Scottsdale is a magnet for eco-pioneers, luxury holidaymakers, and architecture buffs alike. Whether you have an appetite for adventure or prefer to spend the weekend in the spa, this bucket-list destination offers an unbeatable (and sunny) year-round escape. Tee off under towering saguaros, dip in cabana-lined pools, embark on an off-road desert tour, or savor world-class mid-century architecture on a Frank-Llyod Wright Tour. Discover our top tips for enjoying Scottsdale’s incredible high-desert scenery and vibrant Old-Town scene.
1. Embark on an Off-Road Desert tour:
Get off the beaten path and venture deep into the Sonoran Desert on a rugged (but not-too-rugged) 4x4 adventure. Celebrated as the most biologically diverse desert in North America, the Sonoran Desert is home to a wealth of flora and fauna. Keep your eyes peeled for exotic cacti, desert tortoises, jackrabbits, hawks, and woodpeckers as you navigate the bumpy desert washes and boulder-strewn paths, while your guide offers insight on the area’s unique geologic past. Perhaps pause for a sunrise photoshoot or allow us to plan a surprise picnic for you while the sun casts purple shadows on the desert rock. Work with our Scottsdale DMC to find out how we can customize this adventure for your group and get you off-the-beaten path on these permit-required adventures.
2. Fall in love with Midcentury Architecture at Taliesin West, Frank Llyod Wright’s Desert Utopia:
Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site and nestled at the base of the McDowell foothills, Frank Llyod Wright’s winter home abounds in beauty and architectural charm. Wright purchased Taliesin West in 1937 and quickly drew inspiration from the Sonoran landscape to design a winter home for himself as well as a desert laboratory, where he invited students and apprentices to live together and hone their practice. Stop by for a comprehensive tour (recently recreated in Wright’s own words) or perhaps organize your next event or corporate retreat on the grounds of this spellbinding and historic landmark. (One click on the photo gallery for this event space, and you’ll be wishing you could plan every party for the rest of your life here).
3. Raft down the Salt River:
You’ve probably never heard of Salt River Canyon, but it’s one of Arizona’s hidden gems. If you are a water baby, this day trip will inspire you. Explore the breathtaking landscapes of eastern Arizona on an unforgettable adventure through the 2000-deep Salt River canyon. Choose between family-friendly rapids or Class IV rapids for a more adrenaline-packed river adventure. Every tour is different and calibrated to the pace of the group and the local conditions. The guides are friendly and know all the secret spots and local legends!
4. Wine & Dine in Old Town Scottsdale:
For a bit of retail therapy, a dose of western charm, and delicious eats, look no further than Scottsdale’s urban Old Town. Comprised of nine distinct districts, there is too much to cram into one visit alone. Whether you want to belly up to the bar, head out on a more active e-bike cultural tour, or sample all the good eats on a three-hour foodie tour, there are endless ways to enjoy Scottdale’s Old Town. For a day spent enjoying Old Town, perhaps start with a visit to Berdenas Coffee shop for a Cardamom Rose latte and some avocado toast. Then head to Western Spirit, a museum dedicated to western history and native Hopi art. For a dose of retail therapy, head over to the Scottsdale Fashion Square. And for dinner, try out FNB, a veggie-forward restaurant that celebrates Arizona's agricultural bounty and local wine production. Cap your night off with a scoop of delicious ice cream at SugarBowl. Allow us to customize a day in town for you and your group.
5. Experience Scottsdale’s Majestic Night Skies on a Stargazing Tour:
Stargazing is one of Scottsdale’s greatest appeals. Experience the clarity of the desert at night, as you ditch the light pollution and venture into one of Arizona’s dark-sky certified zones for an unforgettable evening. Gaze at nebula, galaxies, and spellbinding star systems through powerful telescopes and receive expert insight from a local astronomer. Perhaps pair this experience with s’mores and hot chocolate or opt for a celebratory champagne toast beneath the heavens. Contact us to learn how we can tailor this experience to the unique needs of your group.
6. Tee Off Under the Saguaros:
Boasting over 330 days of sunshine a year and 200+ highly rated golf courses, it’s no wonder that Scottsdale is an international mecca for golfers. Whether you want to visit the most high-profile Stadium Course at TPC Scottsdale, prefer to opt for the most scenic course at Troon North Golf Club, or want to up your game with lessons at Talking Stick Golf Club, there are endless opportunities to hit the fairway with friends, coworkers, or family!
7. Hike Camelback Mountain or Explore the McDowell Sonoran Preserve:
Locals agree: if you are up for a challenge, this 2.5-mile out-and-back trail is the perfect place to put your hiking skills to the test. With over 1,420 ft of vertical gain, climbing this granite monster is no walk in the park. However, it’s far and away the most rewarding hike in the Valley of the Sun. Caves on the Northern Side of the mountain indicate that Native Americans likely occupied the area in the past and exotic desert plants dot the landscape. Our local guides have a never-ending list of stories to share. Please note: The final .5 miles of the trail includes some boulder field-scrambling, and there are occasionally snakes on the trail. Be sure to wear the right footwear and bring plenty of water. Hot Tip: Parking can be challenging so the earlier you go the better!
If you’re not up for the incline, Echo Canyon Recreation Area offers a number of other hiking trails to choose from or check out the McDowell Sonoran Preserve to the North, where our guides can take you behind the scenes of this rugged upland desert.
For the ultimate end to your active day, reserve a room or a cabana at a local luxury retreat. Perhaps take a plunge in the same pool Beyonce and Jay-Z honeymooned in. Or hit the Scottsdale Ale Trail to celebrate your accomplishment (hint: start with a Desert Rose Pale Ale at Goldwater Brewing and then migrate to Craft 64 for beer and pizza that will hit just right).
8. Soar High Above the Clouds on a Sunrise Hot Air-Balloon Adventure:
To truly appreciate the beauty of the Sonoran Desert, take to the skies! Both sunrise and sunset are especially magical times to fly, and wildlife opportunities are plentiful. Experience Arizona’s frontier spirit and panoramic views as you glide over the desert with your experienced captain. Rely on our Event Management Arizona DMC to pair this experience with an equally humbling afternoon adventure or private desert picnic. Work with us to explore the possibilities of incorporating VIP experiences and exclusive add-ons to your visit.
Vacation should be relaxing. Exploration should be a delight. Whether you are visiting for business or pleasure, allow Imagine Events DMC to design your next event, conference, corporate retreat, or getaway in Scottsdale. Our event conference planners in Scottsdale are here to design tailor-made experiences that will leave your group and team feeling inspired, uplifted, and ready to tackle anything. The warmth of the Sonoran Desert is just a click away! Contact us today, to tell us how we can meet your team’s needs.
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