I’ve written about Scottsdale, Arizona earlier than; about the way it’s a lot greater than only a golf vacation spot, and about the way it truly makes for a very good summer season getaway.
But my earlier journeys to Scottsdale had been all women’ journeys (which is smart, since Scottsdale is changing into a well-liked spot for bachelorette events!). So on my most up-to-date go to, I introduced my husband Elliot alongside so we may discover the extra romantic aspect of Scottsdale.
And what we discovered was the right mixture of actions, meals, and sights for a barely adventurous (however nonetheless very enjoyable) {couples} journey.
Whether you are planning a mini desert honeymoon, an anniversary in Scottsdale, or simply trying to have a enjoyable {couples} getaway, listed below are a number of the finest romantic issues to do.
10 romantic issues to do in Scottsdale
Note: This publish is delivered to you as a part of a paid partnership with Experience Scottsdale. But, as all the time, all opinions are 100% my very own and based mostly on my private experiences!
1. Go on a dawn sizzling air balloon journey
While waking up at 4 a.m. might not scream romance, floating above the desert within the basket of a sizzling air balloon because the solar rises certain does.
There are a pair firms within the Scottsdale/Phoenix space that provide sizzling air balloon rides over the Sonoran Desert, and the expertise is certainly memorable and romantic! It’s quiet and peaceable as you float above the desert panorama, retaining your eyes peeled for wildlife and soaking within the first rays of daylight of the day.
I’ve completed a morning journey with Hot Air Expeditions, who finish their dawn flights with a champagne breakfast. (Book a tour right here.)
2. Stroll via the Desert Botanical Garden
If you need to rise up near a few of that desert panorama you noticed out of your balloon, a go to to the Desert Botanical Garden, simply south of Old Town Scottsdale in Phoenix, is a should. This backyard covers 140 acres, and celebrates all the pieces in regards to the desert, from historical past to wildlife.
There are a number of themed trails that discover all the pieces from Sonoran Desert wildlife to how Indigenous folks use native crops for meals and shelter. The backyard additionally has a wildflower path, a butterfly pavilion, and even a restaurant known as Gertrude’s.
The trails are principally flat and straightforward to walk, making this an incredible place to admire the desert panorama up shut collectively.
3. Visit an artwork museum
Scottsdale is an artsy metropolis, with many galleries and museums to discover. My favourite one to go to with a date, although, is Wonderspaces inside Scottsdale Fashion Square mall.
This immersive and interactive artwork area is crammed with enjoyable reveals by artists from across the globe. The artwork is supposed to be interacted with, and new reveals are put in a couple of occasions every year.
Wonderspaces is SUCH a cool idea, and could be my favourite method to expertise modern artwork. There’s additionally a bar contained in the area, so you possibly can sip on a cocktail or beer as you make your means via the totally different reveals.
Other museums you may take pleasure in visiting collectively embrace the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA), Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West, and Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West.
4. Have an thrilling journey collectively
The couple that adventures collectively stays collectively, proper? The Scottsdale space presents up tons of how to have enjoyable collectively open air, whether or not you are into mountaineering or extra adrenaline-pumping actions. Just a few of our favourite choices embrace:
- Hiking – Go for a hike within the McDoproperly Sonoran Preserve, hike to the highest of Pinnacle Peak, and even sort out Camelback Mountain. (Just make sure you take loads of water!)
- Horseback driving – Go on a leisurely path journey via desert surroundings with MacDonald’s Ranch.
- Mountain biking – Rent bikes from REI and hit the paths collectively by yourself, or be a part of a guided mountain bike tour (appropriate for freshmen!).
- Paddling the Salt River – Enjoy a soothing paddle down the Lower Salt River, and possibly go for a swim. Keep an eye fixed out for the wild horses that dwell throughout the close by Tonto National Forest.
- UTV or ATV excursions – Head out into the Sonoran Desert for a heart-pumping guided tour in an ATV or UTV. We did a tour with Stellar Adventures, and they’re top-notch relating to tools, security, and enjoyable.
5. Relax with a spa day
Need a method to chill out after a day of adventuring? Scottsdale has some nice spas you possibly can take pleasure in individually or as a pair.
The spa at The Phoenician lodge is a good choice, whether or not you need to take pleasure in a {couples} therapeutic massage or get separate therapies after which meet again up on the spa’s unique rooftop pool for lunch or cocktails.
(Or, if you wish to absolutely immerse in a wellness retreat within the desert, you possibly can keep someplace just like the CIVANA Wellness Resort & Spa.)
6. Make candles collectively
Something enjoyable Elliot and I did on our most up-to-date journey to Scottsdale was make our personal distinctive scented candle collectively at Light + Bark in Old Town Scottsdale. You select your personal scents and candle jar, after which get to make the candle your self.
The Light + Bark workers mentioned that, together with this being a very well-liked bachelorette social gathering exercise, in addition they get {couples} who are available in and make candles for each other for birthdays and anniversaries. I like that concept!
7. Hit the Scottsdale Wine Trail
Old Town Scottsdale is enjoyable to wander round as is it, however an added bonus is that it has an city Wine Trail! Arizona truly has three American Viticultural Areas (AVAs), and grows nice wine grapes. You can attempt Arizona wine at 7 totally different stops alongside the Scottsdale Wine Trail, choosing tasting flights or wine by the glass.
The spots you possibly can go to are:
- Aridus Wine Company
- Arizona Stronghold Vineyards
- Carlson Creek Tasting Room
- LDV Winery Tasting Room
- Merkin Vineyards
- Salvatore Vineyards Tasting Room
- The Wine Collective of Scottsdale
You should purchase a Scottsdale Wine Trail Passport for $5, after which obtain $2 off a wine tasting at any collaborating vineyard.
8. Drinks at Platform 18
If cocktails are extra your pace, then it’s important to ebook an expertise at Platform 18. This speakeasy-style cocktail bar is positioned inside Century Grand, which has a handful of various small, themed bars. Platform 18 is ready as much as resemble the within of a basic practice automobile.
You’ll “board” the practice, which comes full with digital home windows that make it look/really feel such as you’re chugging via the countryside. The drinks menu is exclusive, with craft cocktail choices that you just will not discover anyplace else (attempt the clarified milk punch!).
Your ticket (reservation) will get you a 90-minute “ride,” and it is a tremendous enjoyable date concept.
9. Have a chef-led dinner at Marcellino’s
After drinks, you’ve gotten a ton of restaurant choices in Scottsdale. (Seriously, it is such a foodie metropolis!) But if you wish to ebook one thing actually distinctive and romantic, see in the event you can seize a reservation for the “Chef’s Romantic Dining Cove” at Marcellino Ristorante.
Marcellino’s is an Italian restaurant that can whisk you away from Arizona. From the fresh-made pasta to the European vibe and dwell music, you will actually really feel such as you’ve been transported to Italy for a couple of hours.
And the Chef’s Romantic Dining Cove is such a good way to expertise this spot. Chef Marcellino himself will chat with you about your likes, after which whip up a 5-course dinner (full with wine pairings) only for you.
It’s excellent for a particular meal for 2.
10. Share a sundae at The Sugar Bowl
Lastly, let’s discuss dessert! Again, there are many choices to take pleasure in in Scottsdale, however you possibly can by no means go incorrect with an outdated basic. Stop in to the Sugar Bowl, an old style ice cream parlor in Old Town. Sit on the genuine Fifties soda fountain, or seize a desk and share a sundae or root beer float.
READ MORE: 3 Days in Scottsdale: 3 Itineraries for 3 Different Types of Travelers
Romantic locations to remain in Scottsdale
Scottsdale has a LOT of lodge choices to go well with each journey model, whether or not you are on the lookout for one thing small and intimate or an enormous sprawling golf resort. I’ve stayed at half a dozen properties in Scottsdale, and these are those I believe are essentially the most romantic:
1. Canyon Suites at The Phoenician
The Phoenician is a Luxury Collection Resort sitting on the base of Camelback Mountain in Scottsdale. The sprawling resort is 5-star as it’s, with a three-level pool complicated, a spa, a golf course, and a number of eating places and bars on-site.
But if you wish to take your keep up a romantic notch, you possibly can ebook a room on the Canyon Suites at The Phoenician, which is basically a resort inside a resort. The Canyon Suites has its personal check-in space, devoted pool space with non-public cabanas, and spacious rooms with luxurious bogs.
Read critiques on TripAdvisor | Book a room right here
2. The Bespoke Inn
If you are on the lookout for a smaller and extra intimate retreat, The Bespoke Inn is the place for you. This small boutique lodge presents simply 10 rooms within the Arts District simply south of downtown Scottsdale, making it the right base for exploring Old Town’s public artwork and eating places.
The Bespoke Inn presents a soothing courtyard, a restaurant, a small infinity pool, and comfy rooms with luxurious particulars like plush leather-based arm chairs, claw-foot bathtubs, and leafy patios.
Read extra critiques on TripAdvisor | Book a room right here
3. Mountain Shadows Resort
Lastly, Mountain Shadows is an underrated mid-century trendy lodge in Scottsdale. It has spacious rooms, a superb on-site restaurant and bar, a golf course, and a two-tiered pool space that frames a view of Camelback Mountain.
Mountain Shadows has an understated luxurious to it that’s excellent for a soothing {couples} getaway.
Read critiques on TripAdvisor | Book a room right here
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Who’s able to plan a romantic getaway to Scottsdale?