plenty of shareables. This would be a great place to order a smattering of items to share.

The atmosphere is what I would call trendy European. The space isn’t too big and offers a more intimate vibe, while the patio is open and strung with twinkle lights. This is a good option if you want something trendy but casual.

Around the corner from Zinque are two very popular restaurants: Toca Madera and Francine Restaurant. While both have a beautiful build-out, I think they are overpriced. It's worth checking out in case that's the vibe you're looking for. I will also note that both restaurants offer decent happy hours. 

In summary

And there you have it! When I send my friends to Scottsdale, these are all the places I recommend. Hopefully, this post gave you some ideas on where to eat and what to do in Scottsdale, AZ. 

There is a reason Jake and I come here each year. It’s a great place to enjoy time outside, lounge by the pool, and go on a few hikes or morning walks.

Scottsdale also offers wonderful shopping, resort spas, crave-worthy restaurants, and a trendy cocktail scene. 

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A Weekend in Scottsdale | Itinerary + What to do in Scottsdale AZ

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