This trip was hosted, but all opinions are my own
I’ve planned more girls’ trips than I can count, sometimes for clients, sometimes for myself, and Scottsdale has become one of my go-to destinations when curating the perfect itinerary.
One destination rarely checks all the boxes: luxury spas and rooftop cocktails for when we want to feel fancy, adrenaline-fueled desert adventures when we’re craving something wild, and jaw-dropping landscapes that make every photo look like a postcard, but Scottsdale never disappoints. If your girl group wants a trip that’s equal parts glam and grit, this is the place.
What To Expect:
- Walkable old town
- Boutique shopping
- A mix of casual and fine dining and wine tasting
- Lively nightlife scene, especially in old town
Pros:
- Great mix of indoor and outdoor activities
- Feels safe for a girl group, even walking around at night
- Easily accessible from Phoenix Airport
- Good range of hotels from luxury to budget-friendly
Cons:
- Temperatures can be extremely high in the summer
- Limited public transportation, you’ll likely need to rent a car
- High prices during peak season (spring training, golf tournaments, especially drive prices)
SheBuys Travel Tip: Staying hydrated is crucial to avoiding illness while visiting the desert. Drink plenty of water before and during your trip to Scottsdale.
Best Things To Do For A Memorable Girls Trip To Scottsdale
The Scottsdale area offers a great mix of indoor luxury and outdoor adventure. For the perfect trip, plan on early morning outdoor activities, followed by brunch, a leisurely pool or shopping break in the afternoon, and cap off the evening with wine tasting and dinner.
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See The Desert on Horseback
The Tonto National Forest is nearby, and an excellent way to explore is on horseback. Be sure to book your tour with a reputable local company, such as Windwalker Expeditions or Cave Creek Outfitters, so you can be assured that the horses are well cared for. Plan on doing this excursion early in the morning before it gets too hot.
- Time needed: 1.5-3 hours, depending on the tour
- What you need to know: Wear long pants, closed-toed shoes, and plenty of sunscreen
- Restrictions: There are weight restrictions that vary by tour operator
Go Off Roading
One of my favorite experiences in Scottsdale was driving UTVs through the desert. My girlfriends and I booked with Desert Dogs and chose the sunset tour. The vehicles are easy to drive, and seat two, so you can be a passenger if you aren’t comfortable driving. We learned a lot about the area, got super dirty, and laughed the entire time. Watching the sun set across the desert was gorgeous.
- Time needed: about 2 hours, plus drive time to get to the location
- What you need to know: You will get very dusty, so wear comfortable clothes. They provide a gaiter to keep the dust out of your face
- Restrictions: You need a driver’s license to operate the UTV
Explore The Wine Trail
Scottsdale is home to a handful of unique tasting rooms, and you can follow the wine trail through town, stopping at each location where you can sample and purchase local wine and food. My favorite was Carlson Creek Tasting Room; it had a great vibe and a fun selection of wines to choose from.
- Time needed: All day or a weekend if you want to complete the whole trail, or approximately an hour per tasting
- What you need to know: The wine trail is walkable, so find a place to park and be sure to have a ride back to your hotel afterward. There is a downloadable map available.
- Restrictions: Must be 21 years of age or older
Shop Til You Drop
Old Town Scottsdale is full of shops to keep even the most savvy shopper occupied for hours. You’ll find clothing boutiques, jewelry stores, art galleries, and antiques available as you wander the streets.
- Time needed: You can take as much or as little time as you need
- What you need to know: Downtown is walkable, so once you find a parking spot, go on foot
- Restrictions: Set a budget! It’s easy to get carried away with so much fun stuff to look through
Treat Yourself
Nothing says Scottsdale like a spa day. Luckily, the options are plentiful, and you can find excellent spa experiences at most resorts, and a few in downtown as well. My favorites include the Spa at Four Seasons Troon North, and the Spa at CIVANA.
- Time needed: Set aside time before and after your treatment to relax in the spa area and maximize your relaxation.
- What you need to know: Ask about any signature services the spas offer. You’ll find unique options usually using ingredients native to Arizona. I loved the desert detox at Four Seasons.
- Restrictions: Reservations are necessary and you will need to book fairly far in advance.
Other Fun Things To Do In Scottsdale
- Play with Penguins at Odysea Aquarium
- Now You’ve Seen It All Tour
- Public Art Walking Tour
- Golf
- Hot Air Balloon Ride
- Hike (go in the early morning, and bring sun protection and water)
- Night clubs
Where To Eat In Scottsdale
No matter what your tastes are, you are sure to find something you’ll love in Scottsdale. I recommend at least one brunch and mimosa date while you are in town. My favorite places to eat in Scottsdale are:
Breakfast/Brunch
- Where to eat- Hash Kitchen
- What to get- Glitter mimosa, and Carnitas Hash or Birria Hash
- What’s special- Instagrammable locations, fun vibe and a do it yourself Bloody Mary Bar
Lunch
- Where to eat- The Herb Box
- What to get- Crispy Brussel Spouts, Pear & Gorgonzola Flat Bread, and Mezze Board
- What’s special- Fresh ingredients, unique twists on food, and a great location in old town
Dinner
- Where to eat- Tonto Bar & Grill
- What to get- Ahi Tuna Poke Stack, Hummus Plate, Wood Grilled Salmon, and the lemon-lime prickly pear meringue tart
- What’s special- Gorgeous outdoor seating looking over the golf course, historic building, and excellent service
Where to Stay In Scottsdale
My top two recommendations for excellent accommodations are Four Seasons Scottsdale at Troon North, and CIVANA.
Four Seasons offers a luxurious stay with excellent service and a gorgeous setting. There are 3 restaurants on site, 3 pools, a lovely spa, and casita style suites. The location is a little out of town, so you’ll definitely need a car for your stay here.
CIVANA is more than a hotel, its a wellness retreat. While staying at CIVANA you’ll have the opportunity to heal your body, mind and soul, with intimate sessions such as gratitude circles, meditations, cold plunges, sound bathing, yoga and more. There is a healthy restaurant and a snack bar onsite. You’ll want to have a car to come and go from CIVANA as its not close to town.
Hilton Garden Inn Old Town is within walking distance to old town Scottsdale, eliminating your need for a car if all of your activities are in town. Free wifi, an outdoor pool and breakfast buffet are available here.
Nearby Scottsdale
When visiting Scottsdale you’ll be in the Sonoran Desert, near the Tonto National Forest, and just minutes from downtown Phoenix. Tempe, home to Arizona State University, is located just south of Scottsdale, whereas Paradise Valley borders the north of Scottsdale.
Dress Code/Specialty Items to Pack
- Scottsdale is fairly casual, so cute sundresses or shorts and tops are perfect
- Bring a swim suit and cover up for pool days
- Sunscreen, and a hat to block the sun during outdoor activities
- Comfortable shoes
- Long pants and closed toed shoes for horseback riding
- Reusable water bottle to keep hydrated
Getting There
Fly into PHX and drive less than 30 minutes to Old Town. You can get a rental car right at the airport too.
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