Scottsdale and Phoenix are two of the best getaways in the Southwest U.S. These desert cities are next door to each other, so it’s easy to visit them both in one trip.

10 Places To Visit in Arizona (That Aren’t The Grand Canyon)

Both cities have incredible outdoor activities and food scenes, so I’ve compiled the best day trip, restaurant, activity, and accommodation recommendations for you. I highly recommend visiting Phoenix and Scottsdale as part of an Arizona Road Trip.

Here’s how to plan the ultimate trip to Scottsdale and Phoenix!

When To Go

November – April has the best weather all year. Scottsdale and Phoenix will have daytime temperatures ranging from the high 60s to the low-80s, perfect for exploring these desert cities. But these months are the most crowded and expensive. So book your accommodation and tours in advance to ensure availability and save some money, especially in March and April when the cities peak during Spring Break weeks.

July – September is the low season because the temperatures will be in the 100s, and these are the wettest and most humid months of the year. You can score some great hotel and tour deals during these months, though. Just be sure to hike early in the morning and choose accommodation with a pool!

May, June, and October are the shoulder months. Daytime temperatures will be warm but manageable in the 90s, and the crowds and prices will be less than in the peak winter months. 

What To Do

Go on a sunset horseback ride through the Sonoran Desert.

Sample local wine at a couple of vineyards – my favorites are Merkin Vineyards and Caduceus Cellars, LDV Winery, Salvatore Vineyards, Carlson Creek Vineyard, and Aridus Vineyards.

Spend at least half a day exploring Papago Park.

Visit the Desert Botanical Garden.

Hike Camelback Mountain.

Tour Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West home.

Play a round (or two!) of golf.

Have a spa day.

Explore Old Town Scottsdale.

Where To Stay

Scottsdale and Phoenix have some incredible hotels for every budget and preference. From trendy boutique hotels to high rises to desert resorts, I’ve rounded up the best hotels in the area.

If you’re bringing an RV or motorhome, I suggest Twin Palms RV Park or Westworld Campground. Phoenix and Scottsdale also have some incredible vacation homes.

Where To Eat

Mexican: Rancho de Tia Rosa ($$), Frank & Lupe’s ($), Blanco Tacos + Tequila ($$).

Rooftop Dining: Blue Hound Kitchen & Cocktails (American, $$), Lustre Rooftop Bar (Cocktail Bar, $$), Skydeck at The Clarendon Hotel (Bar, $$).

Brunch: LON’s at The Hermosa Inn (Southwest, $$$$), Hash Kitchen Arcadia (American, $$), The Henry (American, $$), Snooze an A.M. Eatery (American, $$-$$$).

My Favorites: Carolina’s Mexican Food ($), Mrs. White’s Golden Rule Cafe (Southern, $), Tratto (Italian, $$$).

Fine Dining: Kai (Southwest, $$$$), Different Pointe of View (American, $$$$), Quiessence at The Farm (Farm-To-Table, $$$$).

Pizza & Burgers: The Rec Pizzeria ($), Fabio On Fire ($$), Zinburger Wine & Burger Bar ($$-$$$), Aioli Gourmet Burgers ($$).

Best Day Trips

Apache Junction. Located east of Scottsdale and Phoenix, Apache Junction is named for the junction of the Apache Trail and Old West Highway. This area has three main attractions: The Dolly Steamboat tour through Canyon Lake, Lost Dutchman State Park for hiking, and the Goldfield Ghost Town for re-living the “glory days” of the Wild Wild West.

Sedona. I highly recommend visiting Sedona as its own trip, but if you only have a day to visit the magical place, then leave Phoenix/Scottsdale early in the morning to beat the heat. The top things to do in Sedona are driving the Red Rock Scenic Byway, packing a meal to eat at the Crescent Moon Picnic Site, and doing a vortex hike.

Montezuma Castle National Monument. Here, you can marvel at one of the best-preserved cliffside dwellings in the U.S. This site was one of the first national monuments dedicated to preserving Native American culture. Located in Camp Verde, these dwellings were built and used by the Sinagua people, a pre-Columbian culture between approximately 1100 and 1425 AD.

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This post is not a sponsored post, and, as always, the thoughts and opinions expressed in this guide for planning the ultimate trip to Scottsdale and Phoenix are entirely my own. Some of the links in this guide for planning the ultimate trip to Scottsdale and Phoenix are affiliate links, and, at no cost to you, I may earn a small commission.