Octane Raceway Scottsdale Arizona
Visitors can simply walk in, register, and race, and their race is scored in a Fastest Lap format the driver with the best lap time wins the race. Octane Raceway also caters private and special events such as corporate and team building events and birthday parties, and it has features such as private event rooms, a Trackside Bar & Grill, and several other entertainment facilities, including a Pit Crew Challenge, bowling alley, a games arcade, and billiards.
9119 E Indian Bend Rd, Scottsdale, Arizona, Phone: 602-302-7223
Day : Adventure Relax & Savor
Start your only full day in Scottsdale bright and early you might need to get up as early as 4am for your hot air balloon ride. The actual wakeup/pickup time will depend on the time of year you visit and how early the sun rises.
After a peaceful ride over the desert landscape, you should be done and dropped back at your accommodation by around 9am. That gives you plenty of time for a round of golf or a short hike before the heat of the day totally kicks in.
Once it gets too hot to breathe, head indoors for a spa treatment. You can opt for one at your hotel or resort or book one at a nearby property if youre staying in an Airbnb. I highly recommend any of the tequila treatments at Agave, the Arizona Spa at the Westin Kierland.
For dinner, keep it light and fun with Brussel sprout nachos, tacos, or a Sonoran hot dog at Diego Pops. Snag a margarita or boozy sno-cone since its Saturday night!
Things To Do During Holiday In Scottsdale
Make the school summer holidays memorable by enjoying interactive exhibitions, childrens theatre shows and kid-friendly museums.
Looking for things to do with children in Scottsdale during the school holidays? Take a look at all this stuff going on across town. Plenty of these things to do are free or cheap so keeping children happy neednt break the bank.
Don’t Miss: Things To Do In Bourne Mass
Well & Being Spa At Fairmont Scottsdale Resort
Budget: $70+ for a manicure, $175+ for a facial
Perfect for: Those looking to be pampered and relax.
Scottsdale is the perfect place to combine fun with a little R& R. Fun fact: there are more spas per capita than any other US city. So if youre looking for relaxation, definitely add Scottsdale to your list! When you are ready to recharge, the Well & Being Spa at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Hotel is where you want to be. This spa is so much more than a place to get a facial . They also offer whole health transformations, and a selection of meditation, yoga, and fitness classes.
Best Breakfast Place In Scottsdale: Butters Pancakes & Caf
We actually loved eating breakfast in our villa most mornings so we could relax and enjoy resort life, but when youre on vacation, sometimes you just need a Big Breakfast, you know?Butters Pancakes and Café completely hit the spot for us. We had a pretty hard time deciding how to narrow down all the options on the menu but were thrilled to see the egg skillet dishes we were eyeing had the option to add their fancy pancakes. Think fresh bananas with graham cracker caramel pecan topping.And since nothing says romance like strawberries with the perfect amount of decadent chocolate sauce, we got those, too.Pro tip: Dont skip the bacon either.
Don’t Miss: Things To Do In Free Time At Home
Arizona Romantic Getaway: Incredibly Fun Things To Do In Scottsdale
This site uses affiliate links and we may earn a small commission when you use our links and make a purchase without incurring additional fee yourself. Many thanks for supporting this website. Please see our disclosure page for more details.
No kidding, Arizona is a wonderful place to go for a romantic winter getaway. The sunny sky and warm temperature can do wonders at fighting off the winter blues, especially for us Canadians!
This winter, Kev and I celebrated the holiday season in Scottsdale and ticked off a few firsts from our list! Never did we think Scottsdale would be so fun for couples!
If youre considering a romantic getaway in Arizona, we have compiled a list of fun things to do in Scottsdale to add to your Arizona bucket list!
When To Visit Scottsdale
When you think of Arizona you probably think of two things: the desert and the heat. As you can see in the image above, the summers in Scottsdale are easily over 100+ degrees, and although its a dry heat , its still pretty dang brutal! There are also dust storms in the summer, which are pretty crazy to witness. Wed highly suggest not visiting Scottsdale in the summer, unless you have access to a pool to jump into multiple times a day. Instead, wed recommend visiting in the fall, winter, or spring.We visited in April, and have also visited in December, and the weather was absolutely gorgeous both times! It was warm during the day, but not hot enough to stop us from being outside. Rain is also not super common in Scottsdale, so you dont have to worry about it raining on your parade.
You May Like: Things To Do In Honolulu December
Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Rides
Float above the orange and pink painted sonoran desert for the best panoramic view you will ever get of this landscape!
Upon landing youll be treated to champagne and breakfast presented on white linen tables in the middle of the valley.
If sunrise is too early for you, dont worry you can book sunset balloon rides which are equally stunning.
Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows
For the remainder of my stay in Scottsdale, I was a guest at the Andaz. This millennial-focused luxury hotel is targeting young travelers and redefining whatever image of Phoenix-area resorts you might have in your mind. They even have an Instagram tour of the property !
I stayed in one of their bungalow rooms it was a throwback to mid-century style with plenty of modern amenities like a massive shower, ultra-comfy beds, and a little back patio where I enjoyed my coffee each morning. I didnt get a chance to check out the pool or try the spa but its high on my list to get back for another stay and enjoy all they have to offer.
Rooms at the Andaz start from $128 per night. Book on Booking.com or Hotels.com.
Also Check: Unique Things To Do In Amsterdam
Historic Old Town Scottsdale
Old Town Scottsdale was a really pleasant surprise for us! We werent quite sure what to expect and finding parking in this historic corner of Scottsdale was no joke. But this made for such a fun day.It was so neat to see the landmarks like the Old Adobe Mission the oldest standing church in Scottsdale right next to a bustling farmers market and an authentic western saloon nestled amongst some gorgeous art galleries.There are plenty of shops and restaurants, so this is a great place to spend a few hours simply wandering.Pro tip: Despite being completely full from lunch at The Mission Old Town , we did not regret stopping into Sugar Bowl, an authentic 1950s soda fountain. We grabbed an ice cream cone for the walk back to our car the perfect ending to our perfect adventures in Scottsdale.
Day : Arrive & Indulge
Dont dawdle once you arrive in Scottsdale for the weekend get checked into your resort, hotel, or Airbnb. Youre on a weekend trip! Start by heading out into Old Town to walk around and browse the shops a bit.
If its too hot, opt for wine tasting at Carlson Creek Vineyards, Merkin Vineyards, or one of the other tasting rooms in Old Town. These wineries usually serve Arizona wines, and I wont spoil it by telling you the whole story of how they figured out how to grow grapes in the desert.
For dinner, head to Citizen Public House to enjoy the Original Chopped Salad followed by dessert from Super Chunk. I suggest the mesquite chocolate chip cookie if you have enough room for it, make it an ice cream sandwich!
Recommended Reading: Things To Do In Marblehead Ma
Lower Salt River Rafting
This rafting tour is perfect for beginners and a fun day for couples looking for a little adventure.
Led by a trained guide, youll float down the Lower Salt River as you enjoy views of the scenic Sonoran Desert.
Some paddling is required, but your guide will steer the boat and provide a fascinating commentary on your surroundings.
Free And Cheap Things To Do In Scottsdale
At first glance, Scottsdale can be a wallet-destroying city to spend time in but it doesnt have to be that way. Looking to explore the city without the expense? This insiders guide walks you through 30 awesome and totally free things to do in Scottsdale.
If youve visited Scottsdale before, or are planning to in the future, then you may already know just how pricey Scottsdale can be. But there are plenty of places to explore without spending any money at all. In fact, some of the best free things to do in Scottsdale may already be on your Scottsdale bucket list!
Thats why Ive put together this bumper list of free things in Scottsdale cool places to visit and things to do that wont cost you a single penny. Knock yourself out.
Theres no doubt that Scottsdale is one of the most expensive cities in the world to visit hence why this free things to do in Scottsdale guide is going to be your ally when you visit Scottsdale.
Also Check: Things To Do In Breckenridge Colorado In July
Segway Tour Of Old Town Scottsdale
Explore the historic area of Old Town Scottsdale on this fun Segway tour.
This 2-hour tour is the best way to see this vibrant community.
The tour starts at Soleri Bridge where youll get acquainted with your Segway.
Once you get comfortable with your ride for the day your adventure will begin.
Old Town Scottsdale has an active art community.
Youll find a number of public art installations, including sculptures, galleries, and contemporary Native American art.
Check out the very first US Post Office building, which now operates as Porters Western Store.
This is just one of a number of historic buildings youll see on the tour.
Finally, youll have the opportunity to do some shopping at the Civic Center Mall and the various other stores and shops before the tour concludes.
- Address: 330 East Earll Drive Suite #R Scottsdale, AZ 85251
- Hours: Tours are available 7 days a week at 9:30am.
How To Get Here
The Echo Canyon Recreation is located in north Phoenix.
If youre coming from the south end of the city youll likely want to go north on AZ-51, then take exit 5 onto Lincoln Dr.
Take a right on N Tatum Blvd, then a left on E MacDonald Dr. From there, follow the signs to the recreation area.
- Location: 4925 E McDonald Dr, Phoenix, AZ 85018, USA
- Hours: Sunrise to sunset, free entry
Read Also: Things To Do In Hudson
Where To Stay In Scottsdale Arizona
If you want to stay in the center, I would recommend looking for hotels in or near Old Town Scottsdale. With staying so central, you can walk to plenty of restaurants and shops- and wont have to rely on driving everywhere.
Of course, if you do end up staying in Old Town, definitely venture out to experience more of the awesome things to do in Scottsdale. Below are my hotel recommendations:
Day Trips Worth Leaving Town For
If you have the time, the red rock cathedral landscape of Sedona should not be missed! If you start early, you can do some sightseeing, squeeze in a short hike, go wine tasting at local wineries and indulge in a fabulous meal.
If you have your own car, visit Jerome. An old mining town built up on the mountainside.
This ghost town is now fun stop-off on the way to or from Sedona with fun shops, scenic photo spots and viewpoints, bars, restaurants and wine tasting rooms.
If you dont have a car or arent sure what to plan for the day, book a private tour for the Sedona Experience.
You guide will pick you up from your hotel, bring you on a hike with some of the best views, will have a table waiting for lunch at a fabulous restaurant and bring you to the vineyards for wine tasting on your way back to Scottsdale.
You May Like: Things To Do In Asbury Park This Weekend
Your Own Scottsdale Adventures
Hiking through giant fields of cacti, teeing off at world-class golf courses, spending sunny days at Splash Canyon check out some of the things that make Scottsdale so special.
Our guest bloggers are compensated for their writing contributions and honest opinions.All information is subject to change. This article is a curated guide and is neither sponsored nor considered an official endorsement. Please be sure to check information directly with any/all tours, guides or companies for the most up-to-date and direct details.
Day : Museums Museums Museums
Today, focus on some of Scottsdale’s best museums.
Start out at the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art , which is a small but very thoughtful contemporary art museum in Old Town Scottsdale. Exhibits change a couple times per year, so check out their website to see what’s currently on.
While at SMoCA, don’t miss the Knight Rise skyspace and Environ exhibits, which are ongoing and partially outside along the front side of the building.
Next, you can walk to Western Spirit: Scottsdaleâs Museum of the West . This museum focuses on the art, culture, and history of the American West. There’s a nice mix of art, sculpture, and historical items on display, so be sure to allow at least 1-2 hours here to see everything.
For lunch today, head to Diego Pops for delicious Mexican food. My favorites include the braised pineapple pork taco and the Brussels sprout nachos.
After lunch, head up to Scottsdale’s Fashion Square. Fashion Square is a massive upscale shopping complex â but no, I’m not telling you to go shopping!
Housed inside Fashion Square is the first permanent installation of Wonderspaces, an immersive and interactive art space with revolving exhibits by artists from around the globe. Wonderspaces is SUCH a cool concept, and might be my favorite way to experience contemporary art.
We spent nearly 2 hours here, going slowly through every exhibit. There’s also a bar inside Wonderspaces, so you can sip on a cocktail or beer as you make your way through the different spaces.
Recommended Reading: Things To Do In Illinois In July
Days In Scottsdale For The Adventurer
Where are my nature and adventure lovers at? Even though Scottsdale is known for its spa culture, food, and art, the city is perfectly located for lots of outdoor activities, too. Scottsdale is in the desert, but also close to mountains, rivers, and plenty of adventurous things to do.
Highlights of this adventure itinerary:
- Hot air ballooning at sunrise
- Places to hike near Scottsdale
- Adventurous outdoor activities to try
- Cool places to eat in Scottsdale
Dinner And A Show At Talking Stick Resort
Budget: $80 -$250 for dinner and a show
Perfect For: Couples, friends, and anyone looking for a fun night out.
Talking Stick Resort is a luxury hotel and casino resort located close to Scottsdale, on the Salt-River Pima Maricopa Indian Reservation. There are six unique restaurants to choose from, featuring a wide variety of cuisines. When you visit, check out The Orange Sky restaurant located on the 15th floor, the views alone are worth the trip!
Also Check: Best Things To Do In Fort Wayne
Talavera Restaurant Scottsdale Az
Boasting breathtaking views of Pinnacle Peak, Talavera is a classic steakhouse with elegant décor, a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and first-class service.
Located in North Scottsdale among the foothills of Pinnacle Peak, Talavera serves a traditional steakhouse menu of locally and regionally sourced cuisine that features steak and seafood pairings, fresh garden salads, specialty sides, and homemade desserts. Dine on cold beef carpaccio, warm lobster bisque, rib-eye steaks, or surf-and-turf specials from the a la carte menu or enjoy a six-course tasting menu paired with appropriate wines, courtesy of Executive Chef Mel Mecinas, while taking in the beautiful views.
Inside, a roaring fireplace creates a cozy ambiance while a wide patio is atheperfect place to sip cocktails at sunset during the summer months.
10600 East Crescent Moon Drive, Scottsdale, AZ, Phone: 480-513-5085
Days In Scottsdale: A Weekend Itinerary
Now that youve got some ideas for what to do, its time to put it all together. Based on my weekend in Scottsdale, heres how Id arrange my suggested activities in Scottsdale into a weekend trip.
Im assuming you fly into Phoenix on Friday morning so you have from Friday afternoon through Sunday midday to explore Scottsdale. If you have longer, you can obviously take more time to enjoy the Old Town, add an extra round of golf, or take a longer hike. In the end, its up to you these are just my suggestions.
Also Check: Free Things To Do In Nashville This Weekend
Things To Do In Scottsdale Arizona
Parada del Sol parade, Scottsdale, AZ Alan Levine
Scottsdale, located in the Sonoran Desert of Arizona offers plenty of old world and old west charm along with modern amenities to travelers. With abundant sunny days and clear star filled nights, it has something for both the adventurous and romantic couples and families. No wonder than that over five million tourists put this exciting place on their traveling itinerary. While there are dozens of things to do in Scottsdale, Arizona according to each couple or familys tastes, here are five of the major activities you may indulge in while on your visit.
