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 great summer season getaway.
But my earlier journeys to Scottsdale have been all ladies’ journeys (which is sensible, since Scottsdale is changing into a preferred spot for bachelorette events!). So on my most up-to-date go to, I introduced my husband Elliot alongside so we might discover the extra romantic facet of Scottsdale.
And what we discovered was the proper 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 here are among the greatest romantic issues to do.
10 romantic issues to do in Scottsdale
Note: This put up is dropped at you as a part of a paid partnership with Experience Scottsdale. But, as at all times, all opinions are 100% my very own and primarily based on my private experiences!
1. Go on a dawn scorching air balloon trip
While waking up at 4 a.m. might not scream romance, floating above the desert within the basket of a scorching air balloon because the solar rises certain does.
There are a pair firms within the Scottsdale/Phoenix space that supply scorching air balloon rides over the Sonoran Desert, and the expertise is unquestionably memorable and romantic! It’s quiet and peaceable as you float above the desert panorama, preserving your eyes peeled for wildlife and soaking within the first rays of daylight of the day.
I’ve finished a morning trip with Hot Air Expeditions, who finish their dawn flights with a champagne breakfast. (Book a tour right here.)
2. Stroll by means of the Desert Botanical Garden
If you wish 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 every thing in regards to the desert, from historical past to wildlife.
There are a number of themed trails that discover every thing from Sonoran Desert natural world to how Indigenous individuals use native crops for meals and shelter. The backyard additionally has a wildflower path, a butterfly pavilion, and even a restaurant referred to as Gertrude’s.
The trails are largely flat and straightforward to walk, making this a terrific 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 displays by artists from across the globe. The artwork is supposed to be interacted with, and new displays are put in a couple of occasions every year.
Wonderspaces is SUCH a cool idea, and is perhaps my favourite strategy to expertise modern artwork. There’s additionally a bar contained in the area, so you’ll be able to sip on a cocktail or beer as you make your manner by means of the completely different displays.
Other museums you would possibly take pleasure in visiting collectively embody 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 outside, whether or not you are into mountaineering or extra adrenaline-pumping actions. A number of of our favourite choices embody:
- Hiking – Go for a hike within the McDonicely Sonoran Preserve, hike to the highest of Pinnacle Peak, and even deal with Camelback Mountain. (Just make sure to take loads of water!)
- Horseback driving – Go on a leisurely path trip by means of desert surroundings with MacDonald’s Ranch.
- Mountain biking – Rent bikes from REI and hit the paths collectively by yourself, or be part of a guided mountain bike tour (appropriate for novices!).
- Paddling the Salt River – Enjoy a soothing paddle down the Lower Salt River, and perhaps 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 in the case of tools, security, and enjoyable.
5. Relax with a spa day
Need a strategy to calm down after a day of adventuring? Scottsdale has some nice spas you’ll be able to take pleasure in individually or as a pair.
The spa at The Phoenician lodge is a superb possibility, whether or not you wish 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 totally immerse in a wellness retreat within the desert, you would 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 employees mentioned that, together with this being a extremely fashionable bachelorette social gathering exercise, additionally 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 completely different stops alongside the Scottsdale Wine Trail, choosing tasting flights or wine by the glass.
The spots you’ll be able to 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 can buy 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 velocity, 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 traditional practice automotive.
You’ll “board” the practice, which comes full with digital home windows that make it look/really feel such as you’re chugging by means of the countryside. The drinks menu is exclusive, with craft cocktail choices that you just will not discover wherever else (attempt the clarified milk punch!).
Your ticket (reservation) will get you a 90-minute “ride,” and it is a tremendous enjoyable date thought.
9. Have a chef-led dinner at Marcellino’s
After drinks, you could have 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 for those who can seize a reservation for the “Chef’s Romantic Dining Cove” at Marcellino Ristorante.
Marcellino’s is an Italian restaurant that may whisk you away from Arizona. From the fresh-made pasta to the European vibe and dwell music, you may 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 good 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’ll be able to by no means go flawed with an outdated traditional. Stop in to the Sugar Bowl, an old school ice cream parlor in Old Town. Sit on the genuine Nineteen 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 type, whether or not you are in search of 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 probably 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’ll be able to ebook a room on the Canyon Suites at The Phoenician, which is actually 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 loos.
Read opinions on TripAdvisor | Book a room right here
2. The Bespoke Inn
If you are in search of 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 proper 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 opinions on TripAdvisor | Book a room right here
3. Mountain Shadows Resort
Lastly, Mountain Shadows is an underrated mid-century fashionable 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 good for a soothing {couples} getaway.
Read opinions on TripAdvisor | Book a room right here
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Who’s able to plan a romantic getaway to Scottsdale?