If Las Vegas had a pre-pubescent teenage brother that was stuck in the middle of the desert – it would be Scottsdale. A little younger, a little more innocent, but just as wild and crazy. Saloons, warm weather, vivid colors, palm trees and one hell of a nightlife are a big part of Scottsdale’s magic. Deemed the Valley of the Sun, you are promised to always see that bright yellow thing in the sky when you need to get your vacation on. Whatever you’re in to, Scottsdale is the place to be. We advise going in the winter months, unless you’re crazy like us and love the sweltering heat.
STAY
18 The Saguaro Hotel
(Pronounced/Sa-Wah-Ro)
An eclectic Mexican-inspired dream resort with all the amenities and then some. Colorful and bright with tons of personality and flare. The restaurant offers seasonal and local southwestern cuisine with hand-crafted cocktails, that you can also order pool-side on your daybed. The gym is heavily air-conditioned, so you can keep fit while you’re downing the cocktails. You can take pink and orange cruiser bikes around town for some fun sight-seeing, complimentary of the resort. Now for the best part – the pool parties. Every Saturday there’s a DJ to keep you dancing all day. You’ll never want to leave.
EAT and DRINK
17 The Original Chop Shop
Brunch
If you want to keep that bikini-bod you worked so hard to get before your vacay, fuel it with clean and delicious eats at the Chop Shop. From Acai Bowls, to chop salads and all the goodness in between. They’ll even keep your dog healthy with yummy treats.
16 The Herb Box
Brunch
Conveniently located in Fashion Square (for all your shopping needs), Herb Box is a beautiful restaurant with views of the canal. Culinary experts make the best Red Velvet Pancakes with marscapone you’ll ever try. High quality food in recipes you already know and love.
15 Virtu
Brunch
Rated in Esquire’s Top 20 Best New Restaurants in the U.S., Virtu is a foodie’s paradise. Hidden and cozy in Scottsdale’s BeSpoke Inn. Mediterranean-style brunch that will have you lusting for more. We fell in love with the Peperonata and Potato Hash. (insert food-gasm noises)
14 Sushi Roku
Dinner
Super Sushi Chef meets Cali Life = the best sushi you’ve ever had. They bring in the freshest fish from around the world and throw in some non-traditional flare from other cultures. On top of that, they make art of their culinary perfection. We can’t even..stop eating.
13 The Mission
Dinner
What’s a vacay so close to Mexico without amazing Mexican food? This isn’t your typical fish taco food truck though. The Mission adds a touch of modern, sophisticated and romantic flare to their Mexican cuisine, with fireside seating and a Himalayan Rock Salt wall (perfect backdrop for tequila shots).
12 Mastro’s City Hall
Dinner
An upscale, classic steakhouse and seafood restaurant. When you want to dine in real style. It’s located in the bustling business district, but has an elegant and intimate setting. Mastro’s is known for their extensive wine list and perfectly seared steaks. For some fun, get the Dry Ice Martini that’s like a show at your table.
11 Sugar Bowl
Treats
There’s a reason the Sugar Bowl has been a staple sweet spot in Scottsdale for 60 years and it starts with a classic sandwich and ends with floats, parfaits, shakes and sundaes!
10 In N Out Burger
Late Night
Anyone who’s been to the west coast of the U.S., has developed an obsession with In N Out Burger, so this one is easy. The best fast food burger and fries possibly ever made. For the adventurous, ask for animal-style and get the ‘secret sauce’. Also – no shame in ordering seconds, we sure as hell did.
D0
9 Troon North Golf Course
Scottsdale is synonymous with golfing. With perfect weather all year round and an even more perfect backdrop, it’s obvious why. Troon North Golf Course is not only rated one of the top must-play courses in Scottsdale, but the world. Choose from 2 perfectly groomed 18-hole courses, designed by British Open Champion Tom Weiskopf.
8 Taliesin West (Frank Lloyd Wright’s Winter Studio)
One of America’s most famous architects, Frank Lloyd Wright, built his winter studio home right in the middle of Scottsdale. The Sonoran Desert home is 491 acres in a stunning landscape, facing the Camelback Mountain. They offer tours during the day and romantic visits at night.
7 Fashion Square
Shopping in a different city is always more fun than shopping at home and Fashion Square has all your luxury and premiere stores. 240 stores, from Guess to Gucci and everything in between for all your needs, including artisanal goods.
6 Echo Canyon Hike
For the hiker who isn’t afraid of breaking a serious sweat. Echo Canyon is intense adventure that lasts 3 hours. Be sure to bring plenty of water and a camera. The views of the desert from the top make it all worth it!
PARTY
5 The W Scottsdale
The pool party to see and be seen. WET pool is an icon in Scottsdale and so are their pool parties. DJs, cocktails and cabanas with the sexiest people from all over.
4 Maya Day and Nightclub
Las Vegas-style parties in one of Scottsdale’s most beautiful pools. They bring you some of the hottest DJs to the hottest parties (literally). This is high-end entertainment at its finest.
3 Talking Stick
If you thought you ended up in Vegas, you were right. The only pool party in Scottsdale with the top international DJs, luxury pool-side cabanas and loungers in the pool. This is no turn-down service.
2 Cake Nightclub
Hip Hop, House, Posh Chandeliers, DJs, Champagne, and barely dressed ‘Cake Dolls’. Sounds like our kind of party 😉
DETOX
1 Sanctuary Camelback Resort and Spa
If you did Scottsdale right, you’re going to need a day of detoxing and Sanctuary at Camelback Resort is the most perfect place. Relax and Rejuvenate your alcohol-soaked body in an architecturally stunning retreat. From asian-inspired services to zen gardens and reflection ponds. We suggest the DIVINITY DETOX WRAP that stimulates your lymphatic system and oxygenates to re-mineralize and normalize your skin and body again. You will need it!
