Want to get away for a few days without the cost of a plane flight? Consider Scottsdale - an upscale, modern city just two hours north of Tucson.
Resplendent with excellent shopping, fine dining, and beautiful parks, Scottsdale is a delightful urban vacation destination. Balmy weather, ample sunshine, and opulent resorts make it a travel paradise - for both locals and visitors from afar.
Below you will find information on the best hotels, attractions, restaurants, and activities in Scottsdale. Are you wondering where to stay and what to do on your next trip? This guide will keep you in-the-know. We will edit this page regularly with new finds and fun places. Happy road-tripping!
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN SCOTTSDALE
If you are booking accommodations in Scottsdale, you will have no shortage of hotel and resort options. Many of the best luxury resorts in Arizona can be found in or near Scottsdale. We've listed our favorites in alphabetical order below, along with insider tips to make the most of your stay.
* Note that peak season for most Scottsdale resorts runs from January through April. The off-season is June through September.
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is a gorgeous upscale resort in north Scottsdale, conveniently located off of the 101 near Bell Road. Among other amenities, the resort boasts six heated swimming pools, five restaurants, two fitness centers, two golf courses, a spa, three boutiques, and a kid’s club.
The Sonoran Splash Pool is a particular favorite for families since it has a beach-entrance pool, a simple splash pad, and two big waterslides. The Sunset Beach Pool also has big appeal since there is white beach sand to play in. With palm trees swaying and plentiful lounge chairs, you’ll feel like you are vacationing on the coast.
OVERVIEW
Well & Being Spa
Two waterslides
Two golf courses
One splash pad
Beach-entry pool
Six pools
Catch & release fishing
Trailblazers Kids Club (ages 5-12)
Trailblazers Family Adventure Center
GOOD TO KNOW
Visit Fairmont Princess Scottsdale during a holiday. The Princess is one of the best resorts in Arizona for programming and events. Christmas at the Princess is absolutely magical with 3 million dazzling LED lights and displays, a 6,000 square-foot skating rink, Frosty’s Ferris Wheel, Christmas Carousel, Polar Glide ice slide, a 4-story Christmas tree, and an official meet-and-greet with Santa.
Upgrade to Fairmont Gold for a decadent and delightful experience. The Fairmont Gold Lounge will make your trip even more comfortable and stress-free with deluxe complimentary breakfast every morning, complimentary coffee and beverages all day long, complimentary hors d’oeuvres every afternoon, and complimentary desserts in the evening.
A courtesy shuttle runs to Scottsdale Quarter and Kierland Commons, 10:00am-4:00pm daily.
FAIRMONT SCOTTSDALE PRINCESS AT A GLANCE
Address: Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, 7575 E. Princess Dr., Scottsdale
Part of Scottsdale: North Scottsdale (but still south of the 101)
Check-In: 4:00pm
Check-Out: 11:00am
Parking: Overnight valet service is $38 per evening. Self-parking is offered at $25 per night.
Resort Fee: $42 (+ tax) per day. Includes a complimentary morning session to Trailblazers Family Adventure Center for children ages 5-12 for up to three children.
Tucked away in a secluded part of North Scottsdale, Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North offers the ultimate luxury resort experience. Your whole experience at Four Seasons will be perfectly polished from the immaculate guest rooms to the sparkling swimming pools to the excellent on-site dining options. If you are seeking EXTRA for your upcoming getaway, Four Seasons has it. Extra posh. Extra lavish. Extraordinary.
OVERVIEW
Modern and immaculate guest rooms, casitas, and suites
Excellent on-property dining options
Kids For All Seasons center and programming
Two iconic golf courses
Three swimming pools (family, toddler, adults-only)
The Spa at Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale
On-site hiking
GOOD TO KNOW
The Kids For All Seasons program is FREE for hotel guests. You can drop off your children (ages 5-12) anytime between 9:00am and 5:00pm for supervised fun. The kids' space is one of the best in the resort industry: an arts & crafts area, toddler room, foosball, ping pong, air hockey, chalk wall, lego nook, wii room, xbox room, and movie theatre (with cushy leather armchairs!).
If you're willing to pay a little extra, you can snag some pretty sweet in-room features. Examples: private outdoor shower, private plunge pool, patio with flat-screened TV, outdoor fireplace, etc.
Toddlers (4 and under) eat FREE at PROOF, which is a kid-friendly on-site restaurant. Little ones are served on plastic trays with child-sized utensils and given etch-a-sketch tablets while waiting for the food.
Expecting? Four Seasons Scottsdale offers a Hello Baby package, which includes a maternity pillow for use during your stay, an ice cream sundae, and $100 resort credit.
FOUR SEASONS RESORT SCOTTSDALE AT A GLANCE
Address: Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North, 10600 E. Crescent Moon Dr., Scottsdale
Part of Scottsdale: North Scottsdale
Check-In: 4:00pm
Check-Out: 12:00pm
Parking: Self-parking is complimentary; Valet parking is $35/night.
Resort Fee: $35/night
Social Media: Follow Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch
For family fun or a couples getaway, consider Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch. Conveniently located in Central Scottsdale, the property is posh, but comfortable - with green lawns, relaxing fountains, and serene outdoor spaces. The pools are among the best of any resort in the state with a sandy beach, a 3-story waterslide, waterfalls, and volleyball net - plus adults-only options. If you have little ones, you'll be grateful for the chance to relax since the sandy beach is shallow and offers lots of fun without deeper waters. Also on-site is a playground, biking/running trails, tennis courts, and gondola boats rides (additional fee).
OVERVIEW
27-acre resort
Golf course
Spa Avania
Sandy beach
Tennis courts
Hiking shuttle
3-story waterslide
Gondola boat rides
Rock climbing wall
8 restaurants & bars
Camp Hyatt for ages 3-12
Giant Chess, Jenna, Connect Four
Rooms, suites, and casitas are available
2.5 acre water playground with 10 pools
GOOD TO KNOW
For a date night, the Italian gondolas are a very romantic option. Steered by professional Italian singers, you'll be serenaded as you glide serenely around the lake. 7:00pm – 10:30pm, daily. $$$
If you can spring for a casita suite, you won't be disappointed. The casitas are miniature houses with living areas, kitchenettes, separate bedrooms, rooftop patios, and water right outside your door.
HYATT REGENCY SCOTTSDALE RESORT AT A GLANCE
Address: Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch, 7500 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd, Scottsdale
Part of Scottsdale: Central Scottsdale
Check-In: 4:00pm
Check-Out: 12:00pm
Parking: Self-parking is complimentary with the resort fee and when dining at the resort.
Resort Fee: $45 (+ tax). Benefits include self-parking, poolside activities, and bicycle rentals.
Social Media: Follow Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa is a popular staycation destination due to its lazy river, water slide, and family-friendly atmosphere. Traditional guest rooms are available, as well as luxury suites with more square feet. This resort also has the advantage of being walkable to the Desert Ridge Marketplace (with access to a movie theatre and dozens of shops and restaurants) and being within 10 minutes of the Musical Instrument Museum. While not technically in Scottsdale, this resort is in north Phoenix and super close to Scottsdale attractions.
OVERVIEW
5 pools
Lazy river
Waterslide
Revive Spa
Championship golf
7 Restaurants, including a Starbucks
GOOD TO KNOW
JW Desert Ridge is walkable to the Desert Ridge Marketplace, a lively outdoor shopping mall with a splash pad and a movie theatre. The marketplace includes In-N-Out, Chipotle, Old Navy, Albertson's, Target, Cold Stone Creamery, and Barnes & Noble, among many other shops and restaurants. Not in the mood to walk? The resort offers a complimentary shuttle to and from the marketplace.
The Family Escape Center at JW Desert Ridge is a small, but fun, space. Mornings are reserved for "kids club," where you can drop off your kids for arts & crafts, movies, and more. Afternoons are open time for families to enjoy the center together. The center features lawn games, ping pong, foosball, video gaming systems, and arts & crafts. You may even be able to munch on a snack!
JW MARRIOTT PHOENIX DESERT RIDGE RESORT AT A GLANCE
The Phoenician in Scottsdale is a luxury family-friendly resort with beautiful grounds, enticing facilities, and attentive staff members.
OVERVIEW
Luxurious & modern guestrooms
KidZone - splash pad, treehouse, waterslide
Phoenician Spa
Adults-only pool
Athletic Club
8 Dining options
GOOD TO KNOW
Scottsdale Fashion Square is a about 7 minutes away by car - Crate & Barrel, J. Crew, Janie and Jack, Kate Spade, Lululemon, Nordstrom, Sur La Table, Chipotle, Fired Pie, Johnny Rockets, Paradise Bakery & Cafe, Shake Shack, Starbucks, Harkins Theatres.
Little ones, 3 years-old and younger, eat free when ordering from the children’s menu with the purchase of an adult entrée at most of the on-site restaurants.
THE PHOENICIAN AT A GLANCE
Address: The Phoenician | A Luxury Collection Resort, 6000 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale
Part of Scottsdale: South Scottsdale (near Old Town Scottsdale)
Check-In: 4:00pm
Check-Out: 12:00pm
Parking: Overnight valet service is $38 per evening. Self-parking is $23 per night.
Resort Fee: $45/night (includes in-room wireless internet, daily morning yoga, cocktail mixology, one hour of tennis court usage + equipment daily, two hours of daily bicycle rental, 50% off fitness classes, and supervised childcare while dining at resort restaurant)
If you’re looking for a luxury resort with plentiful family activities, The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa will not disappoint.
OVERVIEW
Luxurious & modern guestrooms and casitas
Pool with lazy river, waterslide, and beach entry
Adults-only lap pool
Tennis courts
Fitness center
GOOD TO KNOW
When you check-in, you can head over to The Mining Co (aka “the department of fun”) to pick up a weekly activity guide and a compass for an on-property scavenger hunt. Kids can walk the property to get stamps on their compass. Every location visited will earn your child a (super cute) pin to attach to their lanyard.
Splurge on a casita for added space and the convenience of a kitchen. Casita Village is also right next to the waterslide and lazy river.
Note that the waterslide has a 42″ height requirement so small swimmers may not be able to slide.
Bring your own reusable water bottles. A single bottle of complimentary water is available in all guest rooms. SPG guests receive two complimentary bottles of water. In addition, water dispensers are available on every guest room floor for guests to use to fill their water bottles or other containers as they wish.
If you forgot sunscreen or want to pick up a deli sandwich, Safeway grocery store is less than a mile away.
THE WESTIN KIERLAND RESORT & SPA AT A GLANCE
Address: The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa, 6902 E. Greenway Parkway, Scottsdale
Part of Scottsdale: North Scottsdale (but still south of the 101)
Check-In: 4:00pm
Check-Out: 11:00am
Parking: Self-parking is $20/daily; Valet parking is $35/daily.
Resort Fee: $35/night. Includes: spa access, health club access, sporting facilities, shuttle service, internet access, phone calls, and in-room coffee.
Social Media: Follow The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa on Facebook.
There are plentiful attractions in Scottsdale - museums, restaurants, parks, and hiking trails! We've included some of our favorite destinations below.
McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
One of the best parks in the Phoenix metro area can be found in Scottsdale. The McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park is a 40-acre park, which features a mini train ($3/rider), a glittering carousel ($3/rider), a 10,000 sq ft model railroad building (free!), and several well-designed covered playgrounds with misting features. With free admission, it's a shoe-in stop for your Scottsdale visit with kids. Children two and under ride free on the train and carousel!
GENERAL INFORMATION
Address: McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, 7301 E. Indian Bend Rd, Scottsdale
Cost: Admission to the park is free. Attractions are available for an additional fee. Discount ticket packs and “all day” wristbands are also available.
Parking: Free
MORE INFO
Butterfly Wonderland
The Butterfly Wonderland experience begins with a 15-minute 3D movie about the flight of butterflies. You are then escorted to the 10,000 square foot conservatory - the main attraction with flowers in every color and up to 4,000 flittering butterflies. Wander around with your camera and your imagination. Stay long enough and a butterfly will likely land on your clothes or hair for an up-close and personal encounter. Also inside the facility is a mini aquarium, gallery, and cafe. All in all, your visit will likely take you a maximum of two hours - which makes the cost of admission quite steep at $25.95 for adults and $18.95 for children (ages 2 and under are free). Aside from the costly price tag, the wonderland is a unique and kid-friendly attraction.
GOOD TO KNOW
OdySea Aquarium and the Laser & Mirror Maze are adjacent to Butterfly Wonderland (and owned by the same parent company). Combo tickets are available.
If you like scary or sensational souvenirs, be sure to bring cash to spend at the Edible Insects Station. You'll find chips made with cricket protein, chocolate covered ants, coconut brittle mealworms, and scorpion lollipops. Great for stocking stuffers too!
GENERAL INFORMATION
Address: Butterfly Wonderland, 9500 E. Via de Ventura, Scottsdale
If you are new to Arizona or visiting from another state/country, Desert Botanical Garden will enchant you. You'll be introduced to desert plants, flowers, and scenic views in a super-accessible environment. Strollers and wheelchairs will feel right at home on the wide, paved paths. Admire cacti, an edible garden, artwork, and colorful architecture. If you're wondering how it compares to venues closer to home, you might call it a cross between Tohono Chul Park and the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum (minus the wildlife). Gorgeous for special events and appealing to desert newcomers.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Address: Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix
Part of Scottsdale: In Phoenix (between Tempe & Scottsdale, within 8min drive of Old Town Scottsdale)
Hours: 7:00am-8:00pm daily (May through September); 8:00am-8:00pm (October through April)
Cost: $24.95-$29.95 for adults; $14.95-$16.95 for youth (ages 3-17); Children 2 and under are free
When you plan your trip to Scottsdale, check the show schedule at The Phoenix Theatre Company. This intimate 378-seat theatre is state-of-the-art. You'll be surprised by the exceptional stage designs, stellar casts, professional orchestra, and special effects. It's a lovely theatre - with a lush courtyard, bronze sculptures, outdoor seating, and a full bar in the atrium.
GOOD TO KNOW
You can sign up to receive emails from The Phoenix Theatre Company to help you current on the show line-up. Unfortunately, The Phoenix Theatre Company only occasionally puts on family-friendly productions. We saw Mary Poppins several years ago and it was supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. We wish there were more shows like that one on the docket!
The theatre shares a space with the Phoenix Art Museum in central Phoenix.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Address: The Phoenix Theatre Company, 1825 N. Central Ave, Phoenix
Part of Scottsdale: Phoenix Theatre is near Downtown Phoenix (not in Scottsdale).
Hours: See show schedule
Cost: Varies
Parking: Free parking is available in the several surface lots adjacent to the complex.
TucsonTopia contains both paid and non-paid mentions of businesses and organizations in and around Tucson, Arizona. Any reference made here to local businesses, services, classes, etc. is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement. We encourage you to do your own research before participating in an event or engaging with a local business or organization. The intent of TucsonTopia is to provide ideas for family-friendly activities, events, and resources. Participants assume all risks for any activities they engage in. TucsonTopia is not responsible for any injuries or problems that may arise from partaking in any of these events and activities.
