Photograph by: Stephanie

Best Things to Do in Scottsdale

Featured Scottsdale Travel Tips
  • Wander through the Mars-like red rock formations in Papago Park
  • Admire the Desert Botanical Gardens in the morning to beat the crowds
  • Plan an easy hike around the Horseshoe Loop
  • Indulge in a Mexican-Asian fusion dinner at SumoMaya
  • Experience a hot air balloon ride
  • Capture memories on a Flytographer photoshoot

Since 2013, Flytographer has captured millions of vacation photos all around the globe and know our customers have the best travel tips to share! Explore their favourite things to do in Scottsdale, best restaurants in Scottsdale, and general travel tips to get fresh inspiration and start planning your trip to Scottsdale.

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Kacie's Travel Tips for Scottsdale

What are the best places to eat and drink in Scottsdale?

SumoMaya was our favorite restaurant in Scottsdale! The environment is so cool and fresh. The mixing of Asian and Mexican food is so unique and yummy! Will definitely be visiting again!

What are the best things to do in Scottsdale?

The botanical gardens are a must! So much beauty and texture in the desert!

What is the best tip for celebrating your anniversary in Scottsdale?

Hike Echo Canyon, stroll in the botanical gardens, get a massage (JW Marriott spa is amazing), and relax!

Visited Scottsdale in April

Photo Shoot Location: Desert Botanical Garden

Annelise in Scottsdale for Flytographer

Ashley's Travel Tips for Scottsdale

What are the best places to eat and drink in Scottsdale?

Nobu

What are the best things to do in Scottsdale?

Hot Air Balloon Ride, UTV Tour, Cabana Boys

Visited Scottsdale in July

Photo Shoot Location: Custom Route

Katherine in Scottsdale for Flytographer

Ally's Travel Tips for Scottsdale

What are the best places to eat and drink in Scottsdale?

Hash Kitchen and Culinary Dropout - both had great views, great service, and fun vibes!!

What is the best tip for planning a bachelorette in Scottsdale?

Definitely book a session with Flytographer!!

Visited Scottsdale in April

Photo Shoot Location: Papago Park

Whitney in Scottsdale for Flytographer

Denisa's Travel Tips for Scottsdale

What are the best places to eat and drink in Scottsdale?

Call Her Martina - the absolute yummiest food with an upscale flare for a super affordable price!

What is the best tip for planning a bachelorette in Scottsdale?

Have a great Maid of Honour! :)

Visited Scottsdale in March

Photo Shoot Location: Desert Botanical Garden

Katherine in Scottsdale for Flytographer

Kristen's Travel Tips for Scottsdale

What are the best places to eat and drink in Scottsdale?

I love going to Binkley's and Cafe Monarch!

What are the best things to do in Scottsdale?

We love walking around Old Town Scottsdale

What is the best tip for travelling with kids to Scottsdale?

NA

Visited Scottsdale in November

Photo Shoot Location: Desert Botanical Garden

Bekki in Scottsdale for Flytographer

Megan's Travel Tips for Scottsdale

What are the best places to eat and drink in Scottsdale?

The Mission - great food and beautiful atmosphere!

What are the best things to do in Scottsdale?

Desert Botanical Garden

What is the best tip for going on your babymoon to Scottsdale?

Definitely book a resort with a great pool!

Visited Scottsdale in October

Photo Shoot Location: Desert Botanical Garden

Katherine in Scottsdale for Flytographer

Amanda's Travel Tips for Scottsdale

What are the best places to eat and drink in Scottsdale?

We loved Prado at Omni. Their steak was delicious and cooked perfectly, drinks were made well, too.

What are the best things to do in Scottsdale?

We loved Camelback Mountain, the Phoenix Botanical Garden and the Fashion Square Mall for shopping.

What is the best tip for celebrating your anniversary in Scottsdale?

Stay at a resort that had all amenities, spa and restaurants. It makes it the most relaxing vacation.

Visited Scottsdale in July

Photo Shoot Location: Papago Park

Sarah in Scottsdale for Flytographer

Maggie's Travel Tips for Scottsdale

What are the best places to eat and drink in Scottsdale?

Tortilla factory, the margaritas were so good!

What is the best tip for celebrating your anniversary in Scottsdale?

Book a surprise photographer ;)

Visited Scottsdale in June

Photo Shoot Location: Desert Botanical Garden

Sarah in Scottsdale for Flytographer

Jaime's Travel Tips for Scottsdale

What are the best places to eat and drink in Scottsdale?

Fat Ox - The food was amazing and loved the atmosphere.

What is the best tip for travelling with kids to Scottsdale?

Book a resort with a waterslide or use Resortpass to book day passes at resorts.

Visited Scottsdale in April

Photo Shoot Location: Papago Park

Whitney in Scottsdale for Flytographer

Sarah's Travel Tips for Scottsdale

What are the best things to do in Scottsdale?

The Pricky Pear Bachelorette Pad on Airbnb. Literally the PERFECT spot.

What is the best tip for planning a bachelorette in Scottsdale?

Get my sister to do it for you. That girl is a wizard.

Visited Scottsdale in February

Photo Shoot Location: Custom Route

Sarah in Scottsdale for Flytographer

Eugenia's Travel Tips for Scottsdale

What are the best places to eat and drink in Scottsdale?

Francine. The food was delicious, great location and vibe.

What are the best things to do in Scottsdale?

We loved staying at the Scott Resort.

What is your best travel tip for Scottsdale?

Explore the area on a bicycle for some spectacular views!

Visited Scottsdale in November

Photo Shoot Location: Papago Park

Sarah in Scottsdale for Flytographer

Caitlin's Travel Tips for Scottsdale

What are the best places to eat and drink in Scottsdale?

If you like relaxed football/sports bars- longshots was a great place to watch a game. Good bar food and super friendly owner.

What are the best things to do in Scottsdale?

The desert botanic gardens was gorgeous and so worth it!

Visited Scottsdale in October

Photo Shoot Location: Desert Botanical Garden

Larissa in Scottsdale for Flytographer

Portia's Travel Tips for Scottsdale

What are the best places to eat and drink in Scottsdale?

Where to Brunch: - Prep & Pastry - Hash Kitchen - The Henry - Farm & Craft Where to Drink: - Wine Girl - Outrider - Zuzu - Postino Wine Bar Where to Eat: - RA Sushi Bar - Taco Madre - The Mission - Montauk - Olive & Ivy - Mowry & Cotton - Sicilian Butcher

What are the best things to do in Scottsdale?

Favorite Experiences: - Hot Air Expeditions - Selfie Museum - Desert Botanical Garden - Kierland Commons - Roosevelt Row (Phoenix) - Horse Back Riding - ATV - Kayak (Mesa) - Fresh Foodie Trail (Mesa) Favorite Hotels: - Hotel Valley Ho - Phoenician - Mountain Shadows Resort - Westin Kierland - Hyatt Regency - Wild Horse Pass Resort

Visited Scottsdale in June

Photo Shoot Location: Custom Route

Whitney in Scottsdale for Flytographer

Jesslynn's Travel Tips for Scottsdale

What are the best places to eat and drink in Scottsdale?

The Canal Club in the Scott Resort and Spa...get the churro donuts and any brunch cocktail with rum! The vibe is so on brand with the mid-century modern style going on in Scottsdale! It's every Instagram influences dream restaurant! so many photo spots!

What are the best things to do in Scottsdale?

We just ate, drank, golfed, and chilled by the pool all weekend!

What is your best travel tip for Scottsdale?

Stay at the historic mid-century modern resort at Mountain Shadows! It was amazing and their 18 hole par 3 course is fun to play at as well! Don't forget to get their breakfast burritos at Rusty's near the putting green!

Visited Scottsdale in April

Photo Shoot Location: Custom Route

Stephanie in Scottsdale for Flytographer

Kacie's Travel Tips for Scottsdale

What are the best places to eat and drink in Scottsdale?

SumoMaya was our favorite restaurant in Scottsdale! The environment is so cool and fresh. The mixing of Asian and Mexican food is so unique and yummy! Will definitely be visiting again!

What are the best things to do in Scottsdale?

The botanical gardens are a must! So much beauty and texture in the desert!

What is the best tip for celebrating your anniversary in Scottsdale?

Hike Echo Canyon, stroll in the botanical gardens, get a massage (JW Marriott spa is amazing), and relax!

Visited Scottsdale in April

Photo Shoot Location: Desert Botanical Garden

Annelise in Scottsdale for Flytographer

Michelle's Travel Tips for Scottsdale

What are the best places to eat and drink in Scottsdale?

J&G Steakhouse!

What are the best things to do in Scottsdale?

Go for a bike ride in Old Town!

What is your best overall travel tip for Scottsdale?

Pack layers. I'm from Brooklyn but still felt cold because the climate was so different!

Visited Scottsdale in February

Photo Shoot Location: Papago Park

Larissa in Scottsdale for Flytographer

Melissa's Travel Tips for Scottsdale

What are the best places to eat and drink in Scottsdale?

Elements Arcadia Farms

Visited Scottsdale in January

Photo Shoot Location: Papago Park

Annelise in Scottsdale for Flytographer

Kaitlyn's Travel Tips for Scottsdale

What are the best places to eat and drink in Scottsdale?

Culinary Drop-out - was a great lunch spot Hash - the ultimate Brunch Experience. Food creations you won't be able to get anywhere else!

What is your best overall travel tip for Scottsdale?

Bring sunglasses :) The sun is always shining. Also, if you go in the Fall, dress for weather between 40-80 degrees. We forgot jackets!

Visited Scottsdale in November

Photo Shoot Location: Papago Park

Annelise in Scottsdale for Flytographer

Brittany's Travel Tips for Scottsdale

What are the best places to eat and drink in Scottsdale?

Diego Pops and Hash Kitchen

What are the best things to do in Scottsdale?

Explore Old Town! We also booked the Arizona Party Bike tour and it was a great way to see Old Town with fun stops along the way to eat and drink.

Visited Scottsdale in September

Photo Shoot Location: Custom Route

Whitney in Scottsdale for Flytographer

Eleni's Travel Tips for Scottsdale

What is your best overall travel tip for Scottsdale?

If you have children, the McCormick Railroad park is a must! The playground is fantastic, the rides are a hit with the kids and they have lots of great snacks.

Visited Scottsdale in February

Photo Shoot Location: Custom Route

Larissa in Scottsdale for Flytographer

Alexandra's Travel Tips for Scottsdale

What is your best overall travel tip for Scottsdale?

The Botanical Gardens - where we shot!

Visited Scottsdale in February

Photo Shoot Location: Desert Botanical Garden

Stephanie in Scottsdale for Flytographer

Veronica's Travel Tips for Scottsdale

What is your best overall travel tip for Scottsdale?

Hike Pinnacle Peak and one of our favorite restaurants is Darcy's Italian Restaurant in North Scottsdale

Visited Scottsdale in September

Photo Shoot Location: Custom Route

Annelise in Scottsdale for Flytographer

Emily's Travel Tips for Scottsdale

What is your best overall travel tip for Scottsdale?

Must see Grand Canyon! Also must see Desert of botanical garden. Our photographer Annelise recommended us do the shoot their. I had no clue they had this. So it was a great experience to see all the different cacti!

Visited Scottsdale in September

Photo Shoot Location: Custom Route

Annelise in Scottsdale for Flytographer

Marie-Eve's Travel Tips for Scottsdale

What is your best overall travel tip for Scottsdale?

I would suggest avoiding travel beyond June - it gets very hot and if you are looking to do outside activities, it would definitely be a challenge, especially with small kids. Also, splurge on your dining budget - there are some fantastic restaurants in Scottsdale. Our favorite (as a couple) was Cafe Monarch.

Visited Scottsdale in July

Photo Shoot Location: Custom Route

Stephanie in Scottsdale for Flytographer

Laura's Travel Tips for Scottsdale

What is your best overall travel tip for Scottsdale?

Get out of the city a little and explore the desert!

Visited Scottsdale in June

Photo Shoot Location: Custom Route

Stephanie in Scottsdale for Flytographer

Karolina's Travel Tips for Scottsdale

What is your best overall travel tip for Scottsdale?

Take a tour of the Frank Loyd Wright Taliesin West winter home and school. Have a cocktail at the Arizona Biltmore hotel bar. Visit Old Town and the Quarters for shopping, galleries, restaurants, and cocktails. Take in a major league baseball game during spring training. Hike the Sonoran Mountains.

Visited Scottsdale in March

Photo Shoot Location: Custom Route

Stephanie in Scottsdale for Flytographer

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