Scottsdale 3-Day Travel Guide

Known for mild winters and receiving over 300 days of sunshine, Scottsdale makes the perfect destination to escape to no matter the time of year. We recently visited for three days in January and enjoyed 70 degree temps, fewer crowds, and a vibrant and colorful city waiting for us to explore. Scottsdale is also well known for it's pristine golf courses, so if you have a hubby who likes to golf like I do, it should be easy to sell them on this city. 

Located only a short drive from Phoenix, Scottsdale is easily accessible by air and many major airports offer affordable direct flights allowing you to make the most of that precious time off. If you're looking to extend you're trip a bit, a short two hour drive takes you to the red rock country of Sedona with breathtaking views and unforgettable hikes. We split our trip between the two cities and it worked out perfectly. Click here to read more about our time in Sedona. 

​Disclaimer: Some of the links below are affiliate links which means I earn a small commission if you make a purchase which allows me to keep sharing my adventures with you! ​

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Where to Stay

We booked three nights at the Scottsdale Plaza Resort and could not have been more impressed. Located on over 40 acres, this place is HUGE and has more of a condo type feel than your typical hotel. They layout is open air corridors with private entrances from the outside which was very COVID-19 friendly and eliminated having to deal with any sort of common areas, elevators, etc. Not only was the property massive, the suites were as well. Our suite had an entirely separate living area with a kitchen table and fireplace in addition to the bedroom, separate bath area and a private patio out back. The resort is also home to 5 different pools which are spread throughout the property so it was an easy walk from our room. Lastly, the location was perfect and only a short 5 minute drive from downtown Scottsdale. I was also super impressed with how much free parking the city has so we never had an issue driving from our hotel. 

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Where to Play 

Desert Botanical Garden 

Did you know there are over 2,000 different varieties of cacti? I’ll be honest before visiting Arizona I thought the desert was a lot of dirt and rocks. Turns out I was so wrong. 

One of the best places to experience the beauty of the area is by wandering though Desert Botanical Garden which is home to 55 acres with thousands of species of cactus, trees, and flowers from all around the world. They also have a loop trail which depicts how Sonoran Desert plants have been used by native people for food, medicine and building materials. If you're looking for a great place to get up close and personal with the local landscape (and of course get that signature cactus photo) this is the place to be. Timed tickets must be purchased online an advance and masks are required on all the trails. 

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Shopping in Old Town Scottsdale

While Nate was golfing one afternoon, I headed to Old Town to just wander around and see what I could find. This area is so walkable and there are so many cute shops to explore. If you only make one stop on your trip, it should be The Mercantile which has different vendor booths for so many local makers and the dreamiest aesthetic. Some of my other favorite shops were: 

• Kactus Jock - Great souvenirs and tons of cute cacti 
• Leela Market - Apparel, accessories, gift and home decor

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Top Golf 

If you don't like golf enough to hit the actual links, head to Top Golf instead. You don't need to be great at golf (trust me) to enjoy this activity. It's played more as a game to score points and it suited for all ages. The bays are rented by the hour and feature couch seating so if you don't want play you can also just watch and enjoy a drink or one of their delicious apps. 

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Photo Tour 

If you're like me and always looking to capture some insta-worthy shots on your trip, you're in luck because Scottsdale is full of fantastic photo ops. During my day wandering through Old Town I had my camera in tow and found so adorable areas to explore. Here are some of my top photo recommendations: 

• LOVE sculpture - 3806 N Drinkwater Blvd. Free three hour parking is available in the gorge near Civic Center Library. I started here and then was able to walk to all my other stops in Old Town. 
• Saguaro Hotel - 4000 N Drinkwater Blvd. This hotel is full of color including this large mural wall. If you parked near the LOVE sculpture you'll pass by the hotel on your way into town. 
• Ivy wall - I can't recall the specific address of this one but it's located off of Main Street in Old Town (close to Frontier Town). 
• Old Adobe Mission - 3817 N Brown Ave. Built by hand by the Mexicans who first settled in Scottsdale in the late 1910s and today it stands as a historic monument.
• Hotel Adeline - 5101 N Scottsdale Rd. This boutique hotel was so dreamy and would be another great place to say. The Wanderers Welcome arch and WTF (Where's the Fun) sign are located right outside the main lobby.
• It's that hot mural - 7150 E 6th Ave. You'll find this colorful mural located on the side of Giesha a Go Go. I recommend going early morning and late evening to avoid harsh sun/shadows. ​

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Where to Drink 

Berdena's

This coffee shop is a great place to start your morning. I ordered an iced honey lavender latte - so good! Lots of fun wallpaper and tile through with both indoor and outdoor seating. They also offer a limited menu for breakfast. 

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Canal Club

Located within the Scott Resort, you don't have to be a guest here to enjoy one of their signature cocktails from the Havana-inspired bar located in their main lobby. Sip on your drink from one of their many different seating options, including couches out by the pool. 

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Wow Wow Lemonade 

This was another one of our Maui favorites and after trying it in Hawaii we became low-key obsessed. They offer fresh pressed lemonades with organic cane sugar in flavors like strawberry pineapple and watermelon basil. You can also get açaí bowls and superfood smoothie bowls. 

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Goldwater Brewing Co. 

We had a few locals recommend this brewery to us so we had to stop in and check it out for ourselves. They have an amazing outdoor patio space with string lights and a rooftop level. I had the Desert Rose which was a prickly pear beer which you simply have to try while in Arizona. You can also have food delivered or bring your own to enjoy. 

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Fate Brewing Co. 

We love checking out local breweries on our travels and this was the first stop we made in Scottsdale. I quickly realized that Arizona loves their IPAs which aren't my favorite, but I lucked out with Fate Brewing as they had a rotating hard seltzer on tap which was wild cherry while we were there. Super light and refreshing! They also have a wood fire pizza oven and some other apps on their menu which looked very yummy from others who ordered them. 

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Where to Eat

In-N-Out

Whenever I'm traveling out west I have to make a stop here. This location was actually in Phoenix on our way back from Sedona but you'll find them scattered throughout the area. So simple, but so good! If you're looking to be a bit more adventurous order the animal fries which you won't find listed on their actual menu. 

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Farm and Craft 

If I'm being honest it was this locations aesthetic that drew me in, but it ended up being one of our only real breakfast stops of the trip. They have a smaller breakfast menu but my husband and I both really enjoyed what we got (breakfast burrito and breakfast sandwich). Order at the counter and then find a seat of your choice. 

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Coconut's Fish Cafe 

We originally discovered this gem while visit Maui, Hawaii and couldn't believe they had a location in Scottsdale as well. Hands down the best fish tacos I've ever eaten. They are piled high with 17 different ingredients and you will need a fork to eat them. They also have a great outdoor patio space to enjoy your meal on.

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Diego Pops

Taco heaven which puts "a modern and playful twist on authentic Mexican favorites." If you're in search of good Mexican food, you must pay a visit here. I didn't even get a photo of our actual meal because we dug in so quickly but the street corn queso was out of this world. They have a great outdoor patio for seating and a marquee sign which they switch out with catchy sayings. 

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Culinary Dropout

Located in the Scottsdale Fashion Square, this gastropub has a serious vibe with killer decor including giant chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. Kick off your meal with their famous pretzel bites with provolone fondue and then enjoy one of their signature entrees. I ordered the salmon with Brussels sprouts and caramelized sweet potatoes and enjoyed every bite. One of the best meals from our whole trip! They also have a great drink menu serving lots of local breweries and signature cocktails. 

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Where to Dessert

Sugar Bowl

This iconic pink dessert shop in Old Town looks as sweet on the outside as it is on the inside. The authentic 1950's soda fountain has much of the same decor and menu items from when the shop originally opened. They have a HUGE menu and there is bound to be something for everyone's taste buds to enjoy. 

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Unbaked

Edible cookie dough is another dessert I can't pass up and when we passed Unbaked while walking to dinner I knew we had to stop. In addition to edible cookie dough scoops they also offer boozy shakes and giant ice cream sandwiches. The cookie dough is super sweet so if you're not a huge dessert fan I would suggest ordering a kiddie scoop or splitting. 

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Sprinkles Cupcakes

This is another chain we don't have near us in Michigan so I always try to stop when we run across one. Honestly, some of the best cupcakes I've ever had! I love their classic sprinkles but they also have more unique flavors like banana dark chocolate and lemon coconut. You can order from their counter service, or use their cupcake ATM available 24/7 and perfect for a photo op.